Doctrine

The idea that shame has no place at all in the life of the believer says too much.

Regeneration is not a cooperative effort between God and man. God initiates the new birth by reaching down to us in love, mercy, and grace and lifting us from our lifeless condition. We do not meet Him halfway.

Mothers are not generally regarded as warriors. However, the Bible describes some mothers who fought in a hand-to-hand combat for their children.

The crowd who welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem may have been fans of Jesus, but they certainly weren’t followers of Jesus.

Jesus is serious about His disciples working while He is away. Why do you think that you will be more fervent about serving Him tomorrow if you are unwilling to serve Him today?

Because we don’t know when Jesus will return, we must always be ready. To be ready is to be faithfully working for Christ. There is no time for casualness or time-wasting. The Master is coming. We must be working.

Have you ever squandered a clear opportunity to testify about Jesus? The fear of man is strong. But we can consider ourselves in light of Who God is and fear Him most of all.

Whether spontaneously uttered, purposefully remembered, or extensively prepared, our gratefulness to God for Who He is and what He has done for us should be expressed regularly.

The past two weeks have seen amazing events taking place in Jerusalem on the Temple Mount. These events may well be a precursor to the fulfillment of important prophecies relating to the end times.

What does it mean to be spiritually free? It speaks of a status that is not true of everyone in this world.

Within quite a few supposedly evangelical churches, we are witnessing the adoption of Catholic and Orthodox aesthetics and liturgical practices even where official allegiance to Catholicism or Orthodoxy is not claimed.

Church membership actually matters and is not only biblical, but practical and pastoral.

Any putative gospel that denies justification through faith alone is a false gospel, whatever other elements of truth it may contain.

What is a healthy church? A healthy church is one that maintains its first love.

The real meaning of Christmas is a message of hope flooding a darkened world with marvelous light, healing old wounds, reviving broken dreams, and setting the captives free.

Sometimes the water we are trying to navigate gets a little shallow, doesn’t it? This is the precise time we need to sail into God’s channel of peace.

The Gospel of Luke gives us a wonderful window into how Jesus changed the world in three short years. Luke shows that prayer played a vital role.

“I do all things for the sake of the gospel.” So said Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:23. I wonder whether this verse can sustain all the freight that has been loaded onto it over the years.

One of the more frequent retorts that is thrown at Christians is that we are not to judge. Unfortunately, some Christians have picked up on this and are propagating it too.

Every philosophy rests on certain pillars—certain foundation stones. The gospel is Christianity’s foundation.

Can you imagine the roller coaster of emotions that took the followers of Jesus on a wild ride during His last week?

The death of Christ was not the mere actions of the frenzied mood of misled Jews. Christ’s death was part of God’s purposeful plan.

Controversy over Islam is increasing both within American religion and among American political candidates. How are Christians, and especially Baptists, supposed to think about Muslims?

In the debate concerning evolution and the age of the earth, certain arguments I grow tired of hearing. We spend so much time dealing with silly ideas that we cannot move on to the real meat of the issues.

An axiom of the Christian life is, Those who are truly saved will suffer. Living in the here and now means some degree of struggle.

2015 GARBC Annual Conference resolution, passed by voting messengers, Same-Sex Marriage.

2015 GARBC Annual Conference resolution, passed by voting messengers, Our Connection to Christ.

The greatest danger facing the believer is not future persecution but daily love seduction from the world system.

When reading books or hearing sermons on parables, you may well encounter some interesting commentary. Too often people approach the Bible’s parables as if they were true accounts.

The relationship between divine sovereignty and human responsibility (or free moral agency) has long been a fixation for me.

Q. Please comment on the practice in many churches of dedicating infants and children in a church service ceremony. Is there a Biblical basis for …

Q. Lately some friends have begun attending a church that doesn’t have membership; a person who simply attends is considered a member. Is this right?

A. In the last few decades an increasing number of churches have gone this route, particularly so-called megachurches. The Bible doesn’t specifically use the word member concerning local churches, and I am not going to judge those churches that do not have what we might call formal membership. However, I believe a positive, Biblically harmonious case can be made for it.

Q. Two verses, 1 Samuel 16:7 and 16:12, seem to contradict each other. Please explain.

A. Samuel was to anoint a new king to take the place of wicked King Saul. God instructed Samuel to go to Jesse the Bethlehemite to find a king among his sons. Verse 7 says that the Lord warned Samuel not to evaluate the sons by their looks, “for the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” After God indicated that the sons, one by one, were not whom He had in mind, verse 12 says that there was one son left, “so he sent and brought him [David] in. Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good looking. And the Lord said, ‘Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!’”

