Search — Theology Explorer

Are Ministry Raffles & Lotteries Biblical?: What does the Bible say about ministries that raise money using raffles, lotteries, or giveaways? Would you give money to them? They appeal to my (and presumably others’) carnality. Is this sinful?

Q&A question: Are Ministry Raffles & Lotteries Biblical?

The Trinity: Can We Ever be 100% Certain?: I've been fighting doubts and "what ifs" about the Trinity lately, and though I'm confident in the answers I've gotten, I fear I'll never be certain about it again. Any advice?

Q&A question: The Trinity: Can We Ever be 100% Certain?

Trinity

Help Understanding Gossip: I’ve been confused about what type of talk is considered “gossip.” I don’t want to be doing it, but sometimes it’s hard for me to tell if it’s gossip or not. How do I tell what is and isn’t gossip?

Q&A question: Help Understanding Gossip

Are there Differing Accounts of Who Saw Jesus?: How should we explain the differing accounts of people who saw Jesus after He rose? Some verses say women saw Him first, and others say men.

Q&A question: Are there Differing Accounts of Who Saw Jesus?

Jesus

Is it Biblical to Spank Children?: Is it biblical for parents to spank their children? Does it model Christian character? Any advice for parents on how to biblically discipline their children, especially young children (around 2 years old)?

Q&A question: Is it Biblical to Spank Children?

parenting

Matthew Matthew 13 Jesus salvation Matthew

About the Treasure/Pearl in Matthew 13: Is Matthew 13: 44-46 about us finding salvation in Jesus, OR is it about Jesus giving all for us? Is the treasure/pearl our salvation in Jesus? Or is it our value to Him?

Q&A question: About the Treasure/Pearl in Matthew 13

Wisdom in Applying for Ministry Jobs: I'm pursuing a degree in religion, and considering looking for ministry jobs. Is it right of me to apply for ministry jobs I might not be qualified for and trust the church to make a good decision?

Q&A question: Wisdom in Applying for Ministry Jobs

Genesis 3 Genesis Genesis 3 Genesis

Clarifying a Confusing Verse: What’s your opinion on Genesis 3: 16? ESV says “contrary to” and other translations say “for.” It can’t be both, can it? I’m so confused by it.

Q&A question: Clarifying a Confusing Verse

Did God Command Balaam & then Become Upset?: Why does God get angry with Balaam in Numbers 22: 20-22 for going when it seems He just told him to go in verse 20?

Q&A question: Did God Command Balaam & then Become Upset?

About Repentance & Rebuke: Can you talk about Luke 17:3? Should you rebuke someone after they repent?

Q&A question: About Repentance & Rebuke

repentance

Does God Only Speak through Scripture?: Does God still speak to us? I have heard it said that if you want to hear God speak, read your Bible; and if you want to hear Him speak audibly, read the Bible out loud. I believe God does still speak, but I’m conflicted.

Q&A question: Does God Only Speak through Scripture?

Why is Transgender Surgery Wrong?: If Christian work is restorative: healing the sick, clothing the naked, etc. to create "foretastes" of Heaven, then why is transgender surgery wrong? Isn't that also restorative/fixing disorder?

Q&A question: Why is Transgender Surgery Wrong?

healing

Isaiah Matthew Isaiah Jesus prophecy

About Prophecy in Matthew’s Gospel: A Muslim asked: “Why did the Gospel of Matthew ascribe the prophecy in Isaiah 7 to Jesus, when that prophecy described events which didn’t happen within centuries in Jesus’ lifetime?”

Q&A question: About Prophecy in Matthew’s Gospel

Loving our Enemies when it’s Difficult: How must we love enemies according to the Bible in extreme scenarios, such as loving murderers and rapists? In which way should we love them?

Q&A question: Loving our Enemies when it’s Difficult

Should Pastors Preach Using Commentaries?: We just got a new pastor, and he preaches from commentaries in addition to the Bible. Is this something that we should be cautious about? Is there a line where it can become too much?

Q&A question: Should Pastors Preach Using Commentaries?

pastoral ministry

Can God be in the Presence of Sin?: If God cannot be in the presence of sin, how do you reconcile an eternal perfect unity within the Trinity with the moment that Jesus “became sin” on the cross?

Q&A question: Can God be in the Presence of Sin?

