Do Chuck Smith’s False Predictions Of The Rapture Undermine His Credibility? Q: How should we understand and respond to claims that Chuck Smith predicted Christ’s return in 1981? Do they undermine his teaching or the credibility of Calvary Chapel today? A: Chuck Smith was a great man who was mightily used of God. He was a…
Is “Once Saved, Always Saved” Biblical? Q: I used to go to a Baptist church years ago that believed in “once truly saved, always saved.” Well, I got out of church for years and now find myself going to my wife’s chosen church, which is Church of God, who believe in falling from grace after…
Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart. (Luke 18:1) In Luke 18 Jesus told a story of a widow who came to an unjust judge, seeking justice in a legal dispute. The judge, though he did not regard God or man, eventually gave the widow justice…
Skandalon “Disse Jesus aos seus discípulos: ‘É inevitável que surjam escândalos, mas ai daquele por meio de quem eles surgem!’” (Lucas 17:1) No final do capítulo anterior, Jesus contou o relato de Lázaro e do homem rico. Um ponto desse relato foi que a eternidade é real, e ninguém do mundo além voltará para nos…
Why Is Christianity Different From Other Religions? Q: What makes Christianity fundamentally different from other religions in how it understands and practices worship? A: In Christianity, we worship God in Spirit and in truth. First, we worship God in spirit according to the Holy Spirit. Secondly, we worship God in truth. God has revealed the truth…
Do I Need To Feel God’s Anointing Before I Begin Preaching? Q: My pastor is putting pressure on me to preach, but I haven’t received anything from the Lord yet. I want anointing before I start my ministry. I spoke with my pastor, but he does not understand. A: I would simply ask you this: Do…
Are Jesus And The Bible Equivalent? Q: Are “the Word of God” as Scripture and “the Word of God” as Jesus the same? Are the Scriptures eternal and uncreated in the same sense as Christ? A: No, I wouldn’t put it that way. First, are the Scriptures eternal? Well, no, the Scriptures are not eternal regarding…
Do Modern-Day Christians Experience Dreams And Visions From God? Q: Are Christians today still experiencing dreams and visions from God, including testimonies of people converting from Islam through such experiences? A: I believe it’s possible that God could communicate to people today through dreams and visions. But I will caution you with this. In the Bible,…
Should Church Members’ Tithe Amounts Be Published? Q: Is it proper or ethical for a church to publicly post members’ names along with their tithe amounts? If someone is offended by this, does that indicate immaturity? A: No, I don’t think that’s proper. The Bible indicates that when it comes to our generosity, we shouldn’t let…
Did Everyone At Jesus’ Baptism Hear God’s Voice? Q: When Jesus was baptized, John the Baptist heard God’s voice—did the crowd hear it as well? If so, why was there still confusion about Jesus being the Messiah? A: Yes, I think John heard God’s voice, and I think everybody who was there heard it. But I…
Does Baptism Only Count If You’re Genuinely Repentant? Q: If someone was baptized while still living in open sin, should they consider being baptized again after genuine repentance and spiritual change? A: This is a question that only you and God can answer. God knows your heart, and perhaps you know your heart. Sometimes we don’t…
Must A Believer Confess Their Sins When Being Baptized? Q: Do you have to confess your sins at baptism, and is there Scripture that supports this? A: I don’t know that there needs to be a public confession of specific sins, but there does need to be a generalconfession of sin. Baptism is an expression of our putting our…