(CLICK on the Q/A: for full question and answer)
Q/A:
Is it wrong for a woman to
wear makeup? The church I started
going to does not believe in it. They
say it is a sin. According to them,
so is wearing pants, cutting or styling your hair (anything other than dressing
or wearing it like they do—in a bun). If
you do any of these things they say you are not saved.
I know I’m saved because I believe in Christ, but are these things sins
in God’s eyes?
Q/A: Are there degrees of sin?
In other words, is a murder worse than a lie, or are they equal in
God’s eye?
Q/A:
Why was David not allowed
to build the temple and why are Jerusalem
and
Q/A:
Does anyone know whether or
not Jesus was actually referring to a security gate in
Q/A:
I would like to know where
I could read more about the history of the people of “the way”.
Which language does the term originate from and what was the precursor
religion before “the way”?
Q/A:
What is mysticism?
Does it mean being aware of God as we go about living?
Are there dangers we should be aware of concerning mysticism?
Q/A: Could you please tell me what Jesus meant by his remark in verse 21 of Mark 8 and what is the meaning of 12 baskets and 7 baskets? I know they were told to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, but where do the 12 and the 7 fit? - Judith
Q/A:
Could you please throw some
light on the biblical character David? It
has always baffled me. Yes, he was favored by God, and this is my problem.
Looking at it from “down under” here in Australia
,
he comes over to me as a butcher. David
writes all these ditties to teach others, but does not apply any of them to
himself. To me he belongs more to a
religion where butchery and contempt for women is standard practice, rather
than Christianity.
Q/A:
I understand the dangers of
legalism and dare not to be politically correct.
I have a problem with something and wondered what your thoughts on this
would be: I don’t believe that there is anything wrong with saying
“golly-gee”, “gee-whiz”, “gosh”, etc.
I believe the Lord knows our hearts and minds and when I say one of these
words, I am not thinking about taking the Lord’s name in vain or slandering
the Holy Spirit or anything else meant to grieve the Lord.
Am I totally wrong in this thinking?
Q/A: In Exodus, the fifth plague (pestilence) kills all the Egyptians’ animals. My question is: what animals were afflicted by the boils of the sixth plague and even more puzzling is: where did the Egyptians get the horses to pull the chariots when they pursued the Israelites to the Red Sea? - George
Q/A: I was wondering what your opinion is on the “Nag Hammadi gospels”. Love your radio show! - David
Q/A: What is the context of 1 John 1:9? Is it to the unbelievers or to those who were already believers? I have heard different answers to this. - Richie
Q/A: What is fasting? Does it apply only to Jewish people? How long are you supposed to fast? - Stephanie
Q/A: Thank you for your daily radio program. It’s been very uplifting for me and I am recommending it to many friends. I see that you refer to the “soul/spirit” as the non-material aspect of our being. But in looking at the word, “naphesh” I see that it can refer to the human body. Life. Even to dead bodies. How am I to truly get a good balance in this area of understanding? - Pablo
Q/A:
Thanks so much for your
work. I just received a videotape on
the dark side of rock and roll. They
claim that many rock stars have backgrounds in the worship of Satan and that
their mission is to capture the minds of our youth.
It is shocking how far this music has evolved since the 50’s.
They document their claims. What
are your thoughts on the modern music world?
Q/A:
What lesson can we learn
from the life of Esau?
Q/A:
My question relates to a
responsorial psalm we used this past Sunday in our liturgy: Psalm 138—“I
will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto
thee.”
Q/A:
I have just finished my
morning devotions and have a question pertaining to 1 Chronicles 21:1-3.
What was so sinful in God’s eyes about David taking a census?
Q/A:
I
had a question about a passage in the Bible.
1 John 5:16—what does it mean by a “sin leading to death” and when
it says, “I am not saying that he should pray about that”?
That is a bit confusing.
Q/A:
A
question that creeps into my mind often is how to meet obligations such as
school or work, that I do not now value? Before,
working and bettering myself was easy and it was a goal.
I wanted a big house, big car, etc.
Now I want to know God and be with my family.
Knowing that this life can end anytime seems to paralyze my ability to
move forward and do what needs to be done.... Also, with God’s omnipotence,
does he already know the future? If
yes, then why do we pray to be healed when we are sick?
What is the “power of prayer”? Is
prayer just a mechanism to bring our minds closer to our hearts and thus more
aware of God? - Michelle
Q/A:
Is
it not true that love, communication and trust starts in the home, not in the
church, but it should ultimately start with God?
I don’t feel that it should start in church.
Am I wrong?
Q/A:
I
have observed that there appears to be dissension between people who call
themselves conservative Christians and those who support laws protecting the
environment and endangered species. On
one hand, I believe that God created resources for humans to use and consume so
we could survive and flourish. On
the other hand, I believe that Jesus taught us to respect the smallest forms of
life and to avoid unnecessary abuse of earthly creatures and plants provided to
us. I find myself being criticized
by fellow Christians because I support the Endangered Species Act......
When I bring this up I am sometimes pegged a “tree-hugger”.
I don’t believe that Jesus intended us to pillage. Do you have
any analysis that could help me understand why some of my more right-wing
friends (their label, not mine), don’t have much regard for what I believe to
be our duty to tend the earth? The
question was long-winded, and I apologize if I rambled.
