Latest Posts

Q&A 0368 – False prophets?

Posted: January 13, 2007

In your article on "forceful men" you refer to those who consider themselves to be "called by God" and say "The Lord has ‘put something on my heart.’ " Should… Read More

Q&A 0367 – Salary models for ministers?

Posted: January 11, 2007

What was the nature of money collection and distribution in the early church, outside of what we can glean from the New Testament? Do extra-biblical sources suggest that congregations paid… Read More

The Guinea Worm Revisited, by John Clayton

Posted: January 10, 2007

THE GUINEA WORM — Used with permission. Nov/Dec 2006, www.DoesGodExist.org Are you carrying around some vestigial conviction that God is good, or that Nature loves you? We guarantee that our… Read More

Build your vocabulary!

Posted: January 9, 2007

Following are five of the 52 “words of the week” from calendar 2006. Learn and use them well! Acidulous (Pron.: a-SID-you-luss)Acidulous means “having a sour, harsh, or caustic disposition or… Read More

Q&A 0366 – What are grounds for divorce?

Posted: January 9, 2007

On what grounds does someone have the right to divorce? Are things like years of impurity, phone sex, or even sexual neglect legitimate grounds for divorce? What about strip clubs?… Read More

Q&A 0365 – Anorexia = suicide?

Posted: January 7, 2007

I went to visit a sister in one of the African churches; she is terribly sick. She has depression and anorexia nervosa and almost died in the hospital when she… Read More

Communion: Medieval superstitions

Posted: January 6, 2007

In the late Middle Ages (1300s-early 1500s), the communion (Eucharist) was understood superstitiously, to put it mildly! In addition to the doctrine of transubstantiation — that under the blessing of… Read More

Q&A 0364 – Tongues

Posted: January 5, 2007

In Q&A 0074 about tongues you said: "In the New Testament tongues (languages) are actual human languages." But 1 Corinthians 14:2 says: For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not… Read More

Q&A 0363 – Joseph

Posted: January 3, 2007

I am doing a study on Joseph in Genesis, and have two questions. First, what do the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowing down to Joseph symbolize? His family? There… Read More

Q&A 0362 – Real wine?

Posted: January 1, 2007

Some people say that Communion should only be taken with real wine, and that by using grape juice we are desecrating the holiness of Jesus’ sacrifice. Should we as Christians… Read More

Q&A 0361 – Signs of the Zodiac

Posted: December 30, 2006

I was wondering about the signs of the zodiac. I know that in Deuteronomy 18 it says divination is a sin. Are the zodiac signs connected with divination? Yes, they… Read More

Q&A 0360 – Laying on of hands in James 5:14

Posted: December 28, 2006

In light of James 5:14 are church members often prayed over by the elders and anointed with oil? Or is this only have to do with confessing sins? Please help… Read More

Q&A 0359 – Forceful men?

Posted: December 26, 2006

What did Jesus mean by “forceful men “in Matthew 11:12? I’ve heard this passage a lot in lessons on leadership. Also why do some Bibles say “violent men” in Matthew… Read More

Q&A 0358 – Are angels male or female?

Posted: December 24, 2006

Offhand can you recall any reference to angels in either testament being female? I recall angels having male names and being referred to as male. My big question: the Bible… Read More

Q&A 0357 – Sure of salvation?

Posted: December 22, 2006

I’ve talked to many people who say that you cannot be sure of your salvation. They say that only God knows and we’ll just have to see at the end…. Read More

Q&A 0356 – Side notes

Posted: December 20, 2006

How can we be certain about the side notes in some Bible versions? Can we trust the side notes as much as we trust the scriptures they represent? Are they… Read More

Paul’s grave claimed found by the Vatican

Posted: December 19, 2006

The tomb of Paul was discovered just outside the old city walls of Rome, in the area of the Church of St Paul Outside the Walls. Excavation of the grave… Read More

LUKE 1 – A

Posted: December 18, 2006

1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who… Read More

LUKE 1 – B

Posted: December 18, 2006

8 Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to… Read More

LUKE 1 – C

Posted: December 18, 2006

26 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a… Read More

LUKE 1 – D

Posted: December 18, 2006

39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth… Read More

LUKE 1 – E

Posted: December 18, 2006

56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. 57 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son…. Read More

LUKE 2 – A

Posted: December 18, 2006

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while… Read More

LUKE 2 – B

Posted: December 18, 2006

21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived. 22 When… Read More

LUKE 2 – C

Posted: December 18, 2006

39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew… Read More

LUKE 3 – A

Posted: December 18, 2006

1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar — when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and… Read More

LUKE 3 – B

Posted: December 18, 2006

21 When all the people were being baptised, Jesus was baptised too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily… Read More

LUKE 4 – A

Posted: December 18, 2006

1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the… Read More

LUKE 4 – B

Posted: December 18, 2006

14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. 15 He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him…. Read More

