Fix your eyes on Jesus

I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.  You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?'  Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.
Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.

Job 42:2,3,6

Did you know that from the time the Israelites left Mount Sinai until the time they crossed the Jordan River and entered the Promised Land was exactly 14,000 days?  Yes, it's true.  That's a fun fact the Lord led me to.  It took many hours of study to find this, but now I can show you in about a minute.  Or you can go to dozens of websites around the world that use the very calculation the Lord led me to:

Go to Numbers 10:11 - On the twentieth day of the second month of the second year, the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle of the Testimony.

Using the biblical 360 day year, you can now do your calculation:

20 + 30 + 360 = 410

Now to Joshua 4:19 -  On the tenth day of the first month the people went up from the Jordan and camped at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho.

(This was the beginning of the 41st year) 40 X 360 = 14400 + 10 = 14410

Subtract:  14410 - 410 = 14000 days exactly - What precision in God's Word.

If you want to read more on this, go to the page 14000 days.

Below are my Questions of the Week from my Home Page for you to enjoy.  I don't pretend that I know all about the Word of God, but these are fun items that I hope will edify you.  Charlie.

Why do Christians celebrate the Sabbath on Sunday?  The answer is found in the book of Hebrews - Now we who have believed enter that rest....  Hebrews 4:3.  Christ is our Sabbath Rest.  Prior to Christ, the people of God worked 6 days and then rested (a picture of earning your salvation).  We acknowledge Christ's work, finished at the Cross of Calvary.  As he is our Sabbath Rest, we realize that it is faith, plus nothing, that brings us close to him.  We honor his work on the first day of the week and then go about our lives.  This is a picture of our salvation, accomplished by His own mighty right arm!

What happend to the Bronze Snake which Moses held up in the Desert?  The answer is found in 2 Kings 18:4 - He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles.  He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it.  (It was called Nehushtan).  Unfortunately, we humans will put our faith in anything except the One True God.  This snake had a prophetic significance though.  Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.  John 3:14, 15.   Jesus himself said that he would be lifted up (crucified) and all who look to the cross would be saved.  But just as the passage in 2 Kings makes note, the name of the snake was Nehushtan.  This sounds like the Hebrew for "unclean thing."  Jesus became sin for us.  He absorbed our uncleanness at the cross and made us righteous in God's sight through his blood.  What an incredible trade....something of no value for something of absolute worth.  Free.

How powerful are angels?  Well, according to Holy Scripture, there are different kinds of heavenly beings, but the following account shows the power of a single angel.  Then the angel of the LORD went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning-there were all the dead bodies!  Isaiah 37:36

An angel is a created being, and yet it can do this.  Just imagine the unlimited power of our Creator!  With his mouth he spoke the universe into existence, and on a rough night in Galilee he stilled a storm with no more than a few words!  He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.  “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.   Luke 8:24, 25

Was Jesus really born on 25 December?  All indications are that He was not.  There are several clues as to the approximate time.  First, in Luke 2:8 it says the shepherds were in the field.  December is generally too late in the year for this.  However, regardless of this, we can go back to Luke 1 and get a very good indication of when Christ was born.  Zechariah was on duty at the time and he belonged to the priestly division of Abijah.  This division's time of service can be inferred from its placement in 1 Chronicles 24:10.  Following this train of thought through the account given in Luke1, we can trace John the Baptist's birth, which in turn gives us an approximate date for Christ Jesus' birth.  It would be in early to mid October.  I would personally like to think it was on the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot).  This would be appropriate as Jesus came and "dwelt" literally "tabernacled" amongst us.  This then would be the first fulfillment of this prophetic feast.  The final fulfillment will be when Christ dwells with man again as the King of kings.

The minister said I was stealing from God if I didn't give 10% to  my church.  Is that true?  The verse he was quoting is Malachi 3:8-10.  He is not telling the whole story which either means he hasn't read his bible or is personally deceiving you.  Old Testament tithing is laid out in Deuteronomy 14:22-29 which says you are to pay (to others) 10% every three years.  This is reiterated in Deuteronomy 26:12 and Amos 4:4.  Having said this, it is still appropriate to give your best for the sake of Christ.  This means the first and not the last; the best and not the rest.  Ten percent is a good place to start...more as your are blessed.  For an analysis of all this (my opinions) you can go to the page "Mini Sermons" and scroll down to "On Tithing.

Is the story about Jonah and the whale true?  There's no doubt it's true.  Nowhere is it indicated that the story is merely allegorical.  Secondly, Jesus himself referenced this story:  The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now one greater than Jonah is here.  Matthew 12:41.  Therefore, it is obviously true.  And lastly, it was not a whale that swallowed Jonah.  The bible says:  Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah.  And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.  Jonah 1:17.  Because it says the LORD had "prepared" a great fish, we can speculate (without knowing for sure) that this was a unique creation of God made especially for Jonah.  Maybe it had a sofa and satellite TV!

You have several pages on your site referencing dates in the bible.  Do all the dates in the bible have significance?  Yes, but even more - every word of the Holy Bible has significance.  It all fits together like an intricate puzzle.  Just a few weeks ago, I figured the dates in 1 Kings 6 and was astonished to find that Solomon's Temple was completed in 2701 days.  That may not sound too exciting, but this number is intricately woven throughout Holy Scripture.  To see some really fascinating points concerning the number 2701, please click here.  This link is full of mathematical truths coded numerically in the bible.  All of the details of King Solomon's Temple were divinely inspired as attested to in 1 Chronicles 28:11 - He gave him the plans of all that the Spirit had put in his mind for the courts of the temple of the LORD and all the surrounding rooms, for the treasuries of the temple of God and for the treasuries for the dedicated things.  And again in 1 Chronicles 28:19 "All this," David said, "I have in writing from the hand of the LORD upon me, and he gave me understanding in all the details of the plan."

In Revelation 20:16 it says "On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:  King of Kings and Lord of Lords."  Why is this on his thigh?  This is really interesting and you'd never get it unless you studied the Jewish roots of our faith.  Jesus as fully man, was born a Jew, lived a Jew, and will come back to rule in Zion.  As fully God, he fulfills the title King of kings and Lord of lords.  The Jewish people were told to put tassels on the corners of their garments (Deuteronomy 22:12).  These tassels are known as tzitzit.  Names and or titles are embroidered into these and pressing them into clay could actually substitute for a signature.  When He returns riding a white horse, he will wear his talit with the tzitzit resting on his thigh.  It will be written in Hebrew so the remnant will immediately recognize him - Melech-ha' melechim Adonai-ha' adonaim.  Come Lord Jesus!

