Seven confessions (John’s Gospel) 1:34 John the Baptist 1:49 Nathanael 4:42 Samaritans (4:29) 6:69 Peter 9:38 blind man 11:27 Martha [19:19 Pilate] ~ 11:50… Read More
Worship (I): The 2nd C: A View from the Inside
Justin Martyr, First Apology 65-67 But we, after we have thus washed him who has been convinced and has assented to our teaching, bring him to the place where those… Read More
Worship (H): The 2nd century: A View from the Outside
Pliny, Letter to Trajan, 10.96-97, c.110 AD It is my practice, my lord, to refer to you all matters concerning which I am in doubt. For who can better give… Read More
Christ Through the Ages, 29: Christ Refracted in the World: The Monotheists
The penultimate podcast in our series (22 minutes) is Christ Refracted in the World: The Monotheists. Whereas last time we examined how Christ has been (mis)understood by polytheists, now we… Read More
Christ Through the Ages, 24: Christ in the Apostolic Age
Beginning with this podcast, we turn our attention to perceptions of Christ as he was preached throughout the course of church history. Lesson 24, Christ in Church History: The Apostolic… Read More
Christ Through the Ages, 22: Jude–Lordship or License?
Our 22nd lesson in Christ Through the Ages comes from the little letter of Jude. The podcast (11 minutes) is entitled Jude: Lordship or License? I hope it proves spiritually… Read More
Christ Through the Ages, 20: 1-2 Peter–In His Steps
Listen to the 20th lesson in our series CHRIST THROUGH THE AGES. The lesson is 20 minutes long. It is simply entitled, 1-2 Peter: In His Steps. To download, right… Read More
Christ Through the Ages, 17: Pastorals—Gracious Guide
To download, right click on the link and click “Save Link As” or “Save target As” – Download Podcast Learn about Christ, Our Gracious Guide to Eternal Life (19 minutes)… Read More
Christ Through the Ages, 15: Philippians–To Live is Christ
To download the podcast, right click on the download link and choose “Save Link As” or “Save Target As” and it will download the podcast. Download Podcast Introduction Philippians is… Read More
Christ Through the Ages, 12: Romans & Galatians–Baptized into Death
To download, right click on the link and click “Save Link As” or “Save target As” – Download Podcast Listen to Romans & Galatians: Baptized into Death (15 minutes). Background… Read More
Christ Through the Ages, 9: Luke–Universal Vision, Center to Margins
To download, right click on the link and click “Save Link As” or “Save target As” – Download Podcast Listen to the 9th lesson in our series, Luke: A Universal… Read More
Christ Through the Ages, 4: Visible in the Prophets
To download, right click on the link and click “Save Link As” or “Save target As” – Download Podcast Listen to the 4th lesson in the series, Christ—Visible in the O.T…. Read More
Q&A 1355 – “Pray Together”
The concept of praying together comes up many times in the NT. Just wanted to know, is it asking all the disciples to pray at the same time or be together and… Read More
OT27-Samuel.mp3
For O.T. Lesson 27, Samuel (20 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and… Read More
Tithes & Offerings, Pt. 2 (Steven Jacoby)
To listen to Steven Jacoby’s Tithes & Offerings, Pt. 2 (29 minutes), click on the play button: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as”… Read More
Tithes & Offerings, Pt. 1 (Steven Jacoby)
To listen to Steven Jacoby’s Tithes & Offerings, Pt. 1 (25 minutes), click on the play button: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as”… Read More
Q&A 1339 – Do Demons Still Exist (On Earth)?