Q/A:
In
“Experiencing the Word” in the
introduction to 2 Peter under “Date” you state, “This epistle was probably
written shortly before Peter’s martyrdom in Rome
in
AD 67.” However, Scripture
states in Matthew 10:5,6; “These twelve Jesus sent
out, charging them, ‘Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the
Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of
Q/A:
I accepted Jesus Christ as
my Lord and Savior. However, I do
not understand why I still struggle with my thoughts.
Q/A:
I have two questions I hope
you can answer for me:
Q/A:
Near the end of one of your
radio programs you said, “faith is not for the fainthearted”!
Persistent anxiety has ruined my life.
Biblical and medical applications have failed to rid me of it.
Is salvation possible for the fainthearted?
Q/A:
I need an honest answer to
this question. The Bible says,
“buy the truth and sell it not”. How
can you ask for money for your ministry?
Q/A:
What does Jesus mean
exactly, when he says, “turn the other cheek”?
Does that mean we shouldn’t defend ourselves and offer others a chance
to hit us again? Unless you know for
absolutely sure what this verse means, I would rather you say you’re not
positive because I have heard different answers to this and I’ll just get more
confused.
Q/A:
I hear about churches
winning souls for Christ. I can’t
find where churches win souls in the Bible.
Q/A:
Q/A: My brother had a birthday
party at a Dance Club. I did not go
because of the type of place it is (heavy drinking, smoke-filled room, dance
music, all types of people, etc.). The
party was in a separate room within the Club, but I still did not think it was
appropriate for me to attend. My mother
said that Jesus attended a party (the wedding where water was turned into wine),
so it would have been appropriate for me to go if I had wanted to.
Would it have been OK for me to attend the party if I did not participate
in the activities?
Q/A: I just wanted to drop a
note to tell you that I really enjoy your website.
I have used it a great deal and will continue to do so.
Q/A: We had an outreach over the
summer to reach the lost. As one of
our activities my pastor performed a magic act.
My friend said that it was wrong because magic is forbidden in the Bible
and because you cannot win people by ungodly methods.
She also doubted if Jesus would have done that.
What do you think about this?
Q/A: What does the Bible say
about circumcision? I know that in
the Old Testament it was a sign of the covenant made between God and Abraham.
However, since Jesus came and we now live under the New Testament is
there any reason why we should continue to circumcise our boys on the 8th
day? Would it be considered a
“sin” if we do? Please enlighten
me on this matter.
Q/A: I got to this web site
somehow and started to look around. Under
the Q&A portion I noticed the “Women’s Role” category.
In reading some of your responses it appears as if you see 1 Corinthians
11:2-16 and 1 Timothy 2 as “cultural commands”.
I was wondering if this was in fact your interpretation or if I was
missing your points.
Q/A: Do angels have gender?
I heard a man say that there was only one female angel in the Bible and
that she was a demon. This doesn’t
sound right to me. I have a book on
“The Truth about Angels” but it doesn’t discuss gender.
Q/A: What is meant by the phrase
“God is not a respecter of persons?” I’ve
heard this phrase used many times by ministers, but never an explanation.
Q/A:
When Jesus says, “blessed
are the poor in spirit” is he referring to materially poor people or people
who recognize their spiritual poverty regardless of their material status in
this world?
Q/A: Is the covenant that God made with Noah in which he promised to never again destroy all flesh with a flood (the “rainbow covenant”) still valid or was it nullified by the New Covenant? - Dale
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: In the next to the last chapter of the book of Acts, around the next to the last verse, it says that Mary “rested the Sabbath day, according to the commandment”. I would like your comment on that. I would also like to ask—how can all meat be clean? Surely rats are not clean. And did God create the empty space (which I assume goes on forever and ever) which contains the heavens and the earth? Oh! And one more question: the Bible says that eye has not seen nor ear heard nor has entered into the heart of man that which God has prepared for them that love him, but has revealed it to us by his spirit. That last part—does that mean that some Christians have known what God has prepared for them that love him? - M.G.
Q/A: I have a question that no one seems to want to answer. We’ve all heard ministers preach at one time or another about women wearing pants because they say, “pants are a man’s garment”. I would love to remind preachers that pants were not invented until around the 12th century, at the earliest. When the verse in Deuteronomy 22:5 was written there was no such thing as pants. At the time Deuteronomy was written, men wore skirts and robes. I am Scottish and certainly not gay, but I have noticed in society today that women can openly wear pants as well as actual men’s clothing without risk of condemnation from the public. Yet, if a man chooses to wear a kilt (or skirt) in public he is branded as gay. Could someone please comment on any of this? This is the third letter I have written regarding it and until now, “nobody” seems to want to comment on the subject. - Janson
Q/A: Please enlighten me regarding “generational curses” in the biblical context. - David
Q/A: Thank you for answering questions. Would you explain the difference between worshipping God and serving God? What is true worship? How are we to worship God in the right way? - Nella
Q/A: What is meant by the order of Melchizedek? - Herman
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:
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:
Do
you have any guidance and information about cell groups?
I would love your thoughts and insight.
