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Which Bible translations are the best?
Question: Which Bible translations have the highest accuracy? Answer: At one time, Bible translations were an arduous task that took years, if not decades, to complete. Now translations are appearing in rapid succession, and it is becoming difficult to keep up with the many that are available. I’ll restrict my comments to those translations of…
Read MoreWhy are boy-girl relationships not advisable at a young age?
Question: Why are boy-girl relationships not advisable at a young age Answer: Youth is a time of impatient desires. They want the things available to adults, but adulthood seems so far away. The typical teenage boy enters puberty around the age of 11. The typical teenage girl enters puberty around the age of 10. Two…
Read MoreWhy were the stars and moon created?
Question: Why were the stars and moon created? Answer: The sun exists to bring light during the day and the moon and stars exist to bring light at night. “Thus says the LORD, Who gives the sun for a light by day, The ordinances of the moon and the stars for a light by night”…
Read MoreWhy are there different denominations?
Question: Why are there different denominations between Christians? Answer: A denomination is a division and, yes, among those calling themselves “Christian” there are a great many divisions. Even among a particular denomination, there are divisions as evidenced by the Episcopals’ arguments over their homosexual bishop, the United Methodists’ arguments on where to allow homosexual unions,…
Read MoreWhat is wrong with Catholicism?
Question: What is the difference between Catholicism and Christianity? What is wrong with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church? Answer: This is a large subject on which many books have been written. I will not be able to address this question in detail, but perhaps giving an overview will help. Catholicism has its roots…
Read MoreWhat do you think about the movie “The Gospel of John”?
Question: What are your comments on the movie “The Gospel of John” Answer: I have not seen the movie “The Gospel of John,” so I cannot comment on it. I have difficulty watching religious movies. I continually see the flaws in their representation of the Scriptures and it annoys me that I cannot respond. Rather…
Read MoreWhat did Jesus eat while he was on earth?
Question: Where would we find in the King James Version of the Bible what Jesus ate while he was here on earth? Answer: The particular version of the Bible will not make a difference in answering this question. There is an article located on this website that deals with your question. Please see the article,…
Read MoreDo Jews and Christians both follow the teachings of the Old Testament?
Question: Do Jews and Christians both follow the teachings of the Old Testament? Answer: The Old Testament was given solely to the nation of Israel. “And Moses called all Israel, and said to them: “Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your hearing today, that you may learn them and be…
Read MoreWere only the sacrificial ordinances abolished from the Law?
Question: It is my understanding that the law remains, and only the sacrificial ordinances were abolished because Christ shed his blood for us once and for all. Answer: The difficulty in declaring that only a portion of the Mosaical Law was ended by Christ is in determining where to draw the line. One of the…
Read MoreIs the covenant different from the Law?
Question: I have just read your article on the Old Testament versus the New Testament. I find two major difficulties in your argument: You confuse a covenant with the Law. This is a major mistake. The Law is God’s legislation for all of creation. It was given to the children of Israel for their instruction.…
Read MoreWhere is the Tower of Babel?
Question: Where is the Tower of Babel Answer: The city of Babel is first mentioned in Genesis 10:8-10, “Cush begot Nimrod; he began to be a mighty one on the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the LORD; therefore it is said, “Like Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD.” And the beginning of his…
Read MoreIs masturbation unacceptable?
Question: Is masturbation unacceptable? Answer: This question has been widely debated because the Scriptures do not directly refer to the practice. However, there are a series of passages that might include it. “If any man has an emission of semen, then he shall wash all his body in water, and be unclean until evening. And any garment…
Read MoreWas there only one continent before the Flood?
Question: Was the world in one piece before the Flood? Answer: By this question, I am assuming that you are asking if all the continents were joined prior to the Flood. If you ever poured water over a pile of dirt as a child, you realize that moving water has great power to alter topography.…
Read MoreDid dinosaurs really exist? (Hamilton)
Question: Did dinosaurs really exist? Answer: The term “dinosaur” was ascribed in the 1800s to the fossilized remains of animals that no longer appear to roam the earth. While one term is used, it actually refers to a wide variety of animals. Hence, some difficulty is introduced in trying to determine if the name of…
Read MoreDoes King Joash give us an example of good financial management?
