Re: Matthew 24:32. I have heard that the fig tree represents Israel and relates to the 1967 six day war where Israel gained much land – thus the “leaves coming out”. But I think it could just simply mean that when you see leaves on the trees you know summer is near. Likewise, when you see all these things happening you know the end is near. Could it be that Jesus was just trying to make that point and not give a parable?

I can recount the feeling I had after accepting Jesus Christ as my Savior as well as being Baptized. There are even seasons in my life where I feel closer to the Lord than I do at present. I am a fairly new believer, I know peers who read the Bible daily, who pray consistently, and generally are just shining beacons to those around them. I want to be like that but I just do not know how. Do I start somewhere in the Bible and just begin reading? When I pray, should I be asking something specifically here? I apologize for such questions but I appreciate your time in answering them!

I was wondering how the disciples and those with them were able to heal and cast out evil spirits much like Jesus did. It seemed like the Holy Spirit was working through them powerfully.The Holy Spirit would also come upon everyone in a very powerful and evident way. Why do we not hear of anything remotely close to this happening today?

Have you ever done an article on what it means to pick up and carry your cross daily as the Lord commands us to do? I have not really understood what this means.

Matthew 5: 21-22 says “You have heard that it was said to those of old “You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.” But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.” Since God never changes, He never changes His rules. So did Jesus add to this law, or was He saying that God always meant that law to mean that?

Can you explain what Paul meant in 1 Corinthians 5:11? It seems to be suggesting that if a christian brother is having sex outside of marriage (ie living with their partner) then no other christian should eat with them. (ie socialize with them by dining with them in their home) Can you let me know how you interpret this verse? Your website is a breath of fresh air and very welcome – thank you and praise the Lord for your work. God bless.

In Rev. 3:5 it says that if people overcome God will not blot them out of the book of life. Can you comment on this verse and who are the overcomers this passage is talking about?

If I understand correctly, lust is a desire for something, whether it is a person, etc…so, with that, a so-called “crush” on someone would be lust. How do I differentiate between lust and “casually” noticing someone’s attractiveness? I’m not trying to justify any sinful behavior, but I would like to have that point cleared up. What scriptures address this issue?

I just read your weekly article,” What kind of life can we expect “. I agree with what you said, but I worry that I am being one of the greedy ones. When we give, in the back of my mind I am excited to see how God is going to bless me. Also it just makes me happy to give to others. I have never given without wishing it could be more. We own our farm and do not have any debt, so I am not looking for anything. I am just excited to see how God is going to work. Can you make sense of what I am asking?

I have a question about Matthew 8:5-13…verses 11-12 specifically. Before Jesus heals the servant, why does He say “I tell you that many will come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth”? Why will the sons of the kingdom be thrown out?