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Who is the ancient serpent of Revelation 12:9? |
Answer
Revelation 12:9 tells us who the ancient serpent is: “The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.” The phrase *that ancient serpent* refers to Eden, where the serpent deceived Eve i... |
What does “all these things” mean in Mark 13:30? |
Answer
Mark 13:30 is part of Jesus’ response to His disciples on the Mount of Olives regarding the signs of the end of the age. Jesus says, “I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene before all these things take place” (NLT) The phrases *all these things* and *this generation* are pivota... |
What is the significance of Priscilla and Aquila teaching Apollos? |
Answer
[Priscilla and Aquila](Priscilla-and-Aquila.html), first mentioned in Acts 18:2, were a married couple who had come from Italy to Corinth after the emperor Claudius deported all Jews from Rome in AD 49\. The two are always mentioned together in the New Testament. Priscilla’s disposition or leadership resp... |
What does it mean that a washed sow returns to wallowing in the mire (2 Peter 2:22)? |
Answer
The apostles frequently cited proverbs from various authors, as Peter did in 2 Peter 2:22, “What the true proverb says has happened to them: ‘The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire’” (ESV). The New Living Translation renders the verse as follows... |
Did Adam and Eve have belly buttons / navels? |
Answer
A navel or “belly button” (sometimes written as one word—*bellybutton*) is a scar formed by the umbilical cord that connects a baby in the womb to the placenta and therefore to the mother. The belly button, or umbilicus, marks the point where the umbilical cord had been attached to the unborn baby. After ... |
Were Adam and Eve saved? |
Answer
The Bible does not specifically tell us whether Adam and Eve were saved. However, there are several biblical clues we can consider, and those clues suggest that they were.
First, we need to define what we mean by “[saved](need-to-be-saved.html).” In the New Testament, the apostle Paul uses the notio... |
What is the meaning of the wedding garments in Matthew 22:11-12? |
Answer
Jesus Christ often taught using parables, and just like His disciples, modern readers sometimes need help decoding the comparisons they make. In the [Parable of the Wedding Feast](parable-wedding-feast.html), Jesus compared the kingdom of God to a wedding feast for a king’s son. A pivotal scene in the st... |
What does it mean that it is impossible for God to lie (Hebrews 6:18)? |
Answer
Hebrews 6:18 builds upon preceding verses by affirming, “So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us” (NLT). Th... |
What is the significance of Jesus saying, “You will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8)? |
Answer
Before Jesus’ [ascension](ascension-Jesus-Christ.html), He told His disciples in Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” This came after His disciples questioned when Je... |
Who wrote the book of Amos? Who was the author of Amos? |
Answer
The [book of Amos](Book-of-Amos.html) is classified as a Minor Prophet in the Christian Bible and part of the Twelve in the Tanakh—the Minor Prophets were once considered a single collection in the Jewish canon. Although Amos, the author, hailed from Judah, the prophecies contained in this book are spoken... |
What does “lose your life for my sake” mean (Matthew 10:39)? |
Answer
In Matthew 10:39, Jesus issues a resolute call for loyalty: “Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” This seemingly paradoxical statement, so antithetical to the world’s way of thinking, hinges on the contrast between the earthly life and the heavenly... |
What does it mean that woman is the glory of man (1 Corinthians 11:7)? |
Answer
The Corinthian church was grappling with a problem of disorder in their public gatherings. In 1 Corinthians 11, the apostle Paul reminds the church of God’s design in the pattern of relationships within the Christian community. As part of his teaching, Paul provides guidance on wearing [head coverings](h... |
What does it mean that the church is one body in Christ (Romans 12:5)? |
Answer
In Romans 12:4–8, the apostle Paul discusses [spiritual gifts](purpose-of-spiritual-gifts.html), which are special graces given by God to each Christian for the benefit of the entire church. He covers the same issue in more detail with the church in Corinth (1 Corinthians 12, 14\). Paul stresses that the ... |
What does it mean that “the sting of death is sin” in 1 Corinthians 15:56? |
Answer
After a taunting of death in the previous verses, the apostle Paul writes, “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law” (1 Corinthians 15:56, ESV). To understand the meaning of this verse, we must explore the relationship between the law, sin, and death.
