Articles by BibleThinker

This is one of several clips I will be uploading from a collab I did with Allen Parr, evaluating a few different religious groups in light of biblical Christianity. Subscribe to my channel to get notified when the other videos in this series go up.
If you enjoyed this, you will probably enjoy a lot of the content that Allen Parr has. Here is his channel. I recommend you check it out:https://www.youtube.com/user/thebeatagp
Tips on how to practically reach JWs with the gospel of Christ: https://youtu.be/0bpu7hDoWOQ
Why Jehovah’s Witnesses are wrong about blood transfusions: https://youtu.be/3QJhSEbxF4o
JWs teaching on the resurrection of Christ as well as the second coming is examined and refuted in this video:https://youtu.be/t79qwFwj6g4
My interview with former JWs:https://youtu.be/OVWKWq8Sj2I
JWs are taught that Jesus died on a stake, not a cross. This video gives tons of evidence supporting the cross:https://youtu.be/RS2ytQahPSE
My longer video on JW beliefs, practices, and errors: https://youtu.be/lE5KQHf8fX0
My website. Tons of free, searchable content helping you learn to think biblically about everything:https://BibleThinker.org

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:0:00 – Introduction1. 0:36 {Should we “Apply” the Blood of Jesus?} Someone recently told me to always “apply the blood of Jesus” over my family, my home, myself, and everything that belongs to me before I pray, since there is spiritual warfare going on. Have you heard of this, and what are your thoughts?2. 5:44 {About the Curse in 2 Kings} How should we explain 2 Kings 2: 23-25? I had somebody bring it up to me and was unsure of how to answer them. On the surface, it seems problematic. What can I say to them?3. 11:10 {A Godly Attitude for Workplace Struggles} My parents think Christians shouldn’t unionize or strike, and should just do what they’re told or go elsewhere, citing the Parable of the Vineyard. But that sounds crazy to me. What should a Christian attitude be to workplace struggles?4. 15:46 {About “Leaven,” Destruction, & Revelation} Any thoughts on using Matthew 13: 33 to prove that people inside the faithful church will try to destroy it (saying that yeast is bad and the woman Jesus referred to is the same as in Revelation)?5. 18:52 {About Being Alive in Christ/Future Resurrection} Please explain John 11: 25-26, how the first person became dead but believed and the second person being a believer never dies.6. 23:05 {Thoughts about Steven Crowder} What is your opinion on Christian YouTuber Steven Crowder? A lot of his content (while in the name of comedy and free speech) is quite vulgar and feels insensitive. Is his method biblical?7. {Accidentally skipped – sorry about that!}8. 24:42 {Why did People Fall Over in John 18?} My question is about John 18:6. It’s a really powerful moment, but did the other disciples not see it?9. 30:36 {Repentance of the Heart & Mind} I am a former crossdresser (not transgender), but I don’t feel any guilt or remorse for when I used to cross-dress. Any advice on how to not just repent with my actions, but also repent with my mind/heart?10. 35:08 {Is Marriage Different Now?} My friend says the definition of marriage evolved over time, and that now it’s a legal contract, but in biblical times she claims it was a social transfer of care. Thus, she believes living with her boyfriend unmarried is biblical. Thoughts?11. 39:29 {About Sin and our Flesh} Does Romans 7: 24 suggest that sin is in our flesh? Is this the reason why some people may be predisposed to certain sinful behaviors?12. 43:29 {Is Jesus Finite or Infinite?} Jesus said, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end” (Revelation 22: 13 ESV). Does this mean God the Son is finite? Is He saying Jesus, fully man, is finite?13. 46:19 {Why does God Allow More Wicked Generations?} Why does God allow wicked people to persist and bring forth more generations that will mostly go to Hell, instead of bringing judgment on them and erasing their culture as soon as they go astray?14. 51:00 {Help with Doubts & Unbelief} How do you stop doubting that God exists or that Christianity is the true religion out of many, especially Islam? Sometimes my faith wanders from belief to unbelief. Any tips?15. 54:44 {Why was Jesus Given Sedatives?} Why would the Roman soldiers try to give Jesus the wine and myrrh (which I understand to be a sedative)? Wouldn’t they want the crucifixion to be as painful as possible?16. 55:32 {Are Prayers from Books Spells?} Could prayers from prayer books be considered spells?17. 57:04 {Should a Protestant Marry a Catholic?} What do I do if I’m thinking about marrying a Catholic girl, myself being Protestant? She has no problems with my faith but wants our sons baptized, since she and her whole family is Catholic.18. 59:43 {About Theophanies & Christophanies} Would you say that every theophany is a Christophany? (John 1: 17-18, Jude 1:5, John 8: 58, Matthew 11: 2

This is one of several clips I will be uploading from a colab I did with Allen Parr evaluating a few different religious groups in light of biblical Christianity. Subscribe to my channel on YouTube to get notified when the other videos in this series go up.