LUKE 4 – C

Posted: December 18, 2006

31 Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath began to teach the people. 32 They were amazed at his teaching, because his message… Read More

LUKE 5 – A

Posted: December 18, 2006

1 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding round him and listening to the word of God, 2 he saw at the… Read More

LUKE 5 – B

Posted: December 18, 2006

17 One day as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there. And… Read More

LUKE 5 – C

Posted: December 18, 2006

33 They said to him, “John’s disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking.” 34 Jesus answered, “Can… Read More

LUKE 6 – A

Posted: December 18, 2006

1 One Sabbath Jesus was going through the cornfields, and his disciples began to pick some ears of corn, rub them in their hands and eat the grain. 2 Some… Read More

LUKE 6 – B

Posted: December 18, 2006

17 He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea,… Read More

LUKE 6 – C

Posted: December 18, 2006

37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will… Read More

LUKE 7 – A

Posted: December 18, 2006

1 When Jesus had finished saying all this in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. 2 There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and… Read More

LUKE 7 – B

Posted: December 18, 2006

36 Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 When a woman who… Read More

LUKE 8 – A

Posted: December 18, 2006

1 After this, Jesus travelled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2 and also… Read More

LUKE 8 – B

Posted: December 18, 2006

26 They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. 27 When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the… Read More

LUKE 9 – A

Posted: December 18, 2006

1 When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to… Read More

LUKE 9 – B

Posted: December 18, 2006

28 About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the… Read More

LUKE 9 – C

Posted: December 18, 2006

49 “Master,” said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.” 50 “Do not… Read More

LUKE 10 – A

Posted: December 18, 2006

1 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. 2 He… Read More

LUKE 10 – B

Posted: December 18, 2006

25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 “What is written in… Read More

LUKE 11 – A

Posted: December 18, 2006

1 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his… Read More

LUKE 11 – B

Posted: December 18, 2006

37 When Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went in and reclined at the table. 38 But the Pharisee, noticing that Jesus… Read More

LUKE 12 – A

Posted: December 18, 2006

1 Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your… Read More

LUKE 12 – B

Posted: December 18, 2006

35 “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36 like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and… Read More

LUKE 13

Posted: December 18, 2006

1 Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, “Do you think that… Read More

LUKE 14

Posted: December 18, 2006

1 One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched. 2 There in front of him was a man suffering… Read More

LUKE 15

Posted: December 18, 2006

1 Now the tax collectors and “sinners” were all gathering round to hear him. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners, and… Read More

LUKE 16 – A

Posted: December 18, 2006

1 Jesus told his disciples: “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. 2 So he called him in and asked him, `What is this… Read More

LUKE 16 – B

Posted: December 18, 2006

19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus,… Read More

LUKE 17

Posted: December 18, 2006

1 Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. 2 It would be better… Read More

LUKE 18

Posted: December 18, 2006

1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: “In a certain town there was a… Read More

LUKE 19 – A

Posted: December 18, 2006

1 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3 He wanted… Read More

LUKE 19 – B

Posted: December 18, 2006

28 After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he… Read More

LUKE 20

Posted: December 18, 2006

1 One day as he was teaching the people in the temple courts and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, together with the elders,… Read More

LUKE 21

Posted: December 18, 2006

1 As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins…. Read More

LUKE 22 – A

Posted: December 18, 2006

1 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, 2 and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get… Read More

LUKE 22 – B

Posted: December 18, 2006

39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not… Read More

LUKE 23 – A

Posted: December 18, 2006

1 Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse him, saying, “We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes… Read More

Q&A 0355 – Differing numbers

Posted: December 18, 2006

Recently, a struggling brother pointed out to me the fact that in Joshua 15:21-32, a discrepancy in the Bible seems to occur between the number of villages mentioned (36), and… Read More

LUKE 23 – B

Posted: December 17, 2006

39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear… Read More

LUKE 24 – A

Posted: December 16, 2006

1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the… Read More

LUKE 24 – B

Posted: December 16, 2006

36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw… Read More

Q&A 0354 – Freemasonry

Posted: December 16, 2006

What are the beliefs of Freemasonry? Please see the acticle by David Brown, Freemasonry and Discipleship. A former Mason, David gives us a history and overview of the teachings of… Read More

Q&A 0353 – Protected, or not?

Posted: December 14, 2006

Jesus seems to equivocate in Luke 21. How can his followers be executed and protected from death at the same time? That doesn’t make sense. Let’s look closely at the… Read More

Q&A 0352 – Valid marriage?

Posted: December 12, 2006

Two of my friends, Christians, decided to marry in a different way than we practice in our churches: i.e. without a person, an evangelist or a preacher, who marry them…. Read More

Q&A 0351 – Sweat like blood

Posted: December 10, 2006

In Luke 22:44 Luke records that Jesus sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. I have read a medical account of the crucifixion in a particular Christian… Read More

Q&A 0350 – Peter = Rock?

