Latest Posts

Does 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, 6:19-20 refer to the body as a group or rather to individual Christians? I have heard that the applications of these scriptures to us as individuals… Read More

I have been told that the “Eye of the Needle” was a narrow passage in Jerusalem’s city wall through which caravans could pass only with the greatest difficulty. Perhaps this… Read More

Today I read Luke 17, Jesus’ words about the kingdom of God. In the NIV he says "the kingdom of God is within you," but in the New American Standard… Read More

James 2:24 says, "You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone." I’ve had to chew on this one for a while as… Read More

What does the Bible say about wisdom? Where should I go in order to study out this theme? Let me suggest you approach the subject by studying wisdom and its… Read More

Recently I was given these questions by my teenage daughter. I would appreciate it if you would comment on these questions, as they are probably similar to questions other teens… Read More

I bought and am taking Methoxygen, a legal sports drug that has steroid like effects, and there are no harsh side effects. It is expensive — $75/month. I use it… Read More

I am a disciple in the Middle East and I just wanted to ask about 1 Corinthians 7:36-37. Was Paul talking about a man who decided not to marry because… Read More

I’ve been reading Ephesians and 1:10 mentions "the fullness or fulfillment of the times." Most commentaries and dictionaries tend to interpret this scripture as referring to the end of time…. Read More

Is it more difficult for some people to live as disciples than for others? I realize that all of us need to die every day which is a sobering fact…. Read More

I’ve looked into what is being called the emergent church and I’m a little confused by various articles that I’ve read about it. Do you have a simpler explanation of… Read More

Is Romans 7 written by Paul of his past or his present struggle to do what’s right? I’ve heard arguments within the church from both sides of the table that… Read More

What are your views on the use of Einstein’s relativity equation in the way suggested at this website?  Does the evidence limit the age of the universe to just a few… Read More

Most games have some element of violence in them. Many RPGs (longer in-depth games) involve magic spells and choosing your religion according to the story. How do you know as… Read More

In John 2, we see that Jesus clears the temple. A friend asked me if this was a fit of rage. I have heard some people refer to it as… Read More

How can I publish a book?  Do you have any advice for a would-be author? — Many persons If you would like to become an author, you should learn all… Read More

First, can you give some insight on the "third heaven" that Paul was referring to in 2 Corinthians 12? Second, is Paul the "man" in 12:2? — Steve Johnson The… Read More

I had a little confusion concerning what I read in Matthew 5:16 and Matthew 6:1. They seem to be related, but at the same time cancel each other out. Matthew… Read More

Is John 7:37-39 referring to Ezekiel 47:1-12? — Jason Alexander (Madison, Wisconsin) Yes, I think it is. That means that Ezekiel 47 is not a literal passage. The temple is… Read More

I was reading in my quiet time in Hosea 1:4 that God was going to punish Jehu for the massacre at Jezreel. Yet in 2 Kings 9 and 10, God… Read More

I came across a webpage that claims there is evidence that Jesus was in India and Tibet during part of his life. It claimed that Jesus is known there as… Read More

I read your "vivid dreams" Q&A and still have a question. I have been a Christian for 11 years. For the first 6 years I would have thought that someone… Read More

Have you ever seen this?  I think it is interesting. This website claims the Qur’an gives us the speed of light! —Matt Lovacheff The passage the link refers to is Surah 32.5: (Allah) Rules… Read More

My wife and I were discussing the meaning of Acts 17:24-28. In other translations, it appears that God determines the epochs during which men will rise and the areas of… Read More

My question regards the meaning of the word "spiritual." I was involved in a discussion the other day about the words to a song. I said that even if the… Read More

Paul told Timothy, "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers…" (1 Timothy 4:12). Is there any way we can… Read More

I had a question about the saying, "Speak where the Bible speaks, and be silent where the Bible is silent." To me this means that if there is no biblical… Read More

Why is there so little mention of heaven and hell as an afterlife in the O.T.? And where does Jesus’ understanding of an afterlife come from? — Joel Leiby You… Read More

For some time I have held the view that the age of the earth dinosaurs and remains like "Lucy" (Australopithecus afarensis) can be explained by the gap between Genesis 1:1 and… Read More

