Articles by BibleThinker

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference 0:00 – Introduction 1. 1:04 {The Gospel of Thomas} Do you have any thoughts about the “Gospel of Thomas”? 2. 9:55 {Can Denominations Substitute Baptism?} Is it within biblical “freedom” for a denomination like the Salvation Army to replace water baptisms with wearing a uniform instead, and to not practice communion regularly, as well? 3. 12:29 {Is God Truly Impartial?} How is God impartial when He makes some people with disabilities and some normal, when some people are born into abject poverty while some are born into riches, and gives some people a relatively easy life and others a miserable life? 4. 18:10 {How Should we Define “Fruit”?} How do we practically use Matthew 7: 15-20 to discern? People often define fruit as whatever they’d like. Some call being “drunk in the Spirit” good fruit, some say telling people to repent is judgey and bad fruit. 5. 25:55 {About being Born Again & Indwelling} Jesus said unless you are born again you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Does Luke 13: 28 imply that “born again” doesn’t mean “indwelt by the Spirit” since that wasn’t possible until Jesus came? 6. 30:20 {Psalm 51 – Were Sacrifices Optional?} In Psalm 51: 16-17, it talks about God not wanting sacrifices/burnt offerings. Does this mean those were optional, or is it just talking about the person’s heart in giving? 7. 36:56 {Bible Contradiction about Demon Possession?} In Luke 9:1, Jesus gives the twelve “power and authority over all the demons.” And in Luke 9: 40, a man tells Jesus the disciples could not cast out the demon possessing his son. Is this a contradiction? 8. 40:17 {About the Book of Ezekiel} What are your thoughts and opinions on Ezekiel 38- 39, as well as what it may mean for us? 9. 44:26 {Overcoming Alcoholism Biblically} How do you help a fellow Christian (including your spouse) deal and overcome alcoholism biblically? 10. 50:48 {Why are Bystanders Sometimes Killed in Scripture?} Why were the families of people who broke the law like Achan killed with their families? Why were they not killed alone? 11. 52:45 {Why Wasn’t Daniel w/Shad./Mesh./&Abed.?} Where was Daniel when the 3 Hebrew young men were thrown into the fire? 12. 55:06 {How to Think Biblically about Exorcisms} I was wondering about how a modern Christian would deal with demonic activity. You only see in movies priests doing exorcisms, but what would a pastor do if this was happening today? 13. 57:04 AND 1:20:59 {About William Webb’s Hermeneutics} What do you think of William Webb’s “Redemptive Movement” model for hermeneutics? My pastor is embracing it, but it seems almost heretical to me. 14. 57:42 {About Intercessory Prayer} Is intercessory prayer a spiritual gift, possibly within the spiritual gift of faith that Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians 12:9)? Any knowledge you have on intercessory prayer is appreciated! 15. 1:01:23 {About Church Membership Classes} What are your thoughts on churches that require classes and interviews before becoming a member? I think we should be actively involved in a church, but it seems like steps that aren’t biblical. 16. 1:04:33 {Witnessing to LDS Members} What’s the best way to respond to LDS friends who say “in the beginning” means only the beginning of “OUR world,” and say then it’s possible that Jesus was created before He created all things “here”? 17. 1:08:41 {Overcoming Pornography / Accountability} I’m getting married in 2 weeks and am hit with doubts and worries that my struggle with porn will lead into my marriage. My fiancé knows about it. Do you have any advice? 18. 1:12:10 {Would Jesus have Died of Old Age?} Since Jesus never sinned, would he NOT have died of old age eventually (if he hadn’t been crucified), or would he have? 19. 1:14:34 {About the Mosaic Law} How would you explain 1 John 3:4 (sin is transgression of the law) to someone trying to convin

Who are they and what do they believe? How do you reach them with the gospel of Christ? What is going on with the Black Hebrew Israelites and their sudden rise in power. I invited Vocab Malone to talk to us about this group because he has spent countless hours not only researching the BHI but also interacting with them and helping deliver people from the false teachings they have fallen under.

This is Vocab Malone’s YT channel https://www.youtube.com/user/vocabmalone

Here’s my series on the Hebrew Roots movement. It gives a ton of info for the issue of Torah observant teachings. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR7xTYhXEbo&list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuOD_BytSxbejzCnGPOcgFw

I have live videos every Monday and Friday at 1pm Pacific Time. Monday is a Bible study and Friday is a Q&A.

Feel free to use my videos in your own gatherings as an aid to studying Scripture.

