A Thread For My Questions To Christians

[Space]

I'd like to know Christians better and I have some questions for them. If you're a Christian... here are my questions for you...

1. Do you think not believing in Christ is something that someone does intentionally or do you think it's possible that someone can't believe in Christ or do you think it's something else that I haven't mentioned? Whatever your answer to this is, please explain why your answer is your answer.

2. How many times was Lot rescued from Sodom? Doesn't it say that he was rescued in both Genesis 14 and Genesis 19?

3. What do you think about false prophets and why do you think what you do about them?

4. What do you think about who God is on the outside and the inside (like what does he look like, and who he is on the inside)?

5. What do you think heaven is like (just give you're closest guess, if you want)?

6. Do you have questions, that you don't believe are answered, by reading the Bible?

7. How far do you think we are away from Judgement Day (just give your best guess, if you want)?

8. In the Bible, why does God's angels pour out His wrath, instead of God doing it himself? Is God not mad enough or have the heart to do it himself?

Those are my questions, for now.

Please answer...

Thanks!

 

[Caerith]

Originally Posted by Space
1. Do you think not believing in Christ is something that someone does intentionally or do you think it's possible that someone can't believe in Christ or do you think it's something else that I haven't mentioned? Whatever your answer to this is, please explain why your answer is your answer.

Alright, just so you know in advance, these are my own personal beliefs, from what I understand out of the bible. My belief is that God has already chosen his people that will be saved, and already knows who will accept Jesus as Lord, and who will deny him as savior. I don't believe that everyone in the world will be able to believe in Christ, simply because they won't. It's a little hard to explain, as I've tried to answer it quite a few times, but those who have been called to be Sons of God will be able to believe in him, but those who are so absorbed with themselves, and the rest of the world, will simply be unable to accept the fact that he died on the cross for our sins.

2. How many times was Lot rescued from Sodom? Doesn't it say that he was rescued in both Genesis 14 and Genesis 19?

Sodom wasn't destroyed by God in Genesis 14, it was destroyed in Genesis 19, when God Rescued him. In Genesis 14, it was Abram that rescued Lot, and that was not from the destruction of the city, it was during a war between the kings of that area.

3. What do you think about false prophets and why do you think what you do about them?

I really don't know what you're asking here, but generally, I try to avoid them. When I talk to people about God, especially pastors, teachers, I take what they said and compare it to what it says in the bible, and if it's off, then I know to be careful when I'm talking to them.

4. What do you think about who God is on the outside and the inside (like what does he look like, and who he is on the inside)?

I'm simply going to go off of what the bible says, but I do know that it is near-impossible to describe him physically, as I personally don't believe that human minds can fathom what he will be like when we meet him, but from what the bible says, here goes.


"6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation."
(Exodus 34:6-7)

5. What do you think heaven is like (just give you're closest guess, if you want)?

Again, something that we really can't fathom with our human minds, all I know is that It will be amazing, beautiful, and fulfilling.

6. Do you have questions, that you don't believe are answered, by reading the Bible?

Suprisingly, not too often. A few things crop up about new-age things, but generally, you can take things in context in the bible, and a lot of times the things that are mentioned apply in any time period.

7. How far do you think we are away from Judgement Day (just give your best guess, if you want)?

Wow..Jesus said that even he does not know the day and the hour, but as of now? Things are looking pretty grim. I'm reminded of the passage about how to the lord one day in his house is as a thousand days on earth. So It's been about two days since the death of Jesus..I don't know when he's coming back, but I'll be glad when he does.

8. In the Bible, why does God's angels pour out His wrath, instead of God doing it himself? Is God not mad enough or have the heart to do it himself?

21 The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: "Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though [a] every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done. (Genesis 8:21)
I don't really know the answer to this question, other than that the Angels are God's servants, and they have been the messengers from God in the Bible quite a bit, so I suppose the same would apply to giving the message of his wrath?

I hope this helped.
-Caerith.

