Search — Theology Explorer

About Liberal & Conservative Christians: It seems like conservative Christians are biblical with respect to personal morality, to the exclusion of societal justice - and liberal ones vice versa. Why? Is one more important? How do we reconcile the extremes?

Q&A question: About Liberal & Conservative Christians

Forming a Biblical Self-Image: How do I overcome self hate? Whenever I look at myself, I see a sinner and a failure and it's hard to see God as a loving Father when all I can see Him as is a judge, and I'm afraid of Him at times.

Q&A question: Forming a Biblical Self-Image

About the Marks of Stigmata: What do you think about the marks of the stigmata? Is there any way this could be biblical, even if someone isn't Catholic?

Q&A question: About the Marks of Stigmata

Roman Catholicism

About God Revealing Himself to Mankind: If God wants you to be saved more than you do, why doesn’t He reveal Himself to everyone like He did to Paul? Wouldn't more people be saved if they had the same “Road to Damascus” experience that Paul had?

Q&A question: About God Revealing Himself to Mankind

Does Scripture Promote Evil Things?: I’ve been challenged with the accusation that the Bible “promotes killing, rape, and slavery,” quoting Numbers 31: 15-18. I don’t want to simply prove them wrong; that doesn’t address this person’s heart. Would you please help?

Q&A question: Does Scripture Promote Evil Things?

About the Death Penalty: As a follow up to your teaching on the death penalty, this question is from my skeptic brother: "Isn't it better to rehabilitate offenders in hopes that they may come to repentance and give their lives to God?"

Q&A question: About the Death Penalty

repentance

About the Apostles & Judas’ Position: I’ve heard it taught that the Apostles were being presumptuous when filling Judas’ empty position. Why did they choose to apply Psalm 69: 25 and Psalm 109:8 to the situation?

Q&A question: About the Apostles & Judas’ Position

Apostles Judas

Can we See God’s Face & Still Live?: Exodus 33: 20 says "no one can see my face and live.” How do we reconcile this with Exodus 33: 11 which says, "the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as to a friend"?

Q&A question: Can we See God’s Face & Still Live?

Moses

revelation Daniel Jesus revelation Daniel

About the 70th Week & Seven Seals: Is there any biblical evidence that the beginning of Daniel's 70th week and Jesus opening the first of the seven seals in Revelation will occur roughly at the same time?

Q&A question: About the 70th Week & Seven Seals

Why Didn’t God Rewrite Difficult Passages?: Can you explain the Holy Spirit Inspiration Doctrine? I struggle with understanding why God did not rewrite controversial Bible passages. I know I am only a man, and I seek to understand.

Q&A question: Why Didn’t God Rewrite Difficult Passages?

Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 7 1 Corinthians 7 marriage

Advice for an Unequally Yoked Marriage: My wife is an unbeliever. The more I attend church, the more strain it puts on our marriage. Is it right to continue going to church, or should I stop? (1 Corinthians 7: 14) I pray for her every day.

Q&A question: Advice for an Unequally Yoked Marriage

About the Book of Numbers: What is the best way to read the book of Numbers? What’s some really cool stuff about it and how it ties to JESUS?

Q&A question: About the Book of Numbers

Jesus

Is “Deliverance” / Demon Casting Biblical?: I'm wondering about your thoughts on deliverance. Would you consider calling and identifying demons biblical, or is it not?

Q&A question: Is “Deliverance” / Demon Casting Biblical?

demons

Romans 10 1 Corinthians 3 Matthew sanctification Romans 10 1 Corinthians 3

Reconciling 2 Important Verses/Worldly Christians?: Can you explain Matthew 7: 21 vs. Romans 10: 13? Also, how do you spot worldly Christians (1 Corinthians 3:1) from those who are unsaved but have good works (Matthew 7: 22-23)? Shouldn't we have grace for sanctification?

Q&A question: Reconciling 2 Important Verses/Worldly Christians?

Advice for Christian College Students: What advice do you have for Christians in college?