Posted: December 8, 2006

I have been discussing the authority of the pope within the Roman Catholic church. My friend said that in Matthew 16 the Greek distinguished between the words Peter and rock…. Read More

The Truth About Santa Claus: The Engineer’s Perspective

Posted: December 7, 2006

There are approximately two billion children (persons under 18) in the world. However, since Santa does not visit children of Muslim, Hindu, Jewish or Buddhist (except maybe in Japan) religions,… Read More

Q&A 0349 – Prophets

Posted: December 6, 2006

I have often heard people today call their spiritual leaders "prophets." I don’t completely understand the role of prophets in the New Testament. However, in the Old Testament, I thought… Read More

Q&A 0348 – Every Nation

Posted: December 4, 2006

In Acts 2:5 "every nation under heaven" is a figure of speech and does not literally mean that Jews from all over the earth arrived at Pentecost. Could not a… Read More

Q&A 0347 – Greater sensitivity?

Posted: December 2, 2006

What is the best way to get a good understanding of the literary forms of the Bible? Think of the Bible as a library. The books are all quite different,… Read More

Report: 12th International Teachers’ Seminar, Washington DC

Posted: November 30, 2006

Responses to the 12th Annual International Teachers’ Conference (November 2006, Washington DC) have been very positive: “The conference was a very encouraging and fulfilling time! In the spirit of Psalm… Read More

Q&A 0346 – Debauchery

Posted: November 30, 2006

When I first studied the Bible, I was told debauchery means doing anything in excess, like overeating, drinking, sleeping, etc. I still hear disciples defining it this way. However, when… Read More

Q&A 0345 – Napster: stealing music?

Posted: November 28, 2006

Is it stealing to download music/media for free? I know that the music industries have issued numerous lawsuits against Napster. Should I have the same attitude towards this and pay… Read More

News from the French Africa Mission Society

Posted: November 26, 2006

The FAMS (French Africa Mission Society) is committed to taking the good news of Jesus to the countries of West and Central Africa. The majority of these are former French… Read More

Q&A 0344 – Greek words for love

Posted: November 26, 2006

I have often been puzzled by the differences between the Greek words translated "love" in English. Butchered interpretations of John 21 can cause the whole scenario with Peter and Jesus… Read More

Truth Telling Culture

Posted: November 26, 2006

Read the article (pdf) below on truth telling organizations. Download the pdf.

G-12 Churches in the news (2006)

Posted: November 26, 2006

Download the pdf below to read about the “G-12” Hispanic churches. Available Downloads: Article-PDF (.pdf – 36k)

Q&A 0343 – Circumcision and baptism

Posted: November 24, 2006

I would like to know how much of a connection there is between circumcision and baptism. Some suggest they are extremely connected, and since circumcision was done to babies, it… Read More

Q&A 0342 – Sleeping sins?

Posted: November 22, 2006

Are we responsible for sins that we commit in our dreams? I do not think so! We do tend to dream about the things that have been on our minds throughout… Read More

Contemporary Views on Salvation, by Glenn Giles

Posted: November 21, 2006

There are varying views on salvation among those who call themselves “Christians” today. The following enumerate some of those views. You can download the word document or the pdf below…. Read More

ISBE (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)

Posted: November 21, 2006

ISBE International Standard Bible Encyclopedia is available for free download at http://www.e-sword.net/. The ISBE is also available as a download at http://www.internationalstandardbible.com/.

Da Vinci Code Powerpoint (Agerbak)

Posted: November 20, 2006

Here is a recent powerpoint presentation on the Da Vinci Code by Andrew Agerbak (London). You may download it: Da Vinci ppt (.ppt – 396k).

Q&A 0341 – “To fulfill all righteousness”

Posted: November 20, 2006

The Bible says Jesus was baptized "to fulfill all righteousness." Since Jesus was sinless, what does this mean? Matthew 3:15 describes Jesus’ baptism at the hands of John. Yes, Jesus… Read More

Q&A 0340 – Prayers of non-Christians

Posted: November 18, 2006

In Isaiah 59:1-3 we teach those we study the Bible with that sin separates one from God. Verse 2 says "Your sins have hidden his face from you so that… Read More

Behind the Veil: A Study of 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, by Andrew Fleming

Posted: November 16, 2006

Behind the Veil: A Study of 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, by Andrew Fleming Download the pdf below to ready the entire article. Available Downloads: article (.pdf – 3572k)

Q&A 0339 – Cloning?

Posted: November 16, 2006

If God is the creator, what do we do with the whole issue of human cloning? If we are capable of cloning animals and humans, it would seem that God… Read More

Christian Standard Web Site

Posted: November 15, 2006

http://www.ChristianStandard.com

Q&A 0338 – True church grows?

