The question I have is concerning the Men from the Orient. We have been told that there were only three of them, but we really don’t know for sure. What I want to know is who came out with the idea that one of the Magi was black? Is there any biblical support for this?

If the O.T. saints and those left behind need to keep the Law/Commandments in order to be saved, (unlike the Church by grace), then how could anyone in the O.T. go to heaven, since then it would be based on good works? Aren’t we all saved by grace? (Ephesians 2:8,9).

Why does God let people die? I know he has a reason for everything, but why?

I can’t seem to have faith that I am truly saved. Whenever something happens that I think I might die ( illness, near misses, etc.) I panic and become unsure if I’m really saved. I start asking myself if I did everything right in order to be saved because it is grace through faith and I seem to lack faith. Does this frequent doubting of my faith mean I’m not saved?

Will we be given new names in heaven?

How do you know if you’re “being called” ? I understand that we are all called to be a light in the world and let the Holy Spirit shine through us as we go about our daily lives. However, there are those (like you for instance) who somehow come to a place in their lives where it’s obvious that the Lord wants them to minister to others in a more “official” capacity.

I have been struggling with this more and more lately, which makes me think, “Is the fact that I’m struggling, a sign that I’m being called”? I have not received a clear and undeniable “word from the Lord” that I am aware of… it’s more of a thought that just seems to hang around but never really leaves.

I was wondering in Psalm 138:7 what is the significance of saying God would save us with His RIGHT hand. Did that mean something to the Hebrews?

In regard to the article,”Is God punishing me”-You wrote that God could not punish us because he already gave our punishment to Jesus. How does that reconcile with “Whom the Lord loveth, He chasteneth.”

In light of the recent shootings, is there anything in the Bible that speaks to a Christian protecting themselves with guns or other weapon? I got a concealed weapon permit and sometimes carry a gun because I am a female and I frequently walk alone in the woods. My initial justification is to protect myself against mountain lions, coyotes, etc., but I would probably use it to stop an aggressive human, too. There’s even been talk about bringing concealed guns into church services in our town. What does the Bible say?

When Mary was with child the angel said to call Him Immanuel. How did the name Jesus come about?