Who do you think the Whore of Babylon is?  Actually, I try to stay away from questions like these, but you asked and I do have an opinion.  The Vatican was established as its own country in 1929.  Since that time, there have been 6 Popes (kings as they rule their own country.)  Pius XI, Pius XII, John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul I, John Paul II.   We read this in Revelation 17:9-11.  This calls for a mind with wisdom. The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits.  They are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come; but when he does come, he must remain for a little while.  The beast who once was, and now is not, is an eighth king. He belongs to the seven and is going to his destruction.  Clearly, Rome is the City of Seven Hills.  The Vatican sits right there.  We will know real soon if I'm wrong or not, because John Paul II won't last much longer.  The rapture will have to take place very near to the time of his death, or my guess will have been a bad one.  If it is a correct guess, the next Pope will not fill the position for very long and then will come the final Pope who will be either the Antichrist or the False Prophet.  I'm not really concerned as to whether I'm correct or not, because ultimately it makes no difference in my relationship with Christ.  He is my focus, not an apostate church.

You say that the prophecies in Revelation are still to be fulfilled.  If it pertains to now, then why does it say "the time is near" and "these things must shortly come to pass."  That was written 2000 years ago!  Your question actually contains part of the answer.  Revelation 1:10 says:  "On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit..."  If you closely follow the Biblical plan of redemption, you will see it is on a 7000 year time-frame.  Psalm 90:4 and 2 Peter 3:8 both indicate that a day to the Lord is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a day.  The 7th day then would be the year 6001-7000.  We are now at the beginning of this 7000th year.  This is the Lord's Day as prophesied throughout Holy Scripture.  John was clearly saying that he was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, not meaning a Sunday 2000 years ago, but he was spiritually transported to the beginning of the 7th millenium - the Lord's Day - in this vision.  As we are now at this point, we can confidently say "...the time is near."  Revelation 1:3.  To confirm this, Cardinal James Ussher, in his classic "The Annals of the World" clearly records history from Day1.  Christ's birth is documented as 4000a Anno Mundi, 4709 JP, 5 BC. 

Your Faith and Testimony page says you attend an independent fundamental Baptist church.  I always heard they were nuts, but you sound ok.  What’s up with that?   Thanks for the nice thoughts about me, but if there’s any good, it’s because of Christ!  He is my righteousness.  Independent - means accountable to Christ not an external hierarchy, and the property is owned by the local body – not doing either leads to compromise in doctrine – a classic example is the blasphemous practice of the catholic church moving homosexual perverts from one parish to another to hide them.  Fundamental - belief that the bible is the final authority; it is inspired and needs no addition or catechism as Appendix 1.  Baptist – full immersion baptism shows obedience to the Lord’s command.  However, it IS NOT a requirement for salvation but is a sign of obedience and a picture of participation in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.  Romans 6:4.  There are nuts everywhere and there are true believers even in bad churches.  Christ will judge each man’s heart.

You talk about the rapture like it's really going to happen.  That's crazy.  Actually, it's as right as rain.  Scripture says:  For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17.  The word for "caught up" in Greek is "harpazo."  This means literally "to seize, to catch away, to take by force."  Either you take the bible as written or you don't.  It says what it says - what it says can mean nothing else.  So don't call me crazy....Crazy-schmazy, loop di loo, blah, blah (tee hee!) 

I was reading your page "My Bible Hall of Fame" and when I got to the book of Nehemiah, I got a little puzzled.  Why is this your favorite verse in this book?  It just doesn't make any sense to me?  All in all, I just love Nehemiah - actually I love the whole Bible - but, O this one verse!  What a statement!  Nehemiah 3:20 - Next to him, Baruch son of Zabbai zealously repaired another section, from the angle to the entrance of the house of Eliashib the high priest.  This caught my eye from the first.  Just imagine you were to be remembered in God's Holy Word.  If you were to be mentioned only one time and your name was to be transmitted down through the ages to every nation, tribe, and tongue - how would you want to be remembered?  There are many, many names in the Bible and they are remembered for varying ways, but Baruch son of Zabbai was given the distinction of being remembered for zealously completing his task for the Lord.  I can't possibly think of anything outside of being known as a follower of Christ which would make me feel more honored by God than the way Baruch is.

You said Terri Schaivo was murdered.  What can we do about it?  I haven't always had the convictions I have today, and I find myself astonished at the coldness of my heart even now, but I've grown to know the sanctity of human life by knowing that Christ died for all.  If He was willing to give his life for us, who are we to excuse the murder of unborn children or those such as Terri?  It's our responsibility to protest such acts.  The same people that scream about the execution of murderers and perverts are those who cry the loudest for the protection of their "rights" to murder the helpless.  Our society has turned upside-down and become almost completely pagan.  I can't say at what point we should again pick up arms and fight to reinstate what our founding fathers died for, but I will say we are nearing that point.  Our duty as Christians is to follow the laws of the government under which we live until they violate God's laws.  We are very quickly reaching that point in all our judicial decisions.  I have hope that God will act first and usher in His righteous judgment though.  As in the case of King David's sin recorded in 1 Chronicles, he was given three choices of judgment, but he chose most wisely:  "I am in deep distress. Let me fall into the hands of the LORD, for his mercy is very great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men."  1 Chronicles 21:13.  If we rebel and execute the judges who murdered Terri and those in agreement with this, ultimately we would certainly all be swept away.

How can the Davidic line have continued past Jehoiachin if God removed him as his signet ring in Jeremiah 22:24?  The answer can be found in Haggai 2:23:  On that day, declares the LORD Almighty, I will take you, my servant Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, declares the LORD , and I will make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD Almighty.  And then in Zechariah 3:8 we read:  Listen, O high priest Joshua and your associates seated before you, who are men symbolic of things to come: I am going to bring my servant, the Branch.  Here, Zechariah addresses Joshua and Zerubbabel and indicates in 3:8 the prophetic nature of his writing.  At this time we see the signet reinstated in the Davidic line through Zerubbabel indicating Christ's Kingly status and Joshua indicates his High Priestly status.  It is most interesting to note that Zerubbabel is the first name mentioned in both the lineage of Jesus through Joseph in Matthew 3:12 and through Mary in Luke 3:27.

Does the Old Testament give any indication of the rapture?  Yes, many times.  I'll give you a few:  First is Genesis 5:24 - Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.  This was not death as attested to in Hebrews 11:5.  Jewish tradition indicates he was translated on Rosh Hoshanna.  Next is 2 Kings 2:11 - And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.  The interesting thing about these two occurrences is that one is a Gentile (Abraham was the first Hebrew Genesis 14:13) and Elijah is an Israeli.  Lastly well go to Jeremiah 8:20 - The harvest is past, the summer has ended, and we are not saved.  This is a reference to those left behind.  The harvest is those believers taken in the rapture.  Notice the summer has ended - could it be the rapture will happen at Rosh Hoshanna which is September or October each year?  It all points to that, particularly when this is the next feast to be prophetically fulfilled from Leviticus 23.

