Search — Theology Explorer

Reaching a Pagan Friend: I've got a Pagan friend. He believes that all the different gods exist, including the Abrahamic God, and that the Norse Pantheon is most worthy of worship. Any advice on reaching him?

Q&A question: Reaching a Pagan Friend

Abraham worship Theon

Marital Relations during Menstruation?: Is it a sin to have marital relations during the menstrual cycle? In Leviticus 18: 19, 24-25, it indicates that this is an abomination. But Leviticus 15: 24 puts it in the category of ritual uncleanness.

Q&A question: Marital Relations during Menstruation?

Human Sacrifice in the OT?: I'm curious about how to handle 2 Samuel 21. This sounds very close to a form of human sacrifice to honor God.

Q&A question: Human Sacrifice in the OT?

Samuel

women in ministry complementarianism egalitarianism

Winger defends his call for egalitarians to repent, distinguishing it from Calvinism disagreements because egalitarianism directly harms marriages and church leadership structure. He also calls patriarchalists to repent for teaching women are inherently more easily deceived.

Q&A question from someone who agrees egalitarians should repent but asks if the same applies to Calvinism as a secondary issue.

Benny Hinn Update: What’s your update on the Benny Hinn situation?

Q&A question: Benny Hinn Update

Benny Hinn

Don’t Add or Take Away!: People often use Revelation 22: 18-19 referring to the whole Bible. When I read it, I see it only referring to Revelation, since the New Testament wasn't formed yet. Could you provide some clarity?

Q&A question: Don’t Add or Take Away!

revelation revelation

Different Methodologies for Missions: There's a lot of debate in missions right now about methodologies (i.e., church planting movements vs. more slow-paced approaches). How should we think through both sides biblically?

Q&A question: Different Methodologies for Missions

church planting

Does Satan Have Power?: Is it a biblical idea that it's blasphemy to say that Satan has any power?

Q&A question: Does Satan Have Power?

Satan

Freedom from Addictions: How does one get set free from nicotine addiction when current medications do not work?

Q&A question: Freedom from Addictions

addiction

Determinism vs. Luck: If we don’t believe that God determines/causes everything, do we believe in some form of luck? For example, when you hit all green lights on your way to work: “Man that was good luck!” Or when you stub your toe: “That was bad luck.”

Q&A question: Determinism vs. Luck

Homosexuality vs. Other Sins: Why should we not ordain homosexuals in church although it’s a sin, when other people with less visible sins (hate, anger, etc.) are serving? What is the biblical view on this?

Q&A question: Homosexuality vs. Other Sins

homosexuality

Why was David’s Family Punished?: In 2 Samuel 12: 10, why was the sword to never depart from David’s house if our sins aren’t supposed to carry over? Why was his family punished for his sin, and not just his son with Bathsheba but Ammon, etc.?

Q&A question: Why was David’s Family Punished?

David Samuel Bathsheba

The Father & Spirit in Heaven & Ezekiel’s Vision: Will we see both the Father and the Holy Spirit in Heaven? Also, can you explain Ezekiel’s vision of God and how it relates to Jesus and the Father?

Q&A question: The Father & Spirit in Heaven & Ezekiel’s Vision

Ezekiel Jesus Ezekiel

Does God still Speak through Dreams?: Does God still communicate through dreams? Is there any New Testament examples of God doing so, apart from Mary and Joseph?

Q&A question: Does God still Speak through Dreams?

Joseph

Bonus Prayer.Could you pray for my youth leader? He collapsed one day and has been in the hospital ever since. He was supposed to be leading a youth camp I was going to. Asking for prayer for his healing. Thanks.

Q&A question

prayer healing

Colossians 1 Jesus salvation Colossians 1

Is Something Missing from Jesus’ Sacrifice?: Colossians 1: 24 says that something is “lacking in the afflictions of Christ.” Some people say this verse teaches that Paul is going to suffer for the salvation of others. Can we help pay for other people’s sins?

Q&A question: Is Something Missing from Jesus’ Sacrifice?

Home Churches & Pastors’ Pay: Can you address the belief that churches should only meet in homes, that church buildings are unbiblical, and pastors should not be paid? I’m questioning if this is biblical.

Q&A question: Home Churches & Pastors’ Pay

pastoral ministry

Unworthy of Salvation but Valuable to God: How would you convey that we are not worthy of salvation but we still have worth to God?

