Tomorrow's World Answers - Rumble

One passage in Genesis which has resulted in some misinterpretation has led some to ask "Does Genesis teach that angels married human women and had giant offspring?" "Can angels marry humans?" This question arises from misunderstanding of Genesis 6 verses 1 and 2. "Now it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose." The meaning of this section of Scripture is much debated, with some concluding that it refers to fallen angels marrying humans, and spawning a race of giants. Others in the past have used this passage to foster wrong and racist teachings. The term giant used in this scripture refers to someone of very large size or stature. One question that comes to mind is: Can angels create offspring with human women? In Luke chapter 20, Jesus Christ said that they cannot: "Jesus replied, 'The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels.'"

One common myth concerning scripture is that God gave ancient Israel one set of laws, realized His mistake and gave an entirely new set of laws during or after the ministry of Jesus. Different scriptures are taken out of context to support this. One such example can be found in Ezekiel. Does Ezekiel 20:25 prove that God's laws needed to be changed? The best practice with any such question is to begin with a reading of the passage: "Therefore I also gave them up to statutes that were not good, and judgements by which they could not live . . . ." Some see this as an acknowledgement on God's part that the laws He had given them were not sufficient, and needed to be replaced by a far gentler law. Note that this is not the view taken by king David who in Psalm 19:7 stated: "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul . . . ." It is important to notice that Ezekiel does not record God saying that the laws He gave them were not good, it states that He gave them up to statutes that were not good. Because they had rejected His laws, He allowed them to be swept away by false doctrine and to see the results of living by a different set of laws than those outlined by their Creator. Paul uses similar language in his epistle to the Romans. Speaking of a people who have rejected the mere notion of God—certainly applicable to our present day as well—and what God would allow to happen to them

Many of God's laws are very specific and outline how one should act, speak, and in some instances even governs what we should allow our thoughts to dwell on. This has caused some to ask, are emotions sin? Paul's epistle to the Galatians outlines several character traits that are fruits of Gods spirit. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23) If joy and peace are fruits of God's spirit, does this mean that when we display sadness or anger we are at odds with God's spirit and in some way acting inappropriately? The fruits of God's spirit are the resultant character traits that we develop when we allow God's spirit to direct us, heading His instruction and His law. The sense of joy mentioned here does not mean that one is in a perpetual state of unimaginable bliss and nothing could ever cause even a moment of sadness. Rather, it is speaking of an overall outlook and sense of understanding that while we may go through difficult times, the end result will be a joyous one. Writing in the book of Ecclesiastes, wise King Solomon acknowledged that there a wide range of emotions were appropriate under certain circumstances.

Since the late 1500s the use of tobacco products has exploded in both Western and Eastern societies. Early English and Spanish explorers first encountered the practice among native peoples of the Americas, and eventually popularized it in their homelands. The custom grew to the point where in the 1950s the majority of the world’s adult population smoked, sniffed or chewed tobacco products. It was popular, trendy and thought largely to be harmless. What does the Bible say about smoking? Is smoking tobacco a sin? As early as 1602, concerns were being expressed about the health effects of smoking. As essay entitled “Worke of Chimney Sweepers”, published in England, compared illnesses of chimney sweepers, caused by soot, to effects of smoking tobacco. By the 1960s medical research had confirmed the link between smoking and the use of other tobacco products and a range of serious illnesses including cancers. Thus, knowing the risk posed by tobacco use, should a follower of the Bible engage in such practices? Paul was inspired to write that we human beings are to become a dwelling place for God’s Spirit, and as such we are to do all we can to keep our mind and body free of that which would bring us harm, or damage the body:

It is an interesting fact that nearly one-third of the content of the Biblical text is composed of prophetic writing. If, as we believe, the Bible has been inspired by the Being who created mankind as well as the planet on which we live, then perhaps some attention should be paid to the large number of scriptures in this category. One must ask: "Is Bible Prophecy Important?" In the New Testament the Greek term for “prophecy” is derived from the word for “prophet,” prophetes, which can be used to mean “an inspired speaker”, that is one who has an important message of direction or correction, or it can designate a “foreteller”, one who carries a message that explains future events. Please also read the Tomorrow's World Magazine article from Mr. Richard Ames titled, "Why Study Bible Prophecy?" https://www.tomorrowsworld.org/magazines/2012/january-february/why-study-bible-prophecy

Did Jesus and His disciples celebrate Christmas? After His death, did the apostles observe a yearly Easter service? You can search the Bible from Genesis to Revelation and you won't find any accounts of Jesus or His disciples celebrating Easter, Christmas or All-Saints day. If Christ didn't observe these festivals, should we? It also leads us to today's question: Which Days Did Jesus Celebrate? Jesus did observe many days as holy. There are numerous examples throughout the gospel accounts. What are these Holy Days and, if Christ celebrated them, should you?

The future return of Jesus Christ is one of the most fascinating and anticipated events in Bible Prophecy. There are countless speculations as to when He might return. Some believe that His return could occur at any moment, even before the end of this short video! Could Christ Return at any time?