Why don't you think it's possible that the preterist view about prophecy is correct?  Because it's wrong.  I know, I know - this isn't a very good explanation, but two points - (1) I have to go to Tennessee this week and I don't have time to give a lengthy answer.  (2) Preterists are wrong.

You said in one of your previous Questions of the Week that you thought Jesus was born on the Feast of Tabernacles.  Couldn't it have been on Rosh Hoshanna like some other people claim?  Actually, what I said was that it was in early to mid October.  And that I would personally like to think it was on the Feast of Tabernacles.  However, it could just as easily have been Rosh Hoshanna.  This is quite plausible too, because Jewish tradition says Adam was created on this day and Enoch was raptured on this day.  In 1 Corinthians 15:44-46, Paul explains:  If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.  So it is written: "The first man Adam became a living being"; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit.  The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual.  Here we have a pattern where Christ replaces Adam.  If Enoch was raptured on Rosh Hoshanna, we would expect to have a similar pattern the physical becoming spiritual - in the rapture of the church on Rosh Hoshanna.

I heard a Methodist say on the news recently that he preferred to focus on the loving God of the New Testament, not on the wrathful God of the Old Testament.  What is he talking about?  That's a great question!  People that say this have absolutely no understanding of the Holy Bible - this doesn't belong to one denomination though.  People from all denominations base their whole doctrine on cliches.  We are dealing with the same God.  Throughout Scripture, God is full of mercy and yet righteous.  He must judge sin.  This is just as clear in the New Testament as it is in the Old.  I the LORD do not change.  Malachi 3:6.  From the first pages of Genesis, until the end of Revelation, it's God who reaches out to man and covers our sin.  It's also God who judges the wicked.  Don't let these people upset you with their uninformed small talk.

The minister said she believed in a female God because of how wisdom is portrayed in the bible.  What do you think?  First of all, Paul said in 1 Corinthians 14:33-35 - As in all the congregations of the saints, women should remain silent in the churches.  They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says.  If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.  She should resign and sit down.  Also, you should find a more biblical church to attend.  Concerning your question - she's referring to several passages which combine to form nonsense...cults often start this way.  Proverbs 1:20 says:  Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares.  Later in Proverbs 8 there's discussion about the characteristics of wisdom.  By combining these statements, she's come up with her own fantasy.  There's an old but good saying "A text out of context is a pretext."  Tell her to grow up.

Can you tell me what you think the bible says about drinking alcohol?  Actually, I once had a lengthy analysis on this site dedicated to the subject - wine and other fermented drinks are mentioned over 200 times in the Holy Bible -  however, so as not to offend those who feel otherwise - regardless of accuracy - I deleted it.  If you'd like a copy, I can email it to you upon request.  I won't answer your question, but will give you some verses to look up.  Read them yourself and come to your own conclusion.  Also, I recommend you consult the corresponding Strong's Concordance number in each instance.  Genesis 14:18-20; Genesis 27:25; Numbers 28:7; Deuteronomy 14:26; Psalm 104:14-15; Ecclesiastes 9:7; Amos 9:14; Luke 7:31-35; Mark 2:21-22; Luke 22:17-18; John 2:1-11; 1 Corinthians 11:20-22; 1 Timothy 5:23.

How do you feel about the recent news concerning the desecration of the koran?  Well, to accurately answer you, I will start with the main MSN Encarta Dictionary definition:  Desecrate - to insult something holy.   Now we need to define "holy."    There are five main definitions:  Holy - sacred, saintly, pure, consecrated, awe-inspiring.  As God has clearly revealed himself through the Old and New Testaments of the Christian Canon, and as the koran contradicts the Holy Bible (e.g. 1 John 4:2), the koran cannot be defined as holy.  As it is not holy and God-breathed, it cannot be desecrated.  In effect, it is no different than a newspaper, a dog-bowl, or an office-lamp.  Each of these may have value in a personal sense, but none in the sense of holiness.   Therefore, from a Christian perspective, no desecration has taken place.  Finally, I truly don't believe our service men did this, but rather I think it was a lie perpetrated by muslims and carried willingly by our liberal press.

Can you tell me why it says in Genesis 2 that Adam was told he would die the day he ate the forbidden fruit and yet he lived to be 930 years old?  The bible is complete and has no contradictions.  This is one of those passages that doesn't really seem right, but it is correct and problem-free.  In Genesis 2:16, 17 it says:  And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:  But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it:  for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.  (KJV)  Now read 2 Peter 3:8:  But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.  This is the same as stated in Psalm 90:4.  As I've said elsewhere, from Genesis to Revelation, there is a 7-day (7 thousand year) plan of Redemption for mankind.  Adam actually died 70 years short of his "second day" just as God promised.

Why was a sandal exchanged at the end of the book of Ruth?  Well as it says:  Now in earlier times in Israel, for the redemption and transfer of property to become final, one party took off his sandal and gave it to the other. This was the method of legalizing transactions in Israel.  Ruth 4:7.  As you can see, this made it a legal contract, just as if we signed a document.  The witnesses were like our notary of today.  All of this was a picture of Christ to come.  The nearest kinsman was a picture of Adam.  Boaz was a picture of Christ.  The ten witnesses pictured the Ten Commandments (the Law).  Our Adamic nature cannot redeem us from our guilt before the Law.  Instead it is through Christ alone that we find redemption.  The sandal signifies Christ filling our shoes -taking our place in punishment and guilt that we may be redeemed by His precious blood.  Thanks be to God for indescribable gift.  2 Corinthians 9:15

I read your page, Its Greek to Me.  My question is Do you know why the New Testament was written in Greek rather than Hebrew?  I have several opinions that come to mind, but the answer is going to be too long for leaving here on the home page.  Therefore, go back to the page, Its Greek to Me and I'll make it a permanent part of the essay.

A few weeks ago, you talked about the book of Ruth.  That is just my favorite book.  Can you tell me anything other interesting tidbit?  Yes, this book talks a lot about the kinsman-redeemer.  The Hebrew is for this is "gawal" and is also translated elsewhere as "avenger of blood."  How beautifully this corresponds with Christ.  He is our Redeemer, but also as evidenced in Revelation 18 the avenger of the blood of the saints.  Its all about Him! 

