Search — Theology Explorer

Discussing Biblical “Contradictions”!: Can you please discuss some different Bible passages that appear to be contradictory?

Q&A question: Discussing Biblical “Contradictions”!

biblical reliability

Hypostatic Union – Contradictory?: Is Jesus being God and Man a contradiction? The Bible says that the Son doesn’t know the day or the hour of His coming. Can Jesus know (as God) and not know (as Man) at the same time?

Q&A question: Hypostatic Union – Contradictory?

Jesus

Bible = Pure Fiction?: As a Christian, what is an appropriate answer to an atheist claiming that the Bible is pure fiction?

Q&A question: Bible = Pure Fiction?

atheism

James James 2 John 5 James salvation James 2

Mixed Messages in Scripture?: I lost my faith due to all the mixed messages in the Bible. For example, is salvation by faith alone like John 5: 24, or faith plus works like James 2? Why doesn’t this cause you to doubt?

Q&A question: Mixed Messages in Scripture?

Mike Winger idea 2024-07-19

How to Trust in Christ: I’m a Bible believing non-Christian that hurt himself by absorbing bad Charismatic teachings. I have always had trouble trusting and accepting Christ. How would one begin to as a skeptic?

Q&A question: How to Trust in Christ

charismatic movement

The Bible Doesn’t Exist?: Can you please respond to Abraham Piper’s claim that the Bible doesn’t even exist?

Q&A question: The Bible Doesn’t Exist?

Abraham

Mike Winger idea 2024-07-19

Lack of Works = No Heaven?: Why do we only talk about what will get you into Heaven (faith or works or both)? The Bible seems to teach that only faith can get you in, but lack of works can keep you out. Any thoughts?

Q&A question: Lack of Works = No Heaven?

heaven

Mike Winger idea 2024-07-26

Delivering Someone Over to Satan?: What does the Bible mean when it says to "deliver such a one over to Satan for the destruction of his flesh"?

Q&A question: Delivering Someone Over to Satan?

Satan

Mike Winger idea 2024-07-26

Prophecy = Preaching the Word?: I hear many Bible teachers say that the New Testament gift of prophecy is merely proclaiming/preaching the Word; it is never predictive or revelatory. That doesn’t seem right to me. Could you give us your take?

Q&A question: Prophecy = Preaching the Word?

prophecy

Mike Winger idea 2024-07-26

Dangerous Recreational Activities: What does the Bible say about participating in dangerous activities, particularly those that are recreational, such as riding motorcycles, mountain climbing, big wave surfing, etc.?

Q&A question: Dangerous Recreational Activities

creation

Mike Winger idea 2024-08-16

The Changing Morality of the Bible?: Why does God seem more wrathful in the Old Testament and more forgiving and loving in the New Testament? Does the Bible have changing morals?

Q&A question: The Changing Morality of the Bible?

generosity

Mike Winger idea 2024-08-16

Strengthening our “Study Muscles”: What are some ways to make reading the Bible easier? I’m not saying I want the Scriptures deluded or anything, but I’m not a very good reader and I just end up getting frustrated and quitting.

Q&A question: Strengthening our “Study Muscles”

Mike Winger idea 2024-08-23

Jesus’ Deity in Scripture: Where does the Bible teach that the deity of Jesus is a salvation/damnation issue? For example, in Athens (Acts 17), it seems weird that Paul didn't explicitly teach this. John 8, perhaps?

Q&A question: Jesus’ Deity in Scripture

Acts 17 John 8 Acts 17 Jesus salvation

Mike Winger idea 2024-09-06

Proof of Annihilationism?: Does Isaiah 66: 24 prove annihilationism? The only counter verse seems to be Revelation 14: 10-11 and most of the Bible talks about Sheol, perishing, or the wages being death.

Q&A question: Proof of Annihilationism?

Isaiah revelation Isaiah revelation annihilationism

Mike Winger idea 2024-09-20

Bible Typography: How important is Bible typography? For example, the way the KJV arranges paragraphs makes context harder to understand than in the ESV.

Q&A question: Bible Typography

hermeneutics

Mike Winger idea 2024-10-11

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

Q&A question: Thoughts on The Bible Project

Mike Winger idea 2024-10-18

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?

Mike Winger idea 2024-10-25

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

anxiety and mental health

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

Obeying our Conscience: Is Romans 14: 23 about emotional doubt or intellectual doubt? For example, I'm mentally convinced that ham is OK to eat but I still doubt it emotionally. Which is my conscience to obey?

Q&A question: Obeying our Conscience

Romans 14 Romans 14

Mike Winger idea 2024-12-13

What is a Heart of Flesh?: What does giving us a heart of flesh mean, when flesh is usually negative?

Q&A question: What is a Heart of Flesh?

generosity

Author Unknown = Still Inspired?: Can we be confident that a book of the Bible is truly inspired and belongs in the canon if the author is unknown (like Hebrews)? If we don’t know who wrote it, how can we trust what it contains? How can we know it wasn’t just the written version of a sermon? A pastor may be educated, but they aren’t inerrant.

Q&A question: Author Unknown = Still Inspired?

pastoral ministry

The Upside-Down Kingdom Bible: What are your thoughts on the newly released Zondervan NIV Upside-Down Kingdom Bible, edited by Dr. Preston Sprinkle?

Q&A question: The Upside-Down Kingdom Bible

Helping Children Grasp the Gospel: As a pastor to the youth for so long, what would you recommend parents do with their children to help them have a personal relationship with God?

Q&A question: Helping Children Grasp the Gospel

pastoral ministry

Moses/Genesis: When/How?: When/how did Moses acquire the contents and narrative of Genesis?

Q&A question: Moses/Genesis: When/How?

Genesis Moses Genesis

Is Marriage an Oath?: James 5: 12 says not to make oaths, but isn’t getting married making an oath?

Q&A question: Is Marriage an Oath?

James James marriage

Overcoming the Grip of Sin: What’s the balance between the Holy Spirit changing us, and us trying to do good works and love God? I just feel so stuck in my sin. I don’t know how to get out of this habit. I’m scared my repentance isn’t real.

Q&A question: Overcoming the Grip of Sin

repentance

Sin in the Millennium?: Will there be sin in the Millennium? Will that affect our glorified bodies and our lives in the Millennium?

Q&A question: Sin in the Millennium?

millennium

Corporal Punishment: More Harm than Good?: I’m a new parent doing research. I’ve heard that the Bible supports corporal punishment, but also that scientific studies say corporal punishment has negative outcomes. How do you reconcile these two things?

Q&A question: Corporal Punishment: More Harm than Good?

Disciples: Not Recognizing Jesus?: There are some Scriptures where the disciples don’t recognize the resurrected Jesus. Is this because they are prevented by Jesus, or did He actually look different?

Q&A question: Disciples: Not Recognizing Jesus?

Jesus

Water & Blood: 1 John 4: What is the significance of the water and the blood in 1 John 4:6, 8?

Q&A question: Water & Blood: 1 John 4

1 John 4 1 John 4

Relationships with Family in Eternity: What do you think our relationship will be like with family members in Heaven? Will we know each other? Will we still sort of be related? I know there won't be marriage.

Q&A question: Relationships with Family in Eternity

marriage