In saying “the sting of dea... |
What does it mean that no one knows the Son except the Father (Matthew 11:27)? |
Answer
In Matthew 11:27, Jesus states, “All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him” (ESV). The Greek word translated as “know” means “to become fully acquainted with.”... |
What did Jesus mean when He referred to the greater sin in John 19:11? |
Answer
In John 19, we find Jesus before [Pontius Pilate](Pontius-Pilate.html), the Roman governor of Judea. In verse 10, Pilate boasted about his authority to release or crucify Jesus, prompting Jesus to say, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given to you from above. Therefore, he wh... |
What is the definition of worship? |
Answer
In the Bible, the Hebrew word translated as “worship” is *shachah* and literally denotes the act of bowing down. The Greek word *proskuneō*, rendered as “worship,” means “to encounter God and praise Him.” Both terms seem to define worship as an activity or an action. However, an accurate depiction of [bib... |
How should Christians view the pro-Palestinian movement? |
Answer
First, when assessing the pro\-Palestinian movement or any other organized protest, we Christians should consider our own limitations. It’s hard to know what another person is thinking or feeling (1 Samuel 16:7\). People have different motives for identifying with a phrase or position. They may have vastl... |
When were Adam and Eve created? |
Answer
The Bible does not give us a precise date for the creation of [Adam and Eve](Adam-and-Eve-story.html). The answer one gives to this question will therefore depend heavily on how literally one reads the account of creation in Genesis. Since Christians differ widely as to how to interpret the opening chapte... |
What is the meaning of “length of days” in Proverbs 3:16? |
Answer
Most people dream of living a long and meaningful life. According to the Bible, acquiring wisdom from God is the path to fulfilling that desire. The book of Proverbs [personifies wisdom](wisdom-she-Proverbs.html) as a woman who offers longevity: “Length of days is in her right hand” (Proverbs 3:16, KJV). ... |
What are snowflake adoptions? Should Christians consider them? |
Answer
Snowflake adoption is the adoption of a frozen embryo that was originally intended for [in vitro fertilization](in-vitro-fertilization.html) (IVF) but never used. The process includes carefully thawing the embryo and then implanting it into a woman’s uterus, aiming to achieve full\-term pregnancy. The ter... |
What does it mean to have fellowship of the Spirit (Philippians 2:1)? |
Answer
Living and serving together in Christian harmony is the emphasis of Paul’s teaching in Philippians 1:27—2:18\. Aware that the church faces a severe problem of division (see Philippians 3:1–3; 4:1–3\), Paul urges the believers in Philippi to “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind” (Philippians 1:27\). Th... |
What does “faith of the gospel” mean in Philippians 1:27? |
Answer
Philippians 1:27 states, “Let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” (ESV). To understand the phrase *faith of the g... |
What does “according to your faith” mean in Matthew 9:29? |
Answer
Matthew chapters 8—9 showcase the healing ministry of Jesus. From the outcast leper (Matthew 8:1–4\) to the Gentile servant (Matthew 8:5–13\) and the perpetually unclean woman (Matthew 9:20–22\), Jesus disregarded social and religious conventions to demonstrate compassion and minister healing to those who... |
What does it mean to exercise self-control (1 Corinthians 7:9)? |
Answer
[Self\-control](fruit-Holy-Spirit-self-control.html) is encouraged in the Bible and is listed as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23\). Exercising self\-control essentially entails learning to say “No” to our desires when indulging them would be inappropriate and contrary to God’s design. The need fo... |
What is the meaning of “every tribe and tongue” in Revelation 13:7? |
Answer
Revelation 13:7 reveals key information about the [beast](beast-of-Revelation.html) introduced in the chapter’s opening. The verse proclaims that the entity will wield great power and use it for nefarious purposes: “It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was ... |
What is the meaning of “you fool” in Matthew 5:22? |
Answer
In Matthew 5:22, Jesus addresses both the seriousness of anger and the weight of our words. He states, “I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell o... |
What does it mean to be seasoned with salt (Mark 9:49)? |
Answer
In Mark 9:49, Jesus says, “Everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt” (NKJV). Instead of *seasoned with salt*, the ESV and NIV use the phrase *salted with fire*. Regardless of the translation, the idea is that believers will be purified by the “fire” of suffering,... |
