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Old Testament Interpretation XXII

[posted 4/26/25]

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Question #1: 

Thanks Doc.

I'm doing well, l going through your writings and email exchanges, they really do keep me informed. Thanks for Hebrews, I will be checking it . You have done a massive work which has kept a lot of us busy even those you never heard from. I know when someone is teaching the language of ichthys though they don't show up but do it behind the scenes, well done!

On a side note, is the language of the book of Job in mentioning the beasts and the starry /constellation arrangements just imagery or real things and creatures are in picture here? Someone was showing me a lot of animals and dragons in a night sky to prove the pictures in the book of Job, and you know what! If you look intently in the sky, those pictures start to show! Very funny. But what is the purpose if true then? Job 9:9. Cults have taken it too far .

Yours in the Lord Jesus.

Response #1:

Good to hear back from you, my friend! And thanks for the update and report – very interesting.

As to the book of Job, it depends what passages you mean. Some constellations are mentioned, but which ones is a question of interpretation. In any case, we still today talk about Ursa Major and Minor without thinking they actually have anything to do with bears; it's just a descriptive name.

In terms of Leviathan and Behemoth, these represent crocodiles and hippopotamuses respectively; the language is poetic (the book of Job is mostly all poetry rather than prose although it reads like prose in most translations), and poetry makes use of imagery and figures of speech we don't use in prose. Here's one recent post where I explain some of that (at the link). So when Job talks of "smoke from the nostrils", in prose we would say "LIKE smoke", but in poetry there is "poetic license" (compare the description of our Lord by David in Psalm 18:8 ff.).

To your point, cults take everything too far – and make up whatever else they want to fulfill their diabolical purposes. It goes without saying that there is no basis whatever for astrology (see the link).

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #2:

Hi Robert,

What are your thoughts on Job? The book seems oddly placed and contains thoughts right from the start that are out of place.

Also the fact that Satan was allowed in among the Holy angels, which is not allowed anywhere else. And that God offers Job up (though he knew he wouldn't fail).

The book seems out of place.

Response #2:

A very important book! One really can't have the proper perspective on Christian suffering without reading and understanding Job.

I'll give you some links below.

In terms of "oddly placed", if you mean its order in the English Bible, that is based upon western tradition; in the Hebrew order (also a tradition) it follows Psalms (which follows Malachi). Because of the history of the ordering of the books, what I can say in a nutshell about that is that one can't draw any particularly helpful conclusions from the order.

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down."
Revelation 12:10 NIV

As is evident from the passage above and elsewhere in scripture, this statement about the devil's access to the third heaven is not at all unique to Job. That access will not be cut off until the above casting out of heaven takes place in the middle of the Tribulation. God has worked things out this way for a reason, namely, the prosecution of the "appeal" of Satan, so to speak, which human history constitutes (this is all detailed in the Satanic Rebellion series; see also the link: "The Accuser Thrown Down" in CT 4).

As is often the case in reading scripture and, even more to the point, interpreting scripture, the more one does and the deeper one gets, the more such difficulties resolve, and the principle that every word of scripture is important and jibes with every other becomes more and more clear. Yes, God knew that even Job had his breaking point, but he endured faithfully the loss of everything including his health. It was only the false accusations of his "friends" that eventually tripped him up. A good lesson there: we should care what God thinks; not what people say. Job was restored and lauded by the Lord in the end. We are blessed to have this book and if we remember its lessons, we will be less likely to immediately shout, "Why me?!" whenever trouble comes around.

Here are some links:

Land of Uz

Three questions about the book of Job

A problem verse in Job

Heavenly Fire in Job

Interpreting the Book of Job

The Book of Job and Christian Suffering

Authorship of Job

Cause of Job's sufferings

Job: time and place of writing

Leviathan in Job

in BB 7:  "Dates of Composition and Issues of Authorship"

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #3:

Hello Bob,

How are you carrying on this rather glum Sunday? I attended a church forum this morning at 9:00, an informational session about the presence of the Episcopal Church in Palestine. It’s part of a 6-Sunday offering. Then I attended the church service afterwards.

In my Bible study class, we were focusing on Zephaniah this past Thursday, and there is no question that I am the person least acquainted with the Bible. (Consequently, I think get more out of our sessions than anyone else who attends.) But I was struck by the graphics on the page—the fact that the verses seem to be in poetry—and are more lengthy than in other chapters of the Bible. I asked if there was a poetic form that my English translation was based on, and the leader didn’t know (and he’s quite knowledgeable and helpful usually—he prepares very carefully). So can you enlighten me if I’m reading a translation of verses in poetry? Is there a meter the ‘lines’ are based on? Is there a stanzaic template?)

My best,

Response #3:

As to Zephaniah, yes, it is poetry, as much (most) of Hebrew prophecy is. Hebrew poetry is different from the Classical Latin and English poetry with which you are familiar in that there is no recognized meter per se. There is a general AB AB or AB BA apposition of meaning and rough equivalence of length of cola, but despite massive efforts to codify this in the 19th century, we just have to accept that it's not as constrained as what we in Classics are familiar with. What is common is the use of different, more expressive and even archaic vocabulary, figures of speech and various other aspects of poetic diction, just as you would find in Latin or Greek. Cf. Zeph.1:8-10:

On the day of the LORD’s sacrifice
I will punish the officials and the king’s sons
and all those clad in foreign clothes.
On that day I will punish all who avoid stepping on the threshold,
who fill the temple of their gods with violence and deceit.
On that day,” declares the LORD, “a cry will go up from the Fish Gate,
wailing from the New Quarter,
and a loud crash from the hills.”

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #4:

Hello Dr. Luginbill

___ asked me a question that puzzled me. She had read her German Bible at least 30 times and she asked me this question this morning. In 1 Chronicles 10, in verse 4, it says Saul "fell on his sword" and died. Is this not suicide?

Then in 1 Chronicles 10, verses 13-14, especially in Verse 14, it says: "and did not inquire of the LORD. Therefore He [God?] killed him".

This seems to be a contradiction, but I know it is not. But can you please explain this.

Thanks always for your superior help, prayers, and support.

Your friend,

Response #4:

No problem, my friend. Scripture often describes the true motive force behind some act as the cause, even if indirect means are used. Saul only "fell on his sword" because he was in a hopeless situation, a situation for which he was responsible but which God brought about, resulting in his death.

Here's a very similar parallel:

And [David] wrote in the letter, saying, “Set Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retreat from him, that he may be struck down and die.” So it was, while Joab besieged the city, that he assigned Uriah to a place where he knew there were valiant men. Then the men of the city came out and fought with Joab. And some of the people of the servants of David fell; and Uriah the Hittite died also.
2nd Samuel 11:15-17 NKJV

So the Ammonites killed Uriah – but David was responsible.

"Why have you despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in His sight? You have killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword; you have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the people of Ammon."
2nd Samuel 12:9 NKJV

"You killed" and "with the sword of the people of Ammon". So we could say that the Lord killed Saul . . . with his own sword by his own hand.

It is a comfort to know that the Lord knows the exact motives of all and the ultimate responsibility for all acts in this world – as only a perfect Judge could. We will always get justice from Him. Best to stay on the good side of that perfect judgment.

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God.
1st Corinthians 4:5 NKJV

See the link: in Hebrews chapter 4, "The Judge of our Hearts' Thoughts and Intents"

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #5:

[question about 2nd Samuel materials]

Response #5:

I've never covered 2nd Samuel as a book, but here are some links which might be helpful (and there is more than a better chance that the topics which come up in these chapters might be discussed somewhere at Ichthys):

David as role model for believers today

Chronology of David's reign

David's divine discipline for murdering Uriah

David's time in the wilderness as a Tribulation analogy

David as paradigm for us

Was David son number seven or eight?

David unappreciated by his family in his youth

David's lying

David (in Hebrews chapter 11)

Hope this helps!

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #6:

Good morning brother. I was in a discussion with a dear friend, and we talked a bit about deception and illusion of satan. What are your thoughts on 1 Samuel 28 and the witch of Endor?

I hope this message finds you well.

Response #6:

Good to hear from you, my friend.

The devil does of course engage in all manner of deceptions, and in the near future these will be so impressive that they would "deceive even the elect – if that were possible (it is not)" (Matt.24:24; Mk.13:22; cf. Rev.13:14; 16:14; 19:20). But that was not what was going on at Endor.

Long story short, the appearance of Samuel to Saul at Endor was not a deception – which explains why the medium was so shocked. For the first time in her experience, God actually caused someone – Samuel – to appear. This miracle was specifically to reprove Saul in an exceptional way (such a thing had never happened before and it's never happened since).

For the details, please have a look at the following links:

Yes, it was Samuel in 1st Samuel 28

Was Saul saved? Samuel and the Witch of Endor

The Witch of Endor and the Spirit of Samuel

Spiritual Warfare II (the witch of Endor)

Eternal Security and Perseverance (the case of Saul)

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #7:

Good morning sir.

A friend and I are going through II Samuel and there is a difference between my (NASB) and his (NKJV) translations. In II Samuel 12:31 and also in the parallel 1 Chronicles 20:3, my version reads as though David either tortures or puts to death the Ammonites from the captured Rabbah, and his reads quite plainly in both verses that they were put to forced labor. My limited research is inconclusive at this time.

Could you please clear this up, if there may be one translation that is more accurate in this account?

Thanks very much,

Response #7:

The key parts of the two verses are virtually identical in the Hebrew with the exception of the main verb which, in the Masoretic text, is sur in 1st Chronicles 20:3 and sum in 2nd Samuel 12:31. In other words, it's the difference of a single letter, whether the correct reading is the verb ending in resh ('r') or samech ('s'). In the old Hebrew script, moreover, these letters can potentially be confused (if the stem of the resh were obscured or smudged it could look like a samech and if there were a smudge or fiber on the samech it could look like a resh). There are other reasons for potential transcription error here too, so I don't think we can make a safe guess based upon the orthography.

In terms of meaning, this also could go either way. On the one hand, the Israelites were told to completely obliterate the peoples living in Canaan so that a partial elimination of the population of a hostile neighbor might seem likely. So that if it were really "put to work with" rather than "cut with", the sense might have tricked the scribe into seeing it the latter way. On the other hand, it is also possible that if the correct answer were "cut", the one doing the copying might not have thought of things that way and "put [to work]" might have occurred to him as right so that he missed the correct spelling.

The "brick-making" part of the translation in 2nd Samuel 12:31 is another issue (KJV: "and made them pass through the brick-kiln"). This could also go either way if the malbeyn is a place where the executions could have taken place rather than a work place. There is good reason to suppose (in analyzing the form and comparing ancient translations) that "set them to brick-making" rather than, "made them pass through the brick-kiln" is more likely correct.

However, we may compare what David did do to the Moabites after defeating them:

David also defeated the Moabites. He made them lie down on the ground and measured them off with a length of cord. Every two lengths of them were put to death, and the third length was allowed to live. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute.
2nd Samuel 2:8 NIV

I am of the opinion that "put to work" with these instruments is the correct reading here, because if David was intent on eliminating some of the population, he would have done so with the sword, most likely, not with "saws, picks and axes". Although it is true that it's hard to see how exactly these tools would have been useful in that particular occupation.

Hope this helps. I'm not prepared to be dogmatic either way. The books of Samuel, I might add, are the mostly "textually challenged" in the entire Old Testament – meaning that they have more issues which are the result of ancient errors in transcription than any other books. We can usually figure them out with confidence. Here what we can say is that David made the Ammonites pay a steep price for their disgracing of his ambassadors and for their calling in of all those Aramaic mercenaries, whether that price included executions or forced labor. And that everything we have in scripture suggests that this penalty was appropriate (whatever it was specifically).

Good bibliography on this subject: S.R. Driver, Notes on the Hebrew text of the books of Samuel (available on Internet Archive).

Finally, it's good to notice that even in these very few cases where the exact interpretation of a passage of scripture is at issue, 1) the difference is not earthshaking; 2) with proper application of scholarly methodology a good solution can almost always be found; 3) compared to any other text from the ancient world, scripture is the "cleanest" – so that these occasional "problems" really only go a long way toward proving the Bible's essential accuracy.

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #8:

Thank you. Your point about David likely using the sword if he were to execute the people makes perfect sense. And there is certainly precedent for the Israelites subjecting their neighbors to forced labor.

Response #8:

Good point about the forced labor, even with the Canaanites who survived within the borders of Israel (Josh.17:13).

Question #9:

Hi Bob,

You know my engineer brain and its pros and cons. Pro: I'm organized, and know (or at least think I know...) where every piece goes and why. Con: organization and categorization can lead to rigidity and inflexibility, and sometimes that is very bad indeed.

I got on this whole kick when having a conversation about the very thing you mention: we only have so much bandwidth to spend, so where best to spend it? Some things are easy (like suggesting someone read from multiple sections at once so as not to get bogged down for weeks in Leviticus and Numbers, say---and also suggesting that folks hit the New Testament harder than historical books in the Old Testament, since we have the full truth now, not only shadows). But past giving the generalities, it really got me thinking as well.

One other point I'd probably mention having now thought a bit more is the idea of seeking out specific guidance from the Bible when it fits. For example, dealing with suffering? Read Job. Feeling anxious? Read Matthew 6. And so on. That sort of thing needn't be avoided in order to rigidly "follow a plan" in procrustean manner.

Nonetheless, habits only become habits by intentionality, and hence the present topic. Having a format and structure "most of the time" helps one do it consistently, and that is the true key, after all.

Question 1)

What I'm trying to get a feel for is why we might want to focus on some books more than others. So, for example, when you mention spending a lot of time on the Psalms and it being important, what is behind that statement in your experience?

I'm not trying to be overly fastidious here, I'm just legitimately curious as to how one goes about deciding such things (even for oneself, personally), since when the point came up for me, aside from the above recommendation towards reading the NT more frequently overall than the OT due to the relatively clearer revelation that we benefit from having after the incarnation, I was not able to particularly clearly articulate further reasons for any preference at all, despite knowing that it is probably wise not to be completely equal in one's attentions. I suppose I also said the NT Epistles are worthy of special focus due to the concentration of teaching that narrative parts of the Bible lack in a relative sense, and agree with that general sort of reasoning as well.

Question 2)

Let's ignore relative ranking and whatnot for a moment. All books of the Bible are important, obviously. But they are important in different ways. With historical narrative, one sort of sees its purpose and utility from the outset. And prophecy too is similar in that regard of its shared characteristic being more immediately evident from the outset, and the utility derived from it.

But what do you think the specific importance of these following books are? What is the telos of them, so to speak---that which makes them individually shine?

