Search — Theology Explorer

My Sin Blocks My Prayers?: Psalm 66:18 says, "If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened." Does this mean God will ignore a person's prayers if they have active, ongoing sin in their life? How should we understand this verse in context and alongside other Scriptures about God hearing prayers?

Q&A question: My Sin Blocks My Prayers?

prayer

Biblically Defining a “Church”: Biblically (not legally), what constitutes a church? If someone were to host a weekly Bible study and do some volunteer work with just a few people, would that be considered a small church service?

Q&A question: Biblically Defining a “Church”

Bible study

Support for Limited Atonement?: How does John 17:9 work alongside John 3: 16? Could John 17:9 be a valid point toward Limited Atonement? I do not want to believe in Limited Atonement, but I see verses like this and wonder.

Q&A question: Support for Limited Atonement?

John 3 atonement John 3

Discerning God’s Voice & Direction: My girlfriend recently told me that God told her to break up with me. She got us "promise bracelets" that promise that we will get married. Is what she heard really from God?

Q&A question: Discerning God’s Voice & Direction

John 5 John 12 John 3 John 5 John 12 John 3

Agape vs. Phileo Love: Are agape and phileo love synonymous in Greek? John 3: 19 & John 12: 43 use agape for loving darkness and men's praise, respectively, while John 5: 20 uses phileo to describe the Father's love for the Son.

Q&A question: Agape vs. Phileo Love

Non-Sapien Hominids: Thinking Biblically: How do non-sapien hominids (Neanderthal, Denisovan, Floresiensis, etc.) fit into creation? Do they have the Imago Dei? Are they animals?

Q&A question: Non-Sapien Hominids: Thinking Biblically

creation

The Apostle John Still Alive?: Have you ever heard the theory that the Apostle John might still be alive and be the second witness in the Tribulation? I found the arguments interesting, as conjecture.

Q&A question: The Apostle John Still Alive?

tribulation Apostle John

Is Anointing Oil for Today?: Should we still use oil anointing today (used by elders praying for the sick)? What would that look like?

Q&A question: Is Anointing Oil for Today?

elder qualifications

Deuteronomy 22 Deuteronomy 22

An Error in Translation?: In the NIV translation, Deuteronomy 22: 28-30 uses the word “rape,” but other translations imply consent. Is this a legitimate translation error?

Q&A question: An Error in Translation?

Matthew Matthew 6 Matthew Matthew 6

Are Charitable Tax Deductions Sinful?: Is claiming our charitable donations on our taxes “receiving our reward on Earth” (Matthew 6:1-5)?

Q&A question: Are Charitable Tax Deductions Sinful?

False Humility: Pride vs. Confidence: What does biblical humility look like, and how can Christians avoid pride while still being confident in their calling?

Q&A question: False Humility: Pride vs. Confidence

Does God Speak to Unbelievers?: My Mormon friend said, “I felt like God was telling me…” while reading the Bible. Is that really God? Does He speak to unbelievers? How is it any different when Christians read the Word and pray?

Q&A question: Does God Speak to Unbelievers?

Mormonism

Salvation: Knowing the Exact Moment: I heard you talk about how you once questioned whether or not you were saved because you couldn’t name the specific time or event where it happened. How did you overcome that? I’m in the same situation.

Q&A question: Salvation: Knowing the Exact Moment

salvation

Tongues During Corporate Prayer?: How do I let someone know that when they pray in tongues during our corporate prayer time, it's distracting? I believe the gift of tongues is for personal edification. I'm not a Cessasionist, by the way.

Q&A question: Tongues During Corporate Prayer?

prayer tongues

Faithful Believers in Unbiblical Offices?: What do you think about genuine Christians who have served in offices that aren't biblical, like bishops, priests, monks, etc.? Does God use faithful believers serving in unbiblical offices?

Q&A question: Faithful Believers in Unbiblical Offices?

John 11 Jesus resurrection John 11

How did Martha Know?: In John 11, when Martha says she knows her brother will rise in the resurrection on the last day, did she know that from the Old Testament, or from Jesus’ teachings?

Q&A question: How did Martha Know?

Jesus’ Sacrifice: Human Sacrifice?: If God doesn't allow human sacrifice, how do we reconcile Jesus' sacrifice?