What is to be our true identity? |
Answer
In a world where we are constantly bombarded with conflicting messages about who we are and who we should be, discovering our true identity can be a confusing process. According to the Bible, however, our true identity is found in Jesus Christ. Once we understand this, our focus shifts from self\-percepti... |
What is egg theory? |
Answer
Egg theory, derived from Andy Weir’s short story “The Egg,” is a thought\-provoking perspective on human existence, reincarnation, and the interconnectedness of all living things. According to egg theory, everyone who has lived or will live is the same soul, experiencing life through different perspective... |
What does it mean to manifest something? What is manifesting? |
Answer
*Manifesting* refers to the practice of bringing something into reality through focused thoughts, beliefs, and visualizations. The fundamental idea is that positive thinking attracts desired outcomes. The concept gained worldwide popularity through the [New Thought](New-Thought-movement.html) movement and... |
Who was Henry Morris? |
Answer
Dr. Henry Madison Morris (1918—2006\) was an American engineer and [Christian apologist](Christian-apologetics.html) who left an indelible mark on the field of creationism. Known as the Father of Modern Creationism, Morris founded the Institute for Creation Research, an educational entity dedicated to inv... |
Is Christianity true? |
Answer
The question of whether Christianity is true is profoundly significant. The answer not only impacts individual lives but also communities around the world. Examining whether Christianity is true involves a look at the foundational beliefs of Christians, scriptural reliability, prophetic fulfillment, and t... |
How long did it take Noah to build the ark? |
Answer
The Bible does not explicitly say how long it took [Noah](life-Noah.html) to build the ark. However, there are a few milestones in Noah’s construction of the ark that help us make some reasonable estimates as to how long the process took.
All we have to go on is the biblical data. When Noah is first... |
What does it mean that youth is renewed like the eagle’s (Psalm 103:5)? |
Answer
In Psalm 103, King David lifts his own heart and leads all future generations of believers in praise to God for His great compassion and mercy. David’s personal experiences and relationship with God form the basis of his declarations about the goodness of God’s character, reminding himself and others to p... |
What are the depths of the earth in Psalm 139:15? |
Answer
In Psalm 139, David praises God’s complete knowledge of and care for him as a person. David is in awe of his omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent Creator, who knows him intimately and comprehensively. In verses 13–15, David recognizes that God has always been at work in his life, even in the moment of his ... |
What does it mean to be baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27)? |
Answer
In Galatians 3:23—4:7, the apostle Paul discusses what it means to be a [child of God](be-a-child-of-God.html): “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave ... |
How long was Noah on the ark? |
Answer
The Bible does not tell us exactly how long [Noah](life-Noah.html) and his family were on the ark. However, the text of Genesis does provide us with sufficient information to arrive at a fairly good estimate for this time period. Working with the data we have, Noah was probably on the ark for (approximate... |
How should Christians view gender-affirming care? |
Answer
Jesus Christ commanded His followers to love other people, an instruction that extends to those who identify as transgender (Matthew 22:39\). Obeying this command means caring for people as He did, which includes desiring their freedom from the enslavement of sin (John 8:36; Galatians 5:1\). Since gender\... |
Who was Noah’s wife? |
Answer
The Bible nowhere gives us the name or identity of Noah’s wife, and we know nothing of her character, so we cannot say definitively who she was. All the Bible says is that she was Noah’s wife and that she was one of eight persons aboard the ark (see Genesis 7:7\). But the lack of biblical evidence has not... |
What is the difference between sola Scriptura and solo Scriptura? |
Answer
[*Sola Scriptura*](sola-scriptura.html) and *solo Scriptura* are distinct approaches to the authority and interpretation of Scripture. The Latin phrase *sola Scriptura* means “by Scripture alone.” *Solo Scriptura* means “Scripture alone.” There is a subtle but important difference.
