Is the commandment “You shall not kill” or “You shall not murder”?
Question: Is the commandment “You shall not kill” or “You shall not murder”? Answer: The Hebrew word in Exodus 20:13 and Deuteronomy 5:17 is ratsach. It is not the commonly used words for killing, which are haragh (to slay) and muth (to die). Ratsach is most frequently used in Numbers 35 where rules are given to determine if the death of a…
Read MoreWhy is Hong Kong calling the Bible indecent?
Question: Why is Hong Kong screaming about the indecency of the Bible and wanting it banned it from the children? Answer: You need to read the news reports more carefully. Hong Kong as a government or society is not calling the Bible indecent. There is an agency in the Hong Kong government who has reported…
Read MoreWhat problems have you found in the ESV?
Question: A friend sent me your post regarding the translation known as ISV. I, like you, do not believe the ISV to be a consistent or accurate translation of the originals. I would like to ask you, what translation errors have you noted in your research of the ESV text? Finally, what seems to be more…
Read MoreWhat do you think about the International Standard Version?
Question: What do you think about the International Standard Version? Answer: I just happened to be doing a lesson at the time on various Bible translations, their good points, and their bad points, so I checked into the International Standard Version. What I found was awful. Never have I seen a more inconsistent translation. There…
Read MoreDoesn’t the observance of the Sabbath predate Israel?
Question: I read that response the only problem is that the Sabbath was instituted way before there were Jews and Gentiles, back in Genesis 2:1-2. Therefore, it wasn’t given just to the Israelites but to all humankind to enjoy and celebrate the creation of the Earth by God. I could be wrong, but were Adam…
Read MoreDo women have menstrual pains because of Eve’s sin?
Question: Is it because of Eve’s sin that women go through menstrual periods or the pains that come with it? Answer: “To the woman He said: “I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire shall be for your husband, And he shall rule over you.””…
Read MoreWho was the giant with six fingers and toes?
Question: What is the name of the giant that was killed (he had extra fingers and toes)? Answer: “Yet again there was war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature, who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot, twenty-four in number; and he also was born to…
Read MoreShould I trust in God for my healing and not seek the aid of a doctor?
Question: I’m a diabetic and I take insulin. Should I trust in God for my healing and not seek the aid of a doctor (II Chronicles16:12)? Answer: Perhaps I should walk off of a cliff and trust that God will prevent me from being injured. Oh, wait a minute, someone suggested that before and it…
Read MoreIs having a symbol of Christianity idolatry?
Question: Is having the name of Jesus displayed anywhere tantamount to idolatry, or is it a “denominational symbol”? [To clarify, I might ask, “Is the written name of Jesus equal to an idol, if displayed openly?”] Years ago, I bought a car from a young lady. On the trunk lid of that car was the…
Read MoreDoes a prophet need to be an official minister before they can prophesy?
Question: What about prophecy in a church? Should the prophet ask the minister to check the word before it is given? Should a prophet first be ‘released’ into the ministry of a prophet before they are free to prophesy or give words in a meeting? If a person is on an organized mission and does…
Read MoreDo children attend your worship services?
Question: Hello. We are going to be visiting Omaha next weekend and we are looking for a church to attend on Sunday morning. I have a couple of questions. Do you allow children ( 2 years old to 6 years old) to be a part of your worship service or do they have their own…
Read MoreAre you a Jehovah’s Witnesses church?
Question: Would you consider your church to be a Jehovah’s Witnesses church? I really enjoy reading the question and answer section of your website. It is very enlightening. Keep up the great work. P.S. I mean no disrespect. I’m just curious. God bless you brother. Answer: The Jehovah’s Witnesses are a denomination that traces their…
Read MoreAre there sacrifices during the millennium?
Question: Isaiah 6:1 refers to a heavenly temple. My question is: Is that in the future or during the millennium? Also, there are some scholars, such as Tim Lahaye, who teach that there will be sacrifices during the millennium. What are your thoughts on these matters? Answer: To answer your question we must back up…
Read MoreDoes the sycamore tree still have fruit today as it did in biblical times?