Would you explain the difference between the amillennial, pre-millennial and post-millennial interpretations of the book of Revelation? — Charles Cardo (Tampa) Those who endeavor to take Revelation literally insist on… Read More

Recently I read F.F. Bruce’s The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable? It was a great book. However it raised a few questions regarding Paul s apostleship. From my understanding… Read More

I study French literature at the doctoral level at a public university. I enjoy my studies very much but I worry that my convictions will be compromised by secular theories… Read More

I have been wondering for some time now about Israel’s right of statehood from a biblical perspective. I know from the Bible that Israel isn’t any longer God’s chosen nation…. Read More

I read an article that teaches that there was two calls to discipleship, one for the apostles and eyewitnesses of Jesus, and other to people who would believe through them…. Read More

We are about to appoint deacons in our congregation and only the men will be voting on the nominees. The scripture referred to is in Acts 6:1-6 where the brothers… Read More

Sometimes I feel like I have gone over the "limit" of sin which I am allowed. While the Bible clearly teaches about the continual forgiveness of God (1 John 1:9)… Read More

Herod Antipas, the tetrarch who beheaded John the Baptist, is called a "king" in Mark 6:14-29. Since a tetrarch is a "ruler of a quarter," and he was just ruling… Read More

In warning someone for divisiveness, does such a sin carry a "life sentence"? Titus 3:10-11 says, "Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that,… Read More

Are slaves allowed to revolt? In Ephesians 6:5-9, we read about how slaves should be submissive to their masters and serve them as if they were serving the Lord. How… Read More

I would like to know what is the New Testament premise for full time ministry "staff." — Siobhan O’Hanlon (Ireland) Thanks for your question. (And its brevity!) As I read… Read More

I have been doing some study on the book of Revelation and recently learned that all my views were wrong! My premillennial view was incorrect. But I have one lingering… Read More

I’ve been studying out the doctrine of the Trinity, and I had some questions about the traditional use of John 1 as a proof text for Jesus’ divinity. What in… Read More

I believe that there is a perception in the church that if a husband serves is any leadership role in any ministry then automatically the wife needs to serve as… Read More

The Jews baptize their converts in living (flowing) water through use of a mikveh or natural body of water. Living water has symbolic significance just like full immersion. Since the… Read More

I was studying the Bible with a man from a group called the Holy Spirit Church. He made a point about the name of God, saying that his church uses… Read More

I have been reading a book that suggests Noah’s curse on Ham in Genesis 9 was because Ham committed maternal incest, and that Canaan is actually Noah’s wife’s child. This… Read More

In 1994 you wrote an excellent paper on The Lord’s Supper. You suggested that the Supper is an actual meal, and best observed by Christians only. Is there a reason… Read More

I was reading through past issues of your question and answer column and it made me curious about women teachers. Do you think women could aspire to teach other women?… Read More

I am so interested in Melchizedek! There is so much mystery surrounding this man. Why was he still in the priesthood if he is "without genealogy"? After all, Nehemiah threw… Read More

I have often heard it said that there are no such thing as "big sins" or "small sins," since all deserve death in the eyes of God. But in Mark… Read More

I have read part of the History of Joseph the Carpenter, the apocryphal book about the father of Jesus. It seems to be very "catholic" in its theology, portraying Joseph… Read More

I have a question that you might answer, about Daniel in the furnace. The Bible says that the furnace was very hot and killed the guards that took the guys… Read More

I enjoyed your class on World Religions in Orlando in 2003, and would now like to read the scriptures of the following world religions: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Taoism, and Judaism…. Read More

I want to ask you about Matthew 10:23. What did Jesus mean when he said: "You will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man… Read More

I was just wondering if it is a sin for a woman to shave her head? I was just curious if it there was any biblical reference about the subject…. Read More

It seems that actors and actresses are held up as the standard to live by in the world, to the point of being worshipped (idol worship). We as humans can’t… Read More

Do we really have to be baptized to have our sins forgiven?… Please explain to me what Paul is talking about when he says, “I have been crucified with Christ:… Read More