*Sola Scriptura*... |
What is a spiritual spouse? |
Answer
The idea of a spiritual spouse, a supernatural entity that forms a marriage\-like relationship with an individual, has roots in various religious traditions. From traditional African religions to Voodoo to New Age spirituality, the idea of a spiritual spouse is deeply embedded within diverse spiritual pra... |
What is the meaning of the saying “Christ is King”? |
Answer
One tragedy of living in a fallen world is that people sometimes use holy words, terms, and phrases for wicked purposes. The saying *Christ is King* is an example of this. Although its biblical meaning highlights and glorifies Jesus’ rule over all earthly authorities, some have hijacked the phrase to prom... |
What does it mean to be baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire (Matthew 3:11)? |
Answer
In Matthew 3:11, John the Baptist makes a profound declaration about the coming Messiah: “I baptize you with water, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (ESV). John baptized with water to signify repent... |
What does “abide in him” mean in 1 John 3:6? |
Answer
First John 3:6 conveys an important truth of Christian living: “No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him” (ESV). In the same chapter, John clarifies the concept of abiding when he states, “Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God... |
What does it mean to submit to authority (Hebrews 13:17)? |
Answer
The closing chapter of the book of Hebrews offers many timeless instructions for Christian living, including Hebrews 13:17, “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a bu... |
Is the question, “What is the name of His son?” in Proverbs 30:4 referring to Jesus? |
Answer
The Old Testament often depicts Jesus through [types](typology-Biblical.html), promises, Christ\-like figures, and messianic allusions. Is Proverbs 30:4 one of those references to Jesus Christ in the Old Testament?
Proverbs 30 begins with an instruction from the writer, [Agur](Agur-Proverbs.html), s... |
How does God cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9)? |
Answer
First John 1:9 states, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (ESV). John’s letter, sometimes referred to as a “catholic epistle,” was written to the universal church. John was instructing all Christians everywhere with the “if” ... |
How many children did Adam and Eve have? |
Answer
The short answer is, we do not know. The Bible does not tell us exactly how many children [Adam and Eve](Adam-and-Eve-story.html) had together during their lifetimes. Here are two things we *do* know about their children:
• We know the names of three of their children: Cain (Genesis 4:1\), Abel (Ge... |
Were Adam and Eve cavemen? |
Answer
Cavemen are often portrayed as being backward, unintelligent, primitive, or otherwise stunted in their physical and cognitive capacities. If this is the notion of what a “caveman” is, then the biblical answer is that [Adam and Eve](Adam-and-Eve-story.html) were *not* cavemen. There are a few reasons for c... |
What is the Sparkle Creed? |
Answer
The Sparkle Creed is an affirmation of transgender ideology used in some theologically [liberal churches](liberal-Christian-theology.html), primarily in the United States. The Sparkle Creed is usually spoken in place of a traditional creed, such as the Apostles’ Creed or the Nicene Creed. The Sparkle Cree... |
What is the meaning of degenerate / degeneracy? |
Answer
The adjective *degenerate* is defined as “having declined or deteriorated physically, mentally, or morally.” Degeneracy, then, is the state or property of being degenerate. Although neither word is found in Scripture, the concept of degeneracy is nevertheless present.
In the Garden of Eden, Adam and... |
What does it mean that whoever believes in him will not be put to shame (Romans 9:33)? |
Answer
Romans 9:33 says, “As it is written: ‘See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame.’” In this passage, the apostle Paul begins by expressing his anguish over the Jews who reject Christ. In verses 30–33,... |
Who was Tim LaHaye? |
Answer
Dr. Tim Francis LaHaye (1926—2016\) was an influential American [evangelical](evangelicalism.html) pastor, best\-selling author, and a leader of the conservative Christian political activist movement that began in the 1970s. Tim and his wife, [Beverly Jean LaHaye](Beverly-LaHaye.html), hosted Christian ra... |
What is the Feast of Unleavened Bread? |
Answer
The Feast of Unleavened Bread is one of the [seven feasts](Jewish-festivals.html) of the Lord and has a significant place within Judaism. This observance, also called Chag HaMatzot, lasts seven days and follows the celebration of Passover, commemorating the swift departure of the Israelites from Egypt. A ... |
What is marianismo? |
Answer
*Marianismo* is a term for the strong sense of traditional femininity as defined by the Roman Catholic and Hispanic view of the [Virgin Mary](virgin-Mary.html). The concept of marianismo emphasizes the virtues of self\-sacrifice, submissiveness, and chastity. This social framework positions women in passi... |
What happens if we die before confessing our sins? |
Answer
The question of what happens if we die before confessing our sins is a matter of great importance. Thankfully, the Bible offers an answer to this question, emphasizing God’s mercy, repentance, and the state of our hearts. When we understand these things, we can be reassured about the fate of those who die... |
