(CLICK on the Q/A: for full question and answer)
Q/A:
Since the Old Testament is
the old covenant pointing to Christ, are the prophecies contained in the Old
Testament still valid, and if so, where could one find a list of those that have
not been fulfilled yet?
Q/A:
In one of your answers you say, “…that we might become
one with him.” What do you mean by
that and what scriptures justify it?
Q/A: I have a picture on my wall depicting a longhaired version of Christ surrounded by angels in human form with large feathery wings. Should I take this off my wall as soon as possible? Is it idolatry? I know that Jesus probably didn’t have long hair and angels probably don’t look like that. My concern is that I am giving the adversary a foothold in my life just by having this picture on my wall. - Richard
Q/A: A friend told me there is proof that Jesus and Mary Magdalene were married and had a daughter. What can I say to respond to this? - Susan
Q/A:
Why did the women go back
to anoint Jesus’ body after he was already buried?
Wouldn’t Jesus’ body already be wrapped in the cast-like combination
of the spices and burial cloth? How
would they anoint his body?
Q/A:
A Muslim recently asked me
why the genealogies in Matthew and Luke’s gospel are different?
I remember someone once telling me that one is Joseph’s and one is
Mary’s. Can you shed some light on
this question?
Q/A:
Thank you for your work.
I have a question which came to mind as I was reading Matthew 27:62-64.
By asking Pilate to post a guard at the tomb, did the chief priests and
Pharisees demonstrate a more clear understanding of Jesus’ teaching (of his
resurrection) than Jesus’ disciples? It
appears that they were allowed to understand certain aspects of the Lord’s
teachings, especially his resurrection.
Q/A:
I
hear you say there is no explicit biblical statement that Jesus is our
“brother”. You mean that we are
not and cannot ever be like Jesus Christ in all ways.
You state that Jesus Christ has no beginning in his divinity.
We, on the other hand, are created and have not existed eternally.
Q/A:
What
does the name Christ mean? Why was
Jesus called “Jesus Christ”? Was
it a last name to distinguish him from other Jesuses?
When did the people start calling Jesus, “Jesus Christ”?
Q/A:
Can you please explain
Proverbs 8:22-31. Is this the
creation of Jesus Christ?
Q/A:
I’ve been enjoying your
program on my local radio station. It’s
such a pleasure to listen to an intellectual Christian speaking out.
I’m just beginning to learn about Christianity after a lifetime of
being a “Christian”. In
exploring my own spirituality, I find that the more I learn, the more questions
I have. Your radio program, magazine
and website are most helpful and perhaps this question has already been asked,
but I haven’t found it yet, so please bear with me if it has been answered.
Q/A: I’ve come across many Christians who speak about
the tremendous sacrifice of Christ’s death for our sins. John
Q/A: In response to someone’s question you stated: “There are no passages, to my knowledge, that explicitly tell us that Jesus is our brother.” Hebrews 2:11-12 states: “For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.” How could these verses be understood any other way? - Stanley
Q/A:
In
Colossians 1:24, Paul says, “I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill
up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of
His body, which is the church…”
Q/A: What are your thoughts on
Jesus’ appearing in the Old Testament?
Does he appear as the Angel of the Lord?
I’ve had this topic come up in my adult Sunday school class while teaching
on the book of Judges. There were
also references in my NIV Student Bible and many commentaries that I’ve read
that Jesus appeared in the Old Testament as the Angel of the Lord.
I didn’t realize how much a debate this topic was until now.
So, if you have studied or have some information or insight on this topic,
let me know.
Q/A: I’m a little confused
about how the cross that Jesus Christ was crucified on was made.
Was it two pieces of wood that crossed like a “T”?
Or was it just one piece of wood standing up? Did Jesus have his arms in a vertical or in a horizontal
position?
Q/A: Is there any evidence that
suggests what kind of wealth Jesus Christ had while living here on earth?
I see so many people trying to find some kind of honor in being
“poor”. Shouldn’t we strive
to do the best we can here on earth while adhering to sound biblical principles?
Q/A:
I would appreciate it if
you could throw some light on this issue. I
was in a Systematic Theology class and the issue came up about the nature of
Christ as both fully human and God.
Q/A:
Do you think Jesus Christ
was the God of the Old Testament?
Q/A:
In Hebrews, scripture shows
that Jesus was tempted in all things (possibly more than anyone else was on
earth) without sinning. James shows
us that when temptation matures it
turns to sin, so the temptation is not the sin.
