Answers to Christianity Questions
Here are some thoughts for your consideration as why the Angel of the LORD commanded Hagar to submit to Sarai. A. The role of Hagar within Abram’s family was a handmaid to Sarai (Gen. 16:2). Hagar was a purchased Egyptian maid. She was in bondage before Abram purchased her. Abram gave Hagar to his wife, … Read More “Why did the Angel of the Lord demand that Hagar return to Sarai (Genesis 16: 9) if she mistreated Hagar (Genesis 16: 6)?” »
Thank you for the question on the Book of Lamentation, “Why was the Book of Lamentations included in the Old Testament? What is the significance of the book of lamentations?” As I was reading again the Introductions to the Book of Lamentation in the NIV, I found the Introduction very helpful and good reminder of the … Read More “Why was the Book of Lamentations included in the Old Testament? What is the significance of the book of lamentations?” »
Thank you for the question on Hagar’s submission to Sarai, “Why did the Angel of the Lord demand that Hagar return to Sarai (Genesis 16: 9) if she mistreated Hagar (Genesis 16: 6)?” Here are some thoughts for your consideration as why the Angel of the LORD commanded Hagar to submit to Sarai. A. The role … Read More “Why did the Angel of the Lord demand that Hagar return to Sarai (Genesis 16: 9) if she mistreated Hagar (Genesis 16: 6)?” »
Thank you for the interpretative question on Hebrews 6:1, “What does ”Repentance from dead works’ ‘ (Hebrews 6:1) really mean?” Hebrews 6 is a difficult passage to interpret for there are various Biblical and theological positions on the chapter. Thus I am sharing my understanding of the text, realizing others Christians may have a different view. … Read More “What does ”Repentance from dead works’ ‘ (Hebrews 6:1) really mean?” »
Thank you for the interpretative question, “What does it mean in Isaiah 59:2 that sins separate us from God?” The word, separate, means to divide, to have a gulf in between. In other words, there is a wide gap that one is walking one direction and the other party is walking in the opposite direction. There … Read More “What does it mean in Isaiah 59:2 that sins separate us from God?” »
Thank you for the question of the historicity and application of Bible events, “Why do the stories from the Bible feel like fairy tales? Why don’t we see God move the similar way he did in the Bible?” The question posed to readers is a valid one. There are many Christians and non-Christians wonder about the … Read More “Why do the stories from the Bible feel like fairy tales? Why don’t we see God move the similar way he did in the Bible?” »
Thank you for the question on the cultural influence on Bible writers, “To what extent do you think the mores, culture, and the world view of the ancient biblical writers colors the Bible’s morality? How does one put that into context for modern believer?” As one reads the Old Testament and New Testament, the Scriptures are … Read More “To what extent do you think the mores, culture, and world view of the ancient biblical writers colors the Bible’s morality? How does one put that into context for modern believers?” »
Thank you for the question on God hardening Pharaoh’s heart, “Why did the Lord harden Pharaoh’s heart in the Bible? I just don’t understand why God would go to all the trouble of the plagues and harden Pharaoh so the people wouldn’t leave?” The hardening of Pharaoh’s heart is one of those Biblical challenging questions. It … Read More “Why did the Lord harden Pharaoh’s heart in the Bible? I just don’t understand why God would go to all the trouble of the plagues and harden Pharaoh so the people wouldn’t leave?” »
Thank you for the question on confession, “What are the scriptural points on both sides of confession of sin in general like Lutherans believe versus confession by actually enumerating individual sins to God like evangelicals believe? Confession is defined as naming that sin or admitting the wrong attitude or action before God. The verses are as … Read More “What are the scriptural points on both sides of confession of sin in general like Lutherans believe versus confession by actually enumerating individual sins to God like evangelicals believe?” »
Thank you for the question of long term care of a child, Are legal guardians of a mentally ill child allowed to put the child in a mental health hospital if the child is unwilling? We don’t want to put him in a psych ward but more of a residential rehab type of facility and he … Read More “Are legal guardians of a mentally ill child allowed to put the child in a mental health hospital if the child is unwilling? We don’t want to put him in a psych ward but more of a residential rehab type of facility and he is 100% against the idea.” »