Answers

1.Could you give me Scripture that speaks on the fact that Michael and Jesus are one in the same?
Answer: This is a very controversial subject that is misunderstood. And it is not a point of salvation, though I think it helps us to understand Jesus and His role a little bit more.Many Christians believe that the Michael who appears in the Bible is Christ. They don’t believe that Jesus is an angel, because Michael is never actually called an angel in the Bible; He’s only called the archangel. I believe that this archangel Michael is one of the ways that Jesus appeared to people, especially in the Old Testament. Here are some Scriptures that lend to this belief. The Bible tells us that it is Michael who intercedes for God’s people in Daniel 12:1. Jesus is also known as our Intercessor. When this archangel—the general of the Lord’s army—appeared to Joshua, Joshua took off his shoes and worshipped him.We also read in the book of Jude that it’s Michael who resurrects Moses. And of course, Jesus is the Resurrection. We also read that the Lord is going to descend with the voice of the archangel, and we know clearly that Jesus is the one who’s going to descend. And so through the Bible, you see these little clues. Commentators like Matthew Henry and others believe that Michael was one of the pre-incarnate ways that Jesus appeared.I have a book entitled Who Is Michael the Archangel that goes even deeper into this study.
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2. Is there any possibility that somebody can be truly saved if they don’t keep the Ten Commandments?
Answer: Can a person be saved without keeping the Ten Commandments? The answer is yes. Of course, there are going to be many people saved, and no one is saved by keeping any law. We’re saved by grace. However, nobody will be saved who willingly disobeys. The Bible says, “If we continue to sin willfully after we know the truth, then there is no sacrifice for sins” (Hebrew 10:26). So at that point it is open rebellion against God. And how can God accept that into heaven?
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3. The Bible says that God is a “jealous God.” Wouldn’t this mean God is somehow imperfect?
Answer: If a man knows that his wife is having an affair, and he’s not hurt by that, that’s not normal. And this is how God means He is a jealous God. A normal, even godly, response is to be grieved by a wandering spouse. Now the defect of jealousy is when a person is being faithful, and their spouse is constantly mistrusting them. That’s actually a kind of phobia.People are often jealous and distrustful without cause. And I’ve seen this destroy marriages and otherwise positive relationships. That is a fault—a defect in human nature. So there are two sides of the jealousy coin. On one side there’s an appropriate, normal jealousy from love. The other side is an abnormal jealousy from fear. In a sense, the Lord has married the church; He has a right to be jealous if we decide to worship other gods when we have already accepted Him as head of our house. We even take His name. And we take His name in vain when we call ourselves Christians and worship other Gods. He wants our loyalty because we have promised it to Him through repentance and baptism. But the other form of jealousy ¼ where a man follows his wife around and secretly checks her mail. That’s a sickness.
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4. How did God, the spirit part, get there in the first place if there was nothing there to create Him?
Answer: That’s a good question, and if I could answer that, I’d probably be God. I can’t honestly answer that, but the Bible does have a few words about Him. In Psalms 93:2, we are told, “Thy Throne is established of old; thou art from everlasting to everlasting.” That means God has always been, and that’s difficult for us to understand. Yet God has always existed. Before time ever began, God was there. That’s why Jesus refers to Himself as the “I Am,” meaning He’s the self-existing one. He’s always been, He always was, and He always will be. It’s difficult for humans to imagine because we live in a realm where everything has a beginning and an end. But not so for God—He lives outside this realm and He created time for humans. He doesn’t have a beginning, nor does he have an end
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5. How far should a Christian go to forgive and make amends with someone who continues to create problems despite efforts of sincere reconciliation?
Answer: Whatever happens, you should forgive no matter how they respond to your efforts to make things better. Always keep in mind that while we were yet sinners, Christ Jesus provided forgiveness for us. Jesus didn’t wait until we were receptive or responsive. Jesus says, “Love your enemies.” And when He died on the cross, He said, “Father forgive them.” He meant this for the people who were still driving the nails, and He means it for us when we continue to go astray. So your choice to forgive them is based on the knowledge that whoever is being cruel, or unkind, or unchristian, they’ve got a disease called sin and they’re acting the way they’re expected to act—selfishly. They don’t see that you’re trying to forgive and be kind, because they can’t. You want the relationship to get better, but they’re not appreciating your efforts to forgive them. Keep hoping and praying that you will overcome evil with good. Paul says you are casting coals of fire on their head when you’re doing kindness for those being unkind to you. Now, if they want to be confrontational and argue with you, be as nice as you can, but I would avoid them if every time you get together it just causes an argument. Sometimes the best you can do.
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6. Is the limitation of women ordination biblical or simply cultural? Answer: My belief is that it is a biblical principle, not just tied to the time this part of the Bible was written. I wrote an article a few years ago (“Unisex in Jesus”), and I want to turn it into a book. But I have small reservation because some will be eager to attack me because it will sound so politically incorrect. Yet I’ll get around to it, because this is an important lesson about understanding God’s plan for each of us while here on earth.But briefly, Jesus only picked male apostles, and it only speaks of men elders and pastors in the Bible. Now, if Jesus only picked male apostles because it was cultural, then everything else Jesus did was hypocritical. Christ died because He would not capitulate to the traditions and customs of the Jews. So for Him to say, “I don’t want to ruffle the Pharisees’ feathers, so I’m only going to pick men,” would be a big stretch. Jesus was so blatantly clear about what the truth was. He would not compromise simply for tradition in any area because it would be dishonest. Also, if you go from Genesis to Revelation, God has so many opportunities to explain what the relationship is between men and women. God clearly does minister through women, and I’m not just patronizing. I believe there are a number of women prophets in the Bible who are spirit filled, and in that respect they teach. But the word “elder” and “pastor” in the Bible specifically refers to ordination, and there’s no example in the Bible anywhere of God ordaining a woman in the capacity of pastor or elder. Here’s a story I like to use to help explain: Two Jewish slaves, Amram and Jochebed, had three unique children. Their names were Miriam, the oldest; Aaron; then Moses. All three of the children were prophets, which is very unusual. Of course, Phillip had four daughters that were prophetesses. But only the boys, who were Moses and Aaron, could serve in the capacity of priest. Likewise, a man is supposed to be the priest of his family. This is something that God established in Eden, and it’s still in effect today. It may or may not be the ideal, but we are living in a sinful world. In dealing with the sin issue, God established men to be the servant leaders in their families. The church is an extension of that. And I believe the men should be the servant leaders in ministry in the church. That doesn’t mean that women should not teach and minister—they can even preach and do evangelism. But when a woman serves in the capacity of a pastor, it’s priestly in nature. For instance, a pastor is the one who carries out the functions of the Lord’s Supper. There’s no example in the Bible of a woman doing that, so I feel strongly it is a biblical issue. I respect people who may disagree. But I cannot find solid support in any example in the Bible. For instance, they like to use the verse that says, “In Christ there is neither male or female.” Yet in context, all this really means is that we all have, regardless of gender, equal access to God and equal access to heaven. But it never means that there’s no distinction between men and women in ministry.
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7. Why does God let the Devil and others continue to do bad things? Answer: The question of why God allows the Devil to continue affecting evil in the world is a hindrance of belief for many people. With such a difficult question, I like to illustrate my understanding this way: Let’s say you were going to have a child. Now before you had that child, do you get any kind of written agreement from the government or your spouse that the child would always be obedient and complacent and a good child? Of course not. You are also aware that this child may give you some difficult times and misbehave. So why would you have that child? Well, most people want children so they can share their love. As it is natural for us to have children, it is natural for God’s character to create. And of course, love involves risk, because you cannot force someone to love you. You can force obedience and even fear, but you can’t make someone love you. So there’s risk that love will not be reciprocal. Sometimes when we love people, they don’t love us back. God, because when Adam and Eve rebelled against Him, had to take a risk. He created these creatures with a will, and He allows them to live out their existence as they choose. There is a time when He will cut it off because the problem of sin will only get worse, but He is a God of love, and He gives His intelligent creatures free will.
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8. Does the Bible condone moderate use of these substances?
1. Let's look at some Bible examples of people who used alcohol, as well as the effects it has on the body.
BIBLE EXAMPLES:
Aaron and his sons, the priests, were strictly forbidden to drink either wine or strong drink when they went into the tabernacle to minister before the Lord (Leviticus 10:9). Nazarites were likewise forbidden to use wine while under the vow (Numbers 6:3,20; cf. Judges 13:4-7). The Rechabites lived a noteworthy example of permanent abstinence from wine, adhering strictly to the command of their ancestor, Jonadab, to refrain from it (Jeremiah 35:2,5,6,8,14). Proverbs is replete with warnings against indulgence in wine and strong drink (Proverbs 20:1; 21:17; 23:30,31; 31:4). Wine mocks those who use it (chapter 20:1), and rewards them with woe, sorrow, strife, and wounds without cause (chapter 23:29,30). "In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper." (verse 32) The prophet Isaiah declared, "Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and champions at mixing drinks." (Isaiah. 5:22 NIV) Daniel and his compatriots set a worthy example by refusing to drink of the king's wine (Daniel 1:5,8,10-16). When fasting later in life, Daniel abstained from "flesh" and "wine" (chapter 10:3).

