Search — Theology Explorer

Titus Titus 3:5 Titus Calvinism Titus 3:5

Does Titus 3:5 Teach Calvinism?: What is a non-Calvinist way of understanding regeneration in Titus 3:5?

Q&A question: Does Titus 3:5 Teach Calvinism?

Proverbs 8 John 3:16 John 3 Proverbs 8 John 3:16 John 3

Is God’s Love Actually Conditional?: If the Bible says God loves those who love Him, thereby making a condition we have to fulfill for His love (Proverbs 8: 17, John 14: 21, 23), can we still say that God's love is unconditional (John 3:16, etc.)?

Q&A question: Is God’s Love Actually Conditional?

Lessons from a Peculiar Bible Story: What is the lesson for us from 1 Kings 13: 11-24 where the man of God is deceived by the old prophet, eats with him, and is killed by the lion?

Q&A question: Lessons from a Peculiar Bible Story

prophecy

Roman Catholicism miracles communion

About Catholic Claims: Eucharistic Miracle: Have you ever heard of the apparent eucharistic miracle that Catholics point to? How would you respond to it and how they claim that the apparent miracle has been scientifically verified?

Q&A question: About Catholic Claims: Eucharistic Miracle

Baptized Believer, but Not Indwelled?: Acts 8: 16 says that believers in Samaria were baptized but hadn’t yet received the Spirit. Can one believe and be baptized without receiving the Spirit?

Q&A question: Baptized Believer, but Not Indwelled?

Acts 8 Acts 8 baptism

evangelism progressive Christianity anxiety and mental health

Overcoming Anxiety while Witnessing: I always get anxiety and my heart starts beating fast whenever I try to speak up about social or biblical Issues to my family (mainly my dad who is a Progressive Christian). How can I overcome this?

Q&A question: Overcoming Anxiety while Witnessing

Genesis 3 Jeremiah Matthew 16 Genesis 3 Jeremiah Matthew 16

God Lied 4 Times??: I’ve recently had someone use Jeremiah 20:7, Matthew 16: 28, the lack of immediate death in Genesis 3, and Cain’s exile in Genesis 4 as “evidence” that God is a liar. How would you respond?

Q&A question: God Lied 4 Times??

Animal Death Before the Fall?: If animal death occurred prior to the fall, wouldn’t that mean God called animal death/suffering “very good?” If we later see a wolf dwelling with a lamb, wouldn’t that indicate that prior to the fall, that was what we had enjoyed?

Q&A question: Animal Death Before the Fall?

suffering

Avoid the Appearance of Evil?: You recently said, "Scripture says: avoid the appearance of evil." I was wondering, if 1 Thessalonians 5: 22 is the verse you were thinking of, isn't that verse referring to staying away from partaking in evil, not abstaining from things that look like you're partaking in evil to others?

Q&A question: Avoid the Appearance of Evil?

Human Souls vs. Animal Souls: Does Ecclesiastes 3: 18-21 teach that there is no difference between the spirits of humans and those of animals? I’ve heard this claim from those who reject an immortal soul.

Q&A question: Human Souls vs. Animal Souls

Has Jesus Always Had a Physical Body?: What form did Jesus exist in before He was conceived in Mary’s womb? Did He have a physical body before that?

Q&A question: Has Jesus Always Had a Physical Body?

Jesus

Evangelism Required for Salvation?: Is our salvation based not only on being saved and accepting Jesus into our life and believing in Him, but also on a need to be spreading the Word of God (the Bible)?

Q&A question: Evangelism Required for Salvation?

Jesus salvation angels

Is Repentance a Change of Mind?: If repentance (metanoia) literally means “change of mind,” then why do we say repentance means changing our mind/attitude about sin? Why isn't it changing our minds from unbelief to belief?

Q&A question: Is Repentance a Change of Mind?

repentance

Matthew Matthew 28 Matthew Matthew 28 Theon

Theocracy & Theonomy: Could Christ's commission to disciple the nations in Matthew 28: 19 mean the Christianization of countries and nation-states, or does it apply only to individual people?

Q&A question: Theocracy & Theonomy

1 Corinthians 6:3 1 Corinthians 6 1 Corinthians 6:3 1 Corinthians 6 angels

Will We Judge Angels?: 1 Corinthians 6:3 states that we will judge angels. What do you think Paul means by this, and is there any other reference about us judging angels?