2.1) Job
2.2) Psalms
2.3) Proverbs
2.4) Ecclesiastes
2.5) Song of Solomon

I'm not looking for an essay on each or anything, just a clear picture of how these individual books in the Writings section of the Old Testament help contribute to our store of truth in our hearts, and through what means.

I hope you don't mind me going another round on this. I find it very interesting.

Your friend in Christ,

Response #9:

Sounds reasonable.

Why is Psalms important? There is a reason why people who have not committed any other scriptures to memory probably know a psalm or two by heart. There is a reason why the Gideon small handout Bible has the complete NT but of the OT, only the book of Psalms. Psalms is quoted in the NT more than any other OT book for a reason. It has the greatest concentration of inspirational material, prophecy and I would say even doctrinal principles of any other book in the OT, possibly even in the Bible. Also, since it is poetry and prophecy, it is on the one hand exceptionally beautiful, and on the other it is not so easy to understand and interpret.

The combination of it being such a huge treasury of knowledge and encouragement beautifully expressed while at the same time being difficult to master makes spending more time on it than on other books a "no-brainer" in my book. So re: "For example, dealing with suffering? Read Job. Feeling anxious? Read Matthew 6. And so on." Or read Psalms, for these and almost any other reason you'd be reading the Bible.

On ranking these five, I'd put Psalms first, the other top four on a par, and Song last of the five; it is also beautiful but its doctrinal application is focused on the analogy of Christ and the Church alone (important, but easy enough to understand).

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #10:

Hello Dr. Luginbill,

I just have a request on Psalm 82.

The "Name it and Claim it" people claim to be gods; I even heard one say that because God says He is "I Am", so I am also. Blasphemy, if I ever heard it.

They don't understand the real meaning of when God made mankind in His own image and likeness, they take it to an unimaginable level, as they do when they want to deceive the people.

Would you give me an explanation of Psalm 82 verse 6, and any other verses in the Psalm.

Thanks so much,

Blessings to you, and may His grace abound in you.

Your friend,

Response #10:

Our Lord quotes this verse, Psalm 82:6, as well:

Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods” ’? If He called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’?"
John 10:34-36 NKJV

The word "God" in Hebrew is usually 'elohiym, which is a plural of the word 'el. It means "mighty one", and the plural, when referring to THE God is usually a plural of majesty (although in Genesis chapter one it is a true plural, distinguished by the 1st person pronoun, "Let Us make man . . .").

What makes for "might"? As Jesus tells us above, it is the Word of God, for the Word Himself created everything in an instant with His Word. And all who have received the Word are empowered thereby and to that degree are acting for Him as His representatives, none more so than the Word of God Himself, the Son, Jesus Christ.

"Mighty men" in scripture are often those who are leaders or rulers and that is the case in Psalm 82. Here the rulers are ruling as God's surrogates and regents on the earth – for all authority comes from Him (Rom.13:1ff.). And as such they are given instructions by Him here on how to rule correctly. But if they refuse, they will "die as mere men" (Ps.82:7).

There is no greater power than the truth, and all who respond to the truth and live and act by that truth, whether as rulers operating under the truth of natural revelation or believers walking according the deeper truth that is only revealed by the Spirit, are "mighty" in that regard.

But there's nothing here to suggest that any human being has any sort of Mormon-esque claim on deity. That dangerous fantasy at best, outright heresy at worst. You are right, this is a new key claim of the dominionist movement as well, I believe. Hard to keep up with all the heresies these days. But if we read our Bibles, access good teaching, listen to and walk by the Spirit, we don't need to.

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #11:

Doc, I need to know, what does it mean to "cast your worries on the Lord?" This saying is what's often referred to when people say to "give the fear/trouble to God". The common idea is praying to Him and deciding to trust Him with whatever happens, or that He'll deliver you from the fear of whatever it is, knowing He works out everything for good. I have to ask, is there more to the verse?

Response #11:

This is a quote from Psalm 55:22, and the second half of the verse gives the reason/rational: we don't have to worry about anything . . . [because] "he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken" (NIV). Peter also quotes this verse and interprets the reason/rational a bit differently: "because he cares for you" (1Pet.5:7 NIV).

Re: "I have to ask, is there more to the verse?" Here's what I say about this in Peter #37 (at the link):

Rather than quote the psalm directly, Peter recalls this famous verse in order to bring to his readers' remembrance the truth that whatever cares and concerns we have in this life, the proper procedure is not to attempt to solve them with purely human efforts, but instead to trust the Lord to solve them for us. David's words of encouragement come in the context of his own life experience when calling to the Lord for help in the midst of serious attacks launched against him by ruthless enemies. Even in such circumstances, as David assures us in the Spirit, the Lord sustains the righteous: if we trust in Him, He will bring us through. The Lord will "never allow" those who belong to Him to be undone by the assaults and machinations of evil men. If only we trust in Him, we will be brought safely through the storm, even if the Lord has to split an entire sea for us to do so.

Peter makes this blessed assurance even more personal by explaining our Lord Jesus Christ's motivation in saving and delivering those who belong to Him: "He cares" about us. What greater thing can be imagined than that the Lord of the universe, the One who created all things (Jn.1:3; 1:10; 1Cor.8:6), the One who holds together everything by His Word of power (Heb.1:3; cf. Col.1:15-17), is concerned for us and our well being? This is truly blessed to consider – and absolutely critical to remember. It is all too easy for believers in trouble to fall into despair, to imagine that the Lord has forsaken them, forgotten about them, doesn't actually care for them. But the truth is far otherwise. He has never forgotten or forsaken those for whom He died. We belong to Jesus Christ. We are His Body, His Bride, His Church. He always has and He always will "care for us".

"Can a woman forget her nursing child,
And not have compassion on the son of her womb?
Surely they may forget,
Yet I will not forget you."
Isaiah 49:15 NKJV

In our context, this encouraging command, to let go of all our worries and concerns and anxieties, handing them over to Jesus Christ, trusting Him to take care of them in His own perfect way, has a special application to the young men who are becoming impatient. Our Lord is telling them through Peter to be patient and to trust the Lord. Wanting to be put into service for the Lord is just one of many concerns and godly desires believers have in this world. We are all most always waiting on the Lord for something or other, it seems. That is indeed a key part of the Christian life. That is indeed an integral part of the testing we receive, given to us with the loving purpose of building up our faith, helping us to learn to trust our Lord better, strengthening our faith, focusing our hope, and, if we do respond correctly, intensifying our love for Him. This is the "rest of faith" Paul speaks about in Hebrews (Heb.4:1-10). This is the Church Age fulfillment of the fourth commandment, whereby we learn to rest in Him at all times, not just one day a week, recognizing that whatever we do in the Spirit, it is actually the Lord who is "doing it", not us. This is the "perfect" or, more accurately, the "double peace" that is the portion of all believers who learn to trust the Lord in trouble and truly cast our cares and anxieties upon Him in full confidence that He will deliver us (Is.26:3).

Trusting the Lord, letting Him bear our burdens (Ps.68:19) and take on all our cares and concerns, does not mean, of course, that as we wait we do nothing at all; it means rather that we do everything it is reasonable to do to further the deliverance we seek, even as we have no illusions about the fact that He is the One who is going to bring that deliverance about. In practical terms in our context, these young men should, instead of angling for a position, trust the Lord to open up just the right opportunity at just the right time, even as they continue to prepare for that opportunity with all their might.

(3) And not only this, but let us glory in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces patience, (4) and patience produces proven character, and proven character produces hope – (5) and this hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit given to us.
Romans 5:3-5

(7) Therefore subordinate yourselves to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (8) Get closer to God, and He will get closer to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and sanctify your hearts, you double-minded. (9) Lament and grieve and mourn. Let your laughter turn to grief, and your joy to humiliation. (10) Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.
James 4:4-10

Have a happy Thanksgiving!

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #12:

Hello Dr. Luginbill--I hope you are okay after Helene came through.

You wrote this stuff to me almost 6 years ago, about Joseph Smith's execrable Mormon "translation" of Genesis 1. It centered on the word "bereshith". Smith had "berosheit" which you said was wrong, as there is no "o" sound in that word. You wrote that the rest of the "translation" was nonsense not worth going into. But you also wrote:

"Also, there is no textual evidence whatsoever for not having be- here." I am not sure what you meant here, unless you mistyped and meant "re" instead of "be." So, could you please elucidate for me?

I know what Smith wrote is nonsense, but I would appreciate it, if you would comment on what Smith wrote about Gen. 1:1. Here it is again:

" I shall comment on the very first Hebrew word in the Bible; I will make a comment on the very first sentence of the history of creation in the Bible—Berosheit. I want to analyze the word. Baith—in, by, through, and everything else. Roch—the head, Sheit—grammatical termination. When the inspired man wrote it, he did not put the baith there. An old Jew without any authority added the word; he thought it too bad to begin to talk about the head! It read first, "The head one of the Gods brought forth the Gods." That is the true meaning of the words. Baurau signifies to bring forth. If you do not believe it, you do not believe the learned man of God. Learned men can teach you no more than what I have told you. Thus the head God brought forth the Gods in the grand council."

Anyway, I would appreciate you expertise on the way Smith "translated" this. I mean, what about his analysis of what the words mean?

Thanks and take care.

Response #12:

Doing well here, thanks!

When S. wrote, "When the inspired man wrote it, he did not put the baith there. An old Jew without any authority added the word; he thought it too bad to begin to talk about the head!", he was justifying his mutilation of the text, removing the preposition be- (which for some unknown reason apart from his own ignorance he calls 'baith'). Taking out this preposition, meaning here "in", makes all manner of false translation and interpretation possible (e.g., there is a very great difference between "I am in trouble" and "I am trouble").

The "first word" in scripture is actually be-, but it is part of a prepositional phrase with reshith, and together means "first" (or, less accurately since there is no "the", "in the beginning").

So when I say there is no textual evidence for casting out the be- as S. does, it is to affirm that there is no basis for him doing so. There are plenty of "little words" (like "the" and "not") whose excision will make a great deal of difference as is the case here. But there is no basis for doing so – except to fit one's own perverse "theology".

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #13:

Hi--Thanks. So, there is no scriptural copy basis for the "the head of the gods" being in there...correct?

Response #13:

That's right.

The word reshith, meaning "first" derives from the word rosh, which does mean "head", but they are different words. Just because the word "disaster" comes from the word for "star" doesn't mean we can substitute the word "star" for the word "disaster" because we want to.

And while the word "God" does occur in Genesis 1:1, it's the subject of the sentence and not connected to this prepositional phrase (they are not even placed together which would be necessary for a Hebrew construct / genitive as S. seems to want).

No one with one semester of BH would fail to recognize this confusion for what it is.

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #14:

Hello Dr Bob,

I'm trying to figure out why God told Abraham that his descendants would be afflicted and be aliens four hundred years by (Egypt).

Gen 15:10-17, when God was confirming His covenant with Abraham, there's a report in English bibles on verse 10 which says, " but/however, Abraham did not cut the birds in two, i.e severing them as he did on animals, Cf Numbers 1:14, does the " not cutting the birds in two" which was not the right procedure of bird offering, bring about Abraham's descendants future suffering in another nation?

Also in verse 16, " because the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete ( come to the full)??

In short, was the then future affliction of Israel God's own divine plan or it was caused?

In the mighty name of our savior Jesus Christ, Who sees us through all afflictions,

Response #14:

Good to hear from you, my friend.

The Bible is almost entirely silent on what went on in Egypt between Jacob and his family coming down there and the story of Moses, but there is no indication of anything done wrong by the Israelites to merit four hundred years of affliction there. Sometimes suffering is for cause (as in David's punishment of 14 years of trouble for what he did with Uriah and Bathsheba), but sometimes it is for blessing and God's higher purpose (we may think of Joseph and also Job). The same is true of Christian suffering today. Not every Christian who is suffering is being disciplined. And even in cases of the latter, once we confess, the suffering serves the purpose of blessing.

We can observe that the time period served to produce a very large group of people who were of a magnitude to be able to enter into the land and not be swallowed up by the great numbers of its inhabitants, so this was doubtless part of God's purpose in preparing His special people. Suffering is also a preparation . . . for us today too, if we handle it correctly, trusting the Lord more than anything we see or hear or experience.

In terms of the sacrifices, I don't see anything therein that has any bearing on the above. All animal sacrifices enjoined by God have to do with foreshadowing the cross. So that we can say that God brought the Israelites through the darkness, providing the light to bring them through, through the coming sacrifice of the cross.

In terms of the Amorites, I would take this as along the lines of the above, that is to say that God was allowing a period of respite for the godless inhabitants of the land before His people would come to dispossess them . . . as in the manner of the respite given to the godless before the flood:

And the LORD said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.”
Genesis 6:3 NKJV

Our God is a merciful God, after all, who wants "all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1Tim.2:4).

We do, however, find this in scripture:

"Did you offer Me slaughtered animals and sacrifices during forty years in the wilderness,
O house of Israel?
You also took up the tabernacle of Moloch,
And the star of your god Remphan,
Images which you made to worship"
Acts 7:42b-43a [quoting Amos 5:25-27]

This is referencing the behavior of the faithless generation of the exodus during the 40 years following their departure from Egypt – but they must have gotten those pagan practices from somewhere, and assuming that they were involved with them in Egypt is a reasonable assumption. Moses had his hands full with these people for a reason.

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #15:

Good morning Bob.

Psalm 51 came to mind this morning. I have memorized a section(v10-13) and pray it often. I know Davids relationship with G-d was of the heart. Nathan rebuked him about Bathsheeba and Uriah, so...psalm 51v11. ..'or take Your Holy Spirit from me...'

Did David have a relationship with G-d as we do (we, because of Jesus)?

As always I hope this message finds you well.

Response #15:

Salvation in the Old Testament was the same as it is today: putting trust in the Lord and His truth.

And [Abraham] believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.
Genesis 15:6 NKJV

Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.
Romans 4:16 NKJV

Granted, they had less and less clear information about the Messiah before the fact than we do after, but they like we knew they needed to be saved and they like we trusted in God to provide that salvation.

Here's a link on that:  The Gospel before the Cross (in BB 4B)

In terms of the Spirit, He helped to and with the truth any and all who were willing as He does today, but He did not continually indwell all believers, and we know that He did leave Saul (1Sam.16:14). Our Lord Himself explains the difference:

“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.
John 14:16-17 NKJV

Much more on all this in BB 5: Pneumatology: the Study of the Holy Spirit

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #16:

Good morning Bob.