1 Timothy 4:1 says that “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” Does this mean… Read More
AVOIDING ‘R’-RATED SPEECH
Used with the permission of Edward Fudge, of gracEmail. A gracEmail subscriber writes: “My 12-year-old child asked me the other day why she is permitted to say some words but… Read More
The spectrum of Judaism in the 1st century AD
Most of the sects of first century Judaism have their roots in the intertestamental period. Every one casts light on the New Testament. In this article we will explore seven… Read More
2012—The End of the World (Mayan prediction)
By John Clayton, 2009 Reprinted with permission. Since the beginning of religion on this planet, there have been people who were predicting the destruction of the earth. It is pretty… Read More
Gospel Solutions to Prejudice & Separation
WHY DO THE NATIONS RAGE? Gospel Solutions to Prejudice and Separation 2009 International Teaching Seminar, August 14-16 Atlanta, Georgia by Steve Staten Can the gospel that is proclaimed for “every… Read More
The “Holiday Paradox”
Please read Luke 2:42-52. Jesus had the holiday spirit. This was a busy time. Yet his family literally forgot the Lord — they were not on the same spiritual wavelength…. Read More
CREATION DEBATE REPORT, by Jeff Chacon
CREATION DEBATE A SMASHING SUCCESS! by Jeff Chacon (Tampa), 10/29/08 The large ballroom at the University of Florida was buzzing with excitement and packed to overflowing Monday night as over… Read More
Zagreb Report (2008)
Croatia, one of the republics of the former Yugoslavia, lies in south central Europe. In 1991, Croatia proclaimed independence by holding its first democratic elections. The land extends from the… Read More
19 Questions to Ask Before You Give to Any Organization – Randy Alcorn (contribution)
Click here to download the article. Or just read it below. Introduction: Read 2 Cor. 8:1-9; 14-15 God has given more to us than we need, so that we may help others… Read More
52 BIBLE READING TIPS (31-52)
For tips 1-30, please click here. Bible Reading Tip 31: Hebrews This anonymous letter was written to Christians from a Jewish background. They were apparently tempted to return to Judaism, or… Read More
Docetism
It is vital to understand Docetic teaching if we want to understand the letters of 1 and 2 John. Docetism is a corollary doctrine to Gnostic teaching. Because, in their… Read More
Christians Don’t Go to Heaven! — N.T. Wright
TESTING THE FAITHBishop: Christians don’t go to heavenAnglican challenges widespread belief, says believers asleep until God returns Posted: February 10, 20082:49 pm Eastern © 2008 WorldNetDaily A bishop described as "one… Read More
Engagements 2007-2024
2024 (events in-person [not online] unless noted) Reykjavik, Iceland — Where Is God in this Crazy World? European School of Missions (Paris, by Zoom)—World Religions (4 sessions in Q1) San… Read More
Brother murdered in Guatemala – prayers requested
In February I visited Guatemala with one of my daughters. The spirit of the church there was amazing. But the family has just suffered a shocking blow, as one of… Read More
New Perspective on Paul (Christianity Today)
What Did Paul Really Mean? “New perspective” scholars argue that we need, well, a new perspective on justification by faith. Simon Gathercole | posted 8/10/2007 08:48AM Pick up any recent… Read More
ANTHOLOGY: GREAT QUOTES
In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act. — George Orwell When I have a little money, I buy books; and if I have any… Read More
The Workman Approved
PREACHING AND PREACHERS (EXPANDED) DR. DOUGLAS JACOBY JUNE 2004 I. INTRODUCTION Like many of us in the conservative wing of the Restoration Movement” “[1] I was exposed to biblical preaching… Read More
52 BIBLE READING TIPS (1-30)
Bible Reading Tip 1: Get a version of the Bible you can understand and enjoy. These days there are numerous readable (and reasonably accurate) translations available to the reader of… Read More
Islam E (hadith 3)
Here are a podcast and notes on The Hadith, Pt. 3 (43 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and… Read More
Q&A 1325 – Constant Contact
In the present age has there ever been a church of Christ that lived in constant contact with each other (literally), like the Christians in the first century church did,… Read More
Q&A 1319 – Eating Healthy
In a discussion with a friend about eating being an ‘act of worship,’ somehow he was thinking that there was a connection with sin manifesting itself as disease in the… Read More
Christ in the Psalms A
Here are a podcast and notes for Psalms 2, 22, 69, 110: Christ in the Psalms (21 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as”… Read More
Psalm 137, 58, 109
Here are a podcast and notes for Psalms 137, 58, 109: Prayers You Shouldn’t Pray (24 minutes). Click on arrow to play. To download the podcast, right click on “download”… Read More
Q&A 1315 – Poor Widow Significance
Do you believe that Luke 21:1-4 is an example to follow, or a means of convincing someone to tithe? I mean, looking at the surrounding context, it’s just an odd… Read More
Psalms 139, 40, 117
Here are a podcast and notes for Psalms 139, 40, 117: Focusing (20 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target… Read More
Psalms 12, 46, 88
Here are a podcast and notes for Psalms 12, 46, 88: The Darkness (27 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save… Read More
The Mother and the Seven Brothers
For N.T. Character Study 31, The Mother and the Seven Brothers (19 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save… Read More
Stephen
For N.T. Character Study 27, Stephen (21 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target… Read More
Decalogue J: The 10th Commandment
Here are a podcast and notes on Decalogue J: The 10th Commandment (14 minutes) To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target… Read More
Mormonism
Here are a podcast and notes on Mormonism (47 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you can… Read More
Q&A 1289 – Hope and a future (Jeremiah 29)
I want to find out God’s plan for my life. Jeremiah 29 says he wants us to have prosperity. But things aren’t going so well. What should I do? This… Read More
Q&A 1285 – Red letter Bibles
Why are the words of Jesus printed differently in “red-letter” editions of the Bible? Editions of the N.T. with Jesus’ words in red, first appearing in 1899, were intended as… Read More
Baha’i & Tolerance
Here are a podcast and notes on Bahá’í & 21st Century Tolerance (18 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and… Read More
“The Doctrine of Non-Accumulation” (Hertzler)
To hear a review of Roger Hertzler’s book on The doctrine of non-accumulation (30 minutes), click on the play button: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select… Read More
Q&A 1240 – When did the Shekinah leave the Temple?
