Answer
Is it wrong for my employer to demand more hours from me?
Question: I have been asked by my employer to work more hours since they laid off other employees. Is there anything against doing this in the Bible, if it means having less time with my young son and wife? This will not be overtime as I am a salaried employee. Answer: As a salaried employee,…
Read MoreI was involved in porn and prostitution, but I repented since getting caught. My wife still wants to divorce me. Do I deserve a chance to show I’ve changed?
Question: I have been a Christian, a member of the church of Christ, since the age of 13. I also have been in the grasp of sexual addiction all that time. I married, almost a quarter-century ago, a beautiful Christian lady who deserved better. Through the years I have used porn and escorts to satisfy…
Read MoreHow could the gospel have been preached to every creature?
Question: My brother and I disagree about Matthew 24:14. I used it in relation to where Paul said the Gospel has been preached in all the world. His response was that was saying Jesus’ death had been proclaimed to all the earth but not preached. I understand his point of view because it says every…
Read MoreWhat does the Nazarene church mean by “properly expressed” in regards to sexual intimacy?
Question: Regarding sexual intimacy between a married couple, what does the Nazarene church mean by the phrase, “properly expressed?” “…We stand firmly on the belief that the biblical concept of marriage, always between one man and one woman in a committed, lifelong relationship, is the only relationship within which the gift of sexual intimacy is…
Read MoreIs it proper to grieve over someone who is deluded by false teachers?
Question: It’s been some time since I’ve written. I’m the fellow whose wife joined a charismatic group and said that God told her to divorce me and this was supported by her Christian friends because I was not Christ-like and had an issue with the charismatic stuff. Although I’ve given up any hope of ever reconciling,…
Read MoreWhat do you know about the “Acts of Paul and Thecla?”
Question: I was reading some Bible literature and came across a reference book, “Acts of Paul and Thecla”. I was wondering if you could enlighten me and provide some clarification of this book and relevance to the Bible. I understand that is was one of the lost books of the Bible and describes Paul and…
Read MoreAre the trials of Jesus historically accurate?
Question: Are the trials of Jesus historically accurate? I ran across a web site that claims that some of the details of the trial were not historically accurate, but rather made up. The web site also claims that Pilate was not portrayed accurately and that the trial before the Sanhedrin (or I assume the questioning…
Read MoreWhat is meant by “speaking the truth in love?”
Question: “That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ:”…
Read MoreWhat about displaying so-called pictures of Jesus?
Question: What about displaying so-called pictures of Jesus? Answer: First, we have no idea what the physical appearance of Jesus was. I am reminded of the old story of the small child in Bible class who drew a crude picture of an airplane, with three people in the back and one in the front. Asked…
Read MoreDoes the word “lord” mean “baal?”
Question: It is my understanding that the word “lord” means “baal.” Can you shed some light on this? Answer: The word baal is a root word in Hebrew and other Semitic languages which can mean lord, owner, master, possessor, or husband depending on the context in which it is used. Owner “If an ox gores a man…
Read MoreShould Christians sing during the Lord’s supper?
Question: Should Christians sing during the Lord’s supper? Answer: I wonder what is next — singing during prayer or singing during the sermon!? I really don’t understand why people think that the Lord’s Supper needs some kind of “crutch” or “support” to make it meaningful and relevant to Christians. When the Lord gave the bread…
Read MoreHow do you answer a teacher who claims religion is not based on evidence?
Question: How would you answer a professor who claims that religion and faith are not based on evidence, but rather they are based on what people “want” in life, contrary to scientific evidence and that what is considered scientific has to be “peer-reviewed”? To me it seems that my professor is operating on the assumption…
Read MorePeter can’t be referring to the physical elements being destroyed, can he?