 

[Space]

Alright, just so you know in advance, these are my own personal beliefs, from what I understand out of the bible. My belief is that God has already chosen his people that will be saved, and already knows who will accept Jesus as Lord, and who will deny him as savior. I don't believe that everyone in the world will be able to believe in Christ, simply because they won't. It's a little hard to explain, as I've tried to answer it quite a few times, but those who have been called to be Sons of God will be able to believe in him, but those who are so absorbed with themselves, and the rest of the world, will simply be unable to accept the fact that he died on the cross for our sins.

Sodom wasn't destroyed by God in Genesis 14, it was destroyed in Genesis 19, when God Rescued him. In Genesis 14, it was Abram that rescued Lot, and that was not from the destruction of the city, it was during a war between the kings of that area.

I really don't know what you're asking here, but generally, I try to avoid them. When I talk to people about God, especially pastors, teachers, I take what they said and compare it to what it says in the bible, and if it's off, then I know to be careful when I'm talking to them.

I'm simply going to go off of what the bible says, but I do know that it is near-impossible to describe him physically, as I personally don't believe that human minds can fathom what he will be like when we meet him, but from what the bible says, here goes.


"6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation."
(Exodus 34:6-7)




Again, something that we really can't fathom with our human minds, all I know is that It will be amazing, beautiful, and fulfilling.

Suprisingly, not too often. A few things crop up about new-age things, but generally, you can take things in context in the bible, and a lot of times the things that are mentioned apply in any time period.

Wow..Jesus said that even he does not know the day and the hour, but as of now? Things are looking pretty grim. I'm reminded of the passage about how to the lord one day in his house is as a thousand days on earth. So It's been about two days since the death of Jesus..I don't know when he's coming back, but I'll be glad when he does.

21 The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: "Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though [a] every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done. (Genesis 8:21)
I don't really know the answer to this question, other than that the Angels are God's servants, and they have been the messengers from God in the Bible quite a bit, so I suppose the same would apply to giving the message of his wrath?

I hope this helped.
-Caerith.

I definitely agree with your answer to my first question. I think it's hard for people to accept that God is ultimately the one in charge and that nothing can go against his will. I think if you read what it says in the Bible, this is the most logical and rational thing to believe.

As far as your answer on my third question, can you please tell me why you generally ignore false prophets? If you really believe that they're on their way to Hell by what they are doing (preaching a lie), then why not correct them? Do you think it's possible that they think they're preaching truth and they don't understand that what they are preaching about is wrong?

 

[Dondi]

I'd like to know Christians better and I have some questions for them. If you're a Christian... here are my questions for you...

1. Do you think not believing in Christ is something that someone does intentionally or do you think it's possible that someone can't believe in Christ or do you think it's something else that I haven't mentioned? Whatever your answer to this is, please explain why your answer is your answer.

I believe that Man has a free will to chose Christ. I don't think Man is so depraved as not having the ability to reach out to God. Free will is given so that love can be actuated. God wants us to chose to love Him as He loved us. If we were forced into it, then that love would not be genuine.

2. How many times was Lot rescued from Sodom? Doesn't it say that he was rescued in both Genesis 14 and Genesis 19?

In the first instance, Lot was a prisonor of war. Back in Gensesis 13, the land was divided between Lot and Abraham. Abraham told Lot he could have his choice of which half of the land would be his, so he chose Sodom and Gomorrah.
War broke out with neighboring kings. The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah were felled and Lot, who was apparently living there, was taken away by the opposing side. Abraham had to rescue his nephew.
In the second instance, Lot returns to Sodom and Gomorrah. Because of the wickedness of those cities, God set out to destroy both cities, but sent two angels to warn Lot to leave the cities with his wife and kids and not look back. But of course, Lot's wife looks back and turns into a pillar of salt..

3. What do you think about false prophets and why do you think what you do about them?

Deut. 18:20-22 sets the standard for prophets:

"But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?
When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him."

In other words, as expected coming from God, a prophet must be true and accurate.

But it says in Hebrews 1:1-3:

"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:"

So we need to heed the words of the Lord Jesus Christ.

4. What do you think about who God is on the outside and the inside (like what does he look like, and who he is on the inside)?

No one has seen God the Father, but Jesus said in John 14:6-9:

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?"

