Is Assyria the same as Syria today?
Question: Is Assyria the same as Syria today? Answer: Assyria was an ancient empire whose capital city was Nineveh (II Kings 19:36). It was primarily located in Mesopotamia, the land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers on the western end — roughly where Iraq is currently located. Syria was kingdom located at the northeast corner…
Read MoreProphets Today? Think Again!
by Garreth L. Clair Kenneth Copeland “Copeland’s Prophecy Fails” by Bill Dillon False prophets are in abundance in today’s world and occasionally these religious pretenders over play their hand and say too much. Kenneth Copeland did on December 12, 2001. At a dedication service Copeland asserted that one billion Muslims would be converted in the…
Read MoreThe Great Giveaway
Text: Luke 14:25-33 I. A Christian came to me and handed me a note one which was written “Luke 14:33 cannot be a disciple unless give up possessions. Why? 2 Cor. 8:14 for equality” A. I immediately told him he was wrong. B. His reply was how can he be wrong, he just quoted what the Bible…
Read MoreThe Development of the New Testament Text
by Jim Snapp II The history of the development of the New Testament begins (of course) with the original text. The first document to contain the original text is called the “autograph.” That is what the “A” in this box stands for. By “autograph,” I do not necessarily mean the text written by the main…
Read MoreWhat is a lady?
Question: What is a lady? Answer: In England, a lady was a woman who was married to a lord. Thus over the years, the term has become a polite way of addressing woman, such as “The nice lady at the book store helped me find a good Bible.” Its complement is calling a man a…
Read MoreWhat was the climate like in Jesus’ time?
Question: I am doing an assignment on Jesus. Two questions which I am really struggling to find information on are: What was the weather like and what was the climate like in Jesus’ time? What crops were grown in Jesus’ time? If you have any information about any of these could you please let me…
Read MoreA co-worker isn’t speaking to me. Should I ask her what is wrong?
Question: I have a question that relates to a fellow co-worker. We once had a very nice relationship where we could talk about stuff, and recently it has changed for the worse. I have pondered why it has gone this way for a while and now we are at the point where we do not…
Read MoreIs Our Fate Predetermined?
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. Trying to grasp the concept of an infinite God sometimes causes finite man to make mistakes A. Consider this statement from the Presbyterian Confession of Faith (chapter 3, section 1): “God, from all eternity, did by the most wise and holy counsel of His own will, freely and unchangeably ordain whatsoever come…
Read MoreIs Jesus About to Return?
Text: Matthew 24:36-42 I. There was an advertisement in the local paper not too long ago titled “8 Compelling Reasons Why: Christ Is Coming Very Soon!” A. It starts out saying, “The evidence for the soon return of Jesus Christ is overwhelming. It could be any moment. One scholar lists 167 converging clues just in the…
Read MoreWhat new law was given concerning the Passover in Numbers 9?
Question: Maybe you can help straighten me out. I have been asked to teach the book of Numbers so I decided to use David Padfield’s lesson on it, had pamphlets of it made up for each member in the class before studying it thoroughly as I should have and find myself really struggling to find…
Read MoreHow did Sabbath day worship get turned into Sunday worship?
Question: How did the Sabbath day (Saturday) when we worship together turn into Sunday? Can you tell me where it is in the catechism’s doctrine? I know a little about the Council of Trent but cannot find where this issue is addressed. Answer: The change in the day of worship came with the changes in…
Read MoreWhy did you use non-biblical sources in your answer on the Sabbath?
Question: I’m surprised that all your quotations about the observance of the sabbath are not biblical, so what is it you are trying to teach us? Can you kindly use the scriptures and not those the Holy Spirit denied being included in the Bible because of their contradictions? Answer: I’m assuming you are referring to…
Read MoreCan anyone be saved who wants to be saved?
Question: Would you say that anyone who wants to be saved, or chooses to repent, will be saved? Is there a Bible passage, or multiple passages you can point me to about that? Answer: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but…
Read MoreMy map shows Baal Zephon to be on the Mediterranean Sea, so doesn’t this prove the crossing of the Red Sea to be allegorical?
