Search — Theology Explorer

About the “Golden Rule”: Is the Golden Rule objective or subjective? For example, I tease my friend and he teases me back because we think it's funny, but I won't do it to others because they don't think it's funny.

Q&A question: About the “Golden Rule”

Are All of God’s Actions Infallible?: How do I approach a conversation with someone who doesn't believe God is infallible? He believes in the God of the Bible, but he doesn't think all of God's actions are "good," like in the book of Job.

Q&A question: Are All of God’s Actions Infallible?

biblical inerrancy

Identifying & Rejecting False Teaching: What's up with all the bad hermeneutics out there? How can those of us without formal training avoid bad interpretation/application of Scripture by ourselves and be able to spot them in sermons, etc.?

Q&A question: Identifying & Rejecting False Teaching

hermeneutics

Does God Hate Satan?: Does God hate Satan and the demons?

Q&A question: Does God Hate Satan?

Satan demons

Matthew 5 Matthew Jesus Matthew 5 Matthew

What Did Jesus Mean by “Be Perfect”?: What did Jesus mean when He said, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" in Matthew 5: 48? Wouldn't that mean we're all condemned since we sin every day/week?

Q&A question: What Did Jesus Mean by “Be Perfect”?

Genesis Malachi Jacob Genesis Malachi

About Jacob & Esau: Why didn't God punish Jacob and his mother for stealing Esau's birthright and blessing (Genesis 27)? In fact, why does He love Jacob and hate Esau (Malachi 1)?

Q&A question: About Jacob & Esau

1 Corinthians 14 1 Corinthians 14 tongues

About “Unknown”/ Tongues in 1 Cor.: What do you make of the added word “unknown” in 1 Corinthians 14:2-3, which is not in the original Greek? Could it mean that it is not a different sort of tongues, rather, that no one understands them?

Q&A question: About “Unknown”/ Tongues in 1 Cor.

A Difficult Passage – Ezekiel 45: Is Jesus offering sin sacrifices in Ezekiel 45?

Q&A question: A Difficult Passage – Ezekiel 45

Ezekiel Jesus Ezekiel

Should we Worship Using Instruments?: Should we use instruments in congregational church worship? Why or why not? The early church did not use instruments.

Q&A question: Should we Worship Using Instruments?

worship

What to Do When a Church Member is Out of Line: What should I do if a member of my fellowship with some mental issues has been making several false prophecies every day, saying literally "hear me for the lord speaks”?

Q&A question: What to Do When a Church Member is Out of Line

prophecy

Book Recommendations?: What are some good books for important topics like systematic theology, hermeneutics, complementarianism, etc.?

Q&A question: Book Recommendations?

complementarianism

1 Corinthians 11:3 1 Corinthians 11 1 Corinthians 11:3 Trinity Jesus

About the Subordination of the Son: How do you explain the subordination of Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:3; 15: 28) to the Father within Trinitarian theology? I explain it via incarnational subordination (Philippians 2:5; Hebrews 29; 5:8).

Q&A question: About the Subordination of the Son

Were Any of Jesus’ Bones Broken?: If the nail of a crucified victim was inserted through the heel bone or ankle bone, how should we interpret John 19: 36? Wouldn’t a nail cause the bone to break?

Q&A question: Were Any of Jesus’ Bones Broken?

John 19 Jesus John 19

When to be Kind vs. Aggressive: When trying to be biblically based, how do we know when to be kind, and when to be aggressive?

Q&A question: When to be Kind vs. Aggressive

How the Jewish Bible is Different: Why aren't there Bibles with the Hebrew order of the Old Testament? Some say the Hebrew order helps to show additional context and beauty of the Prophets and writings within Israel’s history. Any reason to stick to the English order? If either is fine, why aren’t there options?

Q&A question: How the Jewish Bible is Different

prophecy

marriage justification divorce

Advice - Tough Marriage/Divorce Situation: Regarding divorce, you mentioned that verbal/emotional abuse is only a valid justification when it is extreme. How do we think biblically about what God would consider to be extreme? I'm finding it hard not to doubt my own perceptions, but my husband is in complete denial. Also, where the husband has essentially separated from the wife within the marriage, is it still not permissible to remarry?

