Jack, I have been thinking about this question for awhile and I know you will be able to shed light on it. I do believe that Satan has as much access to this Earth as we do, and even more. Earth and its atmosphere is right now his domain (2 Cor. 4:4 and Eph. 2:2). 1 Peter tells us that the devil walks about seeking whom he can devour. I think this is a warning to us because Satan said he has freedom to go up and down on this earth. If Satan cast slurs upon Job to the presence of God, does he also do this to believers today, to God, for permission to test us or whatever? I know Scripture tells us that Job had a protective hedge around him so Satan had to have God’s permission to attack Job in the various ways he did. If God permitted Satan concerning Job, is there anything in scripture that tells us God permits Satan to attack Believers in a “like” manner?

Just wondering. If we do something good here on Earth to try and earn a blessing, it won’t work. Does the same concept apply when giving for the direct purpose of storing up treasure in Heaven?

When I was 4 years old, my mom had a miscarriage and my baby brother died. I know he is in heaven with Jesus, but are he and my mentally disabled sister (who belongs to Jesus too, I know) the members of the church? Or are they a different category as old testament and tribulation saint are different? My hope is that I can live with my siblings in the New Jerusalem. I want to “get back” my ‘lost” brother, as I know the New Jerusalem is “church members only” (please correct me if it isn’t), that’s why it’s important to me.

Thank you for your incredible website! I read it daily and enjoy it tremendously. My question concerns healing. I cannot recall or find a single instance in the Bible where a woman healed someone. Is this a gift that is reserved only for men? The only mention of spiritual gifts pertaining to women that I recall are the ability to prophesy. Can you shed some light on this for me? Considering how women were to conduct themselves during services by remaining silent, are the abilities bestowed by the Holy Spirit (with the exception of prophesy) only available to men?

Can the Holy Spirit be considered one of the two witnesses needed for confirmation in a matter? I ask because we’re dealing with some travel issues right now and without telling anybody, not even my wife, I thought of one option we could look at. The next day my wife came to me with the identical option. Since we are not telling anybody about our plans, I was wondering if the Holy Spirit can be the other witness to confirm what we are both thinking, or should we wait for an “out of the blue” confirmation from someone who knows nothing about this matter?

I’ve noticed several commentators saying the crucifixion had to happen on Wednesday because the Lord had to be in the belly of the Earth three full days and three full nights for a total of 72 hours to fulfill the sign of the prophet Jonah. How do you reconcile that with a Thursday crucifixion?

In the parable of the Sower (Matt. 13) I find most people think the third soil represents an unsaved person but I certainly prefer your interpretation (that he is saved), I’m just not sure about its accuracy. I stand firmly against Lordship salvation but often wonder how people can say they believe, and yet live in a way that doesn’t reflect it.

Mark 16:1 says spices were bought after the Sabbath for anointing Jesus. Luke 23:54-56 seems to say that spices were prepared to anoint the body before the Sabbath. If Jesus was crucified on Thursday there would be two consecutive Sabbaths where no work was allowed. I am confused about this. Can you help clarify it?

I am battling with a few health issues and I am really fed up with being so confused about who to listen to and who not to. For instance, I have been listening to several well known teachers for the past 5 years and found many of their teachings a real blessing. However, some people have been telling me lately that these people are false teachers and I should stop listening to them. The bottom line is that I am EXTREMELY CONFUSED about healing. Do I confess healing scriptures every day, do I speak to my body, or do I just trust that the Lord in His time with heal me and stop purchasing the books and DVDs all these people put out? Also, is it wise to meditate on healing scriptures daily?

I have heard many times that there were multiple churches in each of the seven churches (Philadelphia had more than one church, and more than one church in Ephesus). What is your take on this?