Q&A question: Jesus’ Sacrifice: Human Sacrifice?

Jesus

Balancing Kindness & “Tough Love”: How do you maintain kindness in the midst of tension while advocating for yourself or others? Some people lean toward kindness and don't speak up, while others lean toward speaking harsh truth, with an emphasis on harshness.

Q&A question: Balancing Kindness & “Tough Love”

Growing in Self-Discipline: Do you have any advice on how to become disciplined in life, such as in the realm of Bible study, sleep schedule, and working efficiently? How do I learn to force myself to do things?

Q&A question: Growing in Self-Discipline

Bible study

Guarding Against Greed & Corruption: As your influence grows, how do you personally guard against the temptations of greed and the misuse of power, like the corrupted leaders you're revealing?

Q&A question: Guarding Against Greed & Corruption

Do All Christians Have the Gift of Tongues?: Do Christians all have access to a “private prayer language” (speaking in tongues) according to Scripture?

Q&A question: Do All Christians Have the Gift of Tongues?

prayer tongues

1 Timothy 5 Timothy 1 Timothy 5

A Judgment for Widows?: What is the judgment put on widows in 1 Timothy 5: 12, and how do we know we can change course without judgment? Does it apply to keeping an unchanging devotion time with God? My goals can get legalistic.

Q&A question: A Judgment for Widows?

Slaves or Brothers?: Why in Scripture are we told we are the slaves of Christ, as well as the brothers of Christ?

Q&A question: Slaves or Brothers?

Shame and Pride Related?: Is the feeling of shame the byproduct of pride?

Q&A question: Shame and Pride Related?

James James 1 Mark 9 James James 1 Mark 9

Permissible Doubts vs. Double-mindedness: Can you explain the difference between the man in Mark 9: 24 and the double-minded man talked about in James 1:5-8? I find myself relating to the former a lot, but I also fear being double-minded.

Q&A question: Permissible Doubts vs. Double-mindedness

Choosing a Denomination: Important?: Do you think it's important to choose a denomination? I have people pressuring me to choose one, but I don't feel ready to do that (I'm new) and I’m wondering if it's important at all.

Q&A question: Choosing a Denomination: Important?

Romans 7 salvation sanctification Romans 7

Is Progressive Sanctification Biblical?: While I know sanctification is real and biblical, if we are dead to sin after salvation as mentioned in Romans 7, why do we need progressive sanctification?

Q&A question: Is Progressive Sanctification Biblical?

Witnessing to an LGBTQ+ Family Member: My aunt is gay but claims to be a Christian. I have never talked with her about this, but I feel I am doing her a disservice by not lovingly sharing the truth with her. How can I go about this?

Q&A question: Witnessing to an LGBTQ+ Family Member

homosexuality

Tourism or Idolatry?: I’m planning a trip to Japan and would like to visit some of the shrines for the tourism aspect, but I don’t want to sin against God or put my family at risk of demonic exposure. Is this acceptable?

Q&A question: Tourism or Idolatry?

demons

Believing & Receiving Biblically: How do I pray for something and believe I’ve received it (Mark 11: 24) such as healing or peace, if I don't know how God is using the illness or anxiety in my life or someone else's life?

Q&A question: Believing & Receiving Biblically

Mark 11 healing Mark 11

Is All Sin the Same?: Is it biblical to say that all sin is the same, and is equally bad?

Q&A question: Is All Sin the Same?

1 Corinthians 12 Ephesians 4 prophecy Apostles 1 Corinthians 12

Prophets Today?: Should the Church appoint/recognize official prophets, or is this something similar to apostles (only the original 12 + Paul)? See 1 Corinthians 12: 28, Ephesians 4: 11. Is it an office, a gift, or some mixture of the two?

Q&A question: Prophets Today?

Why Would God Allow a Pope?: Why would Christ allow someone to be appointed as His vicar on Earth? If the authority of the pope is illegitimate, how is that not the worst manifestation of blasphemy? How is it allowed by God?

Q&A question: Why Would God Allow a Pope?

blasphemy papacy

Resentful of the Father but Not the Son?: After a long and HARD life, I sometimes feel almost resentful of GOD the Father whom I’ve never seen, heard, or felt. But every day I love JESUS more and more. Is this normal?