Posted: November 14, 2006

I’ve been spiritually raised on the conviction that the church must grow. Yet most churches level out in their growth after a few years. Some leaders even say When we… Read More

Q&A 0337 – Pastor

Posted: November 12, 2006

In Ephesians 4:11 Paul explains how God established various offices (prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers) to build up and strengthen the church. All of those offices/duties listed are words disciples… Read More

Richard Dawkins vs. Francis Collins: Evolution Debate

Posted: November 10, 2006

The current issue of Time magazine (11/13/06) contains an article with excerpts from a debate between Richard Dawkins and Francis Collins, the best known representatives of atheistic and theistic perspectives… Read More

Q&A 0336 – Purpose vs. Mission

Posted: November 10, 2006

Is there a difference between a disciple’s purpose and a disciple’s mission (Matthew 28)? I teach that a disciple’s purpose is to know God, whereas his mission–and this is not… Read More

The Stone-Campbell Journal

Posted: November 9, 2006

There’s a great resource on the Stone-Campbell Movement. Visit the website of the Stone-Campbell Journal.

Q&A 0335 – Demons

Posted: November 8, 2006

Thank you so much for your presentation in Berlin. You pointed out that the Old Testament "tells it like it is," and that many pagan religions believed in demons and… Read More

Q&A 0334 – All sins equal in sight of God?

Posted: November 6, 2006

After reading over some of the questions and answers, I came across this one (Q&A 0107, on Disfellowship). Wouldn’t “warranted by grave sin unrepented of” include all sin? I have… Read More

Q&A 0333 – Hebrews 7 and tithing

Posted: November 4, 2006

What is the purpose of Hebrews 7:4-10? Can this passage be used in support of strict tithing? Can we use 1 Corinthians 16:2 & 2 Corinthians 9:7 combined to say… Read More

Q&A 0332 – Was David a homosexual?

Posted: November 2, 2006

Benjamin Britten used the term in his diaries “Tell it not in Gath” (2 Samuel 1:26) in a reference to Jonathan’s love for David as a justification for his homosexual… Read More

Q&A 0331 – Behemoth

Posted: October 31, 2006

“Behemoth,” one of the beasts referred to in Job 40:15-24, is sometimes translated “hippopotamus” or “elephant.” Yet couldn’t it also refer to a dinosaur? This is doubtful. The New Living… Read More

Q&A 0330 – Saved by third-party faith?

Posted: October 29, 2006

In Mark 2:5, it seems that the paralytic’s sins were forgiven because of his friends’ faith. This this seems contrary to other scrptures that teach we are saved by our… Read More

Q&A 0329 – Homosexuality

Posted: October 27, 2006

What does the Bible teach about homosexuality? I’ve looked at websites that denounce it, but have no scriptural backing to its talk. Can you back it with scripture? Both Old… Read More

Q&A 0328 – The time of the passover

Posted: October 25, 2006

In Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus celebrates the Passover with his disciples but in John, they are clamoring for the body to be taken down before the beginning of Passover…. Read More

Q&A 0327 – World religions

Posted: October 23, 2006

Where did all the religions of the world come from? And when did they originate? This is a huge question, and I prefer to give a short answer, then refer… Read More

Q&A 0326 – Reincarnation

Posted: October 21, 2006

Where does the idea of reincarnation come from? Are there any verses in the Bible in favor of this belief? With the increasing popularity of eastern religions in the west,… Read More

Q&A 0325 – Baptism = immersion?

Posted: October 19, 2006

This article originally appeared in the July 1987 issue of A Light to London, the bulletin of the London Church of Christ. There is an amazing wealth of evidence even… Read More

A response to LaGard Smith’s Who Is My Brother?, by John Lang

Posted: October 17, 2006

A response to LaGard Smith’s Who Is My Brother?, by John Lang Read the article by downloading the pdf below. Available Downloads: Article (.pdf – 503k)

Q&A 0324 – Antarctica?

Posted: October 17, 2006

How come we do not hear about vibrant churches in Antarctica? Doesn’t the great commission mean we should go to every continent? — Various queries Quite simply, the reason you… Read More

Discipleship, by Seth Asman

Posted: October 16, 2006

Seth Asman wrote this helpful article on discipleship. Available Downloads: Article (.doc – 42k)

Q&A 0323 – Missing church

Posted: October 15, 2006

As a disciple, I have often wondered that is it okay for a disciple to miss church for reasons other than attending funerals or visiting the sick. Is it acceptable… Read More

Q&A 0322 – Should I go to theology school?

Posted: October 13, 2006

I noticed that you have a degree in theology from Harvard and I thought you might be a good person to ask about majoring in Religious Studies at a state… Read More

Q&A 0321 – The sixth hour

Posted: October 11, 2006

John 4 says Jesus met the Samaritan woman around the 6th hour. Is this 6 pm? Or is it noon? Are there any guidelines you can give us for how… Read More

Q&A 0320 – Armageddon?

