Search — Theology Explorer

John 18:6 John 18 John 18:6 John 18

Why did People Fall Over in John 18?: My question is about John 18:6. It’s a really powerful moment, but did the other disciples not see it?

Q&A question: Why did People Fall Over in John 18?

Repentance of the Heart & Mind: I am a former crossdresser (not transgender), but I don't feel any guilt or remorse for when I used to cross-dress. Any advice on how to not just repent with my actions, but also repent with my mind/heart?

Q&A question: Repentance of the Heart & Mind

repentance

Is Marriage Different Now?: My friend says the definition of marriage evolved over time, and that now it’s a legal contract, but in biblical times she claims it was a social transfer of care. Thus, she believes living with her boyfriend unmarried is biblical. Thoughts?

Q&A question: Is Marriage Different Now?

marriage

About Sin and our Flesh: Does Romans 7: 24 suggest that sin is in our flesh? Is this the reason why some people may be predisposed to certain sinful behaviors?

Q&A question: About Sin and our Flesh

Romans 7 Romans 7

revelation Jesus revelation

Is Jesus Finite or Infinite?: Jesus said, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end" (Revelation 22: 13 ESV). Does this mean God the Son is finite? Is He saying Jesus, fully man, is finite?

Q&A question: Is Jesus Finite or Infinite?

Why does God Allow More Wicked Generations?: Why does God allow wicked people to persist and bring forth more generations that will mostly go to Hell, instead of bringing judgment on them and erasing their culture as soon as they go astray?

Q&A question: Why does God Allow More Wicked Generations?

Persis hell

Help with Doubts & Unbelief: How do you stop doubting that God exists or that Christianity is the true religion out of many, especially Islam? Sometimes my faith wanders from belief to unbelief. Any tips?

Q&A question: Help with Doubts & Unbelief

Islam

Why was Jesus Given Sedatives?: Why would the Roman soldiers try to give Jesus the wine and myrrh (which I understand to be a sedative)? Wouldn’t they want the crucifixion to be as painful as possible?

Q&A question: Why was Jesus Given Sedatives?

Jesus

Are Prayers from Books Spells?: Could prayers from prayer books be considered spells?

Q&A question: Are Prayers from Books Spells?

prayer

Roman Catholicism baptism

Should a Protestant Marry a Catholic?: What do I do if I'm thinking about marrying a Catholic girl, myself being Protestant? She has no problems with my faith but wants our sons baptized, since she and her whole family is Catholic.

Q&A question: Should a Protestant Marry a Catholic?

1 Timothy 2 1 Timothy 2:5 John 1 1 Timothy 2 Timothy 1 Timothy 2:5

About Theophanies & Christophanies: Would you say that every theophany is a Christophany? (John 1: 17-18, Jude 1:5, John 8: 58, Matthew 11: 27, 1 Timothy 2:5)

Q&A question: About Theophanies & Christophanies

How to Increase Our Affection for God: 1 Corinthians 16: 22 implies we can't be saved if we don't love God, as I don't know how you can be saved and cursed at the same time. What advice would you give to someone who lacks affection for God?

Q&A question: How to Increase Our Affection for God

Hebrews 11 Joshua 2 Romans 3 Rahab Hebrews 11 pastoral ministry

Was it Right for Rahab to Lie?: Hebrews 11: 31 says that Rahab's faith saved her. Yet Joshua 2:4-6 shows Rahab lying about the Israelite spies. Romans 3:7-8 condemns good from evil. How do we reconcile this, Pastor Mike?

Q&A question: Was it Right for Rahab to Lie?

About Church Discipline: Can you please explain what the Bible says about local churches having a process of “church discipline” and how that should be carried out? Should it be rare, or a regular part of church life? Where should leaders draw the line when deciding if someone made a minor mistake vs. someone needing discipline?

Q&A question: About Church Discipline

Mark 16 Acts 1 Jesus salvation baptism

Is Baptism Required?: Why does the Bible sound like baptism is required for salvation in some places (eg. Mark 16: 16)? Does Acts 1:5 answer what KIND of baptism IS required (Holy Spirit baptism)? And what did Jesus mean by “to fulfill righteousness”?

Q&A question: Is Baptism Required?