I've heard conflicting information.  Can you tell me what day Christ rose?  Yes, clearly Christ rose on Sunday morning.  First, this is evidenced in Mark 16:9 - When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons.  The word "early" is Strong #4404 - proi - literally "at dawn."  However, even if you reject this passage as some do, you can go back to the Old Testament for clarity.  The Lord's Feasts in Leviticus 23 give a clear picture of the redemption calendar.  The resurrection was prophesied through the Feast of Firstfruits - Hebrew Bikkurim.  Here it is:  He is to wave the sheaf before the LORD so it will be accepted on your behalf; the priest is to wave it on the day after the Sabbath.  Note - the Jewish Sabbath was Saturday.  Even if you reject what the New Testament says, the Old Testament pointed to a Sunday resurrection 1500 years before it happened. 

I've tried to faithfully answer one Question a Week for you.   This week, I'd like to ask you a question.  Please respond with a short answer and I'll give my thoughts on the best answer next week.  While walking along recently I picked up a shark tooth (these are very common here in Sunny Sarasota) and it got me thinking about man's achievements compared to God's creation.   My question for you is - Out of all the things man has done and achieved, which single creation of man has been the most important?  And, why do you feel that way?

I kind of pulled a fast one last week.  But one person figured it out.  Thank you all for the answers you gave and as far as achievements go, you had wonderful answers.  I asked what single creation of man is the most important.   I will quote part of an answer from a friend named Kim, whom I met through this site "...the definition of create.  Create; to cause to come into existence; bring into being.  Man does not create anything with the exception of maybe children... /...God also imparts a soul into the infant at conception.   So all we really are the techs that assist our Lord.  And we receive the blessing of the child.  Truly, God is the source of all creation."  Anything we have attained in the physical sense was created by Him, not us.  Her analysis of a child is interesting and bears resemblance to the words of Eve when she bore Adam.  In the Hebrew, you can infer the sense that she "acquired" a man with God.  Other than this, we may be co-creators in praise, love, adoration, etc.  God provided the ability for us to exercise ourselves in these ways.  However, we can use the same abilities to curse, hate, and despise.  Surely, we were not created for such, but have been given the free-will to so exercise our will.  May you use your talents and lips be used to glorify God.

What do you think is the most important sign before Jesus returns?  We all know about the signs which Christ said would precede His second coming earthquakes, famines, pestilences and so on.  But I think there is one thing which is absolutely essential.  In Matthew 23:37-39 we read - O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.  Look, your house is left to you desolate.  For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord."  Jesus was born a Jew, lived a Jew, and will return only when His chosen people acknowledge him on a national basis.  When we hear the streets of Jerusalem shouting "Baruch haBa b'Shem Adonai" we can expect His glorious return.

My church says we should not support Israel in any way.  What do you think?  I think you shouldn't just walk, but you should run from this totally apostate body.  Israel is on the verge of again taking the world's stage.  This couldn't be any clearer in Scripture or in the news.  The fact that you've asked this question indicates you understand this and just need reassurance.  Not only will our Lord, who came as a Jew and will return to Israel, judge the nations who come against Israel, but He will reward those who stand behind His people.  This isn't confusing it's as white as milk.  Further, we are right at that day.  The Sanhedrin is back in place, the Temple implements are ready, archaeologist Vendyl Jones is on the verge of a major find - probably this month.  Has God kept the Jewish nation, resurrected the ancient tongue, and secured His Word these thousands of years just to reject them?  The answer is clearly No!

Am I right that you're against the Gaza withdrawal of settlers?  You bet.  This is a terrible thing and I believe America will be judged for forcing Israel's hand in this.  I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat.  There I will enter into judgment against them concerning my inheritance, my people Israel, for they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land.  Joel 3:2. We couldn't protect Rhode Island without God so willing it.  How much less can we protect our whole country plus Israel?  However, we dont need to worry about Israel.  When America is a footnote in history, Israel will still exist.  God made this promise:  I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them, says the LORD your God.  Amos 9:15.  I'd say they are secure as a nation. 

I've heard it said that Israel is God's timepiece.  What do you think?  I've heard this many times, but I disagree.  Rather, Israel is proof God has a timepiece.  If we say the former, it limits His sovereign actions to Israel.  The latter subordinates Israel to Him, and yet shows that Israel is the key to world prophetic events.  My recommendation to you is "keep your eyes on Israel."

I saw your picture on your site.  Dont you know the bible says:  Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man has long hair, it is a shame unto him?  Ooooh - you've read part of your bible.  I'm impressed.  As the old saying goes, a verse taken out of context is a pretext.  With your single-minded logic, the bible contradicts itself.  In Leviticus 19:27, Jews (including our Lord) were told:  Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard.  Jesus would have worn the long curly hair on his temples which you see on the orthodox Jews of today.  And in the instructions to Nazirites it says:  During the entire period of his vow of separation no razor may be used on his head.  He must be holy until the period of his separation to the LORD is over; he must let the hair of his head grow long.  Numbers 6:5.   Samson, Samuel, John the Baptist, etc., were devoted to the Lord from birth and would have never cut their hair.  Are you saying they were a shame in the eyes of the Lord?  No.  Rather this letter was written to those in Corinth.  In that society, long hair on a man was a sign of being a male shrine-prostitute.  I suggest if you read your bible to take into consideration who each letter was written to and the specific cultural aspects of the society, you'll then be able to properly apply what you are reading without getting all bunched up over minutiae.  As Paul said - Stop thinking like children.  1 Corinthians 14:20

My pastor said the behemoth mentioned in the Old Testament was an elephant.  That just doesn't sound right.  Elephants are found from Africa to Thailand, but this was not an elephant.  You're right to trust your instincts.  This is the passage:  “Look now at the behemoth, which I made along with you; He eats grass like an ox.  See now, his strength is in his hips, And his power is in his stomach muscles.  He moves his tail like a cedar; The sinews of his thighs are tightly knit.  His bones are like beams of bronze, His ribs like bars of iron.  He is the first of the ways of God; Only He who made him can bring near His sword.

Job 40:15-19. (NKJV)  Have you ever seen an elephant's tail?  It's puny like my little arms!  To even suggest that a tail moves like a cedar is comparable to an elephant tail would be to compare a cashew to a coconut!  This is nothing other than a dinosaur whether you accept it or not.  Archaeological evidence clearly shows man and dinosaurs dwelt together.  Elephants are magnificent, but not nearly "the first of the ways of God."   You do well to trust your instincts and not your pastor in this!