Posted: October 9, 2006

With all this talk about the end times and the Left Behind series, what does the Bible actually say about Armageddon? I wrote the following two-part article series in 1986.ARMAGEDDON!I am convinced… Read More

Q&A 0319 – Must Christians observe the Sabbath?

Posted: October 7, 2006

Must Christians observe the Sabbath? Please see the article on the Sabbath. which first appeared in A Light to London, the bulletin of the London Church of Christ, May-June 1987.  Click here…. Read More

Q&A 0318 – God’s foreknowledge and free will?

Posted: October 5, 2006

My friend and I have been debating this issue for some time: Can God be all-knowing and free will exist at the same time? — Steven Soo (Sydney) I wish… Read More

Q&A 0317 – Acts 15 and Galatians

Posted: October 3, 2006

I have read about Judaism and Christianity in some academic books and one of them said that the doctrine of James (leader of Jerusalem church) is in confrontation with Paul’s… Read More

Q&A 0316 – Don’t share your faith?

Posted: October 1, 2006

In Matthew 8, Jesus heals the leper and tells him not to tell anyone about the miracle, but to take his offering and gifts at the temple. Is this because… Read More

Q&A 0315 – Gog & Magog

Posted: September 29, 2006

In chapter 38 Ezekiel is told to prophesy against Gog of the land of Magog. Who is this person/ nation God is talking about? "Gog and Magog" in Revelation symbolize… Read More

Apologetics: Messianic Prophecy: Malachi 3-4

Posted: September 27, 2006

In the last three weeks, we have looked at a prophecy by Moses (1400s BC), another by David (900s BC), and a third by Ezekiel (500s BC). Today we move… Read More

Q&A 0314 – Baptism because of or for the forgiveness of sins

Posted: September 27, 2006

A dear friend of mine who has been a disciple for ten years is about to leave the Lord. She e-mailed me this question in an effort to resolve an… Read More

Q&A 0313 – Tower of Babel and airplanes

Posted: September 25, 2006

If God kept men from building a tower to "heaven," why did he allow us to build machines that could fly into "heaven?" In Genesis 11, mankind was in some… Read More

Q&A 0312 – Baptism of Fire

Posted: September 23, 2006

Whenever I share my faith with a highly religious person, the question of fire baptism comes up. What did John mean when he said "I baptize you with water for… Read More

Q&A 0311 – To marry or not to marry

Posted: September 21, 2006

The Bible seems to support the notion that it is better to remain single than to get married. For example, Paul seemed to prefer that we remain single. Also, Jesus’… Read More

Apologetics: Messianic Prophecy: Ezekiel 34

Posted: September 20, 2006

In a very familiar NT passage, Jesus claimed to be the Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 10:14). We often take this for granted, without realizing the implicit claim to deity. After… Read More

Q&A 0310 – Unconfessed sin

Posted: September 19, 2006

When you study the Bible with someone who intentionally or unintentionally leaves some sin unconfessed, does that mean that the baptism is invalid? Some have told me it does, but… Read More

Spiritual Balance, by Glenn Giles

Posted: September 18, 2006

Discovering, Achieving, and Implementing Spiritual Balance in the Life of the Christian and the Church. Read the entire article. The pdf is below for downloading. Available Downloads: article (.pdf -… Read More

Q&A 0309 – Discipler

Posted: September 17, 2006

I was wondering if having a discipler was essential for salvation. I know that the Bible says getting discipling and advice and counseling is essential, but there are many ways… Read More

Q&A 0308 – St. Patrick’s Day

Posted: September 15, 2006

Who was St. Patrick? Where does St. Patrick’s Day come from? Every year around March people start asking me, “Who was St. Patrick?” or “Should Christians celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?”  I wrote the following article in 2003. Hopefully it will prove… Read More

August 2006 Evidence For Christianity Newsletter

Posted: September 14, 2006

You may download the newsletter from Dr. John Oakes below. It is the August Evidence For Christianity publication. Available Downloads: Newsletter (.pdf – 2727k)

Apologetics: Messianic Prophecy: Psalm 110

Posted: September 13, 2006

The Old Testament scriptures are a deep and ample quarry of Messianic texts. In our last installment, we studied the prophecy of Moses in Deuteronomy 18. Today let us focus… Read More

Q&A 0307 – Accountability vs. Secret Giving

Posted: September 13, 2006

[Edited for length and clarity] How do you square the practice of accountability in the areas of evangelism and financial giving with the words of Matthew 6:1-4 about not doing… Read More

Q&A 0306 – Are Christians Jews?

