Through the years we have collected and answered questions that many of you have asked. If you can’t find what you are looking for on these pages, please email feedback@scottsdalebible.com with your questions.

Frequently Asked Questions by subject (categories M-Z): go to categories A-C | go to categories C-L

Marriage and Divorce

• I was going through the book of Ezra and in chapter 10 some of the Hebrews had taken wives from other nations. When they realized that they were not suppose to do this they put them away as an act of repentance to make it right with God. The text seems to support that God required them to do this. In the New Testament Paul instructs believers to stay married to unbelievers. If God hates divorce then why would He want them to leave their foreign wives view answer
• What does the bible say about sexual acts between a husband and wife. Specifically what is considered sinful? view answer
• I have thoughts about divorcing my husband. These thoughts stem from his mistrusting behavior in gambling, pornography and his overall consumption of sports. We are disconnected from one end to the other. This has been going on from the very beginning of our marriage, which at the time, I was not a mature Christian. I am growing weary.What does the Bible tell me in encouragement and biblically about upholding my marriage. I feel like I must live this, for better or worse. view answer
• I have a friend who is dating a girl and they are starting to get very serious. They are both Chrisitans and have a pure relationship. One night when we were all talking she said that she would get a prenuptial agreement before her wedding? Is this Biblical? I feel like this is just setting up the marriage for failure rather than a Marriage in Christ. What do you think? view answer
• How does a person handle not being able to have a sexual relationship with a spouse (because of disease or another issue)? view answer
• Is it ok for me to marry my second cousin or somebody in my faamily that's not really my family but related like my second cousin or third cousin? view answer
• Do you believe in anulments for divorce such as the Roman Catholic Church? view answer
• After being divorced is it ok to get married again? My sense from reading the bible is God prefers that we stay single view answer
• My roommate and I were having a discussion about Gay marriage and I wanted to know what your opinioin was on the subject. My roommate believes that it is not the duty of the government to say whether or not they should get married.Ê This would be imposing our views on others, or making them believe something they don't want to.ÊHe says that people that oppose gay marriage are close minded and that we are restricting the rights of Americans.Ê Should we allow civil unions?Ê Should we allow Gay marriage?Ê It really disturbed me because he is a strong Christian and I don't understand fully the position of the church on the matter. view answer
• I recently called-off my engagement due to "second thoughts" and a gut feeling that he isn't "the one" for me along with many other doubts. By accepting his proposal did I break any promises by ending my engagement? view answer
• I recently felt the call of God on my life to visit another country to do ministry. Even though I didn't want to go, I did. On arriving, I met a guy who I wasn't initially very attracted to, physically, however felt something strongly for, even though I was dating someone else. On discussing the matter with him, he informed me that he was married and currently going through a divorce. I asked the Lord to confirm whether this guy was my husband as the feeling persisted. He confirmed the matter through a minister who didn't know anything about the matter. This confirmation has never happened to me before. I have never been so sure of something. Is this possible? view answer
• We are in our early thirties and about five years ago we switched roles due to my husband being out of work. To our surprise it worked out so well that we both felt that it would be in the best interests of our marriage if stayed home to focus his time on being the "wife." Just to give you an idea he cooks all the meals, does all of the housework, irons all our clothes, and even puts toothpaste on the toothbrush for me in the morning. We were wondering if our relationship is biblical? As long as he agrees to it and is the spiritual leader is our relationship ok with God? view answer
• Is it OK for me to marry a non-believer (a non-Christian)? view answer
• What does God say about divorce and remarriage among Christian leaders,specifically pastors ? How does Grace encompass this issue and the forgiveness of past mistakes? view answer
• I have met a wonderful woman who has divorced and has sufffered guilt because of it. She has told me that she has repented, and I know God will forgive all by grace. Am I sinning by getting to know and date her? Is she? If purity is maintained until marriage, can we proceed with the relationship? view answer
• If someone divorces and re-marries someone else, are they committing adultery, and would the new marriage be considered an adulterous marriage? I would have a hard time with this because I know so many great Christians who are re-married. view answer
• What is reason God does not speak against multiple wives in the Old Testament? view answer
• A Christian co-worker of mine recently found out that her son's girlfriend is pregnant. This young Christian couple were soon to be engaged after dating 4 yrs. Because of this situation, my friend doesn't know if they will be allowed to be married in their church. What's your view? view
• What does the Bible teach about marriage and re-marriage? view answer
• How does God view a 6 month trial seperation? I think God would not think badly of me for choosing a "break" over Divorce? Staying at this point is breaking my spirit. What do I do? My spouse says he is not in love with me anymore and he has physically abused me. He hides money and gambles. I have a child with him and have a very unsettling feeling about the security of our future. I have tried communicating my needs and counseling. He claims this is "who he is"- How long do I have to tolerate a lonely, empty, sexless marriage with this person? Forever? I can't imagine God would want that for my life? HELP view answer
• "...is it possible that we (my husband and I) made a choice that God would not have approved and He would rather see us living His will for us in another way? Or does God truly bless our marriage no matter if it as His will to start with or not... view answer
• What is Scottsdale Bible Church's position on marriage and divorce? view answer
• I have always strugled with what I perceive the church's position is on divorce especialy when it comes to women who are abused and who live in constant fear. Is it god's will that these women remain married. Is it fair that if these women are able to get divorced that they can not commit themselves to a partner ever again? Can you tell me how a women in this situation is forgiven and possibly able to move forward with her life view answer

