Joshua wants to know why “the sin that leads to death” isn’t simply the rejection of Jesus’ humanity that characterized the Gnostics of John’s time (2 John v. 7)? This is a good question and one I had not thought considered when I wrote an earlier post on this subject, but I certainly see howContinue reading “The Sin That Leads To Death”
Category Archives: Questions You’ve Asked
God’s Will And Our Prayers
A friend of mine and I were involved in a discussion not too long ago concerning the “asking” element of prayer. Specifically, we were talking about the Scripture’s assurance of us receiving what we ask for when we make our requests in accordance with God’s will (1 John 5:14-15). He tongue-in-cheek noted, “That’s really the core issue isn’tContinue reading “God’s Will And Our Prayers”
Managing Your Children Well
Someone has asked about the guidelines for deacons (1 Timothy 3:8ff). Specifically. he is inquiring about the practice in some places of making someone a deacon as soon as they have a child. He writes, “It strikes me as difficult to determine how well a man manages his children when the child in question isContinue reading “Managing Your Children Well”
Why Pray For Forgiveness?
If in Christ sins aren’t charged to our account (Romans 4:6-8,15,5:13), then why are disciples to ask for forgiveness? It was Christ in the model prayer who told us to seek God’s forgiveness (Matthew 6:12), so it won’t do to say that this isn’t something we need to do. Yet at the same time, there isContinue reading “Why Pray For Forgiveness?”
The Principle Of First Mention
Kevin has a question about the principle of first mention. Here is quote he sent that summarizes this approach to Scripture. The post I took it from can be found here. “The law of first mention” is another most important principle involved in the Scriptures. What is meant by it is that the first mentionContinue reading “The Principle Of First Mention”
Spirit And Fire
Brandon wants to know, “What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire?” John baptized in water but he tells his audience that the Messiah will baptize with Spirit and fire (Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3, John 1). What does this mean? Answering this question involves digging into quite a few passages of Scripture so I encourage youContinue reading “Spirit And Fire”
How Often Should We Take The Lord’s Supper?
How often should disciples take the Lord’s Supper? We have several passages of Scripture that address this question, but none do so absolutely or exhaustively. Nonetheless, if we patiently work with these texts, we will end up with a more than satisfactory answer to our question. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians is a goodContinue reading “How Often Should We Take The Lord’s Supper?”
Dogs In Heaven?
Years ago, there was an email making the rounds that featured pictures of two churches fighting (via their marquee signs), over whether or not dogs go to heaven. The email is almost certainly bogus (check it out on Snopes), since the background in the pictures remains exactly the same through all of the sign changes. ButContinue reading “Dogs In Heaven?”
A Question About Our “Rights”
Kevin wants to know about Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 9:21 concerning becoming all things to all people—is it permissive or limiting? My understanding is that it is both a permissive and limiting text. When I was growing up, our mother would always tell us before we went somewhere to “Have fun and behave.” AContinue reading “A Question About Our “Rights””
A Question About Giving
Does 1 Corinthians 16:2 require that we give weekly as opposed to once a month or some other way? Old habits die hard! This verse has been looked at by some in a certain way for so long that it’s close to impossible for them to see it any other way. It’s like one ofContinue reading “A Question About Giving”
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 