I have heard that Jesus cast out seven demons from Mary Magdalene. If so what were they? Also, my sister read that when Jesus was being whipped before his crucifixion that he was given 40 lashes less one. Do you know why it was worded that way? Why not just say 39 lashes?

I was wondering if there is a mistranslation in the bible regarding the lineage of Mary/Joseph.

God states that Jesus will be a direct descendant of David, but since Jesus’ Father is God, Jesus has to be a direct descendant of David through Mary’s lineage (otherwise there is no blood relation to David). In Matthew 1:2-16 it provides a ‘family tree’ that claims to end with “Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah.” This indicates Jesus is connected to David only through the marriage of Mary to Joseph, who is then a descendant of David. This doesn’t make Jesus a DIRECT descendant…

Furthermore, Matthew 1:17 states “Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah, fourteen generations.” By my count there are only 13 in the 3rd group.

Thank you and God bless you for this message you wrote on Psalm 62. I struggle with exactly the lack of faith you are describing in your commentary. I have experienced complete financial ruin, homelessness, loss of family and have periodically succumbed to depression.

I have made some effort and have memorized some scriptural passages: John 15:1-8, Psalms 1, 8 & 23, Romans 12:1-2, John 3:16 and Proverbs 3:5-6. These are all helpful, but I find I have gaps in my knowledge, so I often crumble in the face of adversity because I lack the confidence that comes with knowing God’s Word thoroughly.

You mentioned the need to know God’s promises. Which one’s do I need to know first? Could you recommend a foundation curriculum of essential passages around which I can train my heart under the LORD’s help?

First, please accept my heart-felt thanks for your site and your articles. You will never know how greatly you are appreciated. Now, as to my question.

I was told last week that the New King James Version of the bible is Satanic – that it is the same bible that a well know denomination uses and even has the symbol attesting to this. I could hardly believe it – I have a copy of the New King James Version and know that many well known Biblical scholars use it from time to time. This person said that he only used the Old King James Version. I did not choose to argue with him and I am certainly no scholar but I know that you are and I would so appreciate your comment on this matter.

If the surviving Jewish remnant is brought to a belief in Jesus Christ as their true Messiah during The Great Tribulation, what would be the need or purpose of animal sacrifices still being offered up in The Millennium Temple by them when Jesus Himself is seated upon the Throne?

Should I go to and support a church that has anything to do with Jewish persecution in any way or form? Are there any Bible verses that would support this view of not going to a church that believes in Jewish persecution? I was very close to joining this church when I discovered this about the church as a whole.

In the KJV, 2 Peter 1:19 refers to day star not morning star. I took this to mean we are to take heed and not be fooled by Satan. The KJV refers to Satan as Lucifer in Isaiah. Some bible versions refer to Satan as morning star in Isaiah and some refer to Satan as day star in Isaiah. I know Christ is the morning star. Who is the day star – Christ or Satan?

I have a friend who is a total skeptic but was recently in a very serious accident. The doctors marvel that he is even alive. I have attributed his survival to God’s plans for his future, but he’s not convinced. What can I say to someone who still shows no interest in the Lord even after something like this?

At a group discussion on goals of a church I mentioned helping others to develop a relationship with God. Our pastor stated that the Bible never mentions individuals establishing a relationship with God. He continued by saying relationships with God are established at a corporate (church) level. I told him the Spirit of God lives within me. He is my counselor and guide. I communicate with Him and He responds. That’s personal to me. What verses could I use to defend my position?

When I was 4 years old, my mom had a miscarriage and my baby brother died. I know he is in heaven with Jesus, but are he and my mentally disabled sister (who belongs to Jesus too, I know) the members of the church? Or are they a different category as old testament and tribulation saint are different? My hope is that I can live with my siblings in the New Jerusalem. I want to “get back” my ‘lost” brother, as I know the New Jerusalem is “church members only” (please correct me if it isn’t), that’s why it’s important to me.