I understand that. But if I
say that Jesus was tempted, can I also say that he really did have evil thoughts
(brought on by his human side or lusts or implanted by Satan) but just did not
let them mature into sin?
Q/A:
Can you tell me who killed
Jesus? Was it the Jews or the
Romans? Thank you.
Q/A:
If God and Jesus are the
same being, then:
Q/A: I have a good
friend who had done extensive study of the scriptures.
His belief (I don’t agree) is that “Jesus is the son of God, not God,
the Son.” It sounds to me like he
does not believe in the triunity of the Godhead, but I do not have enough
knowledge at this time to present the truth.
To me it would seem that leaving Christ separate from God in this way is
not biblical.
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.
Q/A: In church this past Sunday, one of the scripture readings was from
Colossians, chapter 1, and verse 24. I
don’t understand why Paul feels there was anything lacking in the suffering of
Christ. Am I guilty of
misinterpreting or taking this verse out of context?
Q/A: Enjoy your answers to the
many questions that are asked. My
question is: I have never heard or read why Jesus had to suffer such
excruciating pain and suffering before His death.
If it just takes His blood to pay for our sins, why not just a quick
death? Your comments would be
appreciated.
Q/A: I believe that Jesus is NOT
God. Jesus is our Lord. He is God’s son and he is our Savior! I believe in the Holy trinity!
There are 3 bodies: Father, Son and Holy Ghost!
Q/A: Should we pray to Jesus or God?
Or both? Is Jesus God?
Q/A: I was asked to explain about what Jesus said while on
the cross, whether the translations are accurate.
In Matthew 27:46 where Jesus said, “My God, My God, why have You
forsaken Me?” I believe that in his humanity, while being tortured and beaten
and spat upon, he must have felt that the Father had forsaken him.
But on studying the matter further, I believe that the Father did, for a
short time, forsake His Son. What
is your take on this hard saying?
Q/A: You answered a question to Sheldon on your site about
Jesus/God. You said that Jesus was
in fact God and that God cannot ever stop being what He is—God.
A quote from you:
Q/A: Correct me if I’m wrong,
but please explain this then to me—I’ve heard it said that Jesus descended
to Hades (or hell) to take the keys away from Satan at death?
Q/A: Is the gospel simply that Christ has died for the world’s sins, and the only sin that can be held against us is not accepting that sacrifice? And the only reason that’s held against us is because then we would have to be the sacrifice for our sins? And when we do sin now he does not even count it against us, but simply says, “you will reap what you sow” - Joe
Q/A:
When Jesus gave up his life
on the cross, did he die with his hands over his head or straight out from his
side?
Q/A: If the letters “BC” indicate a period before Christ, how
do you explain that Jesus was born in 4 BC?
Surely he was not born before he was born?
Q/A: I have been studying about the fundamental doctrine of the
Trinity so that I can defend the faith. My
girlfriend’s parents are christadelphians and as I have studied in the web
page, they deny this basic doctrine.
Q/A: ...
Did Jesus have long hair and a beard?
See 1 Cor. 11:14. Paul
condemned long hair on men, so he must have not worn long hair himself.
More to the point, he wouldn’t have been so adamant on the subject if
other members of the apostolic company were wearing long hair.
Above all, if Jesus had worn long hair, Paul would not have dared to make
an issue of hair length. We’re trying to understand the pictures of Jesus with long
hair and a beard. They also portray
him in a Bedouin (long) style tunic, rather than a thigh high (Palestine
typical) styled tunic. Any
clarifying of these would be greatly appreciated.