Trinity Jesus

Is it Helpful to Offer “Thoughts & Prayers”?: Following a tragedy, people will often say, “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are affected,” which is often followed by angry or mocking non-believer comments such as, “Your prayers clearly aren’t working. Do something that will actually help like changing the laws.” What are some proper, biblical ways to respond to that sort of position?

Q&A question: Is it Helpful to Offer “Thoughts & Prayers”?

prayer

Zechariah worship Zechariah

How Creative Can Worship Be in Church?: I would like your views on flag waving (as the Lord is my banner), dancing, and body painting as part of “creative worship” in church. When I questioned these things, Zechariah 1: 20-21 was quoted to me. Since creativity is inspired by God, am I being overly cautious and resisting change which is from God?

Q&A question: How Creative Can Worship Be in Church?

tithing pastoral ministry

Can Legalism be Spiritually Abusive?: Our pastor and denomination as a whole requires that any women serving (even volunteers) must only wear skirts, and that only the KJV is God's Word (every other version is a "perversion") and requires tithing. Are these things spiritual abuse?

Q&A question: Can Legalism be Spiritually Abusive?

Does Scripture talk about Sex Slaves?: What’s your advice on how to approach numbers -18 (the passage about sex slaves)?

Q&A question: Does Scripture talk about Sex Slaves?

Discerning God’s Will and Calling: How do I know if I’m called to preach? My family depends on my income, and I don’t want to unwisely step into anything against God’s will, but I feel I must evangelize much more than I can now.

Q&A question: Discerning God’s Will and Calling

angels

Hebrews 11 Deborah Barak Hebrews 11

Why is Deborah not Mentioned in Hebrews 11?: I’ve appreciated your Women in Ministry series so much. Regarding Deborah, why do you suppose her name is not mentioned with the other 4 Judges in Hebrews 11: 32, but Barak is mentioned?

Q&A question: Why is Deborah not Mentioned in Hebrews 11?

dating and relationships anxiety and mental health

How to Biblically Choose Who to Date?: How should mental health issues affect dating for Christians (both one's own issues and a spouse candidate's potential issues)? Overall, what things should be considered when choosing to start dating?

Q&A question: How to Biblically Choose Who to Date?

1 Corinthians 12 spiritual gifts 1 Corinthians 12

What are the “Best Spiritual Gifts”?: What do you think Paul is referring to in 1 Corinthians 12: 31 when he says to desire "the best gifts"?

Q&A question: What are the “Best Spiritual Gifts”?

Are Anti-Abortion Laws Biblical?: Is it biblical to make abortion unavailable to others by law? Or is it better to support organizations like Mom's House who help single moms with having a baby?

Q&A question: Are Anti-Abortion Laws Biblical?

abortion

Genesis Genesis Adam and Eve

Did Adam & Eve’s Offspring Commit Incest?: Does Genesis lead us to believe that if every person came from Adam, then there was incest between Adam and Eve's offspring to create mankind?

Q&A question: Did Adam & Eve’s Offspring Commit Incest?

Can we Only Have Belief through the Spirit?: “Only by the Spirit can one believe” … Can this be considered gaslighting unbelievers and a way of compensating for a lack of enough evidence? Please help my pain, I'm struggling.

Q&A question: Can we Only Have Belief through the Spirit?

evangelism apologetics

Tips for Ministering to Youth at Camp: Youth camp is in two weeks. Suggestions for ministering to teenagers?

Q&A question: Tips for Ministering to Youth at Camp

Why does Satan Tempt Believers?: Why does the devil bother to tempt people to sin if they are already saved? What's the gain for him?

Q&A question: Why does Satan Tempt Believers?

Satan

What do we Make “Our Own” In Phil. 3?: In Philippians 3: 12, what is Paul referring to when he says "...I press on to make it my own"? Make what his own? Help me. I am really confused.

Q&A question: What do we Make “Our Own” In Phil. 3?

Philip Philippi

second coming rapture tribulation

Rapture vs. Second Coming?: Do you think the rapture and the second coming could be different events? I have heard some Christians suggest this, explaining how the rapture will come before the tribulation.

Q&A question: Rapture vs. Second Coming?

Should We Close Our Eyes & Bow While Praying?: I was wondering, is it biblical to close your eyes and bow your head while you pray, or is that a tradition that has been made up over time?