We are using the word “cult” here in the popular negative sense that Christian theology uses; to indicate a religion which imitates Christianity but is not genuinely Christian. The term also has another technical meaning: referring to any religion that has rituals associated with it. That’s not the definition we intend in this video.
If you enjoyed this, you will probably enjoy a lot of the content that Allen Parr has. Here is his channel. I recommend you check it out:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm_RMW_fQk-ELpPYUzor8lw
Allen’s interview with a former Mormon named Micah Wilder: https://youtu.be/StXOOhYZvEI
My website. Tons of free, searchable content helping you learn to think biblically about everything:https://BibleThinker.org

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:0:00 – Introduction 1. 0:30 {Should We Ask God to Change Us?} You taught once in a past video that when we pray, we should NOT ask God to change us, as that would be like asking or expecting God to do all of the work. Can you please elaborate on that, and how to rightly pray instead?2. 7:49 {About Forgiveness of Unconfessed Sin} Are you forgiven or held accountable for the sins you’re not aware of and don’t repent of? For example: gluttony, laziness, or even getting mad at someone and later forgetting about it.3. 10:37 {Why is Suicide a Sin?} Why do Christians see suicide as a sin if it’s never condemned in the Bible? Why should I be forced to live a pathetic life I never asked for?4. 15:55 {About “Feeling” God’s Presence} I always hear Christians say they “felt the presence of God.” How can I feel His presence? I read His Word as much as I can and pray often, but have never “felt” His presence.5. 20:11 {About Astronomical Alignment} Do you think the astronomical alignment on Sept 23rd, 2017 is a fulfillment of Revelation 12:1-3? It feels like astrology to me.6. 24:55 {Was Martin Luther Saved?} Do you think Martin Luther went to Heaven, despite the fact that he had a hatred toward Jews and was unrepentant?7. 29:04 {About Worship Principles} What is difference between the normative and regulative principle of worship? Any useful thoughts to this discussion, what to avoid, what to strive for?8. 35:03 {How to Keep Marriage God-Centered} Is your wife a part of your ministry? How do you keep your marriage God-centered?9. 38:17 {Do Numbers & Leviticus Contradict?} In Numbers 5, there is a test for an unfaithful wife. In verses 27-28 however, the punishment called for appears to differ from that in Leviticus 20: 10 which calls for death. Am I missing something?10. 44:30 {Can a Muslim be Saved?} Is it possible for a Muslim to be saved through faith since they also believe in to getting into Heaven by God’s grace (although through works) and through repentance of sins?11. 49:53 {About the “Wages of Sin”} If “the wages of sin is death,” why is there a Hell? When a non-believer dies, why wasn’t that debt paid by their death?12. 53:03 {Did Pharaoh in Exodus have Free Will?} I was just wondering what your thoughts were on Exodus 9: 12. Did Pharaoh have free will?13. 59:25 {How Important is Inerrancy?