The Name of Jesus

Is there any difference in the terms “Jesus”, “Christ”, “Jesus Christ”, and “Christ Jesus” in the Bible?

The term “Christ Jesus” is the same thing as saying, “President Obama.” One word is a title, the other is a name.

Christ, technically speaking, isn’t Jesus’ name; it’s His title. The Greek Christos and the Hebrew Meshiach both mean the same thing—the ‘anointed One’ – i.e., the person whom God has chosen for a special role. Jesus is the Christ, He’s God’s specially chosen One who would redeem God’s people and bring in God’s kingdom.

Temples in Jerusalem

What is the difference between the temples of Solomon, Hezekiah, Zerubbabel and Herod?

Originally, King David wanted to build a temple but God said that his son Solomon would build it instead [1st Chronicles 17:4, 11-12]. That Temple was built around 960 BC and stood for about 400 years until Nebuchadnezzar destroyed it in 586 BC. It was built on a platform [750 ft x 750 ft] on Mt. Moriah.

Hezekiah would have used that same Temple because he reigned as King from 729-686 BC.

When the Jews returned from the Babylonian captivity, they built a new, very modest temple under the leadership of Zerubbabel [Ezra 3:8-11]. That Temple was completed around 520 BC. It was on the same site as the original Temple that Solomon built, and it remained there until the time of Herod the Great.

When Herod came to into power, he wanted to build a magnificent temple in Jerusalem, mostly to gain favor with his Jewish subjects. So, he rebuilt Zerubbabel’s Temple in a grand fashion, including the platform that it was built on. He expanded Solomon’s 750 ft x 750 ft platform to include over 35 acres. That is the Temple that Jesus and the disciples would have known. The Romans destroyed it in 70 AD.

The Temple Mount can be visited today, but you will not find a Jewish building on it. Instead, you will see the Dome of the Rock, which was built by Muslims around 690 AD.

Jesus and Baptism

Did Jesus baptize anybody?

Technically no, but His disciples baptized on His behalf. The apostle John wrote about it this way:

Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples), He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. [John 4:1-3]

There is an Old Testament correlation. In Exodus 40, Moses is said to have built the Tabernacle, but in actuality, it would have been erected by a group of workers. Moses supervised the building of the Tabernacle, and in that sense, built it - just liked the disciples baptizing people under Jesus’ direction. 

Greater Works

What did Jesus mean when He said, “You will do greater works?”

You are referencing John 14:12, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father.”

I once read a book that suggested that the followers of Christ would have the power to perform greater signs, wonders, and miracles than Christ. While I read it, I kept thinking to myself, what could be greater that raising the dead? Walking on water? Multiplying food to feed the masses? Casting demons from unbelievers? Restoring crippled limbs? Healing issues of blood? Speaking to turbulent winds, calming them?

When was the last time you saw anyone do any of those things, much less something greater!

I take “You will do greater works” to mean, greater in “extent,” not greater in “kind.” Jesus limited Himself to a small area of the world. His followers, however, would take His message to the “uttermost parts of the earth.” It’s only in that sense that it is greater.

Adam's Birthday

Do you know the date when Adam was created?

The plain and simple answer is no, although there have been many attempts at doing so. Obviously the farther back we go in history the less certain we are of the chronology, unless we have specific data. For example, we know that Solomon completed the building of the first Temple about 960 BC. 1st Kings 6:1 states that the Exodus happened 480 years before the construction of the Temple, placing the time of the Exodus at about 1450 BC [which I think matches historically with Egyptology - but that is a matter for another time].

Since we don’t have such specific data linked to the time of Adam, I think it is impossible to know. But let me offer this caveat. Many reputable scholars, such as E. R. Thiele and L. McFall, suggest that agriculture commenced in the ancient near east around 10,000 year ago. If one were take that number as a matter of fact, and since Cain [Adam and Eve’s son] was a farmer, then Adam could possibly have been created around 8,000 BC.

Immanuel

Why is Jesus also called Immanuel?

The name of the Son born to Mary would be Immanuel, which translated means, “God with us.” That name was used more as a description than as a proper name. In His incarnation Jesus was, in the most literal sense, God with us.