Q&A question: Will We Judge Angels?

Cursing & Blessing in the OT: When prophets such as Elisha cursed or blessed people, was it God who put it in their minds to do that, or did they have a Spirit-given ability to do such things without having to consult Him?

Q&A question: Cursing & Blessing in the OT

prophecy Elisha

Does the HS Help Us or Take Over?: Does the Holy Spirit enhance who we are, as in assisting us in Godly behavior? Or does He, at times, take over completely so that we behave, see, and feel things opposite of our ungodly flesh?

Q&A question: Does the HS Help Us or Take Over?

Holy Spirit

Matthew 24 Matthew 5 Matthew Matthew 24 Matthew 5 eschatology

The Purpose of Scripture in Eternity: Matthew 5: 18 seems to say some Scripture will pass away at the end times, but Matthew 24: 35 appears to contradict this. What use might we have for Scripture in the next life where there is no temptation to sin?

Q&A question: The Purpose of Scripture in Eternity

Matthew 18 Matthew Matthew 18 Matthew

Are We to Administer Revenge Ourselves?: Someone said it was okay to exact revenge on pedophiles, and they used Matthew 18:6 to justify it. Is that what this Scripture really means or allows for?

Q&A question: Are We to Administer Revenge Ourselves?

Death on the New Earth?: Why is there a reference to death and a lifespan (albeit a long one) in Isaiah 65: 20 when speaking of the New Earth?

Q&A question: Death on the New Earth?

Isaiah Isaiah

Will We Remember our Lives in Heaven?: Do you think we will remember our earthly lives in Heaven, given that there is nothing negative in Heaven and this world is so full of negative things and memories?

Q&A question: Will We Remember our Lives in Heaven?

heaven

The Serious Sin of Blasphemy: Why do so many Christians take the Lord’s name in vain? I know several Christians (even two pastors) who do this often. Should we tell them they’re in sin?

Q&A question: The Serious Sin of Blasphemy

pastoral ministry

What did Jesus Mean?: What do you think Jesus meant when He said "The first shall be last and the last shall be first" in Matthew 20: 16?

Q&A question: What did Jesus Mean?

Matthew Jesus Matthew

Can our Conscience make Sex a Sin?: My question is about stronger vs. weaker consciences. Is it possible to make sex into a sin, and if so, how should the "strong" treat the "weak"?

Q&A question: Can our Conscience make Sex a Sin?

faith and science

The Law of Agency: How do you respond to non-trinitarians who use the "Law of Agency" to dismiss the scriptural evidence for the Trinity in regard to Jesus, etc. claiming He is not God, but simply God's agent?

Q&A question: The Law of Agency

Trinity Jesus

The Book of James vs. Jacob: I was looking at the Greek in James' epistle (1:1) and his name in the Greek is Iakobos. Why do we call it "the Book of James" if the Greek more closely resembles Jacob (Iakobos)?

Q&A question: The Book of James vs. Jacob

James James Jacob

The Sin of Sodom: What Was the Sin of Sodom & Gomorrah?

Q&A question: The Sin of Sodom

Proper Posture for Prayer: Does God really care about our physical position while we pray or praise and worship? Does He care whether we are standing, sitting, bowing, etc.?

Q&A question: Proper Posture for Prayer

prayer worship

Why isn’t Dan Listed?: In Revelation 7, 12 x 1200 are listed from 11 of the 12 tribes. Dan isn't listed. What's up with that?

Q&A question: Why isn’t Dan Listed?

revelation revelation

How to View Mythical “gods”: How should we view mythical gods? Were they real? They had to come from somewhere to get the idea, right?

Q&A question: How to View Mythical “gods”

Galatians 4 Galatians 4 Jesus

Casting Out = Abolishing?: How do you reconcile Galatians 4: 28-31 with Jesus saying He didn’t come to abolish the Law? Casting them out kind of seems like abolishing.

Q&A question: Casting Out = Abolishing?

Roman Catholicism miracles

How to Explain Perceived Miracles: How can I respond with Scripture to my Catholic friend who says, “I’ve seen Mary & saints do miracles when my dad was in the ICU. That’s why it’s hard to leave the catholic religion: I’ve seen It”?

Q&A question: How to Explain Perceived Miracles

Created More Obedient?: If God knew humans would rebel in the garden, and that humanity is so prone to rebellion, why didn't He create us more suitable to be obedient to Him? Was His plan to always to perfect us in Christ?