What is the meaning of “I desire mercy and not sacrifice” (Hosea 6:6; Matthew 9:13)? |
Answer
When Jesus called Matthew to become a disciple (Matthew 9:9–13\), the Pharisees were scandalized. Matthew, an unscrupulous [tax collector](Bible-tax-collectors.html), had been part of the corrupt Roman system that cheated and oppressed its citizens. The Jews passionately hated tax collectors, classifying ... |
What does it mean that your labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58)? |
Answer
After a thorough analysis on the topic of the resurrection, Paul concludes with the remark, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58\)... |
What is the difference between preaching and teaching? |
Answer
In common usage, the terms *preaching* and *teaching* are often used interchangeably. There is, however, an important difference between them. Each endeavor plays a unique role in evangelism and the spiritual maturation of believers. To fully appreciate the difference between preaching and teaching, it is... |
What can we learn from Paul saying, “What I want to do I do not do” (Romans 7:15)? |
Answer
In Romans 7:15, the apostle Paul writes, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” Here, Paul confesses that he does not understand why he continues to sin. He wants to do righteousness, but he does not do it. Rather, he finds that he commits sin, the very t... |
What does it mean to be like the angels of God in heaven (Matthew 22:30)? |
Answer
In Matthew 21:23—22:46, Jesus found Himself in challenging exchanges with the leaders of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. These spiritual elders, far from seeking enlightenment, were actively confronting Jesus’ authority. Their aim was not to engage in a spiritual discourse but to find a way to trap Jesus,... |
What does it mean that believers have passed from death to life (John 5:24)? |
Answer
In John 5:24, Jesus makes a striking statement about the nature of [eternal life](what-is-eternal-life.html): “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment but has passed from death to life” (ESV).
Jesus’ teaching t... |
What is the role of the Arabs in the Bible? |
Answer
God called [Abraham](life-Abraham.html) to leave his homeland and follow the Lord in faith. God promised Abraham that he would become the father of a great nation (Genesis 12:1–3\). Many years would pass before that promise was fulfilled. During the long wait, Abraham’s wife, Sarah, remained childless. Sh... |
What is the spirit of power (2 Timothy 1:7)? |
Answer
In 2 Timothy 1:7, the apostle Paul reminds Timothy that “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self\-control” (ESV). The spirit that Paul refers to is the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. The Spirit is omnipotent, and He graciously imparts power, love, and [self\-control]... |
How many people were on Noah’s ark? |
Answer
There were a total of eight people on the ark. The account in Genesis does not state the number explicitly, but it provides enough information to confirm that eight is indeed the correct number. In the New Testament, we have an explicit count of the people on board and saved from [the flood](Noah-flood.ht... |
How many animals were on Noah’s ark? |
Answer
In popular thinking, [Noah](life-Noah.html) took two of every kind of animal on board the ark. Artistic depictions usually portray a well\-ordered menagerie lined up two by two, male and female, to enter the safety of the ark. According to the Bible, this idea is only partially true. Most animals were tak... |
What did Jesus mean that “by your words you will be justified” (Matthew 12:37)? |
Answer
In Matthew 12:37, Jesus says, “By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (ESV). Here, Jesus makes a connection between our hearts and the words we speak.
Jesus said, “By your words you will be justified” in the context of addressing the [Pharisees](Pharisees.html)... |
What is the significance of Jesus saying, “If you can?” (Mark 9:23)? |
Answer
In Mark 9:23, Jesus responds to a desperate father seeking healing for his son, who is afflicted by an [evil spirit](demons-Bible.html) that renders him mute and causes violent seizures. The father’s plea, “If You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!” (Mark 9:22, NASB), is met with a rhetorical q... |
What is the fountain of the water of life in Revelation 21:6? |
Answer
In Revelation 21, the apostle John sees the [New Jerusalem](new-jerusalem.html), with the redeemed and resurrected believers dwelling in God’s everlasting presence (verses 1–3\). God tenderly wipes away every former sorrow and pain in this newly created heaven and earth (verse 4\). From His great heavenly... |
Who are sons of disobedience (Ephesians 2:2)? |
Answer
In Ephesians 2:1–2, the apostle Paul reminds believers that we were hopeless and helpless without Christ: “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of ... |
What does it mean that believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise (Ephesians 1:13)? |
Answer
If you need a reason to celebrate, consider Paul’s word in Ephesians 1:13: “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise” (NKJV). One of the many key points found in the book of Ephe... |
Why does no one put new wine in old wineskins (Matthew 9:17)? |
Answer