I recently read an article which said, "The Jewish Temple was the center of religious Jewish worship. It housed the Holy of Holies, which contained the Ark of the Covenant… Read More
Evangelism in the Early Church (I)
To hear Evangelism in the Early Church I (29 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or… Read More
Joanna
For N.T. Character Study 4, Joanna (12 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target… Read More
Jesus
For N.T. Character Study 1, Jesus (40 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target… Read More
Q&A 1206 – 1 Timothy 5:22
1 Timothy 5:22 reads, "Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure." I’ve searched your Q&As… Read More
Q&A 1198 – Do we have free will? Is Reformed Theology correct?
Do we have free will? What did the early church teach about this? [Thanks to Jonathan Lenzi for the following information. See also www.scrollpublishing.com for more on what the early… Read More
Harry Potter
To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you can download the podcast and listen to it later. Download Podcast… Read More
OT14-Moses.mp3
For O.T. Lesson 14, Moses (39 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and… Read More
Q&A 1172 – Paul not an authentic apostle?
In my study I have come to realize a few things. One of them is that Paul, "called to be an apostle," never really knew Jesus. How then can he… Read More
Q&A 1151 — Romans 16 original?
I have read in several places the theory that Romans 16 was not an original part of Paul’s letter to the Romans. Some scholars contend that it is more likely that… Read More
Q&A 1139 — The meaning of “blessed”
"While most English Bibles use ‘blessed,’ a few modern translations have preferred ‘happy’: ‘How happy are the poor of spirit…’ " ‘ "Happy" isn’t good enough," Rabbi Steven Schwarzschild once… Read More
Q&A 1122 — Everyone needs a mate, even if this means a homosexual relationship?
I read your interpretations about homosexuality. My question: If it is so against God, why did Jesus never make mention of it? I have fasted and asked many brothers to help me,… Read More
Q&A 1119 — Angel of the Lord (Exodus 3)
In Exodus 3:2 it says the angel of the Lord appeared to Moses. Then later it refers to the Lord speaking. It is confusing. Are the angel of the Lord and The… Read More
Q&A 1097 – A Short Course in Miracles
I just wanted to suggest a book for you to read, one I’ve probably read several times. I think that because of a lack of open-mindedness, a lot of true disciples would refuse to… Read More
Q&A 1096 – Chronological contradiction?
I’ve read in a number of commentaries that say the time period mentioned in Exodus 19:1 is the same as the length of time between Passover (or Firstfruits) and Pentecost. Exodus… Read More
Q&A 1086 – Spiritual bodies?
In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul writes that all who are in Adam die, and all who are in Christ live. We need to sow the seed that needs to die… Read More
Q&A 1076 – Asking forgiveness from God
Does Christ’s sacrifice "once for all" mean that we are already forgiven for every sin we will ever commit in the future, thereby eliminating the need to ever ask for… Read More
Q&A 1073 – Jesus had two wills?
