Search — Theology Explorer

The “What is a Woman?” Bandwagon: Do you think that the now famous question "What is a Woman?" is a relevant area of focus for biblical Christians? Doesn't the Gospel naturally address these issues we face today?

Q&A question: The “What is a Woman?” Bandwagon

Helping Friends be Biblical: Most of my friends claim to be Christians, but they support “pride month.” It depresses me that they encourage gay marriage which the Bible clearly says is a sin. How do I talk to them about this?

Q&A question: Helping Friends be Biblical

marriage homosexuality

John 15 Jesus John 15 Apostles

Friends vs. Servants of Christ?: In John 15: 15, Jesus tells the apostles, “No longer do I call you servants, but friends.” How do we properly approach our position as “friends of Jesus” while not neglecting to still serve Him?

Q&A question: Friends vs. Servants of Christ?

Is John 1 about the Bible?: What does John 1:1-4 say about the importance of the Bible? Should we worship the Bible? Some say they won't read the Bible, but at the same time say they are Christian.

Q&A question: Is John 1 about the Bible?

John 1 worship John 1

Should Christians be Organ Donors?: I am wondering how Christians should think about organ donation? Is there a clear answer in Scripture?

Q&A question: Should Christians be Organ Donors?

Matthew Matthew 19 marriage Jesus Matthew

Marriage in Heaven?: Since Jesus says that wives will be had in Heaven in Matthew 19: 29, why do most Christians say marriage won't exist in Heaven?

Q&A question: Marriage in Heaven?

anxiety and mental health

Mental vs. Spiritual Health Struggles: When I talk to some people about my mental health struggles, they suggest that the cause is a spiritual issue. How do I explain that being a faithful Christian doesn't mean I can't struggle?

Q&A question: Mental vs. Spiritual Health Struggles

Spiritual vs. Political Progressivism: Isn't Progressive Christianity simply the outcome of forcing progressive/leftist ideology onto Christianity? Should we even make the distinction between politically & religiously progressive beliefs?

Q&A question: Spiritual vs. Political Progressivism

progressive Christianity

Witnessing to a Dying Loved One: My grandpa is dying, and doesn't have long. He has dementia/Alzheimer’s now and has never been a Christian. Is it too late to share the Gospel with him? If not, how do I do it effectively?

Q&A question: Witnessing to a Dying Loved One

evangelism

Navigating Marital Struggles: What should a Christian wife do if her husband doesn't want to work on their marriage, expects her to do almost everything when it comes to responsibilities, and doesn't provide enough for her needs?

Q&A question: Navigating Marital Struggles

marriage

Genesis 22 Genesis Abraham salvation Genesis 22

Is Islam an “Abrahamic Faith” that Saves?: How do I defend the Christian faith with my family when they always bring up Genesis 22: 18, arguing that Islam can also lead to salvation because it's an Abrahamic faith?

Q&A question: Is Islam an “Abrahamic Faith” that Saves?

Should I Correct my Christian Boss?: I work for a company that is owned by a professing Christian. He makes inappropriate jokes. I don't know if rebuking or correcting my boss is proper or not. How do I go about this?

Q&A question: Should I Correct my Christian Boss?

Holy Spirit doubt and faith

Should Ungodly Behavior Cause Doubt?: If I were to doubt Christianity (I don't), it would be because of a lack of holiness. Christians seem to be jerks at the same rate as the world, or more. Why is this, if we have the Holy Spirit?

Q&A question: Should Ungodly Behavior Cause Doubt?

Bible translations textual criticism

About the Geneva Bible: In your study of Bible translations, have you ever looked at the Geneva Bible that I believe the pilgrims used? What is its textual basis? Do you think Christians should read it?

Q&A question: About the Geneva Bible

Is there Room in Christianity for Psychedelics?: Given the resurgence of psychedelics for recreation and therapeutic use in Western society, is there room for it in Christianity, or should its use stay separate from spiritual practice?

Q&A question: Is there Room in Christianity for Psychedelics?

creation

Mike Winger idea 2022-07-22

What does it Mean to “Share in Christ’s Sufferings”?: When we share in Christ’s sufferings, does that refer only to suffering that comes in opposition to doing God’s will, or can it also include something like suffering through a disease or a loss?

Q&A question: What does it Mean to “Share in Christ’s Sufferings”?

suffering

How do the Dead in Christ Rise if they’re in Heaven?: If believers are taken directly to Heaven when they die, then why does 1 Thessalonians 4: 16 say the dead in Christ rise at His return? Doesn't that suggest they are in their graves?

