Search — Theology Explorer

anxiety and mental health

Why is Suicide a Sin?: Why do Christians see suicide as a sin if it’s never condemned in the Bible? Why should I be forced to live a pathetic life I never asked for?

Q&A question: Why is Suicide a Sin?

About “Feeling” God’s Presence: I always hear Christians say they “felt the presence of God.” How can I feel His presence? I read His Word as much as I can and pray often, but have never “felt” His presence.

Q&A question: About “Feeling” God’s Presence

About Astronomical Alignment: Do you think the astronomical alignment on Sept 23rd, 2017 is a fulfillment of Revelation 12:1-3? It feels like astrology to me.

Q&A question: About Astronomical Alignment

revelation revelation

Numbers 5 marriage Numbers 5

Do Numbers & Leviticus Contradict?: In Numbers 5, there is a test for an unfaithful wife. In verses 27-28 however, the punishment called for appears to differ from that in Leviticus 20: 10 which calls for death. Am I missing something?

Q&A question: Do Numbers & Leviticus Contradict?

Can a Muslim be Saved?: Is it possible for a Muslim to be saved through faith since they also believe in to getting into Heaven by God's grace (although through works) and through repentance of sins?

Q&A question: Can a Muslim be Saved?

repentance Islam

About the “Wages of Sin”: If “the wages of sin is death,” why is there a Hell? When a non-believer dies, why wasn't that debt paid by their death?

Q&A question: About the “Wages of Sin”

hell

How Important is Inerrancy?: I found out that several big teachers and content writers at my church don't believe that the Bible is inerrant? Should I be concerned?

Q&A question: How Important is Inerrancy?

biblical inerrancy

Should we Read Non-Canonical Books?: Would you recommend that current Christians develop an awareness of Scripture that is no longer canon?

Q&A question: Should we Read Non-Canonical Books?

Should a Head Pastor be Close to His Staff?: What are your thoughts on a head pastor who does not interact with his staff? I teach at a church and have no real relationship (to the point of pain) with my pastor as he is never present.

Q&A question: Should a Head Pastor be Close to His Staff?

pastoral ministry

Should we “Apply” the Blood of Jesus?: Someone recently told me to always "apply the blood of Jesus" over my family, my home, myself, and everything that belongs to me before I pray, since there is spiritual warfare going on. Have you heard of this, and what are your thoughts?

Q&A question: Should we “Apply” the Blood of Jesus?

Jesus

revelation Matthew Matthew 13 Jesus revelation Matthew

About “Leaven,” Destruction, & Revelation: Any thoughts on using Matthew 13: 33 to prove that people inside the faithful church will try to destroy it (saying that yeast is bad and the woman Jesus referred to is the same as in Revelation)?

Q&A question: About “Leaven,” Destruction, & Revelation

John 11 resurrection John 11

About Being Alive in Christ/Future Resurrection: Please explain John 11: 25-26, how the first person became dead but believed and the second person being a believer never dies.

Q&A question: About Being Alive in Christ/Future Resurrection

Thoughts about Steven Crowder: What is your opinion on Christian YouTuber Steven Crowder? A lot of his content (while in the name of comedy and free speech) is quite vulgar and feels insensitive. Is his method biblical?

Q&A question: Thoughts about Steven Crowder

Is Marriage Different Now?: My friend says the definition of marriage evolved over time, and that now it’s a legal contract, but in biblical times she claims it was a social transfer of care. Thus, she believes living with her boyfriend unmarried is biblical. Thoughts?

Q&A question: Is Marriage Different Now?

marriage

revelation Jesus revelation

Is Jesus Finite or Infinite?: Jesus said, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end" (Revelation 22: 13 ESV). Does this mean God the Son is finite? Is He saying Jesus, fully man, is finite?

Q&A question: Is Jesus Finite or Infinite?

1 Timothy 2 1 Timothy 2:5 John 1 1 Timothy 2 Timothy 1 Timothy 2:5

About Theophanies & Christophanies: Would you say that every theophany is a Christophany? (John 1: 17-18, Jude 1:5, John 8: 58, Matthew 11: 27, 1 Timothy 2:5)

Q&A question: About Theophanies & Christophanies

Are Murder Mysteries Appropriate for Believers?: I watched your video on Halloween, and I’m wondering what your thoughts are on murder mystery dinner parties (and for that matter, murder mysteries in general). Is it wrong to be entertained by them?