So if you want to know who God the Father is, look to Jesus.

5. What do you think heaven is like (just give you're closest guess, if you want)?

It is describe in Rev. 21:1-4:

"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

I like that last verse.

In addition, we will have new in corruptable bodies, called spiritual bodies, according I Corinthians 15:51-58

I believe these bodies will be like the one of the resurrected Christ, as in Luke 24:36-43, with the ability to eat fish and honeycomb, and the ability to go through walls. Keep in mind it will not be like the flesh and blood bodies we have now, but it won't be like Casper the friendly ghost either. I think it will be some medium between the two. I John 3:2 tells us:

"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."

Personally, when we get to heaven I believe that we will be able to have sensations that are well beyond anything we have experienced here. I think we will see colors we've never seen, hear sounds we've never heard (like dogs who can hear above the human range). And be able to taste, smell, and feel things we've never imagined. Some people are hung up about the apparant lack of sex in heaven. I truly believe that that there is something intimately better in store for us. It is my belief that everything we experience here on earth is but a shadow of things to come. (And I do like sex, BTW, so bring it on )

6. Do you have questions, that you don't believe are answered, by reading the Bible?

Of course, I have many questions not specifically addressed in scripture. I hope to ask God these things when i get there. But I do believe what we do have in the Word of God is sufficient to get us through this life.

7. How far do you think we are away from Judgement Day (just give your best guess, if you want)?

A heartbeat away.

"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" - Hebrews 9:27

But if you are talking about the Return of Christ, there are indications in the world scenerio that seem to be staged and ready for endtime events. Since Revelation deal primarily with Israel, one major fulfilled prophesy is the return of Israel as a nation in 1948. There are other factors that seem to be jelling concerning the prophecies of other nations that I won't get into here, but lead me to believe that it could happen in our lifetime.

8. In the Bible, why does God's angels pour out His wrath, instead of God doing it himself? Is God not mad enough or have the heart to do it himself?

Actually, if you read Exodus 12, it was the Lord Himself that killed all the first-born sons of Egypt and any who did not have the blood of a lamb applied over the doorsteps of the Israelites in what is called the Passover.

And the Lord rained fire and brimstone on Sodom and Gomorrah, destroying the cities in Gensis 19.

And don't forget Noah's Flood, that was God's doing also.

Maybe in the other times you are referring to, He just wanted His angels have something to do, I don't know.

The Final Battle is going to be led by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself in Revelation 19.


Those are my questions, for now.

Please answer...

Thanks!

I hope I've answered you sufficiently. Any more questions, please ask.

 

[Caerith]

Originally Posted By Space
As far as your answer on my third question, can you please tell me why you generally ignore false prophets? If you really believe that they're on their way to Hell by what they are doing (preaching a lie), then why not correct them? Do you think it's possible that they think they're preaching truth and they don't understand that what they are preaching about is wrong?

Oh, Definately. I think I worded my answer a little wrong, as it does say in the bible that we're supposed to correct those who speak wrong. But If I can't seem to get through to them, and I'm pretty sure I know that they're not going to change, I generally try to avoid them/ignore them. False prophesying is kind of a strong word, I think, and I believe it's reserved for those who -know- what they're saying is wrong, and are -trying- to mislead people for the purpose of conscrewing their beliefs, and imposing their own. Generally, Christians are just a little off with some of their beliefs, as I'm sure that I am myself. So yeah, I try to correct people when I hear them say something wrong, and they usually seem to accept it genuinely. But a lot of time, with those people who are set in their ways, they don't want to be open to change, and are unwilling to. So I generally ignore them after trying.

 

[Dondi]

As far as your answer on my third question, can you please tell me why you generally ignore false prophets? If you really believe that they're on their way to Hell by what they are doing (preaching a lie), then why not correct them? Do you think it's possible that they think they're preaching truth and they don't understand that what they are preaching about is wrong?

Which false prophets are you specifically referring to?

