Q/A: I have a friend who argues that Gilgamesh parallels every law and stipulation contained in the Old Testament.  Apparently the oldest copy of Gilgamesh dates to around 669-633 BC, but some believe it is as old as 2700 BC.  Moses is thought to have written Genesis around 1500 BC.  I was wondering what is the oldest copy of the Old Testament and how to respond to my friend? - Donna

Q/A: I’m a retired police officer.  Jesus saved me from possible suicide (too many child sexual assault cases) nearly 15 years ago now.  I was a soldier before that ( Vietnam ), so I’m no stranger to the violence that man unleashes against his fellow man.  I would like your feelings and input on how to explain God to someone like me.  How to explain why the Lord lets so many bloody conflicts happen?  How to witness to someone who is seeking salvation, but can’t come to terms on the why of conflict and battle. - Ran 

Q/A: How can something be necessarily certain when all our knowledge comes from experience and experience can only provide high probability at best?  Any ideas of how I can be necessarily certain of anything— especially God-type things?  I am a teen looking for God. - Philip

Q/A: In one of your radio programs you talked about the fact that God does not learn and that he does know everything.  I am not disputing what you say.  However, how does the story of Abraham’s testing square with what you are saying?  God said, “Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”  What would be the point of testing Abraham if God already knew the outcome? - Jim

Q/A: I enjoy reading your answers to questions and I thank you for that.  I have two questions: 1) In Matthew 24:34 — “I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.” I think Jesus was talking about signs of the Second Coming.  I do not understand what Jesus meant when he said “this generation” and “all these things”.  Was Jesus talking about a future generation or something else? 2) What does it mean for Jesus to sit at the right hand of the Father?  Would it make a difference if Jesus sat at the left hand?  This indicates rank and confuses me because I thought the Son and the Father were equal. - Harry

Q/A: My older brother used to believe in God when he was younger.  Now in his twenties, he has many unanswered questions.  An interesting question he asked caused me to think.  How can a mentally disabled person, someone with an incredibly low IQ or someone suffering from a mental condition such as bipolar disorder have a complete understanding and relationship with God? - Lizzie

Q/A: I am in a Bible study called Christian Foundations and the book we are studying says that God the Father is about the same size as Jesus (about 6 feet).  I didn’t agree — I didn’t think that God could be measured.  What do you think? - Adam

Q/A: I would like to hear how you respond to what not only was allowed to be done to Job’s sons and daughters, but also encouraged.  The story treats their lives as merely parts of Job’s other possessions. I have a problem with the conclusions of the story too—that in the end God restored all Job had and double, when those that were killed were obviously lost and simply replaced by other sons and daughters. If I was Job and God stood by as Satan took my children from me and replaced them with others to prove a point, I would be furious and not so easily pacified. - Terry

Q/A: Please explain Psalm 82:6 and John 10:34-35.  Who is the “Ye are gods” referencing?  Is man equal to God?  Is man equal to a little “g” god? - Bobbie

Q/A: I have been looking into the information on the Ugaritic cuneiform tablets found at Ras Shamra in 1929.  Apparently Israel borrowed pagan myths and Canaanite practices which the prophets vehemently spoke out against.  Some of the names for God that the Israelites used were used also by the Canaanites, such as “El Shaddai”, “El Elyon”, etc.  Even the name “Yahweh” is used on a tablet representing a son of El—the Canaanites’ “father of the gods”.  I am confident that you are aware of some of this.  I have to admit that because I am a believer in God and Jesus Christ that this troubles me somewhat.  Some may come to the conclusion that Israel adopted these myths and that the God of the Bible is a myth borrowed from the Canaanites.  I do not.  Still, it is a little troubling.   What is your viewpoint on this matter? - Alex

