Search — Theology Explorer

Is God Deterministic?: If Jesus in the Old Testament was intentional by God, does that mean that God is sometimes deterministic? For example, did God orchestrate Joseph’s life?

Q&A question: Is God Deterministic?

Joseph Jesus

How to “Build Up” One Another: What does “building others up” with your words really mean? Does it mean that you should compliment people and just say nice things to them? Does it mean more, or something entirely different?

Q&A question: How to “Build Up” One Another

Why Ask for Forgiveness?: If we are saved by faith alone, why are there so many prayers asking that our sins be forgiven, when by faith we know that they have been? Thank You

Q&A question: Why Ask for Forgiveness?

prayer forgiveness

Should We Limit our Fun?: I read my Bible every day and pray, but I feel guilty when I engage in a hobby or have “fun.” Is there a limit to the amount of fun one can have in a day?

Q&A question: Should We Limit our Fun?

Luke 13 Jesus prophecy Luke 13

Jesus Just an Ordinary Prophet?: Why did Jesus refer to Himself as a prophet in Luke 13: 33 and not the Son of God? Wouldn't that be putting Himself on the same level as regular prophets when He was in fact elevated?

Q&A question: Jesus Just an Ordinary Prophet?

Genesis Genesis evolution

Life on Other Planets = Abiogenesis?: If basic organisms are discovered on other planets, would that prove abiogenesis and prove evolution?

Q&A question: Life on Other Planets = Abiogenesis?

Should we “Sin Boldly”?: Martin Luther has a quote that says “sin boldly.” I’ve heard he meant don’t be afraid of sinning and do so boldly knowing it has been paid for, but I feel that this is dangerous. Your thoughts?

Q&A question: Should we “Sin Boldly”?

Martin Luther

Mortal & Venial Sins?: 1 John 5: 16-17 seems to support the Roman Catholic understanding of mortal and venial sins. Is that the proper interpretation of this verse, and if not, how should we understand sin and the death it causes?

Q&A question: Mortal & Venial Sins?

Roman Catholicism

Why Follow Any of the OT?: What would you say to the objection that “if we don't follow the old covenant anymore, why should we care about Leviticus 18”?

Q&A question: Why Follow Any of the OT?

covenant theology

How to Rejoice and Weep With Others: Since both good and bad things happen in the body of Christ daily, how can we accurately practice Romans 12: 15?

Q&A question: How to Rejoice and Weep With Others

Romans 12 Romans 12

1 Corinthians 8 1 Corinthians 8

Has the HS Been Left Out?: Why is the Holy Spirit not mentioned in the greetings of Paul, and why He is left out in such statements like 1 Corinthians 8:6?

Q&A question: Has the HS Been Left Out?

The Granville Sharp’s Rule: How reliable is the Granville Sharp's rule? Is it implemented outside of New Testament writings?

Q&A question: The Granville Sharp’s Rule

The “Secret Sauce” to Fasting: Please help me with how to fast. I am praying for a friend’s salvation and protection from some dark things. I know that’s not a lot of info, but I want to know if there is a secret sauce to fasting.

Q&A question: The “Secret Sauce” to Fasting

salvation fasting

The Heartache of an Unbelieving Family: I'm the only Christian in my whole biological family. How do I not despair at the fact that they're all headed to Hell as it stands? It’s leading me to doubt the goodness of God.

Q&A question: The Heartache of an Unbelieving Family

hell

Satan’s Guide to The Bible?: There is a dangerous video gaining popularity, called "Satan's Guide to The Bible," that illustrates a pretend children's Sunday school class learning from Satan as their substitute teacher. He claims that pastors keep secrets from their congregants, but that he will reveal those secrets and tell them the truth. Can you please analyze this video and refute its false claims about the Bible?

Q&A question: Satan’s Guide to The Bible?

Satan pastoral ministry

Genesis Genesis 1 Genesis Genesis 1 evolution

Was Evolution Used by God?: Genesis 1: 24 sounds like God created animals through evolution (at God’s command) – “The Earth brings forth…” V. 11 also uses the same language. Interestingly, it’s not used with water, birds, animals & man. Thoughts on why this may be?

Q&A question: Was Evolution Used by God?

Jeremiah Hosea Jeremiah Hosea

Israel – Male & Female?: What is the explanation for God referring to Israel as male (Hosea 14:5-6) and as female (Jeremiah 3:6)? Is it context related, or is there another explanation?

Q&A question: Israel – Male & Female?

Bethlehem & The Messiah: Did people not know that Jesus was born in Bethlehem (John 7: 41-43 NIV)? I feel like that would have cleared up some of their issues with Him being the Messiah!

Q&A question: Bethlehem & The Messiah

John 7 Jesus John 7

Does Deuteronomy Prohibit Witnessing to Cults?: Does Deuteronomy 12: 30 prohibit current Christians from learning about other worldviews/religions/cults in order to evangelize them and utilize appropriate apologetics techniques?

Q&A question: Does Deuteronomy Prohibit Witnessing to Cults?

apologetics angels

Why Did God Appoint Unfaithful Leaders?: Why did God choose bad kings if He knows every heart? Saul, Solomon, Jeroboam, Hazael, and Jehu all turned away, but were directly chosen by Him. Why not choose kings He knew would stay faithful?

Q&A question: Why Did God Appoint Unfaithful Leaders?

Solomon

The Divine Council Theory: I heard you once say you didn't agree with Michael Heiser's views on the Divine Council. What part of it do you not agree with?

Q&A question: The Divine Council Theory

Michael Heiser

Speaking in Tongues: When did “speaking in tongues” change from being real human languages that the speaker didn’t naturally know to being a non-human/Spirit language?