The Old Testament repeatedly pledged God presence with His people, to secure their destiny in His covenant. The Tabernacle and Temple were intended to be symbols of that divine presence. The term for tabernacle is mishkān, which comes from shākan, meaning to dwell rest, or abide.

Interestingly, the apostle John said of Jesus, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt [literally tabernacled] among us…” [John 1:14]

The child born was to be the true Tabernacle of God—God dwelling among men in visible flesh and blood—more intimate and personal than the Tabernacle or Temple in which Israel had worshiped.

Real Christians

How do you tell a real Christian from a false Christian?

Only God TRULY knows the heart of an individual. So ultimately, I would say that’s God’s prerogative, not ours. However, when I observe someone who claims to be a Christian, here’s what I look for:

A contrite heart

Authentic humility

And above all, unhypocritical love for God and all things godly

Communion

Am I welcome to take Communion at your church?

Jesus instituted Communion, sometimes called the Lord’s Supper or Final (Last) Supper, on the eve leading to His crucifixion. In many traditions, it is presented as an observance of Christians purposefully focusing on the His death and joyfully anticipating His return. The two symbolic elements in this celebration are the cup, representing His shed blood, and bread, representing his crucified body.

We welcome all believers at the Communion table. Jesus certainly permitted all the disciples to participate in that final supper, even including Judas, who would later betray Him. Likewise, I have found no admonition from the apostles to exclude other believers. The rule in the partaking of Communion is not excluding others, but, rather, self-examination (1st Corinthians 11:28).

Angels

When and where did angels come from?

There are many Scriptures that refer to the creation of angels. If created, they are not eternal beings. Here are three references for you to examine: Nehemiah 9:6; Psalm 148:2, 5; and Colossians 1:16-17.

The time of their creation is not specifically mentioned in the Bible. My best guess is that it was before the creation of earth, based on a verse in Job: “…the sons of God [another name for angels] shouted for joy” when God laid the foundations of the earth. (Job 38:4-7)  

Carnal Christians

Is there such a thing as a “carnal” Christian?

Yes! In fact there is no such thing as a Christian who is not at times carnal. God have mercy on anyone who believes they haven’t been carnal since being a believer. But that is not typically what people mean about being a carnal Christian. In past times, some have believed that one can be a Christian and stay in a permanent state of carnality - that is, a Christian, but consistently living a “sinful” life. 

The apostle John spoke directly about this idea in his short epistle of 1st John. He said, “Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God.” (1st John 3.9 New Living Translation)

While no one is perfect, including any and all Christians, one who is truly in God’s family will not, as a lifestyle, continue to live in a state of carnality.

Voting

Why should I bother to vote since the government is unresponsive to my Christian beliefs?

St. Augustine said those who are citizens of God's kingdom are best equipped to be citizens of the kingdom of man. I think there are several good reasons to vote:

1. To take a stand against human evil. Historian John Hallowell said it best, “Only through a return to faith in God, can modern man and his society find redemption from the tyranny of evil.”

2. Christian values are a positive contribution to society. Judeo/Christian solutions to human problems make sense, and are far better than the repression of secularism.

3. Obedience to Scripture demands good citizenship. (Read Romans 13)

4. It sets an example for generations to follow. Those who vote to enhance society through Judeo/Christian principles make possible generations of blessing. For example, in 1768, John Witherspoon became the president of the College of New Jersey, now Princeton. He taught biblical principles of government to his students. John Eidsmoe writes: “Of the 478 young men who were graduates during his tenure, 13 were state governors; 3 were U.S. Supreme Court judges; 20 were U.S. Senators; 33 were U.S. Congressmen, Aaron Burr, Jr. became Vice-President; and James Madison became President.”

Witherspoon exerted an enormous influence on the direction of America, as will we, if we are good citizens and VOTE!

Depression

Do you have any words to help with my depression?

You are not alone in dealing with depression. Newsweek Magazine (May 4, 1987) called it the “common cold” of mental disorders. It is a complicated matter and will not be solved in this brief response. People use the term to describe everything from the loss of a sports event to the terrifying gloom that leads to suicide.

Gary Collins, a recognized clinician, lists 8 major causes of depression: biological factors, learned helplessness (a sense of being trapped in an intolerable situation), rejection, abuse, negative thinking, life stress, and guilt.

Here are a few “suggestions” for dealing with depression:

Aim to work on the causes of your depression, not just the symptoms. Depression may be the result of underlying issues.

