Where was Jesus Christ and what was He doing between the ages of 12 and 30?
The Bible is silent about what Jesus was doing between 12-30 years of age. However, he probably learned the trade of carpentry from his stepfather, Joseph, as was the custom in those days. He also did not permit himself to stand out and perform miracles. If he had, he would have become famous and attracted [...]
What did Jesus Christ mean when he said, "destroy this temple and I will rebuild it in three days"?
John 2:19-22 (NASB), “Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews then said, ‘It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?’ But He was speaking of the temple of His body. So when He was raised from [...]
Who built the walls around Jerusalem and other walls in the Bible? Should nations build walls today?
Summary: God is not directing the defenses of nations today. Usually, the kings of the cities would conscript people to erect fortifications and walls. 1Kings 9:15 (NIV), “Here is the account of the forced labor King Solomon conscripted to build the LORD's temple, his own palace, the terraces, the wall of Jerusalem…” The Lord supported [...]
Please explain John 20:23, "If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." Has this verse been changed through translation?
Jesus gave only the apostles the authorization to “forgive or retain sins” (John 20:23) and to bind or loose things in heaven and on earth (Matthew 18:18). But what do these words mean? Many misunderstand the nature of these commissions, forgetting that God alone can forgive sins (Isaiah 43:25).Some who read these scriptures believe they [...]
An acquaintance believes salvation is through belief in Jesus. But he also thinks a person will have a second opportunity to believe in heaven. He believes God wants to save everyone. I believe people must be saved now in order to go to heaven.
In Matthew 19:17-30, Jesus instructed that to be “saved” we need to give up our earthly possessions and follow him. Following Jesus requires the sacrifice not only of earthly things but of our wills to obey God’s will. A heavenly resurrection is a reward for obedience during this present, evil world. (Revelation 2:10.) “If we [...]
Why was Saul jealous of David?
God chose the strong, capable Saul as Israel’s first king. Saul began his reign humbly and reverently. However, over time, King Saul put his desires before God’s will and over Israel’s well-being. Saul’s reverence for God gradually diminished.Once, Saul was instructed to wait seven days for the prophet Samuel to offer a sacrifice. But Saul was [...]