Q. Occasionally I hear preachers and others telling us to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” How can this be right or even possible in …

Q: I have a question about the belief some have that each Christian has a personal guardian angel that watches over and protects us through …

Q. Please comment on Psalm 2:12, which mentions “kissing the Son.” A. The phrase “kiss the Son” is figurative language, referring to the actual practice …

Q: Is it wrong to invest time in genealogies, family trees, etc.? I refer to Titus 3:9. A: Titus 3:9 reads, “But avoid foolish disputes, …

Q: In reading the book of Daniel, I came across something that appears to be contradictory. Daniel 12:11 says 1,290 days, while my understanding from …

Q: What does “born of water” in John 3:5 mean? A: Several views exist. Some believe it refers to water baptism, meaning that a person …

Q: We’re convinced Jesus never married, contrary to what some attention-getting liberals have advanced lately, but what about His disciples? And if any of them …

Q. Are churches required to use bread without yeast in observing the Lord’s Table? A. Churches use a variety of elements in Communion bread, but …

Q. Please explain Matthew 7:1 in relation to our need to exercise discernment. A. The familiar verse is, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” …

Q. Recently I heard that a certain cult teaches we can become gods, based on Psalm 82:6 and John 10:33 and 34. Please comment. A. …

I’m resuming this series after a break.  I struggle with breaking this down into “bite-size” chunks.  I already looked at how this type of language …

Q. Please explain what two curious statements mean Biblically: “Many who are first will be last, and the last first” (Matthew 19:30; cf. 20:16); and …

Q. I have met some believers recently who say that to truly be spiritual, one must know the original languages of the Bible (Hebrew and …

Q. I have some questions about Adam and Eve when they sinned. Where was Adam when Eve was tempted? Also, why does Adam apparently get …

Prior to the 1970s, most Baptists did not observe Lent, a 40-day period of penance, voluntary fasting, and self-denial. Now several Baptist leaders are suggesting this should change.

Q. Why do we worship on Sunday instead of Saturday? Is it true that Sunday worship originated in Roman Catholicism? A. It may be true …

Q. In Genesis 3:22, God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil.” Many theologians say “Us” is …

Q. When the Hebrews left Egypt, they took their herds with them. Why didn’t they eat their flocks instead of complaining and receiving manna? Also, …

Q. Recently I was introduced to some literature by a group that says believers should petition angels. The group says that angels are our best …

Q. People in our fundamental circles believe that the so-called sign gifts in the early New Testament church, such as speaking in tongues, ceased and …

Q. In Acts 23 or 24, Paul talks to his accusers in either Aramaic or Hebrew—it depends on which translation one reads. What is the …

Q. Please comment on “unworthy” in 1 Corinthians 11:27. I’ll admit I sometimes am afraid of taking the Lord’s Supper unworthily. A. If you are …

Q. Please comment as to who the “angel” is in Revelation 2:1. A. Revelation 2 and 3 include messages the Lord gave to the seven …

Q. Legalizing polygamy has been in the news lately. If it’s wrong, why did so many Old Testament believers practice it? Why did they go …

Are we commanded to pray for the salvation of the lost? Mathew 9:37, 38 – Pray for laborers Acts 4:29–31 – Pray for boldness Colossians 4:2–4 …

Q. Just when did Satan fall? Why did God allow Satan to fall, and why did God even create Satan in the first place? A.To …

Q. Please comment on Exodus 11 and 12, where the “death angel” supposedly killed the firstborn of any families who didn’t have blood sprinkled on …

Q.  After Job’s intense suffering, the Bible says he was given more than he had before his trials began, including seven sons and three daughters. …

Q. Recently I came across a person who insists that Baptists are the only true church because only Baptists can trace their heritage to John …

By Daniel Hartwig Are you dealing with someone who insists that the King James Bible is the only valid Bible translation for churches to use …

Q. We are currently in Ezekiel in Sunday School, and I am stuck (I teach the adult class). I have a problem knowing which judgments …

Q. Every now and then in Scripture, I read about God asking people questions. Why would God, Who knows everything, bother to ask people things? …

Q.  In Exodus 2:18, the priest of Midian and father of Zipporah (wife of Moses) is named Reuel. In Exodus 3:1, the father-in-law of Moses …

Q. Why should we oppose the “prosperity gospel” in the light of 3 John, verse 2? A. The verse reads, “Beloved, I pray that you …

The IARBC meeting has come to a close, but during the meeting there was a Q&A with Kevin Bauder and Paul Hartog. Most of the questions …

Several months ago John Piper invited Rick Warren to be a part of the national Desiring God conference coming up this fall. This news has …

“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days …

Andy and Jennifer Naselli recently reviewed theology books for younger children. Their reviews can be found here. To their list I would add and highly recommend …

It’s interesting how certain things intersect. Mark Driscoll on the Resurgence blog has an eight-minute video about “fundamentalists” and their problems: “7 Ways to Know If …

Like I said, it’s funny how some things intersect. After viewing Mark Driscoll’s video and reading Faith Pulpit, you have to read Kevin Bauder’s latest In the Nick of …

Q. Do you think the pontiff at Rome could be the Antichrist? A. Some people believe that the pope is indeed the Antichrist, regardless of …

Q. Please explain what the apostle Paul meant in 1 Corinthians 5:5. A. The verse reads, “Deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction …

Many of you have heard the term “missional” before. It is a buzzword among churches that are seeking to be relevant in their communities in …

We’ve had a lot of discussion on the Manhattan Declaration. Here’s another follow-up with a helpful discussion guide put together by John Greening, who has been …