Q&A question: Created More Obedient?

Is a Lack of Structure & Liturgy Problematic?: What do you think about tradition and church liturgy? Is it not a problem that contemporary churches lack beauty and tradition in their doctrine?

Q&A question: Is a Lack of Structure & Liturgy Problematic?

Matthew 24 Matthew Jesus Matthew 24 Matthew

Will the Gospel Reach All Nations Soon?: It seems that Jesus, in Matthew 24: 14, indicates that His return will come once the Gospel is preached to all nations. Can we assume this will happen sooner rather than much later?

Q&A question: Will the Gospel Reach All Nations Soon?

Jesus prayer pastoral ministry

Jesus = Michael the Archangel?: Is Michael the Archangel Jesus? I once heard a pastor give praises and prayers to Michael on the pulpit, and when I asked him about it, he referenced a few Scriptures but I’m just not fully convinced.

Q&A question: Jesus = Michael the Archangel?

About Behemoth & Leviathan: Can you shed some clarity on what exactly is behemoth and leviathan in the Old Testament?

Q&A question: About Behemoth & Leviathan

Jesus Indwelt by the Spirit?: Was Jesus indwelt by the Holy Spirit, or was it His own divine nature that sustained Him while on Earth in His human form?

Q&A question: Jesus Indwelt by the Spirit?

Jesus

Luke 8 Jesus Luke 8 healing

Healing: By Faith or By God?: In Luke 8: 43-48, Jesus says, “Your faith has made you well.” He didn’t say God did it, but her faith. How is this different than the Law of Attraction as told by New Agers?

Q&A question: Healing: By Faith or By God?

Hellfire & Brimstone Preaching: What are your thoughts on the "Hellfire and Brimstone" style of preaching? Is there any truth in it?

Q&A question: Hellfire & Brimstone Preaching

hell

Is Debt Inherently Sinful?: I have a question on debt. Do you see debt as sinful, or is it something that can become sinful if abused, like alcohol consumption? Any clear biblical lines on the issue?

Q&A question: Is Debt Inherently Sinful?

alcohol

When Believers Disagree: Can you give me any advice on living in unity with other brothers and sisters in Christ? I always try to keep secondary issues secondary, but I’ve heard “Well, your secondary issues are someone else’s primary issues.”

Q&A question: When Believers Disagree

Mary (mother of Jesus)

Using “Preferred Pronouns”?: I am a manager for a large retailer, and I have recently had two employees request that I address them by their non-binary pronouns. Do you have any thoughts on how I should proceed?

Q&A question: Using “Preferred Pronouns”?

apologetics doubt and faith

The Doctrine of Inspiration: What evidence and encouragement can you offer a believer who is struggling to trust the doctrine of inspiration? I know that it’s true, but I struggle with doubt.

Q&A question: The Doctrine of Inspiration

Teaching PSA to Our Youth: My ex is Muslim. He taught our kids that God’s forgiveness is enough and there is no need for God to die for our sins. Do you have any ideas on how to discuss Penal Substitution with a 9 yr. old?

Q&A question: Teaching PSA to Our Youth

Islam forgiveness

Are David & Solomon in Hell?: I’ve always wondered why David and Solomon get a pass. David had 7 wives and 70 concubines. Solomon had 70 wives and 700 concubines. If "no fornicators will enter," are David and Solomon in Hell?

Q&A question: Are David & Solomon in Hell?

David Solomon hell

Avoiding the Appearance of Evil?: You recently said, "Scripture says: avoid the appearance of evil." I was wondering, if 1 Thessalonians 5: 22 is the verse you were thinking of, isn't that Scripture referring to staying away from partaking in evil, not abstaining from things that look like you're partaking in evil to others?

Q&A question: Avoiding the Appearance of Evil?

About Jesus’ DNA: What was Jesus' DNA? Was Jesus' DNA 100% from God, or did He have Mary's human DNA? Perhaps it's the same DNA as Adam, since Jesus is the 2nd Adam?

Q&A question: About Jesus’ DNA

Jesus

John 1 Nathan Jesus John 1

Angels Ascending & Descending?: What did Jesus mean in John 1: 51? Was it a specific word for Nathanael, or does it apply to everyone? Would really love some clarity.

Q&A question: Angels Ascending & Descending?