Search — Theology Explorer

Are Atheists Gullible?: Why do I say that atheists tend to be gullible?

Q&A question: Are Atheists Gullible?

atheism

Rapture: Do We Have a Choice?: Assuming a rapture, are we irresistibly taken, or is it a choice to leave with Him? I ask irrespective of Calvinistic irresistible grace. Luke 17: 31-36 seems to indicate both.

Q&A question: Rapture: Do We Have a Choice?

rapture Calvinism

The Multiple Beings of Polytheistic Religions: If God is one being and three persons (one “WHAT” and three “WHOs,” what would two beings of gods look like in false religions? How would those beings be differentiated in a way that the Trinity is not?

Q&A question: The Multiple Beings of Polytheistic Religions

Trinity

About Natural Selection: Regarding natural selection, I recently had a class on that topic in college and was a bit confused on how we, as Christians, should approach that topic with others.

Q&A question: About Natural Selection

No Persecution = No Godliness?: 2 Tim 3: 12 says, “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” I’m not being persecuted. Does this mean I’m not living a godly life?

Q&A question: No Persecution = No Godliness?

Jesus

Daniel Daniel 4 Nebuchadnezzar Daniel Daniel 4

King Nebuchadnezzar – Saved?: I was wondering your thoughts on King Nebuchadnezzar. Do you think he was saved, based on Daniel 4?

Q&A question: King Nebuchadnezzar – Saved?

Does Satan Always Need God’s Permission?: Does Satan have to come to God any time he messes with us? I have a friend using Job as proof that Satan needs permission to mess with us, too.

Q&A question: Does Satan Always Need God’s Permission?

Satan

Matthew Matthew 27 Jesus Elijah Matthew

Jesus Calling Out for Elijah?: On the cross, why did the Jewish people think Jesus was calling out for Elijah (Matthew 27: 47)?

Q&A question: Jesus Calling Out for Elijah?

Staying Encouraged in Today’s Culture: How do you stay encouraged in today’s culture? The culture is so discouraging. I sometimes feel like a failure because other Christians seem to “have it all together.” Also, how can we pray for you?

Q&A question: Staying Encouraged in Today’s Culture

How You Can Be Blameless: How do you become blameless before God (Philippians 2: 15-18)?

Q&A question: How You Can Be Blameless

Philip Philippi

Bonus Prayer Request.Please pray for my cousin’s 3 grandchildren. A car wreck on Friday has left one paralyzed and 2 in still in the ICU. One has had 7 surgeries so far. They are all under age 12.

Q&A question

prayer

Genesis & Polygamy: Does the book of Genesis support polygamy?

Q&A question: Genesis & Polygamy

Genesis Genesis

1 Corinthians 3 1 Corinthians 3

Christ is “God’s”?: In 1 Corinthians 3: 23, what does it mean that Christ is “God’s”?

Q&A question: Christ is “God’s”?

When God Protects 1 Person but Not Another: How do we respond if God spares us from harm but not others (e.g., during the recent hurricanes)? I know we should trust His will and use our resources to serve, but it is still a complex topic.

Q&A question: When God Protects 1 Person but Not Another

Stay Focused on Christ!: How do I keep my mind on Jesus all day? I often get so distracted and conform to the ways of people around me. This is the thing I struggle with the most. I’d love your advice!

Q&A question: Stay Focused on Christ!

Jesus

revelation John 12 Revelation 20 eschatology revelation John 12

Eschatological Connections: Do Dispensational Premillennials see a connection between John 12: 31 and Revelation 20:1-3?

Q&A question: Eschatological Connections

God’s Creation of Those Who Would Fall: If God is all-knowing and foresaw the suffering that would result from the fall of Satan, Adam, and Eve, affecting billions, why would He create them, knowing the pain that would follow?

Q&A question: God’s Creation of Those Who Would Fall

Satan creation suffering

Thoughts on The Bible Project: What are your thoughts on The Bible Project?

Q&A question: Thoughts on The Bible Project

Our Motive for Good Deeds: Is it good to do good deeds purely to get heavenly rewards, since you have such great faith in the reward? Or is it bad because your motives are selfish/reward-centered and not centered around love for others?

Q&A question: Our Motive for Good Deeds

heaven

Being a Stay At Home Mom: How do you find meaning in being a stay at home mom and not pursuing a career at the moment?

Q&A question: Being a Stay At Home Mom

Advice for a New Youth Pastor: I just started into youth ministry. Jesus saved me in college; I never had a youth minister, and the position didn’t come with a manual. Any resources, recommendations, wisdom, etc.?

Q&A question: Advice for a New Youth Pastor

Jesus pastoral ministry

Ethical & Happy Non-Christians?: Can unsaved people “do good works”? Why do unsaved people often appear to be happy and live seemingly ethical lives?

Q&A question: Ethical & Happy Non-Christians?

Calling Out False Teachers: Who is supposed to call out false teachings and false teachers? How should it be done? I'm struggling to find Scripture.

Q&A question: Calling Out False Teachers

The Destruction of Jerusalem: Do you believe that in Luke 21: 20 Jesus is talking about the destruction of Jerusalem for today's time?

Q&A question: The Destruction of Jerusalem

Luke 21 Jesus Luke 21

How to Pray for our Enemies: How can we pray for our enemies biblically? Especially those actively trying to kill those you love.

Q&A question: How to Pray for our Enemies

Church Coffee Shops – Sinful?: A church in town opened a coffee shop in the foyer. Some say it's akin to a marketplace in the Temple, and others say since it's run at cost (or even below cost) that it's fine. What are your thoughts?

