Does anyone know what “led captivity captive” means in Eph 4:8 and Psalm 68? Is captivity all of Hell?

In Hebrews 12:12-14, it says that unless you live the right way you will never be saved. Verse 14 adds that unless your lives are Holy you will never see the Lord. What do you make of this teaching in light of Grace, Justification and OSAS?

Thanks for your work in giving Biblical answers to so many questions. Does the Bible ever state That a mans life span is established at birth? Does ones life style have any affect on how long one lives? Thanks

We recently had a revival at our church, and it got me to thinking about several family members who wouldn’t set foot in a church if their life depended on it. I am very concerned about a member of my family (my husband’s ailing grandfather). To my knowledge, he has not been inside a church since he was a young child (he is currently 70). He has a muddled world view that all religions lead to God, and stubbornly refuses to accept the need of a Savior. In my experience, most people tend to draw closer to the Lord in sickness and as they get older–but not him.

I also have a cousin who is currently in college. He was brought up in a secular home by two inattentive parents who just let the kids run wild. I think this environment may have contributed to the fact that he is now a very angry young man who struggles with depression and suicidal tendencies. He has relayed to me on several occasions that he believes there is “something” out there, but he is not sure what.

Religion is a very touchy subject because as a Christian, I don’t want to come off sounding like some pious “turn or burn” legalist because I want my unbelieving family members to feel comfortable confiding in me. I always hope that perhaps through discussions, I can bring up the subject of religion–and sometimes I do. But, it seems some are steadfastly unwilling to accept the fact that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

I apologize for the lengthy illustrations, but my main question is, is there an effective way to evangelize to someone who is extremely bitter, angry, and set in their ways? I pray daily that their ears and eyes will be opened, but sometimes I wonder if I am doing enough.

Why do the Jewish congregations spell the name of Jehovah G-d?

In Matt. 10:14 Jesus told the disciples to ‘shake the dust from their feet’ when they are leaving an unbelieving town. What did He mean by that?

I found this site by accident, but I have found it to be very helpful in my studies. My questions are: Since we the people are called the Church, why are buildings that are made of brick and mortar also called Churches. I hear so many people say “I am going to Church” how can you go to what you are called to be?

First, I was wondering about Bible college. I feel that maybe the Lord is calling me to full time ministry, but I have had an interview already at this college and they wanted me to work on finances for another year even though they were not real bad. So I am doing that and just not feeling like going. I am well aware that Satan does not want me to go, though. My thinking can be a little fatalistic at times and I just get caught up in believing that the Lord is so close to rapturing the church that I will not make it through before He comes, so why go? My Pastor and the couple that lead me to the Lord are the biggest pushers for me to go. But I will add that I have a strong desire to serve the Lord full time. What should I do?

Also, I was wondering about money. I have a 401K that I cannot use unless I quit my job. I don’t want to quit, but I would like to use that money to further the Lord’s kingdom. I have quit contributing to it for now but was wondering what I should do with it? If the Lord caught us away this year, what would become of that money? Would He commend me for saving or ask me why I did not do something with it while I had the chance since I had a good idea He was coming before long?

Is it wrong for me to just stay where I am and witness to as many people as possible? I do have a strong burden for souls that the Lord gave me right after I got saved. Or is this just what my flesh wants? I am also getting married in 3 months so that I may have further ministry options. I do know without a doubt that the Lord has allowed this. I praise Him for that! My life is very busy and I do worry too much. What advice can you give me?

My question is about the encounter between Saul and the Witch of Endor in 1 Samuel. Was Samuel actually reached by the witch or was this a demonic manifestation designed to trick or intimidate Saul? I’ve never really heard any good or convincing teaching on this subject, but I’m well aware that necromancy is prohibited under pains and penalty of death and that anything that is not of God is (by default?) from the devil. That logic would seem to suggest that it was not the actual spirit of Samuel (I’m assuming here that the passage of scripture that says “to be out of the body is to be present with the Lord” doesn’t apply until after the Resurrection?) But if it was a demonic manifestation wouldn’t it have done more to disrupt the path of Saul/God’s chosen people?

I greatly respect your ministry and gift as a teacher and recognize your growing influence in the community of believers and I happily support that. Your recent response to the 17 year old regarding Eden requires me to again raise this issue.

If oil is formed in the manner you describe, how could a single generation of plant debris be converted into the thousands of tons of oil, gas, and coal that we consume each day? I am not trying to say that Genesis is inaccurate. But the way in which you are interpreting it is. Features like the Grand Canyon cannot be explained by Noah’s flood. Our community is doing itself damage by pseudo scientific explanations that are obviously false. If the oil and gas industry spends 100s of millions of dollars each year for geologist’s salaries to aid in the search for new deposits, it is because those principles work, and they work because the are based on fact. The 17 year old is going to face real problems trying to defend the movement of continents during the flood. We need to be open to the possibility that our understanding can be flawed and not dogmatic when the evidence is contrary to our understanding.

I spent seven years working in the oilfields as a geologist and seeing 1st hand subsurface evidence from the floors of drilling rigs, I taught geology in college. I believe that God has demonstrated his existence in the creation so that no one has excuse. The very same things that make non-belief inexcusable, testify to a more complex creation model. The fossil record exists and testifies to a creation before Adam which had death in it. We know that Satan existed before Adam and that he was fallen. If he existed as a sinful creation, wouldn’t death also exist?

Please don’t be offended. I really do value your ministry and that is why I feel I have to address this issue.