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 – Introduction
1. 0:56 {Sharing the Gospel/Unsaved Loved Ones} How do you share the Gospel to people with unsaved loved ones who have already passed? (Accepting it to be true would mean accepting that their loved ones are in hell.)
2. 6:31 {What does “Turn the Other Cheek” Mean?} In the Bible, it says to “turn the other cheek.” Does that mean no one is supposed to be punished, except by God? (Meaning we shouldn’t have prisons or protect ourselves and loved ones.)
3. 14:07 {About Adam’s Sin Nature/Original Sin} Does Psalm 51:5 teach that we inherit the guilt of Adam’s sin, not just his sin nature?
4. 23:49 {Unity When We Disagree Politically} There is a lot of contempt within the body of Christ across the political aisle. How can there be genuine unity with those who differ so greatly in thinking when it comes to things like abortion or BLM?
5. 29:36 {How can I Better Support my Pastor?} Aside from tithing and prayer, what are good ways to support my pastor? Would it be weird to send an email each week thanking him for the sermon? I have a social disorder, so I’m always unsure.
6. 34:10 {Bible Study Resource Recommendations?} Do you know of any good Bible Study resources for a group with no teacher, only facilitators?
7. 35:40 {When to “Shake the Dust from our Feet”} At what point are we to “shake off the dust from our feet” as mentioned in Matthew 10: 14 when trying to witness to friends, strangers, loved ones, etc.?
8. 42:53 {God of the Living AND the Dead?} In Mark 12: 27, Jesus says God is the God of the living, not the dead; yet in Roman 14:9, Paul says He is the God of the living and the dead. How do I reconcile this?
9. 48:06 {Should we Ask Qs while Reading Scripture?} Does God want us to ask Him questions and look for the answers in Scripture, even if the Bible does not specifically deal with the question?
10. 50:06 {Historical Evidence for God’s Judgments?} Is there any historical evidence for any of the prophets of the old testament or for any judgments God pronounced on people?
11. 52:26 {Is the Parable of the Talents Works Based?} How do you separate the Parable of the Talents from a works-based Salvation?
12. 59:06 {About Jewish Interpretation} What’s your take on Jewish interpretive methods for Scripture such as Gematria (Matthew 1: 17, Revelation 13: 18) or the Hebrew alphabet and pictographic symbolism? (Psalm 119: 73 for example) “Yod” = Hand, etc.
13. 1:06:17 {About the 10 Plagues of Egypt} How long did the 10 plagues of Egypt last? Were these consecutive events?
14. 1:06:52 {Women are the “Glory” of Man?} I’m studying 1 Corinthians 11, and I’m really struggling with verse 7. It says the woman is the “glory” of the man. What’s your opinion what this glory means?
15. 1:09:28 {Why Didn’t the Father Send Jesus Earlier?} Why didn’t God simply use the “new” covenant right away (meaning, why didn’t He just send Jesus much earlier in the world’s history)?
16. 1:14:00 {Contradicting Genealogies?} Why are the genealogies of Jesus different in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke?
17. 1:15:42 {What is the Purpose of the Christian Life?} If a non-Christian asked you “What is the purpose of life as a Christian?” what would you say, and what Scriptures would you use as a reference?
18. 1:19:16 {Does God Make Mistakes?} How can I help my Christian friend trust God? He reads the OT and thinks God keeps making mistakes and tries to fix them (snake in garden, Noah’s flood). He doesn’t trust Heaven will be better.
19. 1:23:04 {How to Overcome Nervousness in Prayer} Why do I feel nervous to pray? I want to but it feels unnatural to me.
20. 1:25:21 {The Deity of the Holy Spirit} I was wondering if the Bible mentions that the Holy Spirit was in the beginning with God the Father and the Son, and where is the Holy Spirit said to be God?

The NEW BibleThinker mugs can be found here. These are made by a third party and I’m not making any money off of them BUT $5 per mug will go toward to supp

I’m not exaggerating when I say that this passage of the Gospel of Mark records Jesus’ most intense, emotional low point, full of agony, and absolute dread. Theological liberals will sometimes distort the agony of Christ in this passage while conservatives have sometimes minimized it. In fact, I would say that it has been radically minimized in history, to the point of us missing the main thrust of what is happening here. In addition to the horror and beauty of the moment where Jesus stands alone, the only faithful one, going to die for the world at great personal cost and pain, we have a lot of absolutely WONDERFUL theological insights from the Psalms, Jonah and parallels with the Garden of Eden that give me chills!