Q. Is Jericho also known in the Bible as the City of Palms? If so, I thought Jericho was destroyed by Joshua and not rebuilt …

Q. Is the story told in John 12:1-8 the same as the one in Matthew 26:6-13? I read a study that says so, but the …

Q. Please explain what Revelation 3:10 means. A. The verse reads, “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from …

All right, getting back to looking at “already/not yet.”  I have been thinking through the best way to break this down, and I’m going to …

There still continues to be plenty of discussion about the Manhattan Declaration. To point out some of the better discussion: David Doran continues to jot …

The Manhattan Declaration is starting to take the blogosphere (if nowhere else) by storm. Basically it’s a statement by a group of more or less …

Have you ever been discussing theology or reading a book and heard the speaker say something like, “Well, this is a case of the already/not …

Like many of you, I subscribe to various and sundry blogs in order to keep up on what’s out there in theology, church ministry, and …

Q. In Luke 9:1–6, Jesus told His followers not to take various necessities with them when they went out to minister. Why did He instruct …

Q. In Genesis 44:5, it appears that Joseph practiced divination. I can’t imagine Joseph, the godly man he was, being involved with such. Also, I …

An understanding of how the new covenant (Jer. 31:31ff.) integrates into dispensational theology is a much discussed point of theology. Questions like, “How does the new …

A final passage and then Dr. Myron concludes: (6) 2 Corinthians 4:3–6.  In these verses there is both a problem and a solution. (a) The …

Dr. Myron Houghton works through more Biblical evidence as he looks at another passage of Scripture. (5) 1 Corinthians 2:1-16. Introduction. In the first chapter, Paul tries …

This week we look at a single passage in 1 Corinthians as Dr. Myron Houghton continues to examine the Biblical evidence: (4) 1 Corinthians 1:17-31. …

Biblical information In this section of the paper, I want to examine six passages in the New Testament that will help us to develop a …

Here we get a summary of the evidentialist and presuppositionalist approaches to methodology. Next week will be the Biblical evidence. A METHODOLOGY FOR APOLOGETICS Evidential …

We have the privilege of having a paper on apologetic methodology by Dr. Myron Houghton at Faith Baptist Theological Seminary that I’m dividing up into …

Q. There’s a section of 1 Corinthians 15, verses 39-44, that simply doesn’t make sense to me. Please explain. A. Looking at the whole context …

Q. What did Jesus mean when He told His disciples to “fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell,” if …

The surprising science of motivation I ran into the video of this talk on Matt Perman’s blog. He said it was definitely worth the 18 minute investment …

Al Mohler spoke about the future of the Southern Baptist Convention. While obviously specific to SBC issues, there is much that someone trying to reach this …

You know people have been doing those “25 random things about me” notes on Facebook recently . . . Right? . . . Okay, are …

Why is God in control of His universe? As we read through the Bible, we see that God reveals Himself to people in love (Exod. …

by Dr. Stallard At this point it is possible to formulate with more precision the essence of dispensationalism in light of the foregoing remarks. First, …

by Dr. Stallard It has been shown that dispensationalists and nondispensationalists approach the harmonizing of the Old and New Testaments in different ways. That is, …

by Dr. Stallard The most basic objection that has been raised against dispensational literal hermeneutics is that the term “literal” does not possess such a …

Q. Taking the view your group does on dispensationalism, premillennialism, and the pretribulational Rapture, I sense that you don’t believe in peacemaking in the world …

Q. First Corinthians 15:51 and 52, apparently referring to the Rapture, link that great event with a sounding of the last trumpet.  In Revelation 11:15-19, …

Q. Why does Revelation 5:6 speak of seven Spirits, when there is only one Spirit? A. The “seven Spirits” should be regarded as “sevenfold Spirit,” …

Q. Why did Nicodemus come to talk with Jesus during the night? A. Nicodemus appears three times in the Gospels; you are referring to the …

As Greg posted in his “Introduction to Christianity and Culture” we’re getting started on organizing and publishing this blog. We want you involved! I’m in …

Q. When one searches for information in Scripture on Jesus’ childhood, why do we find so little? One would think that more of Jesus’ example …

Q. Is it right to call Jesus the “Lily of the Valleys” and “Rose of Sharon”? A. Song of Solomon 2:1 presents a conversation between …

Q. I’ve always been under the impression that the Antichrist will be a Jew. Is this correct? A. The belief that the Antichrist will be …

Q.What is a proper Christian response to people who claim Christmas and other Christian celebrations are pagan? A. First, if we are honest, we are …

Q. I can’t understand 2 Corinthians 8:3. It appears that these believers, giving “beyond their ability,” were going into debt, and the Bible forbids indebtedness. …

Q. How does one answer an amillennialist to prove Christ will reign a literal thousand years on earth? Revelation 20 clearly says so, but that …

Q. Why do believers, including Bible characters, have disagreements, when they all are supposedly indwelt by the same Holy Spirit? One would think that all …

Q. Is marriage a covenant? A. I assume you are not asking about so-called covenant marriage, which has been in the news. In contrast to …