I have been struggling with emailing you because I know you probably get a million emails a day and I didn’t want to burden you with my question, but then… Read More

On page 12 of your book I Was Hungry you state: "There is no inherent virtue in poverty and certainly none in asceticism" citing Proverbs 30:7-9 and 31 as proof… Read More

I read your recent response to the matter of missing meetings. My dilemma is a little different. I am an athlete and have decided to compete in a decathlon. This… Read More

In a document about qualifications of a teacher, you wrote (in the eighth criterion): “His wife must have passion for the ministry as well; they must be well matched in… Read More

Is it biblical and or wise to leave final decisions to church boards who are neither elders nor full time staff regarding issues such as ministers’ salaries, the spiritual direction… Read More

There are quite a few references to divination in the Old Testament. What is it? It is my understanding that it was not proper for God’s people to practice anything… Read More

1 Corinthians 15:29 seems to suggest that Paul acknowledged the practice of getting baptized for the purpose of having those who have already died take part in the coming resurrection…. Read More

In response to your paper discussing the concept of "forceful men" and leadership, I felt it worth pointing out that the new version of the NIV, the TNIV (Today’s New… Read More

I have been taught that any sin may be forgiven. Romans 6:23 says the wages of sin is death. And yet this does not fit with 1 John 5:16-17 –… Read More

I’ve been reading and studying the Book of Ephesians. I have come across the term saint/saints several times (Ephesians 1:1; 15-18; 3:18; 6:18). I am confused as to who the… Read More

In the book of Matthew, Jesus mentions that David and his companions ate the bread meant only for the priests "in the days of Abiathar the high priest." Yet Ahimelech… Read More

Jonah 2:2 reads, "Out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice" (KJV). 2:6 reads "I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth… Read More

I’m concerned about the difference between a deacon and an elder. Apart from deacons needing to "first be tested" (NIV) or be "given other responsibilities" (NLT) before their appointment, I’ve… Read More

Jesus says in John 7:38, "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." Although I believe this is true, there… Read More

As a disciple and a physician, I have wrestled for many years with the advice to give battered women about staying in their marriage or leaving to protect themselves and/or… Read More

How is Matt 25 (three passages on judgment) to be correctly understood? Matt 24 refers to the destruction of Jerusalem AD 70, and Matt 25:1 links with "at that time"… Read More

I have trouble understanding the passage in Matthew 15:21-28. It is hard for me to understand why Jesus chose to compare the woman to dogs. I know that there was… Read More

I read something you wrote about apostles. You said “an apostle would need to be an eyewitness of the resurrection and have been personally spoken to by the Lord Jesus.”… Read More

Is the concept of "freedom in Christ" (that we have been discussing lately) even biblical? I don’t see it in the Bible. I have read about being free from the… Read More

I am a disciple in Jerusalem. I study the Old Testament in university and now I’m writing a paper about the day of the Lord, based on such verses as… Read More

In one of my classes, "Quest for Wisdom," my instructor said that the book of John was not written until 90 years after the death of Jesus. He said this… Read More

The Bible uses the term Red Sea, but when I look at my notes it says that the correct translation is "Sea of Reeds." Are they the same or are… Read More

Why did Jesus wait until he was thirty to start his public ministry? — Tim (Atlanta) Luke says Jesus was about 30 (Luke 3:23). If he was born before the… Read More

Can you explain Matthew 10:24 and Luke 6:40? Sometimes in the fellowship we throw the term around that those whom we disciple are our "disciples." I always thought that we… Read More

Would you explain Job 19:26? The NIV reads "And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God." Does this mean we will see God… Read More

Who can baptize the person who believes in Christ and is prepared to accepted Jesus as his Saviour? Is it necessary to have a priest do the baptism? — Madhu… Read More

When Christ Jesus says, "Sell your possessions and give to the poor" (Matthew 19:21 and Luke 12:33), what kind of possessions is he talking about? Does it mean I should… Read More

Church organization is a topic essential for my congregation in the future. When people get together for any reason, they quite often create power structures, meeting places, rubber seal/stamps, internal/external… Read More