} I found out that several big teachers and content writers at my church don’t believe that the Bible is inerrant? Should I be concerned?14. 1:02:39 {About Adoption/Homosexual Couples} How should Christians who are unwilling/uncalled to adopt respond to gay couples who adopt without looking like hypocrites or inhospitable (since they’re not taking in these kids themselves)?15. 1:06:43 {Should we Read Non-Canonical Books?} Would you recommend that current Christians develop an awareness of Scripture that is no longer canon?16. 1:09:46 {About the Galilean Wedding/The Rapture} Have you studied the Galilean wedding being justification for a pre-trib rapture? I’m having a hard time finding trusted sources to teach on this.17. 1:12:28 {About the “2 or 3 Witnesses” Principle} What is the significance of the Bible saying “2 or 3 witnesses” to establish an accusation, as opposed to saying “2 witnesses” or “3 witnesses”?18. 1:14:13 {Should a Head Pastor be Close to His Staff?} What are your thoughts on a head pastor who does not interact with his staff? I teach at a church and have no real relationship (to the point of pain) with my pastor as he is never present.19. 1:17:53 {Do Ghosts / Demons Exist?} I have a feeling that something is living in my house that shouldn’t be there, and it is taking all the energy out of me! Do ghosts/demons really exist, and how can I get rid of

Info and timestamps below!0:00 Intro1- 0:24 Who are these guys from Reddit?2- 3:36 Mike’s thoughts on Dr. Michael Heiser3- 9:41 Can you lose your salvation?4- 16:23 Handling doctrinal disagreement on secondary stuff5- 24:09 How important is baptism?6- 27:17 Define “Baptism in the Spirit”7- 36:23 Which Bible version and where to read when you are…8- 43:59 Mike’s response to King James Onlyists9- 47:27 David’s census and why the numbers don’t match10- 1:06:49 Did God tempt David?11- 1:10:36 Is the Bible’s history out of order?12- 1:12:33 Does Mike find contradictions in the Bible?13- 1:14:36 Why doesn’t Mike play that guitar more?14- 1:16:14 Why must women be silent? (This is only an answer to one passage, not every related passage)15- 1:28:56 Why does Leviticus say homosexual behavior is an abomination?16- 1:43:18 What about meditation and mantras?17- 1:46:33 If I have the Holy Spirit why do I need the Bible?18- 1:49:19 Is “Omnism” ok?19- 1:55:30 About people who NEVER hear the Gospel20- 2:02:40 What’s the right view of biblical causality?21- 2:11:24 Catholicism and the Lord’s supper22- 2:17:10 Jesus as the “firstborn of all creation”23- 2:22:06 The Witch of Endor (not a Star Wars reference)24- 2:27:44 Are animals resurrected?25- 2:35:38 Mike’s thoughts on Bart Ehrman26- 2:40:19 It’s over, we just blabbin
This interview was filmed several months ago when I was asked by the moderators of the subreddit r/bible, to respond to a bunch of questions from their subreddit. So I fielded a number of extremely challenging questions (and a couple easy ones) in an interview that took over three hours to film, once you factor in how much time was spent sound and video testing before we could begin. Anyhow, we may seem a bit tired by the end but I hope you find the content helpful, thoughtful, and useful in learning to think biblically about everything.
