Can’t Make It To Church?
Published: May 23, 2015Is it true that a committed Christian can go to hell if he or she does not attend Church every Sunday? When I say “committed Christian” I mean someone who has accepted Jesus as their personal lord and savior and who also refrains from sinning. I was wondering about this because I know a lot of committed Christians who don’t go to church because they lead very busy lives.
Don’t Eat The Forbidden Fruit!
Published: May 23, 2015I have a question, that has been on my mind for quite some time. Since God knows all, he knew Adam and Eve would not stay away from the tree of knowledge and that they would eat from it even though God told them not to. So why did he put the tree there in the first place? I don’t mean to be disrespectful toward God or even question what he does, because I believe he knows exactly what he is doing. I just wonder about things like this.
Changed Quickly, Depart Slowly?
Published: May 22, 20151 Corinthians 15:52 states we will be changed in the twinkling of an eye. Growing up, the preachers I listened to all taught we would disappear this quickly. In studying this verse closely, it seems our bodies will transformed in an instant and we will put on immortality in the twinkling of an eye, but the verse doesn’t state we will be removed this fast. My question is this; Will our disappearance be as quick, or will those left behind visibly watch us depart?
Eat My Flesh And Drink My Blood
Published: May 22, 2015I know that we are saved by the blood of Christ that was shed to pay the penalty for our sins. But what did Jesus mean in John 6:53 when he said if we eat His flesh and drink His blood we would have eternal life? I know we are saved by grace through faith. Was this intended for the Jews and not the Church?
More On Hearing The Voice Of The Lord
Published: May 22, 2015In your recent post “Hearing The Voice Of The Lord”, you referenced Elijah in 1 Kings 19:11-13, but Elijah was a prophet who heard regularly from God. I am not sure that would apply to believers in general. As far as you know, are there any instructions or similar examples for us in the New Testament about God speaking to a believer’s heart, other than to apostles, prophets, etc? And if so, how would we know if an inner voice telling us something (like buy a new house, confront this person, look for a new job, etc) is actually coming from God, or merely us just having an idea and thinking about it?
The Sabbath Rest
Published: May 22, 2015Chapter 4 of Hebrews speaks of entering into the Sabbath rest. I am fairly certain that this is not referring to the tradition Sabbath; i.e., 7th day of the week. Is this referring to the New Covenant (Jesus’ redemptive act on the Cross)? Or is there something else going on here?
Crucified On A Sabbath?
Published: May 22, 2015Regarding your 3 days 3 nights article, you state that the 14th of Nisan (Passover) was a Sabbath as well as the 15th (Feast of Unleavened Bread). Why was Jesus allowed to be crucified and buried on a Sabbath? Jesus had to be taken off the cross before sundown because the next day was a Sabbath, if he was crucified on the 14th, that day was also a Sabbath. I am confused.
Hearing The Voice Of The Lord
Published: May 21, 2015In a recent answer to a question, you discussed a time when you asked God a question about why a situation involving forgiveness turned out the way it did. You wrote that God responded to your question. I assume from spending much time reading the information on your web site that you have these conversations with God frequently. I hear pastors in radio sermons as well as my own pastors talk frequently about hearing from God and that God speaks to their hearts all the time. My question is how does one know when they are hearing from God or receiving answers to questions directed to God? I received Jesus as my Lord and savior many years ago and I read my Bible most days and pray everyday throughout the day as well as continually feel a deep longing to connect with God. I don’t know how to distinguish a word/thought/conversation with God from my own thoughts. How does one develop this talent/ability?
Acts 2 And The Day Of The Lord
Published: May 21, 2015I’m a little confused as Acts 2:20 reads “the sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD.”
But Revelation 6:12 reads, ” I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red.”
Does this mean the day of the Lord only starts after the sixth seal is opened? That doesn’t fit with anything I believe but I can’t seem to get over it. Thanks in advance for your answer. You make the end times understandable but this little thing has thrown me!
In The Spirit
Published: May 21, 2015Thank you for your website. It is a daily source of spiritual encouragement. One of the best on the Internet. My question is, what is meant by the phrase “in the spirit” or “in the Spirit”? Is it a state we should try to attain or something that just happens when God wants it to? If it is a state we should attain, how does one do it?