Search — Theology Explorer

Ezekiel Roman Catholicism Jesus communion

Proof of Transubstantiation?: If Jesus identifies Himself as “the Word” and Ezekiel literally ate the Word of God (Ezekiel 3:1-3), is this a good case for Ezekiel being an analogy to the Catholic transubstantiation of the Eucharist being true?

Q&A question: Proof of Transubstantiation?

1 Corinthians 14 prophecy 1 Corinthians 14 tongues

Tongues/Prophecy for Believers or Unbelievers?: Can you please explain 1 Corinthians 14: 22-24? Verse 22 states that tongues are a sign for unbelievers, and prophecy is for believers. But vv. 23 and 24 then go on to, seemingly, describe the exact opposite.

Q&A question: Tongues/Prophecy for Believers or Unbelievers?

God’s Name in Vain: What does it mean to not mention God's name in vain?

Q&A question: God’s Name in Vain

1 Samuel 16 David Samuel 1 Samuel 16

The Spirit With, In & Upon Us: When David is anointed in 1 Samuel 16, the Bible says that “the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward.” How would this be similar or different from us receiving the Spirit now?

Q&A question: The Spirit With, In & Upon Us

Titus 1 Timothy 3:1-7 Titus 1 Timothy Titus 1 Timothy 3:1-7

Can a Pastor’s Wife be an Unbeliever?: Do the qualifications for pastors/elders in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 disqualify a man who has an unbelieving wife?

Q&A question: Can a Pastor’s Wife be an Unbeliever?

James James 4 Matthew 2 James James 4 Matthew 2

About OT Quotes in the NT: How should we understand inerrancy for New Testament passages that appear to quote the Old Testament, but no clear reference can be found? (e.g., James 4:5, Matthew 2: 23).

Q&A question: About OT Quotes in the NT

Grieving our Loved Ones when Not Sure of Salvation: My mom just passed away and I am unsure of her salvation. I know she prayed with the hospital's chaplains. My kids ask if they will see her in Heaven. How do I talk to them about this?

Q&A question: Grieving our Loved Ones when Not Sure of Salvation

salvation

1 Corinthians 14 prophecy 1 Corinthians 14 tongues

A Difficult Bible Contradiction: Can you please explain 1 Corinthians 14: 22-24? Verse 22 states that tongues are a sign for unbelievers, and prophecy is for believers. But vv. 23 and 24 then go on to seemingly describe the exact opposite.

Q&A question: A Difficult Bible Contradiction

John 1 Matthew Jesus Elijah prophecy

John Rejects but Jesus Affirms?: How should we understand John's rejection of being Elijah and a prophet (John 1: 21), while Jesus affirmed it (Matthew 11: 14)?

Q&A question: John Rejects but Jesus Affirms?

Debates on the Canon: What do we do with some of the earliest listed Bible canons and church fathers that exclude Esther and include Sirach and Wisdom of Solomon?

Q&A question: Debates on the Canon

Esther Esther Solomon

Are Easier Translations Unwise?: I struggle reading word for word translations of the Bible like the ESV. I love the NLT for its simple vocabulary and how easy it is to understand. Is it unwise to use the NLT to memorize and study from?

Q&A question: Are Easier Translations Unwise?

Bible translations

1 Corinthians 6 1 Corinthians 6

Proper Interpretation of a Common Passage: What are your thoughts on 1 Corinthians 6: 19? I hear people use this Scripture to call anything they don’t like sin (tattoos, drugs, junk food, etc.). But it seems it’s mostly about sexual immorality.

Q&A question: Proper Interpretation of a Common Passage

Genesis Genesis 5 Genesis Genesis 5

Are We Still Made in God’s Image?: Can you explain Genesis 5:1-3? Why is it different with the birth of Seth? Are we still God’s image bearers?

Q&A question: Are We Still Made in God’s Image?

Is “Déjà Vu” a Biblical Concept?: What are your thoughts on Deja Vu and are there any examples of it in the Bible? I've definitely had times where I had the feeling of being somewhere before when it was the first time being there.

Q&A question: Is “Déjà Vu” a Biblical Concept?

Are Eating Challenges Sinful?: Could you talk a little on what is and is not gluttony? Is it just eating more than you need to, or is there more involved (i.e., eating challenges)?

Q&A question: Are Eating Challenges Sinful?