Thank you for sharing these insights, and the time you take to help all. I'm grateful you are in my life time here. I didn't know until recently that you had also served our country in the military. I thank (as well) you for your service. Your commitments have done for many what cannot be summed up simply.
Gratefully,

Response #16:

Thank you!

Greatly appreciated, my friend.

Happy 11/11 to you too.

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #17:

Dear Teacher,

How have you recovered so far? Are you still feeling tired? We are praying for you all here.

Thank you very much, Sir, for continuing to persevere in prayers for us. It is always comforting to remember.

[omitted]

I have a question today: Did the snake in the Garden have legs?

I figured that God's curse on Satan may have applied in a literal and physical sense to the snake that he possessed (cursing by association), but why should we suppose that to be the case? I don't recall you talking about this anywhere on the website and I couldn't find it when I did a brief search.

Always praying for you here, Sir

Your student in Jesus,

Response #17:

I'm doing much better. So thanks for those prayers too.

I'm continuing to pray for you all. In terms of jobs, I wouldn't waste any time or energy worrying about the past. Whatever happened, we "are where we are" and it is from that place that we "fight the fight" the Lord has given us to fight today. You have a lot of friends praying for you. I'm confident that the Lord will guide you into just the right path – whatever that path may be. I pray for you on that daily as well, my friend.

Re: your question, I think it's more than likely that it did. If I've never said this, it's because the Bible doesn't say it, but it's a logical thing to suppose. The crawling and the eating dust are literal, and that expresses a situation which must be different from what went before.

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #18:

Hello Dr. Luginbill,

Well, __ had some difficulty with the bronze snake in Numbers 21:9. I tried my best to explain it, as I told her that this was indeed a foreshadow of the death of Jesus on the Cross.

But, she would like to know why this was written like it is?

Looking for your help.

Blessings to you,

P.S. Your teaching on Revelation chapter 1 is so valuable to a believer, and I hope to get an opportunity to teach it to others, and there are many who are not aware nor study this book.

Magnificent Word that the LORD has given you to write.

It is yet again, so amazing and easy to understand.

I am always amazed while studying your teachings, and I still have many to look into, but I am currently studying the Eschatology of the end times.

Thanks always for your great advice.

Your friend,

Response #18:

The best commentary on this comes from our Lord:

“No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:13-15 NKJV

Compare this with Genesis 3:15b, "He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel". The pole and the cross are analogous (many have been crucified without a cross, just with a pole), and the serpent, being a punishment for sin in this instance you ask about is thus a clear symbol of sin being atoned for through it being "lifted up" and set upon the Substitute, foreshadowing our Lord's spiritual death on the cross.

Here's something I wrote previously (OT Interp. II at the link):

As to your first question, my understanding of this is that the pole represents the cross and that the serpent represents the collective sin of mankind (which came about originally via the deception of the serpent, really the one possessing him, the "serpent" Satan). So the symbolism would be of God providing a means to be forgiven (looking at the symbol He provides representing having faith in the One He provides and His work – Jesus Christ), and that means His bearing of all sin (represented by the bronze serpent) on the cross (represented by the pole).

Bronze always speaks of judgment (cf. the brazen altar where the sacrifices were immolated), so that is an additional factor here. So someone who has a fatal problem (representing all human beings who are mortal and sinful and have no way to be saved without God's gracious intervention), looks to God for the solution (viewing the bronze symbol representing faith), and is healed (saved from sin), through responding to and accepting the substitute God has provided (representing Christ being judged for us all and bearing all of the sins of the world).

Thanks for the encouraging words, my friend!

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #19:

I'm studying the 10 commandments. I have a question. Can you please explain to me about the 9th commandment "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor."

Thank you.

Response #19:

Good to hear from you!

The 9th commandment is a prohibition against giving false testimony in a court of law, lying "under oath" or perjury (as we call it in this country).

This is an important requirement for any society in order for people to be free to seek God without having that freedom taken away through malicious lying. We see an extreme example of that in the case of Jezebel suborning false testimony against an innocent man in order to illegally appropriate his property (1Ki.21:1-15).

Along with the 6th, 7th, 8th and 10th commandments, the 9th is part of the set of commandments that require us to act in holiness towards others, respecting their freedom and rights so that they, like we, can be free to seek the Lord without having that freedom seriously infringed upon (Acts 17:26-27).

Here's a link at my website that gives a few more details: "The Ten Commandments"

Please say hello to your mom and dad for me.

In Jesus,

Bob Luginbill

Question #20:

Hi Bob, thank you for your email.

That was really helpful!

I went to your link and I was reading about the Mosaic law. Can you please explain the Mosaic law in simple terms?

Response #20:

You're most welcome.

"Can you please explain the Mosaic law in simple terms?" Hah! I have always had a hard time writing anything short and simple. The same with my teaching. Just ask any of my Greek or Latin students, LOL.

I guess I would say that by the term "Mosaic Law" the first five books of the Bible are usually meant (since Moses wrote them). Generally speaking this term is referring to the rules and regulations those first five books contain, the ten commandments being the essence of the Law for reasons explained at the link. If one really wanted to boil down the Law to its true essentials, one could do no better that what our Lord Jesus Christ tells us:

(35) One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: (36) "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" (37) Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' (38) This is the first and greatest commandment. (39) And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' (40) All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
Matthew 22:35-40 NIV

As to what it all means, I'd have to give you the (very) long version. I'm in the process of writing that up right now, as a matter of fact, as part of chapter seven in the Hebrews series I'm presently working on [now posted at the link: "The Mosaic Law"]. Expect this to show up on the website in another four to six weeks or so.

Meanwhile, I'm happy to answer any of your specific questions.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
p.s., best to your mom and dad too!

Question #21:

Hello professor Luginbill,

How are you doing? How is the future for you?

I was reading that place in Genesis where the Lord told Noah about bringing into the ark the clean and unclean animals. And I am confused on something regarding the classification of clean and unclean (both animals and anything else). Was it the same as in the Mosaic law? Because there is a verse in the NT where it says "touch no unclean thing and I will receive you." And this (last mentioned) verse confused me because it seemed to direct the reader to learn about clean and unclean in the Mosaic law and follow that part of it (confusion for me here). But if it existed in Noah's time...Can you clarify? (Does that make sense? If I am too confusing let me know and I will try to make it more clear and concise).

Well __ and I had Christmas dinner at __. And __ told me that I am like family now. And you must understand, after hearing 10+ people say that and then not actually be your family (choosing not to be) I don't want to pretend to be all happy because they never mean it. And I asked___ about it later. And I told her that you should let your yes be yes and no be no. And she said I was oversensitive (she didn't mean it in a bad way just that with my background...). But the thing is that you really hurt people when they rely on you and you reject them. I do think it is evil to do that to someone. Here let me combine this with one more thing...

I had dinner with a coworker and she of her own accord said that she would help me if something went wrong. Please keep in mind I am not the kind of person to casually ask for money. But thinking someone will be there even if I never have to ask for help, it really helps. But my reaction to her after so many people lying is to not be open and trust. Though I did verbally thank her (and I meant it). But that is why it is evil I think for someone like ___ and everyone else who has done this to me to say that we are family and then reject me (not that __ has rejected me yet, I have not tried)! Because you can really make it so a person is so broken they literally cannot open up and trust.

Am I wrong? I don't know. __ was also honest and told me that she can't say if she would have helped me previously if I had asked and I appreciate the honesty.

I hate going on and on about the relationships thing. But I never learned how they work. And I am trying to survive. And it seems there is overlap between our Christian duty and relationships, and I just feel stuck trying to figure out the 2 + 2 = 4. But if you are frustrated please ignore it. I think the Lord takes into account that I don't know and adjusts accordingly and I'd hate to burden or wear you out.

Anyway! Herodotus has a good author's voice doesn't he?

I mean it is interesting in my mind because Xenophon seems to be a very good speaker in his speeches in his writing, and the story is really good, his author's voice doesn't stand out to me like Herodotus' does. I just supposed the speaking ability would translate to that, but then there are good speakers that aren't great writers (not that Xenophon is a bad writer).

Response #21:

On the "clean/unclean", this distinction has to do with blood sacrifice to the Lord, a ritual which predates the Mosaic Law. As early as Abel, believers were sacrificing to the Lord in knowledge of the significance of the ritual; whereas there was also such a thing as an unacceptable sacrifice (like the one Cain presented). We see that after leaving the ark, Noah made offerings from "the clean animals" only (Gen.8:20). As to why these categories exist, that is for symbolic reasons with the clean being acceptable (as Christ was acceptable) and the unclean being unacceptable (as we are unacceptable and so need a Savior).

On relationships, I think you are very wise to be reluctant to trust people. In my experience and observation, very few are worthy of trust, and it can take a long time to be sure of who is and who is not. Also, people are people, and no person is perfect. Blessedly, we have Jesus Christ, and He is absolutely faithful to us, has always been, and could never be otherwise. So the wise thing to do is to cultivate our relationship with Him first and foremost. If He gives us a relationship, we can be sure it is for the good (even though no human relationship can be perfect in this world); but anything we force is going to be problematic.

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
So we may boldly say:
“The LORD is my helper;
I will not fear.
What can man do to me?”
Hebrews 13:5-6 NKJV

I agree with you about Xenophon: the speeches he gave were brilliant and usually needfully so because his life and success and that of those he was concerned for frequently depended upon them. In that regard they are better than his other prose, I would agree.

In Jesus,

Bob L.

p.s., re: "future", eternally looking good; down here, only God knows.

Question #22:

Yes our relationship with Him is the main thing.

On the clean/unclean: what is Scripture telling us to do in 2 Cor 6:17 ("touch no unclean thing"). Is it expecting us to learn what the Mosaic law considers unclean?

Is the classification of clean/unclean animals the same per the Mosaic law and what Noah understood? (I mean I am supposing it didn't change).

Please take care of yourself.

Response #22:

Paul is doing what we all should do, namely, using the Law in its underlying spiritual sense wherein resides its true and most powerful meaning. In the context of 2nd Corinthians chapter six, Paul is encouraging holiness by separating from worldly influence, unwise associations with unbelievers in particular which were tempting the Corinthians into sin. So the "unclean thing" has nothing to do with food but everything to do with ungodly people and things – from which we should separate regardless of the Law.

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #23:

Hi Mr. Luginbill,

Thinking about testing recently - the Bible study group I attend is going through Genesis and we were on the chapter where Abraham is going to sacrifice Isaac. I'll spare you the discussion, but the sentiment was "why does God test us if He knows the outcome?"

I assume the answer is, so we can demonstrate our faithfulness (like Abraham did). And God blessed Abraham because of his faith and willingness to sacrifice Isaac. Trials are to grow our faith and validate our love for God (right?). And to let God show Himself powerful in our lives too.

Then the question was, "would God have given Abraham that test if he was going to fail it?" I think "yes" since God gives people tests and sometimes we do fail them (since we didn't trust God), but then again, it was a picture of Jesus and God was working it all into His plan. So is it a waste of time to even ask that question?

Also, Abraham had much more faith than I do and since God tests us only according to what we can handle, it was totally ok for God to test Abraham in that way and even loving, since God only acts in love. God wouldn't have asked a new believer to pass a test like that.

Oh, and did the Old Testament believers know about the Trinity? Part of me thinks "yes", thinking about Genesis and where God says, "Let Us make mankind in Our Image". And they were waiting for Jesus to come (did they understand that Jesus was going to be an actual man as well as God)? It's hard for me to understand what the Jews did know prior to Christ and what I take for granted about God since I live after Jesus came to this world and died for us.

On another note, I'm struggling with the whole "going to church" thing in the cultural way that we know it, since it's getting hard for me to sit through all the unnecessary. That sounds rude when I say it like that. It's good to be reminded of things and of course, when you read the Bible, that's good. It's just that I can't totally "get on the train" when it comes to all the church activities and I don't want to sit through things that are questionable or the Truth is misrepresented or people are just saying things and I don't know exactly what to accept and what to throw out.

I know these people and I know they are believers that love the Lord. And I know we live in a time of apathy - that's the way it is (I just don't like it and I know we're lacking). It's just that you can only have mutual encouragement in the Lord to the extent that you all know what the Bible actually says. I want to have friends (and I do have them) but I want to all agree and seek the Bible (and not just guess). Not that I am involved in places that are totally off, either....it's just that you need to trust what people (especially pastors) say about the Bible and when you can't, then that isn't good for the people who don't know much about God. I can't say all that I want to say with most people, since they wouldn't understand and/or think I was "messed up". Not that God wants me to say all of it.

The options are: Keep going to church/Bible studies. They aren't "hurting" me and they aren't particularly "helping" me, except when they remind me of something important or when I read Scripture. It's all the other "talking" that's usually pretty basic or even slightly off, etc.

Or stop going to church (as in attending a physical building on Sundays and Wednesdays). I could just get together with the couple people I know, outside of church, and let the rest of the casual relationships just end. Although people might worry about my spiritual state (haha).

I should stop now. :) Thank you for listening.

Response #23:

Re: "so we can demonstrate our faithfulness". Exactly. And think how many believers over the centuries have been encouraged by Abraham's example. As to the premise of the "why?", one might as well ask why God does anything, why we are here at all, why there needs to be "life": why not just start with heaven? The answer is exactly along the lines of what you see so clearly: we can't be "who we are" without free will, and to have that, there had to be a choice (which explains the entirety of the Satanic rebellion and human history in a nutshell, the "solution" being Jesus Christ).

Re: "according to what we can handle". Exactly.

You have not suffered any testing beyond normal human [experience]. And God is faithful. He will not allow you to be tested beyond your capacity, but, along with the test, He will grant you the way out, so that you can bear up under it.
1st Corinthians 10:13

The Trinity is definitely present in the Old Testament. E.g.,

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness . . . "
Genesis 1:26a NIV

But it was not, it could not, be made crystal clear until the incarnation of our Lord. In the Old Testament, Jesus was always the "face of God", often appearing as THE Angel of God, but until He took on human form in addition to His deity, it was God's will for these truths to be hidden so as to stress and teach the oneness of God in a world where paganism ruled. See the link: The Trinity in the Old Testament (in BB 1).

Re: "It's hard for me to understand what the Jews did know prior to Christ". That is understandable. Just as there are a lot of things we don't know about heaven and eternity, yet we trust the Lord that it will be wonderful in every way, so before the incarnation believers did not have the clear picture that we have today of the Messiah as a man as well as God, as having to suffer as well as being the glorious King (even though they did have much in scripture such as Psalm 22 and Isaiah chapter 53, e.g.).

Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
1st Peter 1:10-12 NIV

Re: "I'm struggling with the whole "going to church" thing". When a believer grows to a certain point of maturity, "childish things" become more and more difficult to tolerate. And things which are downright wrong or incorrect become more and more difficult to stomach. So take this as a clear sign of your spiritual growth, namely, not being willing to pretend that things which are not helpful are necessary.

What you do with that information is between you and the Lord. Many who have gotten to this point through growing via Ichthys or Bible Academy [link] or other such ministries have left off going to places where there is no growth going on. Others have tried to persevere to be good influences. This is something the Lord will solve for you as long as you do continue your upward path. That is the ONE thing to keep in mind. Do not let whatever church drag you down to their level, no matter what.

Keeping you in my daily prayers, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.


P.S.:  If you haven't noticed or already done so, please check out the list of wonderful ministry offerings on the Special Topics page, including Jordan Bomberger's new Bible teaching website: Bible Driven, Mike Ceja's new YouTube channel, "Everything is Fine", John Jackson's Hub pages (anyone with questions about the "church-visible" will find this helpful), the Expanded Index to Old Testament translations at Ichthys, Foundational Principles, by Odii Ariwodo, "The Peter series", Video presentations by Steven Tammen based on the SR series, and Steven's group studies of BB 6A (see also Steven's new website: BibleDocs).


*Special Prayer Request

  • For Olanna (2 and 1/2 years), for complete healing from pneumonia, possibly malaria.  She is in hospital and just received an NG tube for feeding [update 1/25/25: at last report Olanna was doing much better; thanks for your prayers!].

  • For our friend: for her family's salvation and for her husband to find a new job [update 3/5/25: he found one with no gap in employment! Praise God . . .  and please continue to pray for salvation].
  • For Brian, for help navigating a "bad boss" situation, and for finding a new, better job.
  • Please pray for Emma's family's health and for their salvation. Her mother has severe stomach problems that are affecting her eating and weight. Update: Praise here! Her mother has no signs of cancer after full scan but may have colitis/diverticulitis. Please pray for healing and salvation. [3/19/25] Update: Judith now has a private specialist appointment on Saturday. Please pray this will lead to a correct diagnosis/treatment.
    Emma's father's diabetes has worsened and now has eye problems. Her sister now has severe peri-menopausal symptoms (thyroid problems were misdiagnosed). Please pray for their deliverance and their ultimate deliverance which is saving faith.
  • Please pray for Teresa and her two sons to be delivered from an violent ex-husband. Please also pray this leads to their salvation. [12/8/24]
  • For our friend John who will be undergoing surgery for aortic aneurysms soon. [12/1/24]
  • For Henry's wife, Diane, who recently had a stroke: "Her right arm/hand especially needs healing.  It is nearly completely disabled today, although there are signs of slow improvement" [9/22/24].
  • For Chris and Lisa, for health and healing and for deliverance [9/22/24]; also for Chris, for health concerns (memory and fatigue), and for blessing on his job.

  • *Please pray for Kaeli, who is experiencing serious numbness and heaviness in her arms and legs; please pray for a correct diagnosis and swift healing [7/27/24] Update 8/8/24: situation getting worse; doctors unable to diagnosis the problem(s); update: 10/22/24: Kaeli is doing much better! (but please continue to pray).
  • Please pray for the Bowman family: the husband Nakia is battling heart issues, his wife, Raquel, battling breast cancer, and her father a tumor in the brain [7/21/24].
  • Please pray for J.D., recently diagnosed with colon cancer and looking at chemo, radiation and surgery. Update [3/31/25]: "[J.D.] is, since the surgery, cancer free according to the doctors. He is scheduled to have his next operation in a few weeks to reverse the ileostomy so prayers for his recovery are appreciated; prayers for the traveling [four hours to the hospital] would be greatly appreciated"; please also pray for Lisa's health.] Update 4/11/25: "Jds surgery was this morning. It went well and they have successfully hooked him back up. The temporary bag is gone!"]

  • For our friend Yuhanna, just diagnosed with idiopathic optic neuritis and potentially chronic lymphocytic leukemia.  Our friend's eyesight is recovering.  Please pray for full recovery and for healing of his blood disease.  *[Update: two rounds of chemo have apparently stopped the deterioration; please pray that further therapy will remove the cancer that infiltrated his eye; 7/12/24; Please also pray for his son Jaden to find full time employment, for his daughter Kaiya to find an accounting internship, and for his son Jakai for success and advancement in his current position]

  • Please pray for our friend's newborn grandson who was born with two clubfeet.  If surgery is necessary (the family will find out soon), he will require a four to five year medical plan for correction. [Update:  he will need surgery on both feet the end of the month; continued prayer appreciated: 5/19/24]

  • For Gary, for recovery from bone marrow cancer and nerve damage from chemo and numerous blood and platelet transfusions [1/14/24].

  • For Belinda, for help and healing with memory issues [12/31/23].

  • For guidance and courage for Aleah, whose violent father is trying to gain custody of her siblings.

  • For Steve, who has grade 4 lung and pancreatic cancer; the disease has responded to chemo but please keep our brother in your prayers.

  • For Tricia, for comfort in bereavement and for help in overcoming her sense of loss and emptiness.

  • For Anna, for healing and victory in this health test [update 11/3/24: health is much better; thanks for the prayers!].

  • For Sawyer, a young teenager who professes to want to be saved but says "God hasn’t dealt with him yet". Please pray for him to get the victory and assurance.

  • For our friend Leigh's father, a veteran with serious lung problems, for a correct diagnosis and successful treatment.

  • [12/10/23] For Bob and Debbie, for healing / coping with ongoing health issues.  For more spiritual growth and insight to get through our several tests and trials, and if/when called, be able to help others to grow more in the faith of the truth.  For the salvation of unsaved family members and friends.  For recovery / healing for family members and friends who are suffering from mental and physical illnesses, and for victory in overcoming spiritual battles.  For deliverance of family members who are entrapped in legalism and cultic false teaching ministries. [praise here for Debbie's successful surgery and treatment].

  • For our friend's son who is struggling with severe OCD and crippling anxiety.

  • For Walter and for his son Joshua who is struggling with "gender dysphoria" and is considering transitioning; *please also pray for Walter himself: he just lost his job [update 5/24: success in landing a new job; please pray for all to go well].

  • For Michael, for his health and for his livelihood in providing for his family, and for his efforts in leading his family to the truth of the Word. [our friend is currently unemployed and his business is out of operation, so please pray for him for restoration of livelihood; *update 10/1/22 from Michael: "I have lost my livelihood. Please pray for me!"; update 2/2/24: situation improving: thanks for the prayers!]

  • *For Joe, for recovery from a stroke on the right side of the brain.  Joe is presently being tube-fed and also has a urinary tract infection *[Praise here! "[Joe is out of hospital and] is working on getting stronger, walking and writing; he drove their vehicle two times a short distance on the private road that they live on; the doctor told him that only 12% of people have a stroke on the right side, and most of the people don't survive.  God heard all our prayers."].

  • [12/25/24] Please pray for Angel who has basal cell carcinoma requiring many weeks of radiation therapy for her eyes.

  • Please pray for Curtis Omo's wife Amy. She went to the emergency a few weeks ago and now has learned she needs at least two operations. [update: Amy had her first operation; recovery was very difficult at first but change of meds helped; please keep them in prayer].

  • *For Femi whose legal issues are about to come to a head, for his deliverance and for his healing from diabetes and heart problems *[update 8/31/22: our friend is in distress due to insufficient funds to pay necessary legal bills; please pray for his encouragement and rescue from this terrible situation].

  • For Walter's wife Kim, for a good report on her recent biopsy [praise! benign report!].

  • Mark and René Perkins' efforts in evangelism in Tahiti ( Evanelia).

  • For Mike and his family, for encouragement and help under pressure, and that he not lose his Medecaid.

  • For Carol, for deliverance from debilitating physical and mental disability, for spiritual growth and progress.

  • For Angel's father, for quick recovery from a debilitating hip injury, and for his mental and emotional encouragement.

  • Please pray for Emma, for her spiritual growth and ministry and gaining employment for material provision to support it. [3/19/25] Update: Emma will need to apply for work after long-term unemployment, please pray she will be able to get part time office work asap. Please pray for a benign report for her biopsy and a successful operation. Praise here! Operation went well but still waiting for biopsy report. Perimenopausal symptoms have now worsened and Emma will need an ultrasound and blood tests. Please pray for healing and a good report. Prayer needed for her unsaved family members and for the salvation of her close friend Barry and deliverance from his cardiovascular problems, his hoarding and despair. [3/19/25] Update: Barry will be going to the hospital on Saturday for cardiovascular checks, please pray for a good report..

  • For Matthias, for the deliverance of his children abducted overseas by his estranged wife.

  • For my friend Carmen who suffered a broken left arm (both bones, compound fracture of the ulna) and a broken back (two vertebrae fractured) [Carmen is out of her cast and brace and making progress; thank you for the prayers!]; for her boy Josh's recovery from alcoholism and for encouragement for him to turn to the Lord for help [update 5/24: Josh has passed away; please pray for the family's comfort; and please pray for their son Jake's salvation].
  • For Leigh's sister, for protection in and swift deliverance from a very dangerous domestic situation. Please also pray for her friend Michelle's healing from cancer [update: Michelle, had a successful transplant in October and she's doing very well].

  • For Tony, for healing from aggressive glaucoma.

  • [1/7/24] For Dawn's comfort on the recent loss of her daughter Daphne from chronic Lyme disease.  Please also pray for her granddaughter Fiona's salvation.

  • For Jamie, for encouragement and support under pressure, and guidance in future ministry plans.

  • For Sylvia, for her strength and energy is supporting her grandchildren and great grandchild whose parents are unbelievers, and for her help in leading them all to the Lord.

  • For Carrie, recently diagnosed with cancer. She has three daughters. The family has already been through a lot, having lost their husband/father to cancer a few years ago. They are believers.

  • For Andrea's continuing progress in spiritual growth, for her daughter Juanita's salvation.

  • For Anna's brother who is in failing health, that he might be led to the Lord [update: Mark passed on 3/8/25: "I can do nothing but believe that God had the victory and that I will see him again"; thank you all for your prayers].

  • For Ashley, for recovery of her health from a difficult to diagnose and serious condition [worsening with shortness of breath and tremors]; and for the salvation of her mother and her brother.

  • For Gill's sister, "for her continued recovery, as well as to demonstrate to the family the power of prayer and faith in Christ".

  • For our brother Abishai, for the restoration of his livelihood and reconciliation with family.  Please also pray for our brother's efforts to prepare for ministry.

  • For our friend Gaurav, for encouragement, health, and material deliverance. [n.b., Gaurav was the first one on this list years ago; he writes that he is still "hanging in" and staying faithful to the Lord, but he and his family are in greater material need than ever; please remember them in your prayers]; *please also pray for his health and his mother's health (she recently became blind in one eye from an infection and diabetes complications, neither of which have resolved as yet).
  • For Abby for success and blessing in her new efforts in ministry, and for her cousin Danny's health. Please also pray for her health, strength and perseverance in stressful and challenging circumstances; please also pray for her mother's health.
  • For the empowerment of our friend Curt's ministry.

  • For our friend John's family's deliverance from cult influence [praise for some good news here: one saved, but some members are still entrapped; prayers for deliverance and salvation appreciated; 9/20/24]. Please also pray for John's health and that of his wife as well.

  • For our friend Steve for strength, protection, providence and deliverance - more needful now than ever.
  • For the healing from MS, blessing, encouragement and vindication of our brother, Nihal.  Please also protect him and his family and church family from the recent troubles in Sri Lanka [update: MS weakening nervous system but our brother stays strong in his faith; 9/5/24).
  • For our friend Mike's encouragement and God's blessing on his livelihood to provide for his family.
  • For Helen's healing from cancer and for her comfort in the loss of her family members.
  • For Clyde's encouragement and deliverance in severe testing.
  • For Judah, for healing from brain trauma and other consequence of serious auto accidents.

  • For the salvation of Tom and his family.

  • For deliverance for John's friend from the JW heresy.
  • For our friend Anna and her family's comfort in the loss of her daughter, and for the comfort, encouragement and salvation of her two grandchildren.
  • For our friend Sheila's healing from the effects of a chronic condition.
  • For Leigh, for protection and deliverance from a dangerous neighbor, and for help in restoring her home and home situation [update 3/23: delivered!  Thanks all for your prayers!].

  • [1/13/24] For Becca's mother, for healing from cancer, serious liver disease (requiring transplant which is not possible without recovery from the former), lung problems, and chronic pain (Update: she is on the list for transplant; please pray for a successful one ASAP); update: 5/12/24: transplant successful! Mom is recuperating.

  • For the salvation of John's two unbelieving sons.
  • For Charles' two granddaughters for their salvation and spiritual growth.
  • *For Cary, for deliverance in persecution on the job for sticking up for the Lord and for the truth (special harassment for a Christian teacher in a state school where Mormons are in charge).
  • For Amber's continued spiritual growth and encouragement, and for her healing.  Please also pray for the salvation of her grandmother.
  • For Kamil, a new believer, who has been unjustly accused because of his family's political activities.
  • For the spiritual growth and encouragement of Max and his family.
  • For Lucille, for complete recovery from "long Covid", along with lung and heart problems related thereto.

