What are the ‘Afflictions of the Gospel’ as Paul Wrote to Timothy?

Question: What did Paul mean when he wrote to Timothy, that he should be a “partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God?” What are the “afflictions of the gospel?” Answer: This text contains Paul’s words to his son-in-the-faith Timothy: “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our … [Read more…]

Is it Right to Pray for Non-Believers?

Question: Is it right to pray for transgressors and non-believers, or only for those who are truly Christ’s? Answer: Although many of the prayers in the Bible were of believers and for believers, there are many examples of prayers for transgressors and non-believers. Let us mention a few. The apostle Paul instructed Timothy that in … [Read more…]

Does God Hear the Prayers of Those Who Do Not Know Him?

Answer: We are not told all we would like to know about how God hears the members of His human family. However, if God limited His listening to the righteous, the upright, He would be cutting Himself off from helping those who are on the way to becoming righteous, because no one starts out righteous. … [Read more…]

How are We to Pray for Those Who Despitefully Use Us?

Question: What did Jesus mean when He said, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” How are we to pray for those who “despitefully use” us? Can you offer any thoughts? Answer: In Matthew 5, Jesus … [Read more…]

Is God the Author of Evil?

Question: An article in the February 1988 issue of the Megiddo Message entitled “Does God Create Evil?” brings up another question. The article is an explanation of Isa. 45:7: “I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.” The explanation of the verse is … [Read more…]

Does God Predict or Direct Events?

Question: I have in front of me where you wrote, “This is the very condition that God predicted.” I would qualify that by adding to that sentence the words “and directed” to complete the thought and show that it is God’s doing, not just God’s prediction. Revelation 17:17 is explanation enough, even though there is … [Read more…]

Do you Consider the Account of Daniel in the Fiery Furnace to be Allegorical or Literal?

Question: How do you consider Daniel’s three friends in the fiery furnace, allegory or literal? Answer: From the account we believe it was a literal occurrence, a real fiery furnace into which they were thrown. There is nothing here that contradicts Scripture teaching or is beyond the power of God. This was a marvelous display … [Read more…]