Q&A question: Advice for Christian College Students

1 Peter 3 Peter 1 Peter 3

Is there Hope After Death for the Unsaved?: Can the Gospel be preached to the dead? According to 1 Peter 4:6, is there any hope for people after they die? Also, in 1 Peter 3:19-20, what does “preached unto the spirits in prison” mean?

Q&A question: Is there Hope After Death for the Unsaved?

About Assurance of Salvation: How can I be sure that I am going to Heaven when I die?

Q&A question: About Assurance of Salvation

salvation

How is Satan the World’s Ruler?: Can you explain how Satan became the ruler of this world?

Q&A question: How is Satan the World’s Ruler?

Satan

Luke 13 Jesus salvation Luke 13

About Salvation by Grace vs. Our Efforts: If we don't have to do works to get saved, why does Jesus tell us to "make every effort to enter through the narrow door" in Luke 13: 24?

Q&A question: About Salvation by Grace vs. Our Efforts

Help for Anxiety over Unsaved Loved Ones: How do I combat anxiety about my newborn daughter’s salvation? It’s a difficult topic for me due to my younger brother walking away from the faith as a teenager.

Q&A question: Help for Anxiety over Unsaved Loved Ones

salvation

About God’s Omnipotence & Non-Contradiction: Since God can’t contradict Himself, does that mean that His power is limited in a way? I know God is all powerful, but what is the logical reason behind Him being powerful and non-contradictory?

Q&A question: About God’s Omnipotence & Non-Contradiction

biblical reliability

About Vaccines & Aborted Fetal Tissue: What are your thought on vaccines using aborted fetal cell lines for development? I’m about to lose my job at big MN clinic if I don’t get the vaccine and struggle with this issue.

Q&A question: About Vaccines & Aborted Fetal Tissue

About being Satisfied in God: How can you know that you are satisfied in God? How does it manifest practically? Does doing Christian things mean I'm satisfied in God? Can’t I do Christian stuff and still not be satisfied in Him?

Q&A question: About being Satisfied in God

Is Pledging Allegiance Idolatry?: Is pledging allegiance to a country or flag a form of idolatry?

Q&A question: Is Pledging Allegiance Idolatry?

idolatry

Should We Ask God to Change Us?: You taught once in a past video that when we pray, we should NOT ask God to change us, as that would be like asking or expecting God to do all of the work. Can you please elaborate on that, and how to rightly pray instead?

Q&A question: Should We Ask God to Change Us?

About Forgiveness of Unconfessed Sin: Are you forgiven or held accountable for the sins you’re not aware of and don’t repent of? For example: gluttony, laziness, or even getting mad at someone and later forgetting about it.

Q&A question: About Forgiveness of Unconfessed Sin

forgiveness

anxiety and mental health

Why is Suicide a Sin?: Why do Christians see suicide as a sin if it’s never condemned in the Bible? Why should I be forced to live a pathetic life I never asked for?

Q&A question: Why is Suicide a Sin?

About “Feeling” God’s Presence: I always hear Christians say they “felt the presence of God.” How can I feel His presence? I read His Word as much as I can and pray often, but have never “felt” His presence.

Q&A question: About “Feeling” God’s Presence

About Astronomical Alignment: Do you think the astronomical alignment on Sept 23rd, 2017 is a fulfillment of Revelation 12:1-3? It feels like astrology to me.

Q&A question: About Astronomical Alignment

revelation revelation

Was Martin Luther Saved?: Do you think Martin Luther went to Heaven, despite the fact that he had a hatred toward Jews and was unrepentant?

Q&A question: Was Martin Luther Saved?

Martin Luther

About Worship Principles: What is difference between the normative and regulative principle of worship? Any useful thoughts to this discussion, what to avoid, what to strive for?

Q&A question: About Worship Principles

worship

How to Keep Marriage God-Centered: Is your wife a part of your ministry? How do you keep your marriage God-centered?

Q&A question: How to Keep Marriage God-Centered

marriage

Numbers 5 marriage Numbers 5

Do Numbers & Leviticus Contradict?: In Numbers 5, there is a test for an unfaithful wife. In verses 27-28 however, the punishment called for appears to differ from that in Leviticus 20: 10 which calls for death. Am I missing something?

