As we all know that Daniel and his three friends were recruited and lived under the same Babylonian empire of Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1:17-20; 2:17-19), why was Daniel not a part of the pack who defied the king’s command to worship the golden statue (Daniel 3:8-18). When they were thrown in to the fire, what was Daniel doing who was also living as a ruler and the chief administrator over all the whole province of Babylon (Daniel 2:47-48)? Was it because of his position of ruler ship along with the king that he was excluded and thus was not compelled to worship the golden Idol?

What is the word in Hebrew for repent?

I have a question about an article you wrote on tithing, you said: “great blessings are given to those who voluntarily follow God’s Law”. Will you explain what you meant by that statement?

In fact if you “give” (tithe) as if you are voluntarily following the “law”, read the book of Galatians you will find that Paul told some gentiles whom he had led to Christ that if they obeyed any part of the old Jewish law, including the law of circumcision,in order to be right (justified) with God, they have fallen from grace. (Gal.5:4)

Did early Christians/Jews use the cross before Jesus died?

I wonder if you have ever run across any teaching on eternal security that takes what’s called a “3rd view”, as distinct from both loss of salvation and OSAS.

One teacher in particular uses Hebrews 6 to point to the fact that IF we can be categorized as having tasted of the good things of the Lord, and then become, by choice, apostate, God is not going to take us to live forever with him because He honors our right to choose – not because we need to be punished.

Do you see any circumstances under which having once been saved, we can go to a lost eternity? How do you feel about God taking us to Himself “against our will”? Any enlightened person would not choose to go to hell!!

I saw your answer concerning various Bible translations and I have a question to add to it.

Romans 8:1 in the KJV says “there is no condemnation…for those who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit”.

The NIV leaves out, although there is a footnote, “that walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit”. There are other places where the NIV leaves out portions of scripture but has a similar footnote. some claim this is a good reason to avoid the NIV.

I like the NIV and read it frequently, and will continue to do so. But why did the translators publish the NIV this way? is it unethical, or intellectually dishonest?

First I love your website!!! Very informative and has helped me so much in my study in end times prophecy! I used to be very uneasy about end times prophecy but now that I have accepted Christ into my heart, I don’t fear anymore!!! I know I have a one way ticket! Amen! I have a question regarding Rev. 7:9. I am in a current debate with a non-believer of the pre-trib rapture. He insists that those mentioned in verse 9 are the church, still here on earth, therefore no rapture.

I had always thought that those mentioned in verse 9 were those martyred for their newfound faith in Christ by rejecting the Mark of the Beast.

Re Luke 22:36: “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one

Would you please explain this verse about buying a sword? Is Jesus condoning self defense?

There is a movie circulating around the charismatic community that primarily highlights the workings of charismatic faith healers throughout the world.

I have read about the risks of the signs and wonders movement bringing the church toward a dangerous new age philosophy. However, thousands are being brought to Christ in Asia and Africa through transforming miracles.

The film states the purpose of the signs and wonders are to bring intellectually stagnant, skeptics, and doubters to more of a child-like belief and faith of which Christ teaches. These people appear to be tapping into the power of the Holy Spirit with the end goal to live a life like Christ’s. If so many are being brought to Christ then how can this be a bad thing?

In Romans 12:20, the Bible says “Therefore, If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Does this mean that we should continue to give free food to Kim Jong Il’s regime, even though we know it is only going to feed Party officials and the North Korean Army. Without this food, it is unlikely the regime could feed its army for long, meaning it might collapse. In effect, we are propping up the regime and prolonging the suffering of the millions enslaved in North Korea by obeying the Bible. I’m in quite a quandry over this. Do you know what we should do?