Q. Which of these two words should we use—“sin” or “sins”? Is there any difference between the two? A. A fine passage to observe is …

Q. How did the word “Easter” get into Scripture? Easter has pagan connotations. A. Acts 12:4 is the single use of the word “Easter” in …

Q. Explain Matthew 22:13 and 25:30, where a person is said to be cast “into outer darkness.” Was the person a Christian? In Heaven, will …

Q. I’m concerned about coming in last, if that is the right way to put it, when it comes to Hebrews 12:1 and 2. It …

Q. Biblically, how does one witness to a Jehovah’s Witness? A. Your question reminds me of a story told by a pastor. A church member …

Q. (1) Who was Jesus referring to when He said, “Get behind Me, Satan” in Matthew 16:23? (2) What did Jesus mean when He called …

Q. Did Adam and Eve ever repent after their sinning in the Garden of Eden? A. Initially they didn’t, of course. The Biblical account shows …

Q. I recently watched an evangelism training video that uses the Ten Commandments to reach people. One of the trainers says that if the persons …

Q. With the ugly happening at Virginia Tech recently, I see capital punishment being attacked with new vigor in the newspapers and on TV and …

Q. Is there such a thing today as the gift of discernment? I’ve heard people talk about it, as though only certain believers have that …

Q. I don’t know how prevalent it is in our group, but lately I’ve noticed more evangelical churches using such fund-raising methods as bazaars, bake …

Q. What does the phrase “from faith to faith” mean in Romans 1:17? A. Romans 1:17 is the last verse in Paul’s introductory material of …

Q. Ephesians 4:8 says Christ ascended on high. The next verse, Ephesians 4:9, says He first descended. What does this descending mean? A. First, let’s …

Q. Please explain Matthew 16:27 and 28. It seems that Jesus was talking about the Second Coming. Is this right? If so, how could He …

Q. In Exodus 1:15–21, was it right that the midwives lied? It seems that God honored what they said. A. The occasion of this passage …

Q. What does the word “Selah” mean in the book of Psalms? I’ve noticed that in church, during Scripture readings in unison, people don’t know …

Q. Every now and then I’ve heard speakers appealing to unbelievers to trust Christ because they’re lonely. Also I can think of a few songs …

Q. What does one say to a person who doubts that insurance is Biblical, believing it is a sign of distrusting God and also a …

Q. In Mark 5:19 Jesus told the demon-possessed man of Gadara to tell his friends what had happened to him, but in Mark 5:43 Jesus …

Q. How did animals find their way to the ark before the Flood? How did they survive all that time in the ark? After the …

Q. When I was young and before I became a believer in Christ, I took a vow that I would never leave the church I …

by Norm Olson Q. I heard someone say the wise men were into astrology. I’ve been taught that astrology is sinful. Please comment. A. First …

by Norm Olson Q. A born-again Christian I visited with the other day believes that we have just one nature, based on Romans 6:6 and …

by Norm Olson Q. What about a new movement or thought among Christians known as transformation? Is it Biblical? A. Is it Biblical? should be …

by Norm Olson Q: I would appreciate your explanation of the Parable of the Tares (Matthew 13:24-30). It appears that the Lord directed the reapers …

by Norm Olson Q: What did the Jews and early church offer in training compared with churches today? For example, they obviously didn’t have Sunday …

by Norm Olson Q: Was Elimelech right or wrong in moving his family to Moab in Ruth 1:1-5? A: Bible scholars hold varying views on …

by Norm Olson Q: Why did Christ curse the fig tree in Matthew 21:19? A: This account is also found in Mark 11:11-14 and 19-26. …

Q. What should people like me do who have asked Jesus to be our Savior and yet continue to doubt our salvation? A. You need …

Q. In 1 Timothy 2:8 does “men” mean “males” or “mankind” in general? Does “lifting up holy hands” indicate something we should be doing? A. …

by Norm Olson Q: When a Christian dies, does the soul go directly to Heaven (later to be reunited with the resurrected body to appear …

Q. Does Colossians 2:10, which says that Christians are complete in Christ, contradict Genesis 2:18, which implies that being married completes a person? A. When …

Q. If the “sons of God” in Genesis 6 came from the lineage of Cain when fallen angels supposedly entered their bodies and married the …

Q. It appears that both Jerusalem and Bethlehem are called “the city of David” in the Bible. Please comment. A. Yes, in 2 Samuel 5:6 …

Q. Recently I heard that Christians shouldn’t use the word “Palestine” to describe Israel and the Holy Land. A. The term “Palestine” is a bit …

Q. Since Jews haven’t accepted Christ as having come and as being their Messiah, why aren’t they still sacrificing animal offerings today? A. There are …

Q. Please comment on an editorial from a denominational magazine that criticizes what we Regular Baptists hold to eschatologically. The writing by this editor in …

Q. Please comment on 2 Peter 3:11 and 12. Does the verse mean we can actually cause Christ to come back earlier than otherwise divinely …

Q. What does 2 Corinthians 6:3 mean when it says we aren’t supposed to give offense in anything? A. First, I’ll mention what the verse …