Question: I found an old map in my Tanach that shows Baal Zephon was on the Mediterranean with a thin ridge to the east. I note that both the Torah and the King James Version gives “the sea” for the crossing. This indicates to me that in the subsequent verses that hold “Moses brought us…
Read MoreHow do I stop repeating sins?
Question: I have been struggling with my past and with sins that I seem to repeat. I know that Jesus died and is forgiving of sins when we repent. My problem is that I was baptized and then slipped into a path of sin and lust. I truly want Jesus to be in control of…
Read MoreThe Holy Spirit’s Work
I. We have noted that the third person in the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, is often misunderstood. A. People have let the imaginations run wild in regard to who the Spirit is and especially in how He operates. B. Many of the incorrect beliefs are based on phrases found in the Bible, taken out of context of the…
Read MoreWhere Do You Live?
I. Where a person spends his time reveals a lot about their character A. Which country or region a person comes from B. The kind of home they select or the people they live with C. But we are interested in spiritual things here. Where can I find your tent, among God’s people or Satan’s followers? D. The Bible…
Read MoreJohn Hus: The Pre-Reformer
by Jeff Young published in Biblical Insights, December 2005 In the middle of Old Town Square, in the heart of Prague, Czech Republic, stands a large discolored statue of John Huss (ca. 1370-1415). The Czech spelling is Jan Has – pronounced “yan hoose.” Appropriately, Hus rhymes with the English translation of his last name – “goose,” a…
Read MoreIf you weren’t a part of the rapture and had to face the tribulation, would that shake your faith?
Question: I have a question for you concerning the rapture. I have been thinking about this a long time and I was wondering what you thought of this. With all that is happening in the world today, we all know the end of the world is at hand. My question is this: Suppose some catastrophic…
Read MoreWhat is the punishment for the unrepentant sinner on Judgment Day?
Question: I wanted to write and ask you what you teach the punishment for sin is for unrepentant sinners at the final Judgement. Answer: “… and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who…
Read MoreAre Christians predestined to go to heaven?
Question: I was looking at your website and it is very informative. Will you please answer the following question? Are Christians predestined to go to heaven? Answer: See: The articles “Can I Lose My Way to Heaven?” and “Predetermined Destiny.” And also the sermon “Being a Christian Will Not Save You.”
Read MoreLegalism: The Un-Sin
by Steve Klein Since the church began, the devil has concocted any number of diabolical schemes to ensnare God’s people. One of his most successful gambits has been the invention of the pseudo-sin commonly called legalism. More people consider legalism to be a sin than consider 7-UP to be a cola, but they are all…
Read MoreCould you explain Matthew 24:30?
Question: I have a question about Matthew 24:30. (I believe it is about the second coming of Christ.) I have been doing some personal study and discussed it with a fellow brother. Basically, it refers to symbolic events similar to instances of God’s judgment on mankind or nations. Would like to get feedback from you…
Read MoreAre there passages that refer to THE Lord’s Supper?
Question: We have been studying the Lord’s supper issues and one of our main concerns is about a second offering in which only a few partake, for the reasons you listed in your article (not doing it together). We have been questioning the idea of everyone taking it a second time. We have been cautious…
Read MoreDo you employ a full-time leader?
Question: We found your site by accident during a Google search on Edom. We are non-denominational believers based in Indiana. We were pleased to note an emphasis on the spiritual and an avoidance of worldliness in your assembly. We feel called to fellowship with other believers, but we find that very few organizations today manage…
Read MoreIs it possible for a person to blaspheme today?
Question: Thank you for that comprehensive answer regarding blasphemy. That makes a lot of sense. I see what you mean about seeing a miracle and still rejecting God. Does that mean no one could commit blasphemy against the Holy Spirit today unless they had a near-death experience or something like that? So just saying or…
Read MoreShould teens be spanked with a switch?
Question: Regarding: How do we start biblical discipline when our children are already older? Spanking teens with a switch? Yeah right. I hope you burn in hell for this kind of advice to parents. You are a fraud and certainly not a man of God. Answer: I certainly noticed how empty your note is of content,…
Read MoreIs this spanking normal?