Specific videos I mentioned in the interview:1- A biblical evaluation of the topic of suicide:https://youtu.be/T6nlUhWJe002- What about people who die but NEVER hear the gospel?https://youtu.be/IiyxpE5UBz43- Divorce and remarriage (the LONG video)https://youtu.be/N2pC6ZikbYoMy website: https://BibleThinker.org

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:0:00 – Introduction1. 0:48 {Does Scripture Promote Evil Things?} I’ve been challenged with the accusation that the Bible “promotes killing, rape, and slavery,” quoting Numbers 31: 15-18. I don’t want to simply prove them wrong; that doesn’t address this person’s heart. Would you please help?2. 18:36 {About the Death Penalty} As a follow up to your teaching on the death penalty, this question is from my skeptic brother: “Isn’t it better to rehabilitate offenders in hopes that they may come to repentance and give their lives to God?”3. 22:32 {About the Apostles & Judas’ Position} I’ve heard it taught that the Apostles were being presumptuous when filling Judas’ empty position. Why did they choose to apply Psalm 69: 25 and Psalm 109:8 to the situation?4. 30:38 {Can we See God’s Face & Still Live?} Exodus 33: 20 says “no one can see my face and live.” How do we reconcile this with Exodus 33: 11 which says, “the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as to a friend”?5. 36:02 {About the 70th Week & Seven Seals} Is there any biblical evidence that the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week and Jesus opening the first of the seven seals in Revelation will occur roughly at the same time?6. 37:44 {Why Didn’t God Rewrite Difficult Passages?} Can you explain the Holy Spirit Inspiration Doctrine? I struggle with understanding why God did not rewrite controversial Bible passages. I know I am only a man, and I seek to understand.7. 41:35 {Advice for an Unequally Yoked Marriage} My wife is an unbeliever. The more I attend church, the more strain it puts on our marriage. Is it right to continue going to church, or should I stop? (1 Corinthians 7: 14) I pray for her every day.8. 44:40 {About the Book of Numbers} What is the best way to read the book of Numbers? What’s some really cool stuff about it and how it ties to JESUS?9. 47:36 {Is “Deliverance” / Demon Casting Biblical?} I’m wondering about your thoughts on deliverance. Would you consider calling and identifying demons biblical, or is it not?10. 50:43 {Reconciling 2 Important Verses/Worldly Christians?} Can you explain Matthew 7: 21 vs. Romans 10: 13? Also, how do you spot worldly Christians (1 Corinthians 3:1) from those who are unsaved but have good works (Matthew 7: 22-23)? Shouldn’t we have grace for sanctification?11. 55:15 {Advice for Christian College Students} What advice do you have for Christians in college?12. 59:12 {Is there Hope After Death for the Unsaved?} Can the Gospel be preached to the dead? According to 1 Peter 4:6, is there any hope for people after they die? Also, in 1 Peter 3:19-20, what does “preached unto the spirits in prison” mean?13. 1:03:43 {About Assurance of Salvation} How can I be sure that I am going to Heaven when I die?14. 1:06:35 {How is Satan the World’s Ruler?} Can you explain how Satan became the ruler of this world?15. 1:09:48 {About Salvation by Grace vs. Our Efforts} If we don’t have to do works to get saved, why does Jesus tell us to “make every effort to enter through the narrow door” in Luke 13: 24?16. 1:13:07 {Help for Anxiety over Unsaved Loved Ones} How do I combat anxiety about my newborn daughter’s salvation? It’s a difficult topic for me due to my younger brother walking away from the faith as a teenager.17. 1:16:10 {About God’s Omnipotence & Non-Contradiction} Since God can’t contradict Himself, does that mean that His power is limited in a way? I know God is all powerful, but what is the logical reason behind Him being powerful and non-contradictory?18. 1:20:06 {About Vaccines & Aborted Fetal Tissue} What are your thought on vaccines using aborted fetal cell lines for development? I’m about to lose my job at big MN clinic if

If Pastor Salvatore represents “Progressive Christianity” then we need to start realizing that this isn’t just another stream of Christian thought, it is a false gospel trying to replace the true one. Jesus is merely being highjacked by some who want to utilize His fame for their unchristian cause.
The full video I’m responding to can be found here: https://youtu.be/9Fbxc1WD0J4
This is my video explaining the real symbolism of the bronze serpent (hint: it’s not about elevating your awareness):https://youtu.be/dcMnbvB0YMY
I create free content meant to help you learn to think biblically about everything. My website: https://BibleThinker.org has hundreds of free, searchable videos for you.