  • More E-mails:       Complete archive of previous emails:  Ichthys' Emails

    Eschatology Issues CXLI

    Believers in the World XVII

    Sin, Guilt, and Salvation IX

    Culture and Christianity XXVII

    Eschatology Issues CXL

    The Battlefield Within IV

    Mutual Encouragement in Christ XXI

    Eschatology Issues CXXXIX

    Christology Questions XV

    Fighting the Fight XXIII

    Eschatology Issues CXXXVIII

    Believers in the World XVI

    Eschatology Issues CXXXVII

    Fighting the Fight XXII

    Eschatology Issues CXXXVI

    Believers in the World XV

    Christology Questions XIV

    Dispensations, Covenants, Israel and the Church III

    Sin, Guilt, and Salvation VIII

    Eschatology Issues CXXXV

    Eschatology Issues CXXXIV

    Payer Questions VII

    Confronting False Groups and False Teaching VII

    Confronting False Groups and False Teaching VI

    Eschatology Issues CXXXIII

    Salvation, the Gospel, and Unbelief X

    Eschatology Issues CXXXII

    Ministry and Preparation for Ministry XXI

    Sin, Guilt, and Salvation VII

    Mutual Encouragement in Christ XX

    Eschatology Issues CXXXI

    Fighting the Fight XXI

    Believers in the World XIV

    Eschatology Issues CXXX

    Eschatology Issues CXXIX

    Eschatology Issues CXXVIII

    New Testament Interpretation XI

    Finding a Church – or Something Better? III

    Eschatology Issues CXXVII

    Biblical Anthropology XI

    Ministry and Preparation for Ministry XX

    Eschatology Issues CXXVI

    New Testament Interpretation X

    Eschatology Issues CXXV

    Sin, Guilt, and Salvation VI

    Eschatology Issues CXXIV

    Church History IV

    Eschatology Issues CXXIII

    The Local Church and Personal Ministry VI

    Cults and Christianity XVI

    Believers in the World XIII

    Eschatology Issues CXXII

    Eschatology Issues CXXI

    The Holy Spirit: Pneumatology Questions VII

    Gospel Questions XVIII

    Baptism: Water and Spirit XII

    Culture and Christianity XXVI

    Eschatology Issues CXX

    Eschatology Issues CXIX

    Salvation, the Gospel, and Unbelief IX

    Eschatology Issues CXVIII

    Marriage and the Bible XIII

    Christology Questions XIII

    Eschatology Issues CXVII

    Mutual Encouragement in Christ XIX

    Eschatology Issues CXVI

    Old Testament Interpretation XXI

    Eschatology Issues CXV

    The Battlefield Within III

    The Battlefield Within: Fighting the inner spiritual Struggle II

    Eschatology Issues CXIV

    Salvation, the Gospel, and Unbelief VIII

    Eschatology Issues CXIII

    Eschatology Issues CXII

    Biblical Interpretation XVI

    Fighting the Fight XX

    Ministry and Preparation for Ministry XIX

    Believers in the World XII

    Mutual Encouragement in Christ XVIII

    Marriage and the Bible XII

    Eschatology Issues CXI

    Ministry and Preparation for Ministry XVIII

    Fighting the Fight XIX

    Culture and Christianity XXV

    Fighting the Fight XVIII

    Eschatology Issues CX

    Biblical Languages, Texts and Translations XIII

    Legalism, Past and Present VI

    Sin, Guilt and Salvation V

    Eschatology Issues CIX

    Eschatology Issues CVIII

    Sin, Faith and Suffering IV

    Fighting the Fight XVII

    Marriage and the Bible XI

    Legalism, Past and Present V

    Eschatology Issues CVII

    Sin, Guilt, and Salvation IV

    Culture and Christianity XXIV

    Faith, Forgiveness, Salvation VII

    Cults and Christianity XV

    Cults and Christianity XIV

    Eschatology Issues CVI

    Mutual encouragement in Christ XVI

    Prayer Questions VI

    Eschatology Issues CV

    Marriage and the Bible X

    Fighting the Fight XVI

    Eschatology Issues CIV

    Mutual Encouragement in Christ XV

    Ministry and Preparation for Ministry XVII

    Sin, Guilt, and Salvation III

    Eschatology Issues CIII

    Genesis Gap: Questions and Answers VII

    Church: The Biblical Ideal versus the Contemporary Reality IV

    Old Testament Interpretation XX

    Eschatology Issues CII

    Mutual Encouragement in Christ XIV

    Baptism: Water and Spirit XI

    Biblical Anthropology X

    Eschatology Issues CI

    The Local Church and Personal Ministry V

    Spiritual Warfare VIII

    Eschatology Issues C (100)

    Sin, Faith and Suffering III

    Ministry and Preparation for Ministry XVI

    Eschatology Issues XCIX

    Eschatology Issues XCVIII

    Eschatology Issues XCVII

    Eschatology Issues XCVI

    Old Testament Interpretation XIX

    Eschatology Issues XCV

    Eschatology Issues XCIV

    Old Testament Interpretation XVIII

    Mutual encouragement in Christ XIII

    Eschatology Issues XCIII

    Eschatology Issues XCII

    Christology Questions XII

    Faith, Forgiveness, Salvation VI

    Ministry and Preparation for Ministry XV

    Eschatology Issues XCI

    Christology Questions XI

    Biblical Languages, Texts and Translations XII

    Eschatology Issues XC

    Biblical Interpretation XV

    Eschatology Issues LXXXIX

    Eschatology Issues LXXXVIII

    Eschatology Issues LXXXVII

    Eschatology Issues LXXXVI

    Fighting the Fight XV

    Eschatology Issues LXXXV

    Fighting the Fight XIV

    Ministry and Preparation for Ministry XIV

    Eschatology Issues LXXXIV

    Biblical Anthropology IX

    Eschatology Issues LXXXIII

    Prayer Questions V

    Ministry and Preparation for Ministry XIII

    Cults and Christianity XIII

    Eschatology Issues LXXXII

    Culture and Christianity XXIII

    Bible Versions, Bible Translation, and Bible Reading VII

    Eschatology Issues LXXXI

    Church: The Biblical Ideal versus the Contemporary Reality III

    Angelic Issues X

    Biblical Interpretation XIV

    Mutual Encouragement in Christ XII

    Bible Versions, Bible Translation, and Bible Reading VI

    Eschatology Issues LXXX

    Bible Versions, Bible Translation, and Bible Reading V

    Eschatology Issues LXXIX

    Eschatology Issues LXXVIII

    Eschatology Issues LXXVII

    Eschatology Issues LXXVI

    Eschatology Issues LXXV

    Eschatology Issues LXXIV

    Eschatology Issues LXXIII

    Fighting the Fight XIII

    Marriage and the Bible IX

    Ministry and Preparation for Ministry XII

    Eschatology Issues LXXII

    Eschatology Issues LXXI

    Eschatology Issues LXX

    Eschatology Issues LXIX

    Church History III

    Gospel Questions XVII

    Eschatology Issues LXVIII

    Eschatology Issues LXVII

    Baptism: Water and Spirit X

    Eschatology Issues LXVI

    Eschatology Issues LXV

    Old Testament Interpretation XVII

    Eschatology Issues LXIV

    Eschatology Issues LXIII

    Gospel Questions XVI

    Eschatology Issues LXII

    Mutual Encouragement in Christ XI

    Eschatology Issues LXI

    Biblical Interpretation XIII

    Eschatology Issues LX

    Eschatology Issues LIX

    Eschatology Issues LVIII

    Mutual Encouragement in Christ X

    Eschatology Issues LVII

    Eschatology Issues LVI

    Eschatology Issues LV

    Confronting False Groups and False Teaching V

    Eschatology Issues LIV

    Eschatology Issues LIII

    Sin, Faith and Suffering II

    Eschatology Issues LII

    Eschatology Issues LI

    Ministry and Preparation for Ministry XI

    Eschatology Issues XXXXX

    Christian Perspectives on Disease and Death

    Mutual Encouragement in Christ IX

    Eschatology Issues XLIX

    Culture and Christianity XXII

    Eschatology Issues XLVIII

    Eschatology Issues XLVII

    Eschatology Issues XLVI

    Eschatology Issues XLV

    Culture and Christianity XXI

    Eschatology Issues XLIV

    Theology Questions IV

    Eschatology Issues XLIII

    Mutual Encouragement in Christ VIII

    Eschatology Issues XLII

    Isaiah Questions

    Eschatology Issues XLI

    Eschatology Issues XL

    Eschatology Issues XXXIX

    Eschatology Issues XXXVIII

    Eschatology Issues XXXVII

    Eschatology Issues XXXVI

    Confronting False Groups and False Teaching IV

    Eschatology Issues XXXV

    Eschatology Issues XXXIV

    Eschatology Issues XXXIII

    Eschatology Issues XXXII

    Eschatology Issues XXXI

    Ministry and Preparation for Ministry X

    Eschatology Issues XXX

    Eschatology Issues XXIX

    Old Testament Interpretation XVI

    Salvation, the Gospel, and Unbelief VII

    New Testament Interpretation IX

    Fighting the Fight XII

    Eschatology Issues XXVIII

    Spiritual Warfare VII

    Believers in the World XI

    Revelation Questions II

    Believers in the World X

    Faith, Forgiveness, Salvation V

    Biblical Interpretation XII

    Old Testament Interpretation XV

    Gospel Questions XV

    Fighting the Fight XI

    Apologetics and Legalism II

    Ministry and Preparation for Ministry IX

    Gospel Questions XIV

    The 'Rapture' and other Eschatological Issues

    Ministry and Preparation for Ministry VIII

    Marriage and the Bible VIII

    Believers in the World IX

    Biblical Interpretation XI

    Salvation, the Gospel, and Unbelief VI

    Cults and Christianity XII

    Eschatology Issues XXVII

    Theological Questions III

    New Testament Interpretation VIII

    Eschatology Issues XXVI

    Old Testament Interpretation XIV

    Politics versus Spiritual Growth IV

    Old Testament Interpretation XIII

    Salvation, the Gospel, and Unbelief V

    Biblical Interpretation X

    Fighting the Fight X

    Politics versus Spiritual Growth III

    Baptism: Water and Spirit IX

    Biblical Anthropology VIII

    Faith, Forgiveness, Salvation IV

    Genesis Questions IV

    Fighting the Fight IX

    Eschatology Issues XXV

    Angelic Issues IX

    Ministry and Preparation for Ministry VII

    Legalism, Past, Present and Future IV

    New Testament Interpretation VII

    Eschatology Issues XXIV: the 'Rapture' et al.

    Believers in the World VIII: Coping with Family

    Salvation, the Gospel, and Unbelief IV

    Believers in the World VII

    Culture and Christianity XX

    Biblical Languages, Texts and Translations XI

    Cults and Christianity XI

    Spiritual Gifts and False Teaching

    Angelic Issues VIII

    Christology Questions X

    Believers in the World VI

    Genesis Gap: Questions and Answers VI

    Atheism and Evangelism

    New Testament Interpretation VI

    Old Testament Interpretation XII

    Fighting the Fight VIII

    Spiritual Warfare VI

    Sin, Faith and Suffering

    Prayer, Vows and Confession

    Eschatology Issues XXIII

    Apologetics, Ministry and False Teaching

    Culture and Christianity XIX

    Ministry and Preparation for Ministry VI

    Church: The Biblical Ideal versus the Contemporary Reality II

    Salvation, the Gospel, and Unbelief III

    Fighting the Fight VII

    The Holy Spirit: Pneumatology Questions VI

    Interpretation, Application, Exegesis and Ministry

    Biblical Anthropology VII

    Baptism: Water and Spirit VIII

    Text and Canon

    New Testament Interpretation V

    Grace versus Law II

    Apathy, Atheism, Cults and False Teaching

    All about Ichthys III

    The Battlefield Within II: Combating anger, fear, blaming God, blaming others

    Salvation Questions III

    Faith, Forgiveness, Salvation III

    Eschatology Issues XXII

    Cults and Christianity X

    Cults and Christianity IX

    Ministry and Preparation for Ministry V

    Fighting the Fight VI

    Marriage and the Bible VII

    Culture and Christianity XVIII: Substance Use and Abuse, Tithing, Politics and Environmentalism, Friendship, Self-Defense, and Work

    Paul the Apostle: Aspects of his Life and Ministry II

    Old Testament Interpretation XI

    Mutual Encouragement in Christ VII

    The Transitional Era of the Book of Acts and its Unique Spiritual Gifts

    Old Testament Interpretation X

    Marriage and the Bible VI

    The pre-Trib 'Rapture': so called 'imminence' and other false proofs refuted

    Encouragement, Spiritual Testing and Spiritual Growth III

    Eschatology Issues XXI

    Eschatology Issues XX

    Biblical Languages, Texts and Translations X

    Legalism, Past and Present III: Sabbath observance, tithing, dietary regulations and other issues

    Believers in the World V: Ministering, Mutually Encouraging, and Coping with Family, Politics, and Health

    Salvation, the Gospel, and Unbelief II

    Old Testament Interpretation IX

    Christology Questions IX: Christ and His Church

    Mutual Encouragement in Christ VI: Perseverance

    Science and the Bible III

    Faith, Forgiveness, Salvation II

    Eschatology Issues XIX

    Ministry and Preparation for Ministry IV

    Bible Interpretation IX

    Marriage and the Bible V

    Gospel Questions XIII

    Biblical Anthropology VI

    Cults and Christianity VIII

    Fighting the Fight V: Dispatches from the Laodicean 'Front' II

    Old Testament Interpretation VIII

    Eschatology Issues XVIII

    Spiritual Growth III

    Ministry and Preparation for Ministry III

    Sin, Guilt, and Salvation II

    New Testament Interpretation IV

    Biblical Languages, Texts and Translations IX

    Peace, Reconciliation and Salvation

    Mutual Encouragement in Christ V: Soldiers of the Cross

    Baptism: Water and Spirit VII

    Faith, Forgiveness, Salvation

    Cults and Christianity VII

    Old Testament Interpretation VII

    Sin, Guilt, and Salvation

    Eschatology Issues XVII

    Dangers of the Pre-Trib Rapture False Teaching

    Biblical Languages, Texts and Translations VIII

    The Infinity, Magnitude, Glory, Providence and Plan of God

    Eschatology Issues XVI

    Gospel Questions XII

    The Bible and the Canon: The Inspired Word of God IV

    Nephilim, Antichrist, the False Prophet and the Mark of the Beast

    Angelic Issues VII

    Prayer Questions II

    The Trinity and Messianic Legalism II

    Annihilationism, Universalism, Hell and Judgment II

    Atheism and Apologetics II

    Politics versus Spiritual Growth II

    Culture and Christianity XVII: Humor, Self-Defense, Pacifism and War

    Culture and Christianity XVI: Alcohol, Money and Dietary Issues

    Dreams, Visions, Miracles, Exorcism, Tongues, and False Prophets

    Calvinism, Catholicism and Ichthys

    Apologetics, Legalism, Cults and Philosophy

    The Law, Legalism, and Rome

    Mutual Encouragement in Christ IV

    Genesis Gap: Questions and Answers V

    Faith and Free Will in Trial and Testing

    Free Will and God's WILL in Salvation

    Jobs, Money, Finances and Giving: What does the Bible say?

    Ministry and Preparation for Ministry II

    Eschatology Issues XV

    Dealing with Sin and Guilt

    Mutual Encouragement in Christ III

    Preparing for Tribulation II

    It is Better on the Other Side

    Family Matters

    Christology Questions VIII: The Deity, Humanity and Life of Christ

    The Lives of the Apostles and the Writing of the New Testament II

    Biblical People and Places: Eve, Cain, Noah, Abraham, Hagar, Esau, Joseph and more

    Biblical Anthropology V: Body, Spirit and 'Soul', Present and Future

    Satan, Antichrist, the False Prophet and the Mark of the Beast

    The Holy Spirit: Pneumatology Questions V

    Prophets, Prophecy, and False Prophets

    Christology Questions VII: The Life and Spiritual Death of Christ and Holy Communion

    The Bible and the Canon: The Inspired Word of God III

    Culture and Christianity XV: The Bible vs. some Sensitive Social and Political Issues

    Christology Questions VI: Christophany, Deity and the Spiritual Death of Christ

    Encouragement, Spiritual Testing and Spiritual Growth II

    Spiritual Warfare V

    Cults and Christianity VI

    Fighting the Fight IV: Dispatches from the Laodicean 'Front'

    Eschatology Issues XIV

    The Gift of Tongues: Part 3

    The Resurrection Body and our Eternal Future II

    Gospel Questions XI

    Blindness, Disease and Healing

    Ministry and Preparation for Ministry

    Should I go to seminary or not?

