Luke 12:49-51 is sobering.  Does verse 49 refer to the destruction or fire before judgment? Jesus said, “I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled!  I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished!  Do you think that I… Read More Bible Q&A: A Question About Luke 12:49-51

Does God punish you for bad behavior? Why do bad things happen to people?  Sometimes it’s simply due to chance (Eccl. 9:11).  Sometimes it’s because God allows Satan to bring bad things into our lives to test our faith (Job 1-2).  Sometimes God out of love allows bad things to happen to us in order… Read More Bible Q&A: Does God Punish You For Bad Behavior?

Why did God tell Mary what to name Jesus? No specific reason is given in Scripture.  However, it would be good to note that the name “Jesus” literally means “Jehovah is salvation.”  Thus, it is likely God chose the name “Jesus” to give mankind a message as to his Son’s purpose for coming, which was… Read More Bible Q&A: Why Did God Tell Mary What To Name Jesus?

In Genesis 20:6, God says to Abimelech, “…that I have kept you from sinning.” Is this an example of God taking away free will? Out of fear, Abraham and Sarah had lied to Abimelech, the king of Gerar, by telling him the half-truth that Sarah was Abraham’s sister rather than his wife (Gen. 20:1-2).  So… Read More Bible Q&A: Did God Take Away Abimelech’s Free Will?

Please explain the following passages from Job: “His hand has pierced the fleeing serpent” (Job 26:13) and “He overturns mountains at the base” (Job 28:9). Concerning Job 26:13, the Hebrew for “pierced” (ESV) is chuwl, defined in part as “to be made to writhe, be made to bear” and “to be brought forth.”  The Hebrew… Read More Bible Q&A: Please Explain Job 26:13 and Job 28:9