Did Jesus lie to His brothers in John 7:8–10?
Jesus did not lie to His brothers in John 7:8–10; He was following God’s timing, not theirs. John’s broader theme of Jesus’ “hour” not yet arriving, along with the witness to His sinlessness and truth, demonstrates there was no deception.
What does it mean that Christ was despised and rejected of men (Isaiah 53:3)?
Isaiah 53:3 foretold that the Messiah would be rejected, despised, and misunderstood, bearing grief instead of honor. Jesus’ rejection by everyone fulfilled that prophecy and became the way He carried our sins to bring salvation.
Is there any spiritual significance to a déjà vu experience?
The Bible gives no evidence that feelings of déjà vu have spiritual meaning or ties to past lives. Instead, God invites us to bring our concerns and confusion to Him in prayer, trusting His wisdom and peace.
Deductive Bible study—What is it?
Deductive, or topical, Bible study starts with a central theme and explores all Scripture passages related to it, letting the Bible reveal the truth, rather than forcing it to fit preconceived ideas. When practiced humbly and contextually, deductive Bible study deepens understanding, strengthens faith, and points to Christ.
What day of the week was Jesus crucified?
Jesus was most likely crucified on Friday, buried before the Sabbath, and rose on Sunday, fulfilling Scripture’s “three days” in Jewish reckoning. While some suggest other timelines, the Gospels’ details align best with a Friday-to-Sunday chronology.
The Critical Text – What is it?
The Critical Text is a Greek text of the New Testament compiled through modern text-critical methods.
Could Jesus have sinned?
Jesus was tempted in his humanity, yet as the divine Son, He could not sin. Instead of reducing the significance of His obedience, His inability to sin heightened it because He had to experience temptation to the fullest extreme.
The Comma Johanneum – What is it? What is the original wording of 1 John 5:7-8?
The Comma Johanneum (or Johannine Comma) is a disputed textual variant found in 1 John 5 of the New Testament. The longer, disputed version is not found in the original Greek manuscripts.
Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus – What are they?
Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus are two of the oldest complete or nearly complete copies of the New Testament in its original Greek language.
What is the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy?
The doctrine of biblical inerrancy expresses the biblical claim that Scripture is the Word of God and is therefore trustworthy and reliable. The Chicago Statement affirms biblical inerrancy.
What is chiastic structure? What is a chiasm?
A chiasm is a literary structure where ideas are presented and then mirrored in reverse to emphasize, clarify, or highlight a main point. Scripture employs chiasm at various levels—from individual sentences to entire sections—allowing readers to notice repetition, focus on the middle, and better remember the message.
How do I know if I'm called to be a missionary?
As Christians we are all called to share the message of Christ with the world. These instructions are for every believer regardless of their age, gender, location, profession, or skill set. However, there are some people who are specifically called to be full-time missionaries.
When Jesus was pierced, why did blood and water come out of His side?
When Jesus was pierced, blood and water flowed to prove His real, physical death and fulfill ancient prophecies. This powerful moment revealed Him as the true Passover Lamb whose sacrifice brings us life and salvation.
Does the Bible mention a black pope in relation to the end times?
The Bible does not mention a pope—black or otherwise—and does not include any prophecy linking the end times to a papal figure. Speculative claims about a “black pope” detract from what Scripture actually teaches about Christ’s return and the clear signs God has revealed.
Why are there so many Bible translations?
There are many Bible translations because most people do not read the original languages of the Bible, and languages, especially English, are constantly changing. Also, new archaeological discoveries improve understanding, leading to better accuracy of biblical passages.
How can I know if I have been reborn?
You can know you’ve been reborn because God promises our salvation is secure. When we are reborn, our lives are transformed by the Spirit to look more like Christ—growing in faith, love, and obedience.
Is it possible that Barack Obama is the Antichrist?
Barack Obama does not match the Bible’s detailed description of the Antichrist, who will wield global authority, demand worship, and desecrate a rebuilt temple. Speculating about modern leaders distracts from the Bible’s true warnings, which call us to trust Christ, stay discerning, and live faithfully.