Q. Is there a difference between the words “conversion” and “regeneration”? A. We commonly use “conversion” and “regeneration” to refer to the “new birth,” the …

Q. Is it Scriptural for a pastor to lead more than one flock at a time? I’ve known of some smaller (usually rural) churches that …

Q. Is corporal punishment (as in spanking) truly Biblical; and if it is, how do we answer all its opposition? A. Corporal punishment is certainly …

Q. What is the basis for people’s believing in purgatory? A. “Purgatory“ comes from a Latin word that means “to purge.” Roman Catholicism defines it …

Q. What stance should we believers take toward the recent tsunami, its toll on lives, and all the suffering? Some people in that part of …

Q. Do pastors and other Christian workers, such as missionaries and teachers, need a definite call from God to go into their fields of ministry? …

Q. Please comment about the conscience. I have heard that we should not let it be our guide, as the saying goes; but what is …

Q. What does Luke 17:21 mean when it says that the kingdom is within a person? A. Luke 17:20 and 21 read, Now when He …

Q. Why was Sarah not punished for her laughing over the news that she would have a son, while Zacharias was struck dumb for a …

Q. Does the Bible offer any clue as to why so many differences of thinking and religious denominations exist even among true born-again Christians? A. …

Q. Please comment on the seeming difference between the God of the Old Testament and of the New Testament. In the Old Testament He seems …

Q. The Ten Commandments and other Bible verses promise long life to people who obey God. Why then do some who have obeyed not get …

Q. Romans 12:20 says that when a believer acts kindly toward an enemy, coals of fire are actually heaped upon the enemy’s head. Please explain. …

Q. Will people sin during the Millennium? A. You have asked an interesting and important question. The Millennium, which is the one-thousand-year reign of Christ …

Q. Several psalms contain the heading “A song of degrees.” What does that mean? A. You’re referring to Psalms 120—134. Four of these psalms are …

Q. While I was studying 1 Timothy in Sunday School, the term “elect angels” came up. After searching, I could find no other use of …

Q. Is the unpardonable sin the same as the “sin unto death”? A. The unpardonable sin and the sin unto death cannot be the same. …

Q. In the New Testament it seems the act of water baptism appears rather suddenly. We read about John the Baptist, the disciples, and then …

Q. Romans 16:13 mentions a man named Rufus, and the apostle Paul wrote as though Rufus’s mother was also his own mother. Were the two …

Q. Why don’t Baptists believe in displaying crucifixes in the home and church? Couldn’t these serve as a good reminder of what Christ did for …

Q. On the morning Jesus rose from the dead, Mary Magdalene met the Savior in the Garden near the tomb where Jesus had lain. Jesus …

Q. Why did Jesus’ disciples go back to Galilee after the Resurrection, when they would be going back to Jerusalem for Pentecost? How did they …

Q. John 18:40 describes Barabbas as a robber, and Matthew 27:38 calls the two men on the cross on either side of Jesus thieves (KJV). …

Q. The parable found in Luke 16:1‒9 seems so dishonest. For example, what is so great about what the steward did? Also, what is the …

Q. In 2 Kings 25:16 what does the word “Sea” refer to? A. The sad context of this verse is the fall of Jerusalem under …

Q. While 1 Corinthians 5 tells believers in Christ to disassociate from a sinning brother or sister in the context of church discipline, does this …

Q. How did the wise men know that the star represented the Messiah? Why did they, as pagans, travel all that distance? Where did we …

Q. What does the Bible mean when it refers to the Son of God as “begotten”? A. This word, combined with the word “only,” indicates …

Q. I’m confused about this whole matter of when Christ was born: why do people say Christ was born in 4 B.C. if “B.C.” means …

Q. Are the miracles of Satan through his cohorts, as recorded in Revelation 13, real, or are they just sleight-of-hand imitation deceptions of real miracles? …

Q. Why did David pick out five stones instead of just one before he met and killed Goliath? Was it a lack of faith on …

Q. John 1:18 says that no one has seen God at any time. I have no problem with that statement, but what do I tell …

Q. Why did King Solomon have numerous wives, when Deuteronomy 17:17 prohibited kings from having many wives? A. The first part of the verse reads, …

Q. How should believers Biblically treat all the public opinion polls we’re being bombarded with these days? A. Polls, while they can be bothersome and …

Q. Please explain Ecclesiastes 10:19 in the light of other Scripture passages dealing negatively with money. A. You are probably thinking of passages such as …

Q. Please comment on so-called generational curses found in the Bible. Are they in force today? Were they fair to those whose parents sinned? A. …

Q. The Old Testament character Samson appears in Hebrews 11, the great hall of faith chapter. He scarcely seems qualified as a candidate for this …

Q. In Ezekiel 36:25 God told Israel He will sprinkle them with water to removed their uncleanness. Since sin can be removed only by blood, …

Q. Please explain 2 Corinthians 11:8, where Paul said that he robbed churches. I thought thievery is sin. A. In this portion of his second …

Q. I recently read a booklet that said spiritual giants of the past lived an average of only 35 years because they burned out for …