Q&A question: Unworthy of Salvation but Valuable to God

salvation

Daniel 9 Daniel Daniel 9 Daniel Gabriel

Which Sacrifices Have Ended?: What sacrifices and offerings is Gabriel talking about in Daniel 9: 27?

Q&A question: Which Sacrifices Have Ended?

James 1 Peter 3 James 3:1 Peter James 1 Peter 3

Is Everyone Called to Street-Preaching?: Do you think the warning in James 3:1 has implications for evangelism? I think all Christians should be ready to share their testimony when asked (1 Peter 3: 15), but not all should street preach.

Q&A question: Is Everyone Called to Street-Preaching?

Red Heifer – Pointing to Christ?: In numbers 19, can you explain if and how the ashes from the red heifer point to Jesus? Especially verses 6, 9-10, and 11-13.

Q&A question: Red Heifer – Pointing to Christ?

Jesus

Can Prophecies be given “On-Demand”?: A couple with a prophetic ministry came to my church and gave a word of knowledge to all who asked. I don’t see prophecy-on-demand in Scripture. Is this a proper use of the gift of prophecy?

Q&A question: Can Prophecies be given “On-Demand”?

prophecy

Wisdom on Mercy vs. Justice: How should I balance mercy and justice as a Christian? How do you know when each one is appropriate? When is it wrong to apply mercy and grace, and when does it become unjust to do so?

Q&A question: Wisdom on Mercy vs. Justice

Records Before Moses?: How were records kept and passed down before Moses? How did Moses write about Abram?

Q&A question: Records Before Moses?

Moses

Jesus Died for You: I’m struggling to understand how we can understand Jesus dying on the cross for our sins personally when it was 2,000 years ago. I’m in the Bible and in prayer all the time, but I still have no peace or assurance.

Q&A question: Jesus Died for You

Jesus prayer

Discerning the Spirit’s Voice: Is the confirmation of the Holy Spirit distinguishable from an evil demon or psychological self-deception?

Q&A question: Discerning the Spirit’s Voice

demons

Do We Give Off “Energy”?: Is “energy” in the esoteric form of the word biblical? I was recently told in a Christian forum that I was “giving off [blank] energy.” Is this biblical?

Q&A question: Do We Give Off “Energy”?

generosity

revelation Matthew Matthew 19 elder qualifications Jesus revelation

Who will Sit on the Thrones?: In Matthew 19: 28, Jesus states the 12 disciples will sit on 12/24 thrones in the regeneration. In Revelation 4:4, 24 elders are sitting on the thrones. Who are the other 12?

Q&A question: Who will Sit on the Thrones?

Ezekiel Roman Catholicism Jesus communion

Proof of Transubstantiation?: If Jesus identifies Himself as “the Word” and Ezekiel literally ate the Word of God (Ezekiel 3:1-3), is this a good case for Ezekiel being an analogy to the Catholic transubstantiation of the Eucharist being true?

Q&A question: Proof of Transubstantiation?

1 Corinthians 14 prophecy 1 Corinthians 14 tongues

Tongues/Prophecy for Believers or Unbelievers?: Can you please explain 1 Corinthians 14: 22-24? Verse 22 states that tongues are a sign for unbelievers, and prophecy is for believers. But vv. 23 and 24 then go on to, seemingly, describe the exact opposite.

Q&A question: Tongues/Prophecy for Believers or Unbelievers?

God’s Name in Vain: What does it mean to not mention God's name in vain?

Q&A question: God’s Name in Vain

1 Samuel 16 David Samuel 1 Samuel 16

The Spirit With, In & Upon Us: When David is anointed in 1 Samuel 16, the Bible says that “the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward.” How would this be similar or different from us receiving the Spirit now?

Q&A question: The Spirit With, In & Upon Us

Titus 1 Timothy 3:1-7 Titus 1 Timothy Titus 1 Timothy 3:1-7

Can a Pastor’s Wife be an Unbeliever?: Do the qualifications for pastors/elders in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 disqualify a man who has an unbelieving wife?

Q&A question: Can a Pastor’s Wife be an Unbeliever?

James James 4 Matthew 2 James James 4 Matthew 2

About OT Quotes in the NT: How should we understand inerrancy for New Testament passages that appear to quote the Old Testament, but no clear reference can be found? (e.g., James 4:5, Matthew 2: 23).