The usual New Testament word for wine, whether fermented or unfermented, is OISNOS. Jesus likened His revolutionary teaching to new wine, which would burst the old bottles of tradition (Matthew 9:17). Paul warned believers against drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18), and declares that deacons should not be "addicted to much wine" (1 Timothy 3:8). He counseled Titus that the older women should not be "slaves to drink" (Titus 2:3).
For relief from a digestive ailment, Paul recommend "a little wine" to Timothy. Let's take a look at 1 Timothy 5:23 in particular. Physical ailments such as dysentery, often due to contaminated water, were common occurrences. Consequently, other ways to quench thirst were often recommended. Some commentators believe that Paul here was advocating the temperate use of fermented wine for medicinal purposes. They call attention to the fact that wine has, through the centuries, been used for this. Others say that Paul refers to unfermented grape juice, their reasoning being that he would not give advice inconsistent with the rest of Scripture, which warns against the use of intoxicating beverages (see Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-32). The purpose of Paul's counsel is that Timothy should be physically fit for the heavy duties that rest upon him as administrator of the churches in Asia Minor. Mental and moral alertness are closely related to physical fitness. Apparently Timothy was frequently ill. A body frequently sick is not an attractive advertisement for any kind of health reform.
EFFECT OF ALCOHOL/WINE ON OUR BODIES
Our bodies are temples of the living God via the agent of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19) God is concerned with how we treat these, His works of unsurpassed art. (1 Corinthians 3:17) The wise Solomon said, "Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise." (Proverbs 20:1 NIV) And again in verse 31, "Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly!" (Proverbs 23:31 NIV) Why?
Short-term effects of alcohol use include:
Distorted vision, hearing, and coordination
altered perceptions and emotions
impaired judgment
bad breath; hangovers
Some problems like those above can occur after drinking over a relatively short period of time. But other problems-such as liver disease, heart disease, certain forms of cancer, and pancreatitis-often develop more gradually and may become evident only after years of drinking. Women may develop alcohol-related health problems sooner than men, and from drinking less alcohol than men. Because alcohol affects nearly every organ in the body, long-term drinking increases the risk for many serious health problems, a few of which are described below. (For more information visit http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/harm-al.htm)
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9. ANIMALS; Do they go to Heaven?
1. God made animals. Genesis 1:20-25 describes creatures of the water, air, and land.
God saved animals. Genesis 6:20 says they were "to be kept alive" in the ark during the flood.
God cares about animals. Jonah 4:11 shows this care. "But Ninevah has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?" (NIV)
Man should care. Proverbs 27:23 "Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds . . ." (NIV)
God wants animals unharmed. Isaiah 65:25 declares "The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox . . . They will neither harm nor destroy in all my holy mountain, says the Lord." (NIV)
Yet, only man is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26) with the power of free choice (Joshua 24:15). Thus Biblically, man is the only part of creation to which salvation can be offered to be accepted or rejected.
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10. Who or what is the Antichrist?
1. Who or what is the Antichrist? It’s in the Bible, 1 John 2:18 NIV. “Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour.” God is here speaking to the early church. Obviously, the word 'hour' is used in a figurative sense. The same word in the original Greek is often translated as 'time', for example as in the King James translation of this same verse. God is stating that mankind is living in the 'last time', the last era, the last dispensation, the last period of Earth’s history. Theologians call this time period the 'dispensation of the Church', or the 'Church age'. God is reminding the early-church brethren of a prophecy they had already heard; namely, that the Antichrist was going to come.

The original Greek word for 'antichrist' can have two meanings. It can mean 'against Christ', in the sense of someone or some power who opposes the work of Christ. Or alternatively, the word can mean 'instead of Christ', signifying a person or power who 'takes the place of Christ', or is a 'counterfeit of Christ'. In the verse we read, God informs the brethren that in addition to the coming of a special Antichrist, there were many other antichrists already in existence during the era of the early church. The Bible explains in 1 John 2:19 & 26 NIV, “They (the antichrists) went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us¼ I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray.” Thus, according to God’s Word, the antichrists were counterfeit Christians who had split away from the body of true believers. They were deceivers who had not really experienced a genuine gospel conversion. They were liars who denied the Messiahship of Jesus; for the Bible declares in 1 John 2:22 NKJV, “Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son.” In 2 John 1:7, NKJV, God states “For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.” And in 1 John 4:1 NKJV, Scripture admonishes “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
The deceiving antichrists are even preaching a gospel, but it is not the true gospel. It is a 'different gospel'. The Bible warns in 2nd Corinthians 11:4 &13-15 NIV, “For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough¼For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. Is it not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness.” Thus, in contrast to the popular view which regards antichrists to be anti-Christian atheists and pagans, the Bible teaches that antichrists are actually false prophets and false apostles who masquerade as real Christians. Antichrists sincerely regard themselves to be genuine followers of Christ, but in reality they are empowered by the spirit of Satan, and they are opposing the work of God.
Jesus cautioned the Church about the deceptive work of these counterfeit prophets, declaring in Matthew 7:15 NAS, “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” In verses 21 thru 23, Christ describes the tragic fate to be faced by these false believers on the day of His Second Coming. Jesus warns, “Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name cast out demons, and in your name perform many miracles?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness.' ” Even though the false apostles claim to be Christians, even though they can perform signs and miracles, including casting out demons in the 'name of Jesus', Christ declares that he does not know them. Because of their lawlessness, their disregard for God’s Holy Law, they are turned away from entering into the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus further warned that during the period leading up to his Second Coming at the end of the Church age, antichrists would verily try to impersonate him, claiming to be the returned Messiah. It’s in the Bible, Matthew 24:4 & 5 NIV. “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many.” In the same chapter, verses 24-26 assert: “At that time, if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect--if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time. So, if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it.”

