Q: “Can you please explain how to know if a person is truly born again? I have a couple of close friends who always go to church and say that they’ve “always believed,’ but they don’t have a testimony of ever being broken over sin, or repenting, or making Jesus Lord of their lives. Nor do they have any desire to share Christ with the lost. Thank you.”

A: Hebrews 6:9 tells us there will be things that will accompany salvation, mainly a changed life (Ephesians 4:17-23). Jesus was clear that we must be born again to enter the kingdom of heaven. This points to the presence of His Spirit in us and a new heart that is inclined towards Him, producing a […]
Q: In last month’s Q & A you made reference to the temple in Jesus’ day and how the veil was rent. According to Acts 17:24-25 God no longer dwells in temples made with hands for now the believer serves as His temple (1 Corinthians 3:15-17; 6:19). My question is how do the matters surrounding the temple of Jesus’ day have any application when it comes to the temples of today?

A: This is a good question. Keep in mind, the Old Testament holds valuable examples for us to glean from (1 Corinthians 10:1-6). If I am going to have a deeper understanding as to what it means to be the temple of God, I have to consider the design and ministry that went on in […]
Q: “I was told that when the veil tore in the temple that it meant the common man could enter into the Most Holy Place. It sounds good, but is it correct?”

A: In one way it is but in another way it is not. It is true that the ripping of the veil opened the way for those who were forbidden to enter in before could now enter in, but the catch is that only those of the priesthood can enter in. Keep in mind the […]
Q: “What does the Spirit of Prophecy in Revelation 19:10 mean?”

A: When you read this Scripture, an angel is talking to John who has fallen down before him to worship him. Since he is simply a messenger, he makes it clear that he deserves no worship and that like John, he has a testimony of Jesus; therefore, he should worship God for the testimony of […]
Q: “Is there a difference between signs and wonders and miracles?”

Q: “Is there a difference between signs and wonders and miracles?” A: Yes, there is. We read about signs in Genesis 1:14 that the stars in thefirmament were to serve as signs. Jesus’ birth was marked by a star that three wisemen followed to Israel. Signs are something that can be seen and read, but […]
Q: “You wrote an article about hell a couple of months ago. However, you never
addressed in Mark 9:44, 46, and 48, where it says “their worm dieth not.” What does
that mean in relationship to hell and destruction?”

Q: “You wrote an article about hell a couple of months ago. However, you neveraddressed in Mark 9:44, 46, and 48, where it says “their worm dieth not.” What doesthat mean in relationship to hell and destruction?” A: Jesus is quoting Isaiah 66:24 in Mark. Isaiah is in reference to the last greatbattle that will […]
Q: “What do you think about the Ashbury Revival?”

Q: “What do you think about the Ashbury Revival?” A: It is easy to get excited any time one mentions a possible revival and jump onsome bandwagon that ends up with people taking sides as to it legitimacy while openlydebating whether it is genuine. I am not willing to jump on any bandwagon or take […]
Q: “What is outer darkness?”

Q: “What is outer darkness?” A: There are three main scriptures about outer darkness found in Matthew 8:12;22:13; and 25:30. Darkness can only be observed when there is an absence of lightbecause in certain situations even darkness is light to some people (Matthew 6:22-23).Spiritually there is the gnawing darkness of hell and the tormenting fiery […]
Q: “When you go through sickness and trials is God chastening you?”

A: No, not necessarily. God uses different means to get our attention. He allows sickness and trials to usually test, enlarge, and bring our faith to maturity. Such things will cause us to look up to Him to walk us through trying times. Peter referred to it as the fiery test of our faith in […]
Q: Is it wrong for Christians to take a hard stand and confront others who abuse and
use them? Are they really showing grace and mercy to people who always take
advantage of them?

A: I realize Christians struggle with this issue because of how Christianity ispresented. First, we must only confront for the sake of the person and not because theyare rubbing us wrong. Remember the cross of Jesus was for our sake, not His.Secondly, to find grace a person must be seeking mercy (Hebrews 4:16). You can’tshow […]