Do the Bible’s warnings against apostasy imply that salvation is not eternally secure?
True believers are eternally secure in Christ, and the Bible’s warnings against apostasy are meant to expose false faith, not shake genuine salvation. The warnings act like spiritual guardrails—prompting self-examination, obedience, and perseverance without threatening the safety of those truly in Christ.
If His name was Yeshua, why do we call Him Jesus?
We call Him “Jesus” because that’s the English form of His Greek name Ihsous, which came from the Hebrew Yeshua, meaning “the Lord saves.” No matter the language, every version points to the same Savior who brings forgiveness and life to all who believe.
What are the Writings? What is the Ketuvim?
The Ketuvim, meaning "Writings" in Hebrew, is the third and final section of the Hebrew Bible, known as the Tanakh, following the Torah ("instruction") and the Nevi'im ("Prophets").
Does the Bible predict there will be a World War 3 (III, three) before the end times?
The Bible warns of many wars before Jesus returns, but it never specifically predicts a “World War III.” The final, end-times battle—Armageddon—will not be fought among nations themselves, but against Christ, who will swiftly and decisively win.
Why do people die?
Death came into the world through sin, separating us from God and making it the destiny of all people. But through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are offered forgiveness, eternal life, and hope that conquers even the grave.
What is sin?
Sin is anything we think, say, or do that is in contradiction to who God is. Sin separates us from the life and fellowship for which He created us.
What is doctrine?
Doctrine is the Bible’s teaching, given to help us know God and live in His ways. The Bible calls Christians to guard sound doctrine because it guides salvation, church life, and holiness while protecting us from error.
What does it mean to blaspheme? What is blasphemy?
Blasphemy is anything that directly and intentionally insults or slanders the character and nature of God. The ultimate blasphemy is rejecting the conviction of the Holy Spirit and rejecting Christ, which shows a hardened heart against God and leads to spiritual death.
What did Westcott and Hort have to do with the text of the Bible? Who were Westcott and Hort?
Brooke Westcott and Fenton Hort, 19th-century theologians and Bible scholars, made pioneering contributions to textual criticism and the identification of the original Greek text. Westcott and Hort’s research advanced the field of textual criticism and supported the idea that the biblical text has been preserved accurately.
What does water baptism symbolize?
Water baptism is a powerful symbol of repentance and new life in Christ. Baptism demonstrates faith in His death and resurrection, identifying us publicly with Him and His people.
What is the purpose of the warning passages in Scripture?
The Bible’s warning passages act like divine guardrails—exposing false faith while strengthening true believers to endure and grow. God uses them not to frighten His people, but to preserve them and keep them close to Him.
In Revelation 12, is the war in heaven Satan's original fall or an end-times angelic battle?
Revelation 12 should be understood as a future conflict between angels, where Satan is ultimately prevented from entering heaven, rather than the original fall that happened before Eden. Revelation 12 marks the midpoint of the tribulation when his access to heaven ends and his fury on earth begins—but his defeat is certain under Christ’s authority.
What is Verbal Plenary Preservation?
Verbal Plenary Preservation claims God perfectly preserved every inspired word of Scripture in one text or translation. While God’s Word is indeed preserved and enduring, He did so through many faithful manuscripts—not just one edition—so His truth remains clear for every generation.
Is there an end times unholy trinity? Who is part of the unholy trinity?
In the end times, Satan, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet form a counterfeit “unholy trinity,” imitating God’s true nature to deceive the world. However, the unholy trinity’s power is temporary, and Christ will ultimately destroy them and reign forever.
Why does understanding the Bible matter?
Understanding the Bible matters because it reveals who God is, what He desires, and how He calls us to live. When we understand the Bible, we discover who God is, learn His ways, and are prepared to live faithfully through every season of life.
Why is the Bible hard to understand?
The Bible is sometimes hard to understand because of language, culture, genre, and our human limits, but God made its main message clear and gives us His Spirit and teachers to help. With patience and prayer, we can grow in understanding and know God more deeply through His Word.
What is a trespass in the Bible?