Q/A: How would one respond to Ockham’s Razor?  For example: 1) Is there a “God being” who is some “superperson” and who dictates world affairs? 2) Is there a God that would give laws that are impossible to follow? 3) Would such a God work through only ONE person or organization? 4) Does an infinite God need money from us? 5) Would a God like this write only ONE book that all men must follow for salvation and give it to only 30% of the current earth’s population?  Let’s forget about the billions who have already died. ..... Like it or not, Ockham’s Razor gives an answer that most won’t like.  There is NO God as we know him, and even if there were, he obviously doesn’t give a damn. Why is it that we must always justify God?  Does such an Infinity need defending? ..... So we are left with the inevitable conclusion.  God is NOT as we view him, but something else entirely.   What’s your response? - Ron

Q/A: I believe the Bible is an inspired tool from God.  I believe our greatest gift from God is life.  There’s a question coming.  I believe that the entire Bible is relevant.  Being hung up on prophecy can be dangerous, but leaving out or excluding portions of it can be far worse.  There were prophets (Jesus was one) and there were inspired events laid out for the sake of humanity so that we can be prepared. If we fear and trust God then it drives us to seek him out and we do this through his inspired word and the teachings of his son, Christ.  So after rambling on, my question is whether God’s word is relevant at all? - Ken

Q/A: My Sunday school teacher has had a strange idea about what the main point/purpose of the Bible is.  What would your answer be? - Melinda

Q/A: Can you explain I Corinthians 6:1-6?  In verse 2 it states, “the saints will judge the world…judge angels.”  Isn’t judgment left to Jesus Christ?  Also, the rest of the verses go on to talk about disputes.  Is this Paul’s opinion or something we are to follow?  In the Scriptures how do we distinguish the difference between a writer’s “opinion” and God’s instruction?  Or is that actually the wrong way to view any verses in the Bible? - Anthony

Q/A: First of all, let me just say that I am a born-again Christian and have been since 1995.  However, for the last month I have been fighting two spiritual battles at once.  The first one deals with doubting the reality of the claims of the Bible.  Out of the blue one day last month, the message of the gospel hit home for me.  I found myself thinking, “This story is so fantastic, so far fetched and so crazy!  How can it really be true?”  One positive outcome of this battle has been that it has caused me to dive deeply into information and writings on the authenticity of the Bible, which has helped me a great deal. My second battle deals with a call to the ministry.  About the same time I started having doubts, I felt what I think may be a call to ministry.  My problem is, how do I know if that call is from God or me?  I feel a gentle prodding deep down to go to seminary, although I’m not sure about what kind of ministry I’m led to.  Is this common?  Are there any signs or feelings that are common to people who have been called by God? - Ben

Q/A: Last week I stumbled upon an agnostic/atheist website by accident.  I counted over 315 alleged discrepancies of the Bible they have listed.  I have to admit that I was somewhat devastated when I read some of them (I felt like young David against Goliath).  When I began to read some of the apparent discrepancies I began to realize that there were some logical explanations to the apparent contradictions.  I thought to myself, “What a tragedy for those who read the information in this website.” I plan to respond to the accusations.  I do not believe that I will be able to convince them that the Bible is without error.  However, I at least hope to show them (and whoever reads the material on their website) that there are solutions that are possible to their accusations.  Perhaps some good may come of it.  I do not believe that these accusations should go unchallenged (1 Peter 3:15 ).   I believe the Bible is worth defending.  I do not want to appear argumentative, but lovingly show the agnostics and atheists that Christians are not expected to trust the Bible as the Word of God based only on blind faith.  Our faith is based on factual evidence. - Al

Q/A: Is our conscience related to our soul? - Linnie

Q/A: Why is there so much in the Bible that is wrong? I was researching on the worldwide web to understand more about Satan and in the process I happened to find the church of Satan ’s website. They posted things that are wrong with the Bible. I just don’t know what to think. Here are a few things they said that trouble me: 1.      Is God good to all, or just a few?... 2. War or Peace? ... 3. Who is the father of Joseph?...   4.  Is Jesus equal to or lesser than? - Richard 

Q/A: I would like to purchase a home study Bible course that would explain each book in the Bible thoroughly.  Can you suggest one that I can purchase? - Sandra