Question: To get to my point here, it is stated in the study you gave me on “The Second Coming of the Lord” that in II Peter 3 is talking about the “end of the world.” Let us have a closer examination of it, and we will find it means nothing of the sort. Please…
Read MoreA Roman Catholic priest attempts to defend homosexuality
Question: I found your article concerning homosexuality and the Bible, under the title “Is homosexuality condemned in the Scriptures?” I would like to clarify something, and perhaps provide a new perspective. You stated that “the reason that the Bible doesn’t mention “gay love” is that such a thing does not exist.” You are incorrect. By…
Read MoreCan a Christian defend himself and others with deadly force, if necessary?
Question: Can a Christian get a concealed weapons permit and carry a hand gun regularly with the intention of using it to defend himself, his family of the public at large from an attacker? I guess the more general question is: can a Christian defend himself, his family or is neighbor to the point of…
Read MoreWhat is the difference between “happy” and “joy”?
Question: I can’t find a defined difference between happy or happiness and joy or joyfulness in the Bible. I was wondering about the difference. I remember learning about it one time, but I can’t find what I learned anywhere and my dictionaries are not that in-depth. Answer: “Joy” is the translation of the Greek word chara.…
Read MoreAs a non-believer, I found parts of two articles offensive
Question: I stumbled across your site whilst randomly browsing the Internet and I was very interested in it. Now I should first mention that I do not believe in God but was raised a Catholic and have many friends of many different faiths and have always thought that all sides can learn a little from…
Read MoreMy husband has become distant to me since the death of his daughter. Now he wants out of our marriage. What should I do?
Question: My husband and I married seven years ago. A year after we were married, my husband lost his 21-year-old daughter in a car wreck. She left behind a daughter (our granddaughter) who was 18 months old and she lives with her father. I was also very close to his daughter. We had a wonderful…
Read MoreCould Jesus and the apostle only do miracles after receiving the Holy Spirit?
Question: Do you think that Jesus was able to perform miracles after His baptism because the Holy Spirit came to Him and that Jesus was not able to perform miracles before this because He didn’t have the Holy Spirit? This was presented in class and my gut feeling is that something is wrong with this…
Read MoreCould you explain “foreknew” and “predestined” to me?
Question: I have struggled for years with the “foreknew” and “predestined” parts. I believe the Bible 100% and actually understand what is being said; however, there is something I can’t quite get. Maybe I can ask my question this way: I am blessed with two grandsons. God knew from the beginning everything about these children.…
Read MoreWhat does it mean to contend for the faith?
Question: I am reading the book of Jude and he said in verse 3, “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” What…
Read MoreHow do I improve my concentration and ability to memorize?
Question: My humble respect to you. I’m a student and I study a lot. Would you give me, please, some advice on how to enhance my concentration and ability to memorize? Answer: If you are like most young men whom I know, you have a strong ability to concentrate. Not all the time, but if…
Read MoreWho are you to decide which books belong in the Bible?
Question: I read your article on the internet and I think you need to re-read genisis concerning the giants and the fallen angels, sir. Angels were able to trnasform themselves into human beings just read the story of the two men( who were angels of God) who spoke to Lot and stayed in his home and…
Read MoreIs it ok to be a fan of a team that calls itself the Blue Devils?
Question: I am a huge Duke fan. Is it ok to be a fan of a team that calls itself the Blue Devils? Answer: Despite having graduated from North Carolina State University, I think we can let this one slide. The technical meaning of the word “devil” is an adversary, though it is usually used…
Read MoreAre there degrees of rewards and punishment?
Question: Are there degrees of punishment and rewards after the judgment? In II Peter 2:20-21 Peter states, “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had…
Read MoreWhat are the differences between Catholicism and Christianity in regards to sex, abortion, and stuff?
Question: Ok. The thing is, I was baptized Roman Catholic. The information on the Internet is kind of confusing on the views of sex, abortion, and stuff. Is there any difference in these topics between Christianity and Catholicism? Answer: There are differences between what the Roman Catholic church teaches and what you find in the…
Read MoreWill the earth be destroyed?
