Did you hear that the Catholics voted away limbo?
Question: I would just simply like to thank you for the time and research you put into studying what the Catholics believe and using Scripture to refute it. I didn’t really know a lot about the Catholic religion until I attended an event where a Catholic man did some basketball tricks, talked about being a…
Read MoreThank you for the notes on the Parable of the Unjust Steward
Question: I just read your notes on the Parable of the Unjust Steward. Thank you! I looked at many sites and thought they didn’t quite grasp it. I am using this story at a maximum-security institution to share with these guys how to be shrewd and cunning for the Lord and not waste their time and…
Read MoreDoes the fig tree refer to Israel?
Question: Is it true that the fig tree Jesus refers to is Israel? Can you explain this? Answer: You really did not give me much of a clue as to what you were referring to, but I did a quick search on the Internet in order to discover what is a common doctrine dealing with…
Read MoreWhen are examples binding?
Question: “The only other ordinance taught by Christ was for them to celebrate the Lord’s Supper each first day of the week, generally in the evening twilight.” [The Story of the Churches of Christ in Central Europe]. There have been disagreements over practices through the years based on which apostolic examples are binding. How can…
Read MoreThe man I am seeing is married. How do I fix this problem?
Question: What am I to do? I came out of a bad relationship and began seeing someone at work who is in fact married. Co-workers always said he had always said he’s going to find the right woman for himself. He had another girlfriend who worked there before for probably seven years. She was married…
Read MoreIs the book The Power of Your Subconscious Mind, by Joseph Murphy, Christian?
Question: Is the book The Power of Your Subconscious Mind, by Joseph Murphy, Christian? Answer: I have not read the book, but I did find the following description from the publisher: “I have seen miracles happen to men and women in all walks of life all over the world.” — Dr. Joseph Murphy. At last, a…
Read MoreTidbits on Millennial Beliefs
by Ethan Longhenry I just finished Apocalypses: Prophesies, Cults, and Millennial Beliefs through the Ages, by Eugen Weber. It was an excellent book, with two things that really stood out to me: Obsession About Dates Weber notes that obsession with dates is a relatively modern phenomenon. The idea of fin de siecle has only been around…
Read MoreIs quantum physics Christian?
Question: Is quantum physics Christian? Answer: Quantum mechanics is defined as: A modern physical theory (much developed and refined since Neils Bohr’s ground-breaking work in 1913) which deals with the structure and behavior of subatomic particles. The physical theory of the composition and behavior of atoms and subatomic particles; explains the duality of light as…
Read MoreHow are prayers handled when a woman’s husband is not a Christian?
Question: My husband is not a Christian. If a woman is not to lead prayer at home when her husband is present, then how are my children to learn to thank God for their food? What are my options? Answer: Where the prior answer assumed that both the husband and wife are Christians, your question deals with a…
Read MoreShould the current eldership select additional elders?
Question: Is it scripturally correct for elders to choose another elder and have him installed by an outside evangelist? The process I’m speaking of was one where two elders announced to a group of the members that the elders would be “selecting” the new elder(s) and deacon(s). Shouldn’t the “selection process” be left up to…
Read MoreThose “Other” Sinners
by Robert F. Turner “And John answered and said, `Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us'” (Luke 9:49). Answered what? The word may mean, “began to speak” but Vine says, it is always “where something has preceded, either statement or act to…
Read MoreWhat is the law in Romans 7?
Question: I would like to ask what is the “law” which Paul was referring to in Romans 7:14-25. Thank you. Answer: The Bible speaks of many different types of laws, so we need to examine the context to see what law is being discussed. Or do you not know, brethren (for I speak to those…
Read MoreIf the church isn’t a social organization, then how are the needy cared for?
Question: “The church has no bowling league, no softball team, nor does it sponsor a Boy Scout troop. We have an air-conditioned building with several rooms for Bible classes, but there is no kitchen, no banquet hall, no gymnasium, or party room. Perhaps you are wondering what kind of church is this, or what does…
Read MoreIsn’t it a contradiction when God changed His mind about the eating of animals?