Q/A:
Could
you please explain 1 John 5:16-17? What
is this sin that is not unto death? Also
explain 1 John 5:7. Is it true
that this verse is not found in some of the earlier manuscripts?
If this is true, what are the implications of this?
Q/A:
Does
God hear/answer the prayers of unbelievers?
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.
Q/A:
My
family and I have been in the U.S. for the past two years and since our arrival
we have experienced much self-centeredness within the church communities.
We are originally from South Africa.
Q/A:
The
Bible says that we should consider it pure joy when we undergo trials.
My question is: why should we consider it joy when we undergo these trials/hardships?
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.
Q/A: In Leviticus 25:39-46 God
seems to be advocating buying and selling slaves.
Is this forced labor or were these slaves paid wages?
Q/A: So many friends of mine say
we need to be good to the nation of Israel because God tells us to.
I side with Israel in the war going on over there now, but is Israel any
more God’s friend than any other nation?
Q/A: I do not believe that all
of the spiritual gifts are still in use today, particularly the gifts of
prophecy, word of wisdom, tongues and word of knowledge.
Here are my questions:
Q/A: Concerning the “denial of
Peter”, why would a man who had seen all the miracles of Jesus firsthand deny
Jesus three times, especially after Jesus predicts his denial?
Q/A: I would like to ask you a question about Moses. Did the Ethiopian women Moses married have black skin? I was told his second wife was black and his brother Aaron was against what his brother did (Numbers 12:1). - Karen
Q/A: Did Adam lose his spirit at
the fall along with the image of God?
Q/A: I have a problem at the
church I have been attending. It is
a non-denominational church. A few
weeks ago an elder asked my mother-in-law (who lives with her boyfriend) if they
were intimate. They said they were,
so he said “you need to get married if you care so much for each other”. Yesterday I was told this was a warning to them that if they
did not discontinue their lifestyle they will be asked to leave the church.
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.
Q/A:
In John chapter 3, Jesus
speaks of those who are born again. What
does this mean? He says that you
must be born of the spirit to see the kingdom of God.
Does that mean the kingdom of God is a real literal kingdom to be set up
here on earth that only immortals can enter?
Or does this mean receiving the Holy Spirit and that the kingdom of God
is set amongst us?
Q/A:
My question came about from
my reading of “Our Greatest Gift” by Henri Nouwen.
Mr. Nouwen brings out many ideas that almost seem heretical at first, but
are tremendous food for thought. In
the book he talks about the Christian community and that the death of a member
of that community is a release of the Holy Spirit and results in growth and more
fruitfulness in the community. This
at first seemed heretical to me because we focus only on the death of Christ.
Q/A: Does the Bible say that it
is wrong to wear jewelry?
Q/A:
I have some questions that
I hope you can help me with. Who is
Babylon of Revelation chapter 18? This
appears to refer to a city. Which
city is being referred to? Jeremiah
chapters 50-51 refer to a country of Babylon.
Which country is being referred to here?
Q/A:
Why is John the Baptist
compared to Elijah? It sounds like
the spirit of Elijah was in John.
Q/A:
I seem to be getting the
message that Plain Truth now endorses homosexuality and evolution, and
associates those who don’t with unhealthy “fundamentalists” who take
“the stories told between 1000 and 700 BC” too literally and seriously.
Q/A:
I have recently started
reading the Bible myself (without any assistance from any religious
denomination). However, I would at this time ask for a little guidance.
Where in the Bible can I find that judging others and/or passing judgment
on other human beings is wrong and a sin and not our place?
Q/A:
It seems to me that you do
not understand what the Bible says about being “slain in the Spirit.”
Paul fell down before God (Acts 9) and so did the apostle John.
Q/A:
In Deuteronomy 23:19-20 the
topic of charging interest is addressed. Would
you please give some background on the text and its specification to us today?
We do lend out money to our family and have charged interest in the past.
But we do not want to go against God’s word on this issue. However, I have found that unless we charge interest, no one
seems interested in ever paying us back. Any
help in understanding this text would be greatly appreciated.
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?
Q/A:
Why do evangelical
Christians put country before Christ? I’m
looking for a religion that lives by Jesus’ message of peace and love, one
that doesn’t throw his message aside every time the USA and England declare
war. Advice would be appreciated.
Q/A:
Why did Jesus turn water
into wine as his first miracle?
Q/A:
Can you please tell me of
any biblical principles concerning the arts?
I am a poet, and I believe that God has given me this talent.
I have been told by a Christian friend that much of the arts are inspired
by evil and based in sensuality, poetry especially being very introverted and
causing one to focus on himself. I can certainly see his point and agree that I must be
careful and prayerful of where inspiration is coming from and of my motivations
for writing.
Q/A:
1.
How long was King David in exile?
Q/A:
I am a youth pastor and I
have a question for you.
Q/A:
I have four questions:
Q/A:
I visited your web page for
the first time and I enjoyed the Q/A very much.
Thank you for including it. My
question is: in Ephesians 6:18 and Jude 20 it speaks of praying in the Spirit.
Would you please explain what it means to “pray in the Spirit”?
Thank you
Q/A:
How would you answer these
questions:
Q/A:
I have a few questions:
Q/A: I am having a major dilemma.
