Re: The Withered Fig Tree. My Question is: If the cursed fig tree is symbolic of Israel, and Jesus’ words were that it would henceforth bear no fruit forever, how do we reconcile that with national Israel being in the millennial Kingdom obviously bearing fruit to the Lord? “Henceforth” and “forever” don’t leave any wiggle room for “except in the millennium”.

I was just reading one of your answers where the writer was concerned about class differences in heaven based on our works for the Kingdom after we are saved. It brought to mind the parable Jesus taught about the workers who were hired late in the afternoon receiving the same wage as those who went to work early in the morning. The early birds complained, but the owner of the field said it was his field and his money, and he could pay whatever he wished to whomever he wished. It seems to me that this teaches that the Blessed will not make individual comparisons regarding who gets the most rewards in the Kingdom or in Eternity. What do you think?

I understand that the Jews will rebuild the Temple and continue the sacrifices because they will still not believe their Messiah has come. It will be as it was before the Church Age. But, it is my understanding that there will be many Gentiles becoming believers due to seeing these things take place and becoming true believers in Jesus Christ–without becoming Jews and taking part in sacrifices. Doesn’t the Bible say that there will be people from all over the world, every nation, coming to believe in Christ at that time?

I have searched all your posts but cannot find anything on Matt 21:18-22, specifically verse 19b, Then He said to it, ‘May you never bear fruit again!’ Immediately the tree withered. Non-christian friends say this shows a selfish, anger problem. I’m not too sure how to answer them scripturally. Can you please help? Thank you again for sharing your gifts with us. It has helped tremendously.

Sometimes when I am going through a tough time I still try to witness to others. I feel compelled to do so but feel like a hypocrite because I have no room to talk at the moment. I still share the Good News and try not to let the devil get to me. That’s all I really can do right? I am not perfect and fall flat on my face sometimes but God always picks me right back up.

Re: OSAS Anthology. My question is this; why would God allow his Spirit to influence some people to interpret some passages directed towards the prize (eternal rewards) as being interpreted as towards the gift (salvation.) Why would God’s world allow such debate amongst the church only widening the gap in our like-mindedness and unity? Why would God allow someone to incorrectly understand something that is as important as their eternal security, allowing them to live a life fearful that a future sin may revoke their ticket to eternal life, which doesn’t seem like a peaceful existence to me at all, more of a burden by beliefs?

I heard a prominent Bible prophecy teacher say that people who believed but did not “understand” the salvation message would miss the rapture and be saved during the Tribulation. He went on to say that those who did not believe and understand would have a deluding force sent from God so they would not believe. If I understand the whole concept of being saved, it is the Holy Spirit that draws you to a spiritual understanding when you hear and believe. Also, do any gentiles get saved during the Tribulation?

What did Jesus mean in Matt. 15:11 by saying it isn’t what goes into a man’s mouth that defiles him but what comes out of it?

Since nobody knows the day or hour, some persons who have accepted the Lord and repented of their sin, could be committing adultery, lying, gossiping, stealing, hating, cursing, having an abortion, murdering, having homosexual sex, and in the twinkling of an eye, they are given a glorified body and are meeting the Lord in the air and clouds. Is this right?

I have this friend that accepted Jesus only a year ago. At that time, she was in a Catholic church. She now is going to a Catholic one one week and then an Evangelical one the next. She was living with a man, unmarried, and she is a widow with a 13 year old daughter.

I have tried to tell her and show her what the Holy Bible says about her situation, to no avail. The man has moved out, but, they are still seeing each other.

My question to you is, ” how long do I keep telling her what the Bible say’s about fornication, being unequally yoked, and an assortment of other things that she is doing and ignoring Gods’ word? Should I stop speaking to her? (1 Cor. 5: 9-11)

At one time I told myself that I would no longer tell her what Scripture says about her actions, but, then she will ask a biblical question, and I answer it. She has gotten really good at quoting to other friends what I have told her the Bible says, but she won’t read it for herself. I have even gone to the extent of asking her to examine herself and see where she has been obedient to Jesus. No, she hasn’t gotten baptized yet. I have explained to her about the different soils, and nothing gets her attention! I would appreciate any input that you have! I don’t want to loose a longtime friend, but, I want to be obedient to Jesus even more.