As far as they going to Hell, I believe that they can be corrected and can be saved. Their damnation is not based on the fact that they are false prophets, but that they are sinners, as all men are sinners, and in need of Christ. But they are no more in need of Christ as any other sinner. "For all have sinned and come short the glory of God." - Romans 3:23

I think many believe they are preaching the truth and don't know it. They are deceived. Then there are others who know what they preach is false. But deep down, all men know they need to come to God for repentance and salvation.

 

[revmalone]

I'd like to know Christians better and I have some questions for them. If you're a Christian... here are my questions for you...

1. Do you think not believing in Christ is something that someone does intentionally or do you think it's possible that someone can't believe in Christ or do you think it's something else that I haven't mentioned? Whatever your answer to this is, please explain why your answer is your answer.

2. How many times was Lot rescued from Sodom? Doesn't it say that he was rescued in both Genesis 14 and Genesis 19?

3. What do you think about false prophets and why do you think what you do about them?

4. What do you think about who God is on the outside and the inside (like what does he look like, and who he is on the inside)?

5. What do you think heaven is like (just give you're closest guess, if you want)?

6. Do you have questions, that you don't believe are answered, by reading the Bible?

7. How far do you think we are away from Judgement Day (just give your best guess, if you want)?

8. In the Bible, why does God's angels pour out His wrath, instead of God doing it himself? Is God not mad enough or have the heart to do it himself?

Those are my questions, for now.

Please answer...

Thanks!

Greeting
Take this test and if you pass them you will go into heaven ok.
Ever told a lie? yes or no.
Every took Gods name in vain.
Ever took any thing that didn't belong to you, no matter how small it was.

So far have you broke one or two?
So when God asks those questions to you when your judge would you be guilty or not?

If so were would you go? Heaven or Hell?

Thats why you need a Saviour, unless you think you can pass that test. He is the door to heaven, the only. If you go your own way that will be some of the standards that your going to face when judged.

Let Jesus become the one you trust in, it's all about him anyway.

Rev Malone

 

[Space]

And the Lord rained fire and brimstone on Sodom and Gomorrah, destroying the cities in Gensis 19.

I think Genesis 18 and Genesis 19 say otherwise...

The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.

He said, "If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant."
"Very well," they answered, "do as you say."
-Genesis 18:1-5 (New International Version)

Right after it says that the LORD appeared to Abraham, Abraham looked up and saw "three men" standing nearby. So Abraham ran over to meet them and bowed down on the ground. After this, Abraham is talking to someone he called "my lord" and he offers to do something for whoever he's talking to. Right after Abraham gets finished speaking, "they" answered him and said, "very well, do as you say." I guess it's safe to say that "the LORD," "three men," "they," and "my lord" are the same.

"Where is your wife Sarah?" they asked him.
"There, in the tent," he said.

Then the LORD said, "I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son."
Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him.
-Genesis 18:9-10 (New International Version)

More than one person (they) is speaking to Abraham, who ask him where his wife, Sarah, is. Abraham answered them and told them that she was in the tent. Right after this, it was "the LORD," who responded to Abraham.

When the men got up to leave, they looked down toward Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them on their way. Then the LORD said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?
-Genesis 18:16-17 (New International Version)

"The men" got up leave, looked down toward Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them on their way. Right after this, "the LORD" asked if he should hide from Abraham what he was about to do. Why would the LORD be talking to Abraham if the LORD is asking if he should hide what he's about to do from Abraham? Who's the LORD talking to here? My guess would be to one or both of the other two men.

Then the LORD said, "The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know."

The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the LORD. Then Abraham approached him and said: "Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?
-Genesis 18:20-23 (New International Version)

So here, "the men" turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the LORD. But then Abraham approached him and asked if he'd sweep away the righteous with the wicked. Perhaps, one of the three men was the one who Abraham stood before and it was the other two men, who Abraham approached and asked them if they'd sweep away the righteous with the wicked. Maybe those two men were the two angels who appeared to Lot in these next verses...

The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When he saw them, he got up to meet them and bowed down with his face to the ground. "My lords," he said, "please turn aside to your servant's house. You can wash your feet and spend the night and then go on your way early in the morning."
"No," they answered, "we will spend the night in the square."
-Genesis 19:1-2 (New International Version)

It says that "two angels" arrived in Sodom and Lot went to meet them and bowed down to them and called them "My lords."