Just before the day of the Second Coming of Jesus, is there going to manifest a great and final Antichrist, the antichrist who 'is to come'? Yes, it’s in the Bible, 2nd Thessalonians 2:3 & 4 NIV. “Don't let any one deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God.” In this profound prophecy of Last Day events, the Bible says that there is going to be a rebellion, an apostasy, a great falling away from the faith. In conjunction with this apostasy, there will be a revealing of the 'Man of Lawlessness', the Antichrist, also known as the 'Man of Sin'. This grand Antichrist will set himself up in God’s temple and counterfeit the ministry of Jesus.
What will happen to this Antichrist, and how will we recognize him? It’s in the Bible, 2nd Thessalonians 2:8-10 NIV. “And then the Lawless One will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus Christ will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. The coming of the Lawless One will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refuse to love the truth and so be saved.”
The way to avoid being deceived by the coming great Antichrist and his counterfeit miracles, is to have a love of the truth. That same truth will protect us from the wiles of the other lesser antichrists. And where is the truth to be found? It’s in the Bible, Psalm 119:160 Amplified Version, “The sum of your Word is truth, and every one of your righteous decrees endures forever
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11. ASTROLOGY; Is it mentioned in the Bible?
1. Astrology is becoming popular, with many people regarding it to be a source of wise counsel. What does God say about those who consult with astrologers and use astrology as guidance for their lives? It's in the Bible, Isaiah 47:13-15 NIV. "All the counsel you have received has only worn you out. Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you. Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot even save themselves from the flame... Each of them goes on in his error; there is not one that can save you."

In this first mention of astrology in the Bible, God is speaking to the people of ancient pagan Babylon. Middle East archaeology has confirmed that astrology did indeed originate in the nation of Babylon, now called the country of Iraq. Cuneiform tablets have been excavated depicting horoscope charts dating from the 5th Century BC and earlier. Astrology is a divination art which teaches that the relative positioning in the sky of the Sun, Moon and planets has an influence upon individuals and upon the course of human affairs. In our modern times, just like in ancient Babylon, a growing number of people are utilizing the services of astrology consultants.
In the Book of Daniel, there is narrated a profound event in the life of Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon. The king had a very disturbing dream, and he wanted to understand its meaning. Daniel 2:2 NIV, informs us, "So the king summoned the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers and astrologers to tell him what he had dreamed."
The astrologers, also known as 'Chaldeans', were part of the king's circle of so-called 'wise men' who practiced divination. The actual word for astrology in the Hebrew language literally means, 'divining the heavens'. Divination is the act of foretelling future events, or of revealing secret knowledge, by means of signs and omens or other supernatural agency. The practice of pagan divination is prohibited by God. It's in the Bible, Leviticus 19:26 NIV, "Do not practice divination or sorcery."
Divination was common among the pagan peoples of the Bible lands. When the Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land of Canaan, God warned them not to practice it. Says Deuteronomy 18:9, 12&14 NIV, "Do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there... The nations you will dispossess listen to those who practice sorcery or divination. But as for you, the Lord your God has not permitted you to do so... Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord." Divination is actually regarded to be a grave sin. Declares 1 Samuel 15:23 NIV, "Rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry."
For curiosity and amusement, millions of ordinary citizens read the daily horoscopes published in mass-circulation newspapers. Is it okay to have this kind of casual 'fun' interest in astrology? What counsel does the Bible give on this type of issue? In 1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV, God emphatically states that we should "abstain from all appearance of evil."
King Nebuchadnezzar had asked his astrologers and other wizards to tell him his dream and interpret its meaning. How did they respond? Daniel 2:10 NIV, informs us, "The astrologers answered the king, 'There is not a man on earth who can do what the king asks! No king, however great and mighty, has ever asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter or astrologer.' "
The astrologers of Babylon were unable to help the King with his troublesome dream. However, God had blessed his prayerful prophet Daniel with the true gifts of the Holy Spirit, and he was brought before the king to interpret the dream. The Bible says in Daniel 2:27-28 NKJ, "Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, 'The secret which the king has demanded, the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, and the soothsayers cannot declare to the king. But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. Your dream, and the visions of your head upon your bed, were these...' " With God's anointing, Daniel was able to then describe and explain the king's great prophetic dream.

If there is a need to understand perplexing situations in our lives, we are wise to shun the error and evil of astrology divination; but rather let us know that "there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets." Like Daniel, in prayer we can turn to God for help. And in the Bible, we have the assured counsel of His truth.
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12. BAPTISM; Is it necessary for Salvation?
1. Christ emphasized, baptism is necessary! It's in the Bible (See John 3:5).
There are a number of similarities between a marriage ceremony and baptism. Baptism is the entrance into the Christian family. One takes the name of Christ (Christian). God designs that this is to be a life-time experience in which one's personal relationship with Him is ever improving and very personal. Salvation through the shed blood of Jesus on Calvary is the theme of the gospel (Romans 3:25; 5:9; Ephesians. 1:7; Colossians 1:20; Hebrews 9:22; Revelation 1:5; etc.). You can depend upon it by faith through His grace.
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13. THE BIBLE; Does it claim to be inerrant?
1. Inerrancy has been a claim by many who seek to defend the credibility of the Bible, but the Bible itself does not make such a claim. The Bible does, however, claim to be TRUE. "The sum of your word is truth; and every one of your righteous ordinances endures forever." (Psalm 119:160 NRSV) It is critical to note that TRUE does not mean INERRANT. (See BIBLE - Does it contradict itself?, and BIBLE - Is it Inspired by God?).
ALL CORRECT OR NOT CORRECT?
The all or nothing position is not a Biblical one, even if it has been proclaimed by great men and spiritual giants. John Wesley, for example, wrote in his journal of 8/24/1776: "Nay, if there be any mistakes in the Bible, there may as well be a thousand. If there be one falsehood in that book, it did not come from the God of truth." Paul tells us, "But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless." (Titus 3:9 NIV) and not "to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work--which is by faith." (1 Timothy 1:4 NIV)
Once we get over our need to harmonize all the details, fear disappears and we can turn to the all-important task of listening to the essential message of Scripture, seeking to understand His will so that His truth can live in us. What contradictions may seem to exist in the Bible God has apparently let creep in. However, Jesus said when here on earth, He came to fulfill the law and that heaven and earth would pass away before any of it would fail (Matthew 5:17,18).
Over the centuries God has had faithful witnesses to whom He has committed the truth and who have preserved the Word of God. The manuscripts of the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures have been preserved through the ages by miracles of God.