Question: Does the sycamore tree still have fruit today as it did in biblical times? Answer: There are actually several plants know as sycamore in today’s world. In the middle east region, where most of the Bible takes place, sycamore is a type of fig. Its formal name today is ficus sycomorus. They have existed…
Read MoreShould children contribute to the church?
Question: My daughter is now eleven years old. When we, in the church, lay by in store on Sunday she has always put in her small amount. I have encouraged this to teach her to give. However, some oppose this with the view that giving is for adults, for the baptized. Of course, we don’t…
Read MoreWhat do you think about a woman who smokes pot while pregnant?
Question: I’m interested in a girl, interested enough to get serious about her. She’s pregnant with another boy’s baby (he dumped her), but that’s all right with me, I’ve made similar mistakes. But she smokes — mostly cigarettes, but sometimes pot. I’m not certain, but I really like her. What do you think? Answer: While…
Read MoreWhat is the difference between a revival and a Gospel meeting?
Question: What is the difference between having a “revival” and a “Gospel meeting?” Answer: Depending on who you talk to the answer can range from not much too quite a bit. One definition of a revival is “an evangelistic meeting intended to reawaken interest in religion.” Where a Gospel meeting focuses on teaching some aspect…
Read MoreHow does a non-parent give a spanking when asked by a parent?
Question: I have a question as it relates to helping a Christian single mom. She has asked me to help with enforcing boundaries with her two sons. Their father is not in the picture. I have spent time with being a role model for the boys, as they have spent time with me fishing and…
Read MoreCan a young couple make a covenant even though their parent won’t allow them to marry?
Question: If a holy couple is in love, and is having a child on the way and wants to bring the child in right, but one of the mate’s parents does not agree with marrying so young. So the couple brings their relationship to God because they both have strong relationship with Him. And they…
Read MoreDon’t you know Israel will be saved after the fullness of the Gentiles is reached?
Question: Argh! I just read your nonsense about Israel! You even mixed in man’s flawed concept of ‘forever’ with God’s – how could you be so deceptive to your flock? How can you explain what is happening in Israel today…is not Jerusalem, as God said it would be, become a cup of trembling, a burdensome…
Read MoreShould a head covering be worn all the time?
Question: I wanted to thank you for the wonderful study of I Corinthians 11:1-16. I have recently felt the need to study this. I am a new sister in Christ and no one else in my church uses head coverings but I feel that it is what I should be doing. Your explanation was so helpful…
Read MoreHow many James are there in the Bible?
Question: Can you list the different James’s in the New Testament and the Scriptures where they are found? Answer: There is James, the brother of John, the sons of Zebedee (Matthew 4:21). There is James, the brother of Jude (sometimes called Joses), the sons of Alphaeus (Matthew 10:3). There is a James who was half-brother…
Read MoreWhat is wrong with Lutheranism?
Question: You addressed other denominations and contrasted their doctrines to the Church of Christ’s teachings. Could you please address your differences with the Lutheran faith (I can see the issues of infant baptism and original sin in reading your articles). I am a member of the WELS and we take our doctrine seriously and I…
Read MoreI don’t feel right about a past event, how do I correct it?
Question: I have an issue that I need to resolve in some way. I am seeking your advice because you are objective (not emotionally involved) and I believe you truly want to serve the Lord. Last year, my daughter was entered into the 4-H county fair. She did a sewing project among other things. She…
Read MoreHow does a person become a new creation?