    Atheism and Apologetics

    Biblical Languages, Texts and Translations VII

    Church History II

    Salvation Questions II

    Culture and Christianity XIV

    Encouragement, Spiritual Testing and Spiritual Growth

    Judaism and Legalism in the church-visible

    Bible Interpretation VIII

    Apostasy, Sin and Salvation

    Confronting False Groups and False Teaching III

    Eschatology Issues XIII: Time of the Tribulation and the Resurrection, Antichrist and the Mark of the Beast

    Salvation Questions

    Theological Questions II

    The Holy Spirit: Pneumatology Questions IV

    Old Testament Interpretation VI

    More Questions on the Book of Hebrews: Melchizedek, Esau, and the 'Impossibility' of Being Restored

    Believers in the World IV: Making Godly Choices vs. Following Man-Made Rules

    Guilt, Sin and Victory through Spiritual Growth

    Confronting False Groups and False Teaching II

    Cults and Christianity V

    Politics versus Spiritual Growth

    Christian Struggle, Perseverance and Deliverance

    The Bible and the Natural World

    Sin, Fear and Forgiveness

    An Extended Conversation on the 'Unpardonable' Sin

    Eternal Realities: Real Heaven, Real Hell

    Eschatology Issues XII: Babylon, Armageddon, Israel, 2026

    Ministers, Ministry, and Preparation for Ministry

    Evangelism in Principle and Practice II

    Gospel Questions X: Glory, John the baptist, the hidden talent, the Kingdom of God

    Old Testament Interpretation V: The Flight to Egypt, the Virgin Birth, Jonathan's Choice, Tyre in Prophecy

    Matthew Questions, verse by verse

    Marriage and the Bible IV

    Politics and Political Action on the Eve of the Tribulation

    Bible Versions, Bible Translation, and Bible Reading IV

    Spiritual Growth II

    Mutual Encouragement in Christ II

    Baptism: Water and Spirit VI

    Science and the Bible II

    Genesis Gap: Questions and Answers IV

    Culture and Christianity XIII: College, Dating, Marriage and Friendship

    Eschatology Issues XI: Trumpets, the Millennium, the Time of the Tribulation and the Resurrection.

    Sin according to the Bible: Hamartiology II

    Bible Interpretation VII

    Salvation and Sin

    Bible Interpretation VI

    Eschatology Issues X: Strong delusion, blood moons, 2026, imminence, apostasy & the mark of the beast

    Angelic Issues VI: Cherubs, Guardians, Elders and 'gods'

    Sin according to the Bible: Hamartiology I

    Bible Chronology, Aramaic and Interpretation

    Christians and Mental Illness

    Culture and Christianity XII

    Prayer Questions

    The Trinity and Messianic Legalism

    Anger, Anthropopathism, Eternity and Divine Motives

    Unbelievers, Free Will, and the Plan of God II

    Christology Questions V: the Baptism, Temptation and Spiritual Death of Christ

    The Bible and the Canon: The Inspired Word of God II

    Believers in the World III: Prosperity Gospel, Tithing, Cults and Legalism

    Gospel Questions IX

    Faith, Hope and Love: Virtue in Spiritual Warfare

    Trinity Questions II

    Some Sensitive Topics IV

    Finding a Church - or Something Better? II

    New Testament Interpretation III

    Faith vs. History, Archaeology, Philosophy

    Believers in the World II: Confronting False Groups and False Teaching

    The 144,000 and the Two Witnesses of the Tribulation

    Biblical Anthropology IV: Soul and Spirit, Image and Likeness, Book of Life, Life at Birth, Accountability and Infant Salvation.

    Spiritual Growth

    Predestination, Free Will and False Teaching

    Christophany and the Trinity

    Love, Marriage, and Divorce: Marriage and the Bible III

    Interpreting Dreams and Analyzing Prophetic Claims

    Culture and Christianity XI: Lying, Suicide, Tattoos, Investing, Drugs, Music, Family, Dating, Politics

    Bible Versions, Bible Translation, and Bible Reading III

    Eschatology Issues IX: Amillennialism, Trumpets, and the Seven Days

    Spiritual Warfare IV: Demons, Demonic Influences and Satanic Methodology

    Satan's Fall from Grace

    Atheism and Gnosticism: Denying the Truth about God

    Sin, Salvation and Forgiveness: Claiming the Mental and Spiritual High-Ground

    Struggling with Salvation . . . and Relatives

    Legalism, Past and Present II

    Ministry and the Ichthys Ministry II

     All about Ichthys II: Mutual Encouragement in the Lord

    The Book of Job and Christian Suffering

    Genesis Gap: Questions and Answers III: Creationism, Neanderthals, Fossil Record

    Christology Questions IV: Jesus' Birth, Baptism, Early Life, and Kenosis

    Third Party Testimony III: Near Death Experiences, Revelations and Tongues

    Third Party Testimony II: Charismatic Claims of Visions, Dreams and Prophecy

    Third Party Testimony I: We Believe God and His Word - Not People

    God Heals - in His way (not our way)

    Sanctification, Separation and Restraint

    Finding a Church - or Something Better?

    Culture and Christianity X:  Military Service, College, Politics, and Race Relations

    Contemporary Churches and Women Preachers

    Culture and Christianity IX: Politics, Tithing, Music, Crucifixes, Alcohol, and Gambling

    Marriage and the Bible II

    Biblical Anthropology III: Soul versus Spirit, "Soul Sleep", and the Interim Body

    New Testament Interpretation II: Who is equal? Grace in vain. Unequally yoked.

    Aspects of the Crucifixion II: Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday?

    Aspects of the Crucifixion I: Carrying the cross, trials and rooster crow.

    Salvation Lost and Found

    The Canon: Content, Chronology, and Criticism

    Spiritual Warfare III: Peter's 'Angel', Saul's Death, and Strange Events

    Old Testament Interpretation IV: Gehazi's Leprosy, Tyre's Destruction, and Immanuel

    Nephilim, Fallen Angels, and Genesis 6

    Gospel Questions VIII

    Sin, Atonement and Forgiveness II

    Sin, Atonement and Forgiveness I

    Annihilationism, Universalism, Hell and Judgment

    When is the Rapture?

    Noah, the Flood, and the Nature of Animals

    The Tribulation: Timing of, Preparation for, and Conditions in

    Eschatology Issues VIII: Revelation, Tribulation and Judgment

    Antichrist: the Mark, the Number, and the Identification of the Beast

    Satan's Revolt and the Tribulation to Come

    Old Testament Interpretation III: The Name 'Jacob', the Mark of Cain, Jeshrun.

    Old Testament Interpretation II: Urim and Thummim, the Bronze Serpent, the Ark.

    Being Saved: Security, Apostasy, and the Sin unto Death

    Fighting the Fight III: False Teaching, Local Churches, and the Truth

    Fighting the Fight II: Struggling with Sin, Doubt, and Severe Testing

    Fighting the Fight I: Accountability, Faith, Sin, Forgiveness, and Reward

    Dispensations, Covenants, Israel and the Church II

    Dispensations, Covenants, Israel and the Church I

    Witnessing: Cults and Christianity II

    Witnessing: Cults and Christianity I

    Ministry and the Ichthys Ministry

    Biblical Interpretation V

    Baptism: Water and Spirit V

    Spiritual Growth, Church-Searching and "Discipling"

    Unbelievers, Free Will, and the Plan of God

    Biblical Languages, Texts and Translations VI

    Baptism: Water and Spirit IV

    Paganism, Idolatry, Mythology and the Occult

    The Lives of the Apostles and the Writing of the New Testament

    The Essence of God and Deity of Christ

    Parables and their Interpretation

    The Meaning and Purpose of True Christian Assembly

    Marriage and the Bible

    Spiritual 'ups' and 'downs'

    1st John: Text and Interpretation

    Eschatology Issues VII

    Perseverance in the latter days of Laodicea

    Babylon USA?

    Baptism: Water and Spirit III

    Prayer: the Persistence, Purpose and Power of.

    Paul the Apostle: Aspects of his Life and Ministry

    Gospel Questions VII: The Wedding at Cana et al.

    Israel, 'Lost Tribes' and the Star of David

    Israel and Antichrist in Eschatology

    Explaining and Defending the Trinity and the Person of Christ II

    The Holy Spirit: Pneumatology Questions III

    Culture and Christianity VIII

    The Geography of Heaven, Hades and 'Hell'.

    Eschatology Issues VI

    Bible Interpretation IV

    Legalism, Past and Present

    The Resurrection Body and our Eternal Future.

    Christ the First-Born, High Priest in the Order of Melchizedek.

    Bible Versions, Bible Translation, and Bible Reading II

    Bible Versions, Bible Translation, and Bible Reading

    Hermeneutics, Typology, Christophany, Theophany and Anthropopathism.

    No, Hebrews does not teach that you lost your salvation.

    Gospel Questions VI: the Long Ending of Mark et al.

    Judas and the Betrayal of Christ

    Doubting Salvation and Questions of Sin

    The 144,000: God's Seal vs. the Mark of the Beast

    Atheism: Putting Truth to Death

    War in Heaven II

    The Holy Spirit: Pneumatology Questions II

    War in Heaven

    The Holy Spirit: Pneumatology Questions I

    The Law, Love, Faith-Rest and Messianism

    Paul and the Law

    Genesis Questions III

    Sin and Salvation, Confession and Forgiveness

    Have I Lost My Salvation? (III)

    The Battlefield Within: Fighting the inner spiritual Struggle.

    Putting Christ in Christmas: Loving Jesus, the Star and the Magi, Wonderful Counselor.

    Old Testament Interpretation: Moses and Zipporah, David's disastrous Census, the Destruction of the Midianites, et al.

    Healing, Miracles, and Dreams: Sorting the Wheat from the Chaff by biblical Means

    153 Fish: Explaining some Difficult New Testament Passages

    Kenosis: Our Lord's Self-Limitation during the 1st Advent

    Biblical Anthropology II: 'Soul sleep', & dichotomy vs. trichotomy

    Biblical Anthropology I: The Nature of Human Beings and Human Life according to the Bible.

    Genesis Gap: Questions and Answers II.

    Culture and Christianity VII: Jury Duty, Witnessing, Biometry, Military Service et al.

    Culture and Christianity VI: Halloween, Holidays, Aliens, and Christian Applications.

    Angelic Issues V: Michael, the Angel of the Lord, Christophany, demons, cherubs, and Satan's revolt.

    Angelic Issues IV:  Satan's Revolt in the Plan of God.

    New Testament Interpretation: Melchizedek, 'Forsake not Assembly', 'Women Remain Silent', Water-Baptism, Tongues, Prophecy, Intervention of Departed Believers.

    Lost my salvation II?

    All about Ichthys: Mutual Encouragement in the Lord. 

    Genesis Questions.

    Fallen Angels, Demons, Nephilim, and the Devil's Methodology.

    End Times Interpretation II.

    Salvation, the Gospel, and Unbelief.

    The Bible and the Canon: The Inspired Word of God.

    End Times Interpretation.

    Grace versus Law.

    Communion and the Spiritual Death of Christ.

    Sinlessness and 1st John.

    Israelology, Anti-Semitism, the Remnant, Gentiles, Lost Tribes, Jewish Myths.

    "Soul Sleep" versus our true Heavenly State.

    Christology Questions III: The Angel of the Lord, the Lamb Slain, monogenes.

    Angelic Issues III: Demons, Satan, Elders, Female Angels and Guardians.

    Against Universalism III: Unbelievers in the Plan of God.

    Waters Above, the Firmament, and the Genesis Gap.

    Marriage "Matters".

    In Need of Guidance and Encouragement.

    Biblical Languages, Texts and Translations V.

    Servants, Slaves, Disciples, and Ministers.

    Baptism: Water and Spirit II.

    Bible Interpretation III: David's Anointing, Stephen versus Genesis, Triplets, This People, and more.

    Evangelism in Principle and Practice.

    Scripture versus Personal Experience.

    Calvinism, Covenants and Catholicism.

    Culture and Christianity V: Temporal Authority vs. Biblical Application.

    False Doctrine of Absolute Eternal Security III.

    The Dangers of Messianic Legalism IV: Unclean and Impure?

    Things to Come III: The Wrath of God and the Fate of the Beast's Army.

    God Works All Things Together for Good.

    The 7 Trumpets, the 7 Kings, Nephilim, Antichrist and Revived Rome.

    The Coming Tribulation and the Kingdom of God.

    Sin, Confession and Forgiveness.

    Mutual Encouragement in Christ.

    Biblical Languages, Texts and Translations IV.

    Culture and Christianity IV: Doing one's job as 'unto the Lord', the peril's of 'heroic medicine', Christian perspectives on legalizing marijuana, when lying is not a sin, and when life begins.

    Eschatology Issues V: "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons".

    Ichthys and Contemporary Christianity.

    Gospel Questions V: Help my Unbelief, Respecting our Enemies, etc.

    The Two Witnesses of the Tribulation: Moses and Elijah.

    The Apostles, the Jerusalem Council, and Legalism then and now.

    Aspects of the Christian Walk: Gambling, Lying, Christmas, Judging, Worrying, et al.

    No Rapture

    Believers in the World: Using our Free Will to Respond to the Lord

    Christology Questions II: The Serpent Lifted and the Cross, Jesus' Infallibility, Destroy this Temple, the Sign Spoken Against, His Glorification, the Spirit's Anointing, and the Necessity for His Humanity.

    Paul's Jerusalem Error, Worshiping Truly, the Priesthood of the Believer, and Peter's Vision of the Impure Food

    Christian Trials and Testing

    Gospel Questions IV: The Prophet, the rich man in Hades, Peter's wife, the 'eleven' and the 'twelve' apostles, 'the world could not contain' (Jn.21:25), and progressive revelation.

    Eschatology Issues IV: Israeli politics, 'This Generation', Signs of the Times, the Beast presently alive?, 'Flee Babylon', Preparing for the Tribulation, and 'was, is not, will be'.

