Search — Theology Explorer

Matthew 18 Matthew Jesus Matthew 18 Matthew

Did Jesus Leave the 99 in Danger?: Regarding Matthew 18: 12, does Jesus know the 99 are safe when He leaves to find the 1? I’m trying to understand how this is responsible. Should we not do things for the greater good, but for the 1?

Q&A question: Did Jesus Leave the 99 in Danger?

revelation Revelation 20 Satan revelation Revelation 20

Are We Living in Satan’s Deception?: Have you heard of the theory that we're already living in Satan's short season of deception from Revelation 20:3-8? Some of the ideas are intriguing, but most also claim extra conspiracy baggage, e.g., the "mud flood" and much more.

Q&A question: Are We Living in Satan’s Deception?

James James 1 James James 1

Markan Sandwich in James?: Could James 1: 13-18, 1: 19-27 & 2:1-13 be similar to a Markan sandwich? If so, would it be correct that the focused interpretation of the 2 breads should be “Do not accuse God” of: 1. Tempting us to sin, 2. Not creating people equally? Can you explain the meat relative to the bread?

Q&A question: Markan Sandwich in James?

Does Satan Know his End?: Does Satan know he is going to lose? People say, “Satan just wants to take as many people down with him as he can.” Does he/can he know Scripture?

Q&A question: Does Satan Know his End?

Satan

Strategic Evangelism to Strangers: How do you initiate sharing the Gospel with a stranger? Is it best to be direct (e.g., “Can I share the Gospel with you?”), or would you recommend a more gradual approach?

Q&A question: Strategic Evangelism to Strangers

angels

Roman Catholicism communion

Different Views on Communion: Have you considered differing views on communion? I’ve just recently learned there are more than just the typical Baptist, Lutheran, and Catholic views. Some believe in Real Presence in spirit, not corporeal.

Q&A question: Different Views on Communion

Acts 13 Calvinism Acts 13 free will

Does Acts 13 Prove Calvinism?: I'd like to hear your thoughts about Acts 13: 48. It seems to contradict the idea that God wants everyone to be saved and that everyone has the same opportunity/free will to believe in Him.

Q&A question: Does Acts 13 Prove Calvinism?

1 Corinthians 11:3 Philippians 2:5-8 John 14:28 complementarianism headship Trinity

Winger affirms the Father has authority over the Son but attributes this to the Incarnation (Phil 2:5-8), not necessarily to the eternal nature of the Trinity. He's open to but not convinced by Eternal Functional Subordination (EFS). Explicitly says he does NOT use EFS to defend complementarianism.

Q: Do many scriptures showing different authority levels between Father and Jesus mean the Father has higher authority? (John 14:28, 1 Cor 11:3, Matt 28:18)

Living Productively & Overcoming Bad Habits: My apartment is a mess, I wake up late, I eat junk food, I'm too lazy to read the Bible and I feel like I know a lot about God, but I don't feel like His daughter. How can I turn my life around?

Q&A question: Living Productively & Overcoming Bad Habits

Mark 9 Matthew 12 Matthew Jesus Mark 9 Matthew 12

Mark vs. Matthew – Contradiction?: Can you explain what some say is contradictory between Mark 9: 38-41 (not against us = for us) & Matthew 12: 30 (not with me = against me) & how that applies to NAR/false teachers who profess Jesus?

Q&A question: Mark vs. Matthew – Contradiction?

Genesis John 1 Genesis 32 Jacob Genesis John 1

Has Anyone Seen God?: John 1: 18 tells us, “No man has seen God at any time…” but in Genesis 32: 30, Jacob says, “I have seen God face to face and my life is preserved.” Which is it?

Q&A question: Has Anyone Seen God?

Are we Equal with God in Heaven?: My wife had a question I did not know how to answer: If we are perfected at the end of time and perfect in God's presence, how are we not then equal with God? We realize that we will not be greater than God, but I am not sure how to explain this subject.

Q&A question: Are we Equal with God in Heaven?

marriage

Godly Womanhood/Biblical Femininity: How does godly womanhood differ from godly manhood outside of marriage? How do we define biblical femininity, especially for the unmarried woman? Does discipleship look different for women?

Q&A question: Godly Womanhood/Biblical Femininity

marriage

The LXX More Reliable for Typology?: Is the Septuagint more reliable for finding Jesus in the Old Testament? S. Douglas Woodward & others say that messianic passages & timelines in the Masoretic Text were altered in 2nd century to keep Jews from converting to Christianity.