Q&A question: How do the Dead in Christ Rise if they’re in Heaven?

1 Thessalonians 4 1 Thessalonians 4

Mike Winger idea 2022-07-22

Is “Spiritual Attack” Legitimate?: Is "spiritual attack" really a thing? Is that biblical? (i.e., during some notable season as a Christian, if we have intensified doubt, hopelessness, illness, etc. why's that not just, y'know, life?)

Q&A question: Is “Spiritual Attack” Legitimate?

doubt and faith

Mike Winger idea 2022-07-29

Can I Trust that my Faith is Sincere?: I sincerely believe Jesus is my Savior, but if my sincerity can’t be trusted (just like the rich young ruler’s), how can I truly 100% know that I actually do have a saving faith in Jesus Christ?

Q&A question: Can I Trust that my Faith is Sincere?

Jesus Christ Jesus

Are Pictures of God in Movies or School Biblical?: Is Christian entertainment like The Chosen a violation of the 2nd Commandment? Are things like Sunday school lessons hurting our theology by using pictures of things or people?

Q&A question: Are Pictures of God in Movies or School Biblical?

Is Jesus in Human Form in Heaven?: My question is about the incarnation of Christ. Since He was bodily raised from the dead, does that mean He is still the incarnation in Heaven?

Q&A question: Is Jesus in Human Form in Heaven?

Evaluating our Spiritual Traditions: I'm an ex-Muslim follower of Christ from Afghanistan. Some Islamic traditions felt really spiritual and comforting such as praying on an Islamic rug, etc. Is it okay if I keep some of those traditions?

Q&A question: Evaluating our Spiritual Traditions

Islam

Mike Winger idea 2022-08-13

Distinguishing Obedience from Legalism: How can we walk in obedience to Christ without falling into a “works-based salvation” frame of mind?

Q&A question: Distinguishing Obedience from Legalism

salvation

How did Jesus Pay in Advance for our Sin?: I'm not sure about penal substitution. How can it be that my sins, which were not yet committed at the time of the crucifixion, could have been imputed to Christ on the cross?

Q&A question: How did Jesus Pay in Advance for our Sin?

Mike Winger idea 2022-08-13

Will Sin Send Some Believers to Hell?: Is Matthew 5: 30 referring to believers? How do we reconcile this with "There is no condemnation in Christ"?

Q&A question: Will Sin Send Some Believers to Hell?

Matthew 5 Matthew Matthew 5 Matthew hell

Mike Winger idea 2022-08-13

How Important are Legal Marriage Papers?: Help, Mike. I need a Bible verse to help a Christian couple who are cohabitating and have 4 kids, but don’t want to marry. They say faithfulness is more important than marriage papers.

Q&A question: How Important are Legal Marriage Papers?

marriage

The Purpose of our Lives: As Christians, what is the purpose of our lives?

Q&A question: The Purpose of our Lives

eschatology Bethel Church heresy

About Kenosis Theology: Is Bethel style Kenosis theology from Philippians 2:5-11 heretical (where Christ is said to have lost His divinity to live instead as a human)? Or is that a secondary issue like sacraments and eschatology?

Q&A question: About Kenosis Theology

When People Justify Bad Behavior w/Scripture: When strong Christians suddenly start to justify sinful treatment of others (rage, control, insults, blaming) through Scripture twisting, could this be due to a shipwrecked faith or mental illness?

Q&A question: When People Justify Bad Behavior w/Scripture

Roman Catholicism marriage

How to Reach Catholic Family Members: I’m a new believer, and my wife is a Catholic. Married 5 years. We have 2 very young baby daughters. How do I win my wife to Christ if she grew up rigidly Catholic? I can't break past her typological beliefs.

Q&A question: How to Reach Catholic Family Members

Is Psychology Satanic?: I’ve heard some people say that psychology belongs to Satan and that Christians should stray from studying it. What is your opinion on that, and is there any biblical basis for avoiding it?

Q&A question: Is Psychology Satanic?

Satan

Mike Winger idea 2022-09-02

How to get Others Excited about Apologetics: What is the best way to get a fellow believer to realize the importance of apologetics? I meet way too many Christians who are just like, "I just read the Bible and that's all that's important."

Q&A question: How to get Others Excited about Apologetics

apologetics

Are We Dead to Sin, or Sold Under It?: Why does Paul say "...reckon ye yourselves to be dead unto sin, but alive unto God through Christ Jesus our Lord" in Romans 6: 11, yet in Romans 7: 14, he says, "...but I am carnal, sold under sin"?