Question: I read your article about contradictions in the Bible, and I agree most are silly ones and, unfortunately, usually malicious. However, I feel I have something rather genuine to present to you. (Yes, I am a vegan. This will clarify a few things about my perspective.) At the beginning of Genesis God said people can eat…
Read MoreWhat does God say about respect for life and His creation?
Question: I just read your article, “Did Jesus Eat Meat?”, and I have a question that I know I could find an answer to, but an educated perspective will be even better, in addition to my own research. What does God and the Bible say about respect for life and His creation? Answer: When God…
Read MoreWhy was Jesus in the grave for three days?
Question: My 8-year-old grandson asked me a question and I didn’t know how to answer him. Maybe you can help. Why was Jesus dead 3 days before He rose? Why not 1 day or 2 days? And what did he do in that time, if anything? Thanks for your help. God bless you! Answer: There…
Read MoreIf I sexually sinned when I was single, will I do the same when I am married?
Question: If I sinned by committing fornication when I was single when I am married will the same thing happen to me in my marriage? Answer: Such a question assumes that a person cannot change their behavior. “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived.…
Read MoreAre you a part of the “Church of Christ” denomination?
Question: I just found your site on the web. Very interesting information you have compiled. I am curious, are you, in fact, affiliated with what we know as the denomination Church of Christ? Or is it that you just align yourself with the Christ? Answer: As far as I know, there is no denomination using…
Read MoreCan you recommend books on the topic of miraculous gifts for today?
Question: I am currently doing a research paper on “Are the miraculous gifts for today?” I read your sermon on your website and would like to know if you could recommend any books I should use for my research. Answer: Read C.S. Lewis’ book Miracles. Also, Apologetics Press has a good article on this topic: Modern-Day…
Read MoreDoesn’t Rahab’s example prove that lying is acceptable in some situations?
Question: Doesn’t Rahab’s example prove that lying is acceptable in some situations? Answer: We know: That we cannot do evil that good may come from it (Romans 3:8). The Lord did not commend Rahab for lying (Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25). We are told not to lie (Colossians 3:9). That all liars will be eternally condemned…
Read MoreSince I had unmarried sex, should I remain single?
Question: I have been a Christian for many years. I had been with a man once after I became a Christian, but I have been living a life of abstinence before and after that brief “living together” period. I have been bugged by sexual desires and fantasies when I am in love with a man,…
Read MoreWhere does the Bible parallel the use of the laver to baptism?
Question: Hello, I am trying to finish up my paper, and I remember learning about the basin or laver bowl stand for the tabernacle in Exodus chapter 30, but I can’t remember where it says it relates back to baptism. It might be in Hebrews. I was wondering if you had any information on this,…
Read MoreWhere does the Bible say doctors won’t know what they are healing?
Question: My father-in-law keeps telling me that somewhere in the Bible it says that at the end of time the doctors will not know what they are healing. Can you tell me if this is in the Bible and if so where I might find it? Answer: Since your father-in-law claims that it is in…
Read MoreWhy won’t God heal amputees?
Question: Why won’t God heal amputees? After all, Jesus said, “If you ask anything in my name, I will do it” (John 14:14). Why doesn’t Jesus appear to us? Answer: The questions remind me of an event in the Gospels that we just studied last night. “Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him…
Read MoreWhy did God kill many people in the Old Testament?
Question: Why did God kill many people in the Old Testament, such as: “But God struck down some of the men of Beth Shemesh, putting seventy of them to death because they had looked into the ark of the LORD. The people mourned because of the heavy blow the LORD had dealt them” (I Samuel…
Read MoreIf there is no inherited sin, then wouldn’t this leave a possibility for a person to live a sinless life?
Question: I came across your article on infant baptism while doing a web search for Scriptures on the topic. In reading your article, I get the impression that your church does not believe in original sin? This seems to me like an astonishing view, as it would leave open at least a theoretical possibility for…
Read MoreWhat did Leah’s son find that Rachel wanted?