Q&A question: The LXX More Reliable for Typology?

Jesus

Effectively Caring for the Homeless: How are we expected to help homeless people in our modern culture? Are we still expected to invite strangers into our very homes as they did in Bible times?

Q&A question: Effectively Caring for the Homeless

Must We Have an Eschatological View?: Do you think it is important to have a view on eschatology? Can we just all agree that one day, if we believe in Jesus and what He did on the cross and abide in Him, that we will go to Heaven?

Q&A question: Must We Have an Eschatological View?

Jesus eschatology

When was the Old Covenant in Effect?: Hebrews 8: 13 says that the Old Covenant is becoming obsolete and about to disappear. Does this mean the Old Covenant was still in effect at the time this book was written?

Q&A question: When was the Old Covenant in Effect?

Hebrews 8 Hebrews 8

Should Unequally Yoked Believers Bear Children?: I'm married to an unbeliever. I regret it and I worry that I’ve jeopardized my son's salvation! Would it be better not to have any more children in my “ungodly” marriage even though we'd like to have more?

Q&A question: Should Unequally Yoked Believers Bear Children?

marriage salvation

Jesus Leaves & Advocate Comes – Modalism?: Why is the Advocate unable to come unless Jesus leaves (John 16:7)? Why does this not imply Modalism?

Q&A question: Jesus Leaves & Advocate Comes – Modalism?

John 16 Jesus John 16

Believing in God but Not the Bible: How do I bring the Gospel to someone who believes there is a God, but rejects the Bible? My mom doesn’t believe God gave us the Bible and thinks that Christianity is man-made.

Q&A question: Believing in God but Not the Bible

BONUS Q! What's your favorite video game?

Q&A question

James James heresy homosexuality

About the Queen James Bible: What are your thoughts about the Queen James Bible, also known as the “Gay Bible”? Is this a blasphemous translation to be avoided, or did the QJV publishers have any linguistically valid reason to remove negative references to homosexuality from the Bible? Also, can the Holy Spirit still speak through heretical Bible translations?

Q&A question: About the Queen James Bible

Should Christians Leave Ungodly Areas?: Does the Bible say Christians should relocate their family (especially with young kids), or stop having kids altogether if evil/injustice continues to grow in their community?

Q&A question: Should Christians Leave Ungodly Areas?

Should We Only Help Others, Never Ourselves?: Is it a sin to help myself instead of others? I only know Scripture that tells me to give to others (Philippians). I'm often frustrated when I'm forced to help others when I need time myself.

Q&A question: Should We Only Help Others, Never Ourselves?

Philip Philippi

Why is Only a Single Creator Obvious?: What about creation makes a singular Creator obvious, as Paul suggests? What keeps us from concluding that multiple deities created the different aspects of the universe?

Q&A question: Why is Only a Single Creator Obvious?

creation

women in ministry pastoral ministry

What to Do if Your Pastor is Female: I've watched your Women in Ministry series and come to basically the same conclusions you have. However, I'm part of a church with a female lead pastor. How do I handle this?

Q&A question: What to Do if Your Pastor is Female

Paul’s Hands vs. Jesus’ Hands: “These hands” provided for Paul in Acts 20: 34 NKJV & ESV. But “…of mine” (i.e., “these hands of mine”) is in some translations such as NIV & NET. Is Paul referring to Jesus’ hands or his OWN hands?

Q&A question: Paul’s Hands vs. Jesus’ Hands

Acts 20 Acts 20 Jesus

Are Angels Purely Spiritual, Not Physical?: How can we know that angels are spiritual beings and not potentially physical beings? Some people say they're spiritual and do not have reproductive organs (since Jesus said they're not given in marriage).

Q&A question: Are Angels Purely Spiritual, Not Physical?

marriage Jesus angels

When Parents are Difficult: How does one biblically deal with an oppressive (but not abusive) parent? Lately they have been really stressed, anxious, and far from God. I’m not sure if they are truly a Christian.

Q&A question: When Parents are Difficult

Navigating a Difficult Marital Situation: Am I dishonoring God if I initiate separation? I’ve been married for over 12 years, always rocky. I've begged for counseling, but my husband (professing believer) said he'd pick divorce first. He says he no longer loves me.

Q&A question: Navigating a Difficult Marital Situation

marriage divorce

Was Josiah Being Prideful?: In 2 Chronicles 35: 20-27, should Josiah have realized that it was God speaking (some suggest he was prideful)?