Q/A: Is there a difference between Paul’s theology and that of Jesus Christ?  Did Paul impose or require things that Christ did not or vice versa? - Dave

Q/A: I have been looking into the information on the Ugaritic cuneiform tablets found at Ras Sahmra in 1929.  Apparently Israel borrowed some of these myths and Canaanite practices of which the prophets vehemently spoke out against.  Some of the names for God that the Israelites used were also used by the Canaanites, such as El Shaddai, El Elyon, etc.  Even the name Yahweh is used on a tablet representing a son of El, the Canaanites’ “father of the gods”.  I am confident that you are aware of some of this?  I have to admit that because I am a believer in God and Jesus Christ that this troubles me somewhat.  Some may come to the conclusion that Israel adopted these myths and that the God of the Bible is a myth borrowed from the Canaanites.  I do not come to this conclusion, but still it is a little troubling.  What is your viewpoint on this matter? - Alex

Q/A: I have many questions about religion and the Bible.  My mom is always trying to get me to believe in God.  I would like to believe that there is a one true God up there in heaven but from my viewpoint it is hard for me to believe.  As I look back in history this thing called religion has done nothing but start wars. The Bible is written for us to be reminded of what God wants, but the Bible was written by man and I don’t trust man.  The stories that are in the Bible seem to me to be just that—stories.  I was brought up as a Christian and raised, I think, very well by my parents.  By being out in society and seeing it for myself and going through my own experiences I have a bitter taste for religion.  I sometimes still talk to God on my own but it feels like I am asking him questions that are selfish.  I would like to know the truth but I don’t think I will until I die, and maybe not even then.  I’ve often said that if I could see one true miracle that was not explained by science that I would be a firm believer, but I have yet to see that miracle today. Without seeing God or one of his miracles how would one get to believe in God without reading the Bible? - Lance

Q/A: I very much appreciate your ministry and am hoping you can help me clarify a Christian ethics issue with a good, solid explanation and Scripture to back it up. Basically it is this: Dedrick Bonhoeffer, the Christian martyr of Nazi Germany during WWII, said that if you saw a madman in a car racing toward a crowd of people you would be justified in using any means necessary (including killing the madman) in order to stop him from murdering many innocent people.  I agree with Bonhoeffer’s reasoning.  However, I would disagree that this argument/analogy justified killing (or murdering) an abortion doctor to prevent him or her from murdering many innocent unborn babies.  What do you think?  Can you help answer this challenge with good reasoning and Scripture? - Grant

Q/A: Is there any truth to the teaching that Hammurabi influenced Moses and Old Testament law in the Bible? The authenticity of the Bible is questioned by liberal theologians who seem to love throwing stuff like this at us. A book by A. Powell Davies titled “The Ten Commandments” seems to have one purpose: to discredit the Old Testament.  Any rebuttals to this line of reasoning would be greatly appreciated.  I live in India and appreciate your ministry. - Paul

Q/A:  I have two questions: First, what is your teaching on the fall of man?  Is it true that Adam was perfect and that after he sinned the creation entered into a state of decay and that salvation amounts to restoring the human race to the state which Adam was in initially? Secondly, I keep hearing some preachers stating that they believe that “God is about to do a great work” in this or that country or community in terms of bringing many people to Christ.  These same people usually state that the return of Jesus is imminent.  Does not the Bible indicate that at the time of the end there will be a “falling away and that man of sin shall be revealed” and “as it was in Noah so shall it be in the end?”  These verses suggest widespread apostasy rather than a great harvesting of souls. - David

Q/A: I did a search on the Internet and found a hateful atheist web site. I read through some of the so-called contradictions and errors in the Bible. One of the “errors” they found was in Ezra 2:6 and Nehemiah 7:11. This guy was taking scriptures out of context on a lot of this stuff, but could this have been an error in the KJV with these verses? God forbid! Ezra 2:6—The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred and TWELVE. Nehemiah 7:11—The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred and EIGHTEEN. What happened here? - Heath