One day, the disciples of [John the Baptist](life-John-Baptist.html) asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples fast like we do and the Pharisees do?” (Matthew 9:14, NLT). The Lord’s response included this parable: “No one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the old skins would burst from the pressure, spil... |
What is a “come to Jesus moment”? |
Answer
In popular culture, *a come to Jesus moment* (or *come\-to\-Jesus moment*) has come to refer to “a moment of sudden realization, comprehension, or recognition that often precipitates a major change” (*Merriam\-Webster.com Dictionary*). So, any kind of significant, potentially life\-altering decision that ... |
What does it mean that God will “keep in perfect peace” in Isaiah 26:3? |
Answer
Isaiah 26:3 states, “You keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” This is a wonderful verse about the assurance of [God’s peace](peace-of-God.html) for those who trust in Him. To understand what it means that God will “keep in perfect peace,” we should examine the... |
Who is the Root of David (Revelation 5:5)? |
Answer
In Revelation 5, John has a vision of the heavenly throne room. It is time for the judgment of the earth but no one is found worthy to execute the judgment, and John begins weeping. In Revelation 5:5 we read, “Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep! See, the [Lion of the tribe of Judah](lion-trib... |
Who wrote the book of 1 John? Who was the author of 1 John? |
Answer
The [book of 1 John](Book-of-1-John.html) is one of three letters traditionally attributed to the apostle John. Although it lacks an explicit salutation, our earliest witnesses point toward John being the author. One of the most influential witnesses to Johannine authorship of 1 John is [Polycarp](Polycar... |
Who wrote the book of 2 John? Who was the author of 2 John? |
Answer
According to Christian tradition, the author of [2 John](Book-of-2-John.html) is John the apostle, although the text itself only refers to the author as “the elder.” This epistle was addressed from “the elder” to “the lady chosen by God and to her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I only, but als... |
Who wrote the book of 3 John? Who was the author of 3 John? |
Answer
The book of [3 John](Book-of-3-John.html) is one of the shortest works in the New Testament, written by “the elder” to Gaius, a “dear friend” (3 John 1:1\). The author is traditionally identified as John the Apostle, the same author of 1 and 2 John. Third John is a personal letter, akin to Philemon and Ti... |
What is Project 2025? Is Project 2025 compatible with a Christian worldview? |
Answer
Project 2025, or, more fully, the 2025 Presidential Transition Project, is a series of proposals compiled by the Heritage Foundation, in conjunction with over one hundred politically conservative organizations. The goal of the project is to implement an effective conservatism to counter leftist policies i... |
Why is there no greater love than to lay down your life (John 15:13)? |
Answer
In John 15:13 Jesus states, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” The statement upholds sacrificial love as the ultimate expression of love. In saying this, Jesus prepares His disciples for His crucifixion and shows them what He meant when He told them to “love eac... |
Who was Beverly LaHaye? |
Answer
Beverly Jean Davenport LaHaye (1929—2024\) was an influential American [evangelical](evangelicalism.html) Christian, conservative political activist, best\-selling writer, and wife of [Dr. Tim Francis LaHaye](Tim-LaHaye.html) (1926—2016\). Her husband was a fellow evangelical activist, minister, and autho... |
What does it mean that to those who have more will be given (Matthew 13:12; 25:29)? |
Answer
Matthew 13:12 conveys a spiritual principle: “Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.” In context, the disciples had questioned Jesus about His increased use of parables. The same idea is reiterated in Matthew 25:... |
What does it mean that neither height nor depth separates us from the love of God (Romans 8:39)? |
Answer
People are plagued with phobias. [Fear of death](fear-death-scared-dying.html) is a big one. We worry about the future and the cares of this life. Some people suffer from an extreme fear of heights, while others are terrified of deep, dark, confined spaces such as tunnels. In Romans 8:31–39, the apostle P... |
What is the Catholic view of “invincible ignorance”? |
Answer
As defined by moral theology, *ignorance* is a lack of knowledge or instruction that a person ought to have. In the theology of the [Roman Catholic Church](Roman-Catholicism.html), ignorance is divided into a couple categories. *Invincible ignorance* is the Catholic term used to excuse a person’s culpabil... |
What does it mean to judge nothing before the time (1 Corinthians 4:5)? |
Answer
In 1 Corinthians 4:5, the apostle Paul writes, “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God” (NKJV). In this verse, Paul instructs us not to judge ... |
What does it mean to not be like the hypocrites in prayer (Matthew 6:5)? |
Answer
According to Jesus, our motivation is as crucial as our conduct. In Matthew 6:5, He states, “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” To be ... |
What does it mean to find your identity in Christ? |
Answer
The world places constant pressure on believers to conform to its understanding of identity and purpose. For believers, however, we must find our identity in Christ. Life will not make sense until we do.