Q/A: I have a four-fold question
for you about the dual nature of Our Lord, Jesus Christ:
Q/A: ... when Jesus was on the cross He said, “Why have you forsaken me?” I have posed this question to others, but alas, I am still stuck. Some say Jesus was simply reciting the Psalm e.g., but the issue of Him being literally forsaken by God or not is not clear to me because Jesus IS God. Does the answer have to do with His dual nature (fully God and man) or am I missing the point all together? - Mitch
Q/A: How did the thief on the cross go to paradise with Jesus on that same day when Jesus himself did not ascend to heaven until a few days later? Jesus told Mary not to touch him for he had not ascended to his father. You need to dig a little deeper in the word. - Sheldon
Q/A: I applaud your efforts to share what you feel is the truth to fellow Bible readers and would ask your assistance with some questions I’ve been presented with. All questions address the idea of a Trinity... 1) Why is Jesus called the "firstborn of all creation" (Colossians 1:15, Revelation 3:14) if God had no being, or not created? 2) Why did Jesus say he did not come of his "own initiative" but was "sent forth"? (John 8:42). I mean, who sent him if he is God – himself? 3) Why did Jesus not know the "day and hour" of the Great Tribulation, or judgment day, but his father, God did. In other words, doesn’t God Almighty know everything? If Jesus is God, wouldn’t he know everything also? (Matthew 24:36). - Niki
Q/A: 1. Who does Jesus pray to on the many occasions that he prayed? 2. How is it that Jesus "will sit at God’s right hand?" (Psalm 110:1, Hebrews 10:12-13). 3. Why would it be necessary to "hand over the kingdom to his God" and subject himself to God? (1 Corinthians 15:24, 28). - Niki
Q/A: I am studying the Old Testament and trying to understand the Scriptures where it talks about Jesus coming to earth. I sometime get mixed up in reading Psalms because sometimes it sounds like King David is talking about himself. Could you suggest any good reading concerning the Old Testament prophecies about Jesus and his life? - Jim
Q/A: Paul teaches that Jesus died for our sins. But the sin offering in the Old Testament wasn’t a lamb, it was a goat. And it wasn’t killed for people’s sins, it was slaughtered to cleanse the impurity of the sanctuary. There was a second goat that carried the people’s sins, but it was not killed. It was abandoned in the wilderness. So where does Paul get this connection? It appears John, who wrote after Paul, has a better understanding when he equates Jesus with the Passover lamb. I can see John’s connection but not Paul’s. - Rich
Q/A: I would like to pose this question. What race of people were the Israelites and for that matter Jesus himself? Let me go on to say that it really does not matter one way or the other. We all are descendants of Adam and Eve, so we are all related whether we want to be or not. Here is my point and I hope that you would agree, these ancestors of ours were not necessarily African people in nature, but certainly we know they were not white people either. You see the problem is if you live in a European or should I say, Western civilization and you are not from the Caucasian race, you are bombarded with depictions of Jesus (God) as a white male... When we create images of God, we fall into worshipping the image rather than God the spirit. As you well know – faith is unseen belief. I think the artists of the middle centuries have done us all a disservice. Although their intentions may have been good, it has caused some division among us. - Greg
Q/A: I have looked at some of the answers given to the curious and to the sincere. I believe your heart is attempting to give valid answers, but Greg, they just aren’t true. How can you tell interested ones that Jesus was "divine" when he was on the earth? Satan would easily have challenged Jehovah with this response: "How is it you claim Jesus is an equal and corresponding sacrifice if he is greater than Adam?" You see, Greg, if Jesus had been any more than "Adam", (with freedom of choice as to whom he served) he could not have been that "equal sacrifice". This also blows a hole in the "trinity" story. If Jehovah sent himself, how could it prove that a MAN could be faithful to death? Satan would have had a field day with this one! You might consider the "whole of the scriptures" before misleading any more sheep-like children of God. I doubt you will print this as it would cause you too much controversy. Please think about these things, and reply if you feel so inclined. I believe you are seeking the truth, but you might be so involved in your "business" that certain things are escaping your view. - Anthony
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: I have been assigned (for our Bible study group) to research the meaning and significance of "the time of purification according to the law of Moses" in the wake of Jesus’ birth. I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. - Sarah
Q/A: Is it true that Jesus did not die on a cross? I’ve been informed that he died on a pole or a stake. The Greek word translated "cross" in many bibles meant just one piece of timber. The symbol of the cross comes from ancient false religions. The cross was not used or worshipped by the early Christians. Therefore, do you think it would be right to use a cross in worship? Deuteronomy 7:26; 1 Corinthians 10:14. - Diana
Q/A: I am very confused about something, and hope you can explain. In the Old Testament was the God who spoke to Adam, Noah, the old prophets, Abraham, the one who called himself YHWH, I AM, the God of Israel, etc. the one who was called the Father by Jesus, or was this the one who was born of flesh (Jesus) or was this both the same one, or something different? Please help me understand clearly. - Terry
Q/A: Do you believe the same God who became Jesus, the son of God, was the Lord of the Old Testament, the God of Israel, the one who spoke to Adam, Noah, and Abraham? Was God the Father ever revealed in the Old Testament? - Terry
