Matthew 18:21, 22, “Then Peter came to Him (Jesus) and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’ ” Peter asked a hypothetical question: Is … Continue reading “In Matthew 18:21-22, Jesus tells us to forgive seventy times seven. What does that mean?”
Who is Melchizedek in the Bible?
There is no scripture that specifically identifies Melchizedek. However, in Psalm 110:4 (NIV) God speaks to His Son saying, "Thou art a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek." Again in Hebrews 7:1-3, Paul teaches that Melchizedek pictures Jesus, “For this Melchizedek…by translation of his name, ‘King of righteousness,’ and then he is also king of … Continue reading “Who is Melchizedek in the Bible?”
Is pain and suffering part of discipline from God or because of the cruelty of mankind?
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 Discerning whether suffering is a discipline from God or a persecution from the world may not necessarily be helpful. Sometimes, a person with a very tender conscience will … Continue reading “Is pain and suffering part of discipline from God or because of the cruelty of mankind?”
What does the parable of the vineyard in Luke 20 mean?
"A man planted a vineyard and rented it out to vine-growers [footnote: tenant farmers], and went on a journey for a long time. At the harvest time he sent a slave to the vine-growers, so that they would give him some of the produce of the vine-yard; but the vine-growers beat him and sent him … Continue reading “What does the parable of the vineyard in Luke 20 mean?”
Since God knows the future, why did God put the forbidden tree in the garden? He knew it would ultimately bring sin, death, and sorrow into the world because of the disobedience of Adam and Eve.
God wants His children to worship Him with their whole hearts, minds, and beings. "…true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him,” John 4:23. Therefore, mankind should delight to chose righteousness over evil no matter how great the seeming rewards of disobedience. God is … Continue reading “Since God knows the future, why did God put the forbidden tree in the garden? He knew it would ultimately bring sin, death, and sorrow into the world because of the disobedience of Adam and Eve.”
In the 1000 year kingdom of Jesus in the earth, how will both the saved with glorious bodies and sinners with fleshly bodies live together?
There is to be an order in Christ's work of life-giving. Every man who receives life will belong to one or another of these orders (1 Corinthians 15:22, 23). God divides the salvation of mankind into two parts–the faithful Church, the “firstfuits”, having part in the “first resurrection” (James 1:18; Revelation 14:4; Revelation 20:6) who … Continue reading “In the 1000 year kingdom of Jesus in the earth, how will both the saved with glorious bodies and sinners with fleshly bodies live together?”
Please explain what will happen to the Old Testament men of faith and to Israel in the Kingdom?
The overcomers previous to Pentecost, the faithful ancient worthies, will be “princes in all the earth” (Psalm 45:16). These were tried in the past and were approved of God, “having obtained a good report” (Hebrews 11:2,39,40). It will be unnecessary that their restitution out of death and into life should be a gradual work. Their … Continue reading “Please explain what will happen to the Old Testament men of faith and to Israel in the Kingdom?”
Can you explain Matthew 27:51, – …the curtain of the temple was torn in two?
“And lo! the veil of the temple was rent in two parts, from the highest to the lowest”, Matthew 27:51. The curtain or veil separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Exodus 26:31-33) and its tearing represented the end of the Temple arrangement and its figurative worship. The veil was Jesus’ flesh as … Continue reading “Can you explain Matthew 27:51, – …the curtain of the temple was torn in two?”
Please explain Matthew 27:52, 53, – …the earth shook, and the rocks were split, the tombs also were opened…saints…raised…and appeared to many.?
According to Matthew, when Jesus died, the earthquake split the rocks and bodies arose. This “raising of the saints”, who they were and what they did is a controversial subject. The account indicates they rose up and were visible to many but gives no indication as to what they may have done. If they rose … Continue reading “Please explain Matthew 27:52, 53, – …the earth shook, and the rocks were split, the tombs also were opened…saints…raised…and appeared to many.?”
What is the significance of holy communion to the believer?
The last supper was the only event that Jesus asked his followers to annually celebrate: "The Lord Jesus took a loaf and after thanking God he broke it, saying, 'This means my body broken for you. Do this in memory of me.' In the same way he took the cup after supper, saying, 'This cup … Continue reading “What is the significance of holy communion to the believer?”