A great deal is made about free will nowadays (nothing new under the sun). When Jesus was in the Garden just prior to his arrest, he spoke of his own… Read More
Q&A 1056 – How can a wanderer make a comeback? (a discussion)
"I am a lapsed Christian. What if I counted the cost [Luke 14] and decided to follow God’s way and then later on decided to go back to my old ways? I… Read More
Judging, Tolerance, Exclusivism
To hear Judging, Tolerance, & Exclusivism (21 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target… Read More
Q&A 1036 – Paul baptizing a lion?
You mentioned somewhere that one of the apocryphal books has Paul baptizing a lion. Where can I find that? –Jack Spencer It is from the Acts of Paul. This is not a biblical… Read More
Q&A 1033 – The Secret (per Oprah Winfrey)
We need to hear something from you about “The Secret” as seen on Oprah. This is beginning to sweep through our church and I know it must be affecting others… Read More
Q&A 1019 – Cleansed by baptism, or by the blood of Christ?
The blood of Christ cleanses us from sin (1 Peter 1:19), but on the other hand baptism is for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). There are people who say… Read More
OT08-Ishmael.mp3
For the O.T. Lesson 8, Ishmael (26 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as”… Read More
OT07-Isaac.mp3
For the O.T. Lesson 7, Isaac (28 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and… Read More
Q&A 0969 – Andrew
What about Andrew’s execution? Where’s a good place to study the lives (and deaths) of the early disciples? —Nikki PierceFor extrabiblical information about the apostles, try The Search for the… Read More
Q&A 0953 – The Documentary Hypothesis
I didn’t see anything on your website about the documentary hypothesis. Can you help me with a reading suggestion? — Marc-André LaverdièreThe Documentary Hypothesis (or “J-E-D-P”) attempts to find various… Read More
Thoughts on Demon Possession & Exorcism
Thoughts on Demon Possession (13 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and… Read More
Q&A 0941 – Answered prayers for people following wrong doctrine?
Paul warns twice that those preaching another gospel are under the anathema of God (Galatians 1:8,9). Yet many people who claim answered prayers are from churches or religions who preach… Read More
What Does the Bible Say about Tithing?
Douglas Jacoby, 2 March 2010 (30 mins) Click on the play button below: Introduction To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target… Read More
Q&A 0935 – How to stay saved
From my understanding of the Scriptures, in order for someone to be saved, one must believe, repent and be baptized. Then the blood of Jesus forgives one’s sins and one… Read More
Q&A 0920 – God-breathed scriptures
I have a question regarding 2 Timothy 3:16 ("All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness"). How do you understand the term God-breathed… Read More
Q&A 0912 – False humility, self-imposed worship
I am having some trouble understanding the meaning of "false humility" in Colossians. Also I am trying to understand the concept of self-imposed worship, and just what exactly was going… Read More
Q&A 0896 – Jesus and Krishna
I am facing a little persecution from my family, who are trying to convince me that Hinduism came earlier than Christianity. However, I defended my faith, as I believe that… Read More
Q&A 0866 – Free Will
I am currently taking a philosophy class in college, and the question of free will was recently a topic of discussion. As a Christian, I have always believed, by default,… Read More
Q&A 0854 – Rich Man and Lazarus
I was studying Luke 16 this morning and focused specifically on the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus. I have heard that one interpretation of this parable is that… Read More
Q&A 0839 – Smokers saved?
Some people think a person can be saved even if he is still smoking, as long as he’s cut down on the number of cigarettes smoked a day. The goal… Read More
Q&A 0836 – All of Paul’s Corinthian letters inspired?
In your teaching on the Corinthian letters, you indicated that there are at least two other letters written by Paul to these churches. Since those letters have not survived to… Read More
Q&A 0825 – Purging = cleansing or making into excrement?
In Mark 7:19, the NIV reads "In saying this, Jesus declared all foods ‘clean’ ". The KJV reads "purging all meats"; the ASV, "making all meats clean"; and the NKJV,… Read More
Q&A 0798 – How did Paul receive his miraculous gifts?
I got asked a bit of a stumper the other day. Paul received the indwelling of the Spirit at baptism, but he was laid hands on by Ananias, who was… Read More
Q&A 0788 – John 14:12-14: In Jesus’ name?
In John 14:12-14, Jesus says that he will do whatever we ask and that we may ask him for anything. Also, Stephen, when dying, says "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."… Read More
Q&A 0757 – Moving forward
I am a battered, wounded sheep who has forgiven all the hurts and sins committed against me and has sought forgiveness from those that I’ve hurt, yet I’m not moving… Read More
Q&A 0750 – Changes in employment?