Q&A question: Resentful of the Father but Not the Son?

Jesus

Why Doesn’t God Save Everyone?: My brother is an atheist and says he wouldn’t follow a God that he knows is real, who knowingly creates people who will reject Him and go to Hell, despite having power to save everyone. It’s hard to reason. Thoughts?

Q&A question: Why Doesn’t God Save Everyone?

atheism hell

Jesus’ Spirit Separate from HS?: Does Jesus have a distinct Spirit apart from the Holy Spirit? It seems that Jesus has His own Spirit (Luke 23: 46) that is distinct from the Holy Spirit.

Q&A question: Jesus’ Spirit Separate from HS?

Luke 23 Jesus Luke 23

Questioning our Pastors?: My pastor said that since God called him to shepherd, unless he is teaching false doctrine, you don't question your pastor even if you don't agree with something or they do something wrong. Is this right?

Q&A question: Questioning our Pastors?

pastoral ministry

Advice for a Discouraged Pastor: I’m feeling discouraged in my new job as a youth pastor. I don’t know if I’m making an impact or if I’m meant to do this. Any advice?

Q&A question: Advice for a Discouraged Pastor

pastoral ministry

Transitioning from Cult to Christianity!: I’m in the process of leaving the LDS church for real Christianity (thank you for your videos!!). Do you have any advice or resources for the deconstructing and reconstructing of faith after leaving?

Q&A question: Transitioning from Cult to Christianity!

Mormonism

revelation Jesus revelation

Where is Jesus “Seated”?: What does Jesus sitting at the right hand of the Father mean when it’s also said that Jesus was seated on the throne in Revelation?

Q&A question: Where is Jesus “Seated”?

2 Thess. 2 = Sola Scriptura?: Does 2 Thessalonians 2 teach Sola Scriptura?

Q&A question: 2 Thess. 2 = Sola Scriptura?

Reformation theology

Titus Titus 2 Titus Jesus Titus 2

Jesus’ Deity: Why isn’t the NT Clearer?: In Titus 2: 13, Is Paul explicitly saying Jesus is God and Savior? Why do New Testament authors often not address Jesus as God and appear to place Jesus outside of the Godhead (e.g. 2 John 1:3)?

Q&A question: Jesus’ Deity: Why isn’t the NT Clearer?

James elder qualifications James

Biblical Recipe for Anointing Oil?: The book of James tells us that if any are sick they should call for the elders and get anointed. Shouldn’t we be using the anointing oil recipe in Exodus 30: 23-25 instead of just olive oil like most people use?

Q&A question: Biblical Recipe for Anointing Oil?

Personalities in Heaven: I believe that we will still have our personality in Heaven, but what about unborn babies? Will they walk around in Heaven like non-player characters since they haven't formed their own personality yet?

Q&A question: Personalities in Heaven

heaven

“Buried with Him in Baptism”: Can you help me understand Colossians 2: 12? Is this water baptism? Which baptism is it?

Q&A question: “Buried with Him in Baptism”

baptism

Genesis Genesis 1 Genesis Genesis 1 angels

Where Was God Before Genesis?: Where was God before Genesis 1? If space, matter, and time was created, what was before it? Heaven and the angels already existed, so where was the “nothing” where God created everything in Genesis 1?

Q&A question: Where Was God Before Genesis?

About Jesus’ Omnipresence: I have a question about God’s nature. Since the Godhead hold all of their being in one indivisible present, in theory, could Jesus have been on Earth and in Heaven concurrently?

Q&A question: About Jesus’ Omnipresence

Jesus

The Atonement: The Importance of Jesus’ Deity: Why did Jesus have to be God to be the acceptable sacrifice? If it was Jesus’ humanity that died on the cross and not His divine nature, why did Jesus have to be fully God?

Q&A question: The Atonement: The Importance of Jesus’ Deity

Jesus atonement

Can Christians Benefit from Secular Therapy?: What are your thoughts on secular therapy for a Christian? Self-help and self-idealization seem antithetical to the Bible. Why isn't the counsel of Scripture and other believers enough?

Q&A question: Can Christians Benefit from Secular Therapy?

tithing