They called to Lot, "Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them."
-Genesis 19:5 (New International Version)

The men of Sodom asked Lot where "the men" were that came to him. Wouldn't these "men" be the two "two angels" who arrived in Sodom and who Lot bowed met, bowed down to, and called "My lords?"

Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them. But don't do anything to these men, for they have come under the protection of my roof."
-Genesis 19:8 (New International Version)

Here, Lot told the Sodomites not to do anything to the men, who the Sodomites asked Lot, where they were, who came to him that night.

But the men inside reached out and pulled Lot back into the house and shut the door. Then they struck the men who were at the door of the house, young and old, with blindness so that they could not find the door.

The two men said to Lot, "Do you have anyone else here—sons-in-law, sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here, because we are going to destroy this place. The outcry to the LORD against its people is so great that he has sent us to destroy it."

So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters. He said, "Hurry and get out of this place, because the LORD is about to destroy the city!" But his sons-in-law thought he was joking.

With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, "Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished."

When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the LORD was merciful to them. As soon as they had brought them out, one of them said, "Flee for your lives! Don't look back, and don't stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!"

But Lot said to them, "No, my lords, please! Your servant has found favor in your eyes, and you have shown great kindness to me in sparing my life. But I can't flee to the mountains; this disaster will overtake me, and I'll die. Look, here is a town near enough to run to, and it is small. Let me flee to it—it is very small, isn't it? Then my life will be spared."

He said to him, "Very well, I will grant this request too; I will not overthrow the town you speak of. But flee there quickly, because I cannot do anything until you reach it." (That is why the town was called Zoar.)
-Genesis 19:10-22 (New International Version)

"The men" reached inside, pulled Lot back into the house, shut the door, and struck the men outside the door (the Sodomites), with blindness, so they couldn't find the door. The the "two men" told Lot to get his family out of the city because "they" were going to destroy that place. And they said that it was "them" who had been sent by the LORD to destroy it, because of an outcry against its people. Right after this, Lot goes and tells his sons-in-law to get out of that place because it was the LORD who was going to destroy it (even though the two men said they were going to destoy it, because the LORD had sent them to do it). Maybe that one man, who Abraham stood before in Genesis 18 was the one, who sent the other two men (not including Abraham) in Genesis chapter 18 to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. As for the story I was on, what happened next was the "angels" told Lot to take his wife and two daughters or he'd be swept away when the city was punished. When Lot hesitated it was "the men," who led him, his wife, and his two daughters, safely out of the city and then it said, "for the LORD was meciful to him." Here's what happened soon after this: Lot is talking to who he called "my lords." Lot makes a request to his lords and in responce to this, "he" said he'd grant his request, but to hurry to the small town of Zoar, because "I" couldn't do anything until Lot got there. Aren't "my lords," "he," and "I" the same people?

To me, Genesis 18 and Genesis 19 say that it wasn't the LORD, who destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. It was angels, who were also called men and lords.

 

[Adstar]

1. Do you think not believing in Christ is something that someone does intentionally or do you think it's possible that someone can't believe in Christ or do you think it's something else that I haven't mentioned? Whatever your answer to this is, please explain why your answer is your answer.

On most occasions people choose to disbelieve in God because they disagree with the will of God or they want to be their own God. Some people cannot accept that there is a God out there who is in control of their eternal destiny. For some there is a great fear in accepting the fact that a God exists, so they do their best to block such information out of their minds.

2. How many times was Lot rescued from Sodom? Doesn't it say that he was rescued in both Genesis 14 and Genesis 19?

I think this question has been well covered already

3. What do you think about false prophets and why do you think what you do about them?

False prophets are worse than anti-christs. Those that are close to the truth while not being in the truth are the most dangerous people to new Christians. They are wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing. Often it takes people a long time to finally discover that they have been deceived by a false prophet and the anger and sense of betrayal they experience can deeply injure their relationship with God. That is why it is so very important for each and every Christian to pick up the Word of God and study it for themselves. People need to have their mind well armed with knowledge of scripture to defend themselves from the cunning deceptions that false prophets exploit.

