Dheeksoota Isaan Gayyoo Dagaalamaa Iddoo Bahaa? 2 Corinthians 13:5
This is a complicated question that involves many aspects of theology, and Christians don't always answer it in the same way. But as I see it, it's essentially a specific version of the broader…
Have I Blasphemed the Holy Spirit?
It is true that blasphemy of the Holy Spirit can never be forgiven. Although the Old Testament Law does not state this explicitly as such, this subject falls under the broader prohibition against…
Sexual Fantasy and Masturbation
In the Bible, "adultery" is sexual activity between parties when at least one party is married. Fornication is sexual activity between unmarried people. However, sexual desire and fantasy are not…
Is Abortion Murder?
"Yes" abortion is murder. Abortion is not a reproductive right, as reproduction has already taken place. Therefore, abortion is murder. Abortion: A Brief Ancient History of a Despicable Crime…
Did Calvin murder Servetus?
First, let me start with a little history regarding the five points of Calvinism. John Calvin died in 1564, and in 1610 the Arminians the followers of Jacob Arminius, who had died a year before, drew…
Making Out
The short answer is no, the Bible does not say that it is wrong to kiss before you are married. Of course, there are lots of different kinds of kisses mentioned in the Bible - mostly kisses used as…
Is Oral Sex a Sin?
Actually, the Bible doesn't specifically address the issue of oral sex. It does differentiate between marriage, heterosexuality, male and female homosexuality, bestiality, and incest, but it really…
Is Cosmetic Surgery a Sin?
First, we must clearly state that there are legitimate uses for plastic surgery. As a former police detective, I have seen several people that have been disfigured by accidents, crimes, fires, etc.…
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…
Are ministers required to tithe?
First, in general, I should say that tithing is a complicated concept because Scripture is not entirely clear on a number of matters, for example: The number of tithes that were to be collected: Were…
Law and Grace
It's tempting, as we look at the Ten Commandments, to see, oh, more laws . You know, God in the Old Testament gives his people a lot of laws. But as we look deeper, as we look closer at a lot of…
Same-Sex Love?
In answering this question it is necessary to define some biblical terms from God's holy perspective and to understand God's definition of "love" in regards to couples (families). Biblical romantic…
Why did Israel honor their contract with the Gibeonites? - Joshua 9:1
Joshua chapter 9 gives the account of why the deceiving Gibeonites (9:3-13, 22) were not destroyed. While they should have been (Deut. 7:1-6), Joshua failed to consult the Lord (9:14) prior to making…
Blasphemy or Superstition?
From your description, it does not sound to me like what you have done qualifies as blasphemy. To be honest, it sounds more like you have a superstitious view of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, and…
Smoking
Smoking is one of those things that the Bible doesn't address directly, so we have to figure out what God would have us do based on principles we draw from other teachings. In my opinion, the…
Is hoarding sinful?
Thanks for your question. I wouldn’t think that all hoarding is sinful. Some hoarding might be considered necessary. For example, in Genesis 41:49 we're told "Joseph stored up grain in great…
Emotional Adultery
I take it that "emotional adultery" is falling in love with someone who isn't your wife, or perhaps lusting after someone else? Clearly there is a connection between this and physical infidelity. For…
Three Uses of the Law
Psalm 119:165 Great peace have those who love your law. The law is still relevant in the new covenant (Matt. 24:35). The three "uses" of the law are: (1) Pedagogical Use. The law reveals the perfect…
Images of Christ
Many Reformed theologians have been and are of the opinion that the second commandment forbids any visual depictions of Christ, including those found in paintings, sculptures, movies, etc. A great…
Can I Divorce and Remarry?
Your question is so painful and difficult that I receive it with a heavy heart. I feel terribly for you and for your husband, and especially for your children. I advise you also to solicit the…
When an infant (baby) dies?
This is a difficult issue. While Reformed theologians have not fully agreed on an answer ( When a Baby Dies ), I personally believe that all elect infants, dying in infancy, go to heaven (new heavens…
What does 1 Corinthians 6:12?
For a bit of detail on 1 Corinthians 6:12, please take a look at: https://thirdmill.org/newfiles/ric_pratt/NT.Pratt.1Corinthians.6.12-20.html In general, the idea of "mastery" in 1 Corinthians 6:12…
Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit
In the immediate context of Luke 12:10, there is not much to indicate specifically what Jesus meant by "blasphemy of the Holy Spirit." It seems to be somewhat paired, at least in a rhetorical way…
Contraception
It does appear that many, many Protestants wrote or spoke against the practice of birth control on the basis of the Onan incident (in Gen. 38:8-10 Onan "spilled his seed on the ground" every time he…