About Tithing & “Prosperity” Teachings: My church says a declaration before tithing. Part of it is: "I am believing Him for advancements, God-ideas, blessings & increases, financial freedom, & breakthroughs." Is this a prosperity church red flag?

Q&A question: About Tithing & “Prosperity” Teachings

tithing

Are Murder Mysteries Appropriate for Believers?: I watched your video on Halloween, and I’m wondering what your thoughts are on murder mystery dinner parties (and for that matter, murder mysteries in general). Is it wrong to be entertained by them?

Q&A question: Are Murder Mysteries Appropriate for Believers?

Why does Pastor Mike Love Jesus?: I would love to know, why do you love Jesus?

Q&A question: Why does Pastor Mike Love Jesus?

Jesus pastoral ministry

About Doubt, Truth, & Bias: My friend is doubting his faith and reality because he claims there's no way to discern truth objectively without some sort of bias. How would you answer him?

Q&A question: About Doubt, Truth, & Bias

doubt and faith

Ezekiel Exodus 12 Ezekiel Exodus 12

Can Sons be Punished for Parents’ Sins?: Don't questions like 2 Kings 5: 27, 2 Kings 9:8, and Exodus 12: 29 contradict Ezekiel 18: 20 which says that sons cannot be punished for the sins of their fathers?

Q&A question: Can Sons be Punished for Parents’ Sins?

Should We Ever Hate People?: Should we hate the evil doer (e.g., those who promote or perform abortion) or should we just keep their salvation in mind? Or can we do both at the same time?

Q&A question: Should We Ever Hate People?

salvation abortion

Can the Deceased Send us Signs?: How do you explain to someone that their dead loved one is not sending signs to them, no matter how convincing those signs are?

Q&A question: Can the Deceased Send us Signs?

About Questionable Worship Lyrics: I play guitar at my church. I don’t always agree with the theology couched in some songs. I don’t sing lines I don’t agree with, but I am still on stage. Would love to hear your general thoughts on this!

Q&A question: About Questionable Worship Lyrics

worship

How to Repent When We’re Not “Feeling” It: How do I repent unto salvation (repent and be saved) when I do not want to? I am asking from the current place of being unsaved.

Q&A question: How to Repent When We’re Not “Feeling” It

salvation

About the Fear of Eternity: A student recently shared a fear of hers: the idea of eternity, even if in Heaven. I have to admit I struggle with this, as well. Any advice for me, for how I can comfort her from the Bible?

Q&A question: About the Fear of Eternity

heaven

About our Music Choices: Is it OK to listen to old music from former Christians, like Kevin Max or Ray Boltz? Is their music prior to them leaving Christ OK to listen to?

Q&A question: About our Music Choices

About Adam & Eve / Sin Nature: Were Adam and Eve created WITH a sin nature at their creation? If not, why then did they choose to sin in the first place, all the while God having called His creation good?

Q&A question: About Adam & Eve / Sin Nature

creation Adam and Eve

About God being our Loving Father: I've been a believer for a very long time, but still struggle with the concept of God as loving Father. Mainly due to my upbringing. How do I overcome this? The doubt is overwhelming.

Q&A question: About God being our Loving Father

doubt and faith

1 Corinthians 7 1 Corinthians 7

Clashing Translations?: In 1 Corinthians 7, whom do verses 36-38 address? Some versions add "daughter," implying fathers, but ESV, in using "his betrothed" and "his passions" seem to indicate a groom.

Q&A question: Clashing Translations?

How to Witness to an Angry Person: My friend has left Christianity. His family is a bit extreme and aggressive with their faith, and he says they are what pushed him away from his. If I try to talk with him, he gets angry. What can I do?

Q&A question: How to Witness to an Angry Person

evangelism

How to Tell if a Sermon is Biblical: How does one recognize if a message is biblically accurate? Oftentimes a message is given with Scripture to back it up. How do you gauge the truthfulness of the message?

Q&A question: How to Tell if a Sermon is Biblical

Wrestling with Matters of Conscience: I’m a family photographer being asked to do sessions involving a same-sex couple with kids. I've done sessions for cohabitating pregnant couples before, but how can I handle this as a Christian?

Q&A question: Wrestling with Matters of Conscience

faith and science

Balancing Work & Family in Life: My job has been taking away too much family time (extreme employee shortage), but I've been there many years and feel the relationships are still a mission field. How can I balance this?