4. What do you think about who God is on the outside and the inside (like what does he look like, and who he is on the inside)?

We are told that man was made in the image of God. So from that we would assume that God looks like us but He is of a different substance. I am not sure what you are seeing to find out about the inside? All i can say is God is perfect in wisdom and righteousness.

5. What do you think heaven is like (just give you're closest guess, if you want)?

There are a few scriptures where people who have been to heaven talk about their experiences. But it is not clear if their visions where of what heaven actually looked like or if their visions where symbolic representations. I guess we will find out one day.

6. Do you have questions, that you don't believe are answered, by reading the Bible?

Yes. But i understand that God gives us the knowledge that we Need. Of course we Want to know everything and God can reveal more to some than He reveals to others. But no one on earth knows God in totality.

7. How far do you think we are away from Judgement Day (just give your best guess, if you want)?

Well if Jesus returned tomorrow then judgement day would be 1000 years after His return. From what i am seeing and have read i would say that the return of Jesus will be some time around the year 2028. Of course no one Knows the time of His return so this is just me speculating.

8. In the Bible, why does God's angels pour out His wrath, instead of God doing it himself? Is God not mad enough or have the heart to do it himself?

God has often used third parties to carry out his wrath. Wether it be human agents or angels. I think it is dangerous to speculate on why God does this. I doubt the reasons are what you have put forward.


All Praise The Ancient Of Days

 

[Space]

I think this question has been well covered already

Why would Lot go back to Sodom? Wasn't he living in Sodom in Genesis 14, when the four kings seized all the goods and food Sodom and Gomorrah and also Lot and his possessions, since he was living in Sodom, as well as in Genesis 19, when he took the two men under the protection of his roof? In 2 Peter 2 it says that Lot "was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard." Can you please tell me where, in the Bible, it mentions that Lot went back to Sodom a second time? Can you also please tell me what happened on the day Lot left Sodom?

God has often used third parties to carry out his wrath. Wether it be human agents or angels. I think it is dangerous to speculate on why God does this. I doubt the reasons are what you have put forward.

Why did the human agents or angels do it?

 

[FrAnthony]

1. Do you think not believing in Christ is something that someone does intentionally or do you think it's possible that someone can't believe in Christ or do you think it's something else that I haven't mentioned? Whatever your answer to this is, please explain why your answer is your answer.

A lot depends on the person, but since believing in Christ is essential for salvation it would be a tough sell that someone "can't" believe in Christ. Many people, with many different backgrounds, have many different reasons for not turning to Christ. Most of them, in my experience, revolve around problems with pride. But that's just a generalization.

2. How many times was Lot rescued from Sodom? Doesn't it say that he was rescued in both Genesis 14 and Genesis 19?

Looks like this has already been answered.

3. What do you think about false prophets and why do you think what you do about them?

They are an unfortunately reality and lead many off the path to salvation for a variety of reasons. Some are just doing what they think is best, and others are purposely scamming people.

4. What do you think about who God is on the outside and the inside (like what does he look like, and who he is on the inside)?

I don't think there is an "inside" and "outside" of God. God is Spirit.

5. What do you think heaven is like (just give you're closest guess, if you want)?

Being one with God. In other words, beyond all imagination.

6. Do you have questions, that you don't believe are answered, by reading the Bible?

Yes, but those are mostly around Church continuity and administration and those answers are covered by what is known as Holy Tradition in the Orthodox Christian Faith.

7. How far do you think we are away from Judgement Day (just give your best guess, if you want)?

The Apostles asked this to Jesus, and He said that was only for the Father to know. That's about as close as we'll ever know until it actually happens. It's best to live as if it were the very next second of your life.

8. In the Bible, why does God's angels pour out His wrath, instead of God doing it himself? Is God not mad enough or have the heart to do it himself?

In those cases when He carries out His will through others (angels, people, animals, etc.), why should He? It's not a matter of "having the heart" to do it Himself.

In Christ,
Fr. Anthony

 

[Space]

Ever told a lie? yes or no.

