What commandment(s) did Adam violate in the Fall?
This is a good question, because the fall of Adam isn't merely about the definite sin of eating a piece of forbidden fruit. It's about all the sins behind this sin of sins as well. It concerns the…
Calivinism vs. Roman Catholicism
There are quite a number of significant differences between Calvinism and Roman Catholicism. I'll try just to hit the highlights of some big ones: Faith, Works and Justification : Calvinism teaches…
The New Testament Tithe?
This note is but a brief representation of what the Bible teaches about "tithing" vs. "giving." I am grateful for and highly recommend Dr. Russell Earl Kelly's, "Should the Church Teach Tithing? A…
What are the 613 commandments in the Law?
Thanks for your question. As to the number of the commandments, though other counts vary as to the exact number, 613 is the generally accepted and cited sum. The negative commandments are 365 in…
Can your briefly explain election in Romans 8:29-30?
I apologize, but this answer even in a very brief form is rather long. But in attempting to keep it as simple as possible: Romans 8:29-30 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be…
Things God Can't Do?
Well, depending on how one views the question, there are many more than seven. Since I do not know what the focus of the particular sermon was, I will list just a few: While God can do all things in…
Freemasonry and Idolatry
Thanks for your question. This is a topic very close to my heart as my own father was a Mason. When he died he didn’t go to Heaven. Though a devote Freemason, he never knew Christ as his Lord and…
KJV-Only, Error of Errors: The 1611 KJV Preface Disagrees with KJO
I appreciate your concern. I grew up with the KJV Bible, and in numerous ways I still enjoy the way it reads, especially its poetic style. I memorized it when I was first saved and I still quote it…
Make Your Calling and Election Sure - 2 Peter 1:10
Romans 8:29-30 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called…
The Meaning of "All that is Within Me" (Psalm 103:1)
Psalm 103:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! I believe Psalm 103 was written in the later years of David’s life when he had a keener sense of his own…
How is the law written on our hearts?
Romans 2:14-15: For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law…
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is a cult. Briefly, Freemasonry is a fraternal order that traces itself back to the stone masons. There are three basic degrees of Masons: (1) Apprentice, (3) Journeyman or Fellowcraft…
Was Peter the First Pope?
Thanks for your question. The short answer is "No." Let's look at this issue. Briefly, the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) teaches that the Apostle Peter was the first pope, upon whom God chose to build…
What is the New Lord's Prayer?
The "real" Lord’s Prayer is seen in Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4. The so-called "New Lord’s Prayer" (or NLP) reads as follows: Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name; Thy kingdom come…
Conviction, Cleansing, Commissioning and A Message (Isa. 6:1-13)
There’s a lot to unfold and understand in Isaiah 6:1-13. I have categorized the chapter under four main headings: Conviction of a Servant (Isa. 6:1-5); Cleansing of a Servant (Isa. 6:6-7)…
Hahn's Hersey: The Four Cups?
Dr. Scott Hahn is incorrect. On the Cross Jesus said, "It is finished" (John 19:30), indicating that the work of atonement was completed. Jesus fulfilled the will of his Father (John 4:34; 6:37-40…
Noah, Baptism, and Hell - 1 Peter 3:18-22
Thanks for your questions? (1) Baptism does save, not by literally washing one's sins away, but as Peter says, through "a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" which is a gift of…
Tongues Have Ceased
(This answer represents my personal views and not necessarily those of everyone at Thirdmill). Introduction Perhaps no other issue has so divided the modern church more than the gift of speaking in…
Can you explain the Aaronic Blessing?
The Aaronic Blessing is in Numbers 6:24-26: The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you…
Can angels be saved?
I find no teaching within the pages of Scripture regarding sinful angels being saved. The Bible doesn’t say angels have a savior or even that they have souls. And Jesus definitely isn’t their savior.…
The Word of Faith Movement and Romans 4:17?
Thanks for your question. It's good to be cautious. Some Word of Faith (WoF) groups misuse Romans 4:17 to teach what is called "the name it - claim it - frame it" doctrine. In other words, a person…
What is the sin that leads to death?
We receive a lot of questions regarding the sin that leads to death and blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Individuals are concerned and are wondering if they have committed such a sin. Actually, no…
What is Evanescent Grace?
Let's look at what Calvin stated concerning evanescent grace, a modern-day definition, and then how it relates to the assurance of salvation. Evanescent Grace and John Calvin Calvin wrote many things…
Is Murder ever Justified?
Thanks for your question. Murder is never Justified: The sixth commandment states, "You shall not murder" (Exod 20:13; Deut 5:17). What is murder? As a former homicide detective, I'm aware that…