My question has to do with the book of Joel and chapter two in particular. The more that I study the bible the more I see a vast distinction between Israel and the Church. Chapter two of Joel clearly is about Israel and it appears to me that it is about Israel after the rapture. I have for my entire life been taught and believed that Joel 2:28 is primarily about the church with the Holy Spirit being poured out “on all people.” But verse 28 begins with “and afterward” with the context about the “Day of the Lord.” Verse 29 says “I will pour out my Spirit in those days.” To me these scriptures talks about God pouring out His Spirit on all people during the tribulation days.

Some friends and I have been agonizing over taking a stand as it relates to a popular female teacher whose studies are promoted in our church. Our issue is not that we question this teacher’s love of the Lord Jesus Christ, or her sincere heart, but rather many aspects of her teachings. In our opinion she often takes Scriptures out of context as proof texts for the point she is making, and advocates practices that we think come from New Age religion . Should we just not go to the study and remain quiet, or should we state our concerns to the leadership?

The Biblical translations that I’m aware of all capitalize pronouns referring to God in the New Testament no matter if the Father, Son, or Holy Spirit is in context, except for 2 Thes. 2:6-7. The restrainer, I do believe, is the Holy Spirit but why isn’t the pronoun “he” capitalized?

I had a discussion today about the bodies of the wicked-dead. After reading Revelation 20, it wasn’t clear to me whether they receive bodies (some kind like our glorified ones?) or not, in which to spend eternity in the “lake of fire”. Perhaps I have missed other locations of Scripture that deals with this topic. In any event, thank you so much for your help.

Re: Old Testament Promises. You raise a valid and interesting point. Question is why the church fathers chose to include promises made to Israel in the canon to be read by the church.

Scripture tell us that man is appointed once to die and then judgment. The Bema seat is for the Bride and the great white throne is for all those whose names are not found in the Book of Life. When do the tribulation martyrs/ saints receive their judgment and also the old testament saints?

I cringe when I hear Christians claiming Old Testament promises like Jeremiah 29:11 and 2 Chron. 7:14 because it seems they were specifically for Israel often at a specific point in time. People want to claim Israel’s benefits, but not their judgments! Is it wrong to claim promises such as those listed above? How can we discern what was for Israel alone vs. what can apply to us today? Is it based on personal vs national promises? I’m confused.

Several colleagues of mine are involved in new age mysticism and eastern religions. A common belief of theirs is that “god is in everyone and everything” and they often talk about “seeking oneness” with the universe. Could you please help point me to scriptures that address this directly?

In 2 Cor 12:2, Paul reports being caught up to the third heaven. Where are the other two and what scripture references are there?

Question: Are the churches of Christ the church Christ built and are all the others wrong? I’m very confused.