Yes!

Every took Gods name in vain.

Yes!

Ever took any thing that didn't belong to you, no matter how small it was.

Yes!

So far have you broke one or two?

No. I've broken three of them, so far.

So when God asks those questions to you when your judge would you be guilty or not?

I would be guilty!

If so were would you go? Heaven or Hell?

I would go to Hell!

Thats why you need a Saviour, unless you think you can pass that test. He is the door to heaven, the only. If you go your own way that will be some of the standards that your going to face when judged.

I am a homosexual. I live an asexual lifestyle, but I do have an attraction to men. Unfortunately, Paul tells me, in Romans, that God has already given me over. Does God really want a relationship with me?

 

[BelindaP]

The mere fact that you are homosexual has no bearing on your status before God. The important thing is whether you have accepted Jesus as your savior. That is the one qualification for entrance into heaven. Also, since you live a celibate lifestyle, you are not actively sinning.

Most Christians wouldn't say that overeaters will go to hell just because they never conquered the sin of gluttony, but they thing that all homosexuals will burn in hell. That's because they tend to view different sins as having different weights. Many Christians have a deep hang-up with sexual sin. However, God does not differentiate between what type of sin we commit.

There will be practicing homosexuals who make it to heaven. Their rewards may be less because they had an unrepented sin, but if they were truly saved, they will go to heaven. Any unconfessed or unrepented sin would lessen the rewards, though.

I'm using too many words here, but my point is that God doesn't dump you based on what type of sin you are prone to. He accepts you based on the testimony of His son Jesus Christ that you have accepted Him.

 

[BelindaP]

Lot was rescued twice, but only once from Sodom. On the first occasion, the four kings attacked Sodom and took Lot and his family prisoner. In that case, Abraham rescued him and returned him to his home in Sodom.

In the second instance, the angels rescued Lot from Sodom because it was going to be destroyed by God.

 

[FallingWaters]

1. Do you think not believing in Christ is something that someone does intentionally or do you think it's possible that someone can't believe in Christ or do you think it's something else that I haven't mentioned? Whatever your answer to this is, please explain why your answer is your answer.

I do not think it is possible that someone cannot believe in Christ. That is why I am not a Calvinist, and why I do not believe in the doctrine of election.

Some have never heard of Christ and therefore unintentionally do not believe.
The Bible says this about them:
Romans 2:12-16 (NKJV)
“12For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law 13(for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified;
14for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves,
15who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them)
16in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.”

 

[FallingWaters]

2. How many times was Lot rescued from Sodom? Doesn't it say that he was rescued in both Genesis 14 and Genesis 19?

He was rescued twice, but not from the same place, nor by the same people.

In Genesis 14 we have the story of when Lot was kidnapped during a war and Abram (later known as Abraham) went to get him back and restore him to his home in Sodom. He wasn’t in Sodom at the time he was rescued by Abram.

Genesis 14:8-12
“8And the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) went out and joined together in battle in the Valley of Siddim
9against Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of nations, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar—four kings against five.
10Now the Valley of Siddim was full of asphalt pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled; some fell there, and the remainder fled to the mountains.
11Then they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way.
12They also took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.”

They mention Lot because we know him. We know that not only Lot was taken, but other people were taken from Sodom as well. In the following verse, Abram is here returning the people after having successfully routed the Four Kings:
Genesis 14:16
“16So he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his brother Lot and his goods, as well as the women and the people.”

The second time Lot is rescued is when Sodom and Gomorrah are about to be destroyed by God.
Genesis 19:16
“16And while he lingered, the men took hold of his hand, his wife’s hand, and the hands of his two daughters, the LORD being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city.”

 

[FallingWaters]

3. What do you think about false prophets and why do you think what you do about them?

This is what Jesus said about them:
Matthew 7:15-16
““Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16You will know them by their fruits.””
Matthew 24:11-12
““Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.””
Matthew 24:24
““For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.””

And Peter and John:
2 Peter 2:1
“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.”
1 John 4:1-3
1Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God.