Q&A question: Was Josiah Being Prideful?

Josiah

Andrew Tate vs. Scripture: Who is Andrew Tate, and do his views line up with the Bible?

Q&A question: Andrew Tate vs. Scripture

Andrew Tate Andrew

About Saul’s Motives: Was Saul's hostility toward the Jewish Christians based on his biblical beliefs, or was he really on a mission to achieve status considering his age prior to conversion and extreme actions?

Q&A question: About Saul’s Motives

Judaism

Can a Christian become Reprobate?: Is it possible for a Christian to become a reprobate? If so, can it still be undone? I don't know why, but God seems out of reach.

Q&A question: Can a Christian become Reprobate?

Holy Spirit unforgivable sin

Blaspheming the Spirit vs. the Son/Father: Why is the unforgivable sin described as blaspheming the Holy Spirit, as opposed to blaspheming the Son or the Father?

Q&A question: Blaspheming the Spirit vs. the Son/Father

Zechariah 9 Zechariah prophecy Zechariah 9 Zechariah

Fulfilled or Unfilled Prophecy?: Has Zechariah 9:1-8 already been fulfilled? If not, is it possible that it is in the process of being fulfilled today?

Q&A question: Fulfilled or Unfilled Prophecy?

revelation Revelation 20 Jesus revelation Revelation 20

Is Jesus Presently “King”?: Is it right to call Jesus "king" since He has not yet set up His Millennial Kingdom on Earth (Revelation 20:4-6)?

Q&A question: Is Jesus Presently “King”?

Reaching a Pagan Friend: I've got a Pagan friend. He believes that all the different gods exist, including the Abrahamic God, and that the Norse Pantheon is most worthy of worship. Any advice on reaching him?

Q&A question: Reaching a Pagan Friend

Abraham worship Theon

Marital Relations during Menstruation?: Is it a sin to have marital relations during the menstrual cycle? In Leviticus 18: 19, 24-25, it indicates that this is an abomination. But Leviticus 15: 24 puts it in the category of ritual uncleanness.

Q&A question: Marital Relations during Menstruation?

Human Sacrifice in the OT?: I'm curious about how to handle 2 Samuel 21. This sounds very close to a form of human sacrifice to honor God.

Q&A question: Human Sacrifice in the OT?

Samuel

women in ministry complementarianism egalitarianism

Winger defends his call for egalitarians to repent, distinguishing it from Calvinism disagreements because egalitarianism directly harms marriages and church leadership structure. He also calls patriarchalists to repent for teaching women are inherently more easily deceived.

Q&A question from someone who agrees egalitarians should repent but asks if the same applies to Calvinism as a secondary issue.

Benny Hinn Update: What’s your update on the Benny Hinn situation?

Q&A question: Benny Hinn Update

Benny Hinn

Don’t Add or Take Away!: People often use Revelation 22: 18-19 referring to the whole Bible. When I read it, I see it only referring to Revelation, since the New Testament wasn't formed yet. Could you provide some clarity?

Q&A question: Don’t Add or Take Away!

revelation revelation

Different Methodologies for Missions: There's a lot of debate in missions right now about methodologies (i.e., church planting movements vs. more slow-paced approaches). How should we think through both sides biblically?

Q&A question: Different Methodologies for Missions

church planting

Does Satan Have Power?: Is it a biblical idea that it's blasphemy to say that Satan has any power?

Q&A question: Does Satan Have Power?

Satan

Freedom from Addictions: How does one get set free from nicotine addiction when current medications do not work?

Q&A question: Freedom from Addictions

addiction

Determinism vs. Luck: If we don’t believe that God determines/causes everything, do we believe in some form of luck? For example, when you hit all green lights on your way to work: “Man that was good luck!” Or when you stub your toe: “That was bad luck.”

Q&A question: Determinism vs. Luck

Homosexuality vs. Other Sins: Why should we not ordain homosexuals in church although it’s a sin, when other people with less visible sins (hate, anger, etc.) are serving? What is the biblical view on this?

Q&A question: Homosexuality vs. Other Sins

homosexuality

Why was David’s Family Punished?: In 2 Samuel 12: 10, why was the sword to never depart from David’s house if our sins aren’t supposed to carry over? Why was his family punished for his sin, and not just his son with Bathsheba but Ammon, etc.?

Q&A question: Why was David’s Family Punished?

David Samuel Bathsheba