I was just reading one of your answers where the writer was concerned about class differences in heaven based on our works for the Kingdom after we are saved. It brought to mind the parable Jesus taught about the workers who were hired late in the afternoon receiving the same wage as those who went to work early in the morning. The early birds complained, but the owner of the field said it was his field and his money, and he could pay whatever he wished to whomever he wished. It seems to me that this teaches that the Blessed will not make individual comparisons regarding who gets the most rewards in the Kingdom or in Eternity. What do you think?

I heard a prominent Bible prophecy teacher say that people who believed but did not “understand” the salvation message would miss the rapture and be saved during the Tribulation. He went on to say that those who did not believe and understand would have a deluding force sent from God so they would not believe. If I understand the whole concept of being saved, it is the Holy Spirit that draws you to a spiritual understanding when you hear and believe. Also, do any gentiles get saved during the Tribulation?

Re: OSAS Anthology. My question is this; why would God allow his Spirit to influence some people to interpret some passages directed towards the prize (eternal rewards) as being interpreted as towards the gift (salvation.) Why would God’s world allow such debate amongst the church only widening the gap in our like-mindedness and unity? Why would God allow someone to incorrectly understand something that is as important as their eternal security, allowing them to live a life fearful that a future sin may revoke their ticket to eternal life, which doesn’t seem like a peaceful existence to me at all, more of a burden by beliefs?

Sometimes when I am going through a tough time I still try to witness to others. I feel compelled to do so but feel like a hypocrite because I have no room to talk at the moment. I still share the Good News and try not to let the devil get to me. That’s all I really can do right? I am not perfect and fall flat on my face sometimes but God always picks me right back up.

Since nobody knows the day or hour, some persons who have accepted the Lord and repented of their sin, could be committing adultery, lying, gossiping, stealing, hating, cursing, having an abortion, murdering, having homosexual sex, and in the twinkling of an eye, they are given a glorified body and are meeting the Lord in the air and clouds. Is this right?

What did Jesus mean in Matt. 15:11 by saying it isn’t what goes into a man’s mouth that defiles him but what comes out of it?

I have a question regarding Ishmael and Issac. Are the Muslims descendants of Ishmael? And for what reason do they hate the descendants of Issac? I was talking to my father about it but I did not know the reason they hate the descendants of Issac except for the fact the devil hates them.

Hi Jack, enjoy your website. What is rightly dividing the word of truth? I’ve been told it’s just keeping Paul’s letters separate from the rest of the bible and I can see that as far as our being saved by grace thru faith. After that there’s a lot of good things to put our faith to work on in the other books but how do you divide them? Thanks.

I have this friend that accepted Jesus only a year ago. At that time, she was in a Catholic church. She now is going to a Catholic one one week and then an Evangelical one the next. She was living with a man, unmarried, and she is a widow with a 13 year old daughter.

I have tried to tell her and show her what the Holy Bible says about her situation, to no avail. The man has moved out, but, they are still seeing each other.

My question to you is, ” how long do I keep telling her what the Bible say’s about fornication, being unequally yoked, and an assortment of other things that she is doing and ignoring Gods’ word? Should I stop speaking to her? (1 Cor. 5: 9-11)

At one time I told myself that I would no longer tell her what Scripture says about her actions, but, then she will ask a biblical question, and I answer it. She has gotten really good at quoting to other friends what I have told her the Bible says, but she won’t read it for herself. I have even gone to the extent of asking her to examine herself and see where she has been obedient to Jesus. No, she hasn’t gotten baptized yet. I have explained to her about the different soils, and nothing gets her attention! I would appreciate any input that you have! I don’t want to loose a longtime friend, but, I want to be obedient to Jesus even more.

This isn’t a theological question. You seem to have a good grasp on ministry and I’m hoping you can help me with a group-dynamics question relating to a small group setting.

I lead a small group in our church. One couple seems to be very good at getting us off-track from the study. As a leader, I don’t know how far to let the discussion wander from the point.

This occurs every week. When it happens, I pray for discernment but, quite honestly, I don’t perceive any clear guidance either way, so I let it go on until the conversation comes around to where I can grab it and continue with the study. By that time, I feel the train of thought has been cut and it’s difficult to continue.

Do you have any insights into the issue of leading small group discussions?