I was wondering how in the creation week account we could have ‘evening and morning’ before the sun had been created on the 4th day?

I have a question that will likely be easy for you to answer but I am going to ask anyway. In John, the man who ate with and saw Jesus says that no man has seen the face of God. In light of the fact that I have been taught that Jesus was fully man and fully God, how does John’s statement play out?

I blog on (another site) and at times we have heated debates. One of the most debated topics especially of late has been whether or not the first 5 seals of Revelation are open. One argument is that “there is NO mention in Revelation (or elsewhere) that the Seals are Judgments – I think that this is just tradition – and again has no foundation in Scripture. Remember, the seals are being broken one by one by the Lord Jesus, as he opens the Scroll.”

Deep down in my spirit I feel that this is wrong. How do I go to people who think, and feel this way backing it up scripturally that the seals are not open?

I have been reading your articles posted on Rapture Ready web sight and have learned much from them and you. I co-teach a Men’s bible study every two weeks and this year we decided to study God’s word with out using a study guide. My turn is coming up (probably be four sessions) I felt lead to study Psalm 91. I personally believe that this is God’s direct word of protection to and over me and my family. But, when faced with teaching and open discussion I know that the men will ask questions such as: Why do good Christian people get sick, hurt and so on. What are your thoughts on this?

I’m an avid reader of your website and a firm believer in the sufficiency of Christ’s work on the cross. However, I’m confused on John chapter 15, where in verse 2 Jesus says, ” He (The Father) cuts off every branch in me (Jesus) that bears no fruit…” Then in verse 6, Jesus goes on to say, “If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” This verse does not sound like a “fellowship” verse to me.

On the surface John 15:2 appears as a strong encouragement to the disciples to remain in fellowship with, or rather remain in Christ’s love. But what are the consequences of not remaining in His love? Do we lose our salvation?

I have a question about the Gog/Magog war. I have a friend who uses the Ezekiel 38:17 verse as proof that “the one spoken about by the prophets” is none other than the AC and that Gog/Magog (Ezekiel 38-39) is just another summary of the Armageddon war. I believe as you do that these 2 wars are different, and I have told them that I thought Haggai and Ezekiel (and possibly Joel) might be the prophets referenced here. What is your take on this verse and who are the prophets that spoke of the Gog/Magog war and are referenced in Ezekiel 38-39?

I believe that the Church will miss the worst of the end times because of the rapture, but you have to admit that things are starting to look pretty rough financially to those of us that can see, and I’m wondering a couple of things. First, how bad do you think it will get for us before the rapture (an educated guess, obviously) and second, do you have or know anyone who has recommendations for Christians to ride out these last days? I personally don’t feel any sense of panic, that the Lord will sustain us, and maybe that’s the whole point; that Christians will be an example of God’s provision even just before the rapture. What do you think?

Every picture of Jesus we see with long hair and beard. Was there any evidence found to this effect?

I have something of a personal issue – my history class is discussing the Crusades, and, naturally, the Catholics are being cast in a rather negative light. However, they are being labeled as Christians, which, while to us, would cause an issue, the non-Christians (or the uninformed) have no qualms about it.

To add to the issue, my teacher (who is Jewish, although to what degree of devoutness I’m not sure) tells the class that there were “only two branches of Christianity” back in those times, Catholic and Orthodox; thus, they should all be labeled as “Christians” as opposed to Catholics or Orthodox in particular.

So, my question is, how do I solve this problem without looking like I’m trying to convert the class? Due to the situation about the Catholics being so forward about their religion, it wouldn’t be a good time to come off as a pushy, self-righteous Christian.

Honestly, I grieve at the entire thing – what’s the solution?

Re: Body, Soul, and Spirit. Another excellent article. Profound. Raises a question for me though. I have a brother who is into contemplative prayer. I have warned him of the criticisms of the practice. I have sent him articles that Bob Dewaay has written, where he argues that intent is not an adequate reason for what he calls crossing the boundaries against divination found in the Bible. Your article makes me wonder if my brother may be more correct. He is seeking to silence the soul (which is still sinful) to make his spirit (which is united with the Holy Spirit) more dominant when he meditates.

What do you say about the contemplative movement?