IMPERFECT YET TRUSTWORTHY?
The common conclusion of many Bible readers when they think they find an inconsistency is to take the position that if we cannot trust the Bible record here, can we trust it elsewhere? The basic question is whether or not trustworthiness requires absolute perfection. If scripture is viewed as a philosophical treatise, a scientific document, or a transcript of matters purely divine, then perhaps one could speak of the one fatal flaw. But if Scripture is more like a family letter or a letter from a dear friend and if we determine the trustworthiness of Scripture in much the same way as we do a trustworthy person, then absolute perfection is not required. The Bible is not given to us in grand superhuman language, but in the language of humans. In order to reach man where he was, Jesus took on the form of humanity. Everything that is human is imperfect.
We need to come to the point where we can take the Bible just as it is...as the Inspired Word. We need to let God take care of His own Book, His living oracles, as He has done for ages. I would appeal to those who pick at what may be errors, and urge that they cling to the Bible and stop their criticisms in regard to its validity; that they obey the Word. If they would do this, not one of them would be lost.
HUMAN AND DIVINE UNITE IN THE WORD
For nearly a century liberal, critical scholars have stressed the diversity in the documents of the Scriptures, but in present-day theological thinking there is a renewed emphasis on the essential unity of the Bible. Its great unifying principle, its central theme, is the redemptive plan and the working out of that plan in human history. However, the unity of the Bible must not be interpreted as uniformity. In the various books of the Scriptures the redemptive plan is viewed from various angles, and stress is laid on various aspects, with varying emphasis.
The Bible, like the person of its Author, Jesus Christ, is the result of a mysterious combination of the divine and the human. As the human mind is incapable of fully explaining the incarnation, so it cannot fully explain the Bible. In writing the various books of the Bible, the author’s own personalities had full play, and their own style and vocabulary are reflected in the finished product. Yet the Bible, is nevertheless, "inspired by God" (2 Timothy 3:16,17). While men did the speaking, they did so as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21). The Bible is, therefore, in a special sense the Word of God.
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14. THE BIBLE; Is it True?
Many prophecies in the Bible have been fulfilled, and this fact develops faith in the Bible. As we study world history in the light of these prophecies it adds authenticity. Consider a very basic and wonderful prophecy in which God gave a Babylonian king an outline of history from his time to the end of the world. Read this remarkable dream in Daniel, chapter 2. God outlined for King Nebuchadnezzar the four great world kingdoms from his time right on down to our time: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome. Then the Roman Empire would be divided into ten divisions, which are the European nations that exist today. The Great King, who is represented by the stone cut out of the mountain without hands, refers to the coming of Jesus and His eternal kingdom.
1. Other chapters in Daniel give the same information with added details and in a different way.
Many prophecies recorded in the Bible were given many years, even hundreds of years, before the event took place. Yet events happened exactly as the prophecy said they would.
Why should we believe the Bible is true? First, only God can foretell events hundreds of years before they happen. Second, as we study we find the answers to many of today’s questions, even though they were written centuries ago.
(See also "Bible - Does it contradict itself" Variations indicate Truth)
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15. BLASPHEMY; The unpardonable sin?
Referring to Matthew 12:31 Jesus says, "And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven." Consider the background of this verse. In chapter 11 certain Jewish cities rejected Jesus. Also, John the Baptist raised serious doubts about Jesus because his expectations were not fulfilled. Matthew 12:31,32 refers to the most serious rejection of Jesus-the rejection of the Pharisees.
1. One of the rejection episodes is in the Beelzebub story (Matthew 12:22-37). It begins when Jesus heals a blind mute. The frightening thing for the Jewish leaders is that the people are so enthused by the miracle that they begin to wonder out loud if Jesus might not be "the Son of David"-that is, the Messiah (vs. 23).
The frustrated Pharisees cannot deny the reality of the miracle, but they can deny that it came from God. Their solution is that Jesus is in league with the "prince of demons" (vs. 24).
Jesus immediately takes the offensive by telling them that if He were curing people through the power of demons, then Satan’s kingdom would be divided against itself and would be in ruins (vss. 25-28). Jesus argues that actually, he is the devil’s greatest enemy. He likens Himself to a thief who ties a strong man up so he can raid his house (vs. 29). In other words, Jesus the Christ (God with us) has invaded the territory of "the prince of this world" (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11) to rescue God’s children.

The climax of the confrontation in the Beelzebub story comes in Matthew 12:30-32. In this passage Jesus not only warns His hearers that there is no neutrality in the great struggle between good and evil, but He goes on to say that anyone who credits the work of God to the devil has committed the unpardonable sin (vs. 31). While it is technically true that people can speak against the Son and still be forgiven, they cannot do so and be forgiven if they are under the conviction of the Holy Spirit that Jesus is the Messiah. To do so would be to reject the prompting of the Holy Spirit in their heart and mind. The result is a hardened conscience (1 Timothy 4:2); Titus 1:15) that can no longer respond to the Spirit’s work of leading people to repent of and confess their sin (John 16:8). Such rejecters are beyond the reach of God’s Spirit, for they have tuned out the only channel through which God can reach them. When that is done, they are beyond hope. They have committed the unforgivable sin.
Many sensitive Christians worry that they have committed the unpardonable sin. The very fact that they are concerned is an indication that they are still listening for the Spirit and desire to respond to Him. Frederick Bruner is right on target when he writes, "the spirit of the sin against the Spirit is an unworried adamancy. It is impenitence, the unwillingness to repent... It is not careless acts, it is a hardened state" (Bruner, 1:462).
Jesus goes on to claim that the true state of people can be told by the words that come out of their mouths (Matthew 12:33-37). Such a truth does not bode well for the Pharisees, whose mouths have recently set forth the view that Jesus’ actions were inspired by the devil rather than God. If they continue in that line, Matthew 12:22-37 implies, they will eventually commit the unpardonable sin.
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16. CAPITAL PUNISHMENT; Is it Biblical?
Both Leviticus 20:14 and Leviticus 21:9 are part of the civil law under which the nation of Israel lived and operated. The penalties discussed here are capital punishment by fire-probably burning at the stake. In our culture, this would certainly be considered a primitive method. However, some have commented that it was actually much more humane than stoning or crucifixion. (People burned at the stake die very quickly from asphyxiation because of lack of oxygen in the flames).
1. The sins covered in these chapters were considered very grievous. Sins involving the priests or their families because of their sacred calling and responsibility for being right examples were especially offensive. Sins of sexual immorality were also very serious. God chose to use the metaphor of a pure and holy marriage as a metaphor for His relationship with his people. He (Christ) is the bridegroom and the Church (His people), the bride. Sexual immorality and perversion is especially offensive when thought about in this context. These kinds of sins were firmly dealt with in the nation of Israel during Old Testament times. (Capital punishment was quite common for a wide variety of violations including Sabbath breaking. See Numbers 15:32-36.)
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17. CHRISTMAS Is it in the Bible?
It is quite true that the actual birth date for Christ is unknown. All encyclopedias, whether secular and biblical agree on this. However, the question is, wouldn’t it be better that the world think especially about God’s unspeakable Gift on a specific day than on no day at all? It would definitely be a source of perplexity to children if some parents skipped over Christmas with the day by altogether without notice.

1. One of the main religious ideas of the 2nd and 3rd centuries was the belief in the divinity of the sun. or sun-god. This divinity is of especial interest concerning Christmas. The annual festival to the sun-god fell on the 25th of December and its relation to Christmas has been a matter of much discussion. Obviously the season of the winter solstice, when the strength of the sun begins to increase, is appropriate for the celebration of the festival of a sun-god. The day in a sense marks the birth of a new sun. But the reason for its being chosen as the day for the commemoration of Christ’s nativity is not so evident. The identity of this date is more than a coincidence. To be sure the Church did not merely appropriate the festival of the popular sun-god. It was through a parallelism between Christ and the sun that the 25th of December came to be the date of the nativity. Even Epiphanius, the 4th century archbishop of Cyprus, though giving the 6th of January as the date of birth, connects the event with the solstice. Moreover, the diversion of the significance of a popular pagan holiday was wholly in accord with the policy of the Church. Of the actual celebration of a festival of the nativity, it should be added, there is no satisfactory evidence earlier than the 4th century. Its first observance in Rome on December 25 took place between 336 to 354. In Constantinople it seems to have been introduced in 377 or 378.
This was the era when the Roman church, which later became what we know today as the Catholic Church, was endeavoring to cement the worship of pagans with that of Christians. Many compromises were made to achieve this fact.
Evidently God didn’t want the world to know the exact time of the birth of Christ. He probably knew people would celebrate it with extreme pomp and ceremony - far greater than done even today. God is more interested in our personal relationship with His son than ritual and ceremony. See Matthew 15:9 where Jesus says this is done in vain.
Yes, the Bible certainly teaches Christ’s birth, but it surely is not to be celebrated in the commercialized way most of the world does these days.
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18. CHRISTMAS TREE; Isn’t there a reference to it in the Bible?
Many people may misunderstand the meaning of Jeremiah 10:1-5. Let’s explore what the Bible teaches concerning these verses. Please notice verses 3 and 4: "For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter." (NIV)
1. This Scripture refers to the making of a graven or carved image out of a tree trunk, as shown in verse 5: "Like a scarecrow in a melon patch, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them; they can do no harm nor can they do any good."