Question: Will the earth be destroyed? Answer: “Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of…
Read MoreWhy is America prosperous and the Philippines are not
Question: It seems that the recession has had little effect on the call centers here because a lot of companies are in need of manpower. A visiting preacher had announced the deferment of some of his benevolence because some of the brethren where he is from are getting laid off from their jobs. It is…
Read MoreWhat kind of oil should be used for anointing during fasts?
Question: Would you please explain Matthew 6:17? It says “But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head and wash thy face” but many people say something like do not take this verse literally, anointing one’s head is not really important, what really matters is his/her attitude towards God. But I think since the Bible teaches…
Read MoreGiven the state of the church today, of course, Christians are not required to attend services
Question: What you are saying about Christians who are not going to church are not saved is utter rubbish. It’s all one-sided. I Kings 18:21 tells us not to limp between two opinions. Amos 3:3 says how can two walk together except they be agreed. II Corinthians 6:14-17 says come out from unbelievers — those…
Read MoreAre Baptists Christians and where does the Bible speak against creeds?
Question: I have discussed with a lady the fact that one has not put on Christ until she has been baptized into Him. She is a Baptist but has been discussing the Bible with an open mind. She said her preacher told the congregation this weekend that they are “bought with His blood.” She wants…
Read MoreMy parents don’t think the girl I want to marry is good looking enough. What should I do?
Question: I’m 24 years old and a Christian by faith. I fell in love with a girl at my workplace. She, too, is a Christian. I thought my parents would accept her, but on the contrary, they did not. My parents have not even allowed me to speak my mind. I feel terrible within. After…
Read MoreWhen does repentance take place?
Question: I once doubted the death, burial, and resurrection part of my baptism. I have cleared my conscience on that part. I came to realize that I knew what I was doing on that part. For some reason, I have started doubting my repentance before baptism. I knew before I was immersed that I had…
Read MoreMy boyfriend has sickle cell anemia and I’m a carrier. Should we marry?
Question: I’m 19 this year and my boyfriend is 24. We’ve been together for almost a year now and are in a long-distance relationship. He has spoken to me about marriage, but we are in a difficult situation. He has sickle cell meaning his genotype is SS and my genotype is AS and because of…
Read MoreA young man wants to attend church but his father is interfering. How do you handle the situation?
Question: In the youth Bible class, one of my students (an 18-year-old young woman) asked a question I wasn’t sure how to respond to. She has a boyfriend, who’s never been to the Church of Christ before and whom she’s been with for a couple of years now, I believe. During that time he’s shown…
Read MoreIs looking at photographs of partially clad women sinful?
Question: Is looking at photographs of partially clad women sinful? Why or why not? I saw that question on the site, but couldn’t really find an answer to it. Answer: The question is one I propose when I’m teaching the Growing Up in the Lord: A Study for Teenage Boys series. But since you asked, let’s discuss…
Read MoreThank you. I found information for a Bible study on your site.
Question: I really appreciate your home page. I was raised in north Alabama in a small church of Christ and now live in Florida. It is sometimes hard to find a congregation that teaches the Bible as you do on your home page. I still attend a Bible-teaching church of Christ and found your site…
Read MoreI’ve been living in fear for 11 years. I want to commit suicide, but I don’t know. Can you free me from my demons?
Question: I have been bound to fear for about 11 years now. I am originally from Africa but living in the Netherlands now. When I was in Africa, a woman threatened to deal with me spiritually. Since then, I have developed a fear for her and her family so I went into hiding. It seems…
Read MoreWhat do you know about Jack Van Impe?
Question: My grandma is always talking about Jack Van Impe and how he is the man to listen to on TV. I know that he talks about the rapture and he uses Scripture to back it like when Elijah was taken up. He talks about the tribulation period and whatnot. Also, he talks about Revelation…
Read MoreDoes the person with more sins love God greater?
Question: Hi. I have a question for you. Actually, a couple. I think this will be some pretty good ones to have on the site, but mainly I am writing for some clarification for my own personal understanding. Concerning the parable of the two debtors that Jesus told Simon Peter about. Simon Peter concluded that…
Read More