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I have been told that it is unnecessary (or optional) to be rebaptized after repenting for a substantial back-slidden lifestyle. Is this scriptural? - posted: September 12 2003
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In your article, "Of Devils and Demons," you have noted that fasting was basically for remembrance, leading to repentance, but you neglected to mention why Jesus (who knew no sin) fasted for forty days and nights.

I still fail to appreciate the significance of fasting. I do not have to deprive myself of food in order to "remember" or to find motivation for "repentance," and if I must fast as a token of "penance," then what was the shed blood of Jesus at the cross all about?
Eddie - posted: September 12 2003

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Dear Dr. Blizzard,
A very fine Jewish friend of mine and I were discussing the Old Testament, especially Genesis 12:1. My friend and I both believe that this is an instruction to Abraham so that he can become more obedient to God and, therefore, become a better servant to God. A very interesting situation was pointed out to me by my friend about which I am asking you for an opinion or clarification for the both of us.

There is a phrase in Genesis 12:1 in the Hebrew Torah that is not translated in the English versions of either the Torah or the Bible. That phrase is lech lechah, or "go to yourself." We were wondering why this is not translated in the English language. If this were translated into English, then Genesis 12:1 would read as follows: "Now the Lord said unto Abraham '[Go to yourself] get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee.'" I am very interested in seeing what your comments are. Thank you very much for your time and assistance.
S.S. - posted: September 12 2003

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Dear Dr. Blizzard,
No place in the Bible is gambling mentioned; however, I have been told that usury is the same as gambling. Where does this come from? I don't buy this--even if I do not gamble.
P.P. - posted: September 12 2003

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How am I to understand the injunction in the Bible against the making of any graven images? I have a friend who has no images of any animals nor pictures of people in her home whatsoever. She says we're forbidden to do so in the Bible.

I am prepared to be obedient in this regard, but would like further enlightenment on the subject. Is it possible that ceramic figurines or images of animals, etc., could possess supernatural powers?
L.E. - posted: September 12 2003

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