The man who wants to be our new pastor was preaching on unity and said there is a lot of division because of eternal security and we ought not let it divide us. He said it’s okay to agree with churches who do not believe in eternal security. He said that people who believe in conditional security are probably closer to the Lord because they are afraid of losing their salvation. According to him, those of us who believe that once saved we’re eternally secure are more likely to take our salvation for granted and not be as close to the Lord. Personally, I don’t see how living in fear of not being saved makes one closer to the Lord.

Ezekiel 38:16 states that one result of God’s defense of Israel will be that “Then all the nations will know that I am the LORD.” Would you please explain the probable extent of this prophecy? How many and who will this prophecy apply to?

RE: Collective Salvation. Our pastor recently stated that we do not have individual salvation without collective salvation. I am attending a Methodist denomination. Is this their established doctrine? I have been a follower of Christ and studied the Bible for 55 years, and attended many wonderful churches, but I have never heard this before. It does not ring true with me.

Those who believe in a Pre-Wrath rapture say that the writers of the New Testament, especially Peter, Paul & John didn’t expect Jesus to come at any time. They say that according to Matthew 24:1-32 the temple had to be destroyed first. Also the Lord told Paul to go many places and the Lord couldn’t have come before Paul went to those places. Paul also said that the time of his departure was at hand, meaning he knew the Lord wouldn’t come back at just any time (2 Tim. 4:6). How do you answer them?

The new man in Christ does not have a sinful nature. When you received Christ, you were also circumcised by putting away your sinful nature. Human hands didn’t circumcise you. Christ did. – Col.2:11. It’s possible in a moment of weakness to fall back to Romans 7 and live as though we still have a sin nature, but we can decide to live in Romans 8 because we don’t really have one.

Why does God allow the enemy to inhibit, prevent, stall, interrupt, interfere with, His work on Earth. Paul mentioned that he had wanted to go somewhere but the devil had stopped him. Why does God allow this?

As a new Christian, I was taught that when we become a Christian God gives us a special gift to use for his honor and glory. Is it true that God gives us a specific gift other than, of course, the gift of the Holy Spirit within us? I think that if we’re allowed to ask the Lord questions when we get to heaven, my first question will be “Lord, what was my gift” because I’ve totally missed it in this life.

I just watched a TV series that tried to link historical records and archaeology findings to the old testament’s first five books. They interviewed prominent scholars from well known Universities. Their conclusions are deeply troubling for me. The program tried to prove that the Bible has little factual history and many of its accounts are nothing more than folktales and myths. How can we Christians rebuke these outrageous theories?

Thanks for the continued good work. Please explain Gen.49:10 … The scepter shall not depart from Judah … I have read somewhere that this refers in some way to the Roman occupation of Judea at the time of Christ’s coming.

I am a believer. I am eagerly looking forward to meeting the Lord in person, face to face.

Until that day arrives I am curious as to how to grow my relationship with the Lord. It appears that my communication with him is one way (me talking to, and listening for him). To date, (although I feel that I am listening) I have not heard anything but silence. Effective two-way communication seems to be essential in getting to know God. I don’t see any substitute. I am asking for help in this matter. I appreciate your time. Thanks.