I can’t wait to share it all with you!

This is part 61 of the Mark Series, going verse by verse through the Gospel of Mark. Today we are in chapter 14:32-52.

See the WHOLE Gospel of Mark playlist here. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF

Here’s the 6 video series I mentioned offering a theological, historical, philosophical and rhetorical defense of Penal Substitutionary Atonement. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4bTHScjdEo&list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHttVR0rkvhBfA-IKrg5SGcp

This is the article about the very recent discovery of a ritual bath from Jesus’ time that works well with the idea that olive production was happening in the Garden of Gethsemane during the 1st century. https://www.timesofisrael.com/ancient-ritual-bath-may-mark-first-new-testament-era-find-at-jesus-gethsemane/

I have live videos every Monday and Friday at 1pm Pacific Time. Monday is a Bible study and Friday is a Q&A.

Feel free to use my videos in your own gatherings as an aid to studying Scripture.

Here’s my video on “the priesthood of all believers” https://youtu.be/fi0a94fbAoc
Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 – Introduction
1. 1:08 [What does Paul Mean by “The Faith”?] In Ephesians 4:7-16, what exactly does Paul mean by “the faith”? How does the Church attain to this unity, why is the Church so apparently lacking in unity, and why are so few believers participating?
2. 10:31 [About Stephen, Terah, & Abraham] Why does Stephen mention that Abraham’s father Terah died before Abraham left his home (in Haran) in Acts 7:4? That seems to contradict Genesis 11: 26 and 11: 32 which say that Terah became the father of Abraham (then called Abram) by the time he was 70 and Terah died in Haran at the age of 205. This means that Stephen is saying Abraham was 135 when he left Haran, but Genesis 12:4 says he was (only) 75 when he set out from Haran.
3. 12:43 [Do You Have any Favorite Teachers?] What is your opinion of the written works of Emanuel Swedenborg, Watchman Nee, and Charles Spurgeon? Please share your favorite teachers.
4. 14:28 [Is Dancing a Sin?] Why do people think that dancing is a sin? Is there a biblical basis to this, or is this legalistic/unnecessary?
5. 19:38 [Should We Ask for Signs from God?] When we pray for direction from God, should we ask for specific signs to guide us or confirm God’s will (similar to Gideon and the fleece) when the answer isn’t clear to us?
6. 27:24 [Overcoming Laziness] PLEASE give me tips on how to overcome laziness! I work very hard at work but get literally nothing done around the house when I get home. Feel free 2 be harsh. I need it. Thanks!
7. 29:45 [Why did Jesus call Judas “Friend”?] In Matthew 26: 50, Jesus calls Judas “friend” as He is betrayed. Was Jesus being sarcastic at such a dire moment? The Greek word ἑταῖρος (hetairos) is used only by Matthew (11:16; 20:13; 22:12; 26:50).
8. 32:47 [Why Doesn’t God Fully Reveal Himself?] Why does God not appear physically and audibly speak to everyone? I know some people that He does this with, but what makes them so special? Would it not get rid of all unbelief if He did?
9. 39:14 [About Jewish Forgiveness/Atonement] How do Jews today obtain forgiveness for sin without the temple and sacrificial system in place?
10. 43:46 [About Psalm 82] Who are the “gods” in Psalm 82?
11. 50:10 [About the Big Bang Theory] Should Christians believe in the Big Bang? My brother says it isn’t biblical because the Big Bang Theory includes light, and God created light after the creation of the Earth.
12. 57:06 [About Modalism / Discussing the Trinity] How do I lovingly witness to my husband raised Oneness Pentecostal? Discussing the Trinity, he gets angry. Tongues, falling out, etc…he says I just don’t get it because I haven’t experienced it.
13. 1:00:18 [How to Summarize the Gospel] How do you summarize the Gospel when you are sharing it in conversation (e.g. with a stranger on the street or with someone from a different religion)?
14. 1:02:53 [How does the HS Speak?] How does the Holy Spirit speaks to me personally? I’ve left a hyper-charismatic church and am confused.
15. 1:06:24 [Why did God Choose to Die?] Why did God choose to die to redeem our sin? Does the Bible mention His motives for this method? Is this to show His power over death, or is there another reason?
16. 1:08:23 [Did Jesus get Tricked by Demons?] In the account of the demoniac at Gerasene, did Jesus make the swine run down the steep embankment and into the sea, therefore tricking the demons? Or did the demons somehow trick Jesus?
17. 1:15:05 [About Marriage Documentation] Due to the Coronavirus, me and my fiancé haven’t had a chance to get documentally (or even in church) married (he’s in another country right now). We behave as if we were, almost in everything. Is it justified?
18. 1:17:23 [How to Overcome Gluttony] How do I avoid gluttony? Should I stay within a strict calorie limit, or is that too legalistic?
19. 1:21:57 [About the “Priesthood of Believers”] I’m a Lat

Peter said He would rather die with Jesus than deny Him. Then he denied Him. What about you? What about me? This passage of Scripture has many lessons for us in theology and apologetics but what stands out to me the most is the lesson of how suffering and confusion test out faith in such a dramatic way.