In 1 Corinthians 7:17, 20-24 we read, "Nevertheless, each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him. This… Read More
Q&A 0748 – Prayer for matters of the heart
Is it really effective to pray for God to change people’s hearts? If God gives the individual the choice of whether to be slaves to the spirit or slaves to… Read More
Q&A 0743 – Interpreting the Bible
Have you ever read some of David Berçot’s works (for example, Common Sense and Will the Real Heretics Please Stand Up?)? His thesis, esp. in Common Sense, is that the… Read More
Q&A 0731 – When did Jesus become God’s son?
At what point did Jesus become God’s son? I believe he has always eternally existed with God, but when did he inherit the title "son"? Since scriptures say that God… Read More
MATTHEW 4
1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward he… Read More
MATTHEW 5 – B
21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you… Read More
MATTHEW 11 – A
1 Now it came to pass, when Jesus finished commanding His twelve disciples, that he departed from there to teach and to preach in their cities. 2 And when John… Read More
MATTHEW 12 – A
1 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. And his disciples were hungry, and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. 2 And when… Read More
MATTHEW 18
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 Then Jesus called a little child to him, set him… Read More
MATTHEW 22
1 And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said: 2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son,… Read More
MATTHEW 24
1 Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and his disciples came up to show him the buildings of the temple. 2 And Jesus said to them, “Do… Read More
MATTHEW 27 – B
32 Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear his cross. 33 And when they had come to a… Read More
MARK 7
1 The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus and 2 saw some of his disciples eating food with hands… Read More
MARK 12
1 And he began to speak to them in parables: “A man planted a vineyard, and put a wall around it, and dug a vat under the wine press, and… Read More
MARK 13 – A
1 As he was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” 2 “Do you see all these great buildings?”… Read More
MARK 14 – B
32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and… Read More
MARK 15
1 Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, reached a decision. They bound Jesus, led him away… Read More
THE “HOLIDAY PARADOX”
Please read Luke 2:42-52. Jesus had the holiday spirit. This was a busy time. Yet his family literally forgot the Lord — they were not on the same spiritual wavelength…. Read More
Q&A 0690 – Interpretation?
I was reading about Origen (d.254 AD), one of the ancient church fathers in a recent Christian history magazine, and it got me thinking. My church has taught for years that… Read More
Q&A 0679 – Mary and Joseph
I believe Mary and Joseph were called "married" before Jesus was born. I do not understand this. Were they really married? And were they allowed to have sex together? And… Read More
Q&A 0664 – Requests for benevolence refused?
In Matthew 5:42 we read, "Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." Is it right for… Read More
Q&A 0644 – Snake Handling, Part II
Thank you for your website. I find it quite helpful to hear the questions of others, and am thankful that others are just as confused about some things as I… Read More
Q&A 0638 – Eternal sin
The question is about Mark 3:28 and Matthew 12:32 versus Luke 12:10. This is of importance for me, because Mark 3:28 is often explained by reference to its context. In… Read More
Q&A 0633 – Baptismal expectations
I have helped many people get baptized into Christ. I’ve also prevented many people from getting baptized because they were not meeting my expectations (or the specific challenges I laid… Read More
Q&A 0630 – One church, one city?
I have heard it argued for years that there should only be "one church in one city." Yet I have found at least three biblical examples of multiple churches in… Read More
Q&A 0626 – Did Paul share his faith in Tarsus?
I think that I’ve read somewhere that Paul stayed for several years in Tarsus after he had been baptized and before Barnabas came and picked him up. I used to… Read More
Q&A 0607 – Who are the Demons?
There is not much said about demons in the Bible except that they exist. It is generally believed that they are the fallen angels, but my study of 2 Pet…. Read More
Q&A 0593 – Philip teleported?