Q/A: Does God hear/answer the prayers of unbelievers? - Kim

Q/A: I heard that everything that God did had a reason.  The 40 lashes that Christ received--are there 40 categories of illnesses?  What is your comment on this? - Philip

Q/A: I have been struggling (not just this year, but for some time) with a right approach to preaching God and country (if indeed it needs to be preached). I know many Christians believe this is God’s country and that America was founded on Christian beliefs, etc.  As you know, the idea is used to justify Christians taking back control of the government, school prayer, posting of the 10 Commandments, taking control away from the liberals, etc. Maybe you can shed some light on this for me or point me to a balanced source. - Bob

Q/A: I overheard the most illogical statement the other day in a movie theater while waiting for the show to start.  The person said that one thing God can’t do is create a rock too heavy for him to lift. How do you respond to such an illogical statement? - Ron

Q/A: Is it true that all of the sickness, environmental decay, broken homes, alcoholism, poverty, crime, etc. is a direct and specific result of God’s curse of Adam and Eve after they ate the forbidden fruit (i.e. the “fall”)? Is it also true that after we accept Jesus Christ and become Christians that these ailments such as sickness, poverty, pain in childbirth, broken homes, etc. can be removed by simply accepting Christ?  Did Christ’s death make these things null and void? - David

Q/A: What exactly is “blind faith”?  I have a friend who contends that faith in God has to be “blind” because you can’t physically see God.  I can’t “see” the wind but I know it’s there.  I hope you understand what I am trying to ask. - Ron

Q/A: Post this in your magazine if you have the courage, because these verses have been quoted from the Bible you believe.  A religious belief is as authentic as the authenticity of the Scripture it follows.  That means if your Scripture is nonsense, your belief is nonsense—put it in the trashcan. How authentic is the Bible?  It talks about: 1) Incest between father and daughters (Genesis 19:33-35). 2) Incest between mother and son (Genesis 35:22). 3) Incest between father-in-law and daughter-in-law (Genesis 38:15-18). 4) Incest and rape between brother and sister (2 Samuel 13:5-14). 5) Wholesale rape and incest between son and his mothers (2 Samuel 16:22). - Mohammed

Q/A: Thanks for always being so kind in your answers.  I was noticing in some of your answers you seem to stress that everything in the Bible must be taken in context and that we might even consider researching the time period, customs, literary styles and so forth. My question is how can simple and common folk understand the Bible?  Doesn’t the Bible speak for itself?  I’m not suggesting people are ignorant, but God has gifted some to be more intellectual than others.  Can the average Joe just read the Bible and form his own opinion of what God is telling him? I hope I don’t sound sarcastic because this not my intention.  I just want to know what you think about this because I respect your opinion as a fellow Christian. - Ray  

Q/A: I really enjoy reading the “Ask Greg” section of PTM’s web site.  I read a phrase from a Christian web site that I recently visited that I have never heard of or read before.  What is “Orthodox Christianity”?  I have heard of different movements within Christianity but never have I heard of Orthodox Christianity.  Can you give me some insights into this? - Mike

Q/A: We are taught to fear God.  What does that mean?  God is love.  How can we fear love? - Bud

Q/A: I have been studying into Jesus Christ’s prophecy in Matthew 24.  The Lord states that many will come in his name, claiming that he is the Christ and will deceive the many.  What is the deception that the Lord is talking about here?  Are Christians generally in the most part deceived?  Please expound on these questions.  Thanks. -  Fred

Q/A: What is your teaching on the kingdom of God?  The kingdom of God is a central teaching throughout the Bible.  Exactly what is the kingdom of God? - Roger