Q&A question: About OT Quotes in the NT

Grieving our Loved Ones when Not Sure of Salvation: My mom just passed away and I am unsure of her salvation. I know she prayed with the hospital's chaplains. My kids ask if they will see her in Heaven. How do I talk to them about this?

Q&A question: Grieving our Loved Ones when Not Sure of Salvation

salvation

1 Corinthians 14 prophecy 1 Corinthians 14 tongues

A Difficult Bible Contradiction: Can you please explain 1 Corinthians 14: 22-24? Verse 22 states that tongues are a sign for unbelievers, and prophecy is for believers. But vv. 23 and 24 then go on to seemingly describe the exact opposite.

Q&A question: A Difficult Bible Contradiction

John 1 Matthew Jesus Elijah prophecy

John Rejects but Jesus Affirms?: How should we understand John's rejection of being Elijah and a prophet (John 1: 21), while Jesus affirmed it (Matthew 11: 14)?

Q&A question: John Rejects but Jesus Affirms?

Debates on the Canon: What do we do with some of the earliest listed Bible canons and church fathers that exclude Esther and include Sirach and Wisdom of Solomon?

Q&A question: Debates on the Canon

Esther Esther Solomon

Are Easier Translations Unwise?: I struggle reading word for word translations of the Bible like the ESV. I love the NLT for its simple vocabulary and how easy it is to understand. Is it unwise to use the NLT to memorize and study from?

Q&A question: Are Easier Translations Unwise?

Bible translations

1 Corinthians 6 1 Corinthians 6

Proper Interpretation of a Common Passage: What are your thoughts on 1 Corinthians 6: 19? I hear people use this Scripture to call anything they don’t like sin (tattoos, drugs, junk food, etc.). But it seems it’s mostly about sexual immorality.

Q&A question: Proper Interpretation of a Common Passage

Genesis Genesis 5 Genesis Genesis 5

Are We Still Made in God’s Image?: Can you explain Genesis 5:1-3? Why is it different with the birth of Seth? Are we still God’s image bearers?

Q&A question: Are We Still Made in God’s Image?

Is “Déjà Vu” a Biblical Concept?: What are your thoughts on Deja Vu and are there any examples of it in the Bible? I've definitely had times where I had the feeling of being somewhere before when it was the first time being there.

Q&A question: Is “Déjà Vu” a Biblical Concept?

Are Eating Challenges Sinful?: Could you talk a little on what is and is not gluttony? Is it just eating more than you need to, or is there more involved (i.e., eating challenges)?

Q&A question: Are Eating Challenges Sinful?

When Competition turns Sinful: How do I know when my competitiveness is sinful? I coach baseball and want to ensure I'm providing the right model of competition for the players, while also still being as competitive as possible.

Q&A question: When Competition turns Sinful

“Apostasy” = “Departed”?: I've heard that the word translated "apostasy" in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 can also be translated as "departed," as in "the end will not come until the departing (rapture) comes first." Do you think this is true?

Q&A question: “Apostasy” = “Departed”?

rapture apostasy

Deceased Loved Ones & Necromancy?: Is going to the cemetery and talking to loved ones necromancy?

Q&A question: Deceased Loved Ones & Necromancy?

Jeremiah Jeremiah 1:5 Jeremiah 1 Jeremiah marriage creation

Our Choices & God’s Sovereign Will: Do we have any true control over life entering the world, or is it only based on God's sovereignty? I think if it’s God's plan for me to have a child, I'll get pregnant even if on birth control. But my husband thinks we control conception through birth control. If Jeremiah 1:5 applies to all people, wouldn't that mean God's plan overrides our plan for procreation?

Q&A question: Our Choices & God’s Sovereign Will

Jesus’ Death: Physical but Not Spiritual?: If Jesus' humanity and divinity are inseparable, then how could He experience bodily death on the cross without His deity dying, as well?

Q&A question: Jesus’ Death: Physical but Not Spiritual?

Jesus

1 John 1 forgiveness 1 John 1

Do Christians Continue to Need Forgiveness?: 1 John 1:9 perplexes me. I am a Christian. In what sense does my daily confession apply "forgiveness" to me? What happens if I die with “unforgiven” sin?

Q&A question: Do Christians Continue to Need Forgiveness?