Q. I came across Romans 11:26 the other day. This verse has me stumped. Does it really mean that every last Jew living at the …

Q. Luke 5:2 records that the disciples washed their nets. Why were they doing that when their nets would have been in the water all …

Q. Is there any truth to the idea that certain numbers are significant in Scripture, such as the number seven’s being the perfect number? A. …

Q. Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day after His birth. A Christian author I recently read wrote that Jewish circumcision in this case was …

Q. Is it wrong for Christians to use the word “X-mas”? A. Scripture doesn’t address the specific issue. But shouldn’t we believers use every opportunity …

Q. How could the Devil take Jesus places during the Temptation? How could they be near the pinnacle of the temple and then later on …

Q. Regarding Hebrews 13:2, is it possible that we could at some time have an angel visiting our house and not know it was an …

Q. I’m enclosing a page I read from a Southern Baptist devotional that makes this statement: “Christians today are the new Israel (Rom. 9:6–8).” Please …

Q. A church without a pastor was given Jeremiah 3:15 not long ago as an encouragement. Was offering this verse legitimate in this context? A. …

Q. In the Bible we find words like “sin,” “wickedness,” and “evil.” Are these terms interchangeable, or do their meanings differ? A. First, let me …

Q. Should we apply 2 Chronicles 7:14, even though tied with Israel, to America’s spiritual decline as so many do? A. In context, the passage …

Q. What are deaconesses? If legitimate, what is their role? Should Regular Baptist churches have them? A. First, the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches …

Q. Colossians 4:10 (KJV) refers to Mark as being Barnabas’s sister’s son, which to me would make him a nephew of Barnabas. But I heard …

Q. Did Jesus ever baptize anyone? My impression was that He didn’t, but I came across John 3:22. A. John 3:22 reads, “After these things …

Q. Please comment on Matthew 17:52 and 53, which says that people were coming out of their graves and seeing people upon Jesus’ death. A. …

Q. How could someone tear out a roof, as recorded in Mark 2:1‒12? That seems outlandish. A. Roofs of houses in that time were flat …

Q. Did the writers of Scripture know they were being inspired of God as they wrote? I’m not asking if they were inspired; we know …

Q. If Lot was vexed by living in Sodom, as the Bible says, why didn’t he get out of there? How could he be considered …

Q. Please comment on the prophetic implications of the recent tragedy in America. A. Many people are asking your question. An item in USA Today …

Q. How do you reconcile Matthew 16:18b with Revelation 3:16? A. Matthew 16:18b reads, “On this rock [Jesus Christ] I will build My church, and …

Q. What does Proverbs 11:1 mean? A. The verse reads, “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His …

Q. Why did Jesus not do similar miracles to feeding the 5,000 (see Luke 9:12–17) on occasions when the disciples would have to buy food …

Q. I’m concerned about criticism being made about the doctrine of the coming rapture of believers. The critics call the event “secret.” They also say …

Q. Could Jesus have sinned? (I’m not asking, Did He sin?) A. Your question could be answered in one simple statement: Jesus is God; therefore, …

Q. On what basis did Pontius Pilate, from his vantage point as an unbeliever, insist that he found no fault with Jesus? Also, why did …

Q. I’m totally serious in asking this question: Can we Christians anticipate having our pets with us in Heaven, since Heaven is a place of …

Q. Please help me with 2 Corinthians 6:14. I know it deals with business partnerships, but how inclusive is this verse? A. The principle of …

Q. Please explain Proverbs 30:21–23. I can’t make sense of this passage. A. This passage in the Bible’s book of wisdom reads, “For three things …

Q. As I read 2 Timothy 1:6, I am wondering what Timothy’s gift was that the apostle Paul referred to. A. In the context of …

Q. Someone asked one of the newspaper social columnists if it were all right, on the basis of Matthew 1:25, for couples to live together …

Q. In recent days I’ve been seeing Malachi 4:5 and 6 cropping up in literature dealing with present-day families and child rearing. Is this a …

Q. Why is God never mentioned in the book of Esther? A. The word “God” is not found in the book. Likely it is because …

Q. Jeremiah 33:20 and following state God’s promise that a descendent of David will reign forever on his throne. Why is this reign not evident? …

Q. What does John 8:15 mean? I thought Jesus is the coming judge. A. He is. Jesus had just encountered the Pharisees, who had attacked …

Q. Recently I heard someone speak on Proverbs 1:20‒33, relating verse 28 of the passage to salvation. If that is correct, how can it harmonize …

Q. What is the difference between cherubim and seraphim? A. Both classes are God’s special angels. Other than to make this distinction, attempts to distinguish …

Q. Please comment on Daniel 9:25 and 26. Verse 25 states there will be no 69 weeks following the command to rebuild the wall to …

Q. Does the Bible address the issue of cliques, such as in local churches? A. Yes, the apostle Paul, in his first letter to the …

Q. I work with a large number of Muslim families. We sometimes engage in religious discussions. Muslims view Jesus as a prophet or messenger from …

Q. I was reading Matthew 27 in my Bible. Verse 9 mentions Jeremy [Jeremiah] the prophet, but I noticed that in the center margin there …