Q&A question: Balancing Work & Family in Life

Was the Flood Overkill?: In Genesis, God destroys the world saying that the world has become unholy, but He saves Noah. Why couldn't He just do something bad to the people instead of doing all of the work to start over after the flood?

Q&A question: Was the Flood Overkill?

Genesis Genesis

Will Unbelievers Bow?: Does “every knee shall bow” refer to each person when they die and stand before God, or mankind collectively at the return of Jesus? If it's the latter, does this mean unbelievers will be forced to do this?

Q&A question: Will Unbelievers Bow?

Jesus

Is it Sin, or Am I Legalistic?: A pastor told me it was a sin to watch Star Wars & Dragon Ball Z & listen to rock music because they're Pagan. I'm willing to give these up if they are, but how do I know if it's a sin or legalism?

Q&A question: Is it Sin, or Am I Legalistic?

pastoral ministry

About Pastor Nathan Finochio: What do you know about Nathan Finochio? My daughter was invited to a youth event where he is the main preacher, but I'm not sure if I should let her attend.

Q&A question: About Pastor Nathan Finochio

Nathan pastoral ministry

revelation Revelation 21 revelation Revelation 21

About Judgment, Sinners, & New Jerusalem: After the Great White Throne judgment and the Second Death (Revelation 21: 10), where do the sinners come from that are kept outside the New Jerusalem (Revelation 22: 15)?

Q&A question: About Judgment, Sinners, & New Jerusalem

1 Corinthians 11 1 Corinthians 11 communion

Taking Communion Unworthily: In 1 Corinthians 11: 30 when Paul says you can get weak, sick, or die if taking the last supper in an unworthy manner, what specific sins are punishable by death?

Q&A question: Taking Communion Unworthily

About Tongues & God’s Will: If the Holy Spirit gives tongues, how is it that anyone uses it against the will of God, if the Spirit only does what the Father wills? (For example, misusing it in church services.)

Q&A question: About Tongues & God’s Will

tongues

Anxiety about Repenting of Every Sin: How can I deal with the urge to ask for forgiveness for nearly every intrusive thought, feeling, and temptation? If I'm asking out of anxiety, am I asking in vain? I don't want to treat sin lightly.

Q&A question: Anxiety about Repenting of Every Sin

forgiveness

When a Spouse is Unrepentant: How should we approach a situation where one spouse is doing something potentially harmful to the health of the family, yet won't quit? Ex: vaping inside of the home.

Q&A question: When a Spouse is Unrepentant

repentance

2 Corinthians 12 2 Corinthians 12

Do Paul & God Keep Secrets?: Regarding Paul's vision of Heaven in 2 Corinthians 12, Why can't Paul tell us what he saw? Did he see something bad? Why do Paul and God have to be secretive and hide things?

Q&A question: Do Paul & God Keep Secrets?

Does Scripture Value Children?: In the book of Job, his children were killed as part of his trials. At the end, he was blessed with more children. This has always bothered me. Why does it appear that children are disposable like that?

Q&A question: Does Scripture Value Children?

parenting

Is “Accepting Jesus” Man-Centered Soteriology?: Is it man-centered thinking to say that “Jesus died for everyone but it is only applied to you if/when you accept it”? Are we the ones who give the cross its power? I’d Like to hear your thoughts on this.

Q&A question: Is “Accepting Jesus” Man-Centered Soteriology?

Jesus

Coming Back to the Lord after Doubting: I wanted to ask if you have any biblical guidance on coming back to your Christ-like identity when you've fallen into doubt.

Q&A question: Coming Back to the Lord after Doubting

doubt and faith

Can People be Tricked into Hell?: Can people be tricked into Hell, such as people born into false religions or North Korea? If so, how is that fair?

Q&A question: Can People be Tricked into Hell?

hell

About Praying for the Sick: How should James 5: 13-16 be interpreted in the light of praying for the sick to be healed, especially in church? I’ve seen people praying for others expecting them to be healed immediately.

Q&A question: About Praying for the Sick

James James

About the Trinity / Divine Simplicity: Isn't it problematic to affirm the Trinity while rejecting the metaphysical hermeneutic that was used to articulate/defend the doctrine (e.g., divine simplicity) in the early centuries?

Q&A question: About the Trinity / Divine Simplicity

Trinity