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Two questions: Did Jesus address vipers in the same manner that he addressed sheep? What do I mean by "viper"? I mean someone whose fundamental nature is to find something negative, in conversations, so that he can accuse the person. He is not looking to learn or understand. What do I...

The teachings of the heretic Pelagius are listed below. Some of the points influence free-willer theology. I have used boldness to define the points that are definitely in error. Can you identify others? 1. God’s highest attributes are his righteousness and justice. 2. Everything God creates...

The doctrines of grace, which some call the Five Points of Calvinism (TULIP), are the topic of some threads I’ve started. I am not typically the kind of person who likes to debate this topic with people on forums, but a small number of individuals have harassed me on this topic as it has been...

One of the first things that a Reformed person will face is the false narrative of anti-Calvinists regarding Michael Servetus. The story is told in various ways. However, the common story is that John Calvin murdered Michael Servetus. Some claim that he used green wood to burn Servetus at...

Excerpt from Spurgeon's Sermon: Free Will- A Slave The Prayer of the Arminian ...Any one who believes that man's will is entirely free, and that he can be saved by it, does not believe the fall... But I tell you what will be the best proof of that; it is the great fact that you never did meet a...

Unconditional election is the second doctrine of grace that I would like to cover. I would like to say that the interaction on this forum concerning Reformed theology has, in fact, entrenched me even deeper, and incited me to do a quick review on the topic. In fact, I think the doctrines are...

A number of individuals have responded in a very derogatory manner toward Reformed theology. I realize their attitude is a very common one within evangelical Christianity. Among other things, Reformed theology focuses on the doctrines of grace. The doctrines of grace have been commonly...

Some church organizations claim that repentance is not part of the gospel, and should not be mentioned. I believe that their intention is to get as many people saved as they can, but in the process, are they filling the pews with goats who have not been born-again? Or, rather, are their pews...

Hi All, Do you consider smoking cigarettes to be a sin? Yes/No? If you believe smoking is a sin, why? If you believe smoking is not a sin, why? Does the Bible cover smoking tobacco in principle? If so, where? If you are an ex-smoker, how did you manage to quit? I am an ex-smoker. I...

The question is simple. Is addiction the sin of idolatry, or is it a disease? I worked in a parachurch ministry dealing with addicts, particularly substance abuse. I have never had a recognized substance abuse problem, although in principle, I believe that I have been addicted to one...

I am attaching a discussion guide to this discussion which gives the Scriptural support for my main points. I won't refer to those Scriptures for the most part, because they are included in the discussion guide. I used this discussion guide in a parachurch ministry I was involved with. This...

I am single and have never been married. However, I am wondering if churches typically require their members to counsel with the pastor prior to marriage. I think that some churches require counseling, but only if the couple will be married in their building by their pastor. What is the norm...

What is your understanding of the consequences of Adam's sin? I am continually surprised by the number of Christians who deny original sin, biblically defined, or misunderstand it. There are groups that specialize in this (Pelagians and the followers of Charles Finney in particular), however...

I am 56 years old. I am wondering how many of us are in a mid-life crisis and realizing how far we have fallen short, in terms of lamenting our progress toward pursuing spiritual goals, and falling short of reaching the image of the LORD? I am reading a book by Paul Tripp in this regard. It...

Does it embarrass us that we spend so much time "discussing" or arguing about fine theological points, yet don't take enough time to show our love for the poor, helpless, young and aged? It was about this time of year that Rich Mullins was killed in an auto accident in 1997. I exited a cultic...

Sometimes I've heard individuals claim that individuals will not recognize their family members and friends in the resurrection. This is a ridiculous claim. Here's a few Scriptures to indicate that believers will recognize one another: 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 19 For what is our hope or joy or...

I was an annihilationist at one point, and have since rejected it. Why? I realize now that annihilationists confuse types in the Old Testament with the reality. What do I mean by that? The OT often portrayed the fate of the wicked to be reduction to ashes through the fire of judgment. The...

I have a question for dispensationalists. Is Ancient Israel a type of the Church, the individual believer, and Jesus himself? If so, why do you have an issue with fulfillment theology (which you slanderously call replacement theology)? I have described on other threads how the believer is...

One of the common claims regarding the NIV translation is that it is contaminated because two participants in the translation were apparently gay. These two participants are Marten Woudstra and Virginia Mollenkott. I will leave it to you in regards to their specific roles, but Mollenkott was a...

Are creeds, confessions, and theological language important? Suppose you live in an area with a lot of crime. Would you leave your door open? NO. Yet, that's exactly what many professing Christians are doing with regards to their spiritual lives, their doctrinal understanding, and those of...