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Questions the Bible answers that belong to no one doctrine.

58 questions answered, showing 20 on page 1 of 3. All topics

With Chuck SmithCan a Christian be possessed by a demon?Chuck Smith, Answers for Today, chapter 7: The Scriptures also teach us that Christ is seated in the heavenlies, far above all principalities and powers and mights and dominions (Ephesians 1:21, 22). These are references to spirit beings—and Christ is far above them. Where am I as a believer? According to Ephesians 2:6, I am seated together with Christ in the heavenlies. As Christians we’re in a warfare against these principalities and powers (Ephesians 6:12). We need the help of God to stand, for these rulers of the darkness can and do attack us in a variety of ways. But they cannot come in and take control of our lives. The Scriptures also teach that we are in Christ, and that He is in us (John 14:20). It is Christ in us which is our hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). Christ said concerning Satan, “The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me” (John 14:30). If I’m in Christ and Satan has nothing in Him, Satan can have nothing in me—praise the Lord! Scripture, King James Version: Ephesians 1:21, "Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:"; Ephesians 1:22, "And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,"; Ephesians 2:6, "And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:"; Ephesians 6:12, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."; John 14:20, "At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you."; Colossians 1:27, "To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:"; John 14:30, "Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.". From Chuck Smith's books, used by permission of The Word For Today.
Whosoever WillDid Jesus use agape and phileo differently when He asked Peter "lovest thou me" in John 21?Whosoever Will, Agapaō: The Word That Doesn't Mean What You Think It Means: For generations, the standard sermon has been that Jesus asked twice with the high word agapaō and Peter answered with the lower word phileō. Finally Jesus condescended to Peter's level and used phileō Himself, which broke Peter's heart. It is a preachable sermon. It is also, in the judgment of much careful Greek scholarship, more sermon than text. John, writing in Greek, often uses near-synonyms interchangeably for stylistic variation, and in this very passage he also alternates between two different verbs for feed and tend (boskō and poimainō) and two different words for sheep (arnia and probata), with no one preaching that those distinctions carry deep theological weight. The alternation looks like Johannine style, not lexical theology. The pastoral force of the passage is real. Three denials, three restorations. A grieved disciple, a restoring Lord. That weight does not need the agapē / phileō distinction to land. The text is heavy enough on its own. Scripture, King James Version: John 21:15-17, "So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.".
With Chuck SmithDo I have to forgive others to be forgiven by God?Chuck Smith, Living Water, chapter 23: In His model prayer, Jesus included this petition: 'And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." At the end of the prayer Jesus paused to emphasize this petition. "For if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses," He said (Matthew 6:15). This means Jesus made our forgiveness dependent upon our being forgiving. Some of you theologians may want to argue this point, but don't do it with me - talk to Jesus. He's the One who said it. The Lord's basic point was this: Having received forgiveness from God, we should forgive others. Scripture, King James Version: Matthew 6:15, "But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.". From Chuck Smith's books, used by permission of The Word For Today.
With Chuck SmithDo I have to kneel or close my eyes to pray?Chuck Smith, Sermon on the Mount Study Guide, Matthew 6: Our Relationship with God: “Closet” here means “secret place.” Jesus had a secret place where He went to talk with God. It is important that we also find a quiet place so we will not be distracted from listening to God. We shut the door on the noise outside, and we shut ourselves in with God. We don’t have to pray with closed eyes, folded hands, or kneeling down. Prayer isn’t a position of the body. Some people pray better when they are walking around. Scripture, King James Version: Matthew 6:6, "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.". Study notes condensed from his teaching by The Word For Today. From Chuck Smith's books, used by permission of The Word For Today.
With Chuck SmithDo I need special words or King James English to pray?Chuck Smith, Sermon on the Mount Study Guide, Matthew 6: Our Relationship with God: We need to avoid repeating phrases or words, because it makes our minds wander during prayer. God wants our full attention when we converse with Him. We don’t need to use a certain tone of voice for prayer nor do we need to use formal King James English. A normal conversational tone and plain language are fine. Speaking aloud, though not loudly, helps us to keep our minds on what we are saying. It also helps us to verbalize our feelings. Scripture, King James Version: Matthew 6:7, "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.". Study notes condensed from his teaching by The Word For Today. From Chuck Smith's books, used by permission of The Word For Today.