I found a web site about atheism and found something that made me
stumble.
Q/A: My question is whether it is permissible to take the
oath when you are sworn in at a trial? To
swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you
God.
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:
Recently I was asked (as
part of a men’s study group) “what are spiritual gifts”?
Q/A:
Do you believe in divine
healing/healers?
Q/A:
In the book of 1 Chronicles
4:9-10, we read the story of Jabez. Verse
9 tells us how he got his name, because of the pain his mother felt during his
birth. A friend of mine tells me
that the true reason his mother gave him that name is so that he would remember
what his name meant for the rest of his life.
I do not agree with this assessment, because a child would be ridiculed
for having such a name. I don’t
think a mother would want to have her son go through that in his childhood.
I may be wrong, so that’s why I am asking you.
Q/A:
There is a problem that no
one seems to want to acknowledge: the birth of Christianity and from whence it
came, the ethnicity of the original Israelites, and the changing of the original
documents of the Bible. I ask you,
is it wrong to think outside of the box?
Q/A:
I know that our true
security is in heaven and not in the things on this earth and yet I find myself
building my treasures on this earth. I
find that I am not really involved in doing the will of God but rather am
concerned with job, money and possessions, and keeping my marriage going and
helping my wife raise our infant son. Is
this a life that would please God, or does He expect more from us than that?
Q/A:
Please explain Malachi
chapter 4, verses 5 and 6. Has
Elijah already done this or is it referring to the Second Coming of Christ?
When will the hearts of the fathers be turned to the children and the
children’s hearts turned to the fathers?
Q/A:
I have been receiving a lot
of e-mail on Nostradamus lately. Can
you tell me your thoughts?
Q/A:
In 1 Chronicles 2:15, it
states that David was the 7th son of Jesse.
In 1 Samuel 17:12-14, David is stated to be the youngest of eight sons. How is this to be resolved?
Q/A:
Thank you for this
opportunity. Can you please tell me about a guy in the Bible named
“Nimrod”? I would specifically
like to know, was he the first ruler or King in the book of Genesis?
Was he the guy who caused the people to “try” to build a tower all
the way to the kingdom of God?
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?
Q/A:
I have always had a certain
amount of respect for “The Plain Truth”, though we differ on certain things,
but I am totally horrified and shocked to read the issue dealing with whether or
not pets go to heaven!!!
Q/A:
I have 4 children and 5 grandchildren. My question
is: Should we let our children and
grandchildren become involved with the Harry Potter books and movies?
I have heard several preachers that teach that we should not let them
become involved. What is your
opinion about the thought of getting involved with the fantasy of Harry Potter?
- Margaret
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: ...
I am sure you are a man of
God and can accept healthy criticism from other believers on your writings, so
that’s why I write. In the letter
from August, 2001, you made a statement: “Winning the lottery cannot be
compared with salvation, but (since we humans are convinced that money can
rescue people and change their lives) the picture of someone who wins the
lottery…” The part that I have a problem with is the part in parenthesis.
I understand what you are saying, and I understand that we humans
sometimes narrow ourselves into seeing just earthly things as deliverance, but
still it bothers me. I do trust in
God, but yet I would like money.
Q/A: My question is: what is
Nimrod’s relationship to his wife, Semiramis, and how did Nimrod die?
Q/A: Yesterday’s sermon in church regarding tattoos has
stirred a debate in our home and I need your help to clarify a couple of things.
Q/A: This may be a silly question, but what does God think
about someone involved with bodybuilding?
Q/A: I have been reading through the questions and answers
that you have provided. It’s
great that you are doing this. I
read a question from another lady who asked about blood transfusions and how the
Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t accept them.
I have a hard time believing that God would not allow us to have blood
transfusions if needed to save lives. But
in studying the Bible, I did run into a verse—Acts 21:25.
It mentions to abstain from blood. Can
you explain this to me, and what does it refer to when it says abstain from
blood? I think it means from
literally drinking blood, but I’m not sure.
Your help is greatly appreciated.
Q/A: I am doing research to answer alleged Bible
contradictions. Maybe you are
familiar with these parallel passages: 2 Samuel 5, 6; 1 Chronicles 13, 14, 15.
Q/A: We are having a debate on the age of Isaac when his
father took him to Mt. Moriah to be sacrificed.
The Amplified Bible quotes the scholar Josephinas (sp), saying that Isaac
was around 25 years old.
Q/A: Hope things are well at PTM.
I for one am very proud of what PTM is doing!
My question is, what do you think of the “prayer of Jabez” movement?
As always, thanks for your insight.
Q/A: I am struggling with the issue of the death penalty. I understand why Christians support the death penalty.
I know that God has commanded us to put a murderer to death.
I also understand that Jesus said that he did not come here to change one
pen stroke of Moses’ law. But how
do we reconcile Leviticus 20:10, “If a man commits adultery with another
man’s wife, both the man and the woman must be put to death.”
Q/A: Most religions are against euthanasia, yet the
reasons given are not very convincing. A
person on death row gets it paid for by the government, and yet a greatly
suffering person is legally denied this. How
do you feel about this matter? Thanks
for your help.
