Search — Theology Explorer

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?

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?

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

Should We Correct Non-Believers’ Sins?: What is the Christian’s role in bringing up non-believers’ specific sins? Should we, at all? I hear people reference John 16:8. How should we best evangelize to non-believers?

Q&A question: Should We Correct Non-Believers’ Sins?

John 16 John 16 angels

Ezekiel salvation baptism prophecy

About Jews, Prophecy, & Baptism: Did the Jews (ex. Nicodemus) understand the prophecies of a future cleansing as involving literal water (ex. Ezekiel 36: 25-27)? A colleague thinks so (she believes baptism is necessary for salvation).

Q&A question: About Jews, Prophecy, & Baptism

Going Through a Breakup Biblically: What advice would you give for getting over a break up biblically?

Q&A question: Going Through a Breakup Biblically

Do OT Prophecies Mention Jesus by Name?: Old Testament Prophecies foretold Jesus coming as Messiah, but do any of those prophecies actually name Jesus? Are they being attributed to Him without proof? How do we know any prophecy applies to Him?

Q&A question: Do OT Prophecies Mention Jesus by Name?

Jesus prophecy

Is Hypnosis OK for Christians?: What does the Bible say about hypnosis as a form of medical treatment? I struggle with food addiction and have heard that it can help by reaching the subconscious. However, I want to be super careful not to dip into the supernatural demonic realm that can sometimes happen during yoga sessions when "channeling your inner-self" and "connecting with the universe."

Q&A question: Is Hypnosis OK for Christians?

demons

Was the Temple Ever Cleaned?: Blood was sprinkled around the altar in the Tabernacle and Temple. Did the priests ever clean up all the blood splatter? Or just let it accumulate? I cannot find the answer in Scripture.

Q&A question: Was the Temple Ever Cleaned?

NAR

About the Evidence of the Spirit: In Acts 8, how did they know when the Samaritans had and had not received the Holy Spirit? Pentecostals teach that it must have been tongues. Is there another explanation?

Q&A question: About the Evidence of the Spirit

Acts 8 Acts 8 tongues

Genesis Genesis 1 Jesus Genesis Genesis 1

What is the Light in Gen. 1?: What is the light in Genesis 1:3? Some say the light is a spiritual force, Jesus, stars, the Big Bang, etc. I know it’s not Jesus, but I’m getting a lot of feedback in a group without any real solid answers.

Q&A question: What is the Light in Gen. 1?

anxiety and mental health

Should We Apologize for Every Past Sin?: Should Christians apologize to everyone from their past? I had so much anxiety, messaging people from high school about every lie or mean comment I could think of, even some things people didn't remember.

Q&A question: Should We Apologize for Every Past Sin?

About Pastors Preaching on Certain Sins: How would you respond to a pastor who says “I don't need to teach that a particular practice is a sin”? What dangers do you think are there if someone doesn't recognize certain sins?

Q&A question: About Pastors Preaching on Certain Sins

pastoral ministry

Are Works Required? (Sheep & Goats): Does John 5: 29 or the Parable of Sheep and Goats mean that Jesus taught we need works to be saved? It seems to align with the mid-acts dispensational view.

Q&A question: Are Works Required? (Sheep & Goats)

John 5 Jesus John 5

What is a Relationship with God?: What does a relationship with God look like practically?

Q&A question: What is a Relationship with God?

John 10 Jesus atonement John 10

About Limited Atonement: If the extent of Jesus’ death was for all, but the application of His death was only for His sheep, why does Jesus say that He lays down His life for His sheep in John 10: 15 (v. 16 clarifies extent, right?)?

Q&A question: About Limited Atonement

About Demons Confessing Jesus’ Identity: Why did demons always announce Jesus' true identity when they were in His presence? Wouldn't they rather lie and claim He was a false prophet or something to deceive others? (Ex: Luke 4: 33-34)

Q&A question: About Demons Confessing Jesus’ Identity

Jesus prophecy demons

Should We Pray Once or Repeatedly?: I’ve heard several teachings about prayer and I’m a bit confused. Are we to pray once, believe we have it, and walk in faith? Or should we pray repeatedly until God gives us an answer?