Don’t rely on your feelings/emotions. Learn to trust truth over feelings. That may take a lot of faith!

Check with your doctor to assure that you have no chemical imbalances. There are good medicinal therapies that may help in the event of imbalance. But let me caution you not to use medicines to mask your symptoms. That is a completely different matter.

Deal with unresolved issues. Some people spiral into depression by not dealing with other issues like their anger, or hurt, or disappointments. Resolving life issues is helpful in achieving a healthy, positive mental attitude.

Finally, seek wise counsel. Depression is a complex matter. Some problems of depression deserve the attention of a spiritual advisor or other counselor. 

Commandments

Does the command “Thou shalt not kill” refer to all creatures?

The emphasis of this command seems to be focused on the killing of human beings by other human beings. The word “kill” is the Hebrew word “qal” and literally means: murder or slay with premeditation or intent. It is from this Judeo/Christian principle that we derive our laws concerning murder (1st degree, 2nd degree, capital, felony murder), manslaughter, etc. 

Why was the Bible written?

Ultimately, the Bible was written so that mankind would believe in Christ. Paul said it this way to the people at Ephesus: As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ. Ephesians 3:4 (New Living Translation)

The Apostle John clearly said the same thing in his gospel: The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name. John 20.30-31 (New Living Translation)

Tolerance

Why is it that Christians, who espouse “love,” are the most intolerant, non-inclusive people I know?

Thanks for your question. My quick and easy answer is a question: What do you mean by intolerant? I don’t think there is a better example of how definitions change our values, than the usage of “tolerate,” “tolerance,” or “intolerant.” It wasn’t long ago that the word ‘tolerance’ meant bearing up or putting up with someone or something not especially liked. Just a quick check of my computer dictionary (Mac Dictionary/Thesaurus) validates that idea: “Tolerance: noun; the ability or willingness to tolerate something, in particular the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with.”

Our culture has a new working definition of tolerance. It has come to mean accepting all truth claims, lifestyles, and values as equal. (A good work on this is The New Tolerance, McDowell and Hostetler [Tyndale House, 1998])

So the truth of the matter is, that it’s only this “revision” of tolerance that has, by definition only, rendered Christians as intolerant. (In saying this, I am not advocating that all Christians are tolerant, just as I would not advocate that all non-Christians are tolerant). But most people don’t see how illogical and self-refuting this new definition is. That is, if someone condemns the Christian truth claim, they are not treating that belief as ‘equal.’ So by the new “revisionist” definition of tolerance, they have become intolerant. The result is intolerance towards Christianity from people who espouse tolerating all views.

When someone asks me, “Why are you so intolerant,” I will respond, “Are you, right now, by your words and attitude, showing the kind of tolerance of my view as you expect of me for your view?” The result is a stand-off. I prefer to really, by the dictionary definition, tolerate their beliefs and they disagree, but “really” tolerate mine! 

Relativism

Can you explain moral relativism so I can understand it?

Moral relativism is more easily understood in comparison to moral absolutism. Christian absolutists believe that God is the ultimate source of our common morality, and that it is as unchanging as He is. Moral relativism asserts that morality is not based on any absolute standard but rather, on variables such as the situation itself, one’s culture, one's feelings, etc.

Greg Koukl is one of my favorite apologists. He has written extensively on relativism. Many of his articles can be found on the website: str.org. I suggest his work titled: Relativism: Having Your Feet Firmly Planted In Mid-Air!

Was Jesus born on December 25th?

The exact date of Jesus’ birth has not been determined. There have been many attempts to pinpoint His birth based on certain events in the Bible. Here is one example using the birth of John the Baptizer, the cousin of Jesus:

John's father, Zacharias, was a priest serving in the Jerusalem temple during the course of Abijah (Luke 1:5). Historical calculations indicate this course of service corresponded to June 13-19 in that year (The Companion Bible, 1974, Appendix 179, p. 200). It was during his temple service that Zacharias learned that he and his wife, Elizabeth, would have a child (Luke 1:8-13).

After he completed his service and traveled home, Elizabeth conceived (verses 23-24). Assuming John's conception took place near the end of June, adding nine months brings us to the end of March as a likely time for John's birth.

