The fact that one is a missionary does not automatically mean one has an accurate understanding of God’s purposes and His requirements. To be a missionary does, however, demonstrate that one has a desire to spend one’s life in the service of God, and that is commendable, and certainly pleasing to God. Nevertheless, it is … Continue reading “What has the Bible to say about the suicide, especially if the person is a missionary?”
In 2 Samuel 24, God, Himself, incited David to take a census of Israel. Why would God do this? And then punish Israel for it?
It seems that there may be a very simple answer to your question. If we look at 2 Sam 24:1 and compare with 1Chron 21:1, it is easy to see the discrepancy. 2 Sam. 24:1 And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, … Continue reading “In 2 Samuel 24, God, Himself, incited David to take a census of Israel. Why would God do this? And then punish Israel for it?”
Did Our Parents Raise Us So When They Get Older We Would Take Care of Them?
Do people become parents just so they have someone to take care of them in their old age? When I asked my 92-year-old mother if that was the case, she agreed (she has dementia, but also an intact sense of wry humor). I do handle all of her finances and visit her three times a … Continue reading “Did Our Parents Raise Us So When They Get Older We Would Take Care of Them?”
Why do we see in the OT God punishing people for doing evil, but we do not see or hear about God doing it today?
We can offer some thoughts on why this is, but please keep in mind that this is an opinion, of which there are probably many. I am not aware of a "thus saith the Lord" which answers this question directly. Throughout most of the Old Testament, God is dealing strictly with the nation of Israel … Continue reading “Why do we see in the OT God punishing people for doing evil, but we do not see or hear about God doing it today?”
Is John the Baptist Elijah?
We will answer this thought-provoking question by explaining the Scriptures that deal directly with your question. First, John 1:21 "And they asked him…Are you Elias? And he said, I am not." John the Baptist was not in a literal way Elijah returned in body form, which some apparently thought. So, what did Jesus mean when … Continue reading “Is John the Baptist Elijah?”
Is the Roman Catholic Church a true church established by Jesus Christ?
The tradition that the Roman Catholic Church is the true church established by Jesus Christ is based on the following scripture, which we will need to examine in order to come to the correct conclusion. Mat 16:15-19 (GNB)"What about you?" he asked them. "Who do you say I am?" (16) Simon Peter answered, "You are … Continue reading “Is the Roman Catholic Church a true church established by Jesus Christ?”
What is the Kingdom of God?
“Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is heaven” were words Jesus included when his disciples asked him to teach them to pray. (Matthew 6:10) Since that time few words have been more fervently offered up in prayer, yet so misunderstood! When we realize that God’s Kingdom has two parts – … Continue reading “What is the Kingdom of God?”
Do alcoholics go to heaven? My dad passed away last night and I am so worried about him being in the right place… He believed in God but he had addiction to alcohol.
First, may we offer to you our heartfelt sympathy over your dad’s passing. Losing a loved one is of course one of the hardest experiences we face in life, one that almost all will experience. Rest assured that the God of creation is aware of all. What you are experiencing or asking about has not … Continue reading “Do alcoholics go to heaven? My dad passed away last night and I am so worried about him being in the right place… He believed in God but he had addiction to alcohol.”
The holy supper that we take is a symbol of the body and blood of Jesus or is it the real body and blood? Some Christians say it is a symbol, some say it is the real body.
All references are to the New International Version Bible. "…The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way… he took the cup, saying, 'This … Continue reading “The holy supper that we take is a symbol of the body and blood of Jesus or is it the real body and blood? Some Christians say it is a symbol, some say it is the real body.”
Is it wrong to smoke cigarettes and get tattoos? Also, is it wrong to get a tattoo of a cross with mom and dad in it?
Is smoking cigarettes as sin? The Bible does not have a direct law or instruction about smoking. But it is against the spirit of taking care of our bodies. Is getting a tattoo a sin? Yes- The Bible does have a specific law about marking our bodies either by cutting or making marks on our … Continue reading “Is it wrong to smoke cigarettes and get tattoos? Also, is it wrong to get a tattoo of a cross with mom and dad in it?”