I am told God knows our very thoughts, I fight with what I call secondary thoughts. Thoughts that are sinful and just pop into my head with out any reasoning. I am medicated from the mental health in the Veterans Admin, but some thoughts persist. My question is: Are unintentional sinful thoughts still sinful, and why does God want to know our very thoughts. I truly love the Lord and I will never give up, it’s just a question I have pondered for years now.

In one of my study groups we had a discussion erupt concerning Revelation 20:4. “Then I saw thrones, and those seated on them were given authority to judge. I also saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony to Jesus and for the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.”

Our discussion was to “whom was seated on the thrones who were given authority to judge.” We had many answers and thoughts but were never able to reach a common agreement as to who was seated on the thrones and passing judgement. Your wisdom and input on this question will be much appreciated.

Re: Matt 24:48-51: “But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming: and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; the Lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.”

I know some doubt there is such a scripture in the Bible. For they don’t believe it is possible for a person who is a professing believer to be left behind with unbelievers at the rapture. But this seems to be what this verse is saying. For here pictured is one who is a servant looking for his lord’s coming. But he is living carelessly, eating and drinking as in Noah’s day, enjoying the pleasures of life without regard to the soon-approaching rapture. He is also found mistreating his fellowman. What happens?

The Bible says of this servant that he is cut in sunder, or cut off. So, concerning this servant – the privilege that is rightfully his is denied him. For we read his portion is with the unbelievers. Instead of escaping the tribulation the indication is that he must go through it and prove his loyalty to Christ amidst the purifying and chastening fires of judgment.

Jack, what is your take on this piece?

Can you explain why Jesus did not get baptized until approximately 30 years old?

How is a pastor ordained and who does it? Is it a must or just a man made step intended to make reality of what the person has decided in dedicating his life to Christ. Is it in the Bible ?

Does anyone know how long the battle will last? At what point of this battle does the anti-christ step in proclaiming peace the beginning, middle or end? Is this when God will supernaturally protect Israel? Also is this the battle that will provide the weapons that Israel will melt down and use for energy purposes for 7 years? If God supernaturally protects them at this battle shouldn’t their eyes be open to God then?

I seem to remember you doing this before, but would you explain again what happens when people die? Exactly what is a resurrection and when does it happen?

I have been married to my husband for almost 5 years. He was not a Christian and far from a perfect husband, but we were very much in love. I recently found out that he was sexually abusing my daughter. We separated and I filed for divorce, but now he is sorry and wants to stay with me, become a Christian, go to church with me, and get the help he obviously needs. I still love him very much but I don’t know if it’s even possible to make this relationship work, especially for my daughter’s sake. I want him to be saved and I want to help him. I promised to love him in sickness and in health. Is this something that’s even okay for me to forgive? Is it okay to try to stay together?

Media has given a lot of attention to this prediction that the world would end May 21. Recently, they interviewed a new testament professor and minister about it. He said that Christians are wrong about the rapture, that the wording means “taking away” and has always meant the wicked. He said God took the wicked away during Noah’s time and what Christians call “the rapture” is actually talking about taking away the wicked. He also said that the idea of a rapture is a new idea, that the early Christians didn’t believe in it. Please address this, as I have been waiting expectantly since I became a Christian.

I have a question of a rather practical nature. I am currently finishing up my Masters degree in mech. engineering and have begun job searching. It’s difficult for me to reconcile the reality of our short time left with the “same-old” job advice from professors, and friends who do not see the fulfillment of prophecy quite the same. Both my wife and I would like to do some sort of missions work, however I have a relatively small amount of student debt and she is still in school. I imagine I am one of a growing number wondering how to balance life on this earth with preparing for our real Home. Any godly wisdom would be appreciated.