Q/A: Where in the Bible can I find that God has a sense of
humor?
Q/A: Should Christians partake
in footwashing?
Q/A: I’ve been reading Genesis
6:1-4 for a long time, but it’s just now that I’ve taken this seriously
because we will be taking up Genesis 6:1-11 this Sunday in our Sunday school.
Q/A:
When people use the phrase
“post-Christian era” I think of the falling away that is said to occur
before Christ’s return in 2 Thessalonians.
Would you please explain what this phrase means, and what your beliefs
are about it?
Q/A:
I was wondering if your
could give me a history lesson. For
years I have been aware that the war between Israel and Palestine concerns land.
I recently learned that this feud began back during the time of Abraham
because Abraham disobeyed God by going to a different city or country.
What I would like to know is:
Q/A: In
the Book of James he teaches us to ask for wisdom.
Why is it important that we ask in faith, nothing wavering?
Q/A: What
is the significance of these numbers in the Bible: 1185, 256 and 929?
Q/A: Where in the Bible is the
topic of “self murder”? Please
explain how God feels toward it. All
I ever heard about suicide from a Christian perspective is that if you take your
own life you have no chance of ever entering heaven.
Is that true?
Q/A: I have heard people speak
about the seven “I AM” questions in regards to God being the “I AM”.
What are the seven questions, and where are they in the Bible?
Q/A: Who was King Melchizedek?
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: In one of your answers to a
question at your web site you stated that it is possible to exhibit the fruits
of the spirit without actually being a Christian or being saved – merely
exhibiting these in a purely physical way.
Could you please elaborate on this and correct me if I misunderstood your
answer. This answer troubled me a
great deal. I must admit that some
of your answers are incredibly deep and difficult to understand, but I am not
giving up!
Q/A: Some speak of the anointing as
being something different than the Holy Spirit.
We had a long conversation about this and they seemed to be saying it is
separate somehow. For example, they
mentioned God’s anointing being on this situation or that situation.
Actually, it was confusing to me.
Q/A: Could you elaborate on how
Christians are accountable?
Q/A: Why
did Jesus say that John the Baptist was the greatest man who ever lived?
Q/A: Recently
on the advice of a friend, I read a book called, “Conversations with God” by
a man named Neale Donald Walsch. It
was quite interesting to read. It
seemed to have lots of “New Age” ideas, but it was strange because I could
understand and relate to a good portion of the material in this book.
It spoke about how we live in a world of relativity – i.e., we can only
know “up” because there is a “down”.
But that in the realm of the Absolute there is only Love . . .there is no
good, evil, right, wrong, up, down, hot, cold, etc.
Q/A: I
have a question regarding I John 5:16-17. I
am psychologically addicted to cigarettes.
After abstaining from them for 3 weeks, I gave in.
Now I understand what Jesus meant when he said that some things only come
through fasting and prayer. The
only way I can refrain from smoking is when God gives me a divine hatred for it.
I know when I fast that God will answer my prayer.
In the meantime, I have been feeling EXTREME guilt for being willfully
disobedient. About a week after I
began smoking again, I came across the above-mentioned passage.
I must admit that after reading it, I soon began to feel less guilty.
However, I sincerely hate what I’m doing and I look forward to my fast
during my summer break. My question
is, does smoking fall into this category of sin which doesn’t lead to
spiritual death? What is the
underlying meaning of this passage?
Q/A: ...
I have struggled with the concept of a
chosen people for years. Several
passages from the New Testament intrigue me: the woman who replied to Jesus that
even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the children’s table is one.
Q/A: I would like to know if there is anywhere in the Bible that says anything about capital punishment? Is the death penalty right or wrong according to God’s word?- Julie
Q/A: Please help me with the problem of getting 70 years out of Jeremiah 25 in terms of the servitude of the nations that would fall to Babylon. I believe that the temple was destroyed in @586 BC. How do we get 70 years if the captivity ended in @536 BC as I am told by historians. - Donald
Q/A: Matthew 10:23 makes no sense to me. Please elaborate. What in the world is this talking about? - Donald
Q/A: We are studying Matt. 24:45-51. I would like some background on the servant system of the Jews. Verse 45 says a faithful servant rules over his household to give them meat in due season. I know He is talking to the disciples, but how does this apply to me? I am not over other Christians. Thanks. Input on this whole section would help. - Patricia
Q/A: Is 1 John 1: talking to believers or non-believers? - Joe
Q/A: Is the use of amulets approved in the Bible? - Salim
Q/A: My question has to do with the age of accountability. A professor of mine in college provided fairly good support from the Old Testament that the age might be 20. Where can I go to get various opinions on this issue or better yet, some clear biblical support for any position? - Brett
Q/A: Can you explain how mankind became fruitful and multiplied between the time Cain and Able were born and the time that Cain killed his brother? When God put a "mark" on Cain and he feared for his life lest others kill him – who were the others? Also, will/has everyone who has ever existed know the gospel message? Are there really people who are raised in non-Christian religions who never hear the truth of Jesus? ..... How many judgments has God allowed to come on the Jews and are they still under judgment with all the Arabs and anti-Semitism trying to destroy them? - Maria
Q/A: What do you think about swearing (I don’t mean foul language). I mean swearing on the Bible, God’s name, etc.? I hear a lot of people saying this without any regard of the significance of taking God’s name in vain. I believe the 10 Commandments are still in effect and these laws are living laws, for our own good, not to control us or have rule over us. What would this world be like without God’s laws? If I was to go to court and I refused to swear on the Bible, I would tell the truth but not swear. What would be done about this? (Matthew 5:34-35). - David
