This scripture needs to be looked at in context of the two preceding scriptures. After Jesus was resurrected, he appears to his apostles and tells them, ‘As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’ And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, … Continue reading “John 20:23 says: “If you forgive anyone his sins they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” If after you had sinned against a person and asked to be forgiven, have you received forgiveness even though the person in question did not forgive you?”
Why does it seem that people who are blessed with spouses are often the ones that indulge in fornication, while those who abstain from fornication are not married?
We feel your question may be an over-generalization since many married couples do not engage in sexual activities outside the bonds of marriage and many unmarried couples do engage in fornication. The usual reasons for fornication in either case stem from selfish desires. Married couples may get bored with their spouses, fall out of love, … Continue reading “Why does it seem that people who are blessed with spouses are often the ones that indulge in fornication, while those who abstain from fornication are not married?”
How do you surrender fully to God?
Total submission to God requires sacrificing your self-will in every matter of life in order to do the will of God. When you surrender your will to God, you make a covenant of sacrifice. You sincerely endeavor to live a life that is pleasing to Him in every way. “I desire to do your will, O … Continue reading “How do you surrender fully to God?”
Was Jesus actually comparing the Gentiles to dogs in Mark 7:26-27?
Mark 7: 26-27 reads, “He [Jesus] replied, ‘It is not right to take the children’s bread [the favor being applied to the house of Israel] and toss it to their dogs [the Gentiles].’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ she [the Canaanite woman] said, ‘but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’” Although it … Continue reading “Was Jesus actually comparing the Gentiles to dogs in Mark 7:26-27?”
Why did God initiate war in the Old Testament?
The idea that God initiated war in the Old Testament, especially with all its gore and sometimes even the slaughter of innocent women and children is a difficult concept for Christians to grasp. After all, Jesus taught us that God is love and that we are to love even our enemies. Why, then, did God … Continue reading “Why did God initiate war in the Old Testament?”
What is meant by Revelation 21:21 “the great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass.”?
The book of Revelation is highly symbolic. The entire 21st chapter of Revelation is about the Holy City, the New Jerusalem. We believe that the New Jerusalem represents an all-powerful religious government, composed of our Lord and his saints (the Church in glory) that will exercise a most blessed and lasting influence for good over … Continue reading “What is meant by Revelation 21:21 “the great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass.”?”
How can I convince my friend that they are not going to hell?
Our belief is that hell is not a scriptural concept and that salvation is available to all of humanity, but that availability exists on two levels, heavenly and earthly. The subject of the two parts of salvation is basic and crucial for understanding God’s beautiful plan of the ransom for all. When Jesus died, he … Continue reading “How can I convince my friend that they are not going to hell?”
Where does the Bible say that two women agreed to kill and eat their babies and then one of them reneged?
We believe the verses you are referring to are found in 2 Kings 6:28-29 and relate to a terrible famine that was the result of the Syrians besieging Samaria during the time of the prophet Elisha. God allowed the siege and the famine because the Israelites no longer honored Him and had become idolatrous, making … Continue reading “Where does the Bible say that two women agreed to kill and eat their babies and then one of them reneged?”
Why is the visible bump on the neck called an Adam’s Apple?
Both males and females have Adam’s Apples. The Adam’s Apple is thyroid cartilage. When the larynx or voice box grows during puberty, it sticks out at the front of the throat. A girl’s larynx does not grow as much as a boy’s does. The larger larynx gives boys deeper voices. Men’s Adam’s Apples are more … Continue reading “Why is the visible bump on the neck called an Adam’s Apple?”
What was the original skin color of humans and how did it change?
A couple of years ago we received a similar question regarding the skin color of Adam. At the time we did some research. We will share that research with you as we did with our previous questioner. There is only one skin color: a brown pigment called melanin. All of humanity has basically the same … Continue reading “What was the original skin color of humans and how did it change?”