Question: Leah’s son found something that Rachael wanted? Could you explain this? Answer: “Now Reuben went in the days of wheat harvest and found mandrakes in the field, and brought them to his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, “Please give me some of your son’s mandrakes.” But she said to her, “Is it…
Read MoreDo the gospels contradict each other regarding Jesus’ empty tomb?
Question: I am a Christian but my friend has pointed out several contradictions in the Bible I when the women went to the tomb of Jesus I was hoping you could help me to resolve: Matthew – Earthquake with an angel sitting outside on the recently moved stone; Mark – Stone already moved and a…
Read MoreCould you explain the vow Paul took at Cenchrea?
Question: Can you please explain the vow Paul took at Cenchrea that made him cut off his hair recorded in Acts 18:18? Answer: Paul stated once, “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as…
Read MoreCan you explain the issue of divorce and remarriage more?
Question: First of all, I would like to thank you for writing back to me. I do enjoy and appreciate your website. I only wish your Church was closer. I am actually writing to you with a question that has been on my mind. I was born again in a United Pentecostal church. I was…
Read MoreMarriage and Divorce: The Good News and the Bad
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Psalm 50 I. An article came out in the paper in April of 2007 trumpeting the news that divorce rates are falling A. Divorce rates rose rapidly in the 1960s through the 1980’s with the adoption of no-fault divorce laws in the United States. 1. At its peak in 1981 there were…
Read MoreWhat is the eternal covenant?
Question: What is the eternal covenant? What is the difference from other covenants? Answer: “Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in…
Read MoreThe reason for the silly questions regarding spanking is because some people are annoyed at you
Question: I wanted to let you know that there is probably a reason you are receiving so many weird questions about spanking. There is an online community for adults who are interested in pursuing spanking relationships, domestic discipline, and Christian domestic discipline, etc. Somehow, one of your responses made it onto one of these websites…
Read MoreWhy did Ruth uncover Boaz’s feet?
Question: Why did Ruth uncover Boaz’s feet? Answer: In the story of Ruth, Ruth worked in the fields as a charity case to supply food for her mother-in-law and herself. Ruth didn’t realize it, but the field she selected was owned by a relative of her deceased father-in-law. Boaz spoke to her, realized she was…
Read MoreWhat were the professions of the twelve apostles?
Question: What were the professions of the twelve apostles? I know four were fishermen. What about the rest? Answer: The original twelve apostles were: Simon Peter or Cephas fisherman – Matthew 4:18 Andrew fisherman – Matthew 4:18 James fisherman – Matthew 4:18 John fisherman – Matthew 4:18 Philip Nathaniel or Bartholomew Levi or Matthew tax…
Read MoreCan a woman lead prayers at home when her husband is present?
Question: I understand why men lead prayer in public and not women (I Timothy 2:11-12; I Corinthians 14:34). But what about my wife and I praying together in private, is it wrong for her to lead us in prayer? Answer: The passage in I Corinthians 14 deals with the worship service (I Corinthians 14:23) and…
Read MoreShould a child’s personality be considered when disciplining?
Question: We ought to consider our children’s personalities and characters when we seek to discipline them. What works well for one child may not work for another, even within the same family. Might spanking be a good form of discipline for one child, but ineffective or damaging to another? Are there some children who shouldn’t…
Read MoreWhat is the Book of Jasher?
Question: I would like to ask you about II Samuel 1:18. This verse speaks of ‘The Book of Jasher’. What is this book? I have noticed other parts in the Old Testament that also refer to other books. Are the writers referring to other writings of the Bible? Or other writings from that time? Would…
Read MoreCould you clarify why you say we don’t inherit Adam’s sin?
Question: Hello. I am a Christian, not a Catholic, and have been very pleased with your website where you lay things out very clearly and precisely. Thank you for providing such a resource to the world. I especially enjoyed the article on the Epistle to Laodicea. I was reading this sermon on Catholicism. I find…
Read MoreIs loving each other at the age of 17 right or wrong?
Question: Is loving each other at the age of 17 right or wrong? Answer: Your question is too vague for me to give you a good answer. You have a love for your parents from the time you are a small child, and that is certainly right. People are quite capable of falling in love…
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