The Epicureans and the Stoics belonged to two Greek schools of philosophy very popular with the common people because they taught how to achieve pleasure and happiness despite one’s circumstances. The Epicureans believed everything in the world was made up of atoms and that everything was governed by physical laws. The best way to achieve … Continue reading “Who are the philosophers, Stoics and Epicureans, in Acts17:18?”
Why does God call busy Men?
Just as earthly bosses desire hard working men and women as employees, so does God. When searching for the twelve apostles, Jesus did not call idle men, but working fishermen (Mat. 4:17-18) and others whom he knew had the willingness and ability to serve His cause with their full strength and energy.
How much must one forsake to follow the Lord?
When the ruler asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus replied that he must forsake all to follow after Him (Luke 18:18-30). If truly following after the Lord, we should consider all our time, talent, money, influence, etc…as belonging to God. It is up to us as stewards of that which … Continue reading “How much must one forsake to follow the Lord?”
In what ways can a person serve God while occupied in secular work?
If we find that all of our time must be taken in earthly matters, we can still do our work as "unto the Lord". Ephesians 6:5-8 (NASB) says "Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; (6) … Continue reading “In what ways can a person serve God while occupied in secular work?”
Is it wrong for two Christians, male and female, to kiss (instead of making love) before marriage to satisfy their emotional needs?
There is no specific answer in the Bible on this subject except that the Bible clearly states that sex is for marriage. One important reason is that sex can produce children, who deserve to be conceived in the embrace of marriage. Additionally, science has now found that the act of sexual intimacy (making love) creates … Continue reading “Is it wrong for two Christians, male and female, to kiss (instead of making love) before marriage to satisfy their emotional needs?”
How did the Babylonian Exile of 586 BE change the Jewish understanding of God?
The Seventy Years usually referred to as the seventy years captivity in Babylon, is scripturally styled the "seventy years desolation of the land." This desolation God had predicted by Jeremiah the Prophet thus: "And this whole land shall be a desolation, and…shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years." (Jer. 25:11) "Thus saith the Lord, … Continue reading “How did the Babylonian Exile of 586 BE change the Jewish understanding of God?”
When I die it has been said that someone can pray me into heaven. Is that true?
First, let's consider the options the Bible offers in regard to life after death. (All scriptures quoted are from the King James Version Bible.) If Adam had not sinned, he and his descendants could have lived for ever on a perfect earth. After Adam received the sentence for disobeying God, "…for dust thou art, and … Continue reading “When I die it has been said that someone can pray me into heaven. Is that true?”
Being a protestant Christian, can we wear jewelry? After we are baptized, does God like it if we wear all those things?
One Bible verse that helps us answer your question is 1 Peter 3:3-4: "Let not yours be [merely] external adorning with…the wearing of jewelry…But let it be the inward adorning and beauty of the hidden person of the heart…with the incorruptible and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit…which is precious in the sight … Continue reading “Being a protestant Christian, can we wear jewelry? After we are baptized, does God like it if we wear all those things?”
What is the difference between the Holy Spirit and the Holy Ghost?
Over the centuries the translators of our Common Version English Bible have used the phrase "Holy Ghost" without any authority. The original Greek word is pneuma–spirit. In more recent times the Revised Version of the New Testament changed the word "Ghost" to read "Spirit." There is no Scriptural reason to think of or speak of … Continue reading “What is the difference between the Holy Spirit and the Holy Ghost?”
Lately I have felt disconnected from God, and I am wondering if there is something I have done. It seems He does not talk to me anymore, and it worries me.
God’s main way of “talking” to us is through His word. Many have claimed to literally hear God speaking to them but at times it can be contradictory to what His revealed word says. The Apostles and others who wrote the New Testament encouraged us to study His word. We are not to expect to … Continue reading “Lately I have felt disconnected from God, and I am wondering if there is something I have done. It seems He does not talk to me anymore, and it worries me.”