When Competition turns Sinful: How do I know when my competitiveness is sinful? I coach baseball and want to ensure I'm providing the right model of competition for the players, while also still being as competitive as possible.

Q&A question: When Competition turns Sinful

“Apostasy” = “Departed”?: I've heard that the word translated "apostasy" in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 can also be translated as "departed," as in "the end will not come until the departing (rapture) comes first." Do you think this is true?

Q&A question: “Apostasy” = “Departed”?

rapture apostasy

Deceased Loved Ones & Necromancy?: Is going to the cemetery and talking to loved ones necromancy?

Q&A question: Deceased Loved Ones & Necromancy?

Jeremiah Jeremiah 1:5 Jeremiah 1 Jeremiah marriage creation

Our Choices & God’s Sovereign Will: Do we have any true control over life entering the world, or is it only based on God's sovereignty? I think if it’s God's plan for me to have a child, I'll get pregnant even if on birth control. But my husband thinks we control conception through birth control. If Jeremiah 1:5 applies to all people, wouldn't that mean God's plan overrides our plan for procreation?

Q&A question: Our Choices & God’s Sovereign Will

Jesus’ Death: Physical but Not Spiritual?: If Jesus' humanity and divinity are inseparable, then how could He experience bodily death on the cross without His deity dying, as well?

Q&A question: Jesus’ Death: Physical but Not Spiritual?

Jesus

1 John 1 forgiveness 1 John 1

Do Christians Continue to Need Forgiveness?: 1 John 1:9 perplexes me. I am a Christian. In what sense does my daily confession apply "forgiveness" to me? What happens if I die with “unforgiven” sin?

Q&A question: Do Christians Continue to Need Forgiveness?

apologetics doubt and faith

Why Doesn’t God Just Satisfy Skeptics’ Doubts?: How would you answer someone who says, “If there is a God, He knows what evidence I would need to believe and has not given it to me” and seems to genuinely mean it, not mocking/scoffing?

Q&A question: Why Doesn’t God Just Satisfy Skeptics’ Doubts?

Romans 8 Romans 8 resurrection

Metaphorical, Spiritual, or Physical Resurrection?: Is Romans 8: 11 referring to a metaphorical, spiritual, or physical resurrection later to come? I thought it was spiritual, but the term "mortal bodies" has me thinking differently.

Q&A question: Metaphorical, Spiritual, or Physical Resurrection?

Too Much Theology & Doctrine?: My pastor says that theology is “just someone’s opinion” and that “we shouldn’t get hooked on theology and doctrine.” How would you respond?

Q&A question: Too Much Theology & Doctrine?

pastoral ministry

Did Peter & Other Disciples Quit?: Did Peter and the others "quit the ministry" when they went fishing in John 21:3? It seems that Peter had already seen the risen Christ 2 or 3 times before this event.

Q&A question: Did Peter & Other Disciples Quit?

John 21 Peter John 21

Stewarding Friendships with Unbelievers: How do you navigate having worldly friends? At times I enjoy their company and the conversation is good, but at other times they are unbearable to be around, making crude jokes.

Q&A question: Stewarding Friendships with Unbelievers

evangelism

God Conceals a Matter?: In Proverbs 25:2, in what sense is the author saying that God conceals a matter? It's clearly not an absolute (i.e., He does reveal things).

Q&A question: God Conceals a Matter?

Jesus Supporting Violence?: Why does Jesus tell the disciples to buy swords? Is this Jesus supporting violence in self-defense?

Q&A question: Jesus Supporting Violence?

Jesus

Overcome by Strong Delusion?: In 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, when the antichrist is revealed, God will send a strong delusion to those who refused to be saved. Will everyone who has heard the Gospel but not repented be overcome by it?

Q&A question: Overcome by Strong Delusion?

repentance antichrist

Ephesians 4 homosexuality Ephesians 4

What is “Coarse Joking”?: How do we know what coarse joking is (Ephesians 4: 29, 5: 20)? My teen's Christian friends often joke about being LGBTQ and getting high or drunk. Is this a freedom issue, or is this sinful? How should a teen respond?

Q&A question: What is “Coarse Joking”?

Led by the Spirit vs. our Own Feelings: My mom changed her name recently. She felt God was giving her a new name. She often feels led by the Spirit where I don't agree. Any advice for those times, and should I introduce her by new name?