Elizabeth (John’s mother) was in her sixth month of pregnancy when Jesus was conceived (Luke 1:24-36). Adding another six months (the difference in ages between John and Jesus) brings us to the end of September as a likely time of Jesus' birth.

That being said, I’m not concerned about the date of Christ’s birth as much as the event itself. I celebrate the fact that He came – which I do on more occasions than December 25th. The prophet Zechariah encourages, “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the LORD” (Zechariah 2:10 ESV).

Evidence for Jesus

Is there any sound historical evidence about Jesus?

I have gotten a form of this question many times. And, yes, there is extra-biblical, historical evidence about Jesus from both hostile and non-hostile sources. Near contemporaries of Jesus wrote about Him. Likewise, we have historical documents from men who were students (disciples) of the original apostles. Secular sources about Jesus include the Roman historians Tacitus, Seutionius, Thallas, and Pliny. Jewish sources that speak about Jesus include the writings of Josephus and the Talmud.

Gary Habermas, in his book The Verdict of History, [p.169] cites a total of 39 ancient extra-biblical sources, 17 of which are non-Christian, that witness from outside the New Testament to over 100 details of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.

One of my seminary professors was fond of saying something like this, “There is ample historical evidence for anyone who will believe in Christ. But there is not enough evidence for anyone who won’t believe in Christ.” 

Ark of the Covenant

A recent History Channel program claims the Ark of the Covenant is in an Orthodox Church in Ethiopia. Is sounded very credible to me. What do you think?

There is a church in Ethiopia that has claimed for years to be in possession of the Ark of the Covenant. Yes, that is true. But that is about all we know. They have never allowed archaeologists to inspect the relic or test it for authenticity. This has led many scholars to believe that, at best, what they possess is merely a copy.

The Patriarch of the church has repeatedly promised to allow inspections but so far has failed to deliver on them, leaving me to believe that whatever they have is an object of faith only for Ethiopians.

Remains of Paul

Is it really true they have found the skeletal remains of the Apostle Paul?

While the prospect of a find of this kind is stimulating, I would be careful to claim the bones of Paul have been found. According to published reports, the current Pope, Benedict XVI, has said scientific tests on bones fragments discovered in an underground chamber at the Church of St. Paul, are those of the Apostle.

Church tradition has Paul buried in a catacomb on the Via Appia, an ancient Roman road leading out of the city. Later, a basilica was erected on the place believed to be the burial site.  On the altar is the Latin inscription Paulo Apostolo Mart - “Paul, apostle and martyr.”

In 2006, a sarcophagus was discovered after nearly four years of excavations. It took another three years to subject it to the first scientific testing. Inside they found traces of a purple linen cloth laminated with gold and a blue textile with filaments of linen. They also found traces of incense, protein, and limestone.

The small shard of bone was subjected to Carbon 14 testing and determined to be from the 1st or 2nd Century. It is a stretch for me to think that "proves" the contents of the sarcophagus to be the bones of Paul.  

Should Christians support AIDS research?

I scratch my head in bewilderment every time I hear a Christian or the Christian community ask this question. Yes, of course we should support AIDS research! I think one reason this question comes up so often is that some Christians only see AIDS as a badge of improper sexual conduct. Even if that were true, I see no reason it should preclude Christian involvement. Likewise, it offers no compelling reason to act as God’s policemen or His executioners.

One thing that drew me to Christianity many years ago was the generosity and commitment of Christians to minister to the sick and to alleviate their suffering. I think the AIDS situation is a great opportunity for Christians to dedicate themselves to human service.

What is Theodicy?

I’ve heard of theology and theocracy, but what is theodicy?

Theodicy is the assertion of divine goodness and providence in view of the existence of evil. In other words, theodicy is an attempt to answer what some see as an apparent inconsistency with God. You may have heard a question similar to this: Why would a just and loving God create a system in which evil is so pervasive? This question stems from the words of Epicurus, a prominent Stoic philosopher. He asked, “Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?”

The questions that Epicurus proposed, and all such questions since, have kept philosophers and theologians busy for countless years. 

The History of the Bible

The Bible has no historical competence and is only good for propaganda purposes. Why do Christians insist it is historically accurate?