Q&A question: Are We Dead to Sin, or Sold Under It?

Romans 6 Romans 7 Jesus Romans 6 Romans 7

Mike Winger idea 2022-09-16

Is Loan Forgiveness Moral or Immoral?: Is it biblical for a Christian to file for student loan forgiveness? I attended college in my 20s and racked up 20k in student loans. The balance is currently at 16k. Biden's student loan forgiveness plan would really help, but would I be "taking the easy way out" when I'm able-bodied to pay off the remainder over time myself? Would it be selfish and irresponsible, or a blessing, to accept the aid?

Q&A question: Is Loan Forgiveness Moral or Immoral?

forgiveness

Mike Winger idea 2022-09-16

Am I Called to Global Missions?: Is Matthew 28: 18-20 a calling for all Christians to leave their respective countries to share the Gospel, or just some? How can I tell if I am to leave my home country to share the Gospel?

Q&A question: Am I Called to Global Missions?

Matthew Matthew 28 Matthew Matthew 28

Mike Winger idea 2022-09-16

Should We Celebrate Friends’ “Out of Wedlock” Pregnancies?: I have some Christian friends who have gotten pregnant out of wedlock, and I feel like they expect you to react just the same as if they were married. What’s the right response in this situation?

Q&A question: Should We Celebrate Friends’ “Out of Wedlock” Pregnancies?

Can We Resist Sin Without the Spirit?: How were the disciples able to follow Jesus and resist sin without the Spirit indwelling them? Is it possible to be a Christian without the Spirit?

Q&A question: Can We Resist Sin Without the Spirit?

Is Christian Nationalism Biblical?: Is Christian nationalism in the sense of theocracy a scriptural concept?

Q&A question: Is Christian Nationalism Biblical?

Are Batchelor Parties Always Sinful?: I am attending a bachelor party and I have a Christian co-worker who said "Christians shouldn't go to bachelor parties." How would you response to this? All at the party profess to be Christians.

Q&A question: Are Batchelor Parties Always Sinful?

Are Rapture Dreams Truly from God?: What are your thoughts on Christians that have “rapture dreams” claiming that the rapture will be soon? Do you think these are from God, or just a result of all of the end times talk that has ramped up lately?

Q&A question: Are Rapture Dreams Truly from God?

rapture eschatology

Christ’s Law vs. the Moral Law: What is Christ’s law, and how is it different from the 10 commandments which many argue is the moral law we are to keep to this day?

Q&A question: Christ’s Law vs. the Moral Law

Mike Winger idea 2022-10-21

Should We Date Unbelievers for Evangelism?: My cousin is dating someone who is not a Christian in the hopes that they will get saved. Is this okay to do?

Q&A question: Should We Date Unbelievers for Evangelism?

angels

Pastors Teaching Dream Interpretation?: What is your take on Christian pastors practicing and teaching dream interpretation using dream dictionaries, Google, and their own reasoning to interpret?

Q&A question: Pastors Teaching Dream Interpretation?

pastoral ministry

Mike Winger idea 2022-10-21

Was Christianity Made Up to Control People?: What do you say to a skeptic that thinks Christianity is just a man-made thing created as a means to control people?

Q&A question: Was Christianity Made Up to Control People?

apologetics

Mike Winger idea 2022-10-21

Eschatological Insights: What's your take on 2 Thessalonians 2:7? I've always used this as a proof text for the Church being removed before the time of the antichrist. That and 1 Thessalonians 5:9. Thoughts?

Q&A question: Eschatological Insights

eschatology

Our Reign With Christ & Purpose of Authority in Eternity: What does it mean that we will reign with Christ in Heaven? What use will there be for any kind of authority in a sinless universe where our righteousness and wisdom are perfect?

Q&A question: Our Reign With Christ & Purpose of Authority in Eternity

heaven

Luke 23 Jesus resurrection Luke 23

How Was the “Thief on the Cross” Saved?: How was the “good thief” in Luke 23: 42 saved? He died without knowing Jesus' resurrection. Jesus tells him, “Today you will be with me in paradise,” but Christ doesn’t rise for 3 days. Confused!

Q&A question: How Was the “Thief on the Cross” Saved?

Should We Hate Evildoers?: How do you talk to someone who claims the Christian faith but hates people groups because they are “haters of God and denied Jesus”? My friend won’t talk to me because I don’t hate evil people enough.

Q&A question: Should We Hate Evildoers?

About Boycotting Businesses: Should Christians boycott businesses paying for abortion travel?

Q&A question: About Boycotting Businesses

abortion