While I greatly value your insight and your website has helped me tremendously, I disagree with your advice in relation to Q&A 0366. Your thought was not to consider something… Read More

In John 5:31 Jesus says, "If I testify about myself, my testimony is not valid." Then in 8:14 we read, "Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony… Read More

I was reading Coming Out of Homosexuality, by Bob Davies and Lori Rentzel. The fifth chapter, I believe, mentions that we should grieve for a period of time when we are… Read More

Did Jesus get baptized to “become like his brothers in every way” (Hebrews 2:17)? Was that what it meant for him “to fulfill all righteousness” Matthew 3:15? I thought that… Read More

I have a question about a show called "Crossing Over," with John Edwards. I have gotten into several discussions with a friend of mine about the validity of this show…. Read More

Isaiah 66 and 2 Peter 3 speak of our hope in expecting a new heaven and a new earth. Why would God create a new earth if people will only… Read More

In 1 John 2:22 we reads, "Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ." So are the Jews antichrists? In 1 and 2… Read More

After Abraham took Isaac to be sacrificed, what happened to Sarah? I know she was still around, but the Bible doesn’t relate any conversations — or much of anything — about… Read More

Why did Jesus refer to himself as the Son of man? — Ginny Riley (Las Vegas) Jesus was looking for a Messianic title that would not incite the masses to… Read More

I heard a lesson from a scientific, historical point of view about the way things were before the fall of Adam and Eve. The speaker taught that vegetation was incredible, and everything… Read More

I am a member of an Indonesian church, and my wife, a Mongolian, is an unbeliever. I have been talking to her about God, but she still cannot accept the… Read More

I was scanning the different gospel accounts, trying to decide which one to use. An apparent "contradiction" appeared to me, involving the sequence of events (Jesus going to Annas, Caiaphas,… Read More

In Moses’ encounter with Pharaoh, he asked the Egyptian ruler if the Israelites could have three days to go and worship God in the wilderness. Of course they eventually left… Read More

Was Jacob a Samaritan? I recently read John 4, which implies Jacob was a Samaritan (those who do not associate with Jews). Is this right? — Janice Crosley We must… Read More

Is it proper for a woman to disciple a man? Acts 18:26 describes Priscilla and Aquila explaining the way of God to a greater extent than Apollos knew. People have… Read More

I have been told that women can not correct a man (especially an evangelist) but must remain silent. I understand that women are not to correct/teach men in public nor… Read More

I have always asked my self why Joseph, the husband of Mary and father of Jesus, is not mentioned by Jesus. There do not seem to be any verses about… Read More

I have a question regarding profanity. I read your response to questions dealing with unwholesome talk where you said profanity is always wrong. In my study of the subject I… Read More

I have observed that global changes are often instigated from the top tiers of leadership, based on individual convictions. For example, leader X becomes ill and is convicted by the… Read More

One of my best friends was disfellowshiped a while back for destructive teachings. He was very divisive, and was warned several times (Titus 3:10) and then asked to leave. The… Read More

What do you think about making promises to God? Moses said when a man makes a vow to God he must keep it (Numbers 30:1). Also in Ecclesiastes it says… Read More

When we say things like, "We believe that an individual is not a candidate for baptism and, therefore, salvation, unless he or she is ready to repent of sin and… Read More

What happens when a couple (first cousins: the woman got pregnant and then married) studies the Bible and wants to repent. Are they to separate or stay married? That would… Read More

I have just recently learned that the name Lucifer means "light-bringer" or "shining one." How is it that Christians have erroneously interchanged the name Satan with Lucifer? Why can I… Read More

What does it mean when someone is "marked"? I cannot find the term in my Bible, and would appreciate it if you could shed some light on it. Thanks. In… Read More

It is written in Jer 31.37: "…Only if the heavens above can be measured and the foundations of the earth below be searched out will I reject all the descendants… Read More

I was reading Galatians 5, and wondered, what is the difference between envy and jealousy? — James Daly The terms and the ideas they connote are very similar, even overlapping… Read More

A lot of my friends talk about various persons, especially church leaders, through the internet. If I am "talking" about people in chat rooms or through emails, is this still… Read More