Question: This afternoon I was at my girlfriend’s house, and she has a 7-year-old son. He was not putting his toys away after he was done playing with them. My friend Gina asked him to please put his toys away, and he said “no” and back talked her. She grabbed him by the arm, told…
Read MoreDoes a marriage begin when it is consummated?
Question: I have a friend who claims that only virgins can get married. If a couple is were not virgins at the time of their marriage, he says it is not a legitimate marriage and they must separate. His reasoning is that a marriage begins when a man and woman have sex. Therefore, the first…
Read MoreWhat about prophecy in the church?
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 prophets before they are free to prophesy or give words in a meeting? Answer: Just because a role was mentioned in the New Testament,…
Read MoreAre homosexuals going to hell because they found themselves to be homosexual, yet remain chaste?
Question: When Jesus said to love your neighbor, he did not distinguish between gay and straight, sinner or saint. He said to love your neighbor. I have gay and straight neighbors. Jesus himself welcomed “sinners.” The article treats homosexuals as if they were a great downfall to society. I know of homosexuals who choose to…
Read MoreShould married couples stay in touch on a regular basis with an ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend?
Question: Should married couples stay in touch on a regular basis with an ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend? And what if the friend is also married? Answer: Does a person’s likes and dislikes in particular personalities change just because they become married? If I really enjoyed golf and had a group of friends with whom I golfed,…
Read MoreSince children are no longer stoned for disobedience, how can homosexuality be called wrong?
Question: During a recent ‘homosexuality’ debate someone has thrown out (and judging by Google it’s the newest rallying cry) that we can’t oppose homosexuality while at the same time opposing the stoning of disobedient children. I have a feeling that the usual Old Testament versus New Testament law argument is going to be largely ignored.…
Read MoreHow do I help a young man going down the wrong path?
Question: I do have a question concerning a young man (about 17) who is heading down the wrong path. He is my friend’s brother-in-law who always gets in trouble legally. He does various things, such as smoking, and stealing, and has been sexually involved with a 14-year-old girl recently. This is the second or third…
Read MoreWon’t a Mormon disagree that their book doesn’t teach pre-existence of mortal man?
Question: I will be the first to tell you that I am not a Mormon. The article on your web site entitled, How to Use the Book of Mormon, is very good. But keep in mind, that a Mormon could challenge your article where it says that the Mormon doctrine of pre-existence is not found in the book…
Read MoreTesting Mormonism
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I John 3:23-4:3 I. Those promoting the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints, will often ask you to pray to the Holy Spirit about their Book of Mormon A. “Pray,” they will ask of you, “and see if the Spirit tells you that what is in this book is…
Read MoreWhat is there to repent for in being homosexual?
Question: I have just read your article entitled What Homosexuals Want and a few questions came up. In the first paragraph, it is referenced that homosexuals, unless they repent, shall not inherit the kingdom of heaven ( I Corinthians 6:9-11). However, in referencing the scriptural quote, it says “homosexual offenders,” meaning those who commit sinful homosexual…
Read MoreWhen should an invitation be offered?
Question: We meet in a rented hall so we don’t have a bell or buzzer to use to alert everyone when services begin. During our business meeting last evening one brother (whose wife teaches the children’s class) made a request. He stated that our normal procedure during our mid-week services has been that we make…
Read MoreWhy did Paul say he left Titus in Crete?
Question: I just discovered your website after searching the Internet for “Paul’s letter to the Laodiceans”. Your explanation is very interesting and has merit. Thank you for providing answers to so many questions that arise from time to time. Now that I think about it, I have a question: How do you explain Paul’s letter to Titus? …
Read MoreShould I give my seven-year-old a spanking for getting an F on his report card?
Question: Yesterday my seven-year-old son came home from school with an F, on his report card. I told him the last time if he gets another F, I was going to get a spanking. Is that the right thing to do? Answer: When I received this note (what you are seeing is a severely edited…
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