Later in the chapter false gods that have not made the earth are contrasted with the true God, the Creator (see verses 9-11). Images are vanity, and they shall perish (notice verses 14,15).
The practice or "custom" of making an image from the trunk of a tree is also referred to in Isaiah 40;19,20 and 44:14-17. Both Isaiah and Jeremiah declare the futility and absurdity of making and worshipping idols. Part of the wood is used for fuel and the rest is worship.
These Scriptures have no reference to Christmas trees
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19.How can one recognize a false Christ?
1. Jesus warned that in the last days there will arise counterfeit Christs who would masquerade as the Messiah and claim to be the savior of the world. It's in the Bible, Matthew 24:4&5. “Jesus answered: 'Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many.”
In the New Testament, the original Greek word for Christ is 'Christos'. The same word in Old Testament Hebrew is 'Mashiach', which in English is rendered as 'Messiah'. The literal translation of both Greek and Hebrew is "the anointed one". It is the title and identity which Jesus acknowledged during his ministry in Palestine. It's in the Bible, John 4:25&26 NAS. “The woman said to Him, 'I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us.' Jesus said to her, 'I who speak to you am He.' ”
Shortly before his crucifixion, Jesus preached his great prophetic discourse regarding profound events that would occur at the end of the age just prior to his Second Coming. As recorded in Matthew 24:23-26 NIV, Jesus warned, “At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect--if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time. So, if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it.”

Jesus emphasized that the false Christs will perform great signs and miracles, and will manifest terrible deception. Many Christians think that as long as they believe in 'Jesus Christ', they will be shielded from the deception of the last days. However, the deceit proliferates due to the fact that there are actually two Jesus Christs, not just one. Some people are deceived into following the wrong Jesus. It's in the Bible, 2 Corinthians 11:3&4 NIV. “Just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.” The apostle Paul is here speaking to the Christians of the early church. He warns them concerning false apostles who were preaching about a Jesus who is not the real Jesus of the Bible. This other Jesus is a fictitious Jesus, a fabrication of the corrupt imaginations and erroneous thinking of the spurious apostles. The gospel associated with this other Jesus is a different gospel; it is not the gospel recorded in the Bible and preached by the true apostles. Further, this false gospel is accompanied by an empowerment of the spirit, but it is a counterfeit spirit, it is not the Holy Spirit of the divine Trinity.
Who are the followers of the other Jesus really serving? The answer is found in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 NIV, “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. Is it not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.” The 'other Jesus' is a counterfeit Jesus devised by Satan, a false Jesus who can even masquerade as an angel of light.
Just prior to the day of Jesus’ Second Coming, there is going to appear visibly on Earth a great counterfeit Christ. It's in the Bible, 2nd Thessalonians 2:3&4 NIV. “Don't let any one deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God.” In this profound prophecy of Last Day events, the Bible says there is going to be a rebellion, an apostasy, a great falling away from the faith. In conjunction with this apostasy, there will be an appearing of the 'Man of Lawlessness', also known as the 'Man of Sin', the Antichrist. This magnificent false Christ will set himself up in God's temple and counterfeit the ministry of Jesus.
What will happen to this false Christ, and how will we recognize him? 2nd Thessalonians 2:8-10 NIV informs us, “And then the Lawless One will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus Christ will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. The coming of the Lawless One will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refuse to love the truth and so be saved." The followers of the counter-feit Messiah are deceived because they refuse to love God’s truth as revealed in his Holy Bible.
Jesus emphasized that it is not enough to simply profess the "name" of the Lord in order to enter into heaven. There needs to be a "doing" of the Father's will. It's in the Bible, Matthew 7:21 NIV. “Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." Jesus also declares in John 6:40 NIV, “For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” Thus there needs to be a "looking to the Son", a contemplation upon the real Jesus, upon his life, and a belief in the words he spoke. Affirmed Jesus, John 5:24 NIV, "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.”

Tragically, the counterfeit Christians will in all sincerity regard themselves to be genuine believers actively doing the work of Christ. They will even prophesy in the name of Jesus, cast out demons in the name of Jesus, and work miracles in his name. It's in the Bible, Matthew 7:22&23 NAS. “Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.' ” The followers of the false Christ practice lawlessness. They break God's law, they disregard the commandments of Jesus. In contrast, Jesus declares in John 14:21 NKJV, “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”
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20. What does the Bible say about crystals?
1. A lot of people are fascinated with crystals, many regarding them to possess mystical power that can be utilized for healing purposes. Some believe that crystals can also stimulate spiritual growth and bring about a positive transformation in life experience. Is it O.K. to be actively involved with crystal healing and crystal power? What counsel does the Bible give in this matter?
Crystals certainly are beautiful objects, for they were created by God. Portions of God's glorious heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, will be constructed from crystal. It's in the Bible, Revelation 21:11,&18-20 NIV. "It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. "
When evaluating the appropriateness of using crystals for healing purposes, it is important to be aware of the fact that the majority of experts who promote crystal healing are involved in the occult. The word occult means 'hidden'. Occultism concerns itself with the study and utilization of supernatural influences, powers and phenomena that are normally hidden from the regular physical senses, and are generally considered to be outside the realm of traditional scientific observation. Occultists believe that human beings, and the world in which we live, are permeated by invisible mystical energies. They believe that these energies can be focused and directed by 'sacred stones', such as crystals and other talismans, so as to induce physical healing and spiritual enlightenment. In addition to involvement with crystal power, occultism is associated with other mystical practices such as astrology, numerology, divination, tarot cards, psychic healing, mediumship, spirit channeling, Eastern religions, ritual magic and sorcery.

What does God say about involvement with the occult? He warned the Israelites against it when they were about to enter the Promised Land of Canaan. It's in the Bible, Deuteronomy 18:9-12 NIV. "When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord."
The use of 'sacred stones' for mystical purposes was common among the pagan peoples of the Bible Lands. Called amulets, these magical charms were made in the form of small pendants attached to a necklace or bracelet. They were worn to protect a person from negative energies, evil and injury, and also to bring good luck. God uttered a stern warning to the false prophetesses of Israel, who in their apostasy had adopted the pagan practice of wearing amulets. It's in the Bible, Ezekiel 13:18, 20&21 NIV. "This is what the Sovereign Lord says: 'Woe to the women who sew magic charms on all their wrists and make veils of various lengths for their heads in order to ensnare people. Will you ensnare the lives of my people but preserve your own? I am against your magic charms with which you ensnare people like birds, and I will tear them from your arms; I will set free the people that you ensnare like birds. I will tear off your veils and save my people from your hands, and they will no longer fall prey to your power.' "
The Bible categorizes the use of amulets as a form of pagan magic. Modern proponents of crystal power regard crystal healing to be 'benevolent magic', also known as 'white magic'. Occult magic can sometimes produce spectacular manifestations of power. Instances of this are described in the Bible. For example, Exodus 7:10-12 NIV, "So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the Lord commanded. Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers; and the Egyptian magicians also did the same thing by their secret arts. Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake." From a description of the two other miracles performed by Pharaoh’s sorcerers, we know they were using occult powers, not sleight-of-hand stage-type magic.
Miracles, signs and wonders can often be the work of Satan. It’s in the Bible, 2 Thessalonians 2:9&10 NIV. “The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing.” Under the command of Satan and his principalities, demonic spirits manifest these miraculous signs. Revelation 16:13&14, “Then I saw three evil spirits that looked like frogs; they came out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet. They are spirits of demons performing miraculous signs.” Spirits are angelic beings. Hebrews 1:14.NIV, "Are not all angels ministering spirits¼?”