Time Stamps:1. 0:17 {Can Megachurches be Effective?} From a biblical and practical standpoint, is there a maximum number of people that can or should make up a local church? Assuming their doctrine is biblical, can a megachurch with multiple satellite sites or campuses be an effective church?2. 13:52 {Was Mary Surprised about Jesus’ Deity?} If Mary was aware of the immaculate conception (visited by an angel, etc.), why in Mark 3: 21 does it seem she’s surprised about Jesus being the Messiah? Scripture says His “family” that goes to “take charge of Him” for being out of His mind are His mother & brothers. Why would Mary think He is out of His mind if she had been visited by an angel?3. 19:40 {About the Apostles’ Martyrdom} A big defense for Christianity is that the Apostles died & were tortured, never recanting Jesus. How are the Heavens Gate & Jonestown 1978 incidents any different? They all willingly died for a lie, too.4. 24:33 {Who are the Called & Chosen in Matt.?} Who are the called & chosen ones in Matthew 22: 14? Is it God who does both the calling & the choosing?5. 30:32 {Does Jesus Mean “Hail Zeus”?} What do you say to people who claim that the name Jesus really means “hail Zeus”? They say one is unknowingly doing witchcraft by using the name Jesus. Why didn’t His name just continue as Yeshua?6. 35:17 {Is John 15 Works-Based?} Is John 15 works-based? v.10 says, “IF you keep my commandments, THEN you will abide in my love.” That sounds like obedience earns God’s love, contrary to the Gospel. What does a life of “abiding” look like daily?7. 42:25 {Ways to Grow in Christ} I’ve recently found a renewed desire to get closer with God and was just wondering if you have any advice about how to do so.8. 44:05 {Did God Ordain Animal Sacrifices?} Does Jeremiah 7: 22 & Matthew 9: 13 indicate God never ordained animal sacrifices? To me it seems God has gradually moved mankind away from sacrifices & idol worship and into His ideal form of religion.9. 54:05 {About Angels} I know that we are made in the image and likeness of God and are called God’s children, but what are angels to God? Are they made in the image and likeness of God? Are they God’s children?10. 57:22 {Is there a Contradiction?} In Matthew 2: 19-22, was Joseph’s second dream (vs. 22) from God? God says all who mean to kill you are dead, but God warns him again. Some translations of vs. 22 leave out “God.” Is this a contradiction?11. 1:00:40 {How Many People are in Heaven?} It’s estimated that 60% of natural conceptions fail to implant in the uterus and that at least 50 billion people lived until now. Does that mean there are around 75 billion people in Heaven?12. 1:05:32 {How to Recognize the Spirit vs. Enemy} How do we know when we feel the Holy Spirit that it isn’t a trick from Satan making us think that it’s God? And how do you know Jesus’s resurrection wasn’t a false miracle/wonder by Satan?13. 1:09:26 {How to Glorify God as an Artist} I like to draw and write fiction in my spare time, and I want to glorify God as best I can doing this. Is there anything I should do or avoid doing as a Christian artist?14. 1:11:19 {Does Forgiveness Challenge Responsibility?} My grandma rejects Christianity because she claims relying on the forgiveness of a savior teaches us that we don’t have to be responsible for our own actions. How can I help her untangle that belief?15. 1:14:35 {About the “Day of the Lord”} What must come first, per 2 Thessalonians 2:3? Does “apostasia” mean a spiritual falling away/rebellion, or a physical departure, as in the rapture?16. 1:19:03 {What does “Cowardly” Mean in Revelation?} Can you shed some light on what Revelation 21:8 really means by the cowardly or the fearful hav