Posted: September 11, 2006

I have heard people say that we Christians are Jews, since the Bible says we are "children of Abraham." Is this right? Am I really Jewish? No, this is not… Read More

Q&A 0305 – Abortion

Posted: September 9, 2006

If a woman is informed of the abnormal development of the baby, and the doctor suggests having an abortion. What does the Bible say about it? — Eunice Mah In… Read More

Q&A 0304 – Connections between major religions

Posted: September 7, 2006

Is there a direct connection between Christianity, Islam and Judaism which traces back to the Old Testament? Also what are the origins of Islam and Judaism? — Dany J. Mendez… Read More

Apologetics: Messianic Prophecy: Deuteronomy 18

Posted: September 6, 2006

How did the early Christians convince their predominantly Jewish hearers that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah? Which Messianic prophecies did they lean on? In four installments, we will examine… Read More

Q&A 0303 – The Spirit Doctrine of Kardec

Posted: September 5, 2006

I would like you to help me understand Matthew 17:1-13. Did Jesus communicate with the dead? How does this relate to the spirit doctrine of Kardec? — Márcio (Salvador Brazil)… Read More

Q&A 0302 – Did Jesus go to Hell?

Posted: September 3, 2006

I have always wanted to understand what happened to Jesus when he took on my sin and died. Did he actually go and experience hell? Do you have any insight… Read More

Q&A 0301 – Joking around

Posted: September 1, 2006

I am one of those who analyze every little thing, and I was curious to see if the Bible talked about joking around with one another. I didn’t see anything… Read More

Apologetics: The Qur’an: Inspiration or Human Creation?, by John Oakes.

Posted: August 30, 2006

Read the useful article at: Link This article is copyrighted and is for private use and study only. © 2006. Reprints or public distribution is prohibited without the express consent of… Read More

Q&A 0300 – Is drinking alcohol a sin?

Posted: August 30, 2006

Is it wrong to drink alcohol, according to the Bible? I have always thought it was fine as long as you did not get drunk, but recently I decided to… Read More

Male Circumcision May Cut HIV Risk

Posted: August 28, 2006

ORIGINAL LINK: http://www.webmd.com/content/Article/126/116380.htm Age-Old Procedure Could Avert Millions of New Infections Worldwide By Charlene Laino WebMD Medical News Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD Aug. 17, 2006 (Toronto) — A practice… Read More

Q&A 0299 – Philemon 6

Posted: August 28, 2006

Greetings from the Ukraine! In Philemon 1:6, Paul and Timothy ask Philemon to be “active in sharing his faith.” That’s the scripture that we use to teach others about our… Read More

Q&A 0298 – The Prayer of Jabez

Posted: August 26, 2006

I noticed in one of your recent answers you criticized the book The Prayer of Jabez. I felt that this book contains inaccuracies about how to become a Christian, yet… Read More

Generation X and Churches, by Jeff Fawcett

Posted: August 26, 2006

I’ve been thinking a lot about generational impact lately. I already cited (for some of you) several relevant books by Neil Howe and William Strauss (see amazon.com and look up… Read More

Q&A 0297 – Ibn/Walad – Islam & the Son of God

Posted: August 24, 2006

Muslims say Allah does not have children. How can I get across to them that we Christians do not believe Allah had children by a wife, and that Jesus is… Read More

Apologetics: C.S. Lewis Institute

Posted: August 23, 2006

Once more, (three weeks running), I am asking you to think of C.S. Lewis, a man of powerful intellect and persuasive reasoning. When I was a teenager, I read my… Read More

Q&A 0296 – Footnotes

Posted: August 22, 2006

I have a question about the footnotes in the Bible. Often we read something like "the meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain." What does that mean? If… Read More

Powerpoint backgrounds and templates

Posted: August 20, 2006

For free power point backgrounds and templates, click on http://www.ebibleteacher.com.

Q&A 0295 – Baptism

Posted: August 20, 2006

[Greatly condensed] I would like to know everything possible about baptism. Can you point me in the right direction? I am glad you want to know everything about baptism. I… Read More

Worldview Bibliography

Posted: August 18, 2006

Attached is an annotated bibliography on 80 books surveyed by Glenn Giles.  Each relates to different worldviews.  Download the word document below. Available Downloads: Files (.doc – 103k)

Conrad Gempf Lectures

Posted: August 18, 2006

“For all you podcasters, I can recommend one of my lecturers, Conrad Gempf, from the London School of Theology. Just go to the iTunes store, then the Podcast section and… Read More

Q&A 0294 – The circle of the earth

Posted: August 18, 2006

I have heard it taught that Isaiah 40 proves the earth is round. What are your thoughts on this? It is true that the verse portrays the earth as "round,"… Read More

Free downloads of religious books and texts

Posted: August 17, 2006

Please check out http://manybooks.net for free downloads of books, including a number of religious books and texts.

Apologetics: C.S. Lewis Classics

Posted: August 16, 2006

Last week we focused on the life of a great Christian apologist, Clive Staples Lewis. Have you ever read a C.S. Lewis book? This week I would like to point… Read More

Q&A 0293 – Leviticus 10:1-3 a bit severe?

