What was Jacob's name changed to?
Jacob's name was changed to Israel, meaning "let God prevail." See Genesis 32:22-32.
What was the name of that man who helped Jesus lift the cross?
Mark 15:21 gives us the answer: (NIV) "A certain main from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross." Can we imagine what a privilege it [...]
To what extent is the marriage of Hosea to Gomer an illustration of the relationship between God and Israel?
We know that before the Gospel was opened and preached to the Gentiles (Cornelius being the first Gentile convert - Acts 10), Israel was the chosen nation by God, and he worked and dealt only with them.Amos 3:2 “You only have I chosen of [...]
What does it mean in Genesis 10:25 when it says for in his days the earth was divided? (United States)
Shem's son was Peleg. The name Peleg means "to divide or to split”. See Strong’s Concordance Hebrew word H6389. The division of the earth here refers to the division and dispersion of humanity that happened after the Tower of Babel was under construction. Genesis [...]
Who is the mother of Mary? (Ghana)
Mary, the mother of Jesus, was an ordinary but remarkable Jewish woman. God specifically chose her to give birth to Jesus, the Messiah of the tribe of Judah and of the lineage of David. Luke 1:26-28,31,35: (NIV) “In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the [...]
How do we know Paul isn't a false preacher? (United States)
The Apostle Paul was not called to be one of the Twelve Apostles during Jesus’ earthly life. Thus, some doubted saying he was not an apostle (1 Corinthians 9:2). Others even accused Paul of preaching a different gospel. Nothing could be farther from the truth! [...]
Where did the Israelites get porpoise skins for the tabernacle while in the desert? (United States)
In Exodus 35:6-7, God instructs the Israelites in the wilderness to contribute materials for the construction of the Tabernacle. In addition to the precious metals of gold, silver and copper, they brought, “blue, purple and crimson yarns, fine linen, goats’ hair, tanned ram skins, [...]
Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV), "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Is the verse speaking of Jesus or the Bible when referencing “word?” (United States)
The Strong’s Concordance definition of “word” (Greek word G3056, logos) includes: intention, purpose, plan, something said (including the thought); communication (mouthpiece, special messenger); a topic; reasoning; a motive.” It also means “Divine expression.” The Greek word “logos” is used 331 times in the New [...]
Please explain “star differing from star in glory” in 1 Corinthians 15:41. Is this a collective or individual work, as a new creature, regarding our positions of honor in the kingdom? Is it proportionate to the zeal of our faithfulness in our walk? (United States)
Summary: Yes, it is an individual work with a heavenly reward proportionate to faithful zeal. Discussion: 1 Corinthians 15:40-42 (NKJV), 40 “There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is [...]
Why did God harden Pharaoh’s heart? Doesn’t God want everyone to be saved? (United States)
Several scriptures in Exodus say, “I will harden his heart.” Exodus 4:21 is letting Moses know the outcome of the ten plagues before they even happen. Exodus 7:13 (and 7:22; 9:12,35) says, “He hardened Pharaoh’s heart that he hearkened not unto them, as the [...]
Romans 9:11-18. I cannot understand why God hardens some peoples hearts so they will not understand. Why then does the word also say He does not wish that any should perish. I’m so confused and every version of the Bible does not get through to my understanding of these scriptures. (United States)
Romans 9:11, 14-16, 18 (ESV), 11 “. . . God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls-- ... 14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! 15 For he [...]
Please explain Romans 3:21-31. (India)
Romans 3:21, “But now the righteousness of God without (apart from) the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;” The Gospel was pictured or foreshadowed in the Law. The Law convicted Jews and Gentiles of sin. It pointed to a [...]
Are there any references to income for the apostles? (United States)
Some scriptures do reflect reasonable as well as wealthy incomes for the apostles. However, no apostle’s income increased as a result of following Jesus. The apostle Matthew was a tax collector. Luke 5:27-29: (NKJV) 27 “After these things He (Jesus) went out and saw a [...]
Could you explain 1 Corinthians 7:19 ? Are we suppose to keep the 10 Commandments, because I thought in Galatians Paul says we are no longer under a tutor. (United States)
True, Christians are not under the Law Covenant as Paul wrote in Galatians 3:24. The Law Covenant was made only with the nation of Israel. Paul was explaining to Jews who converted to Christianity that they specifically were not under the Law any more. [...]
Which biblical scriptures verify that God's servants like Abraham, Moses, Noah, etc. will not be part of heavenly class? (Uganda)
The context of the following scripture is Peter's sermon at Pentecost Acts 2:29,34 (KJV), 29 “Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this day. [...]
Why do people use the statement, “The Lord doesn’t give me more than I can handle,” when that statement is not in the Bible? (United States)
Actually, for the Christian, the thought is in the Bible. 1 Corinthians 10:13: (NET) “No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with [...]
Explain the experience of what happened when Moses’ face glowed. Then afterward Moses would cover his face." (Kenya)
Exodus 34:33-35 (ESV), 33 “And when Moses had finished speaking with them (the Israelites), he put a veil over his face. 34 Whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he would remove the veil, until he came out. And when [...]
What does the dove mean in the Bible? (Zambia)
A dove is a favorite figure with the Jews as an emblem of peace and salvation. Indeed, Noah’s dove, with its olive branch, seems to have become such a symbol to all nations. A dove, by its nature, is a symbol of the spirit [...]
Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV), "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Do you this the verse is talking about those of our loved ones who have go before us and are watching over us like angels ? Or what does this verse mean? (United States)
This verse begins with “therefore” meaning it is the conclusion of an argument presented in Hebrews 11. Chapter 11 is all about the faith of those ancient men and women who lived before Jesus was born. It records acts of faith of Abel, Enoch, [...]
What virtues did the people have in Acts 9? (Lesotho)
There are a number of noble Christians mentioned in the 9th chapter of Acts. Most notably is the Apostle Paul, then known as Saul. In verses 1-9, the marvel of his conversion is narrated. Paul’s sincerity of conscience is demonstrated in the very fact [...]