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:0:00 – Introduction1. 0:28 {How the Jewish Bible is Different} Why aren’t there Bibles with the Hebrew order of the Old Testament? Some say the Hebrew order helps to show additional context and beauty of the Prophets and writings within Israel’s history. Any reason to stick to the English order? If either is fine, why aren’t there options?2. 14:15 {Advice – Tough Marriage/Divorce Situation} Regarding divorce, you mentioned that verbal/emotional abuse is only a valid justification when it is extreme. How do we think biblically about what God would consider to be extreme? I’m finding it hard not to doubt my own perceptions, but my husband is in complete denial. Also, where the husband has essentially separated from the wife within the marriage, is it still not permissible to remarry?3. 19:43 {About the “Faithful & Discreet Slave”} Can you explain how we should properly interpret Matthew 24: 45-47? I know Jehovah’s Witnesses think it’s referring to their governing body, but I’d like your opinion.4. 25:46 {Can Sin be Subjective At Times?} Sin is objective, but isn’t it sometimes subjective? For example, you may be convicted of a certain activity and won’t do it, but I do, or vice versa…and how modesty is different around the world.5. 30:21 {Are there Really “Accidents”?} Are there really accidents? For example, a freak car accident? How do we square God’s will with what might seem like a totally random event or “accident”?6. 33:26 {How to Quickly Defend Christianity} Please teach us to talk about why Christianity is true (3-5 points in 2-3 minutes).7. 41:44 {Can we Write Jesus into Games or Stories?} I’m a hobbyist/game developer and have started making Bible themed games. I want to include Jesus in one of my projects, but I feel uncomfortable writing words for Him. Any advice? Can I even do this?8. 45:10 {About the Natural Condition of Man} I’ve heard you say that you don’t agree with any of the points in TULIP. What do you believe about the natural condition of man?9. 49:18 {Can There Be Differing Interpretations of Scripture?} If the word “clear” is used to describe a teaching in the Bible by two Christians with opposing views on the same teaching, wouldn’t that void the effectiveness of using the word in that way?10. 50:58 {Trusting God in Very Difficult Times} Do you have any advice for dealing with a miscarriage? It’s the first time in my life where I’ve been angry at God. I know He’s sovereign, but it’s difficult to accept right now.11. 54:56 {Does James Teach Guaranteed Healing?} Does James 5: 14-15 say that a sick person should ask elders to pray for him and he will be always healed? The text seems to be quite straight forward on this.12. 1:01:48 {Can we Give to Non-Christian Causes?} Thoughts on charitable giving to organizations that I’m passionate about but aren’t overtly Christian? Even if it’s above my normal tithe, is this “taking money away” from Kingdom advancement?13. 1:03:37 {Is There a Contradiction?} The Synoptics seem to indicate that the Feeding of 5,000 took place on the Sea of Galilee’s West side (Mark 6:30-56), but it seems to take place on the East side in John 6. How do we resolve this?14. 1:04:58 {Is Worrying a Sin?} Is worrying (stress/anxiety) a sin? If so, could you provide some thoughts on the reasons you think it is?15. 1:10:51 {Is it Wrong to Visit an Unbiblical Church?} Is it wrong to attend a “prosperity gospel” church with our in-laws when we visit them?16. 1:11:59 {Protecting Children from Bad Teaching} My Hubby was raised Mormon. He still believes it all but isn’t active. His family takes my son to church if he stays with them & they’ve started teaching him LDS doctrine. I want to not let him go anymore

Was it God or Satan who incited David to take the census?How many troops were counted? 2 Sam. and 1 Chron. have different numbers.The book of James says God doesn’t tempt anyone, so how can that be reconciled with him inciting David?Why are Israel and Judah talked about as different groups before the kingdom split into those groups?
This is just one question from a long interview I did for the moderators of the r/Bible subreddit. They asked their subreddit to send me a bunch of questions and I spent a lot of time preparing so that I would be able to offer the best answers I could. I’ll be posting these answers as individual videos, so keep an eye out for the rest in the set. Here’s a playlist where I will add them as they come out: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHtc_kN13cgTRV1l3bl3wZiD
My website https://BibleThinker.org