Posted: August 16, 2006

In Leviticus 10, Nadab and Abihu were struck down for getting the incense recipe wrong. Isn’t this a bit severe? God had already indicated he would not tolerate improvising when… Read More

Q&A 0292 – Altar to an unknown god?

Posted: August 14, 2006

In Acts 17 Paul says he found an altar to an unknown God. Has this altar ever been found? Have archeologists discovered it anywhere in Athens? A number of such… Read More

Survey of 1982 Unification Church Marriages

Posted: August 14, 2006

You may be interested in the attached recent survey results regarding Unification Church marriages. The report is from Dan Fefferman, whom I met in Washington DC several years ago. The… Read More

FLATLAND now available in public domain

Posted: August 12, 2006

FLATLAND Click on the link above to read this invaluable book by Edwin Abbott. If you have a math-science background, or are determined to understand how the infinite God’s work… Read More

Q&A 0291 – Easter origins

Posted: August 12, 2006

Where does Easter come from? Should Christians celebrate it? Following is an article I wrote on the subject of Easter in 1986. If you prefer to listen to a podcast… Read More

Q&A 0290 – “No one can snatch them out of my hand?”

Posted: August 10, 2006

John 10:28 says "no one can snatch them [Jesus’ sheep] out of my hand.” Could this be teaching the doctrine of "once saved, always saved"? Look at the passage closely…. Read More

Apologetics: The C.S. Lewis Foundation

Posted: August 9, 2006

C.S. Lewis (1898-1963) is arguably the foremost Christian apologist of the 20th century. He is one of my favorite writers, and certainly the most influential Christian writer in my own… Read More

Christian Church: Church planting, by Tom Jones

Posted: August 9, 2006

From: Tom Jones, Nashville Brothers and sisters, looks like we have a pretty good group signed up for some discussion. I will start it off with a few thoughts, and… Read More

The Passion: Luke 23 – 24

Posted: August 9, 2006

The Passion An Exposition of Luke 23-24 An excerpt: "Passion for Christ is just out of fashion! To enthuse about Christ sounds hokey, to make a film about the Passion… Read More

Becoming familiar with New Testament Greek

Posted: August 9, 2006

http://www.biblegreekvpod.com Become familiar with the Greek of the New Testament. Download the file into your ipod!

Q&A 0289 – What does “Bible” mean?

Posted: August 8, 2006

What does the word "Bible," mean? Ironically I can’t find the word anywhere in my Bible. Good observation: the word "Bible" does not appear in the Bible. (Some religious groups… Read More

Perspectives on Mideast Violence, by Aziz Sarah

Posted: August 7, 2006

New Conflict — Same Price Today we have war and more war, as though the world were lacking bloodshed, as though the number of victims were not enough. It is… Read More

Q&A 0288 – Only 144,000 in heaven?

Posted: August 6, 2006

Is it true that the Bible says only 144,000 people will be allowed into heaven? Are my Jehovah’s Witnesses friends right? The misunderstanding is based on an over-literal reading. If… Read More

Q&A 0287 – The Middle East

Posted: August 4, 2006

What exactly is the Middle East? "East" with respect to what? I will try to answer the question in as non-confusing a manner as possible (but beware!). From the perspective… Read More

Apologetics: Pliny on the Christians

Posted: August 2, 2006

Pliny the Younger was governor of Bithynia 111-113 AD. We have a complete set of his correspondence with Trajan (emperor 98-117 AD) on a variety of administrative and political matters…. Read More

Q&A 0286 – Pagan elements in story of Star of Bethlehem

Posted: August 2, 2006

Could it be that Matthew’s virgin birth account contains pagan elements? God despises sorcery, divination, and witchcraft (Deuteronomy 18:9, 14; Isaiah 2:6, etc). Those who followed the "star" were "from… Read More

Q&A 0285 – Codex U

Posted: July 31, 2006

I was just reading your article, "The Record," and I would like to know what books Codex U — which is said to be housed in Venice — includes? –… Read More

Q&A 0284 – 120 years?