Q&A question: Advice - Tough Marriage/Divorce Situation

Matthew 24 Matthew Matthew 24 Matthew Jehovah's Witnesses

About the “Faithful & Discreet Slave”: Can you explain how we should properly interpret Matthew 24: 45-47? I know Jehovah’s Witnesses think it’s referring to their governing body, but I’d like your opinion.

Q&A question: About the “Faithful & Discreet Slave”

Can Sin be Subjective At Times?: Sin is objective, but isn't it sometimes subjective? For example, you may be convicted of a certain activity and won't do it, but I do, or vice versa…and how modesty is different around the world.

Q&A question: Can Sin be Subjective At Times?

Are there Really “Accidents”?: Are there really accidents? For example, a freak car accident? How do we square God’s will with what might seem like a totally random event or “accident”?

Q&A question: Are there Really “Accidents”?

How to Quickly Defend Christianity: Please teach us to talk about why Christianity is true (3-5 points in 2-3 minutes).

Q&A question: How to Quickly Defend Christianity

Can we Write Jesus into Games or Stories?: I'm a hobbyist/game developer and have started making Bible themed games. I want to include Jesus in one of my projects, but I feel uncomfortable writing words for Him. Any advice? Can I even do this?

Q&A question: Can we Write Jesus into Games or Stories?

Jesus

About the Natural Condition of Man: I've heard you say that you don't agree with any of the points in TULIP. What do you believe about the natural condition of man?

Q&A question: About the Natural Condition of Man

Can There Be Differing Interpretations of Scripture?: If the word “clear” is used to describe a teaching in the Bible by two Christians with opposing views on the same teaching, wouldn’t that void the effectiveness of using the word in that way?

Q&A question: Can There Be Differing Interpretations of Scripture?

hermeneutics

suffering sovereignty of God

Trusting God in Very Difficult Times: Do you have any advice for dealing with a miscarriage? It’s the first time in my life where I’ve been angry at God. I know He’s sovereign, but it’s difficult to accept right now.

Q&A question: Trusting God in Very Difficult Times

James elder qualifications James healing

Does James Teach Guaranteed Healing?: Does James 5: 14-15 say that a sick person should ask elders to pray for him and he will be always healed? The text seems to be quite straight forward on this.

Q&A question: Does James Teach Guaranteed Healing?

Can we Give to Non-Christian Causes?: Thoughts on charitable giving to organizations that I'm passionate about but aren't overtly Christian? Even if it's above my normal tithe, is this "taking money away" from Kingdom advancement?

Q&A question: Can we Give to Non-Christian Causes?

tithing

John 6 Mark 6 John 6 Mark 6

Is There a Contradiction?: The Synoptics seem to indicate that the Feeding of 5,000 took place on the Sea of Galilee's West side (Mark 6:30-56), but it seems to take place on the East side in John 6. How do we resolve this?

Q&A question: Is There a Contradiction?

anxiety and mental health

Is Worrying a Sin?: Is worrying (stress/anxiety) a sin? If so, could you provide some thoughts on the reasons you think it is?

Q&A question: Is Worrying a Sin?

Is it Wrong to Visit an Unbiblical Church?: Is it wrong to attend a “prosperity gospel” church with our in-laws when we visit them?

Q&A question: Is it Wrong to Visit an Unbiblical Church?

prosperity gospel

Protecting Children from Bad Teaching: My Hubby was raised Mormon. He still believes it all but isn't active. His family takes my son to church if he stays with them & they've started teaching him LDS doctrine. I want to not let him go anymore w/out hurting them. Advice?

Q&A question: Protecting Children from Bad Teaching

Mormonism

Is “Entire Sanctification” Biblical?: What are your thoughts on Entire Sanctification? Could a Christian eventually live a life without sin through God's power? If not, shouldn’t we shoot for it anyway?

Q&A question: Is “Entire Sanctification” Biblical?

sanctification

Was Christ Nailed to a Tree or Cross?: I’ve heard some Christian songs say Christ was nailed to a “tree” instead of a cross. Would you happen to know why the two terms are interchanged?

Q&A question: Was Christ Nailed to a Tree or Cross?

Genesis Genesis 19 Genesis Genesis 19

Why Does Lot Offer His Daughters?: In Genesis 19:6-8, why does Lot offer his own daughters to the wicked people of Sodom?

Q&A question: Why Does Lot Offer His Daughters?

About Forgiveness When We Sin: When Christians sin, are they condemned again until they ask for forgiveness?