Question: In his letters the apostle Paul said that the person who receives the gift of faith becomes a new “creation” ( a new person). How does he understand this change or transformation? How exactly does the person become this “new creation”? Answer: The Bible doesn’t discuss people receiving a gift of faith. There is…
Read MoreWhy People Give Up on Good Things
by Abraham Smith Some solutions to consider In today’s times, many good efforts have been started and then abandoned. Churches have initiated efforts to save the lost, but they stopped. People have given up on themselves. Students have given up on their education. Husbands and wives have given up on their marriages. Children of God…
Read MoreWhy Is It?
by Morris D. Norman via Gospel Power, Vol. 16, No. 1, Jan. 4, 2009. We see so many in today’s society that are doing so many things to destroy health and shorten life. There are many campaigns and many public advertisements to keep people from the evil of drugs, drink, and tobacco but the number who…
Read MoreWhy I Left the Baptist Church
by Grover Stevens No Animosity For Baptists I would like to say in the beginning that I have no animosity whatsoever against Baptists. Personally, I have no reason for leaving the Baptist church, but quite to the contrary, if personal reasons counted, I would never have left the Baptist Church, because personality is in their…
Read MoreWho Loaned Us Lent?
by Mike Thomas Now is the time of year when Catholics practice Lent. The term comes from the Old English term “lencten,” which meant “the spring season.” It is now used to describe the forty-day period prior to Easter wherein people seek to imitate the forty-day fast of Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2). The…
Read MoreWhere Is Your Faith?
by J. F. Dancer Have you ever asked yourself this question? We all assume that our faith is in God, but it may not be so! Paul said that when he came to Corinth he was careful to preach God’s word in a plain and simple manner so the faith of the Corinthians would stand…
Read MoreWhen the Vow Breaks
by Wilson Adams via Biblical Insights, Vol. 7, No. 2, February 2007 I am divorced. Like the alcoholic who finds the courage to stand at his first A.A. meeting and admit what he would rather hide and deny, well, that’s me. It’s not easy writing those words or even admitting them to myself. You may wonder…
Read MoreIf your sin is also a crime, should you turn yourself in when you repent?
Question: In the example of the murderer, would God expect him to turn himself into the authorities if his crime was not known or found out? Answer: One aspect of repenting of sin is demonstrating a complete change in life. “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow…
Read MoreCan you get pregnant from oral sex?
Question: About a week ago I was fooling around with this boy and I gave him oral sex and swallowed his ejaculation, then we kissed and he gave me oral sex. Is there a possibility that his sperm could have traveled from my mouth to his and then into my vagina? Could I be pregnant?…
Read MoreHow can a parent spank a teenage athlete?
Question: I have read some of the responses to Christian parents questions on spanking their children and teenagers. Many of my friends have trouble with their teenagers and often think of using it. The thing is what would a parent do with a teenager who is athletic, a soccer player, a junior varsity football or…
Read MoreDoes God hate all adulterers and fornicators?
Question: Does God hate all adulterers and fornicators? Are they all destined to burn for all eternity in the fires of Hell? Answer: Your question is misleading in that it doesn’t consider the possibility of sinners leaving their sins behind. We are warned, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and…
Read MoreWhen Life Hurts
by David Thurman via Gospel Minutes (Vol. 56, No. 3; Jan. 19, 2007). All of us experience hardships from time to time. All of us face struggles that make little or no sense to us. Sometimes the hurt comes from what others do to us. Sometimes we cause our own pain. Sometimes it takes place…
Read MoreWhat’s in Your Hand?
by Wendy Capehart (originally posted on Pleonast) In 1983 we had a baby on the way — and no jobs. My husband’s boss died, and his wife disbanded the company and returned to Holland, her native country. We began a long stretch of using it up, wearing it out, making it do, and doing a…
Read MoreWhat Our Desires Produce Within Us
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Galatians 5:19-23 Context: Paul has severely chastised the Galatians for attempting to bind the Old Law upon Christians. As he wraps up his arguments as to why this is wrong, Paul points out that those who desire to bind the Old Law are worldly-minded. They want things to be done…
Read MoreWhy does God feel so distant to me?
Question: I have read the articles on blasphemy and they have given me a better understanding of what it is. But I am still not sure if a person can think blasphemous thoughts not speak them and still be condemned. I feel that God is so distant from me and that this is because His…
Read MoreCan a man go shirtless to church?
Question: Is it acceptable biblically for a young man to attend church in just shorts? And if not, why not? Answer: I was asked a similar question a while back: What do you think about people wearing shorts to church? I don’t know if you are extending this to mean attending church without a shirt as…
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