Q. In Zechariah 1:8, is the man on the red horse Jesus Christ? Also, the first several chapters speak of the Angel of the Lord; …

Q. Concerning the Fall (Genesis 3), why would it be the serpent’s fault that Satan entered into it? (The serpent was cursed.) What does the …

Q. Please comment on Psalm 30:5b. I’ve heard various ideas on it, such as weeping over souls in witnessing situations, which will result in people …

Q. When will the earth finally be destroyed—during or after the Tribulation or after the Millennium? A. Second Peter 3:10 reads, “But the day of …

Q. At Christmas, we often think of angels, but with the Holy Spirit indwelling the believer during the Church Age, do believers still need, require, …

Q. I have a question about 1 Corinthians 5:1. Was this prohibition based on the Old Testament law? If so, I thought we are not …

Q. Did God, or does God, love the Devil, since the latter is a created being and God loved His creation? A. It would appear …

Q. Please comment on 1 Corinthians 1:17. Doesn’t it seem that Paul was giving credence to the idea commonly held today that baptism is unimportant? …

Q. What is the meaning and significance of the expression “for obedience” in Romans 1:5 and 1 Peter 1:2? Is it speaking of Christ’s obedience …

Q. I’m confused about this whole matter of whether some sins are worse than others. Please comment. A. In one sense all sin is equally …

Q. Please comment on John 2:17 as it relates to the Old Testament. How did it come about that the disciples remembered the passage? A. …

Q. Our GARBC Articles of Faith state under VIII (Salvation) that Christ is now enthroned in Heaven. Is this correct? I thought that Christ will …

Q. Someone told a terminally ill friend of mine, a believer, that she should demand a healing from God to show she meant business and …

Q. I came across an incident in Jesus’ suffering that I had overlooked. It is found in Mark 14:51 and 52. Please comment. A. Only …

Q. I was under the impression that Solomon wrote Proverbs, but what about the names of Agur and King Lemuel in chapters 30 and 31? …

Q. Does Titus 3:9 teach that it is wrong to pursue and trace our ancestry or family tree? A. Anything is wrong if it becomes …

Q. Please explain 1 Kings 19:20 in the light of passages such as Matthew 3:18‒22; 10:37; and Luke 14:26 and 27. A. The setting of …

Q. Does the Bible really allow for a person to give blood or receive blood transfusions? It seems that the Bible is meticulous about putting …

Q. Is there Scriptural evidence that Satan can heal today? A. We need to understand a couple of truths about Satan in regard to your …

Q. Why did God send an angel to Mary to tell her that she was going to have a baby? A. In Bible times God …

Q. I see nothing in Scripture that commands me to be a member of a church. What is your opinion? A. I point out lovingly …

Q. Matthew 18:18 has put a question into the minds of our church group. Can you help us understand this verse? A. As with any …

Q. People in the Bible, such as Abraham, had more than one wife. Why did God allow such a thing? When did the practice begin, …

Q. Matthew 7:14 and Matthew 11:30 seem to contradict each other. Please explain. A. There is no contradiction. Matthew 7:14 warns that following Christ can …

Q. During the Kingdom Age, will King David literally sit upon the throne as a risen being in Jerusalem assisting Jesus? A. A number of …

Q. Please explain Hebrews 10:22. Does it in any way pertain to water baptism? A. No, it does not. But first we must note the …

Q. Please explain the “sop” the writer John mentioned as it related to the Last Supper. Why didn’t the other Gospel writers mention it? A. …

Q. In Luke 15, were the ninety-nine sheep lost or saved? A. Some people have acquired the idea that this passage refers to believers who …

Q. Please comment on Paul’s decision in Romans 11 concerning the relationship between the salvation of the Gentiles and Israel’s disobedience. He seemed to say …

Q. I am baffled by the phrase “because of the angels” in 1 Corinthians 11:10. What does it mean? A. The context of 1 Corinthians …

Q. Titus 1 mentions some people who were extremely rebellious. Were these people believers or unbelievers? A. Only God knows hearts. I would hate to …

Q. Why did God tell Joseph and Mary to go to Egypt with Jesus when He could have taken care of His Son in Bethlehem …

Q. It seems that Scripture often uses the phrase “last day(s).” I am wondering what it means in John 6:40. A. You are correct in …

Q. Please comment on the word “vicar.” I have a friend whose church uses it, and I think I have seen the word in the …

Q. I would like to know about the unpardonable sin. A. The unpardonable sin occurred when Jesus Christ was living on earth (Matt. 12:14–37). Israel’s …

Q. As a retired nurse I am very troubled over Romans 14:12 in relation to individuals with severe learning disabilities, such as Down’s syndrome. Also …

Q. According to Numbers 20:22–29 and Deuteronomy 32:50–52, God punished Aaron by not letting him enter the Promised Land. Why did He punish Aaron for …

Q. We appreciated your answers to the questions that were asked in the April 1997 Baptist Bulletin on the book of Job. The question we …

Q. Please comment on how we should cope with Satan. The Bible in some places tells us to be bold in dealing with him. In …