Whosoever WillDo pets go to heaven? Do animals have souls?The Bible does not say directly, so we hold it humbly. Animals are living creatures God made and called good, there are animals in the coming kingdom (Isa 11:6) and horses in heaven (Rev 19:11), but Scripture never promises the salvation of individual pets; salvation is for man, made in God's image.
With Chuck SmithDoes "take no thought" mean Christians shouldn't plan for their needs?Chuck Smith, Sermon on the Mount Study Guide, Matthew 6: Our Relationship with God: “Take no thought” here means “take no anxious thought” or “don’t be worried”. Jesus isn’t suggesting that we do nothing to meet our physical needs, but that we keep our needs in the proper perspective, and trust God rather than worrying about them. We should, “do our best and commit the rest.” Scripture, King James Version: Matthew 6:25, "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?". Study notes condensed from his teaching by The Word For Today. From Chuck Smith's books, used by permission of The Word For Today.
With Chuck SmithDoes a wife have to submit to ungodly demands of her husband?Chuck Smith, Christian Family Relationships, chapter 8: I do not believe that the Scripture requires a wife to submit to ungodly demands of a husband. It is sheer stupidity to say that no matter what the husband says, you're to submit to it because you're the wife. Some teach this concept, saying that the Lord will keep you safe from any dire consequence if you submit. I do not agree with that. Paul said, "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord" (Ephesians 5:22). In I Corinthians Paul lays out the whole chain of command. The husband is, actually, the authority over the wife, Christ is the head over the husband, and God is the authority over Christ (I Corinthians 11:3). If this chain of command is broken anywhere along the line, God's order is gone. The husband is the head over the wife only as Christ is the head over the husband. If Christ is not the head over the husband, then the wife should be in submission to Christ first. Scripture, King James Version: Ephesians 5:22, "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord."; 1 Corinthians 11:3, "But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.". From Chuck Smith's books, used by permission of The Word For Today.
Whosoever WillDoes the Bible require Christians to tithe? What does it say about giving?The tithe was commanded under the Law for Israel. In the church age believers are not under the tithe law but are called to give generously and cheerfully: "God loveth a cheerful giver" (2 Cor 9:7).
Whosoever WillHow can I have a quiet heart when life is anxious?A quiet heart is not a quiet life, it is a settled trust. God calls the "meek and quiet spirit" something "of great price" (1 Peter 3:4), and He says how it is kept: "Thou wilt kee
Whosoever WillHow do I know God's will for my life?God's revealed will is mostly already stated: love Him, obey His word, be sanctified (1 Thess 4:3), give thanks (5:18). For specific decisions, walk in the revealed will, ask for wisdom (Jas 1:5), and trust God to direct a surrendered life (Prov 3:5-6).
With Chuck SmithIs a person who commits suicide totally lost for eternity?If you are thinking about ending your life, call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, any hour of any day. Chuck Smith, Answers for Today, chapter 11: Definitely not! I believe that a person who is driven to the point of committing suicide no longer has full responsibility for the things he’s doing. Driven to a point of such mental extremes, he isn’t necessarily responsible for the action of taking his own life. Certainly, Scripture doesn’t indicate anywhere that this is an unpardonable sin. The only sin for which there is no forgiveness is that of rejecting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. From Chuck Smith's books, used by permission of The Word For Today. If you are thinking about ending your life, call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, any hour of any day.
Whosoever WillIs it a sin to drink alcohol? What does the Bible say about drinking?The Bible condemns drunkenness, never moderate use. "Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess" (Eph 5:18): drunkenness is sin, drinking in itself is not, and love will not cause a weaker brother to stumble (Rom 14:21).