What does it mean when Acts says "the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, and the eunuch saw him no more…"? Was Philip actually "sucked up" somehow and transported… Read More
Q&A 0587 – Romans 9:10-24—Predestination, Calvinism
I’ve been reading Romans and am finding it very difficult to understand some of the concepts I find there. For example, does God create people to be destroyed in order… Read More
Q&A 0583 – Matthew 5:19-20
Matthew 5:19-20 reads, "Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but… Read More
Q&A 0557 – Ephesians 1:10
I’ve been reading Ephesians and 1:10 mentions "the fullness or fulfillment of the times." Most commentaries and dictionaries tend to interpret this scripture as referring to the end of time…. Read More
Q&A 0554 – Romans 7
Is Romans 7 written by Paul of his past or his present struggle to do what’s right? I’ve heard arguments within the church from both sides of the table that… Read More
Q&A 0547 – Ezekiel 47
Is John 7:37-39 referring to Ezekiel 47:1-12? — Jason Alexander (Madison, Wisconsin) Yes, I think it is. That means that Ezekiel 47 is not a literal passage. The temple is… Read More
Q&A 0544 – Dreams
I read your "vivid dreams" Q&A and still have a question. I have been a Christian for 11 years. For the first 6 years I would have thought that someone… Read More
Q&A 0542 – Acts 17:26 (Exact times and places)
My wife and I were discussing the meaning of Acts 17:24-28. In other translations, it appears that God determines the epochs during which men will rise and the areas of… Read More
Q&A 0532 – Two calls of discipleship?
I read an article that teaches that there was two calls to discipleship, one for the apostles and eyewitnesses of Jesus, and other to people who would believe through them…. Read More
Q&A 0524 – Trinity
I’ve been studying out the doctrine of the Trinity, and I had some questions about the traditional use of John 1 as a proof text for Jesus’ divinity. What in… Read More
Q&A 0521 – Yahweh vs. Allah
I was studying the Bible with a man from a group called the Holy Spirit Church. He made a point about the name of God, saying that his church uses… Read More
Q&A 0508 – Depression and anxiety
I have been struggling with emailing you because I know you probably get a million emails a day and I didn’t want to burden you with my question, but then… Read More
Q&A 0505 – Must a wife want ministry?
In a document about qualifications of a teacher, you wrote (in the eighth criterion): “His wife must have passion for the ministry as well; they must be well matched in… Read More
Q&A 0474 – Are Jews antichrist?
In 1 John 2:22 we reads, "Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ." So are the Jews antichrists? In 1 and 2… Read More
Q&A 0455 – Measuring the heavens and the earth
It is written in Jer 31.37: "…Only if the heavens above can be measured and the foundations of the earth below be searched out will I reject all the descendants… Read More
Q&A 0449 – Doctrines and opinions
In Matthew 15, Jesus denounced the religious for upholding practices that were obstacles to obeying the Bible. When Jesus saw the intense focus of the traditional mindset, this proved to… Read More
Q&A 0432 – One generation?
Based on passages like Colossians 1:23, which says that the whole world heard the gospel in the first century, and Matthew 24, which says Jesus will only come back after… Read More
Q&A 0429 – Is God in Control?, by Doug Schaefer
With all that seems to be happening around us and in the Christian churches, I keep asking myself, “Is God in control?” What do you say about this? — many… Read More
Q&A 0426 – The Jethro Principle and Discipling
I have heard Exodus 18 taught as the biblical basis for having everyone in the church in a discipling tree. What do you say? In Exodus 18, Moses’ father-in-law gives… Read More
Q&A 0413 – Body piercing
What does the Bible say about body piercing? I have a friend who got his nose pierced and I was wondering if he was wrong or not to do this…. Read More
Q&A 0411 – “In the ministry”
We hear talk a lot about people working "in the ministry," or "getting out of the ministry." What are your thoughts on this? — Will I am very glad that… Read More
Q&A 0391 – Which languages at Pentecost?
In studying about the gift of tongues I find that tongues are languages. If this is true I want to know what languages were spoken in the cities listed in… Read More
Q&A 0380 – Legal marriage?
A friend of mine studying considers herself married. She has stated she has not had a ceremony and does not have an official document of marriage. She has stated… Read More
Q&A 0376 – “Biblical” leadership model?
Many people have been asking this question, and let me begin by saying that just because a church is not ready to be led by an eldership, this does not… Read More
Q&A 0371 – How was canonization inspired?
I read that Irenaeus the bishop of Lyon at end of 2nd century first suggested the “forming” of the New Testament. I read also that the NT was eventually formed… Read More
Build your vocabulary!