It seems difficult for me to prove that the New Testament writings are scripture. The Old Testament is called scripture many times in the New Testament, but can we be… Read More

The Jesus Seminar is an increasingly popular, but very liberal, group of scholars (such as Bruce Chilton, author of Rabbi Jesus) who re-interpret the scriptures based upon liberal presuppositions. E.g.,… Read More

I noticed that soon after Jesus washed the feet of his disciples (John 13), he mentioned his Father’s house (John 14). I’ve heard that it was customary to wash people’s… Read More

In Matthew 15, Jesus denounced the religious for upholding practices that were obstacles to obeying the Bible. When Jesus saw the intense focus of the traditional mindset, this proved to… Read More

What do you believe is the significance of Matthew 12:2-7? Can I conclude that God might accept people even though they are not completely following his word accurately? — Jaxon… Read More

Can you recommend some good books to help me understand the Kingdom of God? Thanks. Yes, let me recommend two. They are both by Jim McGuiggan, a preacher in Northern… Read More

I’ve read your column for several years, and I love it! Please continue your great educational work. I do have an issue regarding your response to a question about artificial… Read More

I know leadership requires respect, but some people use 1st Samuel chapter 24, about the relationship between David and Saul, to talk about giving full support to leadership even when… Read More

In Ephesians 6:18, Paul talks about praying in the Spirit. How can we do this? — L.V. (Virginia Beach) In Ephesians, as well as in 1 Corinthians (14:14) and Jude… Read More

My question is about Matthew 10:23. It seems contradictory when it says that they will not be finished going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes,… Read More

I have some Bahai friends. Many times they ask me to join their ceremonies. When I told them I am a Christian they say this is OK — and even… Read More

What do you think is the purpose of the story of Judah and Tamar? I am studying out Joseph in Genesis 37-50, because his life speaks to mine (going through… Read More

I wanted to write to you about a couple of comments you have made in regard to tithing on your website. First let me say I appreciate your approach to… Read More

I was recently involved in a conversation about hermaphrodites. I was stumped by a very tough question. Since a hermaphrodite is born with male and female sexual organs, he/she is… Read More

It has been taught often that in the Greek, 1 John 1:7 is in the continuous present. The point is then made that the blood of Jesus cleanses us from… Read More

Is Paul saying that God will save all mankind and especially those who believe? Or was he trying to show Timothy that the real believers (true teachers of God s… Read More

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For me it has never been clear that 1 Cor 11:4 is specifically talking about women praying and prophesying in the church services. It seems to me that in 1… Read More

How can we be sure that all of an elder’s children need to be Christians in order for him to serve in this capacity? I have received an email suggesting… Read More

When Jesus speaks of the destruction of Jerusalem, how are we to understand it? For a detailed study of the destruction of Jerusalem, see my article "Destruction of Jerusalem" at… Read More

Do you think Christians need a discipling partner? I have spoken often to this question, but if it helps, I will answer again. All Christians need input. We need one-another… Read More

Based on passages like Colossians 1:23, which says that the whole world heard the gospel in the first century, and Matthew 24, which says Jesus will only come back after… Read More

When did you change your mind about tithing? Tithing or (strictly speaking) giving 10% of one’s gross income is commonly taught in the Christian world, though seldom practiced. I did… Read More

I was wondering what your thoughts were on boxing, mixed martial arts, etc. I have been watching them for years but recently an older brother challenged another brother and me on watching… Read More

With all that seems to be happening around us and in the Christian churches, I keep asking myself, “Is God in control?” What do you say about this? — many… Read More

It seems to me that you, Douglas, should mention by name church leaders who may have constructed a man-made system. Why don’t you say their names publicly? Are you afraid… Read More

I hear that you are teaching against evangelists leading churches. Several of my friends have expressed concern that you are advocating the abolition of evangelists. Is this true? No, not… Read More

I have heard Exodus 18 taught as the biblical basis for having everyone in the church in a discipling tree. What do you say? In Exodus 18, Moses’ father-in-law gives… Read More

Is it necessarily wrong for a Christian to date a non-Christian? Where do you stand on this issue? — Various The Bible does not address the dating issue directly –… Read More