With Chuck SmithIs it wrong for Christians to go dancing, listen to rock music, go to the movies, or watch TV?Chuck Smith, Answers for Today, chapter 11: Paul the apostle says, “All things are lawful for me.” I think that this goes into the area of entertainment, dancing, or the kind of music I listen to. But just a minute! Paul didn’t stop there. Though I have a total freedom and there is no condemnation, Paul said, “…all things are not expedient.” Expedient means “to help along the way.” The idea is that, as a Christian, I’m running in a race. Paul said, “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize?” (1 Corinthians 9:24). There are things that can impede my progress, which can slow me down. They can keep me from winning the race. We are told to lay aside every weight and sin which so easily besets us, that we might run with patience the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1–2). These activities can become weights. Scripture, King James Version: 1 Corinthians 9:24, "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain."; Hebrews 12:1-2, "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.". From Chuck Smith's books, used by permission of The Word For Today.
Whosoever WillIs it wrong to be single as a Christian woman?No. Paul held singleness up as a good gift, not a lesser state: "I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God" (1 Corinthians 7:7). He saw
With Chuck SmithIs spanking or physical discipline of children biblical?Chuck Smith, Christian Family Relationships, chapter 14: It is vitally important in the discipline of our children that there always be a great consciousness in their hearts of our love for them, that they be secure in that love, and that, when they are disciplined, they never doubt that love. Every child is a natural psychologist and when he's spanked often says, "Nobody loves me anymore! You hate me! You don't love me!" We hate to hear such accusations from our children. The Bible however says, "Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth." In Proverbs we are told that, "He that spares his rod, hates his son." We sometimes become slack or forebear punishment or discipline. In doing so we are harming and hurting the child; for, when he knows that he's done wrong, one of the best ways to be relieved of that guilt complex is to be punished. Many children have psychological problems today. They are carrying around with them guilt complexes which have never been relieved by their permissive parents. Scripture, King James Version: Hebrews 12:6, "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."; Proverbs 13:24, "He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.". From Chuck Smith's books, used by permission of The Word For Today.
Whosoever WillIs suicide a sin? Is suicide unforgivable? Can a Christian who commits suicide be saved?Suicide is a grievous sin, but it is not the unpardonable sin and does not by itself send a believer to hell. Salvation rests on faith in Christ, not on the manner of death, and nothing "shall be able to separate us from the love of God" (Rom 8:38-39).
With Chuck SmithShould I praise God to get a blessing?Chuck Smith, The Philosophy of Ministry of Calvary Chapel: The truest praise is not something that is done out of the motive in my heart to get a blessing. If I am praising the Lord just so I can get a blessing, that's not true praise. That's a self-centered attitude. The object for praise in that case is me, not God. The truest praise is that automatic response of my heart at the recognition of the grace of God to me when God has just done something fantastic for me, even though I have failed miserably, yet God just lays some rich blessing on me and my heart responds, "Oh, God, You are too much; I can't believe Your love and goodness." That's the purest form of praise; that which comes spontaneously from my heart at the recognition of God's grace in my life. I don't praise the Lord so I can create an atmosphere in which God will come down and bless me. My praises are a response to the blessings that God has bestowed. God is the Initiator; man is the responder. From Chuck Smith's books, used by permission of The Word For Today.
Whosoever WillWere there dinosaurs in the Bible? Does the Bible mention dinosaurs?The Bible describes two great creatures fitting no living animal: behemoth, with a tail "like a cedar" (Job 40:15-17), and leviathan (Job 41). On the young-earth view, man and the great created reptiles lived at the same time, and these may be them.
With Chuck SmithWhat did Jesus mean by "Judge not"?Chuck Smith, Sermon on the Mount Study Guide, Matthew 7: Our Relationship with Man: (1) We should not judge presumptuously. (Romans 14:4) (2) We should not judge another’s motives. (3) We should not judge hypocritically. (Romans 2:1) (4) We should not judge hastily or rashly. (John 7:24) (5) We should not judge according to our own non-scriptural convictions. (Romans 14:2-3) (6) We should not judge unfairly or according to prejudice. (7) We should not judge unmercifully. The judgment that is prohibited is judging the person rather than the action. Scripture, King James Version: Matthew 7:1, "Judge not, that ye be not judged."; Romans 14:4, "Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand."; Romans 2:1, "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things."; John 7:24, "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment."; Romans 14:2-3, "For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.". Study notes condensed from his teaching by The Word For Today. From Chuck Smith's books, used by permission of The Word For Today.