Category Archives: Question of the Week

Question: There are many passages in the Old and New Testament that appear to be conversations between individuals or groups of people many, many years ago. I don’t always understand how a conversation between people hundreds of years ago is also supposed to be for me as an individual today. When Jesus was talking to others giving instructions etc., were his words not directed to that particular circumstance or person? How can I understand that all the passages or written words in the Bible apply to me today? I hope this question makes sense to you, because it doesn’t sound like I’m communicating very well. I guess you can see than I’m confused.

Question: In your book Knowing the Bible 101, you say that Spirit baptism is the way God brings you into the body of Christ (that is, the church), and that you don’t have to ask for it. If this is the case, then how do you explain that Jesus instructed the apostles “to wait for the gift my Father promised” (Acts 1:5), and when the gift arrived (Acts 2:2-4), they were filled with the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking in tongues? I personally, along with many other believers, see the baptism of the Holy Spirit as a separate experience and much to be desired. What is your insight on this?

Question: John 3:16 is the most famous verse of salvation in the Bible. How can I interpret that verse to include people of other religions who do not recognize Jesus as the Son of God?

Question: Lately it seems as though children are suffering needlessly and for no apparent reason. Why does God all these horrible things to happen?