Question: In Numbers 14:18 it states: “…he punishes the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.” Was this punishment just for the Israelites for their time period or was it continued on? If so, was this still the law or rule in Jesus’ time? Did Jesus’ new laws overrule … [Read more…]
Question: Why are we here? Has God put us here to suffer?–from a Friend Answer: The ultimate reason for life on earth is not suffering but supreme joy and pleasures. In fact, God Himself has promised that when His plan on earth is complete, everyone will enjoy a utopia, free of all that can harm … [Read more…]
Question: Do you believe that God created or made everyone? We see people, especially children, born with so many birth defects, and I wonder how God could give such children. Answer: God is responsible for the laws that govern the earth and all life upon it. But He is not directly responsible for the existence … [Read more…]
Question: You indicate in some of your literature that there are ‘clear statements that illness and handicaps are the result of personal failure, or the failure of one’s parents or ancestors.’ Could you please explain? Answer: We are not aware of any statements of this nature in our literature. As a church, our emphasis is … [Read more…]
Question: Some of my friends believe that the Holy Spirit changes their nature and keeps them from sinning. Is there any evidence for this in the Bible? Answer: There is widespread belief that those who are converted receive help from the Holy Spirit. The Spirit enters their hearts at the time of their conversion, they … [Read more…]
Question: This past month (December of ‘88) a plane came down in Scotland causing the death of many innocent persons. Just before that a terrible earthquake occurred in Armenia causing the death of thousands. How can God let it happen? The plane was carrying many students who hadn’t had a chance at life. What is … [Read more…]
Question: If Paul was converted (saved) when he said, ‘Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?’ (Acts 9:6; 22:10), why did he still have sins that needed to be washed away (Acts 22:16)? Answer: It seems that you may be confusing the terms ‘conversion’ and ‘salvation’. Conversion is the initial conviction, the turning from … [Read more…]
Question: Could you make this plainer to me? I have often read of how Esau sold his birthright for a mess of pottage. Hebrews 12:17 says Esau found no place of repentance ‘though he sought it carefully with tears.’ Does this mean that God can reject our repentance, or maybe Esau did not fully repent?” … [Read more…]
Answer: Whatever technique God used to destroy the ancient wicked cities of the plain, including Sodom and Gomorrah, it was completely effective and immediate. According to the record in Genesis, “The Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire…out of heaven; and he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the … [Read more…]
Question: I believe the correct qualification for immortality is simple faith in Christ, not something we attain through meritorious works. You will recall the Philippian jailer asking the apostle Paul, “What must I do to be saved?” Paul’s response was simply, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,” that is, simply and sincerely place your faith … [Read more…]