A trespass in the Bible is simply any sin—any way we overstep God’s boundaries or fall short of His perfect standard. God provides forgiveness for our trespasses through Jesus’ death and resurrection, freeing us from sin’s power and enabling us to live by His Spirit.
What did Jesus mean when He said 'This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood' (Luke 22:20)?
Throughout history, God has given humanity covenants by which He conveyed His plan of redemption and revealed His heart for His people. The old covenant was fulfilled with God’s new covenant through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Textus Receptus—What is it?
The Textus Receptus was the first widely printed Greek New Testament, used for major Reformation translations like the KJV. Though based on few late manuscripts, it paved the way for more accurate Greek texts and showed God’s faithfulness in preserving His Word.
What are some signs of spiritual abuse, and how should I respond?
Spiritual abuse occurs when people misuse God’s name or authority to control, shame, or harm others—or when believers are mistreated for following Christ. Spiritual abuse is evil and misrepresents God’s character.
What does the Bible say about social justice?
The Bible bases justice on God’s character and the equal value of every person. Unlike modern social justice movements that focus on outcomes or equality by force, biblical social justice flows from transformed hearts and obedience to God.
Why are there so many religions?
So many religions exist because of humanity's rejection of the one true God. Rather than worshiping the God of Scripture, people create gods and belief systems that align with their personal desires and preferences.
What does it mean that sin is lawlessness?
Sin is anything we think, say, do, or feel that violates God’s standards, or His law. Therefore, sin is lawlessness.
Is doing drugs a sin?
Doing drugs goes against God’s call to honor both His laws and our bodies. Even when doing drugs is legal, choosing to stay sober shows love for others and glorifies the God who dwells within us.
What is The Chosen and is it biblical?
The Chosen is an award-winning series that dramatizes the life of Jesus, adding plausible historical and cultural details not found in the Bible. While The Chosen doesn’t contradict Scripture, Christians are divided on whether using creative license in retelling biblical events is appropriate.
Does religion cause most wars?
It is a myth that religion causes most wars. In fact, the historical evidence shows that secular ideologies cause far more wars than religion.
Does the Bible talk about praying to angels? Is praying to angels wrong?
The Bible is clear that prayer belongs to God alone, and praying to angels is a form of idolatry. Because of Jesus, we can confidently approach God directly, with the Holy Spirit interceding for us—not angels.
What does it mean that there is power in the name of Jesus?
A name represents who a person is, and the name of Jesus has power because it represents Him—the Son of God who lived perfectly, died for sin, and rose again. Jesus’ name carries authority over all creation and, through faith in Him, believers share in that power.
Are Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! okay games for Christians to play?
Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! aren’t inherently evil, but they can become spiritually harmful if they distract from God, promote unhealthy influences, or dominate our time and focus. We should seek God’s wisdom, weigh the potential impact, and choose what draws us closer to Him when it comes to determining what games to play.
Is physical appearance something Christians should care about?
We should care about our physical appearance, but our motive must be honoring God, not impressing people. The way we care about our physical appearance should reflect God’s image and character.
How can I heal from the pain of betrayal?
There is perhaps no greater insult to a relationship than betrayal, but God offers a path to healing. We can bring the pain of betrayal to God, set wise boundaries, and choose forgiveness, finding peace and strength to move on after betrayal.
Does the Bible say anything about overcoming grief / processing and handling grief?
Grief occurs in many instances, such as when our plans are derailed, when our feelings are hurt, and when a loved one dies. God also experiences grief and grieves with us. By placing our hope in Him, we can navigate grief’s pain and find strength to heal and move forward.
What is organized religion and does the Bible support it?
Organized religion refers to structured worship involving formal doctrine, leadership, and communal practice. The Bible provides many principles for healthy organized religion.
What religion is the oldest?
Worship began with Adam and Eve, making the practice of honoring God as old as humanity itself. Judaism is the oldest monotheistic religion, rooted in God’s covenant with Abraham, with Christianity continuing God’s redemptive plan through Jesus.
What is the new commandment?
Jesus’ new commandment is to love others just as He loved us—selflessly, sacrificially, and actively. The love God commands goes beyond feelings or duty; it’s a visible expression of His heart, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
What is the narrow gate? How narrow is the narrow gate?