Following are five of the 52 “words of the week” from calendar 2006. Learn and use them well! Acidulous (Pron.: a-SID-you-luss)Acidulous means “having a sour, harsh, or caustic disposition or… Read More
Q&A 0362 – Real wine?
Some people say that Communion should only be taken with real wine, and that by using grape juice we are desecrating the holiness of Jesus’ sacrifice. Should we as Christians… Read More
LUKE 1 – A
1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who… Read More
LUKE 2 – A
1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while… Read More
LUKE 4 – C
31 Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath began to teach the people. 32 They were amazed at his teaching, because his message… Read More
LUKE 5 – C
33 They said to him, “John’s disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking.” 34 Jesus answered, “Can… Read More
LUKE 6 – B
17 He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea,… Read More
LUKE 9 – A
1 When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to… Read More
LUKE 10 – A
1 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. 2 He… Read More
LUKE 13
1 Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, “Do you think that… Read More
LUKE 16 – A
1 Jesus told his disciples: “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. 2 So he called him in and asked him, `What is this… Read More
LUKE 23 – B
39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear… Read More
Q&A 0351 – Sweat like blood
In Luke 22:44 Luke records that Jesus sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. I have read a medical account of the crucifixion in a particular Christian… Read More
Q&A 0326 – Reincarnation
Where does the idea of reincarnation come from? Are there any verses in the Bible in favor of this belief? With the increasing popularity of eastern religions in the west,… Read More
Q&A 0323 – Missing church
As a disciple, I have often wondered that is it okay for a disciple to miss church for reasons other than attending funerals or visiting the sick. Is it acceptable… Read More
Apologetics: Messianic Prophecy: Ezekiel 34
In a very familiar NT passage, Jesus claimed to be the Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 10:14). We often take this for granted, without realizing the implicit claim to deity. After… Read More
Q&A 0310 – Unconfessed sin
When you study the Bible with someone who intentionally or unintentionally leaves some sin unconfessed, does that mean that the baptism is invalid? Some have told me it does, but… Read More
Q&A 0309 – Discipler
I was wondering if having a discipler was essential for salvation. I know that the Bible says getting discipling and advice and counseling is essential, but there are many ways… Read More
Christian Church: Church planting, by Tom Jones
From: Tom Jones, Nashville Brothers and sisters, looks like we have a pretty good group signed up for some discussion. I will start it off with a few thoughts, and… Read More
Perspectives on Mideast Violence, by Aziz Sarah
New Conflict — Same Price Today we have war and more war, as though the world were lacking bloodshed, as though the number of victims were not enough. It is… Read More
Apologetics: Pliny on the Christians
Pliny the Younger was governor of Bithynia 111-113 AD. We have a complete set of his correspondence with Trajan (emperor 98-117 AD) on a variety of administrative and political matters…. Read More
Q&A 0284 – 120 years?
In Genesis 6 God says his spirit will not contend with man for more than 120 years. Why then did Noah live to be 950, Sarah 127, Abraham 175? — Vicki… Read More
Q&A 0279 – The sin of the census
Why was David’s taking a census of Israel a sin in 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21? I looked up "census" in my concordance and found Exodus 30:11-13: "When… Read More
Linguistic Insight: Acts 2:38-41—repentance
At this website we have examined various words related to water and baptism. Today we take a look at Acts 2:38-41, which will set our study of New Testament baptism… Read More
Linguistic Insight: soteria
Soteria (so-tay-REE-ah) is the Greek word for "salvation, deliverance, preservation, release." Obviously our salvation is not only an event that took place in the waters of baptism, or "on a… Read More
Linguistic Insight: Fight the Good Fight of the Faith
What does it really mean "to fight the good fight?" To understand this idea (1 Timothy 1:18, 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7), we first need to identify the "fight" to which… Read More
Linguistic Insight: Teach Them to Obey Everything, by Dan Demshar
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey… Read More
Q&A 0265 – Is Joseph really Jesus’ father?