Occult magic was practiced during the era of the Early Church. It’s in the Bible, Acts 8:9-13 NAS. "Now there was a certain man named Simon, who formerly was practicing magic in the city, and astonishing the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great. And they all, from smallest to greatest, were giving attention to him, saying, 'This man is what is called the Great Power of God.' And they were giving him attention because he had for a long time astonished them with his magic arts. But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike. And even Simon himself believed; and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip; and as he observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was constantly amazed."
Simon discovered that the power of God was far greater than the power of the Occult, and that true healing comes from the Lord. It’s in the Bible, Psalm 103:2-4 NIV. “Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits--who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.”
In the Early Church at Ephesus, practitioners of occult magic become acquatinted with the Gospel through the ministry of the apostle Paul. They were converted, and then destroyed their occult textbooks. It's in the Bible, Acts 19:17-19 NKJV, "...the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver."
At the Second Coming of Jesus, practitioners of the occult will be prohibited from entry into the glorious New Jerusalem. It's in the Bible, Revelation 22:14&15 NIV. "Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood."
Failing to inherit eternal life, those who practice magic arts will, tragically, find themselves condemned to experience the second death. Revelation 21:2, 7&8 NIV, "I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars--their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."
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21. DEATH; What does the Bible say about it?
The Bible talks about death as a sleep, refers to resurrections, the soul and spirit in death, and immortality.
1. A SLEEP - In John 11:11-14 (NIV) Jesus compares death to sleep. "’...Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.’ His disciples replied, ‘Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.’ Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. So then he told them plainly, ‘Lazarus is dead,.’" The Bible compares death to sleep over 50 times.

We are told in I Thessalonians 4:15-16 (NIV) that those asleep in Jesus rise at His Second Coming. "According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 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."
RESURRECTIONS - There are two resurrections-one to life and one to eternal condemnation. John 5:28-29 (NIV). "Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out-those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned."
Genesis 2:7 (KJV) records the creation of man in the beginning. "And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." God did not put a soul into man. It is like an equation: Dust + Breath = a living soul. If you were going to make a wooden box you could say: boards + nails = a box. You take a few wooden boards and nail them together to make a box. If you take them apart again and pull all the nails out of the wood and put the nails in a pile and the boards in a stack. What happened to the box? It just ceased to exist until you put it back together again. That is the way it is with death. You take away the breath, that spark of life which comes from God and the body will return to dust (or sometimes to ashes in the case of cremation). What happened to the soul? It just ceases to be until God comes at the resurrection and puts it back together again. At that time the dust and the breath of life are reunited and then you have a life, a live person or live soul again.
The interval between death and the resurrection is described in the Bible as "sleep." No consciousness of what is happening, or time passing, etc. Dying is like going to sleep and your next conscious thought-it will seem like the next moment-is when God resurrects you giving you back your life.
SOUL AND SPIRIT IN DEATH - Ecclesiastes 12:7 says the body returns to the dust and the spirit [or breath of life] returns to God. Job 27:3 tells us that the spirit is the same as God’s breath of life or His power.
Psalm 146:4 (KJV) says, "When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing." The dead do not praise God, Psalm 115:17. The dead do not know anything, Ecclesiastes 9:5, "For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing."
IMMORTALITY - Human beings do not have immortality, only God does. (see I Timothy 6:16). We receive immortality when Jesus comes again. (see I Corinthians 15:51-54). When Jesus comes His reward of eternal life will be with Him. (see Revelation 22:12).
The Bible says heaven is a real place in John 14:1-3 (NIV), "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. 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."

God will give us glorious immortal bodies. Philippians 3:21 and I Corinthians 15:51-54. All physical deformities will be cured. (The eyes of the blind will be opened, the ears of the deaf unstopped and the crippled healed.) Isaiah 35:3-6. They will build houses and inhabit them. They will plant vineyards and eat the fruit of them. Isaiah 65:21-23. The wolf and lamb will feed together. God’s New Kingdom will be one of tranquil peace. Isaiah 65:25. We will fellowship with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the greatest minds of the ages forever. Matthew 8:11.
God Himself shall be with us and be our God. Revelation 21:3. We shall lovingly serve our God forever and enjoy the closest fellowship with Him. Revelation 22:3-4.
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22. DENOMINATIONS; Why are there so many?
The Bible uses the historical symbol of Babylon to signify the confusing array of religion. God would like unity, but only lasting unity can be found in Him. To be in Him is to know Him, and to know Him is to follow (obey) Him.
1. Denominations describe people groups who consent to follow a certain set of His instructions. Different denominations vary the content of the accepted truths in their set. Revelation 14:6-12 describes a group that will continue to accept the truths of Jesus Christ that have been dropped through the historical periods of Revelations 6:1-8. Study to know Christ and He will show you the way to complete truth.
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23. DINOSAURS; Are they mentioned in the Bible?
While we understand from Gen. 1 that animals and mankind were created on the 6th day, there remains a question among theologians and scientists about the origin of dinosaurs. Some believe they were part of the 6th day of creation activities. Others take the position that they resulted from hybridization of some reptiles God originally created.
1. Some people think the references to “leviathan” (Job 41:1), “behemoth” (Job 40:15, and dragons (many texts) are references to dinosaurs. Most Bible scholars suggest that the descriptions in Job are of crocodiles or hippos. Both lived in the Near East in those days. It is tempting to think that dragons are a faded memory of dinosaurs but we cannot be sure. We can only speculate.
Those who have collected dinosaur remains in the Midwest plains of Canada and the United States or in the Colorado Plateau region have no lingering doubt concerning their reality. Thousands of specimens have been found and excavated.
The fossil remains of these reptiles indicate that they were indeed a highly diversified group, ranging in size from that of a rabbit to tremendous beasts 20 feet high, 85 feet long, and weighing up to 50 tons. It appears that some were relatively light-footed and had bipedal locomotion, while others were quadrupedal and moved about in a slow and cumbersome manner. Some were carnivores and others herbivores. Certain types were well suited for aquatic habitat while others remained on land.

The sudden extinction of the dinosaurs, as shown by the geological records, is a mystery that evolutionary paleontologists have considerable difficulty explaining. What happened? Change of temperature? Change in the plants? Blasts of heat from a meteor; mammals eating dinosaurs eggs; hyperpituitarism; change in oxygen concentration; over-specialization and senility of the dinosaur stalk; etc. These are some of the rationalizations of scientists. The current dominant theory is that a large object from space hit the earth and blasted up so much dust that the sun was obscured for months and the plants and animals died. However there are problems with this theory also because the extinction was selective. Some plants and animals (including fragile ones compared to dinosaurs) did not become extinct.
When God directed the animals into the ark, He no doubt directed only those that were like His original created types. There is little evidence that dinosaurs were taken into the ark. That God did not preserve them in the ark and that they died as a result of a world-wide flood is as good an explanation as any.
Why did God not take dinosaurs into the ark? In Genesis 6:12 we find the statement “And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.” Satan, the being who rebelled against God, cannot create, but he can change (even as modern scientists can produce change through mutations, hybridization and genetic engineering). The entrance of sin into the world allowed Satan to corrupt humans and other living organisms. Now we have leaves changed to thorns, teeth changed to poison fangs, genes changed into viruses and useful bacteria into disease producers. Satan corrupted some of the reptiles God originally created into the bizarre creatures we call dinosaurs. God chose not to save them at the time of the Flood. Perhaps God also saw that feeble post-flood humans would not be able to control such large animals. Thus we suggest that God preserved the air-breathing, land animals except the very large animals and the corrupted ones.
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24. Does the Bible mention anything about gambling?
1. Sorry, but there are no Bible texts that directly speak about gambling. However, there are a number of scripture texts that address the principles involved. Here are some:
The 10th commandment found in Exodus 20:17 talks about coveting which is the root of most of our problems. What is one of the reasons that people gamble and play the lottery? They covet money, quick and easy. 1 Timothy 6:10 declares that "the love of money is the root of all evil." Therefore, the enticement of gambling and playing the lottery obviously comes under these texts. But there is more. God has given to each person certain talents, which among other things includes time, money, influence and a host of other related items. He is going to have each person give a strict account of how these were used. If they are wasted and dissipated, often the indulgent ones are not the only ones who pay the price. Families often must go without basic necessities because of one member's addiction.