Military and War

• I have read much controversy regarding Christians joining the military. Is there righteousness in doing so, or would it be contradictory to join due to killing and unjust wars? view answer

Money and Finances

• What is the correct amount you should tythe and why is it so important in our lives? view answer
• What does the Bible say about a husband and wife sharing finances? is it wrong for a husband and wife to have seperate checking accounts? view answer
• Is it wrong to work for an organization that accepts major donations from "alternative lifestyle fundraisers" to assist in their research for cancer and aids? This particular organization has done wonders in this field. These alternative events are only a small portion of their raised monies, yet I am wondering how God views this money from these events. view answer
• How would I go about paying off debt in relation to paying off debts? view answer
• Would you please address the issue of Jubilee. I have become interested in learning more about it and would appreciate more information on it. view answer
• Is it a sin to file bankruptcy due to one's failure in handling his/her monies? view answer

Mormonism

• How do you feel about Mormonism's idea that people may one day be gods? Isn't that really a dangerous idea? One that eve was tempted with? view answer
• What is your opinion regarding the Mormon's belief that Jesus returned after His resurrection and traveled to the America's to share his gift of salvation? view answer
• What do you think about the mormon religion? Do you condemn them or leave them alone? - view answer
• I was wondering, what is the major difference between mormonism and christianity? I know Monmonism is refered to as a cult and i would like to know why? Some of my friends are Mormon and i would like to know how you handel them and our faiths view answer

Movies and Media

• What do you think of Lord of the Rings? How is it different from Harry Potter? view answer
• Would you please explain how The Harry Potter books and film are directly in conflict with scripture. view answer
• In our groups on wednesday night we discussed the influence of TV show, music, movies etc. Where do i draw the line when in comes to filtering out the bad? If i do not know what is going on the culture that i live in can i really help? view answer
• What is your take on Harry Potter's popularity- do you consider this to be taken only as a kid's fairy tale and nothing more, or do you consider it to be a hidden/blatant attempt of propagating Wicca or witchcraft? view answer

New Age

• Recently a friend of mine floored me with the news that she recently visited a psychic and is exploring the area of "new age" spiritual enlightenment. She is looking into the areas of past lives and reading books on these subjects. Can you help me with biblical facts and the roots of this 'area'.. view answer
• I live in a community where New Age thinking is very much prevalent. One of the most frequent things I hear regarding the authority of the Bible is that at the Council (of Trent? Not sure) a bunch of men decided what books should or should not be included in the Bible. Therefore, who is to say that these sole books that make up the Bible should be taken as the "sole representation" of Christianity, especially since scholars like Martin Luther disagreed on some inclusions, such as the Book of James? This has allowed many people I talk to claim that the Bible is nothing more than an unobjective source that fails to include other sources or books, which I must admit does not agree with anything in the Bible I've read. How do you explain this to those who see the Bible as something put together by men whose agenda was power over the masses rather than God's word? This has been used by many as an excuse not to accept the Bible's authority or contents view answer

Parenting

• Due to the current war on terror, I was put into a situation of "single parenting" my 6- and 8-year-old boys, because my husband has been deployed to support the war efforts. I was made very aware of my childrens need for their fathers example and discipline in their lives, after reading Bringing up Boys. What does the Bible have to say for women in situations like these? view answer
• Gary and Anne Marie Ezzo's materials on child-rearing (Babywise, Prepartion for Parentiing, Growing Kids God's Way) are controversial in churches across the country. Some say they work wonderfully well to raise Godly and obedient children; others say they use scripture out of context and ignore current medical advice about such things as infant feeding, and point out that the Ezzos have been disciplined by several churches where they were members because of their parenting teachings. What is your opinion of their materials? view answer