This is a link to the entire Mark series, going verse by verse through the Gospel of Mark looking for theological, historical, apologetic and practical insights. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF

I go live every Monday and Friday at 1pm pacific time, if my internet is working! haha

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:

0:00 – Introduction
1. 0:23 [Movies/Shows Taking the Lord’s Name in Vain] There is so much debate going on among me, my family, and friends regarding watching movies or TV shows that use the Lord’s name in vain. Like saying “Oh my G…” or when they get angry and say “J..C…” Could you shed some light on this, please? Is there anything in the bible that tells us if it’s wrong or right to watch these movies even if we ourselves don’t use the Lord’s name in vain?
2. 8:30 [Are We Free from the Enemy’s Power?] In one of your videos, you said some things have been provided on the cross but not fully finished. One of them was being free from the Enemy’s power. Isn’t that finished? (Colossians 1: 13, Acts 26: 18)
3. 14:55 [Question about Priesthoods] Could you please explain the difference between the Aaronic, Levitical, and Melchizedekian priesthoods?
4. 21:09 [Understanding OT Commands for Death] How does one justify God’s directive to kill all the Amalekites, specifically the children, and even infants in 1 Samuel 15:3?
5. 27:24 [Should good teachers teach w/false teachers?] What would be your opinion on pastors with sound doctrine who share stages with false prophets? Will they be considered guilty by association?
6. 30:08 [About God’s Discipline/Correction] Hebrews 12:5-6 quotes Proverbs 3: 11-12. Why does the end of v. 6 say “scourge,” not “correct”? I get the first part, but to say God brutally whips EVERY believer “sounds” like a misquote. What does it imply?
8. 36:36 [About Sin and Death] James 1:15 ends with “…and sin, when full-grown, brings forth death.” If we are in Christ, what does he mean by “death”? Is he speaking about unbelievers? Any insight to this verse would be helpful!
9. 41:54 [Growing Closer to the Holy Spirit] I’m struggling with trusting and wanting Christ. How do you stop keeping the Holy Spirit at an arm’s length distance, spiritually?
10. 44:48 [Does Luke teach “Purgatory”?] Does Luke 12: 44-48 teach Purgatory? There are 4 servants: The faithful, the one sent to unbelievers, and then two others that only receive punishment, not casting out.
11. 52:00 [Is Nudity in Art o.k. for Christians?] A lot of classical art has nudity in it, like the statue of David. How should Christians approach this art? Is it o.k. to like it, or to make art similar to it?
12. 54:38 [About OT Law & Morality] I am having trouble understanding the morality of Deuteronomy 22: 28-29. Some say it is consensual, but this contradicts 2 Samuel 13: 14-16. How do you interpret and justify the morality of this law?
13. 1:01:56 [A Biblical View of Self-Worth] We are talking about self-worth in a young ladies group and I wanted to ask, “What is the biblical view of self-worth?”
14. 1:06:10 [Overcoming the Sin of Pride] How do you deal with pride? I find it paradoxical; I often get proud of how humble I am when I notice my pride, thus leading to more pride. It just goes into an infinite regress of layers of pride.
15. 1:08:08 [Loving our Neighbor During Quarantine Times] In what ways can we love our neighbor and live lives that honor God in times like these, when many of us can’t congregate and instead spend a lot of time at home?
16. 1:10:04 [About “Jesus Ben Ananias”] What do you think about the claim that Jesus Christ was based off of Jesus Ben Ananias in Josephus’ Jewish War?
17. 1:15:25 [Drawing Close to God when it Feels Difficult] I have felt cut off from the Lord. When I pray, I wonder if I am talking to myself and if everything I hold dear is wishful thinking. Why won’t God help me when I am crying out to Him?
18. 1:21:17 [About Military Service / Self-Defense] Is a will to fight for this country in opposition to a faith in Jesus? Furthermore, is there provision in Scripture for self-preservation from things such as home invasion, foreign threats, etc.?
19. 1:23:15 [Did Jesus Lie?] Why does it seem like Jesus lied to His brothers in John 7:8-10?
20. 1:26:12 [Christian vs. Non-Christian