Can you make any connection between the first chapter of Genesis and the last chapter of Revelation?  The whole bible is complete and perfect.  From the first sentence it proclaims God’s majesty and points to our Great Redeemer – Jesus.  The first sentence of the bible says:  Bereshit bara elohim eth ha’shemayim v’eth ha’eretz. The middle word “eth” is composed of Hebrew Aleph/Tav.  The ancient Hebrew symbol for Tav is a cross.  Aleph backwards is Pela (Wonderful).  How interesting to think that in 1707 Isaac Watts penned When I Survey The Wonderous Cross!  Additionally, the equivalent to Aleph/Tav in Greek is Alpha/Omega.  Revelation 22:13clearly designates Jesus as the Alpha and the Omega.  As it says in Colossians 1:19:  For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.  From the first to the last, it’s all about redemption through our Precious Lord and Savior – Jesus Christ. 

I've heard of three different versions of the rapture - one before, one at the middle, and one at the end of the tribulation.  What do you believe and why?  I believe in a Pre-Tribulation rapture.  Even if you ignore all that Paul teaches and the pattern in Revelation, the Old Testament is very clear that not a drop of rain fell before Noah was safe and not a burning ash had fallen before Lot was safe.  The OT is a pattern, or picture, of the future in these cases.  Yes, there were troubles in the world before these rescues, but the judgment didnt start until they were safe.  Therefore, the most logical expectation is a pre-judgment rapture the judgment is a 7-year tribulation, hence Pre-Trib.  Looking at it this way, its as certain as sunrise. 

I heard that “nothing comes from nothing” on the radio–equating this with religion somehow.  What was he talking about?  This is from the Latin term “Ex Nihio Nihil Fit.”  Actually, I did a search on this and there are people, a lot smarter than me, who have great explanations for this.  All I can say is that if nothing can come from nothing….our God must really be something!  Why don't you take a moment and comtemplate His glory, thank Him for His goodness, and read Psalm 24 - what a beautiful Psalm!

What do you think about faith-healers?  I've heard of people going to them and not being healed.  When this happens, they are told it was because they were lacking faith.  Please understand this first, I believe in faith-healing.  The Word of God teaches it and God will answer prayer to His glory.  However, I do not believe in faith-healers.  It is not they, but God who heals.  When someone is not healed at a faith-healing rally, it is because of the lack of faith of the "so called" healer, not the person who is looking for healing.  If we are to take Jesus at His word, this must be the case.  Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"  He replied, "Because you have so little faith.  I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."  Matthew 17:19, 20.  Clearly Jesus set the standard for His disciples - their lack of faith hindered them.  If one of todays "faith-healers" fails to deliver, the burden rests on him. 

What do you think heaven will be like?  It'll be more than we can imagine.  Remember that God made the heavens and the earth in 6 days - wow!  He spoke and it stood firm - everything we know in 6 days!  Now read this:  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.  John 14:3.  Jesus said this about 2000 years ago....two thousand years!  That's about 730,000 days.  If he made all we see in 6 days......just imagine what's been prepared.

Do we have all the resources to do miraculous things as Christ did, like walk on water, if only we have the faith?  We are promised His Spirit when we put our trust in Him as Savior.  We can ask for wisdom (Colossians 1:9 & James 1:5), more of His Spirit (Luke 11:13), greater gifts (1 Cor 12:31), etc.  When it comes to extra-physical or extra-natural gifts such as calming the winds, walking on water, or even miracle healing - I'm hesitant to make such claims.  I don't discount that anything is possible, but I believe  such marvelous occurrences happened to establish the church and the faith of early believers.   In essence, I believe they were apostolic gifts.  I do believe that God will answer prayer as He sees fit, but when people start claiming and expecting gifts in this manner they turn their perception of God into a cosmic miracle worker on their behalf.  It is we who are the created and subject to Him in all matters.  When people claim gifts of healing - such as some of our televangelists - they are showing they believe God will do what they want Him to do rather than them being obedient servants of Him.  I saw Benny Hinn flick his hand backwards at a person as if he was throwing a rag and the person fell to the ground in a spasm.  I DO NOT believe God would ever allow His Holy Spirit to be flicked like a rag in such a demeaning manner.  In all things we are subject to Him and only by true faith, prayer, and humility do I believe God will answer prayer - and only so that He may be glorified.

What is the genealogy at the end of the book of Ruth doing there?  This was placed there to prove King David met the requirements as outlined in Deuteronomy 23:2:  No one born of a forbidden marriage nor any of his descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, even down to the tenth generation.  If you go back to Genesis 38 and read the account of Judah and Tamar, you will see that this was a forbidden union.  Because of this, there needed to be 10 generations after it in order to meet this requirement.  This was inserted to prove the requirements were met and David was an acceptable choice for King.

I read your previous answer about Jesus rising on Sunday.  I've read good evidence elsewhere it was on Saturday.  Which is correct?  Sunday is.  The other evidences you read were speculation and without biblical or extra-biblical support.  In addition to the biblical evidences, there is also the noted Jewish historian Flavius Josephus who further confirms the timing.  He was an eyewitness and participant in the feasts which picture Christ:

on the fourteenth day of the lunar month....called the Passover; The feast of unleavened bread succeeds that of the passover, and falls on the fifteenth day of the month.....on the second day of unleavened bread, which is the sixteenth day of the month, they first partake of the fruits of the earth, for before that day they do not touch them.  And while they suppose it proper to honor God, from whom they obtain this plentiful provision, in the first place, they offer the first-fruits of their barley And after this it is that they may publicly or privately reap their harvest. 

If the bible clearly states that the first-fruits are presented on a Sunday and the Passover is two full days (the third day) before that, then tradition that this Passover was Friday and the Resurrection was Sunday is correct.  The way you come up with a Saturday resurrection is to reject the biblical and extra-biblical evidence - other than that I'm sure the analysis is fine! 

If absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, then how can all who are in their graves hear his voice?  I think the most plausible explanation is that our spiritual being - our soul - is kept safe "in the Lord" - Read this in Colossians 3:3:  For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  Even now, when a person puts their faith in Christ, we are "dead" to sin and our lives are hidden in Christ.  Just because our physical body dies, this wouldn't change the fact that we are "hid" in Christ and, hence, present with him.  However, until that Day - that glorious Day promised in Scripture - we will not receive a resurrected body.  When Christ returns with those souls which are "hid" in Him, those left will be transformed physically and the souls will receive an eternal, physical body.  I can't say this with certainty as it is a mystery we'll have to wait on, but it makes sense to me. 

