I am studying James in a small group study. I understand and believe that we are saved by faith alone by the grace of God. I also understand that James is telling us that true belief and faith in Jesus’ finished work on the cross will produce good works. I agree. This is my question: James 2:21 says, “was not… Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?

I would say no, he was considered righteous by God because he trusted in God and the fact that he offered his son was proof (or evidence) of that faith, but was not what saved him. James in seeking to prove that faith produces works makes it confusing to me when he puts the cart before the horse in his wording, and perhaps partly why you get questions over and again about our works being able to save. Can you clear this up for me, as I believe the Bible is God breathed and alive. Thanking you continually for your work and God for enabling you.

Your short comment on baptism gives me thought on the verse that speaks of “one baptism” and since I’ve had more than one water baptism, it bothered me on how to respond. I now believe that my one baptism occurred when I first believed, and the Holy Spirit came into my heart, never to leave. Water should follow.

I have read a lot in your page about the provision of God and of the principle of looking for the Kingdom of God first and the rest would be added. My concern is the following: My boyfriend and I have decided to marry next year; however, we do not yet have the necessary funds to supply our elementary needs. We received a prophecy that it would be in the time of the Lord and we believed it, but I am disturbed by the idea that by our own strength we could be ahead of the plan of God for our lives if we decide on specific date for marrying without having the economic resources at the present moment. Are we acting well or are we hastened by the fact that we want to form a home centered in Christ? We sincerely want to do the will of God. I am very grateful for your advice.

I’ve been doing some thinking about the prophets from the Old Testament scriptures. What kind of men were they? Why did God choose them in particular? What about the nature of prophecy itself? Some people today claim to be prophets and sound very convincing, so what are some guidelines we can use when trying to determine if a person is truly gifted in prophecy, or just seeking attention?

Is it possible for someone to have faith in Jesus without repenting of their sins? If so, how does one go about repenting of their sins the biblical way?

I was wondering what your source is when you say according to “Jewish history” or “Jewish tradition.” I listen to your mp3 studies all the time. In fact I burn them to a disc and listen to them during my morning drive to work. I have searched the Internet over and cannot find a Jewish tradition or Jewish history site. I really enjoy all the historical background that you add to your studies. If I could only find a church that teaches like you do, I would show up every Sunday.

We give our tithe to the church and the money goes for all kinds of needs for the church and different ministries. There are so many needs in our church community and we have missionary needs as well. I know some of the money goes to these things but when you see churches buying things that don’t help much like a $100,000 sign to advertise what is going on or upcoming events, I have this feeling something is wrong. Hope you can help me out with this.

Ephesians 1:13 says “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit…”: are these “having believed”people only the born-again ones? What I’m trying to figure out is the destiny of the baptized people who will not be raptured because they were not spiritually re-born: was the Holy Spirit sealed within them at the moment of baptism?

My dad is a faithful believer who has end-stage bone cancer. He has always held to a mid-tribulation rapture theology, but lately that view has become a source of torment, as he contemplates leaving his loved ones behind to the cruel persecution of believers that he foresees. I have tried to comfort him with your articles teaching about a pre-trib rapture and he has actually come close to seeing your point of view a few times. His only remaining problem concerns the 144,000. He doesn’t believe people will be getting saved by grace after the rapture, so why do we call the 144,000 “witnesses” especially when the Bible never calls them that? This is no big deal to me, but I’d sure like an answer for my dad. Why do we call them witnesses anyway?

You have said that people on earth during the tribulation will not know exactly when the Second Coming will take place [” … the Lord clearly said that believers on Earth at the time will not know the day or hour of the 2nd Coming.” (Matt. 24:42-44, Matt. 24:50, Matt 25:13)]. But doesn’t Daniel 12:11-12 give us the day for Jesus’ return?

“From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. Blessed is the one who waits for and reaches the end of the 1,335 days.”