If a person is a believer, one who is striving with all his heart to follow Jesus (and Him only), then does it matter what denomination he belongs to? Is… Read More

At the present time churches around the world are naming deacons. My question is: in situations where there may be hostility or lack of trust in leadership how should deacons… Read More

Local publications in Boston have been advertising a course called "The Power of Kabbalah." It claims millions in the world are turning to Kabbalah for spiritual growth. Free lectures are… Read More

I have heard that congregation autonomy is unbiblical. What do you think about this? — Many emails It is fairly easy to prove in the NT that the churches were not… Read More

After reading Romans 9:22-24 I was struck by what seemed to be an argument for predestined grace. Is this so? Or is Paul speaking rhetorically to show God’s sovereign power… Read More

I have heard a lot about the Boundaries book. Some have warned me not to read it, but others have recommended it. I took a look at it and it… Read More

I am a former disciple, and I am interested in getting your insight into different scriptural references used for restoration. Would Luke 15 be applicable? (The parables of the lost… Read More

I see so many thing changing in my church — some good, some bad. Everyone keeps saying "God is in control." What do you say? "God is in control" may… Read More

What is biblical success and how do we measure it? Are there any papers written or books available that you can recommend to me to answer this question for us?… Read More

My question deals with Daniel 9:24-27 and 12:9ff. I don’t understand the significance of the numbers. What I do understand is that some parts of it deal with Titus, the… Read More

I know that you rotate your Bibles, and do not read just one translation. What Bible are you reading now, Douglas? The new Bible I just started the other day… Read More

What does the Bible say about body piercing? I have a friend who got his nose pierced and I was wondering if he was wrong or not to do this…. Read More

There has been a lot of scholarly activity proving that the Koran could not have been written originally in Arabic since the Arabic language did not exist until 150 years… Read More

We hear talk a lot about people working "in the ministry," or "getting out of the ministry." What are your thoughts on this? — Will I am very glad that… Read More

I have had my own position on "the fear of the Lord" for many years. However, the topic recently came up at our church service. Looking through the New Testament,… Read More

PART I What scriptures would you suggest for a single woman whose biological clock is about to stop ticking regarding becoming pregnant through artificial (donor) insemination? This seems controversial because… Read More

As a former agnostic/atheist, I now take great comfort in the evidence for the resurrection. One question that I have never heard even raised in my 27 years as a… Read More

Our church is forming a group to direct the affairs of the church. What kind of people could be included in that group, and how soon should we establish it?… Read More

Is it right for wealthier members to keep their money? Shouldn’t they give it all away if they really love other people? If everyone in the church shared, we could… Read More

In the New Testament, why was contribution collected? Many people are asking this question! As I understand the New Testament, there are two principal purposes for the collection. The first… Read More

I am writing to get your input about the process of selecting deacons. In our church we want to teach about the biblical qualifications for serving as a deacon. I’d… Read More

Do I have to obey a human discipler? I have heard Hebrews 13:17 quoted to tell me I need to be humble and follow advice. But sometimes it feels like… Read More

I heard there are two words for love in John 21. Does one refer only to friendship, and the other to real love? You know Greek, so what do you say? In John… Read More

I have a friend who visited nudist camps in South America years ago, and ever since has visited other camps in other countries. She has expressed that the people who… Read More

I remember reading a long time ago that the practice of "bindi" (dying the skin with henna paste) is a form of worship to a Hindu god. I’m trying to… Read More

I was sharing my faith with someone who told me he believes in the Urantian philosophy. I don´t know a lot about it and I wanted to ask you what… Read More

I read somewhere that the answer to the question "Who’s a candidate for baptism?" is "a disciple." This is confusing. If a disciple (a Christian) is already saved why does he… Read More

The Bible talks about forgiveness: after we are baptized we are forgiven for all our sins, and if we remain in Jesus his blood is "like windshield wipers" for our… Read More

I thought I had read a few weeks ago — it may have been in Dr. Jacoby’s Q&A’s — that C.S. Lewis fell away prior to his death. Did I… Read More