Do I need to say my prayers out loud or can I say them to myself?  This will be just my opinion only.   We read in Genesis 24:45 - Before I finished praying in my heart, Rebekah came out, with her jar on her shoulder. She went down to the spring and drew water, and I said to her, 'Please give me a drink.'  And again in 1 Samuel 1:13 - Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard.  In both occasions, no vocalization occurred yet God heard and answered prayer.  The 17th letter of the Hebrew Aleph-bet is the letter Pe.  It is drawn in 2 ways, one with a closed mouth at the beginning or in a word, and with an open mouth (Pe soffit) at the end of a word.  It is believed the closed mouth refers to speech in this world, and the open mouth, to speech in the world to come.  The word for mouth is also pronounced Peh.  As believers are already crucified with Christ and dead to this world, I will be so bold to state that true believers need not vocalize their prayers to be heard, but non-believers must vocalize a pray.  This goes along with the verse: That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  Romans 10:9.  A prayer of confession must be audible. 

Idon’t understand how the people in the OT could be so stupid.  Every page they go between praising God and worshiping idols.  Why is that?  You need to understand that each page may represent a very long period of time.  We read it as if it was really one thing after another, but it wasn’t that way at all.  Think of us here in America…  We were founded by Christians as a Christian nation.  Within just a short time, we had a civil war.  By 1940 we had started to reject God in our court decisions.  By the 1960s, He was kicked out of public schools.  Now, only the faithful even say Jesus’ holy name in public.  All this in 200 years – now who’s stupid!

I don't understand why God was mad at David for taking a census in 2 Samuel 24.  As with all things, God looks at the intent of our hearts.  In this case, David was puffed up with pride.  By conducting a census he was relying on and boasting in his own strength.  Despite the punishment which followed, this account can be one of great comfort for the believer in Christ.  David, because he was repentant and admitted his faults, was remembered hundreds of years later by God:   And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my sake and for the sake of my servant David.  2 Kings 20:6  We are all sure to err and stray while in this life, but through confession and repentance, our right relationship is restored in Christ. 

I understand the Passover ceremony points to Christ.  Is that true?  Yes, pretty much everything they do during Passover points to Him.  Here’s an interesting part of it.  They have three pieces of Matsah bread.  One of them, the middle, is called the Afikomen.  They take this piece and hide it in a white cloth and later the youngest child goes looking for it.  When it is found, it’s broken and eaten.  Afikomen is not a Hebrew word – it comes from the Greek epikomenos – He is Coming, but in the past tense – He Came.   Jesus (the middle of the Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) did come, he died and was buried in a white cloth; broken for our transgressions.  And in order to come to him, you must do so as a little child – Mark 10:15.

I really enjoy football.  Do you suppose there'll be sports in Heaven?  At first, I thought this was like the DUMBEST (no offense) question, but then it got me thinking.  So here's my guess.  No....no sports.  Imagine both sides are perfect - no mistakes.  That means the offense would play a perfect game and be able to score every play.  But imagine the same for the defense....ooops!  They're able to stop every offensive play.  How can both sides possibly be perfect and play against each other?  Nothing would ever get done and the first play would go on for eternity - but then maybe that's what sports fans want....uggh.

I read your page about Israel and you seem to make a distinction between Israel and the Church.  The bible says there is no difference between the Jew and the Gentile and yet you say there is.   Here is the quote you mentioned: There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  Galatians 3:28.  It is true, in Christ the dividing wall has been broken down between the Jews and the Gentiles as well as between males and females.  We are all accepted by Christ in the position we are in.  However, it is quite clear that males are different from females and each has a particular position within the body.  The Jewish people and the nation of Israel did not cease to be what they are just as females don't cease to be females when they come to Christ (whew, at least in this lifethank goodness!)

Why do you think the Israelites were required to stay 2000 cubits behind the Ark when they crossed into Canaan?  Heres the passage:  Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure.  Joshua 3:4 (KJV)  I'll give three possible reasons.  (1)  As indicated elsewhere, the Israelites wandered under punishment exactly 14000 days until the generation that rebelled had all died.  This could be a pictorial reminder of this 7 cubits for each week of punishment or 2000 weeks/Sabbaths (2) To keep someone from getting overexcited and coming near the Ark and dying.  (3) So that the Ark would be visible, upstream of the people, as they crossed.  This way they could clearly see that is was a miracle of God and not some "natural" explanation.

Last week you talked about the Ark.  Tell me more!   If you read my page A Sign in the Desert, you'll see the Ark is a picture of Jesus.  When you see illustrations of the Israelites carrying the Ark around, they always show the Ark on its poles in view for all to see.  This is inaccurate.  Whenever it was moved it was covered.   When the camp is to move, Aaron and his sons are to go in and take down the shielding curtain and cover the ark of the Testimony with it.  Then they are to cover this with hides of sea cows, spread a cloth of solid blue over that and put the poles in place.  Numbers 4:5, 6.  Notice that the "shielding curtain" is the veil hiding the Holy of Holies.   So much for all the dramatic pictures of the Ark you remember from Indiana Jones.  It was totally out of sight, except the carrying poles. 

Would you explain more about the veil?  The Hebrew word for veil is "poreketh."  This is from the same root as "perek" meaning to "break apart" or "fracture."  Our relationship with God was fractured at the fall and unrestricted access to Him became impossible...that is until Jesus shed His precious blood and the veil in the temple was rent!  This rending was a picture of a restored relationship with God for those who by faith put their trust in Christ alone for their salvation.

When I read what you explained about the veil being torn last week, I checked and that was right.  How wonderful!  First, you did well to check for yourself.  Here is something from the book of Acts:  Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.  Acts 17:11.  Don't trust anything you read without checking.  Secondly, yes!  It is Wonderful.  Thirdly, you probably noticed the veil was torn from top to bottom.  This Temple veil was HUGE.  Ancient writings indicate it was over 30 feet high and a hand-breath in thickness.  This couldn't have been torn in two by even a couple large trucks of today.  The fact that it was ripped in half (and that, from top to bottom) clearly indicates God's Divine power was involved.

Although I've read the parable of putting new wine into old wineskins many times, I still don't think I quite understand it completely.   Could you give your insights into this parable?  In the version you’re reading the terminology is correct – these are wineskins made from animal skins, not bottles as stated in some versions.  When you use the term “bottles” the whole meaning gets lost.  When wine ferments, it expands.  If you put new wine into an old wineskin (one already stretched out from previous use), it can’t stretch anymore and will split or sometimes burst!  Then … well, there goes both the wineskin and the wine.  The hidden meaning is that it isn’t possible to retain the old legalistic system and also introduce the New Covenant which is by faith – the two are incompatible.  Luke adds onto this parable:  No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins.  And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for he says, 'The old is better.'  Luke 5:38, 39.  Here Jesus is saying that the Jewish nation would be reluctant to change and accept the New Covenant, saying what most say to this day… “the old is better.”  All believers in Christ are the “new wineskins," and we can consider the wine as representing God's truth through His Word and the Holy Spirit. 