Q/A: I have two questions. First, can we sever our relationship with Christ? Second, can you explain Jude 12? - Delia
Q/A: I’m thinking about taking a philosophy class in order to graduate, but I found the Bible says it is not good for me to take that class. What can I do? (See Colossians 2:8). Is Philosophy too dangerous for Christians? If so, then I should not take this class. - Chad
Q/A: God is called by different names in the Bible. Can you help me find them? - Tyree
Q/A: Is the practice of yoga scriptural? Does Scripture forbid it? If yoga is unscriptural, what reference can we quote? - Stan
Q/A: Where did the number 666 come from? How was it calculated? What is its’ significance? - Steve
Q/A: Why is the King James Bible regarded so highly? - Mark
Q/A: I am 22 years old and know that I have A LOT to learn about my faith. Well, yesterday I engaged in a 1 ½ hour conversation with some Mormon guys. It was a pretty even exchange but one question I could not answer was about prophets. I know that biblical prophets expressed prophesy that was then fulfilled in Christ. However, how do I defend that biblical prophets are no longer on the scene today? - Julia
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: Who was the "Avenger of Blood" referred to in the Old Testament who would pursue someone who had killed someone accidentally if they didn’t flee to a designated town of refuge? Was this a person or an angel of God? - Darin
Q/A: I realize the Bible is both literal and figurative. My question concerns James 4:13-17 – ‘boasting about tomorrow.’ I use the NIV Bible. When I read this passage, I come to this conclusion. Before we speak about any future events, we must verbally begin with "If it is the Lord’s will…". Are we sinning when we say things like, "See you tomorrow, I have a busy week ahead of me, I have a doctor’s appointment next week?" - Angela
Q/A: I am concerned with my parents’ avid interest in the Benny Hinn Ministries. What do you know of it? Is this scriptural or a cult? - Cherri
Q/A: Recently our family has had to put down several of our favorite pets and two horses. My wife and I have told my 6-year-old daughter that they are in heaven. My father said that this is not true, for they do not have a soul. Can you please help me or show me where I might find the real answer to this question? - Albert
Q/A: I need help with a math problem! In 1 Kings 11: 32 and 36, as well as in 12:20, ten tribes of Israel are torn from Solomon’s house and end up going north. I thought there were 12 tribes. When Rehoboam musters Judah and Benjamin in 12:21, that makes two, not one, in the south. How do you explain this? - Paige
Q/A: My question concerns obedience. In the Old Testament Uzzah died because he touched the Ark of the Covenant, while in mark’s gospel 1:40-45, the leper that Jesus cleansed was explicitly told not to publicize his cure. He disobeyed Christ’s instruction, and, seemingly was not chastised. Any thoughts would be appreciated - Dave
Q/A: In Luke 5: it says: 36) And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old. 37) And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish. 38) But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved. 39) No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better." Of course, I understand Jesus was talking about old minds not being able to hold his (Jesus’) new teachings. However, if this is true, why did Jesus say what he said in verse 39 – that people would desire the old? What was the point of this parable? - Doug
Q/A: Matthew 13:25 – …the enemy sowed weeds among the wheat (NIV). It is my understanding the enemy is Satan and the weeds does not refer to unbelievers but people of the evil one. If they are people of the evil one, please explain who are these "people?" Demonic beings? Humans possessed? I have been told by a person that they believe they are Satan’s seed which were the Nephilim "fallen ones" spoken of in Genesis 6:4. Any truth to this? - Alan
Q/A: I would like to ask you a question about a favorite passage of mine: Luke 6:27-43... "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who ill-treat you." Four to five years ago I could not relate to this passage, nor would I have thought it could be possible for me to really love and forgive those who are killing, raping, stealing…but I do now! I can see how this is possible, but I am confused about some things. How can Christians be in the military and "trained to kill?" Can Christians use non-violence to stop a rapist or murderer? - Robert
Q/A: ...Some that I know real well are studying and accepting "the Bible Code" and "The Signature of God" books and the application of ELS as valid and necessary for Christians. I have deep reservations about this and even feel that it is very dangerous! Can you comment on this teaching which seems to have wide acceptance? - Ken
Q/A: Does the foolish virgin parable imply that half the members of a church congregation are not ready spiritually and will be shut out by Christ at his second coming? Is this carrying the implied information too far? What does the oil symbolize? - Don
Q/A: Recently I have learned that some fellow Christians believe that the Apostle Paul was black. The basis of this account was found in Judges 21. Initially, I was taken back because so many of my friends have taken liberty on what the Bible is telling us. Furthermore, I trust your findings much more than I do others. - Dan
Q/A: I am currently doing a study of Hebrews. My question is in chapter one, verse six. Dr. J. Vernon McGee refers to the Septuagint reference of Deuteronomy 32:43. When I read the King James version of this scripture and then the Septuagint version, I find that there is a major difference in the translation. Why is this? - Rodney
Q/A: I wanted to ask about 1 John 5:16-17. What does it mean when it says that there is a sin that leads to death and there is sin that doesn’t lead to death? - Cheryl
Q/A: If God is omnipotent (all powerful), can he create a rock that he cannot lift? If so, he is not omnipotent, and if he cannot, then he is not all powerful. - Mike
Q/A: Luke 21:1-4. The widow’s mite. How did the Lord take care of her from that point on? The two copper coins was all that she had. - Raymond
Q/A: 1) Can you please explain the parable of the sheep and the goats? 2) Why do some ministers need to fast and pray to heal others for an effective healing? Isn’t healing from God? Can’t we just simply pray and ask? - Henn
Q/A: I would like to know what happens to our pets when they are gone. Will we see our pets in the next world?