Q&A question: Speaking in Tongues

tongues

Biblically, how is “Neighbor” Defined?: Is there a biblical definition for the term “neighbor”? I've always thought it was a term used to describe a non-believer who shows love to a Christian (or means them no harm).

Q&A question: Biblically, how is “Neighbor” Defined?

Interpreting the Book of Acts: How do we interpret the book of Acts? Is it a reasonable interpretation that it’s merely a transitional period and that we have to be careful how much doctrine we take from it?

Q&A question: Interpreting the Book of Acts

hermeneutics

What if God Has No Free Will?: Does God lack free will Himself, since He cannot act outside of or contrary to His nature? If so, doesn’t that make His actions questionable?

Q&A question: What if God Has No Free Will?

free will

How Did John have Materials to Write?: Were papyrus and writing supplies expensive? How did John, banished to the Island of Patmos, have all the necessary items to write down his Revelation?

Q&A question: How Did John have Materials to Write?

revelation revelation

Hebrews 12:1 Hebrews 12:1

Should we Infer Doctrine from Scripture?: Is it wrong to base doctrine on inference? Is it ever legitimate? E.g., the context of Hebrews 12:1 says nothing about saints watching us from Heaven, but some say it’s implied by the word “witnesses.”

Q&A question: Should we Infer Doctrine from Scripture?

Jesus second coming prophecy

Where is the 2nd Coming in Scripture?: Where does it say in the Bible that the Messiah will have a second coming? Does Jesus tell His disciples that He won’t be fulfilling all of the Old Testament prophecies just yet?

Q&A question: Where is the 2nd Coming in Scripture?

Did Jesus Always Have Power to Heal?: Regarding when Luke 5: 17 says, “The power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal,” did Jesus not always have this power, or does Luke emphasize it here because of what happens next? What’s your take on this?

Q&A question: Did Jesus Always Have Power to Heal?

Jesus

Do Our Prayers Affect Others’ Salvation?: Do our prayers for the unsaved actually increase their chances of being saved, vs. if they didn’t have anyone praying for them?

Q&A question: Do Our Prayers Affect Others’ Salvation?

salvation prayer

Our Sinful Flesh vs. Spiritual Warfare: How can I discern the difference between demonic influence and my flesh when it comes to sinful struggles?

Q&A question: Our Sinful Flesh vs. Spiritual Warfare

demons

revelation Timothy revelation

Which Scripture is God-Breathed?: In 2 Timothy 3: 16, when it says “All Scripture is God-breathed…” what would the author have meant by “Scripture”? Because as far as I know, books like Jude and Revelation hadn’t been written yet.

Q&A question: Which Scripture is God-Breathed?

About Asexuality: Is asexuality real? I know believers who say they’re asexual (not sexually attracted to anyone). I think this may be true of me, but could it just be God guarding my heart from lust over the years?

Q&A question: About Asexuality

sexual ethics

Physical Appearances of Jesus Today?: Does Mark 13: 21-23 refute present-day claims of Jesus physically appearing to people, or is this a misapplication of the text?

Q&A question: Physical Appearances of Jesus Today?

Mark 13 Jesus Mark 13

Is God Abusive?: Does a Christian’s relationship with God mirror what an abusive relationship would look like in other scenarios?

Q&A question: Is God Abusive?

Are Healings being Hindered Today?: What does James 5: 13-15 look like today? Are we missing something today that is hindering more healings from the Holy Spirit?

Q&A question: Are Healings being Hindered Today?

James James healing

Is Charity Meaningless Apart from the Church?: A pastor I listen to says that any community service/charity work that is not done through the Church or a Christian organization is meaningless to God. What are your thoughts on this?

Q&A question: Is Charity Meaningless Apart from the Church?

pastoral ministry

Hebrews 10 Hebrews 10 forgiveness

Does Sin Separate Believers from God?: I often hear that sin "breaks fellowship" or causes "relational unforgiveness" (to quote GotQuestions.org), but is there Scripture to show that sin can, in any way, separate a Christian from God (Hebrews 10: 19)?

Q&A question: Does Sin Separate Believers from God?

Are We Called to Love AND “Like” Others?: Do I have to like a brother in Christ? I know I should love my neighbor and not hate anyone, but there are some personalities I don't like. Is that sinful?

Q&A question: Are We Called to Love AND “Like” Others?

Who Will be Told by Jesus to “Depart”?: How is it that some people can cast out demons in Jesus’ name but then be told, “Depart from me for I never knew you”? How do I avoid that fate?

Q&A question: Who Will be Told by Jesus to “Depart”?

Jesus demons

Removing Shoes on Holy Ground?: What is the significance of people taking their shoes off in the presence of God in the Old Testament?

Q&A question: Removing Shoes on Holy Ground?

Overcoming the Pressure of Comparison: How do I stop comparing myself to others? As a college student, I’m surrounded by a highly competitive environment and I find myself comparing my grades and career to others. How do I overcome this?

Q&A question: Overcoming the Pressure of Comparison

Jews vs. Christians – Same God?: Do current Jews and Christians worship the same God? They claim to worship the God of Moses and the saints, but reject part of God.

Q&A question: Jews vs. Christians – Same God?

Moses worship

1 Kings 11 salvation Solomon 1 Kings 11

Solomon: Salvation & “The Book of His Acts”?: My question is, was Solomon saved? Did he repent after what he did? what is the Book of the Acts of Solomon (1 Kings 11: 41)?

Q&A question: Solomon: Salvation & “The Book of His Acts”?

(Just for fun!) BONUS Q: In LOTR Return of the King, it is mentioned that 3 days are needed to gather more forces. Before Aragorn leaves. However, only 1 day seems to pass. How do you reconcile this?

Q&A question

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