I’ve been thinking about the statements you wrote like, “If what we say we believe doesn’t result in action, it’s doubtful that we really believe it. True faith will manifest itself in Spirit led work” and, “Faith brings salvation, which brings gratitude, which brings a desire to express our gratitude through acts of service.”

I am one of those Christians who have had doubts about my own salvation ever since I asked the Lord to save me. Often I wonder if I have truly believed he died for all my sins. If not, I really want to believe. It’s been already 3 years since I asked the Lord to save me and there’s has been absolutely no gratitude from my heart because of doubt. And because of my doubts, there hasn’t been any expression of my gratitude in the form of acts of kindness toward others. Was I even saved from the start?

When Jesus says that he is the vine and that all who do not produce fruit are cut off and thrown into the fire what did he mean by this? Does it mean if we are not able to produce fruit for God then we aren’t saved?

Regarding Luke 2:13-15. The last sentence of verse 15 reads, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” When did the Lord tell the shepherds about going to Bethlehem etc? Did the angels tell them or Did they know from reading the scriptures?

I was having dinner with my (Christian) sister last night and started to tell her about something funny a pastor said, and she said that was wrong to say. She becomes smug about Christian beliefs. Her husband told her she was being self-righteous. She was saved before me so I get the impression that she thinks she’s a “better” Christian.

The same sister has another daughter who was married a year ago to a man with the last name of “Butts”. They are all Christians. She got together with them and had a picture taken with their backs to the camera, half bending over but looking at the camera. It says “Merry Christmas….from the Butts”. I think it’s cute but my sister thinks it’s unbiblical. She said the butt is a sexual part of the body and they should not have done that. She likened it to Sodom and Gomorrah. I think this is really stretching it and I don’t see anything wrong with the picture. What do you think?

In your Ask a Bible Teacher section, I came upon this question, Why Did God Judge Eve First? and have a question of my own.

In Genesis 3:6 – “So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.”

Does “with her” mean at the time of her conversation with the serpent? If Adam was with her, had he not already sinned by allowing her to eat of the fruit?

Regarding your study on Hebrews Part 4, Chapter 6.

What about a person who once believed in Christ fervently, but now has turned away from Him completely? Where it is no longer just a question of broken fellowship because of some present pet sin or weakness, but the person now believes Christianity is all a “sham”, and that they had been previously deluded? (I know such a person) Would not Heb 6 apply here? Does God have the responsibility to save such a person who now wants no part of Him, and actively rails against Him? What about the IF of Col 1:23 “IF ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel…” That seems to indicate a condition to me…a condition that one continue in the faith…that is CONTINUE to BELIEVE…what if one no longer continues to believe in Christ?

The time of Jesus birth was at the Fall Feast of Tabernacles. ( He tabernacles with us, God with us, His name Emanuel, God with us) Not The Jewish new year. He was born in a booth that was commanded from God that the Jews do during the feast of booths. The table inside the booth that they put the holy bread on is called a manger. (Jesus, bread of life placed on a table, manger) Just wanted you to know so we can more accurately celebrate our Wonderful Lord!

I really enjoy your site. I have 2 questions. First, why did Jesus descend into hell before his resurrection? Second, in a National Geographic issue, there is an article on Herod. Was there more than one Herod, and if so, when did each of them live? Thank you for your work.

Our family has been reading through Daniel (because one of my son’s favorite story is there) and also through Luke (because of the season). My question to you is What is the significance of Gabriel (called by name) being the messenger in both books? Any other insight you have about these two books relationships would also be appreciated.

Thanks for all of your blessing to us and I pray that God blesses you abundantly also.

I have been reading your posts this week. I am not completely satisfied with the answer that several have asked. I am not interested in the answers that have been given. I know we are given free will and all that. But I feel the question has not been answered in full. God knew before the foundations of the earth everything that was going to happen. Then why would he create this world knowing some would go to hell. To me this is a selfish God, and much like us.