I have a question about what Jesus said in John 10:8. “All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.”

On the surface it appears that Jesus is saying that Moses and all the prophets before him are thieves and robbers. I find it hard to believe that he would say that about his fellow prophets.

What is your interpretation on who he is talking about and what reasons is it not Moses and the prophets? Thanks for all the answers you give and may the LORD continue to bless you.

I am trying to find what colors were in the coat of Joseph and what did they mean. I have been unsuccessful trying to find this information. Could you help me?

I know Bible commands to pray for Israel. And we know Gods word will come true at the end . Under the circumstances could our prayers change fulfilling the end times or any other Bible have prophesied? God will protect Israel any way as promised won’t he?

I was wondering how in the creation week account we could have ‘evening and morning’ before the sun had been created on the 4th day?

Thank you for this ministry! I love reading the questions and answers. I read your articles regarding alcohol and I agree that the Bible does not say we can’t drink alcohol as long as we don’t sin as a result. My problem is this: My pastors require anyone in leadership to sign a covenant stating they will not smoke, drink alcohol, or watch movies “not pleasing to the Lord”.

I am the prayer coordinator at my church. My pastor is a recovered alcoholic. It seems their concern is what “others would think if they saw a leader drinking” I agree, I should not drink in his presence, or maybe even in public, but I think he is making a personal conviction into a doctrine, and I am struggling with the issue of submitting in this area. God bless you and thank you!

I have a question that will likely be easy for you to answer but I am going to ask anyway. In John, the man who ate with and saw Jesus says that no man has seen the face of God. In light of the fact that I have been taught that Jesus was fully man and fully God, how does John’s statement play out?

I have been reading your articles, and have learned much from you. I co-teach a Men’s bible study every two weeks and this year we decided to study God’s word without using a study guide. My turn is coming up (probably be four sessions) I felt lead to study Psalm 91. I personally believe that this is God’s direct word of protection to and over me and my family. But, when faced with teaching and open discussion I know that the men will ask questions such as: Why do good Christian people get sick, hurt, and so on. What are your thoughts on this?

I’m an avid reader of your website and a firm believer in the sufficiency of Christ’s work on the cross. However, I’m confused on John chapter 15, where in verse 2 Jesus says, ” He (The Father) cuts off every branch in me (Jesus) that bears no fruit…” Then in verse 6, Jesus goes on to say, “If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” This verse does not sound like a “fellowship” verse to me.

On the surface John 15:2 appears as a strong encouragement to the disciples to remain in fellowship with, or rather remain in Christ’s love. But what are the consequences of not remaining in His love? Do we lose our salvation?

Every picture of Jesus we see with long hair and beard. Was there any evidence found to this effect?

I have something of a personal issue – my history class is discussing the Crusades, and, naturally, the Catholics are being cast in a rather negative light. However, they are being labeled as Christians, which, while to us, would cause an issue, the non-Christians (or the uninformed) have no qualms about it.

To add to the issue, my teacher (who is Jewish, although to what degree of devoutness I’m not sure) tells the class that there were “only two branches of Christianity” back in those times, Catholic and Orthodox; thus, they should all be labeled as “Christians” as opposed to Catholics or Orthodox in particular.

So, my question is, how do I solve this problem without looking like I’m trying to convert the class? Due to the situation about the Catholics being so forward about their religion, it wouldn’t be a good time to come off as a pushy, self-righteous Christian.

Honestly, I grieve at the entire thing – what’s the solution?