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: Can you please help me understand Ezekiel 34:15? I don’t understand why the sleek, or healthy sheep will be killed. Thank you for your faithfulness and patience. - Dave
Q/A: I am having a difficult time understanding why God killed Uzzah for trying to steady the Ark of the Covenant (2 Samuel 6). I know no one was supposed to touch the Ark, but wasn’t Uzzah’s intent honorable and, therefore should have been pleasing to the Lord? - Dave
Q/A: I do not know if I am at the right place to ask this question and help me to understand this Bible chapter. As I was reading the Bible, the book of Ezekiel, chapter 1, I could not understand. Please explain what you think is the outcome of this chapter. - Ajay
Q/A: I was under the impression that Matthew’s gospel was the earliest, followed by Mark, Luke and John. Some recent reading indicates that perhaps Mark’s gospel was first. Can you comment on this? - Dave
Q/A: We have had several people in our family tell us that the Bible says in the last days there will be 7 girls to 1 boy. We have not read that before so could you help us out on this as we have no idea what to tell them. - Bonita
Q/A: I have been wondering why David picked up five smooth stones from the brook when he went to fight Goliath. I know that five is the number of grace and that’s about it. I do not buy that he was unsure of himself. - Douglas
Q/A: I have a question concerning Ecclesiastics 3:21 which reads: "Who knows the spirit of the sons of men, which goes upward, and the spirit of the animal, which goes down to the earth?" This seemed clear to me until I noticed a footnote that said: 3:21 "Septuagint, Syriac, Targum, and Vulgate read ‘Who knows whether the spirit…goes upward and whether…goes downward to the earth?’"... Is this saying that in some translations the word "whether" appears in the text? If so, this really changes the meaning from a clear statement that man goes upward at death and animals return to dust, or a statement that seems to question whether man and animals go to one place of the other....Does the Bible make it clear where animals go when they die? - Ivan
Q/A: I’m Joseph from the Philippines. Many Filipinos believe that Mary as the mother of Jesus can mediate between God and man which I don’t believe (1 Timothy 2:5). My question is: What is the role of Mary in God’s plan? Does her genealogy have something to do with the phrase, "The throne shall not depart from David?" If so, can you please help me find her genealogy in the Bible? - Joseph
Q/A: ... Some time after my conversion, I felt attracted to my brother’s wife and now and then indulged in sexual immorality. It was a great struggle for me to lead a life of sexual purity. I thought I could make it, but I fell many times. I realized that the best thing was to separate myself from her.... I was on the point of restarting the illicit relationship again, but then I found out that while I was gone for about 4 years, she had been entertaining an illicit relationship with another married man. I was and still am terribly shocked. I could have never imagined that she could have done such a thing....Now that she has found out that I have found out about the other illicit relationship, she is becoming aggressive to seduce me.... Should I tell my brother about the illicit relationship with the other married guy? Also, I don’t know whether I should envisage marriage to break away from the strong feelings for her? Or am I called to lead a celibate Christian life? Even though she continues in her immoral lifestyle, I know that I cannot hate her although I should hate the sin, and this is hard. What can I do to help her abandon this wrong lifestyle? - Dan
Q/A: Why are there two very different accounts of the death of Judas? - Robin
Q/A: I saw your reply to the question about Judas dying two different ways, and I must say I believe you to be quite mistaken. First of all, you say the stories "complement" each other. They do not. He is described in Matthew 27:3-5 as throwing the money back at the guards. He is described as buying a field with it in Acts 1:16-18. Hardly supportive. Another problem is you claim the "body ripping open" was that he hung himself and he fell on the rocks below. I don’t recall if rocks were even mentioned in that account for one thing, and for another, the Bible description in Acts 1:16-18 describes Judas as falling "headlong". That would be impossible if he had hung himself, and very unlikely. So it would appear to me that this a question left unanswered. - Rob
Q/A: Who is the woman in Rev. 12:1-2? I heard a minister say this is the Holy Spirit. The Apostles Creed says Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of Mary? What do you say? - Dennis
Q/A: I was wondering about the scripture that says it is a shame for a man to have long hair. I thought shame had more to do with sin, and since long hair is a superficial thing, is there some cultural or social aspect to this statement by the writer? Also, since Jesus became our shame and guilt on the cross, is it possible that he may have had long hair as depicted on a lot of movies about him? I have heard all of the statements about the culture of the time being influenced by the Romans and their short hair and how Jesus would have stood out if he had long hair. - Dave
Q/A: Could you please be so kind as to tell me whether there’s a difference between a non-believer and a faithless person? Those familiar with the Scriptures tell me God isn’t moved by anyone’s circumstances but by their faith in Him. How do I demonstrate my faith in God so he would answer my prayers? - Lazarus