The Passion of the Christ Movie

• We went and saw The Passion of Christ and wondered what the symbolism of the "evil one" holding the child was. Can you help us? view answer
• After viewing the "Passion Of Christ", I have a question about Mary Magdeline: In the movie it was inferred that she was the same women, that, Jesus helped by deterring her accusers from "stoning" her to death. Has this been authenticated by scholars of bibical study and if so where can I find reference to it? view answer

Plastic Surgery

• What is the Churches position on plastic/cosmetic surgery? view answer
• I have been unable to find any discussion about Christians having elective/cosmetic surgery. Is it wrong to change something about our appearance to help us feel more comfortable or less self-conscious? view answer
• My wife is considering getting a breast augmentation. It is by no means to gain the attention of others, but to improve self confidence and to improve our relationship sexually. We do want to do what is right in God's eyes. Both of us agree to getting the surgery and we are excited about the results. It is strictly for us. Can you please give us some insight biblically and your opinion? view answer

Politics

• I have been aproached to join the Masons. I have a lot of family history with the Masons but have never been exposed to them much. I am considering this but want to make sure if it is against God to do so. Many things keep coming up that is putting this in front of me. Please give me your thoughts and anything that would help me decide either way. I would never want to do anything to hurt God or my family. view answer
• What is your view on Christian involvement in politics? Some Christian organizations are very active politically, while other groups try to avoid being political and are even critical of other organizations political involvement. view answer

Prayer

• When praying is it 'appropriate' to pray directly to Jesus? Since the Holy Trinity is all inclusive, when I pray to God am I also praying to Jesus and the Holy Spirit? I am not aware of any prayers in the Bible to Jesus, only to God. view answer
• My wife and I were talking last evening about prayer vs. predestination. We know that prayer works from the standpoint of communicating with and praising our Lord. The question is what about the supplication aspect? If God already knows what is going to happen, then what possible good could our individual or group prayers do to change what is already predestined to happen? view answer
• What is your take on the Prayer of Jabez book? view answer
• Our country is diverse in race and religions. After the terrible tragedy this month many groups came together to unite and pray. Should Christians attend multi-faith prayer meetings? If so, what is our response when we are called upon to stand/bow our heads as other gods are prayed to? I would never want to grieve the Lord or give the impression of having other gods before HIM. view answer
• The people that I am dealing with have already made up their minds and have turned their backs to God. I pray for these people on a regular basis, but unlike all my other prayers, I do not seem to be receiving an answer either way. Is there anything else I can do? I am broken hearted over these people because they are very important to me. In fact one of them is my mother. view answer
• In this time of national tragedy, can you please offer me guidance on whom to pray for? I am confused if I should pray for those responsible, and have strong conflict within my family and in my own heart about the truly evil acts and the people who facilitate them. It's a no-brainer to pray for those affected, for our leaders, rescue workers, the innocents these evil people hide behind, and the spirit of our country as a whole; but what of our enemies themselves? It's hard for me to understand view answer

Preaching

• I get an uncomfortable feeling when one of our two pastors at my home church preach. The sermons and expression of faith do not seem geniune, and I have tried for a long time to overcome this thought. In a sermon not long ago he used some rather unusual key terms throughout his sermon and I later found all of these unusual terms and much of his message, some verbatim, on a website. As I browsed through the website for "busy pastors", I found another sermon from a previous Sunday and didn't look further. I'm really hurt and now feel my initial feelings have been confirmed. Am I right to feel so disappointed when he preaches or do all pastors do this because of the multitude of responsibilities they have? view answer

Prophecy

• Why was Daniel told to seal the words of his prophecy for the time of the end (Daniel 12:4,9), but John was told Not to seal his prophecy, because the time was at hand (revelation 22:10). If Revelation was not to be sealed, but Daniel was to be sealed because it was for many days (daniel 10:14) then many days are only 500ish years, and if that is true, how can "at hand, soon, time is near" be for 2000 years? view answer
• My girlfriend was telling me about a time 5 years ago when she was at church and someone there laid hands on here and spoke prophetic words about her. I felt uncomfortable about this, but didnt say anything. I think simply because I never have been in a church that practiced this. What does the Bible say about this? view answer

