Question On Hebrews 11
Published: January 13, 2023After reading your commentary on Hebrews (which in my opinion is your best one yet) a question came to mind. In Hebrews 11:39-40, the writer says “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.” When it says “only together with us would they be made perfect” doesn’t that hint at the old testament believers being resurrected along with the church at the rapture?
Normally, I see old testament believers being resurrected at the end of the tribulation along with martyred tribulation saints since that is where Daniel seems to put the resurrection. However, the Hebrews passage seems to say that old testament saints are “made perfect” along with church believers. Why the apparent contradiction?
Was Jesus A Carpenter? Follow Up
Published: January 12, 2023My question is: what are some things we can do as laypersons to counter or protect ourselves from being misled by these so-called factual shows on TV?
I know turning off the TV is probably number 1 on the list but these shows prove that people have a thirst for Biblical knowledge especially as it concerns end time prophecy. How can they protect themselves so that shows that say “Jesus was probably not a carpenter” will not cause them to question their faith or the truths in Gods word?
Why Isn’t Everyone Saved?
Published: January 12, 2023If 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?
How Can I Be Certain?
Published: January 12, 2023My 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”?
Is A Platonic Live In Relationship OK?
Published: January 11, 2023Thank you for this website. It has been very helpful in my relationship with Christ!
I have a question about my mother. She is currently living with her fiance and she says that there is nothing wrong with living with him because they are not having sex. What does the Bible say about things like this? Is is okay for her to live with him? She says that she has committed no sin. Is she right? Thank you very much and God bless you, your family, and organization.
Confessing Our Sins
Published: January 11, 2023I have read your teachings on union & fellowship with the Lord when it comes to confessing our sins. I am a born again believer and I am secure in my salvation.
When we confess our sins to the Lord does he acknowledge it if I ask Him to forgive me for “all of my sins” up to this point daily or is important to Him that we confess each “individual” sin before we can be back in fellowship with Him?
I guess what I’m asking is a “blanket confession” (all inclusive) acceptable to the Lord or does He require us to be specific?
For Them Or For Us?
Published: January 10, 2023I was going through Matthew 10: 5-16 and I wondered… Is this a passage just referring to the disciples, or all of his followers to this day?
The Timing Of The Passover Meal
Published: January 10, 2023My question for you today involves when the Jewish day begins and when the numeric date actually changes. I know that based on Genesis it was evening first and therefore the new day begins at sundown.
If Passover begins on 14 Nisan with confirming the unblemished animal, does the actual Passover meal take place on 15 Nisan as the new day begins at nightfall?
Circumcising Timothy
Published: January 10, 2023Why did Paul have Timothy circumcised? Wasn’t this contrary to his repeated assertion that Gentiles who became members of the Church were not required to undergo a Jewish ritual procedure for all males, according to Mosaic Law, a symbol of the Old Testament covenant that God made with Abraham?
Why Does God Let Them Live?
Published: January 9, 2023In regards to people who are against Christ, and the word of God, what purpose did God have for them when he created them? Why are they allowed to continue living such long lives, when they damage His name and lead so many people astray?