Question: I have some questions about King Joash’s prudent management. When instructions are given, does this story establish that they should be followed up regularly? Could you explain the renewed financial policies of King Joash? What do you think caused the people to respond as they did in II Chronicles 24:10? II Kings 12:4 and II Chronicles 24:5-6 seem to…
Read MoreCan fellowship be denied?
Question: Where is the Bible passage that authorizes you to deny me fellowship as a member of the church when I acknowledge Christ and have been baptized? is there an ugly little secret that only those whose baptismal outlook is baptismal regenerationist are recognized? Apparently, my belief that my sins had been cleansed is not…
Read MoreIs the Spirit only given to the obedient?
Question: In your study on Cornelius, you indicated that receiving the Holy Spirit did not necessarily indicate that a person believed or was saved. You cited the examples of Saul and Balaam as proof, but doesn’t Acts 5:32 contradicts this? Answer: The study being referred to is “Cornelius Received the Holy Spirit.” Acts 5:32 states, “And we…
Read MoreCan a person be a believer and not be saved?
Question: What biblical reference is there that uses the word “believer” and says that person isn’t saved? Answer: The term “believer” is frequently used to refer to those had entered the kingdom of the Lord. For example, “And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women” (Acts 5:14). (See also Acts…
Read MoreWhat authority is there for re-baptism?
Question: Where does the Bible authenticate re-baptizing anyone who believed in Jesus and was baptized in His name? Answer: I know of none. Baptism is an act that is done once. “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put…
Read MoreWhat lessons can we learn from Boaz?
Question: The relationship between Boaz and his workers was enviable. Is it possible today? Why or why not? Answer: The story of Boaz is found in the book of Ruth. While you appear to think highly of Boaz’s relationship with his servants, there is actually little material to draw upon. In Ruth 2:4 we see Boaz giving…
Read MoreIsn’t vegetarianism the ideal for man?
Question: Hello. I recently read your article and was very intrigued at your points of view. I would like for you to address two points for me: First of all, the Lord’s prayer says, “on earth as it is in heaven.” The Garden of Eden was the perfect creation. There was no sin at all.…
Read MoreDoes Matthew 3:11 show that eis can be translated “because of”?
Question: If the Greek word “eis” (“for” in English) is always forward-looking, then what about Matthew 3:11? Here it says that John baptized for repentance, but the repentance would have had to have come before the baptism. After all, Mark 1:4 and Luke 3:3 states John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. Therefore, “eis” can be “because of” in Acts 2:38.…
Read MoreDo you believe that baptism could be linked to grace?
Question: Do you believe that baptism could be linked to grace? Answer: In the Bible, grace is the concept of a freely given gift; a gift that the recipient has not earned nor has necessarily deserved to receive. God’s gift to mankind was the life of His own Son. “For God so loved the world…
Read MoreIs Satan female?
Question: Please clarify for me and back up with scripture proof that Satan is not a woman. My fiancé and I are having a dispute regarding this matter. He joined The House of Yahweh and now I’m afraid that he is being led astray. I am praying for him and would like other strong believers…
Read MoreCould Jesus have said, “My God, my God, for this I was kept?”
Question: I found an article stating that Jesus’ words in Matthew 27:46 should have been translated, “My God, my God, for this I was kept!” Is there any basis for this claim? Answer: And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why…
Read MoreIsn’t repentance and faith the same thing?
Question: Isn’t repentance just another word for faith? If someone were fighting and defending themselves in a brawl, aren’t the words ‘fighting’ and ‘defending themselves’ describing different aspects of the same action? Likewise, I think Acts 20:21 shows repentance and belief to be intrinsically related to the same attitudinal/belief event/process. Answer: While defensive and offensive moves may…
Read MoreCan a person be born gay?