Q/A: I am an atheist who was once a Protestant Christian.  I adopted atheism because I find the Bible contradictory and full of vague passages that could be interpreted to mean anything.  I have many questions that no one I have ever asked has been able to sensibly explain.  For example, the death of Judas (a very important Bible character) is unclear.  In Matthew 27:5 he dies by hanging (i.e. suicide); Matthew 27:5—throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed and he went and hanged himself. Now in Acts 1:18 he dies by falling down in a field and disemboweling himself: Acts 1:18—“Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out.” How can this contradiction be resolved?  Judas could have only died once, so at least one of these passages is false.  Thus there is a false statement in the Bible.  I was led to believe that everything in the Bible is perfect and true.  This isn’t the only false/contradictory statement that I have come across in the Bible.  What I would really like to know is if you can explain these contradictions without using Santa Claus/Tooth Fairy/beat-around-the-bush arguments. I would greatly appreciate a response from you. - Stephen

Q/A: I have serious doubts about the Bible.  Why does God conduct himself like a monster?  In 2 Kings 2:23,24 God sends two bears out of the woods to tear apart 42 children.  Why would a supreme creator entity do such a horrible thing?  This is one example.  I could give 100 more. - Gregory

Q/A: I’m mixed up.  Here’s what a friend told me about the Bible and about God.  Please explain, I’m confused.  Does God change his mind? ; Malachi 3:6 “For I am the Lord I change not.” ; Numbers 23:19 “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent.” ; Ezekiel 24:14 “I the Lord have spoken it: it shall come to pass, and I will do it; I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent.” ; James 1:17 “…the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”  VERSUS:   Exodus 32:14 “And the Lord repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.” ; Jonah 3:10 “…and God repented of the evil, that he had said that would do unto them; and he did it not.” ; Jeremiah 15:6 “Thou hast forsaken me, saith the Lord, thou art gone backward: Therefore will I stretch out my hand against thee, and destroy thee; I am weary of repenting.” ; Anyway—does God change his mind or not?  If he does, why does the Bible say he doesn’t?  If he doesn’t, why does he admit that he does?  You can’t have it both ways and remain honest with yourself. - Michelle

Q/A: My friend who doesn’t believe in God asked me why God made the law “Do not kill” and then the angel of death killed all the firstborn of Egypt.  And, God sent Israel to kill other nations. If you could tell me what you think and how you would answer that I would appreciate it. - Alice

Q/A: How would you answer someone who questions whether or not the Bible is the true Word of God?  What if we are wrong and others such as Muslims and Mormons with their holy books are correct?  I am secure in my belief that the Bible is the true inspired Word of God, but how can I articulate that to someone else? - Larry

Q/A: My 10-year old was told at school by other children that God is dead.  How do I explain to a 10-year old that God isn’t dead? - Lou

Q/A: I am having a major dilemma.  I found a web site about atheism and found something that made me stumble. This is what it said: In Matthew 27:5, Judas threw down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed and he went and hanged himself. But in the Acts of the Apostles 1:18, Judas kept the silver the purchased a field with it; he went into it and falling headlong, he burst open and all his bowels gushed out. That is a contradiction.  He cannot have both left the money in the temple and purchased a field with it.  He cannot have both hanged himself and threw himself face down into a field and exploded.  One account MUST be false.  Which one should you believe?  Why should you be placed in this position of having to choose between scriptures as to which one is true and which one is false? What do these scriptures really mean?  Was it a different Judas or what happened?  Please help. - Michelle

Q/A: My question is about the Old and New covenants.  A covenant is an agreement.  Can you show me the scriptures that define both of these agreements?  I would like to see what the terms and conditions and the differences are between the covenants. - Terry

Q/A: I have a friend who has a distorted view of God the Father.  She confesses to be a Christian and loves Christ, but does not see God the Father as a loving god.  What scriptural verses can you give me for her? - Annette

Q/A: Who wrote the Bible and how authentic is it?  Is it completely accurate?  What sort of writing style is it in? - Tam

Q/A: Do you have the first Bible ever written?  If not, then how can you prove/claim that the current Bible has never changed and remained the same throughout the ages? - Korim

Q/A: Can you give me some clarification on God’s character trait of justice and how that correlates with the United States seeking justice from the perpetrators of the World Trade Center attacks? Are Christians supposed to be supporting military action?  If so, why, if not, why not? - Robin