Posted: July 29, 2006

In Genesis 6 God says his spirit will not contend with man for more than 120 years. Why then did Noah live to be 950, Sarah 127, Abraham 175? — Vicki… Read More

Overcoming Jet Lag

Posted: July 28, 2006

Jet lag happens when you are in the time zone of destination but your body is still living in your time zone of origin. For most people, jet lag is… Read More

Archaeology and Christian Baptism, by Bill Grasham

Posted: July 28, 2006

(Restoration Quarterly) Link

Church History: Baptismal theology in the past 2 centuries

Posted: July 28, 2006

Link to Restoration Quarterly Article:  LINK

The Renewal of the Practice of Adult Baptism

Posted: July 28, 2006

The Renewal of the Practice of Adult Baptism by Immersion During the Reformation Era, 1525-1700, by Wes Harrison Link to Restoration Quarterly Article: http://www.acu.edu/sponsored/restoration_quarterly/archives/2000s/vol_43_no_2_contents/harrison.html

Q&A 0283 – Death and the old earth theory

Posted: July 27, 2006

I understand (and have read) your view of the old earth theory. I was wondering how would you line up the old earth theory with Romans 5:12. It seems that… Read More

Apologetics: Book recommendations

Posted: July 26, 2006

Francis S. Collins, Language of God, The: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief (ISBN: 0743554310). Collins has served as the director for the National Human Genome Research Institute at the… Read More

Q&A 0282 – Illegal aliens

Posted: July 25, 2006

I am trying to gain a conviction about how I feel about people living illegally in the US.  The Bible says we need to love the aliens and help meet… Read More

The Language of God, by Francis Collins

Posted: July 24, 2006

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0743286391/sr=8-1/qid=1153704507/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-7832208-6381734?redirect=true&ie=UTF8. Excellent evidences book… I highly recommend it.  (For those of you who do not know, Collins presided over the completion of the Human Genome Project at the National Institutes… Read More

Q&A 0281 – Christmas pagan?

Posted: July 23, 2006

Where did Christmas come from? A friend of mine told me it is a pagan holiday, and that Christians should not celebrate it. What do you think about this? The… Read More

Q&A 0280 – Did Jacob see God?

Posted: July 21, 2006

In Genesis 32:22-30 after his wrestling match Jacob says "I saw God face to face and yet my life was spared." Yet 1 John 4:12 says "No one has ever… Read More

Apologetics: Evidences book recommendations

Posted: July 19, 2006

A popular and incisive writer for the cause of Christian apologetics is Lee Strobel. His books include: The Case for a Creator (ISBN 0310241448) The Case for Christ (ISBN: 0310209307)… Read More

Q&A 0279 – The sin of the census

Posted: July 19, 2006

Why was David’s taking a census of Israel a sin in 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21? I looked up "census" in my concordance and found Exodus 30:11-13: "When… Read More

Q&A 0278 – “Disciples” only

Posted: July 17, 2006

My church says that the proper term for a true Christian is "disciple," since this is the word that appears hundreds of times in the New Testament. Why don’t I… Read More

Book Names of the Bible

Posted: July 16, 2006

In weekly LINGUISTICS spot during 2003, we explored the etymologies of names of the books of the Bible. Download the file below to see all 66. Available Downloads: Download File… Read More

Q&A 0277 – Jesus’ return

Posted: July 15, 2006

I’ve done a study on Jesus return. Jesus’ return is talked about in most of the New Testament books. From what I can tell the brothers and sisters of the… Read More

2006 Biblical Manuscripts Weekend – July 14-15

Posted: July 13, 2006

How much do you know about how the Bible came together, or how it was copied? Are you confident that you can refute the arguments of skeptics who treat the… Read More

Q&A 0276 – Coming soon in Revelation

Posted: July 13, 2006

At least four times in Revelation, Jesus says "I am coming soon." In the Bible, "soon" usually doesn’t mean two thousand plus years later. Is there a scripture in the… Read More

When Love is Loyal, by Glenn Giles

Posted: July 13, 2006

Download the audiovisual powerpoint presentation below.Audiovisual presentation

Apologetics: Bible Difficulties: Come Reason Ministries

Posted: July 12, 2006

The following website is one of many that attempt to give help to those resolving Bible difficulties. See what you think. http://www.comereason.org/bibl_cntr/

Q&A 0275 – Pelagianism

Posted: July 11, 2006

Recently, an article I read accused my church of Pelagianism. From the context, it seems Pelagius believed Adam’s sin was not passed down from generation to generation, except in the… Read More

Q&A 0274 – Saved through childbirth

Posted: July 9, 2006

1 Timothy 2:15 speaks of women being saved through childbirth. What salvation is this referring to? Contractually speaking, there is only one way to be saved (Acts 2:38), so our… Read More

Linguistic Insight: amen

Posted: July 9, 2006

What does the word “amen” really mean? If you were like me, you learned to say it after “grace,” thanking God for the food before you ate a meal. Can… Read More

Linguistic Insight: Hallelujah

Posted: July 9, 2006

What does the common biblical term Hallelujah

Linguistic Insight: Slippery nomenclature

Posted: July 9, 2006

Slippery Nomenclature, by Craig Springer. Outdoor Life, August 2003. A fish by any other name smells just as — well, never mind. The point is that one man’s largemouth is… Read More

Linguistic Insight: Acts 2:38-41—repentance

Posted: July 9, 2006

At this website we have examined various words related to water and baptism. Today we take a look at Acts 2:38-41, which will set our study of New Testament baptism… Read More