Note that the subject of suicide has already been discussed (What does the Bible say about suicide?), though not this question. The Scriptures clearly state that any sin can be forgiven if the sinner believes that God can forgive. I believe Judas could have been forgiven if he had turned to God instead of suicide. […]
How did Jesus bring division? (Luke 12:51-53)
Luke 12:51-53 Do you think I have come to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division!52 For from now on there will be five in one household divided, three against two and two against three.53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter […]
What is the difference between wisdom, knowledge and understanding?
Briefly, knowledge should lead to understanding. A mature understanding leads to a person with wisdom. 1. Knowledge “The knowledge of good and evil” was what Adam and Eve gained by eating the forbidden fruit. That knowledge was harmful to them. Gen 2:16-17 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of […]
Are the outbreaks in Cairo part of the end-times?
I believe it is the end times now, so I’d have to say that the outbreaks are part of the end times.1 However, I know of no specific reference to this unrest in Scripture. One of the reasons I believe it is now the end time, or latter days, is because of Jesus’ prophecy recorded in […]
How many Herods were there?
There are six men and four women of the Herod family mentioned in the Bible. Herod is the family name. Rather than me saying how many Herods there were (where do you stop counting?) it would be better to read the Wikipedia article, which explains the family well. The men mentioned in the Bible Herod the Great […]
Why are there natural disasters in a world created by God?
Many people wonder how a loving God could have created a world in which natural disasters occur. What most people do not realize is that such disasters are typically the product of natural systems which most of the time operate for our benefit. To put it one way, natural disasters are the ‘cost’ we ‘pay’ […]
Are the New Testament manuscripts reliable?
The recent book ‘Misquoting Jesus’ (2005), by Bart Ehrman (a professional textual critic and ex-Christian), has been cited widely as presenting an overwhelming case for the unreliability of the textual transmission of the New Testament. Ehrman’s work is neither a breakthrough nor a revelation.[1] [2] He raises no new textual difficulties, contributes no new evidence, […]
What exactly is a “shepherd’s bag”, such as David carried in 1 Samuel 17:40?
The word is of uncertain meaning, but appears to refer to the kind of small bag that shepherds would carry with them, probably containing food and in this case also used for stones to throw. 1 Samuel 17:40 (NET) He took his staff in his hand, picked out five smooth stones from the stream, placed them […]
Why did Jesus lose power when he healed? (Luke 8:46)
The text does not actually say that Jesus ‘lost power’. when he healed. What it says is that Jesus was aware when power had been used for this reason. Luke 8:46 (NET) But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I know that power has gone out from me.” We don’t know the details of what […]
Is it wrong to marry atheists? Should I only have Christian friends?
Although it is wise to ensure we have Christian friends, who think as we do and who can understand us better, it is not wise to exclude others from our friendship. Having only Christian friends could lead to us being narrow minded and insular; it is useful to have friends with different perspectives, or who […]