Re-interpreting The Nephilim?
Published: September 14, 2015I am curious how you interpret “Men of Renown and Heroes of Old,” to be something bad, evil or wrong? In your writing you make a long jump taking the reader by the hand to simply accept that these Nephilim were indeed “fallen angels.”
Earlier in your article you attempt to validate and support your position, yet you side step this very process when you boldly announce (as so many other writers have) that the Nephilim are simply fallen angels. You are asking the reader to accept an idea that lacks support & validation. And indeed, seeing the Nephilim and evil fallen angels is popular sentiment related to this verse.
To me when reading the chapter I find this to be in great contrast to the luminary praise that comes to mind when reading; They were the heroes of old and men of renown. This strikes in me a very positive cord. How can a hero be a savage murderer? And no culture would label someone so unless he/she were good.
What if the Nephilim were actually not disobedient or fallen angels? What if they were good, noble and holy and were instructed to care for, instruct, heal, teach and mate with the daughters of men (women)?
We must always study the language for it leaves clues to the real meaning.
Can I Have Sex Before Getting Married?
Published: September 13, 2015Is it OK if I have sex with a partner that I am committed to even though we’re not married? I ask because I want to get to know someone for a long time and not rush into a marriage. I can still want to know him for a long time before I decide to make it a permanent thing and get married, declaring it to the world by a ceremony.
So the short of it is, I want to be able to have sex without condemnation. I don’t know how much longer I can wait. The desire to have sex only grows within me, to be connected and sharing my life with a man only grows stronger and stronger each day.
Can We Know How Old The Earth Is?
Published: September 13, 2015First let me say that I enjoy reading the articles, as well as the questions and answers on your website. I have learned so much from you and thank God for your teachings.
My question deals with the age of the earth. Is there any way to know for certain according to scripture just how old the earth really is?
Thanks and God bless you for your work!
Nuclear war in Battle of Ezekiel 38-39
Published: September 13, 2015Thank you so much for your commentaries on end-times events; I have tried to understand all of your commentaries and they fit together seamlessly for which I thank you. One bit of confusion…you say the battle of Ezekiel 38-39 could be a nuclear war, however, it states that it will be obvious to all the nations observing, and Israel, that God won the victory with earthquakes, hail, and brimstone. A nuclear war might not be associated with actions of God so are you saying that both could come into play?
The Apostles’ Creed And The Rapture
Published: September 13, 2015I know you know the words to the Apostles Creed. My question to you is in these words nothing is even hinting about the rapture. It only speaks about the 2nd coming when in part it says from thence he will come to judge the living and the dead.
Can you help me? Why it is silent on this because it was written long after the apostles where around but the church at the time must have known the words from St. Paul in the Bible. Thank you for you help.
Am I In A Catch 22?
Published: September 13, 2015I believe that, surely, it must be God’s will that I love Him more than I do, and that my faith be greater than it is.
I am taught, however, that I must have faith for my prayers to be answered. If my faith is weak; if my belief is not strong; it seems that God will not answer my prayers for greater faith or stronger belief and love of Him.
So, what can I do with my need for God-given faith if the little faith I have is not great enough for Him to grant what I ask Him for? How can I avoid the Catch 22 of having too little faith for my prayer for more faith to be answered?
I ask:
1. to ensure my Salvation and to have the “Blessed Assurance” I see in others ;
2. to know His will for me and to be made strong enough to do it;
3. to serve him (and to be rid of a desire for some form of recognition) .
If it is my motives that are impure in my prayer for increased faith and love of God, where can I get the faith I need for him to answer my prayer to rid me of those impure motives?
Will He Find Faith on Earth?
Published: September 11, 2015Luke 18:8b says, “However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” Who was Jesus talking about here and what time period was he referring to?
Teach Your Children Well
Published: September 10, 2015As I grow and learn all that God wants to teach me, I’m more and more burdened for my children. (ages 11, 8, and 5). Last night, during our evening family devotion, the older two began asking questions that tied in with end-times and were related to a passage in Thessalonians we had just read. Their sentiments were of course those of fear that they might get left behind or have to endure hardship in the last days. I tried to comfort them by telling them that instead of worrying over what might happen, they should be mostly concerned about their salvation and their personal relationship with the Lord. (The older two have made professions of faith but still are learning about faith and what it is to be a follower of Jesus Christ). I don’t want to burden them with deep teachings that their little minds can’t yet comprehend, but I do want to help prepare them to meet our Lord. Do you know of or can you recommend any Biblically sound literature or resources for children their age that I might study and implement in our devotion time?
Man’s Life Span
Published: September 8, 2015I am new to reading the Bible and am confused about a piece in Genesis where God shortens the lifespan of people to 120 years. At first I see that people were living 800-900+ years for several generations after Adam and Eve. Then in Genesis 6:3 it seems like He shortens the life of man saying:
“And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also [is] flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.” (KJV)
Then I realized, well Noah (mentioned only sentences later) lived hundreds of years longer than the 120 years mentioned in Gen 6:3, so I must have misinterpreted the meaning of the verse. To whom does that verse apply since it’s not applicable today? Thanks for your input.
The Dangers Of Dispensationalism
Published: September 8, 2015I have been visiting your site for some time now and have thoroughly enjoyed it. Recently I received e-mail from the Reformation Book Store. They were advertising a book on the dangers of dispensationalism. It says that this belief causes confusion about how to pray for our Nation and the world because we believe the Bible predicts what will happen and there is nothing we can do about it, so why pray. I have to admit that I feel confused about this too. When we read that “there will be perilous times” why should we pray for wise leaders? What do you say on this subject?