I have problems with my youth group. What should I do?

Question: Well, I am having some issues with some kids that I mentor. My group has both guys and girls in it, but I found a good woman mentor for the girls, so I will be handing off the girls soon.. The funny thing is I have little or no problems with the girls. It…

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When and to whom was the Savior first promised?

Question: When and to whom was the Savior first promised? Answer: “So the LORD God said to the serpent: “Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all cattle, and more than every beast of the field; on your belly you shall go, and you shall eat dust All the days of your…

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How did Paul learn the gospel?

Question: I was wondering about Paul. I have heard the theory that he went out to a certain place and maybe had been mentored or so to say by Jesus himself or had been mentored by someone when he was converted. I know McGarvey speaks on the subject a tad bit, but I was wondering…

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I really appreciate your words on the Fear of the Lord

Question: I really appreciate your words on the Fear of the Lord. I have been researching this subject and your article is among the best I have discovered thus far. Thank you so much! Answer: You’re welcome. I glad you found Brother Blackaby’s article useful in your studies.

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Were only priests allowed to offer sacrifices?

Question: Were priests from the tribe of Levi the only ones who could lawfully offer sacrifices?  If so, why did the Judges do them?  Noticed that none of the Judges were from the tribe of Levi (using the information I have anyway).  I am wondering about this in conjunction with Saul offering the sacrifice and…

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What does “seven times” mean in Daniel 4?

Question: I have a question that someone may be able to help with. Daniel 4:23 mentions that Nebuchadnezzar would graze with the beast of the field until seven times pass over him. We are studying Daniel on Wednesday evening and some seem to think that the 7 times are seasons, some think months, and a…

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Your series on “pride” has been very helpful

Question: I have been reading your sermon outlines for about a year now and using some of your topics for my own messages. Today I plan on teaching from Psalms 119:71 “It is good for me that I have been afflicted: that I might learn thy statutes.” I will also be preaching about Job’s sin (if God…

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How do you explain Matthew 24:27-31?

Question: Thanks for a great web site. You said… Too often, people mix the events from the destruction of Jerusalem with the events dealing with the end of the world. This leads people to believe they can predict the end of the world, even though Jesus clearly states that there will be no warning. You…

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What is pride?

Question: I was just wondering what pride really means. Checking the dictionary gave me too many definitions. I was wondering why it would be a sin. I mean, of course, you should love God with all your heart, but can’t you also have some self-esteem or self-confidence? Answer: Pride is the concept of putting yourself…

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How did Saul actually die?

Question: I want to know how Saul died. In I Samuel 31:4 the Scripture says that Saul fell upon his own sword and in verse 6 it says Saul, his three sons, and his armorbearer died that same day. Then in II Samuel 1:10. the Scripture says an Amalekite stood upon him and killed him.…

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Since man was given dominion, does that justify dogfighting?

Question: With all of the recent events taking place with football player Michael Vick, there are people who are using Genesis 1:26, specifically the word “dominion,” to justify dogfighting. What is your thinking on this? Answer: “And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over…

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What were the duties of a king?

Question: What did kings do as they were king? Answer: A king was responsible to God for the welfare of the people in his nation. He was the leader of the army in times of war (I Samuel 8:20). He was the final judge or highest court of appeals in judicial matters (II Samuel 8:15;…

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I found the sermon on emotionalism uplifting

Question: I just got done reading the sermon on emotionalism.  I found it very uplifting; not because of the language that was used, but because of the message.  I am somewhat of an itinerant preacher but have settled down recently to work with a small congregation that is not more than 10 miles down the road…

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Did people normally tie a scarlet cord on a twin at birth?

Question: Why did midwife tie a scarlet thread around Zerah’s wrist? Was this a common action for twins? surely if it was custom to tie a ribbon surely this would have been done once the baby had been ‘birthed’. This whole procedure seems unlikely and extremely messy. Answer: “Now it came to pass, at the…

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The spankings don’t seem to be working, what should I do?

Question: I wrote to you a few months ago about a couple of boys at church who’s mom had asked me to help enforce obeying the rules. Since their father is not in the picture, a few of us guys have helped by taking them out to trips and spending one-on-one time with them. Well…

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Since a sin offering was required, is masturbation a sin?

Question: I was wondering if masturbation was a sin even if one didn’t have any sinful thoughts when he does it. In Leviticus 15:14-15 it says that the person who had a discharged should offer two young pigeons, one for a sin offering and other for a burnt offering. Does this make masturbation a sin? Answer:…

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Are Michael the archangel and Jesus the same person?