The scriptures are very clear that God created some animals to be eaten. Other animals which were not designed to be eaten were categorized as unclean, and unfit for human consumption. These laws predate the flood. Noah understood the difference between clean and unclean animals. You can read that in Genesis 7:2, where Noh was instructed to take seven pairs of each clean animal on the ark and only two pairs of each unclean animal. However, the 10th chapter of Acts contains a fascinating account of Peter receiving a vision which significantly impacted the early Church. Does the vision received by Peter in Acts 10 mean that all meat is now clean?

There are few things as fundamental to the Bible as the Ten Commandments. Yet, there are major denominations teaching different lists of these essential laws. What exactly is the Tenth Commandment as described by the Bible? The Bible provides two listings of the Ten Commandments. They are found in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. It should also be noted that the discrepancy between the two prominent lists only directly impacts a few of the commandments. Of course, this is not to say it is a small issue as Christ taught in Matthew 5:19 that even the most minor of God's laws is of extreme importance. This is an essential point because if one incorrectly divides one commandment into two, and still arrives at ten, then another commandment must effectively be removed. Examining some lists of the ten commandments, this is exactly what happens with the command forbidding the use of graven images in worship not appearing. The issue arises over the commandment often abbreviated as "You shall not covet." Some create a division based on exactly what is being coveted listed the commands as "You shall not covet your neighbor's wife" and "You shall not covet your neighbor's house." What really is the tenth commandment? Are there separate commandments depending on what one is coveting? What commandment gets removed in favor of splitting the 10th commandment into two? Tomorrow's World

One passage in Genesis which has resulted in some misinterpretation has led some to ask "Does Genesis teach that angels married human women and had giant offspring?" "Can angels marry humans?" This question arises from misunderstanding of Genesis 6 verses 1 and 2. "Now it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose." The meaning of this section of Scripture is much debated, with some concluding that it refers to fallen angels marrying humans, and spawning a race of giants. Others in the past have used this passage to foster wrong and racist teachings. The term giant used in this scripture refers to someone of very large size or stature. One question that comes to mind is: Can angels create offspring with human women? In Luke chapter 20, Jesus Christ said that they cannot: "Jesus replied, 'The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels.'"

There are many questions that can arise when reviewing the ten commandments. The third commandment in particular is one to which few people give much thought, and even less fully understand. What does it mean to take God's name in vain? Exodus chapter 20 records the account of God listing for the nation of Israel, and by extension all of mankind, His Ten Commandments. The third is detailed in verse 7: "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain." Some have misunderstood this verse to be a condemnation of those who mispronounce the name of God, and thus refrain from even attempting to use His name at all. Clearly this was not the intent of the law as many of God's names are used, in more than one language throughout the Bible—but that is a topic for another time. The key to understanding this commandment is defining the word vain. Read our free booklet the Ten Commandments: https://www.tomorrowsworld.org/bookle...

Learn the identifying signs of God's true Church as outlined on the Bible: "Where Is God's True Church Today" https://www.tomorrowsworld.org/order-... This booklet is available free of charge, no credit card information required. Many questions can arise concerning how the Church functioned in the years immediately following Christ's death and resurrection. How should decisions be made? How should leaders be appointed? Should the Church Cast Lots to make important decisions? Should we cast lots to determine God's will? What is the history The only New Testament example of casting lots in the Bible appears to some as setting a precedent for appointing Church leadership: ". . . they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, "You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen . . . ." And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles." Some have gone as far as to surmise that this was an early example of voting or balloting to elect someone to an office. However, the biblical record does not support that claim. During the ceremonies for the Day of Atonement, the High Priest was to cast lots to determine the fate of two goats . . .

There are some who teach that a woman must not attend Church or pray without having a covering over her head, basing this claim on a passage written in Paul's epistle to the Corinthians. Is this accurate? Should women wear head coverings in Church or when in prayer? In 1 Corinthians 11:5 Paul's writes: "But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved." This scripture has long been interpreted by people of religion as a requirement for a woman to have her head covered by a veil or a hat when she attends a religious service or when she prays. Ostensibly it is thought to be a symbol of humility and subservience to God. To understand the scripture in question one needs to view the context of the section in which it is found. The chapter is largely dealing with Paul encouraging the church at Corinth to observe the Biblical traditions that they were taught. The hair length of men and women was included in this portion of Scripture. Anyone reading the first half of the chapter will realize this is speaking of hair length and not hats or veils.

The existence of a Satan is a source of many interesting questions. God is all powerful, and that includes having power over Satan. Yet Satan still has access to tempt and influence mankind? Why does God allow Satan to have such access to man? Submit a question for TW Answers: twanswers@tomorrowsworld.org

While the most frequent example provided for us is that of burial, we can read several instances of righteous individuals whose bodies were dealt with in different manners after death. In short, the Bible teaches that the manner of a person's burial is not of great importance.