Why does touching a dead person (even a relative) make people unclean in the Old Testament?  Death is the final penalty for sin.  As God is Holy and cannot look upon sin, it is an indication of the very seriousness of our sin and the need for cleansing when we are in the presence of its result.

When I pray, do I talk to God the Father, or Jesus, or does it matter?  Here is a good verse on this - And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  Colossians 3:17  So, you pray to God the Father through Jesus.  A good way to do this is to first praise Him, then thank Him for the blessings of the day, and then remember others needs, and finally remember your own needs.  Then at the end, ask that your request be given in Jesus' Name.  For the model prayer though, see the Lords prayer in Luke 11. 

How do you justify a young-earth stand when modern science points to the earth being billions of years old?  Not being a specialist in the area, I simply go by faith.   Hebrews 11:6 says:  And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.  I take the Word of God at face value, but I also believe God has rewarded that faith.  Searching the internet will provide many sites which point to a young (Biblically-created) earth.  Here is one - www.halos.com.  I admit, other sites have come to different conclusions over the same evidence -which this site also acknowledges, but all these evidences are refuted with additional, and I believe, more reliable evidences.  Ultimately, it is the job of the Holy Spirit to convict one of sin and of the truth - without faith in this, all the head knowledge in the world will be of no value. 

Last week a person who's contacted me occasionally over the past couple years disagreed with me on the young/old earth account.  Concerning the evidence I gave - I'm NO specialist in the area, but it's published so I used it.  My thoughts have simplified since I first met Christ.  At first, I believed in an old earth and even evolution (why not - it's what I was taught in school.)  However, if man evolved, then sin evolved with man.  Hence - no original sin and no need for a Redeemer.  Additionally, since I've learned Hebrew (in a limited way!) I know that the account in Genesis gives no room for anything other than a 6-day literal creation.  My question is - could God have created everything in 3 seconds?  My answer is - YES!  (He's a Great God!)  Therefore I'm convinced (and Scripture bears out) that the six days were a pattern of the 6000 years of man's redemption - see Psalm 90:4 and 2 Peter 3:8.  The seventh day is a picture of the millenium.  Christ came at the dawn of the middle day (year 4000.)  Just as the middle candle on the Menorah is called the Shammash - the Servant candle, so Christ the Suffering Servant came at this time.   Now we are at the dawn of the 7th Day and Christ will be back directly!  Amen and Amen.  P.S. I love you Jeff!

I heard a minister say that all people will be saved because Christ reconciled everything at the cross.  This is an ultra-liberal stand and is based on this passage:  For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.  Colossians 1:19, 20.  This fails to take into account the passage which shortly follows:  ....-if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel.  Colossians 1:23.  "If" is a small word with a huge meaning and actually has significance.  However, even without this, the Bible is very clear about who will and won't be saved.  I certainly agree that all things are reconciled at the cross - some things to eternal salvation, others to eternal destruction.  But what this minister is teaching is heresy.

Where did Cain get his wife?  As Adam lived 930 years, he had lots of opportunity to have plenty of children.  After Seth was born, Adam lived 800 years and had other sons and daughters.  Genesis 5:4.  Plus, those sons and daughters had lots of sons and daughters during this time.  There is no problem here at all. 

 I was told I couldn't be a deacon because Ive been married before.  Is this in the bible?  Well, not as I read the passage they're using:  A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well.  1 Timothy 3:12 (also repeated in Titus 1:6.)  I'm pretty sure Paul was talking about "one wife" at a time - not being married once in your life.  In biblical times, it was not unusual to have more than one wife (one's enough for me!) and Paul said this practice was incompatible with being an overseer or a deacon.  I'm not saying anything about divorce here in this analysis, so don't read anything extra into this.  Other verses clearly discuss divorce. 

Rather than Question of the Week, I'll comment concerning Bible versions.  Richard McGough's book is out The Bible Wheel.  I recommend it highly and it can be obtained throughwww.BibleWheel.com.  His book provides (to me) convincing proofs that the New Testament text on which the King James Version is based is superior to that of other versions.  Of particular interest to me is the "Johanine Comma" of 1 John 5:7, 8.  This was dropped or footnoted as spurious by most modern versions for what seems compelling reasons.  Mr McGough's book, however, demonstrates that this is an intricate part of Scripture and should be considered as such.  I'm not a translator or historian, but it seems to me that using the best text is commendable.  For this reason, I now recommend use of a version based on the Textus Receptus as a principle source for obtaining God's Word.  This site has traditionally used the NIV, however, I now consider it to be a secondary choice for my use both personally and for future articles.  Im not a finger-pointer to those who prefer another version like some nuts, but ultimately I must make this as a personal decision.  Anyway I've never recommended a book on this site before but I believe The Bible Wheel is a must for the serious student of Holy Scripture.  

I read in my Bible's commentary that Daniel was written after most of what was supposedly predicted actually occurred.  Is this true?  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  Hebrews 11:1  The person who wrote this is lacking faith in what God has presented.  I suppose you can believe a liberal scholar or God.  You decide.

What do you think about joke emails that are a bit racy?  Before I met Christ, I used to send on every email, thinking it was fun and harmless.  However, Paul's writings changed my thoughts on this:  But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints;  neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.  Ephesians 5:3, 4.  Much of what is sent on in joke emails are certainly foolish and course.  If you have any doubt at all, simply hit "delete" and be done with it.  I still love to send on fun emails,  but there is no need to diminish perceptions of our Lord by sending on that which is coarse to both Christian and non-Christian friends.

Is it true Jews are saved without Jesus?  No.  Despite what some televangelists have claimed, this is untrue.  Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me.  John 14:6  There are things that none of us will fully know until they are revealed to us, however, the Holy Bible makes no exception concerning a relationship with the Father. 

I've been desperately trying to quit smoking.  I've tried and tried, but I can't seem to do it.  Do you have any Biblical advice?  I took the liberty of editing the question by adding underlining where I think the root of the problem lies.  Please read this from Psalm 107:16:  For He has broken the gates of bronze, And cut the bars of iron in two.  Notice the underlining here which I added also.  It is by the Lord's strength that you will overcome this or any obstacle.  Here are a few practical suggestions.  Pray for His strengthening.  Ask your friends or congregation to pray for this in your life as well.  Trust that what you have asked for will be accomplished.  And, through the entire process, praise Him!  Remember the admonition of Hebrews 12:2 - ... looking unto Jesus...  When you put your eyes on Him, you'll have them in the right direction!