Q. I am confused over Revelation 7. Who does the chapter refer to, Jews or Gentiles? Also it sounds as though they are saved during …

Q. I have an acquaintance who believes that a speaker (pastor, Sunday School teacher, and so on) is sinning if he doesn’t include the gospel …

Q. If smoking is wrong, why did God create the tobacco plant in the first place? A. Your question is particularly relevant to our times, …

Q. Please explain Isaiah 45:7. It sounds as though God is responsible for evil. Also, I have a question about Acts 27:35 and 36. Was …

Q. Please comment on Job 1:6 and 7. Where did the event recorded in these verses take place? Does Satan normally associate with the “sons …

Q. Please comment on the various kingdoms of the Bible, as they are somewhat confusing. For example, I want to know the difference between the …

Q. I am confused about Hebrews 9:27. It seems to contradict Christ’s raising of Lazarus from the dead. Lazarus surely must have died twice. A. …

Q. Acts 4 (vv. 36, 37) reveals that Barnabas, a Levite, owned land. I thought Levities were forbidden this privilege. A. The Levites, the priestly …

Q. I was curious as I read the short book of 2 John. Has the “elect lady” mentioned in it ever been identified? A. Interestingly, …

Q. Please comment on Luke 2:36–38. Was Anna 84 years old, or had she been a widow for 84 years after 7 years of marriage? …

Q. Why are our churches getting away from the beauty of the four Gospels? What are the Gospels for, if pastors neglect this section of …

Q. In 1 Chronicles 3:6–9, I came upon something I am wondering about. Did David have two sons named Elishama and two sons named Eliphelet? …

Q. Lately I have come across some Christians who believe our society should grant the death sentence to people who are guilty of various sex …

Q. Please comment on Psalm 23:4. Does this verse refer to the time just before our physical death? Also, is it true that God dispenses …

Q. Why don’t Baptists practice the washing of one another’s feet? John 13:2–17 seems to indicate this was Jesus’ intention for us. A. When we …

Q. Is it Scriptural for a church to hire an unsaved organist if it does not have one in its congregation or to bring in …

Q. Please comment on the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25. If it refers to the second coming of Christ after the Tribulation …

Q. Have I been wrong in assuming that the cock crowed three times, since Peter denied His Lord three times? Mark 14:72 indicates that the …

Q. Please comment on just who was responsible for Christ’s death. Were the Jews entirely accountable? A. The idea that one group of people (the …

Q. Please comment on the two passages, John 4:24 and Ephesians 5:18. Do they refer to the Holy Spirit or to something else? A. John …

Q. A sentence that truly puzzles me is found in Luke 17:37, where the King James Version uses the word “eagles,” but other versions use …

Q. Please comment on the Old Testament practice of polygamy, especially since 2 Samuel 12:8 seems to indicate that God gave David even more women …

Q. Why did God seemingly wait so long to send Jesus Christ to be born? A. God promised a Savior to Adam and Eve, the …

Q. Revelation 3:5 speaks of names being blotted out of the Lamb’s Book of Life. Please explain how such a thing could happen. Also Revelation …

Q. In Luke 12:4 and 5, the Lord tells us whom to fear and whom not to fear. This teaching also appears in Matthew 10:28 …

Q. In light of the importance of trials taking place across America for a number of serious slayings, is capital punishment Biblically wrong if the …

Q. When we pray, are we to talk only to God the Father, or can we pray to Jesus and the Holy Spirit too? Also, …

Q. I am a 16-year-old high school student. My best friend believes that a person must be baptized to be saved. Is baptism necessary for …

Q. Please comment on the so-called sinner’s prayer in Luke 18:13. Should we pray this kind of prayer for salvation today? A. The “sinner’s prayer” …

Q. In 1 Peter 2:12, what does the “day of visitation” refer to? A. First Peter 2:12 states, “Having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, …

Q. Please comment on the matter of backsliding. Is this sin not an Old Testament phenomenon? A. The words “backsliding,” “backslider,” and “backslidings” are indeed …

Q. Now that coffee is at last listed with the other drugs, I would like to have your thoughts on how Christians handle this categorization. …

Q. Why does Mark 15:32 say what it does? I thought one of the robbers repented. A. The second part of Mark 15:32 reads, “And …

Q. Please comment on Matthew 12:40, the part that says Jesus would be three days and three nights in the grave. If this statement is …

Q. In Luke 18, why did Jesus say to the rich young ruler that only the Father in Heaven is good, when He (Jesus) also …

Q. Is it Scriptural for us to baptize people who have no intention of joining our local church? Are baptism and church membership prerequisites to …

Q. We all know Scripture verses that show the vengeance of God toward unbelievers (2 Thess. 1:7‒10; Rev 16:8‒11; also Old Testament incidents and illustrations). …

Q. Who are the two witnesses listed in Revelation 11? A. Revelation 11 teaches that God will during the last half of the Tribulation to …

Q. I’ve been thinking about the story of Jesus’ birth lately. Wasn’t it cruel of God to force Mary to go 90 miles in her …