I don’t think Jesus uses the word “submit” or “surrender”, when explaining to the disciples what is required of them, but he uses similar ideas. A small selection of verses with Jesus’ instructions to his disciples: Matthew 10:37-39: Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son [...]
The straightforward answer is that it is up to God, not us, when he chooses to leave us inspired books. The books of the Bible were given to achieve his purposes. There have been other times in history when God did not choose to leave his written word; actually nearly all the time this has [...]
Can we rely on scripture?
May 17
Detailed question Why should we rely on scripture so much when written from Paul, such as Romans, Ephesians, Colossians? Wasn’t he just a human being who could have written on his own beliefs? The witness of the resurrection of Jesus Christ is at the foundation of Christian faith. In the first century the evidence was [...]
The simple answer is that we do not know what happened to these women because we are not told. However, kings in the ancient near east were rarely monogamous and had a harem of women (cf. Esther 2:3 ESV). Even after the King chose a wife, it is probable that he kept a harem of [...]
There are three main reasons why someone might frown upon a certain type of behavior. Either (a) they think it is sinful in itself, (b) they think it might lead to sin, or (c) they think it has negative associations. I will address each point in turn: (a) The Bible does not say that drinking [...]
Simply in terms of the testimonies, the resurrection of Jesus is one of the best attested events in ancient history. Looking within the Bible we find the following material: 4 gospel accounts of the resurrection (Matt 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20) Paul’s list of the resurrection appearances (1 Cor 15:3-11) Repeated statements by [...]
Yes, it rained before the flood. How should we understand Gen 2:4-3:24? There are several indications in the text that the passage is not a literal historical account: (1) No shrub had grown up when Adam was formed (Gen 2:5). But in Gen 1:12-13 plants were described as been created on the third day, three [...]
You also say: When it says and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground, do you think it was blood and if so what was the meaning or symbol did this represent? I think that this description, is referring to blood pigment in sweat, which very occasionally [...]
You say How can I ask God to take away the thought of wanting to be rich? I have struggled financially all of my life and I have gotten to the point where I pray for winnings in the lottery. I don’t like thinking like this, so can you suggest a verse or prayer? Probably [...]
How can I restore my faith?
Apr 30
You say: I have been feeling spiritually empty. I mean I know God exists and Jesus died on the cross for my sins but recently I have been feeling this emptiness inside of me. I desperately want to heal my spiritual faith in the Lord, it’s just I don’t know what to do. I was [...]
