Is it acceptable to receive blood transfusions?
Q: The Scripture prohibits the people of God from eating blood. Is blood transfusion the same as eating of blood? — Samuel, from Ghana A: No, they are not the same. The Bible forbids eating blood, but not transfusion of blood (see Genesis 9:4, Leviticus 3:17, Leviticus 17:14, Deuteronomy 12:23, and Acts 15:29). Dr. Elias…
Read MoreIs evangelism still relevant?
Q: Is evangelism still relevant? And if so, what is the most effective — public or small group? Or some other way? — Marie, from the United States A: Marie, our evangelistic and missionary work for others is to increase as we come closer to Christ’s soon Second Coming. Comprehensive evangelism outreach can take many…
Read MoreHow can I know God?
Q: Can you assist me in knowing God? — Millen, from Kenya A: Dear Millen, how wonderful it is that you are reaching out to know God! The first thing to know about God is that He loves you and is drawing you to Himself. “I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with…
Read MoreWhat is the best position for prayer?
Q: Prayer is important in the life of a Christian. But in some churches there is a war about the best position — standing, kneeling, sitting — that someone can take in prayer. What does the Bible say about this? — Jackson, from Burundi A: The Bible describes people praying in many different positions and…
Read MoreDoes Jesus have a specific date set for His Second Coming?
Q: Do you think Jesus has a concrete date fixed for His Second Coming, or can we advance His Second Coming through the proclamation of the gospel? — Becky, from Spain A: Becky, some prophecies of the Bible are fixed and unconditional, but these are very rare. They relate to what God promises to do…
Read MoreCan Adventists serve as police officers?
Q: Can Adventists serve as police officers? What are the differences between serving in the military and in the police force, if any? I’m an Adventist who serves in the U.S. Army as a chaplain assistant and I bear arms. As one who studies this issue a lot, I just haven’t been convinced yet to…
Read MoreIs it mandatory that deaconesses be ordained?
Q: I’m the head elder of a local church, and we are facing confusion on whether ordination of deaconesses at the local church is mandatory or if it’s something that local churches are permitted to do if the conditions don’t threaten church unity. — Tapuwa, from South Africa A: At the 2010 General Conference Session…
Read MoreIs the mark of the beast an electronic chip?
Q: My friend says that a chip will be placed in all Sunday worshippers and that this is the mark of the beast. Would you please help me to explain to her that this is not so? — Corrett, from Jamaica A: Corrett, there are many strange and unusual ideas regarding the mark of the…
Read MoreDoes the Bible say women shouldn’t wear pants?
Q: Some people believe that Deuteronomy 22:5, “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God,” teaches that women should not wear pants, because they are a man’s garment. How can we…
Read MoreCan Adventists wear jewelry?
Q: My question has to do with the wearing of jewelry by Adventist members and the baptizing of new members who wear jewelry. Isn’t Fundamental Belief No. 22 (Christian Behavior) very clear about outward adornment? And in our Church Manual, it seems very clear that “the wearing of jewelry is not in keeping with our…
Read More