To find our identity in Christ, we must accept that our worth is not defined by societal standar... |
Who are the great and small in Revelation 20:12? |
Answer
In Revelation 20:12, John has a vision of the final judgment before the [great white throne](great-white-throne-judgment.html): “I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was... |
What is the Old Catholic Church? |
Answer
The Old Catholic Church is a group of independent Catholic churches who seek to maintain the doctrine and traditions of the undivided church, that is, the church prior to the [Great Schism](great-schism.html) of 1054\. The Old Catholic Church has about 18 million members worldwide.
The various group... |
What does it mean that Satan is a dragon (Revelation 12)? |
Answer
In Revelation 12, the apostle John witnesses a terrible tribulation period before the second coming of Jesus Christ. His revelation includes a sweeping, down\-through\-the\-ages look at the ongoing spiritual battle between Jesus, God’s people, and the devil. The [vision](Revelation-chapter-12.html) featur... |
What does it mean that hope that is seen is not hope (Romans 8:24)? |
Answer
In Romans 8:24, the apostle Paul writes, “For in this [hope](hope-Bible.html) we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?” (ESV). Here, Paul captures the eschatological tension between our present salvation and the future hope that awaits us in heavenly bliss.
T... |
What does it mean to be “not hearers only” of the Word in James 1:22? |
Answer
James’ epistle is often regarded as a guide for practical Christianity, as exemplified in James 1:22: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (ESV).
James illustrates the difference between a hearer and a [doer of the Word](doers-of-the-Word.html) in the next verses: “... |
What does it mean to preach the gospel of peace in Romans 10:15? |
Answer
The apostle Paul begins Romans 10 by expressing a heartfelt desire for his fellow Jews, the people of Israel, to be saved (see verse 1\). In verses 14–21, Paul asks a series of questions through which he implies that the Jewish people had the opportunity to hear the gospel message but [rejected it](Jews-r... |
What are sacred frequencies? |
Answer
The [New Age movement](new-age-movement.html) in the 1970s popularized the concept of sacred frequencies—the belief that hearing sound at certain hertz can lead to spiritual, emotional, and physical healing. Despite the claims of some New Age teachers, and a few popular testimonials on social media, there... |
Are Christians guilty of bigotry? Are Christians bigots/bigoted? |
Answer
Attitudes like intolerance, prejudice, and hatred of other people are commonly mentioned in dictionary definitions of *bigotry*. These attitudes are often expressed through offenses like [racism](racism-Bible.html), discrimination, and slander. Critics of Christianity sometimes accuse Christians of having... |
What does it mean that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3)? |
Answer
After reminding the Corinthians of the supreme importance of the [good news](gospel-good-news.html) of God’s saving grace, the apostle Paul briefly sketches out the fundamental elements of the gospel message he preached: “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for ... |
What is God’s righteous decree (Romans 1:32)? |
Answer
In Romans 1:32, the apostle Paul writes, “Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.” In this verse God’s righteous decree is knowable, it involves a death sentence, and ... |
What does it mean that God will destroy the wisdom of the wise (1 Corinthians 1:19)? |
Answer
The [church in Corinth](church-in-Corinth.html) was divided because many of the believers, in their spiritual immaturity and confusion, did not understand the power of the gospel message or the true wisdom of God. In 1 Corinthians 1:18–25, the apostle Paul discussed two different kinds of wisdom: the wisd... |
What is marriage fraud, and what does the Bible say about it? |
Answer
Marriage fraud is a crime involving two people entering a fake union for the sole purpose of evading United States immigration laws and obtaining an immigration visa, green card, and eventual permanent legal residency. Marriage fraud results in what is sometimes called a sham marriage. In many cases, marr... |
Subsets and Splits
Top Long Responses
Returns the prompts and responses where the response length falls within a specified range, ordered by decreasing length, which provides basic insight into the distribution of response lengths.