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Do you believe in ghosts?

Question:

What does the Bible say about ghosts and stuff like that? I don’t believe in them, I’m just wondering if there are some verses that speak of such things.

Answer:

The word “ghost” can be used several ways: (1) the seat of life or intelligence; soul; (2) a disembodied soul; the soul of a dead person believed to be an inhabitant of the unseen world, and appearing in bodily likeness; (3) spirit, demon. (Merriam Webster’s Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary). Some of that definition fits what the Bible teaches, and some does not.Continue reading

Is hell in the center of the earth?

Question:

Where is the heart of the the earth?   Is it hell?

Answer:

Deuteronomy 32:22 says, “For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and SHALL BURN UNTO THE LOWEST HELL, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.”   Psalm 86:12, 13 says, “I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. For great is thy mercy toward me: and THOU HAST DELIVERED MY SOUL FROM THE LOWEST HELL.” While it is possible that hell is some place else that is down, it is also very possible that hell is in the center of the earth.Continue reading

What is the “third heaven?”

Question:

I WAS A LITTLE LOST TO READ “2 COR. 12:1”, WHERE PAUL SAYS “THIRD HEAVEN” CAN YOU EXPLAIN?

Answer:

II Corinthians 12:1-5 says, “It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one CAUGHT UP TO THE THIRD HEAVEN. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was CAUGHT UP INTO PARADISE, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.”Continue reading

Where is paradise?

Question:

What does paradise mean in the Bible, and do the righteous go to heaven when they die or are they just asleep until the return of Jesus?

Answer:

II Corinthians 12:2-4 says, “I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one CAUGHT UP TO THE THIRD HEAVEN. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was CAUGHT UP INTO PARADISE, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” This passage shows us that paradise is heaven.Continue reading

Tears in heaven? What will we do there?

Question:

Question: 1.)I know that it says that their will be no tears in Heaven, but does that rule out tears of joy also?

2.)Will we sit around all day just saying glory to the Lord or will we be able to go fishing or read a book or anything?

3.)Referring to my first question. If I was to make it to Heaven and someone in my family didn’t would I just forget that person ever existed so I wouldn’t cry?Continue reading

Should we pay taxes to a wicked government?

Question:

This could be a little long. I read your response to taxes which is what I would expect. However, as you stated the more we sin the more we have to pay government to compensate. To compensate government creates more taxes by enacting statutes which are used as guidelines for the imposition of taxes. Tell me, if there was no law that required you to pay a tax would God’s law require it? And if paying that tax meant I was giving up rights that some say were inspired by God should that tax be paid? Further, if that tax is extracted through ungodly acts such as deceit and theft.Continue reading

What type of “Tax System” does the Bible outline?

Question:

As you are most likely aware, there is a lot of conversation, ideas and general discussions going on regarding the revamping of our current tax system. There are proponents of a flat tax system and others feel that a national sales tax would be the way to go. Still others feel the current system should be either revamped or eliminated altogether.Continue reading

Should women run for school boards, township positions, senators, representatives, or President of the United States ?

Question:

I was pointed to your page incidentally and have been fascinated with the wonderful, Scriptural responses you have provided. I thank God for this work and, through Him, you. But I do have a question and pray you can help me: I am a member of ___________ Church in __________ NY. We are an independent, Bible-believing church. One of our important ministries is an Elementary School, ______________ Christian Academy. (All the more important because we are in a belt of strong Roman Catholic influence.) The oversight for this school is a school board, which is subordinate to our Elders. Two of the elders sit on the board in a liaison capacity. I am a member of the school board and the treasurer of the school. Several women are also members of the school board. In fact, our board governing documents prescribe that at least one member of each gender (provided we have a quorum, of course) must be members of the board. Is this right? (I do not believe it is.) I believe there is ample Scripture which shows this should not be. It is an issue I have raised just recently in our search for new members–since the term of service for two has just expired. The initial reaction from an elder was that the prohibitions concerning women pertain only to the church, by which he means our assemblage on Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, etc. In light of Scripture which speaks to the role of women in the churches and in general, I cannot reconcile the membership of women on our school board. It is a ministry of our church. Our discussions are grounded in Scripture, which we use always as our guide. Consider that a woman may sit as an equal on the school board with her husband. Or a woman may take headship over the men on the board as the Chair(woman). Could you please help me by scripturally articulating the reasons for which this should not be, or, if I am wrong, in showing me scripturally why I am wrong. As even the churches slide deeper into apostasy, I pray we are able to continue to be a light unto the world. Perhaps I have overstayed my welcome, but if I may also ask… Is it permissible for women to speak during Bible studies? You have noted in one of your studies that a Bible study is not the church because it does not have an ordained head, per se. Even so, it seems uncomely for women to debate Scripture and express their feelings during a Bible study which includes men. Your very introduction to this section of your site directs women to ask their husbands at home or have them ask a question for them. This seems to support my understanding. How, again, can I express this Scripturally? I must thank you for this site. Yes, I thank the Lord for all He has worked through you, and that you are obedient in your pursuits. I am immensely grateful. This is a site I will willingly share with others. Your brother in Christ.Continue reading

Should Christians “pledge allegiance” to the United States flag?

Question:

Should we as Christians, participate in the pledge of allegiance? Should a Christian pledge (promise) while holding his right hand over his chest (an oath) allegiance (devotion and loyalty) to a flag, republic, or anything other the Lamb of God. I don’t want to seem anti-America, I personally am thankful to GOD for a country of freedom. Thank you for your loyalty to the Lord Jesus, may He continue to bless everyone of you.Continue reading