Today's blog is a combination of answers to questions I’ve received lately on my Facebook page or through emails. Because I can't possibly respond to every question that comes in, our great EPM staff help me out with their responses to many of them. (I wish I could reply to more of the questions and letters I receive. Maybe on the New Earth!) If you're interested in reading other questions and answers, the EPM website has lots of Q & As, articles, and resources.
Is It Important for Married Couples to Have Bible Study and Prayer Together, and If So, How Should We Go About It?
Question from a reader:
We are wondering about the importance of married couples having Bible study and prayer together. How we should go about it?
Answer from Randy Alcorn:
Nanci and I pray together every night at bedtime, with pretty much no exceptions. We both are in the Word during the day, but usually at different times and places. We seek to share what we’re learning, and it's rich when we do, but it’s also true there is nothing like devotions together as a couple, which we’ve done periodically.
I’m Scared about Standing Before God at the Judgment of Works. What Is Your Advice?
Question from a reader:
I’m reading your book Heaven and it scares me to know that I have to stand before God for all the bad I have done in my life. I was a Christian part of the time. I’ve asked for forgiveness, but to stand before God scares me. I read in your book how we will give an account for every word.
Answer from Stephanie Anderson, EPM staff:
Yes, the idea of standing before God is sobering. And it would be very sobering without knowing Jesus as Savior. But knowing Him makes all the difference, and also knowing His heart and His character makes a huge difference as we think about this. Meditating on who God is and His heart towards you in Christ will help.
What Do You Mean When You Refer to the Curse with a Capital C?
Question from a reader:
I’m planning on distributing your Heaven booklet to my family as an outreach tool for them to come to know Jesus. As I am reading through the beginning of the booklet, you speak about the Curse. I understand the Curse that was given to us by God from the sin of Adam. However, as I am thinking of my family who do not know the Lord, and I would like a simple answer for them of what it means when you speak of the Curse with a capital C.
Answer from Chelsea Dudley, EPM staff:
Simply put, the Curse is the effects of sin on both humans and the earth. For humans, “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). And for the earth, “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field” (Genesis 3:17-18).
Where Was Lazarus of Bethany Between His Death and When Jesus Resurrected Him?
Question from a reader:
Where was Lazarus of Bethany’s soul during the four days he was dead? When Jesus raised him from the dead, had Lazarus been in Heaven for four days? I searched this topic and found answers from others on different forums, but I don’t know if they’re trustworthy.
Answer from Stephanie Anderson, EPM staff
You are correct that Scripture doesn’t directly address Lazarus’s experience between death and when Jesus resurrected him. But we can make some deductions based on other Scriptures.
How Do We Know That Seraphim and Cherubim Are Angels?
Question from a reader:
In your article Do Angels Have Wings?, you state that seraphim and cherubim are angels and do have wings. I find no reference in Scripture that refers to them as angels, so I would like to know on what basis you make that conclusion.
Answer from Randy Alcorn:
They are generally considered angels just because there are a limited number of intelligent sentient beings. The general categories are God himself, angels, and human beings, and some would also include higher animals.
My Loved One Believes She Had a Near Death Experience. What Does It Mean?
Question from a reader:
My granddaughter had what she believes was a near death experience. She hit a tree in real life and recalls seeing a beautiful meadow with flowers. Everything was so beautiful and pleasant. Can you tell me what that means? We do believe in the Lord and know that there is a wonderful place awaiting us.
Answer from Stephanie Anderson, EPM staff:
There have been many books written over the last several years related to near death experiences. (Randy addresses them here.) God can certainly do anything He wishes, including showing someone a glimpse of eternity. But it’s hard to evaluate because every experience is subjective, and obviously being in an accident is very traumatic for someone’s brain. That’s why Randy writes, “The Bible must always be the standard for evaluating our experience. We should search the scriptures and evaluate these experiences in the light of God’s truth. Biology, spiritual deception, and lack of mental clarity all contribute the potential of seriously misleading impressions during near-death experiences, making it all the more important that we base our beliefs on scripture, and not on experiences.”
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