The narrow gate refers to salvation that is only available through belief in Jesus Christ. The narrow gate is a metaphor that contrasts the exclusive path to eternal life with the broad, easy path that leads to destruction.
What is millenarianism?
Millenarianism is the belief that Jesus will return to reign on earth for a thousand years, with Satan restrained and the faithful sharing in His reign. While Christians differ on the exact timing or even the length of the millennial period, the central hope for all is Christ’s victorious kingdom culminating in the new creation.
What is Michaelmas?
Michaelmas, celebrated on September 29, honors the archangel Michael’s role in defeating Satan—but the Bible never commands such a feast. Christians should focus on worshiping God, who defeated Satan, sin, and death, not on praising angels.
Do biblical references to men, mankind, brothers, etc., include women?
The Bible often uses masculine terms, but many of them refer to all people. Context shows if a Bible’s message is meant for both men and women or specifically to men or women.
Does the rainbow have a meaning? What is the biblical significance of the rainbow?
The rainbow is God’s own sign of mercy—a reminder of His covenant never again to destroy the earth with a flood. The rainbow still points us to God’s faithfulness and beauty every time it appears.
What is a maskil in the Book of Psalms?
The Hebrew word "maskil" appears in the titles of several Psalms. It is often translated as "contemplation," "instruction," or "a skillful song."
What is a 'living sacrifice'?
The term "living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1) means a complete, daily dedication of our lives to God. This is in contrast to the dead animal sacrifices of the Old Testament.
What is the living hope in 1 Peter 1:3?
The “living hope” in 1 Peter 1:3 is the confident, enduring expectation of eternal life and an imperishable inheritance in heaven. A believer’s living hope is grounded in God’s mercy and the resurrection of Jesus and sustains believers through all of life’s ups and downs.
What does it mean that the life of the flesh is in the blood?
Blood represents the life God gives, and He appointed it as the means for atonement. God forbade eating blood to honor the life it represents and to preserve its sacred use in sacrifice, pointing forward to Christ’s once-for-all offering that brings forgiveness and eternal life.
What does James 4:14 mean that life is a vapor?
James 4:14 calls life a vapor to remind us that our lives pass quickly and can end without warning. In context, James urges humble planning that submits the future to God’s will rather than boasting in self-confidence.
Are Christians subject to the laws of the land?
Christians are called to obey the laws of the land as a way to honor God, recognizing that earthly authorities are established by Him. However, when human laws directly conflict with God’s commands, believers must respectfully choose to obey God above all.
What do Jews believe? What is Judaism?
Jews are God’s chosen people with a rich religious, cultural, and ethnic heritage, but they do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Judaism centers on the Hebrew Bible, ethical living, and the hope of a future Messiah, while Christians believe Jesus fulfills that promise.
Why do most Jews reject Jesus as the Messiah?
During Jesus’ time, Jews rejected Jesus as Messiah because they sought to establish righteousness through their own works rather than submit to Christ. Today, Jews and many others reject Jesus for the same reason.
Why do the Jews no longer offer animal sacrifices? How do Jewish people today believe they can receive forgiveness from God?
Because the Jews no longer have a temple in which to offer animal sacrifices, they reinterpret Old Testament Bible passages to mean that good works have taken the place of animal sacrifice. Today’s Jews believe that restitution for wrongdoing to others is a way to obtain God’s forgiveness.
What are the different Jewish festivals (feasts) in the Bible?
In the Old Testament, God commanded the Israelites to celebrate seven festivals to commemorate periods in Israel’s history and remember God’s provision for them though two more festivals are mentioned in the Bible. Festivals and holy days pointed to God’s character and His interaction with His people.
How is the meaning of each of the Jewish feasts fulfilled in Jesus?
Seven feasts were part of Old Testament Mosaic Law, and those pointed to Jesus. The first four feasts connect to Jesus’ time on Earth while the last three link to His second coming.
Why should a Jewish person consider becoming a Christian?