Q/A: ...I find it very difficult to imagine that the God of all good and Creation would, in fact, have created evil.  There is a major “misconnect” here that I have major problems with.  Evil had to come form somewhere originally, and my question is: what is that origin?  Satan was, presumably, created by God, so where did the evil element or force come from if Satan was good to begin with??? - Mike

Q/A: I often hear ministers use the term “hermeneutics”.  I understand that is about interpretation of scripture.  Can you go more in-depth on what it really is? - Mike

Q/A: I am a Christian but still have a problem understanding what faith is.  Could you elaborate for me? - Edmond

Q/A: How can the Bible talk about the time Jesus was alone?  How did biblical authors know what happened when Jesus was tempted by the devil?  No one else was present.  Please respond, I have been wondering for a long time. - Taylee

Q/A: ... I was involved in a car accident a few months ago and was given a ticket.  The accident resulted in extremely serious injuries to people in a second vehicle who were struck by a third vehicle.  The third vehicle was not given a ticket, though no one knows how fast he was going except by his word, which could be true.  Of course, there are “legal consequences”, as a lawyer was hired while the injured were still in the hospital.  There is permanent disability involved.  My insurance will have to pay out maximum benefits and that is still not enough to take care of things.  A lawyer has advised that I consider bankruptcy in order to protect our family home in which we have a bit of equity, having lived in it 25 years of a 33-year mortgage. ...God has been good to me in that he has given me a lot of peace of mind about this, however I do not understand why he let this happen.  That is one of the major questions I will have for him when we meet. What is your opinion as to what a Christian should do (besides pray) in such a situation?  I may ask our minister, but right now would rather not. - “Martha”

Q/A: Does it say in Psalms 82 (which Jesus I believe quoted) that “if you be the children of God, then you are gods?”  Now, the way I seem to understand this is we will never be a part of the Godhead.  That will always be God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  But Christ’s body (because Jesus is also a deity of that Godhead) is also the body of God.  So, in a sense you are still a god but not equal to the Godhead.  Just like when you have a family you in a sense are the parent of that family and you will always be that head.  But your children are still gods.  So, what do you think of the way I approach that?  Do you agree or disagree?  Thank you again! - John

Q/A: I have been discussing my faith with my Swedish nephew who is about 20 years old.  He accepts Christianity and defends it, but he says there are lots of contradictions in the Bible, and that he doesn’t understand why the devil exists if God created everything and everything is good.  If God created everything and has all the power, why did he create the fallen angel or the devil? Also, if God sees all “past, present and future” at once and he created us, he also knew that Adam and Eve would choose the fruit and that they would sin.  He created us with a free will so we would not be robots, but at the same time the amount of suffering, pain and torture that man has endured seems kind of repulsive.  Why would God let all of his children be hurt and suffer so much pain for so long? ... I am stronger in my faith and understanding of Jesus Christ and God now than I ever was before, but I can honestly say that I was frozen when asked this question because I didn’t have any response. .. - Rob

Q/A: Since God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, why do some teach that God will not speak, audibly, to any of us today?  I don’t recall any biblical verse that plainly tells us that God no longer will allow his voice to be heard. - Angela

Q/A: A good friend and I have a disagreement concerning the omnipresence of God.  He says God is not omnipresent and I say He is.  He gives as an example to prove his point that God does not live in the heart of an evil man.  I could not answer his objection.  Thanks for any help you can offer me. - Ron

Q/A: God didn’t tell Moses His name, just “I am”.  Therefore, it is amazing to discover the name of God in the Bible.   I John 2:9 -- he that says he is in the light and hates his brother is in darkness even until now.  He that loves his brother abides in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.  But he that hates his brother is in darkness, and walks in darkness, and knows not where he goes, because that darkness has blinded his eyes.   John tells us that light is the symbol for love, darkness is hate.  So we can substitute light with love. John 1:9 – That was the True Love, which loves every man that comes into the world.   God is True Love, and that is His name.   Another interesting thing is that God used symbols to explain spiritual things.  Once the meaning of a symbol is fulfilled, it is no longer needed, like circumcision or the temple.  The temple of God, true love, is in our hearts; therefore there is no need to rebuild the Jewish temple. - Rolf