Question: I was just wondering if you had any biblical defense for someone saying they are born gay. I think it’s a choice and I was wondering if any scriptures helped support this. I recently heard of a friend who had only been a Christian for a year and has now pretty much renounced her…
Read MoreHow do I have sex on my wedding night?
Question: How do I have sex on my first wedding night? Explain with pictures or photos. Answer: What you have requested falls into the realm of pornography. I would recommend the article “A Look at Pornography” for an explanation of why this would be inappropriate. If in the remote chance that you are somewhat serious about your…
Read MoreHow do we know the Bible is inspired?
Question: How do we know absolutely that the Bible is the infallible and inspired Word of God? How did the Bible as we know it today come into existence? Answer: Entire books have been written on the subject of the inspiration of the Bible. It is unlikely that I will be able to address the…
Read MoreIs the Bible the only source of authority?
Question: Where in the Bible does it tell us that the Bible is the only or ultimate source of authority? I cannot find it anywhere! II Timothy 3:16 is the closest, but it does not say only! Where in history, the Bible, or the writings of the early Church was this concept ever taught? Since the church did…
Read MoreWhere is the garden of Eden?
Question: Where is the garden of Eden located? Answer: The garden of Eden is described in Genesis 2 as being located on the eastern edge of a region known as Eden (Genesis 2:8). Eden was the source of a mighty river that watered the garden and as it exited the garden, it divided into four…
Read MoreIs the Bible our highest standard for living?
Question: Do you believe the word of God is the highest standard for living? Answer: “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called…
Read MoreIs racism a sin?
Question: How do you embrace people of all races and remain different? Is racism a sin? Is Jesus white or is Adam black? Answer: Webster’s dictionary defines racism as “the belief in the superiority or dominance of one race over another.” The Bible teaches that there are many nationalities, but there is one genetic race…
Read MoreA refusal to accept that salvation came to Cornelius at baptism
Question: Baptism is not necessary for salvation. Cornelius was saved before he was baptized. There are two reasons why we know Cornelius was saved before being baptized. 1. Cornelius received the Holy Spirit before being baptized; that he had the Holy Spirit. 1 John 4:13 states that he abided in God and that God abided in…
Read MoreWas Paul ever in Colosse?
Question: Is there any information or evidence that Paul was ever in Colossae? Answer: Paul did work in the region where Colosse was located, which was called Asia at that time in an area called Phrygia (Acts 16:6; 18:23). Paul also taught in Ephesus and the Bible tells us “that all who dwelt in Asia…
Read MoreCan the Greek word translated “himself” in James 1:27 also be translated “themselves”?
Question: While reading a book by Basil Overton, I ran across this argument, “Some have argued that the church cannot help orphans but the individual Christians must do this. They say James 1:27 is addressed to the ‘individual. James 1:27 is not addressed to the individual. “Himself” of the text is a third person pronoun.…
Read MoreHow old was Isaac when he was offered up to God?
Question: How old was Isaac when he was to be sacrificed? Answer: The Bible does not give a specific age, but there are events surrounding Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac which gives us clues. Most scholars believe that Isaac was in his late teens or early twenties at the time of the offering. At the time…
Read MoreCan suicide be forgiven?
Question: I had a friend that took some pills and committed suicide. But right before he died he asked for forgiveness. I was just wondering if that is a forgivable sin since he asked for forgiveness or even though he asked for forgiveness is he not forgiven? Answer: I am so sorry about your loss,…
Read MoreWhy were the Ten Commandments written on stone and the ceremonial laws written on paper scrolls?
Question: Why did God write the Ten Commandments with His own finger on stone? And why did He allow Moses to write the ceremonial laws on paper scrolls? Answer: Peter instructed Christians, “Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God.” (I Peter 4:11) As a teacher of God’s word, I am…
Read MoreWhere was God’s protection for those caught in the September 11th tragedy?
Question: I recently read a piece lauding the blessings of the people who were supposed to be at the World Trade Center the morning of September 11, 2002, but in small ways, they were detained by the mishaps of life, faulty alarms, children dallying, traffic, etc. These people were saying how good and protective God…
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