Rapture

• If Jesus is going to rapture the church out of the world, why does Jesus pray for the exact opposite thing to happen (that the church would NOT be taken out of the world) in John 17:15,20? And if the rapture is supposed to take all christians out of the world first, then why are the weeds(non-believers) pulled up and thrown into the fire first in Matthew 13:24-30,37-43? view answer
• Regarding the rapture of the Church, and the reuniting with the Lord in the Air. What is to become of all the remaining children in the world? Will they be removed? view answer

Reincarnation

• I recently met with a friend that said she just got done reading Shirley MacClaine book Out on a Limb,she stated that in one of the original translations of the bible there was a section on reincarnation but the church voted to take it out of the bible.  She said that Shirley had done research in several different parts of the world and studied several translations of the Bible that confirmed reincarnation is real.  What should I tell her? view answer

Repentance

• My father was a preacher. About a year and a half ago, he told my mom he wanted a divorce. He was having an affair. He is still with the woman he had the affair with. If he did repent and ask forgiveness for his sin, is it right that he is still with that woman even though he and my mom are now divorced? He still preaches, but not at a church (he does so at jails and other places)? view answer

Resurrection

• Do we recognize each other in heaven in a physical form or spiritual and if spiritual how do we know each other? view answer
• Jesus said in Matthew 12:40 that he would rise after three days and three NIGHTS. In Mark 16:2 we see that he rose after three days and only TWO nights. My Jewish friend says that Jesusis a false prophet according to Deuteronomy 18:21 because what he said did not come true. Can you explain please view answer
• In all my life wich isn't very long I have never learned about Mary past her seeing Jesus again. I am 12 years old and I am going to St. Thomas Aquanius which is a catholic school. They believe that Mary goes up to Heaven body and soul. Is this what Christians think happens to Mary later on? view answer
• I am having difficulty understanding I Thessalonians 5:13-17. Verse 14 appears to say that when Jesus returns he will bring all previously deceased believers with him. The latter portion of verse 16 appears to say that those Christians who have died will rise first from their graves. Would you please help so that I may understand the sequence discussed here? view answer

Rewards

• In Revelation 2:17 Jesus tells the church of Pergamum that He will reward those who overcome. One of the rewards He mentions is that He will give them a name that only the person receiving it will know. As I have tried to understand the significance of rewards I thought how meaningful it would be to have a name that only God and myself would know. I thought that this might represent an aspect of my relationship with God that would be unique to Him and myself. That would be a great reward! Do you think that this is possible? view answer

Sabbath

• If the Moral Laws ended with Jesus' death why do we still observe/teach all of remaining 9 commanments and not also include the one concerning the Sabbath? Would it be wrong to call Sunday the Sabbath? view answer
• My brother-in-law states that he is a Messianic Christian and insists that the "real" sabbath is Satuday, not Sunday. He also keeps some Jewish laws, for example not working after sunset on Friday, and he won't call Jesus "Jesus" but instead refers to him by other names. He insists he is a Christian but I have shared with him that I don't think he understands the gift of grace we've been given as Christians. Do you know what a Messianic Christian is and are they correct in keeping some Jewish laws? view answer

Salvation

• What does Scottsdale Bible teach regarding unconditional election. Wouldn't unconditional election make witnessing and praying for the lost pointless? view answer
• Can you lose your salvation? view answer
• Am I right in concluding that regeneration in some way includes the activity of the Holy Spirit to convict of the sin of unbelief, to grant repentance of that sin and to grant/facilitate saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? view answer
• What does predestination mean in regards to salvation? view answer
• At what point in the conversion process are you saved?view answer
• Once saved...can you ever than lose your salvation? view answer
• Does everyone need to be able to give a time or date of redemption? I feel like I am missing something not making the discovery that Jesus died for my sins. view answer
• What is your opinion on the salvation of other world religions that do not believe in christ's deity such as muslims, jews, buddhists etc? Also, why specifically don't the jews believe Christ fulfilled the messianic prophecies, and what is your rebuttal? - view answer
• I believe that you have said that once we have gained salvation, we can't lose it. How do I explain 2 Peter2:20-24? view answer
• It is my understanding that the penality for me being born a sinner was death, (spending eternity in hell, seperate from my father in Heaven). Fortunately, Christ humbled himself by coming down as a man and paying the penality for me at the cross. That would seem to imply that his penality would have been the death which awaited me (death, hell, eternal seperation). Praise God that he is not dead, but very much alive, and seated at the right hand of God in Heaven. I would like to know how Christ paid the penality (death, hell, eternal seperation) and at the same time had the penality removed (life, heaven, and seated at the right hand of God). view answ