My grandmother who lives in Peru prays to God every day, but not as a Christian.  I have a hard time believing God would send her to hell.  The Bible says that Jesus is the only way to God.  The problem with your grandmother's relationship is not with God as the recipient of her prayers, but with your grandmother who must first deal with the sin in her life.  Isaiah 59:2 says:  But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.  Until the sin is dealt with, God will not hear our pray.  Jesus came to deal with the sin problem for all of us.  Through Jesus, our relationship is restored - without Jesus,  our condemnation remains.

Catholics pray to Mary.  What do you think about this? What I think hardly matters – what matters is what the Holy Bible as God’s Word says:  I am the LORD, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images.  Isaiah 42:8.  Catholicism errs on both points as they worship Mary – giving her glory due only to God, and they condone the worship of metal, stone, and wood. 

Will we have memories of this life in heaven?  Yes!  To think otherwise diminishes the whole reason for eternal praise of our Lord.  He bought us back from a life of sin and death, and for this we give Him thanks.  When we are brought into the kingdom of heaven we will ever sing His praises - ....and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  Ephesians 2:6, 7

Although I accept the Trinity by faith, sometimes I still have a hard time with it.  I read your page on it and it helped a lot.  Do you have any other passages which will help me when I get frustrated?  Heres' a very good one:  Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.  Acts 20:28  In this case it states that God purchased the church with His blood.  Various versions may read differently in this passage, but the most reliable texts clearly indicate that God stepped out of eternity in the person of Jesus and, with His own precious blood, bought us back from sin.

I was told that the two separate accounts of feeding a multitude in Matthew are actually the same account they say its an old Hebrew technique for showing emphasis.  What do you think?  I've read the same analysis, which was in a liberal Bible commentary.  I've read others which confidently state they are two separate accounts.  I agree with this.  There is a moral and a prophetic lesson included in the two accounts (which would take up too much space here) that clearly indicates they are separate accounts.  Please feel confident when you read the Holy Bible that you are reading an accurate account of God's Word.

I really like your page with all the names and titles for God.  What is your favorite one?  The name Wonderful.  To me, this describes so much about our God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  If you think on this title and let it pass your lips often, it will lift you up and put your focus on Him.  Truly He is Wonderful.  The word wonderful is used 22 times in Scripture and the two examples of this used as a name are Judges 13:18 and Isaiah 9:6.

Why do you think the book of acts has so much about Paul’s trial and the voyage at sea, but not as much about the work of evangelizing?  I believe this is purposeful and necessary to understanding the church and its overwhelming gentile nature.  Luke, under inspiration, penned these words to clearly show the rejection of the message by the Jewish nation.  When you read Romans 11 and think on it, you will find the mercy of God shown toward the gentiles and the blinding in part of the Jewish nation.  However, the entire Old Testament and the four Gospel accounts deal almost entirely with the Jewish people.  Luke needed to clearly document their rejection of the Lord and the message of the Gospel to show why the gentiles are now receiving God’s grace and acceptance.

In Joshua 7, why was Achans whole family destroyed?  This is a continuous theme in Scripture.   Korah's whole family was destroyed in Exodus 16, and in Hebrews 7 it says Levi paid tithes to Melchizedek about 200 years before his birth, through Abraham.  All this points to family solidarity and is the reason why we bear Adam's sin and guilt.  The only way to have that removed is coming to Christ to be born again in order to receive the true life and restored fellowship with God.  This concept is explained very well in Romans 5.  If you have not been born again through Christ, I ask you to carefully consider what this means - death and eternal separation from God. 

Would you tell me what you think about Revelation 20:11?  Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.   What an awesome scene!  Here is the place of final judgment for the souls of lost men.  Here is the place where the created comes face to face with the Creator.  His majesty is so beyond the created order that creation disappears before Him leaving only those to be judged.  At that point they will understand why they needed a Redeemer and why, without Him, they can never stand uncondemned in the presence of His Glory.  Destruction is the only possibility for their nakedness.   I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.   Revelation 3:18

What do you think about abortion in the case of rape or incest? There is nothing in Scripture which says it's ok to murder a child regardless of how they were conceived.  In the end, committing one sin in an attempt to cover another results in a second sin and nothing covered over. 

How can we, as submitted and obedient servants of our Lord Jesus, maintain a healthy interest in prophetic events with a commitment to everyday discipleship?  This is a question that I've needed to think about over the past couple years.  At times, I've been so caught up in world changes that I expect the Lord to descend at any moment.  Because of this, I tend to get short-sighted and put long-term matters on hold (silly, eh?)  The fact is though, we're called to be effective witnesses for the Lord Jesus - the Great Commission was not optional.  At the same time, John's final prayer in Revelation 22:20 was Even so, come, Lord Jesus!  My personal recommendation is that we take a long-term view concerning our life decisions - go to college, get married, plan for retirement, etc., and yet live every single moment as if the Lord is in the process of descending to give the command.   As it says in Jeremiah 29:28 - For he has sent to us in Babylon, saying, "This captivity is long; build houses and dwell in them, and plant gardens and eat their fruit."  Those in Babylon didn't know when they would return to Zion and neither do we.

I’ve heard that Jeremiah 10:3, 4 is about Christmas trees and so we shouldn’t have them.  Is that true? No.  Although anything can become an idol if it takes our eyes off Jesus, this passage is not talking about Christmas trees.  We don’t chisel faces in our Christmas trees and bow down to them.  However, Christmas has become waaaay to commercialized and our attention is no longer on the celebration of the birth of our Lord, but on anything but that.  If you feel you’re sinning by having a Christmas tree, then don’t have one.  But again, no – this passage is not about Christmas trees.

Does it make a difference between me praying alone and having others pray with me?  Yes.  According to 2 Corinthians 1:11, group prayer has a profound effect:  you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.  This question reminds me of prayers that I could use assistance with. 

Can you tell me what you think about Paul?  I know the whole Bible is inspired, but the Catholic Church always talks about Peter and seems to discount Paul.  Paul wrote 14 books of the New Testament (if you include the unsigned book of Hebrews) and was “the apostle to the Gentiles.”  He was called by Jesus “my chosen instrument.”  In 2Corinthians 13:3 Paul says …… since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me.  Here the Greek literally says “of the in-me-speaking-Christ."  This passage is an absolute affirmation of the apostle's inspiration and authority.  Rejection of him means rejection of Christ.

In Exodus 33:20 it says - But He said, "You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me and live."  However, it says that the LORD appeard to Moses in the flames of a burning bush.  How can both be correct?  Consider the fact that the very fire from which the LORD spoke, in itself, hid the LORD from Moses' sight.  Moses heard the voice from the flames, but this does not mean he saw God - who was hidden by the fire.  Make the commitment today and come to the one who died for you! 

Before the Resurrection, Jesus “took captivity captive.”  Some preachers say that Jesus took on all of our sins, and that He even too