(Luke 16: 19.31).. Is the “story” about Lazarus and the rich man a parable or not? Can we assume from that’s what happens to believers and unbelievers after death or not? Some people make this passage out to be “just another parable”. What is your opinion?

I have a question about pride. In our Bible study last night, someone said that he didn’t agree that pride is all that bad. His example was that he takes pride in his job, not so much in the job title, but that he takes pride in doing a good job at what he does.

Other members of the group brought up the issue of motives and that we do all for the glory and honor of God. And that sin is compared to leaven in the OT in that leaven puffs up and that is what pride does, it puffs us up.

My question is, are we straining at mere use of words, or should we take “pride” in making sure we do a good job, or is all pride (in whatever form) sin?

In the Bible, especially the OT, God gave warnings not to consult with witches and soothsayers. He also warns against seeing one that interprets omens or dreams or consult with sorcerers. So, knowing this, it begs the question–Can these people, aided by Satan, foretell the immediate future? For example, if Satan wanted to know what someone was going to do tomorrow, could he find that out and pass it along to a soothsayer, who could then tell someone their immediate future?

I ask in light of Acts 16: 16-19 which seems to support the idea.

Thanks for your message. Please, keep up the good work! I just want to make a note about the question “Is there a second chance for salvation”. I don’t think that there is a “second chance” per say but I think that based on the scripture, individuals that have never heard the word of god during their lifetime will be judged by Jesus. (In effect given a second chance.) I am referring to the words of Jesus in John 5:24 through John 5:29.

I am wondering about the unequally yoked issue. I don’t understand the principle of an unrighteous person being made righteous because they happen to be married to a believer when they themselves are not a believer. Does the unrighteous one being made righteous mean that the believer may somehow “cover” their non believing spouse? What if there are children involved and what is the right thing according to God when the unbelieving spouse begins to teach their views against God to the children?

I have a question that I am pretty sure is not covered in the Bible, but I was just curious about your thoughts on the matter.

I am six months pregnant. I was thinking about what would happen if I was taken in the Rapture today. Would I still be pregnant in Heaven? I believe that if I did give birth, it would not be painful at all. But if time does not exist in Heaven, then people could not age. So would my unborn child always be a child?

I know that Heaven is a concept my mind will never be able to grasp while on Earth, but these are things I think about.

I know Jesus is my Savior, and long for His return. I see so many of my friends and family who don’t feel the same way, and am sad for them. The situation in my life now is such that I am choosing to lean on Him more than ever. But I got a comment from my cousin that caused me to pause and think. She wrote, “I’d be hesitant to associate myself with another being [Jesus] who refers to his followers as ‘sheep’, or thinks good people who don’t know him should suffer.” I know that Jesus’ love is offered freely to all, and that He doesn’t want any of us to suffer, but we must choose to follow Him. I’ve made up my mind, and I think she has also, but what can I tell her?

In one of your articles you say:

“Some try to say that since the Lord warned them about the day and hour being unknown, He must be talking about the Rapture. After all, won’t people be able to count off 1260 days from the Abomination of Desolation to the 2nd Coming? It turns out that it’s not quite that easy. The Great Tribulation will last 1260 days, it’s true, and immediately afterward the Sun will be darkened, the Moon not give its light, and stars will fall from the sky. (Matt. 24:29) This will be the signal that the Great Tribulation has ended.”

Do you have more on why Jesus is not referring to the rapture in Matt 24-25…I’ve heard some bible teachers say the same as you do but how do you explain that when the AC presents himself as god in the temple, 1260 days later Jesus should be placing his foot on the Mount of Olives.

I most likely am wrong on this but I’d like to see a logical explanation. I know you are busy so if you can share a link with a more in depth study on this subject, I would appreciate it.

At age 33 my wife was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer one month after discovering we were having our first baby. What are typically exciting and fun times became a different experience; wife’s prognosis poor, double mastectomy at week 6, then chemo treatments every week throughout the pregnancy. Doctors were not sure if our baby would be born healthy or would even make it to term. Our son was born premature, but quite healthy- “a miracle baby”, doctors said. My wife is now cancer free for 7 years- a miracle as well doctors now say.

Since my son was born in the most trying of circumstances we obviously have a unique bond.

He will be 7 next month and my concern is the timing of the Lord taking him or me- either by rapture or by death. I think about the Lord taking me and leaving my son without a father and I pray quite often that won’t be the case. My son is extremely sensitive and loving and would be devastated and it pains me to think about that. It also saddens me to think if the Lord ever took him before me. I don’t think I could bare the pain either. So I pray that the Lord takes us together.

Please help me to come to terms with this. Perhaps I’m not seeing the situation clearly, or perhaps it’s not my place to ask such a thing of the Lord. After all, it’s his timing- not mine.

I live in a state that does not allow same sex marriages. Experts predict the highest courts will soon rule this and other such laws illegal making these marriages legal across the land. This would be consistent with the desires of our highest elected officials but contrary to God’s laws, obviously.Many Christian leaders are saying this would bring God’s judgment on the land. Do you believe this will happen and if so what form might the judgment take, consistent with scripture?