Q&A question: Should We Close Our Eyes & Bow While Praying?

Does Infant Salvation Conflict w/Original Sin?: How can we believe in the doctrine of Original Sin and also believe that if a child dies they go to Heaven? Inheriting Original Sin from Adam makes every child that dies unredeemed.

Q&A question: Does Infant Salvation Conflict w/Original Sin?

salvation

Should I Confront My Spouse about Sexual Sin: I discovered that my wife watches porn. Any advice on how to approach her about this? I struggle with it, too, and I also hesitate addressing it with her because I think her viewing it puts her in the mood for intimacy with me.

Q&A question: Should I Confront My Spouse about Sexual Sin

marriage

Vision vs. Imagination: What is the difference between vision and imagination?

Q&A question: Vision vs. Imagination

Can We “Cast Lots” to Determine God’s Will?: Can you explain “casting lots”? Since God never explicitly tells us that we can do this to determine His will, would it be unbiblical for us to do so?

Q&A question: Can We “Cast Lots” to Determine God’s Will?

1 Corinthians 6 1 Corinthians 6

Can Christians ever Sue Christians?: Does 1 Corinthians 6 prohibit believers from ever taking other believers to court? Is there ever an appropriate time to take a brother “before unbelievers”?

Q&A question: Can Christians ever Sue Christians?

Working for God Without Selfishness: How can I do work for God to receive a reward but not be seeking to put myself first, such as in Luke 22: 24-30?

Q&A question: Working for God Without Selfishness

Luke 22 Luke 22

Matthew 10 Matthew Matthew 10 Matthew

Are Secret Churches “Denying God Before Men?”: Do secret churches in countries where Christianity is illegal contradict Matthew 10: 32-33?

Q&A question: Are Secret Churches “Denying God Before Men?”

Is Rapture Theology Biblical?: Is it true that rapture theology didn't exist before the 19th century and that it’s a relatively modern interpretation?

Q&A question: Is Rapture Theology Biblical?

rapture

Anxiety about Hell: I've become anxious about the thought of eternal torment in Hell. If that's the punishment for our sins, wouldn't it have been best for unbelievers never to be born?

Q&A question: Anxiety about Hell

hell

Philippians 4:8 Philippians 4 Philippians 4:8 Philippians 4 Philip

Understanding Philippians 4: Philippians 4:8 confuses me because so many true things are none of the other things on the list. A lot of truth is just the opposite. I read books about true things that are not the other things.

Q&A question: Understanding Philippians 4

Is Eternal Subordinationism Biblical?: I read recently that the idea that God the Son has been eternally submissive to God the Father is heresy (Arianism). Is that true? Was Jesus only temporarily submissive to God the Father while on Earth?

Q&A question: Is Eternal Subordinationism Biblical?

Jesus heresy

Prayer for a Struggling Marriage: Would you please pray for my wife and I? I know it's a vague request without much detail, but we are struggling in our marriage and prayers are much needed.

Q&A question: Prayer for a Struggling Marriage

marriage prayer

Balancing Duties as a Young Leader: I am a full time high school/youth pastor whose role involves a lot of leadership and administrative duties. As a young person, I find it challenging and catch myself trying to overcompensate. Advice?

Q&A question: Balancing Duties as a Young Leader

pastoral ministry

Breaking the Sin Cycle of Lust: I’m a 15 year old that has struggled with lust for such a long time, and I honestly don’t know what to do anymore. It feels like I will never get out of this constant sin cycle. Could you please help me?

Q&A question: Breaking the Sin Cycle of Lust

sexual ethics

Dealing with Toxic People: What biblical counsel would you give for dealing with toxic people, especially Christian family members you live with, who are oftentimes mentally and emotionally unhealthy to be around?

Q&A question: Dealing with Toxic People

Jeremiah Psalm 37:4 Psalm 37 Jeremiah Psalm 37:4 Psalm 37

Why Would God Give us our Heart’s Desires?: Why would God give us the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37:4) if the heart is deceitful above all things (Jeremiah 17:9)?

Q&A question: Why Would God Give us our Heart’s Desires?

About OT Sacrifices: In the Old Testament sacrificial system, there seems to be a lot of required sacrifices. How often were those sacrifices required, and who was required to offer them? Was it just the heads of households?

Q&A question: About OT Sacrifices

Mormonism