Q/A: My question is about evolution.  Is evolution a made-up thing or is it for real?  I believe in God, but I have never found where it says God created the earth (just in the Bible).  I was wondering, are there other places that state this has fact too? - Neta

Q/A: I started reading the Bible in an effort to understand it as I imagine most people do.  I’m confused from the beginning.  In the beginning, God describes himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  And later on the God of Israel.  When or at what point did this God become the God of people like me.  Is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob concerned about me?  What right do I have to “claim” him?  Why am I deserving of being one of his chosen?  Please tell me where I can find my answer in the Bible. - Phyllis

Q/A: How does God, according to Genesis and Exodus, gradually reveal Himself to humankind and how do human beings gradually realize who they are in relation to God and what God expects of them.  What is the biblical concept of who God is and who we are and should be? - Adrien

Q/A: Do you believe that humans have an immortal soul? -  James

Q/A: I am just quite confused on which to follow.  I have been shown that the pillar and foundation for truth is the word of God (i.e. the Bible), but in I Timothy 3:15 it states that it is the church of the living God.  I would like to know which is which. - D.D.

Q/A: I used to believe in God but I stopped because science never proved that God existed. I am waiting for your answer. - Jonathan

Q/A: God is called by different names in the Bible. Can you help me find them? - Tyree

Q/A: What is the purpose of us being here on earth? - Wayne

Q/A: What does freedom in Christ mean? - Ken

Q/A: I would like to thank Plain Truth Ministries for their loving embrace of all Christians on the road to eternity. Plain Truth Ministries is building bridges of tolerance and understanding within Christian communities. I am happy to recommend others to your personal ‘human’ and common sense approach, which teaches a biblically based belief in Jesus Christ. During this 21^st century one of the most important things Christians can do is to unite as "one" body in the name of Christ our Savior. Plain Truth Ministries helps to make that happen! One of the common sense things that I have been blessed to learn about recently is that of "Gods Natural Law". A book I am reading now is called, 50 Questions on the Natural Law by Charles Rice. Does Plain Truth Ministries have a definition or statement concerning "Gods and Natural Law"? What is it? How does it unite all Christians, all of humanity and even all of God’s creation for that matter?... - Robert

Q/A: In a discussion with a co-worker, the topic of God and Christ came up. I’m a guy who likes to have answers, solid supportable ones. Here is what I was posed with and I had no good answer for it. "There is absolutely no historical records of the Jesus of the New Testament." My co-worker said that Christ could not have been crucified because the Romans kept meticulous records of executions and Pilate would have had some hefty explaining to do for carrying out a death sentence without proper "paper work". Is there any solid historical evidence of our Lord? Is there anything to explain how Pilate could carry out an execution without "paper work"?... - Steve

Q/A: Thank you for your advice. You somehow inspire even the "down and out." You are the only rational "religious" personality I have come across so far. You may not claim to answer all questions, but somehow that even makes it better. Here’s my question: Is God active in human participation nowadays? We have these disasters. For instance, no matter how one strives, all seems to go awry. Isn’t man the ultimate controller of his own destiny? And God only watches what we become? Sometimes my existence seems to be a big joke. What is there to hope for when everything is bad and you can do nothing about it. - Jesse

Q/A: I am a Sergeant of Police in the state of New South Wales, Australia, and I have asked a question of you previously. Articles from your magazine have been posted on the New South Wales Police Christian Bulletin Board. I have been asked to pose this question to you: If I cannot trust Genesis as a literal account of God’s creation of the universe then can I trust the New Testament accounts of the miracles performed by Jesus or of his death and resurrection or of God’s love and forgiveness? ...(also) 1) The time of the original formation of the Koran. 2) The same for the Hindu "Vedas." 3) The Book of Mormons. 4) Information concerning the writings about "Zoroaster."  - Jeff

