Could you explain the message given by John the Baptist to “bear fruit in keeping with repentance?” Is that more referring to salvation or proof of salvation? Would you explain the principle of repentance and the significance to the Christian life?

Re: The Watchman. What’s the difference between being a ‘watchman on the wall’ specifically appointed by God as Ezekiel was or a watchman in society watching the signs of the times? If we are all to watch and wait, seems like all God’s kids are appointed to be aware and share that awareness with others. I don’t see a big difference other than one is very specific and one is general.

In your article entitled Fruit Inspectors you stated that “It is humanly impossible to tell who is saved and who is not…” Is it safe to assume that we do not know if Hitler was saved or if the mass murderers of Islamic terrorism are saved? You get my point. We are commanded to exercise righteous judgment which must be based on conclusive evidence. We may not judge on the basis of appearance, personal opinions or unsubstantiated suspicions.

Question, both Mattew and Luke talk about “Judge not and you will not be judged” but we are to inspect for good fruit, right? I have a sister that I try to witness to but she makes me feel guilty because of this. She is a great person but used to be part of a church that thinks everyone is going to heaven.

I love the OSAS (once saved, always saved) view but it would seem that Paul’s statement in Colossians 1:21-23 is a proof-text against the notion that it is impossible to forfeit your own salvation through disbelief. It seems that there is no way to tie this statement of Paul’s to rewards rather than to salvation. Can you help here?

In my small group’s Bible study of Acts chapter 9, the question was raised as to whether Saul had a choice in becoming an apostle. I pointed to verse 6 in my NKJ Bible which records Saul’s response to Jesus. “So, he trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” To my amazement, none of the Bible translations my class members were using included Saul’s question. Do you know why?

Re: Is Alcohol a Sin? I go to a Church where it is preached that it is sinful. Proverbs 23:31 is often used. From my search and study I believe that it is sinful in excess, just as overeating is sinful, but moderate drinking is not. I’ve looked through commentaries and I still believe it’s only condemning drinking to excess. Does Prov. 23:31 say to not drink at all?

The following comment was posted on another website in response to a lady questioning your “Psalm 83 – Preview of A Coming Attraction” article. I have always thought that Psalm 83 was about a future war but not sure what to make of it.

“Psalm 83 is an imprecatory Prayer, and in no way a war. Isaiah 17 is Gods answer to that Prayer. Isaiah 17:2-3, yes, Israel will take down Jordan and the West Bank. However, Israel has not been, nor will be any kind of conquerors. The condition of this land after battle will not make it habitable. From this point on, he skips (as many others do) the continuation of Gods description of what happens next. Israel will suffer a severe blow, to the point of “desolation” as God tells us.”

My understanding is that the Jewish calendar is based on a 360 day year. How then, do they keep the Festivals at the same time of year each year? Spring and Fall, etc. Among other problems, they would lose 5 days a year, each year. Every 73 years, or so, they would lose a full year. And the festivals would move around throughout the seasons – Hanukkah in summer, etc. How does that work?

Re: Leviticus 16:7-10. I was reading Leviticus 16 as it refers to the use of a goat as a sin offering. Some English translations use the word goat and others use azazel. Who is Azazel? Why is a goat sent away for him into the wilderness? What does this mean?