Q&A question: Should We Pray Once or Repeatedly?

prayer

About Boundaries w/Unsaved Friends: I turned away from God 14 yrs. ago, but got saved this summer. My "best friend" has since made many bad remarks about me AND God. I only hear from him if HE needs something. Do I cut him off, or show him love?

Q&A question: About Boundaries w/Unsaved Friends

Should we Use the Word “Christian”?: The original definers of the word “Christian” were the enemies of Jesus’ followers. What authorizes us today to define who is/isn’t a Christian? Especially if we don’t know what their OG criteria was?

Q&A question: Should we Use the Word “Christian”?

Jeremiah Jeremiah 31 Jeremiah Jeremiah 31

About Ephraim / Israel: Often when I see Ephraim mentioned, it looks to me like God is referring to all of Israel. Have I misunderstood something? Why does He use this tribe? My reading today: Jeremiah 31:6 (?), 18, & 20.

Q&A question: About Ephraim / Israel

About YT Ads: As a fellow YouTuber, do you get concerned about the ads your viewers see on your videos?

Q&A question: About YT Ads

About Lifting Hands in Worship & Others Watching Us: I have trouble lifting my hands during worship songs, though commanded in Psalms. I can’t get over the mental block that I’m trying to look good to people around me. Do I have a weak conscience, or am I disobeying Scripture?

Q&A question: About Lifting Hands in Worship & Others Watching Us

worship

Thoughts on Veganism: What are your thoughts on Veganism?

Q&A question: Thoughts on Veganism

Can We Trust the Lord Through Unanswered Prayer?: Jesus promises to give us what we ask in His name/His will, if we believe it. He also says to “let your yes be yes and your no be no.” Can we really say that God keeps His promises when this doesn't always happen?

Q&A question: Can We Trust the Lord Through Unanswered Prayer?

Jesus prayer

Biblical Counsel for Self-Harming Habits: I’ve been struggling for years with self-harm and am looking for biblical advice. I'm Baptist and believe we go through hard times, but I am just looking for advice!

Q&A question: Biblical Counsel for Self-Harming Habits

Is it Unreasonable to Say God had No Beginning?: If we say that it’s unreasonable to say that the universe had no beginning, why is it not also unreasonable to say that God had no beginning?

Q&A question: Is it Unreasonable to Say God had No Beginning?

Theology Books for Teens/College Age: My 17 yr. old son is into theology. Do you have any theology books you’d recommend for teens/college students that aren’t weighty reads, but offer good, biblical answers to Christian questions? Something that will interest a teenager without getting lost into a huge textbook.

Q&A question: Theology Books for Teens/College Age

Does God Bless in Material Ways?: Does God still bless us in material ways, or was that just for the old covenant and now He solely blesses us in spiritual ways?

Q&A question: Does God Bless in Material Ways?

covenant theology

How Does God Speak to Us?: How does God communicate to us outside of the Bible? Does He speak through mediums like words, numbers, coincidences, etc.?

Q&A question: How Does God Speak to Us?

About Separation from Bishops: How is separation from all bishops okay when all “early church fathers” (especially Cyprian & Ignatius) taught that separation from your bishop can call into question your salvation (Cyprian Epistle 26, Ignatius Phil.)?

Q&A question: About Separation from Bishops

salvation Ignatius

revelation tribulation revelation

About Revelation/Great Tribulation: Do you have any idea why Revelation 7: 14 in the NLT says these are the ones who died, but other translations say they came out of the Great Tribulation?

Q&A question: About Revelation/Great Tribulation

How to Initiate Gospel Conversations: How do I start conversations about Jesus with strangers/acquaintances?

Q&A question: How to Initiate Gospel Conversations