Is Joseph really Jesus’ father? Matthew 1:16 says he was the husband of Mary, who was the mother of Jesus. How should we understand this passage? Your question is a… Read More
Q&A 0261 – Esther
Is it true that the book of Esther is suspect because it does not mention God? Although the word God does not appear in the book of Esther, it is… Read More
Q&A 0253 – The Qur’an and Jesus
What do Muslims think about Jesus? Does the Koran ever refer to him? The Qur’an (or Koran), which actually mentions Jesus Christ far more than it does Mohammed, teaches the… Read More
Q&A 0248 – Mark 16
I have understood that the passing on of the gifts of the Holy Spirit came through the apostles, but I am hoping you can shed light on the laying on… Read More
Q&A 0240 – The problem of suffering
If God is (1) perfectly loving, (2) omnipotent and (3) omniscient, why is evil so prevalent in the world? The free will defense explains “moral evils” such as murder and… Read More
Q&A 0238 – Traffic regulations
The Bible says we are to obey the law of the land — its authorities and their rules (1 Peter 2:13-17, Romans 13:1-7, Titus 3:1). If going against laws instituted… Read More
Q&A 0234 – Matthew 28 a late addition?
I recently in a book read that there is much criticism among biblical scholars as to the authenticity of the Great Commission passage. It is alleged that Mt 28:18-20 is… Read More
Straight Talk about Kids – Sam Laing
IntroductionSomeone else can take our place in the ministry. No one else can fulfill our responsibilities as a husband, wife or parent.Scriptures like 1 Timothy 3: 4-5 and Titus 1:… Read More
Family devotional idea: “Who Am I?”
One of the favorite activities the Jacobys have enjoyed in family devotional time is a guessing game. Although we have several variations on the game, I would like to describe… Read More
Q&A 0207 – Isn’t it wrong to kill people for killing?
This is a complex question though a good one. Many Bible readers point to Genesis 9:6 insisting “See God demands the death penalty here.” Yet while the New Testament recognizes… Read More
Q&A 0199 – Confession of sins
I gather from Romans 10 (and by piecing together instances in Acts) that hearing the message, believing (and audibly confessing) Jesus as Lord, repenting of sins, and being baptized are… Read More
Apologetics: Who Created God?, by John Clayton
It is easy to make an argument for God’s existence from a cosmological standpoint. As the years have gone by, a growing amount of scientific data has accumulated which negates… Read More
Apologetics: The Problem of Human Suffering
By John and Phyllis Clayton. Used with permission. And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, "Master,… Read More
Q&A 0176 – Italicization
A friend of the family asked me a Bible question I couldn’t answer: "Why do so many translations have random words italicized? This is distracting and makes the Bible so… Read More
JOHN 1 – B
19 This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He confessed and did not deny… Read More
JOHN 2 – B
12 After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there a few days. 13 The Passover of the Jews was… Read More
JOHN 6 – A
1 Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), 2 and a great crowd of people followed… Read More
JOHN 8 – C
31 Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; 32 and you will know the truth,… Read More
JOHN 12 – A
1 Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served,… Read More
JOHN 17
1 After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, 2… Read More
JOHN 21 – B
15 So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You… Read More
Q&A 0163 – John’s baptism v. baptism in Jesus’ name
In John 3:22 and John 4:2, it says that the disciples of Jesus were baptising. What kind of baptism was this? In Romans 6:1-7, the scriptures say Jesus had to… Read More
Q&A 0143 – The Transfiguration
My question is on Matthew 17, the Transfiguration of Jesus. First, what is the purpose for this story, what am I supposed to learn from it. Second, why did God… Read More
Q&A 0121 – Disciples and war
First, in the face of severe suffering such as that many Americans began to experience on September 11th, our human response is naturally a desire for the downfall and destruction… Read More
Perspectives on the beginnings of a Denomination
Perspective – on the beginning of the International Churches of Christ Report Speaker: Professor John Wilson The event: Pepperdine University, South Kensington, London on Saturday 20th March 2004. Hosted by:… Read More
Update from Israel, by Aziz Sarah
Dear Brothers and Sisters, It has been a long time since I reported from Jerusalem. It has been very busy here in many aspects. First we had the Mission Trip… Read More
Q&A 0110 – Apocrypha: Second Thoughts
Do you still hold to your position that the Apocrypha does not belong in the Bible? The Apocrypha: Second Thoughts (2000) Perhaps you have heard of Tobit, Judith, or Ecclesiasticus…. Read More
Q&A 0106 – Veiling a cultural issue?
While I agree that veiling is a cultural, not biblical issue, I don’t think veiling was the concern of 1 Corinthians 11. Regarding 1 Corinthians 11, it seems that if… Read More
Unity on Three Levels (2005)
A song of ascents. Of David. How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on… Read More