Blood Moon Follow Up
Published: May 6, 2008I have been reading the articles about the moon and eclipse and frankly, it makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Date setting tends to give me the creeps. One web site did say that it was not an attempt to set a date, but rather to give info that might lead to further study on the subject, which I intend to do.
We all know that the “birth pangs” have gotten stronger-that is apparent. What we don’t know is how far the Earth has to be “dilated” in order for the Rapture to take place. Can you give some insight as to this dilemma? Have I overlooked something?
The Mediterranean Union
Published: May 6, 2008It seems like yesterday that I was writing to you asking about the proposed 10 year peace treaty Jimmy Carter has drawn up yet here I am today ready to bring up a new development that I would really like to hear your thoughts on. I just read an article that says that a meeting will take place on July 13, 2008. The prophetic significance of this meeting? Nothing short of this statement: ‘the Union for the Mediterranean or Mediterranean Union will be geographically identical to the Roman Empire and will be the power base which will give rise to the Antichrist’ Your thoughts on this?
Understanding The Trinity
Published: May 5, 2008I am looking for a deeper understanding of the trinity and its relation to each other. God is “one” being, three separate personalities. I get it on the surface but feel there is more to it than what I am seeing.
OSAS And Phil. 2:12
Published: May 5, 2008God bless Jack, and thank you always for what you do.
My question is simply, how do we reconcile OSAS with verses like “work out your salvation through fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). My pastor whom I love very much and support does not believe in OSAS and he brought up this scripture in making that defense.
Questions About Theology
Published: May 5, 2008I have kind of a complicated question but you’ve never steered me wrong yet.
I’m a normal everyday type person who grew up in church, heard I was a sinner, (and knew I was one too)needed a Savior and that Jesus Christ died, was buried and rose again so I could be saved and I accepted Him as a Teenager based on that. Real simple.
Now, as an Adult I’m very well aquainted with the Word and being an avid reader am very interested in the spiritual. But…have more questions than ever. I’ve never taken a “theolgy course” or read the “Church Fathers” until yesterday when I went through a little of an online Theology Course.
Wow! I guess I can summarize my question as this. Can a normal person who reads the Word be saved for sure? One cannot deny that the Word uses words like the elect, predestined, foreknew, persevere. Can one not be saved by just believing Jesus Christ just as He says to do? The book of John is full of the word “Believe”. I’m finding out my simple faith is not so simple after all.
Mountain Moving Faith
Published: May 5, 2008I am having trouble understanding what you mean on the “healing amputees” answer. Do you mean that there are degrees of faith? I would think that if you believe that “God can do it”, is that not faith?
Is the faith that saved us different from the faith for healing? Please correct me if I am wrong, this has always been a difficult issue for me. I have prayed for healings and other things and sometimes receive answers, but would say on average my prayers “fall to the ground.”
Divorce And Remarriage
Published: May 5, 2008Our church is facing a crisis over the issue of a believer’s remarriage. We’re an Independent fundamental KJ only Baptist work. Our church stand is that marriage is between one man and one woman until death. No divorce and no remarriage. We have a number of divorced and remarried members that were voted into membership after they were remarried, I included and I’ve been a member since 1995.
We have a brother who was divorced by his unsaved wife 12 years ago when he was an unsaved man. He was Born Again about 4 years ago and has witnessed to his former wife on a number of occasions. Not only has she rejected Christ but she considers our church a cult and refuses to allow their daughters to attend any more.
This brother has since met a woman from another country who is also Born Again. They’ve known each other for about two years and believe that the Lord has brought them together. Knowing the church’s position on remarriage they decided to have a private wedding with just a few people there at his home. Our pastors both refused to do the ceremony which I agree with.
Here’s the hard part, both of our pastors have recommend that this brother resign from membership. Since this brother has removed himself from the class he was teaching after finding a willing and capable replacement, removed himself from our bus route, removed himself from the usher committee and building committee I don’t see a need for discipline since he has imposed this upon himself already.
My desire is that this brother doesn’t leave but if he doesn’t our pastors will and I don’t want this to happen either. We are at a cross roads here. Did this brother do anything wrong when he remarried? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
What Did Jesus Teach?
Published: May 4, 2008In the NT, Peter says we should not just hear the word but do what is says. I have read the NT and have a general understanding of all of Jesus’ teachings but I also know many where directed toward Jews in Israel and the Pharisees and Teacher of the law.. Do you have reference to a listing of what Jesus taught to those who would follow him…like love thy neighbor as thy self, love your God with all your heart and all your soul, etc. I know that belief in the one who was sent is the key to salvation but I know as Christians, we need to do what Jesus said. Many of the things Jesus discussed were about following him such as hating his mother, brother, etc where more allegory than direct teaching but I am trying to iron out what Jesus wants us to do to “do what he says” as Peter commented on.
Daniel 13 and 14?
Published: May 4, 2008I’m preparing to begin a study on Daniel next week (for which your commentary was VERY helpful, thank you so much) and I’m wondering whether or not the apocryphal chapters of 13 and 14 carry any historical merit at all (as in the case of 1st and 2nd Maccabees) or if I should just mention that there are 2 more chapters in Catholic Bibles. Any information you have on the subject or guidance would be greatly appreciated.
To Vote Or Not To Vote?
Published: May 4, 2008I have just loved your teachings, and have been spreading your website and downloaded teachings to many to also learn.
I do have a question that we were “discussing” yesterday with my father, who is a believer. He says we must vote, that failing to do so is giving “them” a win. I think, voting for the lesser of two evils is still evil. I have always maintained that when voting for a candidate, I cannot and will not ever vote for someone who does not oppose abortion. I understand that the President alone does not hold that power-but it is, to me, an indication of their true human character and lack of value for Life.
So, my question is this. Does opting out of voting because both candidates are bad go against biblical teachings? God clearly states that it is He that appoints leaders. Or, do we “compromise” on our values and pick the lesser of the two evils? My husband likened that to this: If you had to vote for Hitler or Stalin, would you vote?
Thank you so much for your biblical teachings, keep ’em coming!!