Re: 2 Corinthians 13:1-10. I hope all is well and could you please explain what Paul meant by “I will not spare them– since you seek proof that Christ is speaking in me.”…. and…. “that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.”

What exactly was Paul able to do in his authority? And do we also have this authority in Christ as Paul did? And how severe could he be with this authority? I realize that in part it has to do with the people sinning, but it appears that Paul has reached the boiling point of “no more grace for you, now it’s the power of God time”. This passage for some odd reason reminds me of Clark Kent turning into Superman!

Does unequally yoked in the bible pertain to only marriage? Could or does unequally yoked also pertain to a business partnership of a believer and an unbeliever?

I was wondering whether you could shed some light on something for me. Although I know that we all sin many times and it is the grace of God that is our only hope, I have become concerned lately by the lives of Christians in my church. There is a tremendous amount of gossip and backbiting. People have parties where the wine flows freely, and although the Lord has no objection to people drinking, I feel that being drunk and telling ‘suggestive’ and rude jokes is dishonoring his name. I was under the impression that our changed lives should be our greatest witness. These people work hard for the Lord, doing many good works throughout the church, so why do I feel so uneasy about their behavior? Am I becoming judgmental and legalistic?

In Luke 10: 17-20, the seventy return with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your Name.”

Jesus replies, “Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather, rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

Why are they not to rejoice in their authority over demons in Jesus’ name?

When we die my understanding is that our spirit, free from our earthly body, goes straight to heaven. Why is it necessary later on , at the rapture , to receive resurrection bodies. (dead in Christ will rise first) There are deceased people that have been in heaven now for many years without resurrection bodies and when the rapture happens they will all of a sudden receive a resurrection body. Do you have any idea why God is waiting until the rapture to give us a resurrection body and not straight away when we die .

From my human thinking it doesn’t make much sense but I do know that God sees the bigger picture and he must have a good reason for it.

My question about the meaning of “losing one’s faith,” as opposed to having doubts, has come to the forefront again. It relates to the reader’s question, and your response, to how a minister of the Gospel can be “left behind.”

I believe our Lord’s death fully satisfies God’s requirement for perfect justice. I believe His resurrection proves the Father’s acceptance of His sacrifice in that respect. I believe it is the only thing that does meet that requirement. There is no other way to live in the eternal presence of God.

I know God will not deceive me. But, I know, also, that scripture is full of examples where He has allowed men to deceive themselves. So, what is the difference between believing and trembling, as the devils do, and believing and being saved, as the Church does? Are the “left behind” preachers/teachers “certain” they are saved? Will they be truly surprised when they don’t go up in the Rapture?

Will Jesus tell me that He never knew me? How can I be certain, despite my acknowledgment of my sins and my prayers for forgiveness in Jesus’ name, that, somehow, what I have done, am doing, is genuine enough? God does not tell me. He has never given me the Blessed Assurance despite my prayers for more than 60 years.

I am unable, so far, to overcome my doubts, not in His promises, but in my self. How can I “let go and let God”?

I read about healing and the other gifts, but I’m wondering about authority. Do we have the authority to use Jesus’ name to do such things, including but not limited to: Healing the sick, casting out demons, blessing things, etc. I’m not talking about the gifts, but rather the authority. Do all Christians today have the authority to do so?

There are so many versions of the bible out, NKJ, NIV, etc to name just a few, and then there is the Catholic Bible with the Apocrypha. How do we know that we have the right books in the bible? Maybe that’s why there are cults out there that state that the bible has been changed and by man. Could you explain why certain books are in our bible and why there are certain books that were not accepted and why is it that the Catholics have additional books that the Protestant world doesn’t? Are those “missing books” not the word of God?

If we’re saved by grace alone, why do we need to believe in Christ? Doesn’t grace alone mean all people should be saved regardless of their response? Isn’t the act of believing a “work” in itself?

Also, why did Jesus leave earth after he was raised from the dead? I think if he had stayed it would have allowed more people to believe and be saved. It seems to me that the information about being saved is not clear enough for many people to understand. But perhaps that is the plan- to only save a small percentage?

I was reading on another Christian web site some of the reasons why the US is not mentioned in Bible prophecy. One reason is that the US could have such an economic collapse that we wouldn’t be considered a world power any longer. Also possibly Russia or Iran might attack us with EMP weapons prior to their attack on Israel to prevent us from aiding Israel. Then there’s the possibility that the Rapture would have such a devastating effect on the US we would no longer be considered a world power.

I’ve looked around your web site and don’t seem to find any information on what you think might be the reason the US is not mentioned in Bible prophecy. Could you please discuss what you think is the reason(s) we are not mentioned in Bible prophecy?