A remarkable event occurred during the Feast of Pentecost observed a little less than two months following the resurrection of Jesus. As the disciples were gathered together, there came a sound like a rushing mighty wind, and fire appeared over the heads of each of them and they began to speak in tongues. Many, even today, claim that speaking in tongues remains a vital part of their ministry to this day. What is the gift of speaking in tongues? Submit a question for TW Answers: twanswers@tomorrowsworld.org

We recently received an interesting question about thrill-seekers and extreme risk-takers. What does the Bible say about Daredevils? First of all, there is nothing wrong with taking risks if there is a meaningful purpose for the risk. A rescue team may often be in a position in which members of the team must place their own well-being, or even life, at risk in an attempt to save the life of another. This, if done for the right reasons, is honourable and an example of courage and selflessness. If on the other hand serious risks are taken just for a thrill, or to impress someone else, such is foolhardy, selfish and disrespectful of those who love the individual and of God who created the person for an eventual great purpose. There are several scriptures in the Bible that relate to this question. One example comes from the early life of King David, when he was in a precarious situation in a war with the Philistines. "And David said with longing, "Oh, that someone would give me a drink of water from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!" So the three broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David. . . . And he said, "Far be it from me, O my God, that I should do this! Shall I drink the blood of these men who have put their lives in jeopardy? For at the risk of their lives they brought it." Therefore he would not drink it. These things were done by the three mighty men." (1 Chronicles 11:17-19) David was offended that these men would risk their lives unnecessarily when it was not essential. Another example that we should not take unnecessary risks, thinking that God will protect us, is given by no less than Christ Himself, when He was tempted by Satan to put His Father to the test. Then he brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, "if You are the Son of god, throw Yourself down from here." For it is written: 'He shall give his angels charge over you, to keep you,' " and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.'" and Jesus answered and said to him, "it has been said, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.' " (Luke 4:9-12) The Bible has many such statements teaching us not to be reckless. Thus being a daredevil, or taking unnecessary risk, is acting against the teaching of the Bible, and is displaying a lack of wisdom. Submit a question for TW Answers: twanswers@tomorrowsworld.org

In Matthew 17 Jesus took Peter, James and John high on a mountaintop. As He prayed His appearance changed and the disciples saw Moses and Elijah with Him. This if often referred to as the transfiguration. What really happened at the transfiguration? Matthew's account of the events in question reads ". . . Jesus took Peter, James and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold Moses and Elijah appeared with them talking with Him" (Matthew 17:1-3). The term transfiguration refers to the change in the appearance of Jesus during this event. His face shone like the sun and His clothes became white. This same description is attributed to Jesus in the first chapter of Revelation. God was giving Peter, James and John a preview of what Jesus would later become.

Ezekiel 16 contains an anecdote which has led some to ask: Should Christians wear jewelery or have piercings?

There are some who believe that Jesus Christ's sacrifice paid the penalty of all sin, past present and future. Does this mean that all future sins are forgiven?

Any reading of the Old Testament would reveal the importance placed on animal sacrifices. Yet very few today practice such a custom. Does the Bible indicate that animal sacrifices have been done away with and are no longer necessary? The question as to whether animal sacrifices were done away at the sacrifice of Christ is a topic about which there is much confusion, often stemming from the assumption that Christ’s death ended the need for animal sacrifices. The above assumption is correct, as the blood of ritually slain animals cannot pay the ultimate penalty of our sin. Paul was inspired to state that clearly when he wrote to the Hebrews:

There is a scripture in the Book of Proverbs that confuses many people as it seems to contradict itself. Should we answer a foolish person or not? Proverbs 26:4-5 reads: "Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes" (Proverbs 26:4-5) The word "fool" here actually comes from a Hebrew word that means foolish, or someone who is not acting or speaking with wisdom. In truth, the two statements in this Proverb are complementary, not contradictory.

Some have taken Paul's instructions to the Romans to mean that the Sabbath can be observed on any day one deems appropriate. Is that what he was really saying? Does it matter which day Christians keep holy? Let's review Paul's statement and notice first that he does not use the word Sabbath once in this passage. "One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. . . . He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord . . . . "(Romans 14:5-6) If you read thought the book of Acts, you'll see that he consistently taught, even the predominantly Gentile congregations on a specific day of the week, the Sabbath. A key purpose of God's law is to teach us that He declares right from wrong, holy from unholy. It is not left for everyone to choose for themselves. Order your FREE copy of Which Day is the Christian Sabbath? http://bit.ly/33vGCAC

The Old Testament clearly includes instruction to refrain from eating certain animals. Some have taught that Paul, Peter or even Christ taught that these restrictions were no longer applicable. One such example is found in 1 Timothy 4. Let's examine the question "Did Paul Teach that All animals are meant to be eaten?"

Many try to do away with very clear teachings of the Bible, describing them as part of a law which has been replaced. Today we'll look at a passage some try to use to indicate that faith is something separate from God's law. Let's examine the question "Does the Faith of Abraham Require the Law?"