Q&A question: Are Murder Mysteries Appropriate for Believers?

Should We Ever Hate People?: Should we hate the evil doer (e.g., those who promote or perform abortion) or should we just keep their salvation in mind? Or can we do both at the same time?

Q&A question: Should We Ever Hate People?

salvation abortion

About the Fear of Eternity: A student recently shared a fear of hers: the idea of eternity, even if in Heaven. I have to admit I struggle with this, as well. Any advice for me, for how I can comfort her from the Bible?

Q&A question: About the Fear of Eternity

heaven

About Adam & Eve / Sin Nature: Were Adam and Eve created WITH a sin nature at their creation? If not, why then did they choose to sin in the first place, all the while God having called His creation good?

Q&A question: About Adam & Eve / Sin Nature

creation Adam and Eve

About God being our Loving Father: I've been a believer for a very long time, but still struggle with the concept of God as loving Father. Mainly due to my upbringing. How do I overcome this? The doubt is overwhelming.

Q&A question: About God being our Loving Father

doubt and faith

Will Unbelievers Bow?: Does “every knee shall bow” refer to each person when they die and stand before God, or mankind collectively at the return of Jesus? If it's the latter, does this mean unbelievers will be forced to do this?

Q&A question: Will Unbelievers Bow?

Jesus

About Pastor Nathan Finochio: What do you know about Nathan Finochio? My daughter was invited to a youth event where he is the main preacher, but I'm not sure if I should let her attend.

Q&A question: About Pastor Nathan Finochio

Nathan pastoral ministry

revelation Revelation 21 revelation Revelation 21

About Judgment, Sinners, & New Jerusalem: After the Great White Throne judgment and the Second Death (Revelation 21: 10), where do the sinners come from that are kept outside the New Jerusalem (Revelation 22: 15)?

Q&A question: About Judgment, Sinners, & New Jerusalem

Anxiety about Repenting of Every Sin: How can I deal with the urge to ask for forgiveness for nearly every intrusive thought, feeling, and temptation? If I'm asking out of anxiety, am I asking in vain? I don't want to treat sin lightly.

Q&A question: Anxiety about Repenting of Every Sin

forgiveness

Is “Accepting Jesus” Man-Centered Soteriology?: Is it man-centered thinking to say that “Jesus died for everyone but it is only applied to you if/when you accept it”? Are we the ones who give the cross its power? I’d Like to hear your thoughts on this.

Q&A question: Is “Accepting Jesus” Man-Centered Soteriology?

Jesus

Should We Correct Non-Believers’ Sins?: What is the Christian’s role in bringing up non-believers’ specific sins? Should we, at all? I hear people reference John 16:8. How should we best evangelize to non-believers?

Q&A question: Should We Correct Non-Believers’ Sins?

John 16 John 16 angels

Ezekiel salvation baptism prophecy

About Jews, Prophecy, & Baptism: Did the Jews (ex. Nicodemus) understand the prophecies of a future cleansing as involving literal water (ex. Ezekiel 36: 25-27)? A colleague thinks so (she believes baptism is necessary for salvation).

Q&A question: About Jews, Prophecy, & Baptism

Is Hypnosis OK for Christians?: What does the Bible say about hypnosis as a form of medical treatment? I struggle with food addiction and have heard that it can help by reaching the subconscious. However, I want to be super careful not to dip into the supernatural demonic realm that can sometimes happen during yoga sessions when "channeling your inner-self" and "connecting with the universe."

Q&A question: Is Hypnosis OK for Christians?

demons

Was the Temple Ever Cleaned?: Blood was sprinkled around the altar in the Tabernacle and Temple. Did the priests ever clean up all the blood splatter? Or just let it accumulate? I cannot find the answer in Scripture.

Q&A question: Was the Temple Ever Cleaned?

NAR

anxiety and mental health

Should We Apologize for Every Past Sin?: Should Christians apologize to everyone from their past? I had so much anxiety, messaging people from high school about every lie or mean comment I could think of, even some things people didn't remember.

Q&A question: Should We Apologize for Every Past Sin?