    John's Water-Baptism versus the Baptism of the Holy Spirit

    Eschatology Issues III: Over-focusing on Revelation, the Seven Churches, Enoch versus Elijah, and the Symbolism of the Menorah

    The Purpose of Chronicles, Cyrus the Persian, the Chronology of the Exodus Plagues, Qumran and Isaiah, Nebuchadnezzar's Madness, and Jeremiah 31:22, "A Woman will Embrace a Man".

    Aaron and the Golden Calf, Mount Zion, Moses and Zipporah, the high priest's attire, and the ark of the covenant.

    Aspects of the Genesis Curse on Animals, the Tree of Knowing Good and Evil, Jacob Wrestling with the Angel of the Lord, and Kainam.

    The City of David, the Star of David, Solomon's Wisdom, and the Song of Solomon.

    The Israelites at Kadesh and 'not entering the Land of Promise'.

    Genesis Gap: Questions and Answers.

    Sin and Spiritual Transformation.

    Cults and Christianity IV

    Cults and Christianity III

    Cults and Christianity II

    Cults and Christianity.

    One Baptism: the True Meaning of Peter's Words at Acts 2:38.

    Apostasy and the Sin unto Death, the Conscience and Sanctification.

    The Plan of God and Individual Salvation (excerpt from BB 4B)

    In Your Anger, do not Sin:  Ephesians 4:26 and the Sin Nature

    Bible Interpretation II: Easter, Abiathar, the Hyssop-Blood Cross, Baal, the Scarlet Thread, Names of God, Adiaphoria, and Mezentius.

    Spiritual Warfare II

    Culture and Christianity III

    Have I Lost my Salvation?

    On the Firing Line: Encouragement in Christian Trials

    Eschatology and the Old Testament

    Prayer and our Walk with Jesus.

    Issues of Canonicity II: Aramaic, Enoch, KJV, and the Pastorals

    Bible Vocabulary and Bible Word Studies

    Satan, his Demons, and the Gnostics

    Antichrist: Alive and Well and Living on Planet Earth?

    The Nature of Angels

    Our Eternal Future: Life after Death for Believers in Jesus Christ

    Giants and Nephilim, Sumerian Myths, and Sea Monsters

    Dreams and Visions II

    The Golden Rule

    The Divinity of Jesus Christ

    Free-Will Faith and the Will of God

    Some Sensitive Topics III

    The Spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy: explaining James 4:5.

    Faith: What is it?

    The Seven-Fold Spirit of God.

    Free-Will Faith in the Plan of God.

    Putting the Word of God First.

    Free-Will Faith.

    The False Doctrine of "Soul Sleep" II.

    The False Doctrine of Absolute Eternal Security II.

    The Plan of God

    The Dangers of Messianic Legalism III

    The Dangers of Messianic Legalism II

    The Dangers of Messianic Legalism.

    The Gift of Tongues: Part 2

    The Gift of Tongues: Part 1

    Mega-Churches, Emergent Christianity, Spirituality and Materialism.

    Epignosis, Christian Epistemology, and Spiritual Growth.

    Jephthah's Daughter, Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage.

    Christian Unity and Divisiveness.

    Death, Martyrdom and Resurrection.

    Blessing, Cursing, and Prayer.

    Freedom and Responsibility.

    Fighting the Good Fight of Faith.

    Only-Begotten, Mother-of-God, On-this-Rock: English-only Interpretation is Dangerous.

    The Greek Text of the New Testament and some Issues of Textual Criticism.

    What does the name 'Christian' mean?

    Some Jewish Issues.

    Christians Beware: Internet Frauds and the Need for Spiritual Discernment (part 2).

    Christians Beware: Internet Frauds and the Need for Spiritual Discernment.

    Sin and Forgiveness.

    Spring Special: The Millennial Regathering and Purging of Israel.

    Life Begins at Birth.

    Culture and Christianity II

    Culture and Christianity I

    The Saved and the Unsaved

    Last Things and Last Judgments

    The Local Church and Personal Ministry IV

    The Local Church and Personal Ministry III

    The Local Church and Personal Ministry II

    The Local Church and Personal Ministry I

    More on Antichrist and his Kingdom

    Antichrist and Babylon

    Prophecy Questions.

    Theological Questions

    Heavenly Things.

    Dysfunctional Churches.

    Some Sensitive Topics II.

    Christmas Special: The Judgment and Reward of the Church.

    What is God's Will?

    Apologetics

    Thanksgiving Leftovers.

    Combating Legalism VI

    Combating Legalism V

    Combating Legalism IV

    Combating Legalism III

    Combating Legalism II

    Combating Legalism I

    Aspects of the False Doctrine of Institutional Security

    Chronological Order of the Books of the Bible II

    Biblical Languages, Texts and Translations III

    Biblical Languages, Texts and Translations II

    Biblical Languages, Texts and Translations I

    Gospel Questions III: Least in the kingdom, Millstones, Pennies, Pebbles, Babes, Rhaka, Tallits, and the Crown of Thorns.

    Gospel Questions II: Jesus' Turning Water to Wine, Sweating Blood, Walking on Water, Washing the Disciples' Feet, and the Promise of Freedom."

    Things to Come II: Genesis Rapture, Daniel's Weeks, Seven Kings, Signs of the Apocalypse, Tribulational Suffering, Seven Seals, the Bride of Christ, and Mystery Babylon.

    Things to Come: The Half Hour, the 144,000, the Book of Life, Rewards, the Beast's Kingdom, the Great Apostasy, and the so-called 'Partial Rapture'.

    Satan and the Existence of Evil.

    The Holy Spirit: Blasphemy against, Restraining Ministry, and Gender.

    Spiritual Gifts and Spiritual Growth

    Christian Love, the Golden Rule, Christian Military Service and Self-Defense.

    Issues of Canonicity: Apocrypha, Enoch, and Inspiration.

    Church: The Biblical Ideal versus the Contemporary Reality.

    Numbers, Letters, and the Mark of the Beast.

    Gospel Questions I: Jesus' Life, the Gospels and Cherubs, and who Wrote Matthew.

    More Questions about Genesis.

    Naaman, Nero, Nineveh, and Senacharib.

    The False Doctrine of Absolute Eternal Security.

    Choosing Hell: Questions about Salvation and the Love of God.

    The Chronology of the End.

    The Route of the Israelites in Crossing the Red Sea.

    Some Issues of Transmission, Translation, and Transliteration: The Camel and the Needle, etc.

    Aspects of the Life of Christ: Jesus' siblings, the man born blind, et al.

    Jesus is God and man.

    Jesus is God.

    Redemption, the Blood of Christ, Christ our Passover, and The Passion of the Christ.

    Eschatology Issues II: Angelic bodies, heaven and hell, Satan and the Nephilim, etc.

    The Book of Job and Biblical Interpretation.

    Some Questions about Eternity.

    Who Controls our Thoughts and Emotions?

    The Day of the Lord.

    Sleep as a Euphemism for Death.

    Literal Hell.

    Christ's Preaching to the Spirits in Hell (1Pet.3:18-20), & Michael's Rebuke of Satan (2Pet.2:10-11 ).

    Recovering from Sin.

    The Timing of the Resurrection.

    Dispensations, the Church, the Rapture, and the Destruction of the Universe.

    Christianity versus Contemporary Kitsch.

    Purpose Driven Life, Oprah's New Age Religion, et al.

    Lot, Esau, and Cain: Learning through Negative Examples.

    Against Universalism II: Only Believers are Saved.

    Against Universalism I: Free Will and the Image of God.

    Courage in the Fight.

    Demon Influences.

    Sabbath Questions.

    The Seven Edens and the Eden of Adam and Eve.

    Opposition to the Genesis Gap from the Creation Research Institute et al.

    Mary 'Full of Grace'?

    Changing the Name of God?

    The Beast:  Some Questions about Antichrist.

    The Book of Revelation:  Some Questions.

    Red Hot or Lukewarm? Bible Teaching versus Sermonizing.

    The Last Judgment and the Great White Throne.

    Baptism:  Water and Spirit.

    Spiritual  Marathons.

    Christology:  Some Questions on the Life of Christ.

    Regarding Ichthys.

    Train up a Child in the Way he should Go.

    War, History, and Politics.

    Unbelief and its Consequences.

    Dreams and Visions.

    Explaining and Defending the Trinity and the Person of Christ.

    Free Will and Faith under Pressure.

    Angelic Issues II.

    Science and the Bible.

    Bible Interpretation I:  Academics, Versions et al.

    Faith in the Word of God: the Basis of all True Worship.

    Aspects of the Resurrection II.

    Faith and Encouragement in the midst of Fiery Trials.

    Some Sensitive Topics.

    Jethro, Amenhotep, Iraq, the Catacombs, and the KJV.

    Eschatology Issues: The Fig Tree, Ezekiel 38, Joel 3, and the Trumpets.

    Christ the Rock, the Rooster's Crow, and the Cross.

    Applying Faith II: Production, Forgiveness, Circumcision, Truth over People.

    Applying Faith: Eating, Drinking, and Vacation.

    The Tree of Life, Communion, and the Virgin Birth.

    Grammar Questions.

    Can Prayer Be Offered From Heaven? & Some Genesis Questions.

    Walking the Path of Faith through the Light of the Word of God.

    Salvation on the battlefield, truth revealed to infants, and damnation.

    Preparing for Tribulation.

    Divine Sovereignty and Divine Judgment.

    God's Free Gift of Salvation.

    Should Christians wear Jewelry?

    The Lord's Prayer.

    The Events Surrounding the Birth of Christ.

    Cremation or Burial?

    Zechariah, Demon Possession, Marriage, Spiritual Experiences, and Bible Prophecy.

    No Grounds for Divorce?

    The Shape of the Universe, Hominids, and the Genesis Gap.

    Taking Personal Responsibility: Interest, Bankruptcy, Gambling, and Employment.

    The Seven Churches, the Judgment Seat of Christ,  and other issues in Eschatology.

    The Canonicity of the book of Hebrews.

    Great White Throne, the Last Judgment, and the Outer Darkness.

    Political Action versus Biblical Christianity.

    Study Tools and Methodologies.

    Covenants.

    The Gospel and the Kingdom of God.

    Pursuing a Deeper Relationship with Jesus and Christian Epistemology.

    The Origin and the Danger of the Pre-Tribulational Rapture Theory.

    The Divinity of the Spirit and the Percentage of those who are Saved.

    Should Christians ever consider getting a lawyer?

    Pastoral Authority, Popes, Pat Robertson, and Pelagianism.

    Some Questions on Church Polity.

    Apostles and Evangelism

    Luther, Arminius, Calvin, Kant, Ironside, Tutu and Thieme.

    Angelic Issues.

    Transmutation, Resuscitation, and Resurrection.

    Is the Soul a tertium quid?

    More on the Documentary Hypothesis and More on the Rapture.

    Enoch's Walk with God and Some Questions in the Gospels.

    The Influence of the Renaissance and Rationalism on the Church and Cutting off Arms in Malachi 2:3.

    Sabbath Observance.

    1st John 5:20 & Romans 6:23.

    Eschatology Questions.

    Baptism and Following Jesus.

    Where is Armageddon?

    Assurance of Salvation.

    The Cross, Sin, and the Devil in God's Plan.

    More on: Spiritual Gifts; Hats & Hair; the Age of Accountability.

    Daniel 9:25 and Daniel 11:30.

    Who will populate earth during the Millennium?  and  Asking for Wisdom: James 1:5.

    Was Judas Saved?, The Gospel of Judas, and Issues of Canonicity.

    Is 'My Son' Israel or Jesus in Hosea 11:1?  &  How do you Prove Sin to Someone?

    Did Matthew Write his Gospel in Hebrew?

    Christian Crowns, Pagan Names, and the Time of the Cock-Crow.

    Child-like Faith, Mark vs. Matthew, the Mahdi, and 'Who was with God in the Beginning?

    True Orthodoxy and False Creeds.

    Foot-washing, Bitter Herbs, Baptism, and Borrowed Faith.

    All Things Charismatic.

    Friday versus Thursday Crucifixion.

    Jesus' Cursing of the Fig Tree, Apostasy, and 'Feng Shui'.

    The Genesis Serpent, Using "it" to refer to the baby Jesus, and more on Tattoos.

    Combating Gnosticism.

    Resisting the Devil.

    Why did Jesus choose John over James to take care of His mother Mary?

    Antichrist's 'desire of women' in Daniel 11:37 et al.

    Do recent catastrophes have a divine origin?

    Does God really want us to be sick and poor?  Revisiting the prosperity gospel.

    Why did our Lord Jesus arise from the tribe of Judah?

    What will our relationship be in heaven with children who died young?

    The baptism of the Holy Spirit as distinct from speaking in tongues.

    The Grammar behind the Genesis Gap.

    The Great White Throne Judgment.

    Moses and Zipporah.

    The Victory of Faith.

    Does God's choice of us eliminate our free will?

    Why does God allow bad things to happen?

    The Bible as "divine", roof prayer, and tattoos.

    Character in Hebrews 1:3, et al.

    Exorcism, et al.

    "Are the children of unbelievers lost if they die before receiving Christ?"

    How not to get "left behind".

    "Is baptism necessary for salvation?"

    "The nature of life after death."

    "The personality of the Holy Spirit."

    "The dragon of Revelation 12 and the talking idol of Revelation 13."

    "Bound by Satan in Luke 13:16, language and the Tower of Babel, Daniel's 70th week, and the number 12."

    "Infirmities and Diseases in Matthew 8:17"

    "The Leftover Baskets of Bread and Fish in John 6."

    "Waiting for the Ascension" and "Amos 4:11".

    Why was Canaan cursed?

    Should Christians have a competitive attitude?

    John "leapt for joy" in the womb - or did he?

    Satanic Influence in Video Games and Television.

    Moving Mountains:  Matthew 21:21

    Not a hair shall be lost? Luke 21:16 versus Luke 21:18.

    The reign of antichrist:  7 years or 3 and 1/2 years?

    The Trinity in Scripture.

    The Ark of the Covenant.

    "Doubts about the Nephilim in Genesis 6" and "Ezekiel 9:4 and the Mark of the Beast"

    "Word Counts in the Bible", "Him whom they Pierced (Rev.1:7)", and "Necromancy".

    "Waiting for a Savior" and "The Direction East in the Bible"

    Transubstantiation.

    Is there a purgatory according to the Bible?

    Your desire shall be for your husband: Genesis 3:16.

    Have I committed the unforgivable sin?

    Is the local church meant to be a patriarchy?