Q/A: Is it proper or scriptural to say, "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus" or the "Lord rebuke you"? I was corrected for using the latter. - Frank
Q/A: Why did God turn his wrath on the innocent Egyptian children by killing them when Pharaoh refused to let the Israelites go? Similar incidents also in the bible suggest that he deeply favored only the Israelites and hated other races - even resorting to bringing plagues on them (apparently even on innocent ones) - and encouraged the Israelites to kill. Is God playing favoritism? - Jesse
Q/A: Could you comment on the concept of "turning the other cheek"? - KC
Q/A: What is the "mark of the beast" that the Bible refers to? - Deborah
Q/A: Did Pharaoh die during the Exodus or just his army? - Mark
Q/A: How many generations have humans been on earth and how are these generations broken (listed or identified) down by years/centuries? Thanks! - George
Q/A: What does the Bible say about capital punishment? I have read a lot of pro and anti articles, religious or not, but somehow, it doesn't come concrete. Where do we draw the line on God's involvement concerning judgment on human affairs. Does every human affair and making need to involve God? Please help. - Jesse
Q/A: What does the Bible say about begging? - Salim
Q/A: I found a real interesting web page you really need to check out. By checking out the numerics of the Bible we can see that God wrote the Bible through men. It has a lot of secrets that are being revealed today. Could they be part of the seven seals spoken of in the book of Revelation and Daniel? ..... - Jim
Q/A: I would like to know whether Elijah wrote a letter to the king of Israel after being taken up into the whirlwind? - Crystal
Q/A: Is your ministry dealing with the "GIFTS of the Spirit"? - Malcom
Q/A: My question has to do with heresy. I would like to see a concrete answer to the following: In your pages you bring up the word heresy many times. Usually after that you go on to explain what is considered by "traditional" Christianity the definition of a heretic, or heretical teaching. Yet I think it would behoove you to be careful about labeling people as heretics ..... - Doug
Q/A: If God is so big can he create a mountain he can't pickup? - Orly
Q/A: I like to do a little research before I support a ministry. Could you please answer the following question for me? Thanks in advance for your time and response. Are Plain Truth Ministries offices positions of remuneration or are they volunteer positions ..... - Ron
Q/A: In Mark 17-18 it sounds like if we don't do all the signs mentioned, we are not believers. In my heart I know that's not true. I'm sure I'm missing the meaning. Can you help? - Bob
Q/A: So do the studies on the website have a modicum of validity? - Bob
Q/A: I am currently having some conflicts in my life due to my change in thinking since becoming a Christian ..... I also have difficulties trying to take care of myself (love myself) and in turn sacrificing for God. There seems to be a conflict in messages when reading the Bible about self-sacrifice and turning your life over to Christ and taking care of yourself, your family and friends. For example, you cannot make a "big" decision to follow God without it affecting your family, children, career, plans for a house, etc. - Robert
Q/A: We have a 17 year old girl from Spain staying with us as an exchange student. Spain is a Christian country (it has a state religion), however she believes that there is no God. She goes to church (Assembly of God) with us, but says that it is boring because she doesn’t believe what is spoken. My wife and I are both born again, spirit filled Christians and we do not know how to answer this. We would like to lead her to the Lord, but we know that this is something that is voluntary, not pushed. HELP! - Richard
Q/A: Somewhere on the web, I found a page that told of what happened to some of the writers of the new Bible versions – it had said that a couple of them had lost their voice. Do you know anything about that? - Erma
Q/A: Does Leviticus 27:29 refer to both men and beasts as described in verse 28? Obviously it would be hard to put a field to death. The NIV appears to state that "devoted" persons are to be put to death. Jephthah the Gileadite, a judge of great faith, appears to have made such a vow and offering. Was there human sacrifice under the Old Covenant? - Denver
Q/A: ....What determines long hair on men and where does it become sinful (ashamed)? - Dennis
Q/A: Would you please explain in brief detail Romans, Chapter 7, beginning in verse 14. - Dennis
Q/A: What do you think about the "Sacred Names" issue? Should Christians use names such as Yahweh instead of LORD, Hayshua instead of Jesus, Messiah instead of Christ? Have the translators of the Bible made a huge error in substituting the word LORD for the tetragramaton YHWH or Yahweh? - Andrew
Q/A: Can you please explain Galatians 4:30. Is Paul telling us the bondwoman is natural Israel and the free woman is the true church of the Jerusalem above which is free? This is a very important scripture to be understood, as many people are convinced all natural Israel is to be restored for a 1,000 or a millenium. What’s the truth? - Ford
Q/A: ...In Genesis 1:1 In the beginning when God created the heavens and earth… I read this as one God created everything. In Genesis 1:26 And God, said "Let us make humankind in our image…" I read here that there is more than one God. Is this just God saying