You are not the first to doubt the historicity of the Bible. There have been many scholars of past generations to make the same claim. They have said things like: Pontius Pilate did not exist; the Hittites (a race of people mentioned as far back as the book of Genesis) did not exist; cities and people written about in the Bible have no corroboration in history, etc.

What we have come to know is that almost every objection of past scholars has been substantiated by archaeology. For example, in 1961 part of a pillar was found in an excavation in Caesarea, Israel. An inscription on the pillar named Tiberius (a Roman Caesar) and Pilate. In Tel Dan in the mid 1990’s, a stone was uncovered that, for the first time outside the Bible, mentioned the “house of David.” I could give you many more examples.

Sir William Ramsey wrote one of the best books on this subject. He left England a hostile scholar, bent on discrediting Luke’s writings. (Luke was the author of the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts). His book, titled St. Paul the Traveler and Roman Citizen (a Baker Book House, 1949 reprint, based on his 1894 lectures), confirmed the full accuracy of the customs, locations, and governing titles Luke mentioned. He concluded, “Great historians are the rarest of writers…[I regard Luke] among the historians of the first rank” (pp. 3-4).

What is Judeo/Christian theology?

There really is no such thing as Judeo/Christian theology. There is Jewish theology and there is Christian Theology, but they are not the same thing, and they differ in many ways. For example there is a vast difference in their views of the nature of God. While both theologies are monotheistic, Christian theology holds a Trinitarian view of the godhead. Other major differences include ceremonial practices and the identity of Messiah. 

However, there is a Judeo/Christian ethic—moral values that we have in common. This would include things such as the sanctity of life, societal justice, and personal morality.

Judgment on Haiti

Was the earthquake in Haiti God’s judgement (sic) for practicing voodoo? 

Calamity, sickness, and tragedy are NOT a SURE sign of God’s judgment. The gospel of John, chapter 9, points out that a man born blind at birth was not the result of anyone’s sin, but so “the works of God might be displayed in him.” 

There is another interesting account in Luke 13 where Jesus clearly states that eighteen people, who lost their lives when a tower collapsed, didn’t die because they were greater sinners than anyone else. Jesus then makes the point that we are ALL sinners but not every disaster is the result of that sin. 

Passages like these should prevent us from arrogantly declaring that a calamity like Katrina was the judgment of God because of Mardi Gras, or that AIDS is a judgment for immoral sexual practices, or fires in California are judgment on Hollywood, or an earthquake in Haiti is judgment for voodoo practices.

But let’s also be very clear, we should not let these passages overshadow the fact that there are consequences for our sins.

What is a Christian?

Many people associate being a Christian with a life-style or behavior such as loving people, helping people, or being a good person. Some associate a Christian with religious practices such as church attendance or prayer. Some associate a Christian with what they DON’T do such as abstaining from alcohol, dancing, or other “so called” worldly things. The historic Christian position is as follows: a Christian is a person who has a relationship with God only through Jesus Christ. That relationship is based on God’s grace and only by faith. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of (human) works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 English Standard Version). 

Face to Face

Did Moses speak to God “face to face?” If so, did he see God?

To make sense of it, “face to face” should be understood as an idiom of intimacy. It has the same meaning as when I say I had a “heart to heart” talk with my son.  That Moses spoke with God “face to face,” does not necessarily follow that He saw God. That would contradict the clear statement of John 1:18, “No one has ever seen God; the only God…”

Suffering

How can you believe in a God who allows so much suffering?

This is the number one question I receive from both believers and unbelievers. I fully acknowledge it is difficult question to answer. Speaking to a skeptic one day, I was asked several rapid-fire questions: How could a God of love allow children to be sold into sexual slavery? How could He allow children to be abused? Why does He allow murder? How can He allow all of the unjust suffering in the world? His list of questions was a lot longer.

It seems to me, the best answer to the question is another question: What do you have if you remove God from the equation? Whether you believe in God or not, injustices in the world will not cease. And without God in the picture, why are these things so bothersome? If you insist on removing God from the equation, you are left with a brutal, hopeless, pointless world where the weak are victims of the strong. It reminds me of a bumper sticker I saw once: LIFE STINKS…THEN YOU DIE! In such a world, suffering is pointless and there will be no future judgment to right the wrongs and bring ultimate punishment to evildoers. It’s just a dog-eat-dog world where some have it worse than others do. That view offers no hope to anyone!