Question: My question is about the archangel Micheal. Was that Jesus’ original name before he came to earth? I ask because in the book of Daniel and Revelation have some resemblance. (Daniel 10:13, 21; Daniel 12:1; Jude 9 and Revelation 12:7). Answer: The simple answer is that Michael is not Jesus by a different name.…

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What is your opinion about instrumental music in the church?

Question: I was having a heated conversation with a very close friend of mine about musical instruments in church. It is very hurtful to know the word of God and try and explain it to someone, but they refuse to listen. I know that the Bible does not specifically say “thou shalt not have musical…

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What is the most quoted Old Testament book in the New Testament?

Question: What is the second most influential book in the world today? What Old Testament book is the most quoted or referenced in the New Testament? Which book of the Bible is thought to be the oldest in terms of when it was written? Answer: “Influential” is a subjective term, so the answer would depend…

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What was the climate like in the time of Jesus?

Question: I’m doing an assignment for religion and I need to find some information. What was the climate like in the time of Jesus? And what’s some geography from the time of Jesus? Please, I need this help. It’s due tomorrow! Answer: The climate of Palestine was slightly different from what it currently is. It…

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Questions about James 4

Question: Before I start, I changed Bibles. The one I was using was one that has been in my collection of books for a long time, and it’s from the church I used to go to. The one I have now is supposed to be the most accurate. It is a little confusing because of…

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What does “gnashing of teeth” refer to?

Question: I hope you are doing well. I really like your new look on your web site, and the convenience it offers. Great work! Thanks, it makes it easier to navigate. I have a question about something that Jesus said more than once, usually (I think) during the telling of parables. It concerns passages in…

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Must a man and woman face each other during sex?

Question: What does the Bible say about the man and woman facing each other during sex? Answer: To be sure we are on the same page, the Bible specifies that sex is to be limited to a husband and wife. “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will…

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Must a Christian wife obey her non-Christian husband?

Question: The Bible states that a woman should obey her husband, but what if he is not a Christian husband? He believes in Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit, but he does not set forth a Christian lifestyle. I know a woman can still be religious on her own and believe in the Lord and…

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God has revealed to me the names of sexual demons

Question: In the past couple of weeks, God has been revealing to me the names of sexual demons: Incubi and Succubi. In this story of Tamar and Amnon was Amnon possessed by either one of these demons. Or, was Amnon the demon himself? Answer: “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him…

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How are you different from the International Church of Christ?

Question: Before I was baptized, I want you to know that I had some real struggles with all the information I learned about the International Church of Christ and the Boston movement.  I studied with two or three other men for three or four months.  My pastor from earlier days explained to me that this…

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What advice should we give our children in receiving a spanking?

Question: Your site gives plenty of very helpful advice to parents about how to administer a spanking. We have three boys. We have spanked them before but not as consistently as we should have. Because of their recent behavior we have determined to start spanking consistently and with no excuses. We are going to discuss…

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This information is excellent

Question: I’ve been reading the workbook Growing Up in the Lord: A Study for Teenage Boys. This information is excellent. Keep up the great work. Answer: I appreciate the kind words.

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Thank you for the pictures

Question: I just wanted to thank you (or whoever did it) for putting the pictures from old Bible storybooks on the web. I have been collecting old Bible storybooks for a while because they have such good pictures.   However, I’m not good at actually finding the one I need and scanning it, so to have so many…

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Does regeneration and being born again mean the same thing?

Question: Does regeneration and being born again mean the same thing? Answer: “But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared, not by works of righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom…

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Questions about James 3

Question: James 3 seems to be talking about keeping our mouth under control and not to boast about everything we can do. What is it that comes from your mouth and corrupts the whole body? To speak good things and bad things is wrong. It has to be one way. It also compares the earthly wisdom (which…

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Any suggestions for material to teach young people?

Question: I read your article on whether boys and girls swimming together was ok or not. I saw it referenced in one of your last posts. I have been explaining a little bit about watching TV shows and listening to certain music or I should say lyrics to songs how it numbs our feelings and we…

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What does the Bible teach about dating and choosing a life partner?

Question: Greetings kind sir.  I’m a 19-year-old college student and I have never had any girlfriend in all my life.  Well, I had a girl in the past with whom I had a mutual understanding but, nevertheless, she was not my girlfriend.  Right now, I have been emotionally attached to a girl of about 16…

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