In my KJV, I was reading Isaiah 61 verses 1-2 and then read Luke 4:18-19 where Jesus is in the synagogue reading those same two verses in Isaiah. Of course the two passages say the same thing but I would expect the wording to be exactly the same. Since it’s not, what would account for the differences?

Re: Will God Destroy Smokers. Are you saying that if a born again believer dies due to lung cancer caused by smoking, he will be included in the rapture as it has been written that the dead in Christ will rise first at the time of rapture? Will it be the same with those people who claimed to be born again dying because of being a drug addict? Will they be included in the rapture? How can those people who claimed to be truly born again believers still be included in the rapture despite the fact that the cause of their death is their vices, such as smoking, etc? Might they be continuing their vices because they are being encouraged by your view, even if they don’t quit? Please give a clearer explanation of the matter.

In one of your articles on the bride of Christ, you note that the Church is the bride, as many do. The reference you use in Ephesians 5 doesn’t seem to clarify that the church is the bride, although many state that the church is the bride. As I read Revelation 21:2 and 21:9 and 10 it would seem clear that the Holy City New Jerusalem is The Bride. Are there other scriptures where it states the Church is the Bride in no uncertain terms?

I have a difficult question which has been puzzling me, which I hope you might be able to answer please. If a person dies not having heard of Jesus, “when” would you think he /she would be judged – at the Bema judgement or would they be part of the Great White Throne judgment and therefore could be saved out of it (if they would have accepted Jesus had they heard)?

There’s this person I’ve been talking to for over 5 years on a message board we both belong to. Over time I have found out that he was once a pastor who now claims to be an unbeliever (he is very militant in his denial of God). During one of our many discussions about the existence of God he said, “If God exists and still performs miracles as you Christians believe, why doesn’t he ever regrow people’s limbs that they’ve lost? I couldn’t answer the question.

I don’t think he’s really an atheist. I think something bad happened to him and now he’s mad at God and is rebelling against him. I don’t know him personally, but I feel that I should help him and I don’t know how. Could you assist me in this?

I have come to really enjoy your website. Your studies and comments have helped me to understand the Bible much better but also developes more questions for me. Does Satan currently have access to Heaven and the Lord? In Job 1:6 it talks of the sons of God presenting themselves before the Lord and Satan coming amoung them. Is this in Heaven? REV 12 would indicate that Satan was or is in Heaven accusing man before the Father continually until the great war in heaven. When within the end time does this battle in heaven occur and he’s cast down to earth? Is this the time he indwells the anti-christ?

What did you mean in your MP-3 study of Gospel of Mark when you said: “They are on the right side of Easter, but on the wrong side of Pentecost” in reference to Christians who bear no fruit? I thought by definition if you have no spirit in you (i.e. on the wrong side of Pentecost), you are not a Christian.

The thought has crossed my mind as to why New Testament believers are sealed with the Spirit when Old Testament believers were not? It seems we received a great deal. It has certainly humbled me to realize this. Can you help clarify?

I’ve never heard any pastor, layman or brethren explain fully the rapture. When it is explained it’s always in ethereal terms and without a whole lot of sense. I’ve of a mind it’s not something we can regulate with the many varieties of explanations currently being taught. Hence, I’ve been skeptical of this phrase as well as the whole concept. Would you like to give me your explanation?

I know Jesus tells us to forgive others – many many times over. But when I forgive, I also tend to let my guard down and Always end up hurt again. This is a close family member who seems to go out of her way just to say or do something hurtful to me. Is there a way to forgive “smartly”, or am I required to open myself up to be hurt every time? Thank you for your dedication to our Savior. God bless you and your ministry.