Q/A: I am wondering why we as humans always address God in male terms, and just what did Jesus mean when he made the statement that those who had seen him had seen the Father? I have always thought of God as being a Spirit and those that worship him must worship him in the Spirit. Can you explain these questions to me? Thanks, and may God continue to bless you and your ministry. - Bob

Q/A: Isaiah 45:7 indicates that God may have created evil. "I am the one who creates the light and the darkness. I am the one who sends good times and bad" (New Living). Did God create evil? Also where in scripture is found the story of the fall of Lucifer? - Diane

Q/A: How would you answer someone who has a hard time believing in a loving God when they see all the suffering going on in the world? - Joe

Q/A: Since much of the Bible is history, why aren't there more chapters being added all the time to reflect the new events that are happening and have happened since the time of Christ? - Wanda

Q/A: What is a good response to someone who tells me not to take the Bible literally? - Rick

Q/A: Would you please list for me those doctrines that are essential for all Christians? I think one needs to know what the essentials are, as well as what they are not, especially since there are so many that are teaching unbiblical and false doctrine (such as word of faith and similar teachings). - Gene

Q/A: How do we know that you are a true teacher of the words of Christ? How do I know our truth from the other truth's that are around? How do I know that maybe you are just one of the many pawns in this so-called games of religious conquest?

Q/A: Please recommend the best book for a college student (5th year in nuclear engineering) who has listened to all the scientific "mumbo-jumbo and is questioning the authenticity of the Bible. Is there a book that will relate/prove the Bible through science? I'm praying for my son.

Q/A:  The Bible is not, never was meant to be the sole authority. For one thing, there were many other epistles and gospels (gospel of Thomas, shepherd of Hermas, epistle of Barnabas) in use by the early church, considered to be authentic. It wasn't until late 4th century that the canon of scripture was defined. This was done by the church - the one founded by Jesus Christ - who alone had the authority. The Bible is the result of the church, not the other way around ..... - Anna

Q/A: Why were the apocryphal books removed from the Bible after having been included for nearly 1,000 years. Doesn’t Scripture tell us that we are not to delete or add to the Bible? - Dave

Q/A: I have a wee question to ask then I will be out of your hair for all the rest of eternity. Why is man evil, good, selfish, loving, hating, blessing, disgusted, emancipated, forgiven? - Bishop

Q/A: In the New Testament there are many instances where Christ and/or the disciples are being questioned by the religious authorities. When they are removed from the presence of the authorities, a dialogue takes place among religious leaders. How do we receive the account of those conversations when the authors of the books of the New Testament were not even present during the conversation? - Anita

Q/A: If God was all-knowing, how come when Adam and Eve did the transgression of eating the fruit from the tree of life that God was asking where Adam was when he (God) entered the Garden? Also, if God was all merciful and all forgiving, why the harsh punishments and mass genocides that he purposely inflicted on the human race (in the Old Testament)? ... - The Zenmaster

Q/A: I have a question that I have been meaning to write about and if you can help me understand, I will be eternally grateful. It is about the early church fathers, how much credence can we give them? I mean, are they really the early church fathers? Do they have apostolic succession, not in terms of the way Catholics believe, but is there a history of their being converted and discipled by the original apostles, and thus, carry on the work that was started by Christ?... - Raymond

Q/A: How do Christians decide which parts of scripture should be viewed a historical fact and which should be viewed as ethical imperative? - LP

Q/A: I’ve been hearing and reading about "Postmodernism" – can you explain what it is and how it affects the church today? - Gene

Q/A: At the time of Christ’s Transfiguration, where were Moses and Elijah summoned from?  The gates of heaven had not yet been opened and there would not have been any escape from hell.  Could there have been another place as described in the Creeds where Christ descended for three days? - Dave

Q/A: I have tried to find something about "eternal life" in the Old Testament. Did the Old Testament Jews believe in eternal life with the Father? What became of them when they died? If they didn’t know about eternal life, why did they perform the sacrifices? - Marilynne