I have a question on Revelation 12: 1-6. I know the woman is Israel. But, I can’t believe this is talking about the birth of Christ, When we are in the things that are future. Can you shed some light on this scripture?

Since at the start, there were “hebrews” and the jewish realm did not start until the tribe of judah existed. So the issue of who is Israel, and the claim that you can’t use the “jewish” description to speak of Israel, then who is Israel? How does one know? And if one is jewish and accepts Jesus, do they become part of the church, or are they part of Israel no matter what?

Of all the ministers on line and elsewhere, I love reading and hearing the Grace preachers more than all the rest, but then there are those who appear to believe that it requires both faith and works to make it to heaven. Most of the people who teach this do not come across as mean-spirited legalists who want to put us all in bondage, yet there remains this conflict between grace through faith alone and faith plus works. This really leaves me torn. Is this conflict resolvable?

In the Lord’s Prayer, there is a verse that says, “Lead us not into temptation”. Since James 1:13 says that God doesn’t tempt anyone, what is the correct interpretation of this verse?

I heard an interesting voice in my head the other evening as I was saying the Lord’s Prayer. I have been saying this prayer every day since I learned it when I was a child. For some reason, as I got to the verse Lead us not into temptation, something inside me asked why do I think the Lord would lead me into temptation. I feel it was the Holy Spirit asking me that question. Ever since that night, I can no longer say that verse, instead, I have changed it to Protect us from Temptation. Is it just me, or does it seem odd to ask God not to lead us into temptation, when that is the last thing he would ever do?

I am 71 years old, a Christian since age 10. I never asked to be born, I wish I hadn’t been born—having suffered from depression all my life. How can God condemn me or someone like me to hell. I don’t want to live—-I didn’t want to be born– yet here I am living and if I wasn’t a Christian I would be condemned to hell. If I had not had a Christian upbringing, I would commit suicide, but do not believe that is right. I have never understood why someone who doesn’t want to live has to live. I have prayed numerous times at night not to wake up, but I wake up and have to face a new day each day.

Ref: Your teaching on the Rapture. I come from the pre-trib view of Scripture but do have some problems with certain Bible verses, like 2 Thes. 2:1-3. Verse 1 clearly refers to “our gathering together to meet Him” but in verse 3 says it will not happen until “the man of sin is revealed.” If the Rapture can happen at any time – how is this explained?

Am I correct in stating that Paul was the only writer of the New Testament on the Rapture of the Church? And why is he the only one? Is the Rapture talked about or referred to by some one else through out the Bible? Thanks brother keep up the wonderful job!!

My question is about Christians who still smoke cigarettes, cigars, etc. In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 it says, ” Know ye not that ye are the temple of God,and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy, for the temple of God is Holy, which temple ye are.” I am curious to know if I and my other Christian brothers and sisters are still smoking when the Rapture happens, will God destroy us, or leave us behind? What is your take on this scripture?

I know that today the name Anti-Christ is associated with the “son of perdition” mentioned in the book of Revelation, but no where do I find that “title” referred to by John the Revelator. The Apostle Paul spoke of “Anti Christ” as more or less a “spirit” and NOT an actual being. Please clarify our use of this title directed towards an “individual” when associated with the end times and the book of Revelation.