Jews should consider becoming Christian because their own Hebrew Scriptures point to Jesus as the Messiah. Salvation will never come through the law or works but through faith in Christ.
What does it mean for Jesus to be your true north?
Making Jesus your true north means letting Him be the fixed point that guides every decision, direction, and desire in your life. When Jesus is your focus, His unchanging truth keeps you steady in a world constantly shifting off course.
How many hours was Jesus on the cross?
Jesus was on the cross for about six hours. The Gospel timelines place Jesus’ crucifixion beginning around 9 a.m. and His death around 3 p.m.
Why is Jesus called Jesus of Nazareth?
Jesus spent most of His life in Nazareth, so he was naturally known as Jesus of Nazareth. The clarification "of Nazareth" also connects Jesus of the New Testament with the Jewish Messiah of the Old Testament.
Why didn't Jesus want people to tell others of the miracles He performed?
Jesus asked some people to not tell others of His miracles because He desired to fulfill His mission according to God's timing, wanted to avoid unnecessary confrontation with religious or political authorities, and didn’t want to distract from the gospel message.
What does it mean that Jesus has the name above all names?
God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Jesus' name literally means "the Lord saves," signifying His divine mission.
What does it mean that Jesus came in the likeness of sinful flesh?
Jesus coming in the likeness of sinful flesh means He became fully human, sharing our mortal experience without ever sinning, so He could take our punishment and bring us life eternal. Jesus’ sinless humanity made Him the perfect substitute to fulfill the Law and defeat sin on our behalf.
What happened in the last hours before Jesus’ death?
In the final hours before His death, Jesus shared the Passover with His disciples, prayed in deep anguish in Gethsemane, endured unjust trials, and was crucified. Jesus’ obedience and sacrifice secured salvation, demonstrated God’s love, and opened the way to eternal life.
How is Jesus the Lamb of God?
Jesus is called the Lamb of God because He is God’s perfect sacrifice, whose life and blood remove sin and secure eternal redemption. Jesus fulfills the Old Testament patterns of sacrifice and Passover, offering forgiveness and restoring fellowship with God.
What did Jesus mean when He said, "I AM"?
When Jesus said, “I AM,” He claimed the eternal name of God and revealed Himself as the Messiah who saves. Jesus is fully divine, fully human, and the source of life, hope, and salvation for all who believe.
In what ways is Jesus greater than all the other greats of history?
Jesus is greater than all the greats because He is God the Son who created, sustains, saves, and will judge the world. Jesus is eternally preexistent, sinless, crucified and risen, and seated forever as King of kings and Lord of lords, a claim no other human “great” can make.
What does it mean that Jesus is 'God with us'?
Jesus' title "Immanuel" means "God with us." It signifies the profound truth of the Incarnation, when God became human and lived among us. After His death and resurrection Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within His followers.
The Jesus drug (dimethyltryptamine) – What is it?
DMT is a powerful hallucinogenic drug that produces intense, dreamlike “spiritual” experiences. The Bible warns that altered states open people to deception, not divine truth. God calls us to know Him through faith in Jesus—by His Spirit and His Word—not through drugs or mystical experiences.
Was Jesus crucified on a Friday? If so, how did He spend three days in the tomb if He was resurrected on Sunday?
Yes—Jesus was most likely crucified on Friday, with His resurrection occurring on Sunday, the first day of the week. The “three days” in the tomb are understood through Jewish inclusive counting, where any part of a day counts as a whole day, affirming His promise to rise on the third day.
Is Jesus Christ unique? How?
Yes—Jesus Christ is completely unique in His person and work as the eternal Son who took on flesh to save sinners and will reign forever. Jesus’ unmatched identity, sinless life, atoning death, bodily resurrection, and sovereign lordship set Him apart from every prophet, teacher, or king.
What does it mean that Jesus is the cornerstone?
Jesus is the cornerstone—the unshakable foundation of God’s people, the stone that sets the alignment and stability for everything built on Him. Though rejected by many, Jesus is the foundation and unites the church and every believer’s life.
Do Jesus Christ and Christ Jesus mean the same thing?