Q&A question: Church Coffee Shops – Sinful?

Philippians 1 Philip Philippi Philippians 1

Paul & the Female Slave: Why was Paul annoyed with the possessed female slave in Acts 16: 16 when she was actually telling the truth? What about Philippians 1: 18?

Q&A question: Paul & the Female Slave

Philippians 1 Philip Philippi Philippians 1

Does God Grant Our Belief?: What does Philippians 1: 29 mean when it says that God "grants" us belief in Him? Is this deterministic?

Q&A question: Does God Grant Our Belief?

Anger at God’s Word?: Do you have any specific advice on how to deal with emotions while reading the Bible? Recently, I can’t even get through a few verses without feeling overwhelmed with anger or frustration!

Q&A question: Anger at God’s Word?

Exodus 21 marriage Exodus 21

Exodus: Conjugal Rights vs. Adultery?: Exodus 21: 10 says a man married to multiple women shouldn't deny them conjugal rights. Isn't each instance of intimacy in that situation adultery against one wife?

Q&A question: Exodus: Conjugal Rights vs. Adultery?

The Purpose of The Church: What is the biblical purpose of the church, and do you believe modern Christianity is fulfilling that purpose today?

Q&A question: The Purpose of The Church

Bonus: More commentary on question #6 above!

Q&A question

Genesis 2 Genesis Genesis 2 Genesis

Confession Time: What did Mike get wrong about Genesis 2, relating to the topic of polygamy?

Q&A question: Confession Time

Philippians 4 Philippians 4 Philip Philippi

All Things vs. All This Through Christ?: The NIV changed Philippians 4: 13 from I can do "all things" to "all this" which makes more sense to me in context. Do you think "all things" has been misused historically? Will other translations follow?

Q&A question: All Things vs. All This Through Christ?

Unforgivable Sin in The Didache?: and In the Didache, judging the spirits wrongly was included as the unforgivable sin. Could you explain why you think that is not the case?

Q&A question: Unforgivable Sin in The Didache?

unforgivable sin

Genesis Genesis 6 Genesis 6:3 Genesis Genesis 6 Genesis 6:3

Can We Live More than 120 yrs?: How come people live more than 120 years when God said we wouldn’t in Genesis 6:3?

Q&A question: Can We Live More than 120 yrs?

Spiritual Power?: How can I argue biblically against the idea that we gain personal power/status in the spiritual realm by being full of the Spirit, and how does this relate to abiding in Christ & James 5-16?

Q&A question: Spiritual Power?

James James

anxiety and mental health

Advice for Depression & Spiritual Dryness: When I was a teen, I had depression leading to a suicide attempt. Through God I'm still here, married, and have a family. I read/study the Bible and pray, but I feel lost and far from God. Advice?

Q&A question: Advice for Depression & Spiritual Dryness

The Doctrine of Impassability: Can you help me understand the doctrine of impassability a little bit better? It's confusing for me, and I'm not sure how to relate to the Lord and bring Him my pain, knowing this doctrine.

Q&A question: The Doctrine of Impassability

Balancing Ministry & Family: As a young youth pastor, I am struggling to balance my desire to fully invest time and energy into ministry, with also being married with 2 young boys (2 and 1). Can you give some good principles here?

Q&A question: Balancing Ministry & Family

pastoral ministry

If Trump Wins, Were the Prophets Right?: If Donald Trump gets elected this year, does that somehow validate any of the false prophets from 4 years ago who prophesied that he would have a second term?

Q&A question: If Trump Wins, Were the Prophets Right?

prophecy Donald Trump

A Biblical View of Immigration: What are some biblical thoughts surrounding the political issue of immigration?

Q&A question: A Biblical View of Immigration

Confessing Your Faith when Difficult: I'm a 30 y/o woman in SoCal, financially dependent on my Muslim parents. I've studied for years and I’m now feeling called to Christ. I fear being kicked out. Any advice on how to tell them I'm Christian?

Q&A question: Confessing Your Faith when Difficult

Islam

Eternal Begottenness?: Should we hold to eternal begottenness of the Son which seems to suggest that the Son was caused? It seems orthodox, but wrong to say of God.

Q&A question: Eternal Begottenness?

When Discipline turns to Drudgery: William Booth says, “We ought not consult feelings but do our duty.” How does that not then become drudgery? How do we be disciplined like Daniel, yet not mechanical?

Q&A question: When Discipline turns to Drudgery

Daniel Daniel

1 Corinthians 5 1 Corinthians 5

Hosting Sinners in our Homes: Is 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 only for corporate gatherings or also for private gatherings such as family meals, etc.? Should Christians host professing Christian family members who are living in unrepentant sin?

Q&A question: Hosting Sinners in our Homes

Overcoming Difficult Addictions: I’ve tried SO many times trying to quit vaping. I’m starting to feel like a bad Christian. Any advice?

Q&A question: Overcoming Difficult Addictions

addiction

Contemplative Prayer: I'm curious about contemplative and listening prayer practices promoted in my church. Are they rooted in or influenced by Eastern mysticism or New Age ideologies?

Q&A question: Contemplative Prayer

prayer

Why Didn’t God Forbid Polygamy?: If verses like Exodus 21: 10 aren't supporting polygamy but protecting women in a bad situation, why didn't God just outlaw polygamy outright? I agree with you, but don't know how to counter this argument.

Q&A question: Why Didn’t God Forbid Polygamy?

Exodus 21 Exodus 21