This is what the Holman Bible Dictionary says about False Prophets:

"FALSE PROPHET
A person who spreads false messages and teachings, claiming to speak God’s words.
Old Testament While the term “false prophet” does not occur in the Old Testament, references to false prophets are clear. The pages of the Old Testament are filled with men and women who fit the description of a false prophet given in Jer. 14:14 (NASB): “The prophets are prophesying falsehood in My name. I have neither sent them nor commanded them nor spoken to them; they are prophesying to you a false vision, divination, futility and the deception of their own minds.” Other examples are in Jeremiah 23:21-33 and Zechariah 10:2. Punishment for prophesying falsely was severe. False prophets were cast away from God’s presence and permanently humiliated. They suffered the destruction of their cities (Jer. 7:14-16; 23:39).
A false prophet was also one who prophesied on behalf of another God. A familiar example is the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:20-39). In a test against Elijah and the true God, the prophets of Baal suffered humiliating defeat.
Israel could not always distinguish between the true and the false prophet as seen in 1 Kings 22; Jeremiah 28. The prophet could only say, wait and see whose prophecy proves true in history (Deut. 18:22; 1 Kings 22:28; Jer. 29:9). Compare 1 Kings 13.
New Testament Jesus and the apostles spoke many times about false prophets. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught about the marks of a false prophet and the consequences of being one (Matt. 7:15-23). He also cautioned His followers to beware of false prophets who would arise during times of tribulation and in the end times (Matt. 24:11, 24; Mark 13:22). He said to be careful when the world loves a prophet’s words, because a prophet who is false is apt to be popular (Luke 6:26).
The apostles instructed believers to be diligent in faith and understanding of Christian teachings, in order to discern false prophets when they arise (2 Pet. 1:10; 1:19-2:1; 1 John 4:1). The tests of a prophet are: 1) Do their predictions come true (Jer. 28:9)? 2) Does the prophet have a divine commission (Jer. 29:9)? 3) Are the prophecies consistent with Scripture (2 Pet. 1:20-21; Rev. 22:18-19)? 4) Do the people benefit spiritually from the prophet’s ministry (Jer. 23:13, 14, 32; 1 Pet. 4:11)?
Punishments for false prophets were just as severe in the New Testament as they were in the Old. Paul caused a false prophet to be stricken with blindness (Acts 13:6-12), but most other punishments were more permanent in nature. Jesus said the false prophets would be cut down and burned like a bad tree (Matt. 7:19). Second Peter 2:4 describes being cast into pits of darkness. The ultimate punishment appears in Revelation 19:20; 20:10—the false prophet, the beast, and the devil will be thrown into a lake of fire and brimstone and be tormented forever.
Donna R. Ridge"

 

[FallingWaters]

4. What do you think about who God is on the outside and the inside (like what does he look like, and who he is on the inside)?

He is invisible (Colossians 1:15 )
God is Light (1 John 1:5)
God is Love (1 John 4:16)
God is Spirit (John 4:24)
God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29)

 

[FallingWaters]

5. What do you think heaven is like (just give you're closest guess, if you want)?

Rev 7: 15
"Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. 16They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; 17for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
17for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
Rev 21:
10And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, 11having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. 12Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: 13three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west.
14Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 15And he who talked with me had a gold reed to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. 16The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal. 17Then he measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel. 18The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. 19The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, 20the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. 21The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
22But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. 24And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. 25Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). 26And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it. 27But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
Rev 22:
1And he showed me a river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. 4They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. 5There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever."

In my opinion, it is a beautiful place where no one will ever sin. There will be peace and joy forevermore.

 

[FallingWaters]

6. Do you have questions, that you don't believe are answered, by reading the Bible?

None that I can think of.

7. How far do you think we are away from Judgement Day (just give your best guess, if you want)?

As you are probably know, Jesus told His disciples that He did not know the day or the hour, neither did the angels, but the Father only.
In the days of the New Testament, believers were expecting the “End” at any time.
Frankly, I have no idea though I have heard rumors about it being in my lifetime.
Regardless of when Judgement Day comes, I should always be ready to meet Jesus, in case I die today or tomorrow.