Q/A: Who was Melchizedek? One scripture suggests he was a man, another an angel, or even Jesus himself. Can you please explain and give the scriptures you are using as reference? - Lynn
Q/A: ...According to Scripture a Christian is one who believes that Jesus is the Christ (1 John 5:1). A person becomes a Christian through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). And the Christian can know that because of this faith he or she has eternal life (John 3:16). According to your definition of a Christian, he/she is anyone who believes in Jesus Christ and lives according to his teachings. That definition would include Mormons, too. The teachings of Mormonism are considered by many to be false and cultic... - Marty
Q/A: How can I explain to people (in plain English) the answer to the question: "If Jesus is God then why did he not know the hour and only his Father knew?" I know the book of John says he knows all. But, I am having trouble explaining how he humbled himself and why? Also, I desire to be able to remember scripture but just can’t. I am a "homeschool mother" and my mind is so full of everything else, I just can’t make it stick. I have prayed and I know God is faithful. How can I become prepared in such a busy life. Thank you and God bless. - Julie
Q/A: Many times in the Bible Jesus refers to himself as the son of man. Why not the Son of God? - Jim
Q/A: I hear ministers refer to "coming to the cross," as if it, the cross, is the new mantra. I have a big problem with this because it seems to me that it is flat out idol worship. Is this intentional? I thought we were supposed to come to Christ, who is the ONLY means by which we are saved, the ONLY WAY to the Father? - Steve
Q/A: I have been debating the genealogies of Jesus with some Jewish people on the net. They claim Jesus could not become the king because: 1) The descendancy passes through the father and Joseph was not the father of Jesus. 2) If there could have been descendency through Joseph it would have been blocked due to the curse on Jeconiah, Jer. 22:24 and 22:30. 3) The only way to the throne is through Solomon on Mary's side but the descendency passes through the male not the female. What would be your reply? - Jerry
Q/A: In my personal Bible study, I noted that John the Baptist identified Jesus as he was approaching him as "the Lamb of God that wipes away the sins of the world." However, when John was placed in prison, he asked one of his disciples to ask Jesus if he was truly the Son of God. - Arlynda
Q/A: Mark and John’s gospel accounts of the resurrection indicate that Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene at the grave site, while Matthew and Luke describe this first appearance on the road to Emmaus. Is this a contradiction, or am I not interpreting correctly? - Dave
Q/A: Why do we say that the Jews crucified Christ? My Bible tells me that the Romans crucified him and not the Jews. I am under the impression that the Sanhedrin found him guilty but the Romans put him to death. Please explain this for me. Thanks and keep up the good work. - R.L.
Q/A: I’m having difficulty explaining to a friend that Jesus is both fully God and fully human in the present tense. She can understand ‘was’ human, but not "is". Any suggestions? - Don
Q/A: Is there a Bible passage that refers to Christ as our older brother? If so, can you explain what that relationship with Christians is/will be? - Mario
Q/A: "Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades." Revelation 1:18. Help! Who is this strange and frightening being? - Frank
Q/A: Why is it that in Luke 23:43, Jesus tells the thief on the cross that he would be in paradise with him that very day when Jesus didn’t ascend into heaven that very day but it was 3 days later. - John
Q/A: You have stated that God cannot co-exist with flesh. Can you please explain this? You have said the Bible does not teach a mixture of divine and human natures. Could they be joined in such a manner that it would be possible for Jesus Christ to die as both God and man? It is hard for me to believe these two natures were only united in such a manner as to allow only the man in Jesus Christ to die. It is said the Son of God became flesh so he could suffer death for all men. Did God fail?... - Frank
Q/A: If the church has been changing its views on what it considered dogma in the past (i.e. earth only 7000 years old, hell is literal fire, earth was created in seven 24 hours days, apostolic succession, works vs. faith, election). What assurance does anyone have that other church doctrines and creeds will withstand the test of time such as the trinity (not specifically stated in the Bible), two natures of Jesus (developed later in church history)? Though very popular today in the Christian theater, one thing is sure: Church doctrine has changed with the times throughout history. - Adi
Q/A: The Bible states that the fruit of sin is eternal death and that Jesus paid for this debt by dying on the cross. However, Jesus did die but not eternal death as he was resurrected to a glorious body. How then can he pay the penalty if that sin-penalty is only satisfied by "eternal death." - Ernest
Q/A:
How can Jesus, the Son of
God, sit on the right side of Father God and be God?
How can God sit on the right side of Himself?
I am really struggling with this.
Q/A: Recently I attended a Bible class. It was very inspiring except for one statement that was made by the teacher. He said that Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week (Sunday). I find this very contradictory to Bible teaching. I find it (based on what the good Book says) impossible for Jesus to be crucified on a Friday and raised from the dead on Sunday. Jesus said that he would be in his grave for three days and three nights, and he has stated that there are 24 hours in a day. Can you shed more light on this issue? Also – are there any of your booklets that explain this? If such a booklet exists, can I have it mailed to me?- Tyrone