My Sunday school class is beginning a quick study in Proverbs. My teacher asked if I could summarize Proverbs 31 in a couple of weeks so I am doing some research. I have found a couple of ideas as to the identity of King Lemuel and wondered what your take on this is. Some say that Lemuel was a “pet name” that Bathsheba had for her son, and this is her instructions to Solomon. Others I have read think that he is an unknown Jewish king, while others say that he was a king long before Solomon – possibly someone from Ishmael lineage. I would really like to have your opinion. Thank you for your ministry, I learn so much.

I was wondering if there was any special reason the story of Judah and Tamar in Genesis 38 was put in there, it seems such an interruption of the story of Joseph and just doesn’t seem to fit.

Could you shed some light on a man named Jabez, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 KJV?

While discussing our marriage and her guy friends, my girlfriend said she sees nothing wrong with maintaining relationships with her ex boyfriends after we’re married. She admits to having sex with them in the past, but says they are just friends now and wants to keep them around as such. In fact she insists upon it.

I objected strongly and have now alienated her. I’m completely appalled because she is a woman I thought for sure I would marry.

She says God put these men into her life and has forgiven her for choosing the wrong path with them. Therefore, she is not willing to let go of the relationships. Is she wrong? Or am I wrong to insist she end them?

I’m just wondering, why did God create mosquitoes if they’re such an annoying insect? Is the mosquito one of God’s implements for spreading plagues back then, or not? I’m just curious, that’s all. Thanks!

I have read many articles stating that all who have died remain in the grave until the second coming. What about the transfiguration where Moses and Elijah were present? The rich man and Lazarus has also been discounted as some kind of parable. I have always believed “absent from body present with the Lord.” Your thoughts?

Thank you so very much for your answers and help in clarifying different passages in Scripture. God has given you such keen insight, thank you for sharing with us.

I have a question about the garden of Eden. Where did it go? Was it taken to Heaven, or protected for awhile and then destroyed? Was it really located in the area they now call the Fertile Crescent?

My husband and I just started a Bible class at Church and this past Sunday, a woman walked into the class and as she was sitting down could not take her eyes off my husband, and he kept looking at her as if they knew each other. I realized it was a women that he had saved a picture of in one of those dating sites I had found when we were dating at the beginning when we got together. He doesn’t realize I figured it out, but it really has been bothering me. He denies it. Should we find a different class, I don’t even know what the class was about because I was so preoccupied with this matter?

In Colossians 4:16 Paul references the church at Laodicea and directs them to not only read his letter to the Colossians there but also that the Colossians read the letter from Laodicea. What letter was written from Laodicea and why do you think he was so emphatic about both letters being read by both churches?

I’ve read several of your responses and it seems that you are implying that it’s like a search to find your spiritual gift. Yet it seems that in the Bible people demonstrated their gift immediately by prophesying, speaking in tongues, etc. I find it odd that so many born again Christians after years have never “discovered” their gift. A “gift” is given by one and received by another. You don’t usually have to spend time searching for a gift that you have supposedly received already.