    Why doesn't the Bible mention all of the prophets of the children of Israel?

    The True "Victorious Life".

    Tohu in Genesis 1:2 and the Cause of the Darkness.

    Why Doesn't God Prevent All Children from Dying?

    Why were Christians being regarded as "evil-doers" in 1st Peter 2:12?

    The Scofield Reference Bible.

    Phylacteries and the Mark of the Beast, and "What about Joseph?"

    Feeling desperate and alone.

    Is Tithing net or gross?

    Assembly of the local church, and Jesus' use of "I AM" from Exodus 3:14 in John 8:58

    The "burden of the Lord" in Jeremiah 23:32-40, and judgment for idle words in Matthew 12:36-37.

    The importance of spiritual resiliency.

    Does God use disease to discipline us?

    Recovering from Cult Exposure.

    Variability in Christian Testing and Personal Tribulation.

    Is there any value to the Apocrypha?

    The Communion Ceremony outside of the local church.

    The Christian Walk, the End, and Tattoos.

    Should Christians honor Sunday as the new Sabbath?

    Chronological order of the books of the Bible.

    Doubt, light, missed opportunities et al.

    Addicted to Sin.

    Corporate prayer in Matthew 18:19:  "when two agree on earth".

    What does the Bible say about humor?

    The value of cumulative prayer.

    Our Heavenly, Pre-Resurrection, Interim State.

    How could a loving God order the destruction of the Canaanites?

    Should Christians observe the Torah?

    Church Polity and three other passages.

    Walking with Jesus.

    Tongues: does 'no man' understand?

    The few saved, the door in heaven, visions of heavenly realities, and Christmas.

    Spiritual Warfare.

    Christian suffering and spiritual maturity.

    Aliens, antichrist, and eschatology.

    Does exceptionally sinful behavior indicate that a Christian has lost salvation?

    Should Christians celebrate Jewish festivals?

    The Deaths of the 12 Disciples / Apostles of Christ.

    Categories of Sin in Psalm 19.

    Some brief answers on a variety of topics.

    Pastoral Support, Pastoral Preparation, and the Purpose of Assembly.

    Eternal Rewards.

    Encouragement, Isaiah 6:11-13, and the Hope of Repentance.

    Questioning the Genesis Gap.

    Dinosaurs, the Nephilim, Noah, et al.

    How much should we pay our pastor?

    More about Women Preachers.

    Is it wrong for me to celebrate Easter?

    The Remnant in Isaiah 6:13.

    The Big Distinction.

    The Day of the Lord in 2nd Peter 3:10.

    The Day of the Lord.

    Church History.

    The Sealing of the Holy Spirit.

    Visions of Angels: Colossians 2:18.

    Waiting on God's timing:  patience in testing.

    "Your Throne, O God":  Psalm 45:6.

    Moses striking the Rock.

    Procreation and Creation.

    What is meant by the phrase "the Lord's footstool"?

    1st Peter 3:3-5

    A conversation about divorce and remarriage.

    Faith in the midst of the fiery trial.

    Hebrews 10:26 again, and two other notes on Arthur Pink and the Greek word diakonos.

    What is the correct translation of Isaiah 59:19?

    Is the star of Acts 7:43 the star of David?

    Some questions about Nimrod and Christmas trees, Tongues, and Healing

    Is Jesus the only One ever to restore sight?

    What happens to people who were born and died prior to the birth of Christ?

    Which is better, the King James Version or the New King James Version?

    What is the minimum necessary to be saved?

    How can we know whose interpretation of the Bible is right (Part 2)?

    How can we know whose interpretation of the Bible is right (Part 1)?

    Psalm 22:1, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?"

    The "Mind of Christ" in 1st Corinthians 2:16

    Simeon and Simon, and the two crows of the rooster

    Ichthys, saints, and the Last Adam

    Does Hebrews 10:26 teach loss of salvation?

    Eternal security: where does one draw the line?

    Who are Gog and Magog in Ezekiel 38-39?

    How did John the baptist come to doubt Jesus?

    Is Jesus literally seated on the throne at God's right hand?

    Are the Celts the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel?

    Whatever happened to the "Genesis Gap"?

    "The baptism which now saves you":  1st Peter 3:21.

    Hebrew Language Study Tools.

    What type of healing is being discussed in Isaiah 53:5?

    The Origin of the Four Seasons

    2nd Peter 3:5: Doubting the Tribulation

    Tent-making and Galatians 6:6

    A Question about Ichthys books

    Biblical Metaphors and Symbolism

    Faith and the Pre-Tribulational "Rapture".

    Faith Healing.

    Bible translation and John 8:58.

    Melchizedek and the high priesthood of Christ:  two questions et alia.

    In need of encouragement.

    The centurion and the Syro-Phoenician woman.

    Who is the Meshiach?

    A Sadducean Question

    What is "heaven" like according to Christian teachings?

    Acts 20:28: Whose Blood?

    1st Corinthians 11:  Hats or Hair?

    Confession of Sin, Fellowship, and the Filling of the Holy Spirit.

    A Miscellany of Questions and Answers (Nineveh, the beast, tongues, demons, Sadam, etc.)

    Some Greek Questions in the Gospels (John 1:3; 2:19; 8:58; Luke 23:43)

    Is Man trichotomous, and does that mean that salvation is three-tiered?

    Questioning the Trinity

    The blood of Christ

    Christ knocking at the door in Revelation 3:20

    The futility of memory without God and eternal life.

    The meaning of Jesus' words, "I am" in John 8:58

    What does the Bible say about Heaven and Hell?

    Peace in 1st Corinthians 14:33

    Salvation and Church Affiliation.

    Several questions on the book of Hebrews.

    Does the Bible prohibit women from preaching or teaching in the Church?

    Should Christian leaders refrain from drinking in public?

    How to use the Bible translations at Ichthys.

    The Worship of Jesus:  a proof of His divinity?

    An Extended Conversation about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

    Is water baptism required for Christians today?

    Are health and wealth a part of the gospel?

    Will those in Hades be able to see Christ's return?

    Feelings of Guilt about Remarriage.

    Who are the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel?

    What does "the Word was with God" mean in John 1:1-2?

    Three questions on three verses in Isaiah (Is.21:4; 28:10, & 66:24).

    How important is education for a pastor?

    Does Hebrews 10:26-35 ("deliberate sinning" etc.) mean that a believer can lose his or her salvation?

    Availability and use of Ichthys materials: several questions.

    Is there any difference between demons and fallen angels?

    Confronting atheism.

    Two questions about Judas Iscariot.

    Three Questions about Tattoos and Salvation.

    The Hebrew word for 'one' (`echadh) and the uniqueness of God.

    Did the witch of Endor really conjure up the spirit of Samuel?

    A Question about the "Waters Above".

    Why did God the Father wait so long to send Jesus into the world?

    How does being "slain in the Spirit" relate to being baptized in the Spirit?

    How do you prove the existence of God?

    Where does the Bible teach that Jesus is God?

    Is it ever Justifiable to Tell a Lie (part 2)?

    Seeing double in Matthew.

    Mary, Joseph, and Nazareth.

    Is the Westminster Catechism a Good Reference Tool?

    What does it mean "the spirit returns to God" in Ecclesiastes 12:7?

    Is there any Connection between biblical Gemstones and Moral Characteristics?

    Are Miraculous Gifts Operational Today?

    Jesus Christ in the Old Testament (Christophany: Gen.3:8).

    Can those in organizations which teach "salvation by works" be saved?

    Is "helpmeet" a wrong translation in Genesis 2:20?

    Our will and God's WILL.

    Cast thy Bread upon the Waters:  What do the seven and eight portions in Ecclesiastes 11:2 mean?

    Was Cain Satan's literal "seed"?

    The Demon Possessed Girl in Acts 16:16.

    The "Sin unto Death" in 1st John 5:16.

    Is death just a natural part of human life?

    Communion and the Blood of Christ.

    What does it mean in 1st Corinthians 7:14, "the unbelieving husband is sanctified"?

    The Re-institution of the Feast of Tabernacles in the Millennium.

    Secular Documentation for the Exodus.

    The false doctrine of "soul sleep".

    The Author of Hebrews and Jesus' Perfect Completion of His Mission.

    The Trinity in Isaiah 63:10-15.

    How old was Jesus at the time of His crucifixion and resurrection?

    Five Smooth Stones: 1st Samuel 17:40

    How can we know the Bible is true?

    The name "Jesus".

    Habakkuk's Prosperity Prayer: Habakkuk 3:17-19.

    Jeremiah 31:22: "A Woman shall Compass a Man".

    The New International Version of the Bible and some issues in Bible translation.

    Is "the Prophet" of Deuteronomy 18:18 Muhammad?

    The One True God and the Trinity in the Old Testament.

    Are those in Hebrews 6:4 who "crucify the Son of God afresh" lost?

    Are New Bible Translations Part of a Conspiracy?

    What exactly is the "red heifer prophecy", and how does it relate to the events of the end times?

    Where did the waters of Genesis 1 go?

    Interpreting Revelation

    Sin, Baptism, and the Book of Revelation

    Tithing and the Book of Life

    The Dangers of the Prosperity Gospel.

    English and the Tower of Babel.

    The "Seven Thunders" of Revelation 10:3-4

    The fate of the unrighteous dead in Isaiah 66:24

    Who are the "sons of the kingdom" in Matthew 18:11-12?

    Why does Judah get greater honor than Jerusalem in Zechariah 12:7?

    Are there Female Angels?

    Longevity in the Millennium.

    How is the date of Easter computed?

    What is the meaning of the 1290 days versus the 1335 days in Daniel 12?

    What Church era are we now in?

    The mark of the beast.

    Christophany in the Exodus.

    Can you explain "help my unbelief!" in Mark 9:24?

    What does it mean to "overcome" in Revelation chapters 2 and 3?

    Are women required to wear veils or hats in church?

    Is the world about to come to an end?

    Does the Bible ever describe the earth as being round?

    Pre-, mid-, or post-Tribulation rapture?

    Pearls before swine.

    Recognizing the Messiah.

    The gift of healing.

    The origin and fate of the "giants" in Genesis chapter six.

    Christian suffering - Christian encouragement.

    Is speaking in tongues biblical?

    Is speaking in tongues a sin?

    Can you recommend a good commentary on the book of Romans?

    Aspects of the resurrection.

    The recipients of Peter's epistles.

    Pre- or Post-Tribulation "rapture"?

    The lives of the prophets.

    The old prophet who lied.

    Animal sacrifice in the millennium.

    Is it ever justifiable to lie?

    Who wrote the King James version?

    The meaning of the divine name יהוה.

    The so-called "documentary hypothesis".

    The relationship between the books of Kings and Chronicles.

    David's disastrous census of Israel.

    Aspects of the Unseen Angelic Warfare and 666, the Mark of the Beast.

    The 200 million strong demon army of Revelation 9:13.

    Deliverance through Childbearing in 1st Timothy 2:15?

    Some questions about the Tribulation.

    More on divorce and remarriage.

    Divorce and remarriage.

    The antecedents of ICHTHYS.

    What does it mean to "remember the Sabbath and keep it holy"?

    The manner of the apostle Peter's death.

    Wasn't Matthias the thirteenth apostle?

    Forward progress necessary for salvation and spiritual growth.

    The "seven days" of human history.

    1st John 1:9 and confessing sin.

    ICHTHYS and the role of traditional Christianity.

    Can you recommend a good survey for the Old and New Testaments?

    Where can I find more information on the "Genesis gap"?

    Is Church membership an issue in salvation?

    Can you recommend a church?

    Are these materials available for purchase as books?

    A bit of autobiography.

    What is your opinion of the Abingdon one-volume Bible Commentary?

    What is the significance of the number "20" in the Bible?

    The 144,000 of Revelation chapters 7 and 14.

    What is your view on predestination?

    Who is "true Israel"?

    The chronology of the date 2026.

    Does baptism play a role in being born again?

    Why does the devil have access to God while man cannot stand in His presence?

    The structure of the book of Revelation.

    What is your view of the rapture?

    What is meant by the "10 days" of Revelation 2:10?

    Dragons in the Bible?

    Are there apostles in the Church today?

    What is the meaning of the word "chosen" in the Bible.

    The Passover.

    What are the most common Bible names?

    What is the biblical significance of the number forty?

    What does the Bible have to say about witchcraft?

    How can I protect myself from false teaching?

    Didn't the devil know he couldn't defeat God?

    Are the Masons wrong according to the Bible?

    Six Questions.

    Can the faith of "backsliders" be restored?

    Are there biblical origins to mythology?

    What does the phrase "sides of the pit" mean in Isaiah 14:15?

    Can prayer be offered in the name of the Son?

    Election and John 6:37?

    Is it valid to celebrate Christmas?

    Can you give me some information on divine names in the Bible?

    What is the significance of name changes in the Bible?

    Is faith a "gift of God"?

    Is there a "gospel of Thomas"?

    Is the nature of Man dichotomous or trichotomous?

    Will the temple be rebuilt in Jerusalem?

    Does the Bible teach a literal Millennium?

    What does the word "good" mean in Genesis?

    Who are "the dead" who "rise first" in 1st Thessalonians 4?

    Are the Greek tenses in John 7:34 correctly translated?

    Is the devil "mad" to oppose God?

    Does the Bible require supporting the pastor financially?

    How can Jesus be a man and God at the same time?

    How did people atone for intentional sin in Old Testament times?

    What is the symbolism of the Lamb of God in Revelation?

    Can you recommend some word study tools for Bible study?

    Can people who commit suicide be saved?

    Are tattoos biblical?

    Is it "ichthys" or "ichthus"?

    What is the difference between wisdom and discernment?

    Marriage of Believers and Unbelievers.

    Is hearing believing in John 6:35?

    How certain a date is 2026?

    Is Paul describing himself in Romans chapter seven?

    Is tithing required for salvation?

    What is the evidence for the "rapture"?

    Is there any validity to the "prosperity gospel"?

    Who are the "Nephilim" in Genesis chapter six?

    Church attendance.

    Is there a literal "devil"?

    What does the Bible have to say about reincarnation?

    What is the unpardonable sin?

    Believing the Bible for Spiritual Growth.

    Why was the New Testament written in Greek?

    What about those who have never heard of Christ?

    What about elders and deacons?

    Eternal Security and "sinless perfection".

    Eternal Security and "salvation by works".

    Does the Bible teach ex nihilo creation?

    When did Jesus first know He was God's Son?

    Are there prophets today?

    Despairing of life.

    How important is baptism?

    How could Christ have been three days and nights in the grave?

    Do Muslims worship the One true God?

    What can I do about spiritual fainting?

     


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