Matthew 6:21 quotes Christ as saying "where your treasure is there will your heart be also." For those who engage in this traffic, money is the mutilator. In the parable Jesus told of the rich farmer. He condemned him for saying how rich he was and that he would tear down his barns and build larger ones. You recall that the story ends with the man dying that very night. Then whom will this wealth belong to?
As you know, some churches countenance bingo and lotteries as a means of raising money for charitable purposes. Yet, most conservative Christians frown upon gambling of any kind, be it lotteries, slot machines, horse or dog racing, the Irish sweepstakes, roulette wheels, poker, bridge, or flipping a coin to see who pays for the soda. Why? Matthew 7:16 says, "by their fruits you shall know them."
What are the fruits of gambling? Revenue and jobs are two arguments frequently advanced in favor. Yet, when Tom Dewey was governor, he addressed the NY legislature as follows: "the entire history of legalized gambling in this country and abroad shows that it has brought nothing but poverty, crime, and corruption, demoralization of moral and ethical standards, and ultimately a lower living standard and misery for all the people." A gambler can become just as addicted to his bewitching pastime as the alcoholic does to his liquor or the drug addict to drugs.
A guiding principle, and a truth that once perceived, grips the heart is that both one's time and money belong to God. "You are bought with a price." (1 Corinthians 6:20) Consider the parable of the talents where the owner gave one servant 5, another 3 and the last got 1. The last man hid his talent in the earth. The owner rebuked him. How much sterner would have been the reproof if he had gambled it away? If your time and money were your own, we could say, "gamble all you please, it's your own business." But to gamble with money that is not your own, to waste time that is not your own, makes one nothing less than a thief in God's sight. And the Bible does say that a thief will not get to heaven. 1 Corinthians 6:9,10.
This is an interesting statement: "One has 1 chance in 10 million of winning the state lottery in California. Whereas, if you leave home and drive just a few blocks, your chance of a fatal car accident are 1 in 1 million." One cannot vouch for the accuracy of these facts, but it is worth considering.
Another interesting bit of information: Governor Washburn of Wisconsin in his annual message of January 9, 1873, declared, "Some law seems to be required to break up the schools where gamblers are made. These are everywhere. Even the church (unwittingly, no doubt) is sometimes found doing the work of the devil. Gift concerts, gift enterprises and raffles, sometimes in aid of religious or charitable objects, but often for less worthy purposes, lotteries, prize packages, etc., are all devices to obtain money without value received. Nothing is so demoralizing or intoxicating, particularly to the young, as the acquisition of money or property without labor. Respectable people engaging in these chance enterprises, and easing their consciences with the reflection that the money is to go a good object, it is not strange that the youth of the state should so often fall into the habits which the excitement of games of hazard is almost certain to engender." Remember: this was in 1873, not 1973!!!
Pray this is the help you are seeking.
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25. HALLOWEEN; Is it wrong to celebrate?
1. First of all, understand that this is an American custom and there is no direct reference in the Bible about it. However, there are Biblical principles that bear directly upon it. Perhaps the best way that one can be informed about how Halloween relates to Bible teachings is to relate the history of it and then point to the end-time prophecies and what this celebration is leading up to.
Unlike the familiar observance of All Souls, Halloween traditions have never been connected with Christian religious celebrations of any kind. Although the name is taken from a great Christian feast (All Hallows' Eve), it has nothing in common with the Feast of All Saints, and is instead, a tradition of pre-Christian times that has retained its original character in form and meaning.
Halloween customs are traced back to the ancient Druids. Halloween fires are kindled in many places even now, especially in Wales and Scotland.
Another, and more important, tradition is the Druidic belief that during the night of November 1, demons, witches, and evil spirits roamed the earth in wild and furious romping of joy to greet the arrival of "their season" - the long nights and early dark of the winter months. They had their fun with poor mortals that night, frightening, harming them, and playing all kinds of mean tricks. The only way, it seemed, for scared humans to escape the persecution of the demons was to offer them things they liked, especially dainty food and sweets. Or, in order to escape the fury of these horrible creatures, a human could disguise himself as one of them and join in their roaming. In this way they would take him for one of their own and he would not be bothered. That is what people did in ancient times, and it is in this very form the custom has come down to us, practically unaltered, as our familiar Halloween celebration.
During the Roman empire there was the custom of eating or giving away fruit, especially apples, on Halloween. It spread to neighboring countries; to Ireland and Scotland from Britain, and to the Slavic countries from Austria. It is probably based upon a celebration of the Roman goddess Pomona, to whom gardens and orchards were dedicated. Since the annual Feast of Pomona was held on November 1, the relics of that observance became part of our Halloween celebration, for instance the familiar tradition of "dunking" for apples.

In the book of Revelation you will find some prophecies relating to end-time events. They depict that Satan and his angels are going to lead out in a massive master delusion of people shortly before probation closes. It is based on the original lie that Satan told Adam and Eve when they sinned - "you will not die." With many church denominations believing and teaching the non-Biblical idea that as soon as a person dies they go to heaven, this too fits right into the ghosts and goblins idea so prevalent at Halloween. For those who have lived a few decades, it is not difficult to think back some years and observe how rapidly Halloween is escalating in the public attention. This all fits into Satan's end-time masterful deception and to the teachings of spiritism. It is basically for these reasons that thinking Christians who are intent on functioning as Christ would, shy away from any involvement regarding Halloween. They go a step farther even, they also try to shield their children from involvement.
In case you are a parent, here is something to think about also. It is best if parents do not pass by the holidays without notice so far as their children are concerned. On these days when there is danger that children may be exposed to various evil influences and get excited about wrong things, parents should plan alternative fun activities for the children and youth. Let them know that you are seeking to bring happiness through other activities. And this is for good reason.
Children become dissatisfied if everyone about them is celebrating a special event and they are not permitted to have any part in it. This gang spirit manifests itself in various ways. They want to do what others are doing. Just let a few of the neighboring children talk about, plan for, and engage in Halloween stunts, then the rest will feel that they too must have a part in the "fun". Now days, with the commercialism of everything connected with Halloween, all children know about it weeks in advance.
Halloween is a western hemisphere celebration. In foreign countries, the things that are tolerated here would be unwelcome.
In communities where the young folk are celebrating the scary ideas and costuming up with masks and weird attire, some parents keep their children at home. Some will plan a party for a group of children. Others plan a special trip taking the family away from the home surroundings. And then there are those who attempt to conceal the fact that they are home and sit in darkness watching those who pass by.
A diversion from the usual is to organize the children to collect food for Thanksgiving baskets to be distributed a few weeks in the future. When this is done, they often play some games and have light refreshments before returning to their homes. Such evenings are remembered as joyous occasions and not shameful.
But what about those who come to your door? To give them apples at today’s prices is probably not wise. Some find no problem in dispersing candy, while others would not think of it.
Probably the best course of action is to plan for the evening long in advance. Make plans for the family to meet Bible standards and principles that will prove to be a blessing and that will help each member, while insuring that tricks and pranks will not produce regrets for either the present or the future.
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26. INTERRACIAL MARRIAGE; What does the Bible say about interracial marriages?