Both “Jesus Christ” and “Christ Jesus” refer to the Son of God who became a man and is the promised Messiah. The differing order might give a subtle emphasis—“Jesus Christ” highlighting His humanity with His messianic title, and “Christ Jesus” emphasizing His messianic role with His personal name—but the truth remains the same.
What does the Bible say about Jesus as judge?
The Bible presents Jesus as the divinely chosen Judge who enforces the Father’s perfectly righteous justice. Jesus is not just the Judge, but also the Savior who offers mercy to all who trust Him.
Did Jesus exist before Abraham?
Yes—Jesus existed before Abraham because He is eternal. As the Son of God, Jesus has no beginning, and Abraham’s hope rested in Him as the promised Savior.
In what way is Jesus our advocate?
Jesus is our advocate who stands before the Father on our behalf, applying His finished work to our sins and securing mercy for those who repent. Through Jesus’ intercession and the Holy Spirit’s help, we are strengthened to turn away from sin and to walk in new life.
Is Jesus the Messiah?
Yes—Jesus is the promised Messiah, God’s anointed King, Priest, and Prophet who fulfills biblical prophecy and secured salvation through His death and resurrection. Jesus the Messiah alone brings forgiveness, peace, and the hope of a future kingdom where God’s plan is complete.
Is Jesus real?
Jesus is not a myth—He’s a real, historical person whose life, death, and resurrection are confirmed by eyewitnesses and historical evidence. Faith in Jesus rests on truth, not imagination.
Inaugurated eschatology—What is it?
Inaugurated eschatology teaches that the end-times kingdom began with Jesus’ first coming and will be completed at His return. While inaugurated eschatology captures part of God’s plan, it risks labeling promises as “fulfilled” that the Bible has reserved for the future.
What is the meaning of IHS?
IHS is a simple abbreviation of Jesus’ name in Greek, reminding believers of His saving power and lordship. The symbol of IHS points to Christ—but has meaning only when it leads hearts to worship Him, not the symbol itself.
Why did Jesus heal on the Sabbath?
Jesus healed on the Sabbath to show the true purpose of God’s command: to provide a day meant for mercy, restoration, and joyful trust in Him. Jesus’ healings on the Sabbath also demonstrated His authority as the Lord of the Sabbath and pointed to the deeper rest He offers to all who believe.
The gospel of Jesus Christ—What is it?
The gospel is the good news that God saves sinners through Jesus Christ's death and resurrection, offering forgiveness, new life, and eternal hope to all who believe. The gospel is not about what we do for God, but about what God has done for us through Jesus.
Why did Jesus say, "No one is good but God alone" if He is God?
When Jesus said, “No one is good but God alone,” He wasn’t denying His divinity—He was confronting the rich ruler’s shallow idea of goodness and exposing his heart’s true loyalty. By calling the man to abandon his idol of money and follow Him fully, Jesus revealed both the man’s heart and His own divine authority as the giver of eternal life.
What does it mean that Jesus is God incarnate? What does incarnate mean?
To say Jesus is “God incarnate” means that the eternal Son of God truly added on a human body and nature while remaining fully God. Jesus as God incarnate shows God’s love and power in action—He lived like us, died for our sins, and rose to bring us eternal life.
When Jesus died on the cross, did God die? If Jesus was God, wouldn't His death mean God died?
Jesus died and was buried, but God did not and cannot cease to exist. Jesus’ death shows God’s love in action, offering forgiveness and eternal life while remaining fully God.
How could God allow something like the Holocaust? Why did God allow the Holocaust?
Atrocities such as the Holocaust are the result of sinful choices made by sinful men in rebellion against a holy God. Rebellion stems from pride and a desire to be one's own master, rejecting God's rightful rule.
Why would God allow deception?
God, in His wisdom, allows deception to refine His people’s faith and to sharpen their discernment, like the refiner's fire that purifies gold.
Should gender-inclusive language be used in Bible translations?
Bible translations should honor the original intent of Scripture, using gender-inclusive language when the text clearly addresses all people and preserving gender-specific terms when God inspired them. Faithful translation means seeking accuracy over agenda so God’s Word speaks as He intended.