The Bible Line - March 8, 2022

Alberto, Savannah, GA - In John 15 verses 1-3 what does Pastor Carl think of Bruce Wilkinson's book Secrets of the Vine?

Robert - Does God hear/answer our prayers when we think them not just speak them?

Daniel R., Peterborough, NH - Lately I have been struggling with the notion of God's sovereignty and man's free will. I believe God is ultimately in control of all things. But I also know that Satan is the "god of this age". Satan has some 'authority ' so to speak...but appears to need permission to inflict harm as in the case of Job. Job on the other hand has free will and could "curse God and die". So from the story of Job, it really appears that God is ultimately Sovereign as He accepted the challenge from Satan. Job does not curse God and die and is doubly restored.

Jeremiah R., Lafayette, IN - If all life was destroyed during the Great Flood except Noah's family on the Ark, how did the race of the Nephilim (Gen 6:4) continue after the Great Flood? In Numbers 13:33 we see them as the descendent of Anak. Was this race of giants just natural ranges of the human genetics locked in the DNA of Noah, or did the sons of God go into the daughters of men post flood? Cause if the latter, then what about Jude 6 that talks about God locking those angels up who committed this evil sin pre flood, or is Jude 6 relating to something else entirely? Thank you for your time! God bless.

Sue B., Beaufort, SC - I have been listening to several sermons from Voddie Baucham and would like to hear Pastor Carl's opinion of him!

Ellen - Is it wrong for a Protestant Christian to practice Lent? 

Paul, Bluffton, SC - I’m using Baruch Korman from Love Israel and Walter Martin (Blue Letter Bible) for my expository studies. Are you familiar with them and are their teachings good and in line with your understanding of Scripture? Do you have a recommendation aside of these two and yourself that I can use to expand my understanding of God’s Holy Word in conjunction with prayer and the illumination from the Holy Spirit?

Lester, Anderson, SC - I was recently asked by a Christian friend about the externality of our prayers. Specifically, in reference to the passage of scripture found in Rev 5:8 which reads “they were holding golden bowls full of incense which are the prayers of the saints”, the question is “Are our prayers which are lifted up for our loved ones or any of our prayers still heard by God after our deaths?” Would you kindly speak to this point and any pertinent theological aspects?

Anna B., Savannah, GA - Greetings Pastor Broggi! Thank you so much for this wonderful ministry and all your laboring in the word and doctrine! I am reading through the book of Leviticus with my children and we have come across the phrase, "I will cut him off" many times. I told my children I'm not sure what that means and so we thought to ask you!

Kaye E., Beaufort, SC - Please give me your opinion of these books: Soul Keeping by John Ortberg Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund. Thank you so much.