1. Let me bring out a very important text: 2 Corinthians 6:14; "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers." That last word is the most important. Obviously following this advice, a Christian would not marry an atheist or a Jew or a Muslim, etc. But what about interracial marriage? Deuteronomy 7:1-6 tells the Israelites to destroy all the inhabitants of the Canaan land and not to intermarry with them. The reason given is that they would "turn your sons away from following Me, that they may serve other gods." 2 Corinthians 6:14 applies here.
Moses' wife was of another race and Aaron and Miriam were punished for criticizing Moses' interracial marriage. That story is recorded in Numbers 12:1-15. Everyone who reads the Bible will find the book of Ruth a delight. She is another foreigner who became part of the lineage of Christ, as did the harlot, Rahab, also of another nation. The lineage of Christ is given in Matthew 1 with mention of those names. Colossians 3:11 makes it clear that in Christ we are all one.
Okay, so what about interracial marriages here and now? From the Bible it seems clear that, when both are believers, it is not wrong. Certainly any couple contemplating marriage will want to prayerfully consider the impact their marriage will have on family and future children and be prepared for what potential problems may arise.
Marriages across racial and religious barriers are becoming more and more prevalent. Assuming two are of the same religion, there are still practical reasons for concern and much thought. Two adults can accommodate to the situation much better than their children who belong to both races, but from a very practical standpoint belong to neither race. All marriages have some stress.
Right after World War II, we had American servicemen bringing their foreign spouses of many races back to the United States, full of love and devotion, only to see the pressures of society drive them apart and send the unfortunate wife back to her native home.
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27. What does the Bible say about Muslims/Islam?
Although not mentioned directly in the Bible, there is recorded in the Bible an outline of the Arabic people as the Children of Abraham who inhabited the “eastern country”. The history of the Muslim peoples, therefore, begins with the prophet Abraham and his descendants through Ishmael, his firstborn son.
1. Abraham's first born son by Hagar the Egyptian was Ishmael. It's in the Bible, the Torah, Genesis 16:15, RSV. “And Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael. Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram.”
Abraham was given a special promise that the descendants of Ishmael would become a great nation. It's in the Bible, the Torah, Genesis 17:20, RSV. “As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I will bless him and make him fruitful and multiply him exceedingly; he shall be the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.”

His name (Ishmael) was given by God through the angel, and stands as a perpetual reminder of God’s mercy. Ishmael means “God hears” - and understands, and will respond in your times of need. It's in the Bible, the Torah, Genesis 16:7-11, RSV. “The angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness the spring on the way to Shur. And he said, "Hagar, maid of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?" She said, "I am fleeing from my mistress Sarai." The angel of the Lord said to her, "Return to your mistress, and submit to her." The angel of the Lord also said to her, "I will so greatly multiply your descendants that they cannot be numbered for multitude." And the angel of the Lord said to her, "Behold, you are with child, and shall bear a son; you shall call his name Ishmael; because the Lord has given heed to your affliction.”
Again when Hagar and Ishmael were moving to Arabia the angel appeared to her. It"s in the Bible, the Torah, Genesis 21:17-21, RSV. “And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, and said to her, "What troubles you, Hagar? Fear not; for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is. Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him fast with your hand; for I will make him a great nation." Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the skin with water, and gave the lad a drink. And God was with the lad, and he grew up; he lived in the wilderness, and became an expert with the bow. He lived in the wilderness of Paran; [northern Arabia] and his mother took a wife for him from the land of Egypt.”
The descendants of Ishmael and the other sons of Abraham through Keturah were given the eastern country and are referred to as the children or people of the east. They are the progenitors of the Arabs. Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, traces his lineage back to Ishmael through his first born son, Nabaioth. It's in the Bible, the Torah, Genesis 25:6,12-18, RSV. “But to the sons of his concubines Abraham gave gifts, and while he was still living he sent them away from his son Isaac, eastward to the east country." "These are the descendants of Ishmael, Abraham's son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah's maid, bore to Abraham. These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, named in the order of their birth: Nebaioth, the first-born of Ishmael; and Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These are the sons of Ishmael and these are their names, by their villages and by their encampments, twelve princes according to their tribes. (These are the years of the life of Ishmael, a hundred and thirty-seven years; he breathed his last and died, and was gathered to his kindred.) They dwelt from Havilah to Shur, which is opposite Egypt in the direction of Assyria; he settled over against all his people.” The areas noted here in verse 18 are located in Central and Northern Arabia. There is evidence of a spiritual partnership between the sons of Abraham through Isaac (the Jews) and the sons of Abraham through Ishmael (the Arabs and the prophet of Islam, Muhammad). Ishmael and Isaac together buried their father Abraham. It's in the Bible, the Torah, Genesis 25:7-10, RSV. “These are the days of the years of Abraham's life, a hundred and seventy-five years. Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man and full of years, and was gathered to his people. Isaac and Ishmael, his sons, buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, east of Mamre, the field which Abraham purchased from the Hittites. There Abraham was buried, with Sarah his wife.”

Ishmaelites (the descendants of Ishmael had become traders in spices) rescue Joseph (a son of Jacob, son of Isaac). It's in the Bible, the Torah, Genesis 37:25 & 28, RSV. “Then they sat down to eat; and looking up they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing gum, balm, and myrrh, on their way to carry it down to Egypt. . . and they drew Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver; and they took Joseph to Egypt.”
This rescuing of Joseph by the Ishmaelites and taking him to Egypt was part of God's plan. It's in the Bible, the Torah, Genesis 45:5-7, RSV. “So Joseph said to his brothers, "Come near to me, I pray you." And they came near. And he said, "I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years; and there are yet five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors.” Jethro (a Midianite, Arab, one of the “eastern” children of Abraham, provides refuge for Moses who is escaping for his life from Egypt. Jethro has kept alive the worship of the One true God and therefore teaches Moses, since the knowledge of God among the Hebrew people in Egypt was nearly lost, and Moses had received most of his training in the pagan religions of Egypt in the court of Pharaoh. It's in the Bible, the Torah, Exodus 2:15,16, 21; 3:1, RSV. “But Moses fled from Pharaoh, and stayed in the land of Midian; and he sat down by a well. Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters; and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock” “And Moses was content to dwell with the man, and he gave Moses his daughter Zipporah.” “Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian; and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.”

Job, an eastern man - an Arab - endures suffering, provides an example of patient submission to God and gives a picture of the great controversy between God and Satan. It's in the Bible, the Torah, Job 1:1-2;10, NEB. “There lived in the land of Uz a man of blameless and upright life named Job, who feared God and set his face against wrongdoing. He had seven sons and three daughters; and he owned seven thousand sheep and three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen and five hundred asses, with a large number of slaves. Thus Job was the greatest man in all the East. Now his sons used to foregather and give, each in turn, a feast in his own house; and they used to send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. Then, when a round of feasts was finished, Job sent for his children and sanctified them, rising early in the morning and sacrificing a whole-offering for each of them; for he thought that they might somehow have sinned against God and committed blasphemy in their hearts. This he always did. The day came when the members of the court of heaven took their places in the presence of the Lord, and Satan was there among them. The Lord asked him where he had been. "Ranging over the earth," he said, "from end to end." Then the Lord asked Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job?" You will find no one like him on earth, a man of blameless and upright life, who fears God and sets his face against wrongdoing." Satan answered the Lord, "Has not Job good reason to be God-fearing? Have you not hedged him round on every side with your protection, him and his family and all his possessions? Whatever he does you have blessed, and his herds have increased beyond measure. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and then he will curse you to your face." Then the Lord said to Satan, "So be it. All that he has is in your hands; only Job himself you must not touch." And Satan left the Lord's presence. When the day came that Job's sons and daughters were eating and drinking in the eldest brother's house, a messenger came running to Job and said, "The oxen were ploughing and the asses were grazing near them, when the Sabaeans swooped down and carried them off, after putting the herdsmen to the sword; and I am the only one to escape and tell the tale." While he was still speaking, another messenger arrived and said, "God's fire flashed from heaven. It struck the sheep and the shepherds and burnt them up; and I am the only one to escape and tell the tale." While he was still speaking, another arrived and said, “The Chaldaeans, three bands of them, have made a raid on the camels and carried them off, after putting the drivers to the sword; and I am the only one to escape and tell the tale.&q