This may sound like a stupid question, but do animals go to heaven? I’m almost positive that they don’t, but I heard someone use the scripture about humans and animals… Read More

Where are we as Christians today in the time line of the Book of Revelation? I do not believe that the book of Revelation was written as a "time line."… Read More

If someone leaves the church, does he or she actually leave God? I cannot find anything in the scriptures to support this. What do you think about this? People leave… Read More

I was reading 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 ("to another faith by the same spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one spirit… to another miraculous powers"). Many groups (for example… Read More

In studying about the gift of tongues I find that tongues are languages. If this is true I want to know what languages were spoken in the cities listed in… Read More

Jesus was baptized by John. Why were the twelve chosen disciples not baptized? First of all, several of the twelve were former disciples of John, who naturally were baptized by… Read More

I would like to know more about the remnant of God. How do we know which church is the actual remnant? — Robert The "remnant" (Isaiah 10:22 and other passages)… Read More

Exactly when did Satan fall? My guess is that it occurred before creation since Satan tempted Adam and Eve in the beginning. I am also curious to know is it… Read More

I have a question about God making exceptions to his law. In 1 Samuel 21:1-6, David was allowed to take the consecrated bread only the priests were to eat. I… Read More

Is there really only one true church? What does the Bible say? Ephesians 1:22-23 teaches that the church is the body of Christ. It is not an institution. No one… Read More

For many years I have heard it taught that to repent is "to stop sinning," or to "turn around 180 degrees." However, Vines Expository Dictionary defines it as more fundamental… Read More

Who are the Anakites (Deuteronomy 1:28)? Why were the Israelites terrified of them? — Stephen (Chennai, India) Apparently the Israelites were afraid of the Anakites because they were descended from… Read More

What did people in the 1st century call Jesus? Did they actually call him "Jesus," or did they use a Hebrew name? One study Bible claims "Jesus" derives from the… Read More

I’ve read somewhere that Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5) did not lose their salvation but only lost the opportunity to be on earth and serve the Kingdom. Can you please… Read More

How much are staff paid in the New Testament? What does the Bible say about this? The New Testament clearly teaches financial support for preachers; that is, for those whose… Read More

  A friend of mine studying considers herself married. She has stated she has not had a ceremony and does not have an official document of marriage. She has stated… Read More

I have a question about an alternative reading of Luke 9:27 and parallel passages in the other Gospels. Typically we read that passage to be emphasizing that some of the… Read More

I often read in the Bible about some evil spirit torturing people. How should I see that? Is it just a kind of interpretation of a (mental) illness, or were… Read More

I would like to know whether there any demon-possessed men today? If yes, how can we help them? — Sérgio Costa (São Paulo) I have never personally seen a possessed person,… Read More

Many people have been asking this question, and let me begin by saying that just because a church is not ready to be led by an eldership, this does not… Read More

I have a question concerning the proper order of evangelists and elders. It seems to me that in the Bible the evangelist appoints elders who in turn govern the affairs… Read More

The Journeys of Paul is a website designed to take you through Paul’s three missionary journeys.

I understand that the word Amen is Hebrew for "Truly so" or "Very true." It’s a word of agreement, or of support. Some outsiders say that by saying Amen we… Read More

In Deuteronomy 22:28-29, the punishment for rape is that the man has to pay 50 pieces of silver to the father of the victim and then marry her, without being… Read More

How can I be sure that the canon decided in the 300s was legitimate since the church had gone so far astray in its doctrine by this point? How can… Read More

I read that Irenaeus the bishop of Lyon at end of 2nd century first suggested the “forming” of the New Testament. I read also that the NT was eventually formed… Read More

My NIV commentary indicates that 1 Corinthians 7:12-16 was written of married persons, of cases where one subsequently becomes a Christian. I assume the same standard would apply for believers… Read More

For a Christian married couple, is it possible for one to commit spousal rape to another? Does the Bible say anything about "spousal rape" (a legal term, I assume)? In… Read More

Whereas in 692 AD the Council of Trullo forbade bishops to marry, it was not until the First Lateran Council, 1123 AD, that Rome forbade all clergy from marrying.