Should We Pray Once or Repeatedly?: I’ve heard several teachings about prayer and I’m a bit confused. Are we to pray once, believe we have it, and walk in faith? Or should we pray repeatedly until God gives us an answer?

Q&A question: Should We Pray Once or Repeatedly?

prayer

Can We Trust the Lord Through Unanswered Prayer?: Jesus promises to give us what we ask in His name/His will, if we believe it. He also says to “let your yes be yes and your no be no.” Can we really say that God keeps His promises when this doesn't always happen?

Q&A question: Can We Trust the Lord Through Unanswered Prayer?

Jesus prayer

Biblical Counsel for Self-Harming Habits: I’ve been struggling for years with self-harm and am looking for biblical advice. I'm Baptist and believe we go through hard times, but I am just looking for advice!

Q&A question: Biblical Counsel for Self-Harming Habits

revelation tribulation revelation

About Revelation/Great Tribulation: Do you have any idea why Revelation 7: 14 in the NLT says these are the ones who died, but other translations say they came out of the Great Tribulation?

Q&A question: About Revelation/Great Tribulation

Does Prayer Have a Required Formula?: I talk to God in my head and pray during the day, but my thoughts drift and sometimes I realize I never said “amen.” I know that He’s listening, but if it’s not formatted like a prayer, does it still count?

Q&A question: Does Prayer Have a Required Formula?

prayer

Was Historical Proof of Biblical Events Just Made Up?: I heard that the historians’ consensus for the Patriarchs, the Exodus, and the Conquest of Canaan was that they didn’t happen but were made up later. Any input on this?

Q&A question: Was Historical Proof of Biblical Events Just Made Up?

Canaan

If we Confess our Doubts, Are We Still Saved?: I was having doubts about the atonement, and I was questioning if I really believed it. I had thoughts about me not believing. Am I still saved if confessed those and do believe now?

Q&A question: If we Confess our Doubts, Are We Still Saved?

atonement

Thinking Biblically about Covid Restrictions: My province has new Covid mandates that my pastor is implementing. Reduced attendance, vaccine passport checks, and masks even while singing. I think this is unbiblical. What can I do?

Q&A question: Thinking Biblically about Covid Restrictions

pastoral ministry

How to “Take Every Thought Captive”: What does it mean to "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" in 2 Corinthians 10:5? What are some examples of how we can live this out?

Q&A question: How to “Take Every Thought Captive”

Should we Choose a Denomination Right Away?: I'm a new convert. I love God. However, since I'm a new convert I haven't "chosen" a denomination yet. Must I hurry and choose one? Right now, I'm just happy reading the Bible, believing, and praying.

Q&A question: Should we Choose a Denomination Right Away?

Lovingly Calling Out Sin: How do I love and exhort a close family member who knows & believes the Gospel but doesn't seem bothered by some sinful choices (e.g., going to rowdy parties, getting drunk)?

Q&A question: Lovingly Calling Out Sin

About Leviathan: What are your thoughts on Leviathan? Do you believe he is an actual creature, or more symbolic? Where is he now?

Q&A question: About Leviathan

Modesty according to the Bible: What do you believe is the standard of modesty, biblically?

Q&A question: Modesty according to the Bible

elder qualifications pastoral ministry

Do Pastors Have Authority over Believers?: A lot of people in my circle talk about being under the "covering" and authority of their pastor and elders. Is this a thing?

Q&A question: Do Pastors Have Authority over Believers?

Tips for Reading Scripture w/Children: It seems like the more I try and teach my kids the Word (ages 8,12 yrs.) the more they say the Bible is boring and groan every time I want to read with them. I’m getting discouraged. Suggestions?

Q&A question: Tips for Reading Scripture w/Children

parenting

Why Didn’t Adam Stop Eve?: Since Adam was sinless before the fall, why didn't he fulfill his role as a husband when Eve was tempted by the serpent (it seems like he was nearby)?

Q&A question: Why Didn’t Adam Stop Eve?

marriage

Legal, but Is It Moral / Biblical?: In bodybuilding, the usage of performance enhancing drugs are not illegal and are used by higher level competitors. As a Christian, would those drugs be considered sinful to utilize as a tool to be competitive in the pro league?

Q&A question: Legal, but Is It Moral / Biblical?