Q&A question: Led by the Spirit vs. our Own Feelings

generosity

The Unrighteous Entering the Millennium?: In the Premillennial view, who are the unrighteous (not saved) that enter into the Millennium? During the sheep/goats judgment, it seems like all the goats get sent to their eternity in Hell.

Q&A question: The Unrighteous Entering the Millennium?

millennium hell

God Taking someone to Avoid Apostasy?: Is there any precedent for God taking home a believer before he might fall away? I Kings 14: 13 says some good was found in Jeroboam’s son.

Q&A question: God Taking someone to Avoid Apostasy?

apostasy

Will We Remember “The Bad” in Eternity?: Can you go into detail as to what Isaiah 65: 17 means by “not remembered” and the “nor come to mind” part? I was told it meant literal memory loss and that scares me. I want to remember even the bad.

Q&A question: Will We Remember “The Bad” in Eternity?

Isaiah Isaiah

The Most Pressing Issue for Deconstructionists: What do you believe is the most pressing issue for deconstructionists?

Q&A question: The Most Pressing Issue for Deconstructionists

deconstruction

1 Kings 19 Elijah 1 Kings 19

Advice for When We’re Exhausted: Do you have any advice for someone who is spiritually and physically exhausted (like Elijah in 1 Kings 19)?

Q&A question: Advice for When We’re Exhausted

Standing Firm for Christ at Work: My work environment is very vulgar and toxic. It's "easier" for me to blend in and not honor Christ with my language and attitude. How can I have more confidence and not give in?

Q&A question: Standing Firm for Christ at Work

Is All Pain Bad?: BONUS Q!.My 8 year old, Ben wants to know: If there is no pain in Heaven, will there be hot sauce? Sounds funny, but makes you think.

Q&A question: Is All Pain Bad?

heaven

What Makes a Cult?: What makes a cult? I grew up in a church that took many hard stances on issues that led our elders to act in unbiblical ways. Most would say it was a cult. Where is the line drawn?

Q&A question: What Makes a Cult?

elder qualifications

1 Timothy 3:1-7 1 Timothy 2:12 women in ministry complementarianism headship

Winger rejects the 'covering' argument that a senior male pastor can authorize female elders/pastors under his headship. A husband is the head of his wife — an elder is NOT the head of other elders. 1 Timothy 2 says 'I don't allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man,' period — not 'without a male head.'

Q&A: advice for a member of a church with a male lead elder pastoring alongside ordained female elders who often teach on Sundays.

Does God Overlook Ignorance?: In Acts 17: 30, what does Paul mean by God overlooking the times of ignorance? Was He more lenient toward idolatry before the time of Christ? Or did He stop trying to save the idolaters of that time?

Q&A question: Does God Overlook Ignorance?

Acts 17 Acts 17

marriage salvation angels

Evangelizing the Apathetic: My wife and I are having difficulty ministering to her father who doesn’t seem to care about the topic of God at all. How do you help someone realize the importance of salvation?

Q&A question: Evangelizing the Apathetic

Does God Operate Outside of Time?: Can you talk about your views on God’s relationship to time? Personally, I find the timeless God view incoherent and unbiblical. It seems He operates within time.

Q&A question: Does God Operate Outside of Time?

What if Election Isn’t about Salvation?: What are your thoughts on election being about service and blessing rather than salvation (i.e., Judas was chosen by Jesus to serve Him but obviously wasn't saved)?

Q&A question: What if Election Isn’t about Salvation?

Jesus salvation Judas

Mark of the Beast: Literal or Symbolic?: Could the Mark of the Beast being on the forehead or right hand symbolize something that dominates the mind or actions of those who submit to it instead of a literal mark on the body as many assume?

Q&A question: Mark of the Beast: Literal or Symbolic?

submission in marriage

Ancient Israel & The Trinity: Did ancient Israelites believe in the concept of a "multi-personal God"? By multi-personal God, I mean a concept similar to the Trinity, where there is one God made up of multiple Persons.

Q&A question: Ancient Israel & The Trinity

Trinity

Christ Ascending & Descending: What is Paul talking about in Romans 10:6-7 when he’s speaking of Christ descending and ascending? The way he phrases things seems like it should be the other way around.

Q&A question: Christ Ascending & Descending

Romans 10 Romans 10