Q&A question: About Forgiveness When We Sin

forgiveness

Can Megachurches be Effective?: From a biblical and practical standpoint, is there a maximum number of people that can or should make up a local church? Assuming their doctrine is biblical, can a megachurch with multiple satellite sites or campuses be an effective church?

Q&A question: Can Megachurches be Effective?

Mark 3 Jesus Mark 3 angels

Was Mary Surprised about Jesus’ Deity?: If Mary was aware of the immaculate conception (visited by an angel, etc.), why in Mark 3: 21 does it seem she’s surprised about Jesus being the Messiah? Scripture says His "family" that goes to "take charge of Him" for being out of His mind are His mother & brothers. Why would Mary think He is out of His mind if she had been visited by an angel?

Q&A question: Was Mary Surprised about Jesus’ Deity?

About the Apostles’ Martyrdom: A big defense for Christianity is that the Apostles died & were tortured, never recanting Jesus. How are the Heavens Gate & Jonestown 1978 incidents any different? They all willingly died for a lie, too.

Q&A question: About the Apostles’ Martyrdom

Jesus Apostles

Who are the Called & Chosen in Matt.?: Who are the called & chosen ones in Matthew 22: 14? Is it God who does both the calling & the choosing?

Q&A question: Who are the Called & Chosen in Matt.?

Matthew Matthew

Does Jesus Mean “Hail Zeus”?: What do you say to people who claim that the name Jesus really means “hail Zeus”? They say one is unknowingly doing witchcraft by using the name Jesus. Why didn’t His name just continue as Yeshua?

Q&A question: Does Jesus Mean “Hail Zeus”?

Jesus

Is John 15 Works-Based?: Is John 15 works-based? v.10 says, “IF you keep my commandments, THEN you will abide in my love.” That sounds like obedience earns God's love, contrary to the Gospel. What does a life of "abiding" look like daily?

Q&A question: Is John 15 Works-Based?

John 15 John 15

Ways to Grow in Christ: I've recently found a renewed desire to get closer with God and was just wondering if you have any advice about how to do so.

Q&A question: Ways to Grow in Christ

Jeremiah Matthew Jeremiah worship Matthew

Did God Ordain Animal Sacrifices?: Does Jeremiah 7: 22 & Matthew 9: 13 indicate God never ordained animal sacrifices? To me it seems God has gradually moved mankind away from sacrifices & idol worship and into His ideal form of religion.

Q&A question: Did God Ordain Animal Sacrifices?

About Angels: I know that we are made in the image and likeness of God and are called God’s children, but what are angels to God? Are they made in the image and likeness of God? Are they God’s children?

Q&A question: About Angels

angels

Matthew 2 Matthew Joseph Matthew 2 Matthew

Is there a Contradiction?: In Matthew 2: 19-22, was Joseph’s second dream (vs. 22) from God? God says all who mean to kill you are dead, but God warns him again. Some translations of vs. 22 leave out “God.” Is this a contradiction?

Q&A question: Is there a Contradiction?

How Many People are in Heaven?: It's estimated that 60% of natural conceptions fail to implant in the uterus and that at least 50 billion people lived until now. Does that mean there are around 75 billion people in Heaven?

Q&A question: How Many People are in Heaven?

heaven

How to Recognize the Spirit vs. Enemy: How do we know when we feel the Holy Spirit that it isn't a trick from Satan making us think that it’s God? And how do you know Jesus’s resurrection wasn’t a false miracle/wonder by Satan?

Q&A question: How to Recognize the Spirit vs. Enemy

Jesus resurrection Satan

How to Glorify God as an Artist: I like to draw and write fiction in my spare time, and I want to glorify God as best I can doing this. Is there anything I should do or avoid doing as a Christian artist?

Q&A question: How to Glorify God as an Artist

Does Forgiveness Challenge Responsibility?: My grandma rejects Christianity because she claims relying on the forgiveness of a savior teaches us that we don’t have to be responsible for our own actions. How can I help her untangle that belief?

Q&A question: Does Forgiveness Challenge Responsibility?

forgiveness

About the “Day of the Lord”: What must come first, per 2 Thessalonians 2:3? Does “apostasia” mean a spiritual falling away/rebellion, or a physical departure, as in the rapture?

Q&A question: About the “Day of the Lord”

rapture