0:00 – Introduction
1. 5:55 What are your thoughts on divorce and remarriage for Christians? Is it biblical?
2. 15:33 What are your thoughts about the Covid vaccine, and about following other government mandates or laws?
3. 22:52 What do you think of women in positions of Christian leadership?
4. 24:39 Is it o.k. for Christians to live in prosperity? How prosperous is too prosperous for a Christian, when it comes to possessions? Should Christians sell all that they have?
5. 29:05 How can we share the gospel to gay friends? Do you believe there is such a thing as a “gay Christian” that continues to act on their temptations? If someone is currently in a gay marriage, should they divorce, or stay committed to the marriage?
6. 44:01 What does Pastor Mike think about Nate and Sutton’s channel?
7. 45:47 Why do we worship on Sundays when the 10 Commandments talk about the Sabbath and even Jesus kept the Sabbath?
8. 49:49 What is your perspective on the practice of speaking in tongues? Is that gift for today? And what do you think about people who say if you don’t speak in tongues, you don’t have the Holy Spirit?
9. 54:57 When it comes to our giving, is there a specific percentage Christians are supposed to tithe or give?
10. 1:02:37 How did Satan have the ability to sin before the fall, and how did sin come to exist?
11. 1:05:21 Why should we pray for unbelievers to be saved when God already has His “Elect” chosen?

Here’s Nate and Sutton’s channel. I had a great time with them but also think that they have valuable content that is helping people know and follow Christ. Check them out! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdY3Sgxm_ay3bu_lk70zL0w

This is my exhaustive video on divorce and remarriage. If you really want help on this I recommend you patiently watch it all and prayerfully consider it. https://youtu.be/N2pC6ZikbYo

The best selling book “A Rhythm of Prayer” has a number of prayers, including one that asks God to help you hate white people. Let’s analyze this prayer because it’s not only wrong on the surface, it’s a rather clever way to get us to embrace the very unbiblical views of Critical Race Theory, racial guilt and to replace a biblical value of impartiality and oneness in Christ with one of sectarian power dynamics.
We will look at the prayer as well as the justification that the author offers for it. It might surprise you to find out that there is a real worldview behind it. It probably won’t surprise you to find out that it’s not consistent with Jesus.

Here’s my video on Critical Race Theory with Neil Shenvi. Please watch it in full before judging it. We are serious about these issues and want to be biblical in how we handle them.

Here’s a link to the prayer in full https://drchanequa.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/prayer-weary-black-woman.pdf
– Please note that Dr. Chanequa, the author of the prayer, is the one who made it freely available online. This is why I feel it’s ok to share the whole thing with you.

Dr. Chanequa’s defense of her prayer is here. If you reach out to her, do so with the love of Christ seasoning your words. https://drchanequa.wordpress.com/2021/04/08/prayer-of-a-weary-black-woman/

The book, Rhythm of Prayer, is here. https://www.amazon.com/Rhythm-Prayer-Collection-Meditations-Renewal/dp/0593137213
I have live videos every Monday and Friday at 1pm Pacific Time. Monday is a Bible study and Friday is a Q&A.

Feel free to use my videos in your own gatherings as an aid to studying Scripture.

I remember the first time I read through this passage. I definitely missed out on MOST of the wonderful stuff that is in here for us to enjoy. But even after years of studying the Bible I think it’s easy to miss out on some of the subtle and powerful truths hidden in the text. Jesus’ last supper is something “everyone knows” and, I would like to suggest that assumption of knowledge is causing many of us to miss out on the beauty and brilliance of this famous event.

This is part 59 of the Mark Series, going verse by verse through the Gospel of Mark. Today we are in chapter 14:12-26.

See the WHOLE Gospel of Mark playlist here. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF

Here’s my video on how Jesus fulfilled Passover… it’s pretty amazing how intricately God laid out the symbolism! https://youtu.be/tbwylmj26SU

Here’s a teaching on Jesus fulfilling Isaiah 53, which He alludes to in Mark 14 as well. https://youtu.be/Ng0HMOs7ky0

This is my favorite series ever! How to find Jesus in the Old Testament. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHsHyvMtfgOgSPU6zEnCvxUO

Feel free to use my videos in your own gatherings as an aid to studying Scripture.