Q&A question: Do Numbers & Leviticus Contradict?

Can a Muslim be Saved?: Is it possible for a Muslim to be saved through faith since they also believe in to getting into Heaven by God's grace (although through works) and through repentance of sins?

Q&A question: Can a Muslim be Saved?

repentance Islam

About the “Wages of Sin”: If “the wages of sin is death,” why is there a Hell? When a non-believer dies, why wasn't that debt paid by their death?

Q&A question: About the “Wages of Sin”

hell

Did Pharaoh in Exodus have Free Will?: I was just wondering what your thoughts were on Exodus 9: 12. Did Pharaoh have free will?

Q&A question: Did Pharaoh in Exodus have Free Will?

Pharaoh free will

How Important is Inerrancy?: I found out that several big teachers and content writers at my church don't believe that the Bible is inerrant? Should I be concerned?

Q&A question: How Important is Inerrancy?

biblical inerrancy

About Adoption/Homosexual Couples: How should Christians who are unwilling/uncalled to adopt respond to gay couples who adopt without looking like hypocrites or inhospitable (since they’re not taking in these kids themselves)?

Q&A question: About Adoption/Homosexual Couples

homosexuality

Should we Read Non-Canonical Books?: Would you recommend that current Christians develop an awareness of Scripture that is no longer canon?

Q&A question: Should we Read Non-Canonical Books?

About the Galilean Wedding/The Rapture: Have you studied the Galilean wedding being justification for a pre-trib rapture? I’m having a hard time finding trusted sources to teach on this.

Q&A question: About the Galilean Wedding/The Rapture

justification rapture

About the “2 or 3 Witnesses” Principle: What is the significance of the Bible saying "2 or 3 witnesses" to establish an accusation, as opposed to saying "2 witnesses" or "3 witnesses"?

Q&A question: About the “2 or 3 Witnesses” Principle

evangelism

Should a Head Pastor be Close to His Staff?: What are your thoughts on a head pastor who does not interact with his staff? I teach at a church and have no real relationship (to the point of pain) with my pastor as he is never present.

Q&A question: Should a Head Pastor be Close to His Staff?

pastoral ministry

Do Ghosts / Demons Exist?: I have a feeling that something is living in my house that shouldn't be there, and it is taking all the energy out of me! Do ghosts/demons really exist, and how can I get rid of them?

Q&A question: Do Ghosts / Demons Exist?

demons

Can God Punish After Commanding an Action?: How can God justly punish Gog/Magog for attacking Israel after He Himself made them do it? And how is this not God tempting them to sin by making them attack Israel?

Q&A question: Can God Punish After Commanding an Action?

Israel

Should we “Apply” the Blood of Jesus?: Someone recently told me to always "apply the blood of Jesus" over my family, my home, myself, and everything that belongs to me before I pray, since there is spiritual warfare going on. Have you heard of this, and what are your thoughts?

Q&A question: Should we “Apply” the Blood of Jesus?

Jesus

About the Curse in 2 Kings: How should we explain 2 Kings 2: 23-25? I had somebody bring it up to me and was unsure of how to answer them. On the surface, it seems problematic. What can I say to them?

Q&A question: About the Curse in 2 Kings

2 Kings 2 2 Kings 2

A Godly Attitude for Workplace Struggles: My parents think Christians shouldn’t unionize or strike, and should just do what they’re told or go elsewhere, citing the Parable of the Vineyard. But that sounds crazy to me. What should a Christian attitude be to workplace struggles?

Q&A question: A Godly Attitude for Workplace Struggles

revelation Matthew Matthew 13 Jesus revelation Matthew

About “Leaven,” Destruction, & Revelation: Any thoughts on using Matthew 13: 33 to prove that people inside the faithful church will try to destroy it (saying that yeast is bad and the woman Jesus referred to is the same as in Revelation)?

Q&A question: About “Leaven,” Destruction, & Revelation

John 11 resurrection John 11

About Being Alive in Christ/Future Resurrection: Please explain John 11: 25-26, how the first person became dead but believed and the second person being a believer never dies.

Q&A question: About Being Alive in Christ/Future Resurrection