FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson

Free E-mail Bible Study Faith of Abraham (Genesis 11-25)

I am trying to subscribe, but having trouble. Can you help me?

Yes. If the error message says: "Sorry, there was a problem. Duplicate subscriptions are not allowed" then rejoice! That means you've already subscribed to this Bible study or newsletter. But if you're having problems, please e-mail us and we'll sort it out for you.

How can I change the e-mail address on my subscription?

Unfortunately, you can't do this yourself. E-mail us and we'll do it for you. Give us both your OLD e-mail address and your NEW e-mail address.

Can I have permission to use your map or article in my teaching?

Yes. By all means. These are yours to use in your ministry. Just do not remove the copyright indication or post them on your website. However, if you use a map or reference to my materials in your sermon that appears on YouTube or on your church website, that" okay. Only do not post my materials as an integral part of your website; rather link to my site.

Can I use the painting I found on your website in my teaching?

Most of the religious paintings on my site are out of copyright according to US law and may be freely used. Since I don't own them, I can't offer permission to use them. My own watercolor paintings can be used for ministry with proper attribution, though do not use them on products without explicit written permission.

What version of the Bible do you use in your lessons?

The main text in my Bible studies is the NIV, since my job is to communicate the Word with clarity to the largest number of readers. However, in the numerous Hebrew and Greek word studies, I always refer to the KJV translation, as well as the NIV, the NASB, and more recently the ESV.

I know that some churches teach that the KJV is the legitimate English translation (though this argument is becoming less common). However, as a student of the Bible for more than 70 years, I have found that probably the ESV is probably the most word-for-word accurate these days (similar in most readings to the NRSV). The NASB is a more literal translation than the ESV, but less readable. I''ve found that the NIV probably provides the best balance between readability and accuracy. More....

What is your statement of faith?

I subscribe to the Statement of Faith of the National Association of Evangelicals, and strongly believe in the inspiration and authority of the Scriptures.

Can I ask you a Bible question?

I am sometimes able to take an occasional simple question via e-mail. However, the best way to find an answer is to use the search page of my website to ask your question. That should get you most answers quickly.

Can you send me your Bible studies via postal mail?

No. Printing and mailing are both quite expensive and require a large staff. I am able to give away free Bible studies via e-mail, since my costs are low. But I can't provide printed Bible studies via postal mail.

Can you send money to help us?

No. I get many, many requests for help. Pastors are suffering from diseases that need treatment. A church is trying to support orphans. Another is building a building to worship in. Yet another needs to purchase property. There are many, many needs that Christian workers and churches experience. I know. I've been in situations where funds were so tight the pastor couldn't be paid for months at a time.

Please understand that Joyful Heart Renewal Ministries is essentially a one-person ministry by a retired pastor. What we give away free are tens of thousands of free Bible studies via e-mail. No cost. But we don't raise funds to help all the needs out there. Other ministries have this as their focus. Our focus is making high quality, in-depth Bible studies available free of change.

Ultimately, God is our Provider, Jehovah-Jireh. Paul taught: And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

Can you send us free books and Christian literature?

No. Many, many churches in developing countries are in desperate need of printed materials to help spread the gospel and teach their people. Unfortunately, due to the costs of printing and shipping, I can't offer printed materials. I have no supply of my many books stacked in some room, only my own author copy. My books are only produced on a 'Print on Demand' (POD) basis. When an order comes in, the book is printed on a special press and sent to the one purchasing it. There is no stock. I am able to give away free e-mail Bible studies, but not printed materials.

Can you send us Bibles?

No. There is a tremendous need for Bibles in the language of the people in Africa, Asia, and elsewhere! However, my ministry is giving away free e-mail Bible studies, not Bibles. Some organizations specialize in providing Bibles. Mine does not. I am sorry.

Can you come to my country and speak to pastors here or at my church?

No. I am often asked to travel to Africa or Asia at my expense and speak. I did travel five times to western Kenya to train pastors when I was younger. However, now that I am over 80, I don't have energy for preaching missions and the international travel.

Can our church partner with your ministry?

No. I am honored by the request, but this is a Bible study ministry, not an American organization that helps recognize or validate churches in some way. Please do not use the name of my ministry or Bible study series in your church" advertising. Those are proprietary.

Can you help me find a college where I can get trained?

No. I don't keep track of American colleges, though I know there are some very fine ones. I don't provide scholarships or pay for someone" education, no matter how worthy. My focus is on providing free Bible study materials via e-mail.

Do you take prayer requests?

When I receive a prayer request via e-mail, I pray for the request before deleting the e-mail. But I do not keep lists of prayer requests to pray over. I have to focus on the ministry God has called me to. Others have extensive prayer ministries; mine is an extensive Bible study ministry.

Can you counsel me about problems I am having with my spouse and children?

No. I have found that without full knowledge of a situation I can't offer responsible counsel. An e-mail or short phone call isn't adequate for me. So I don't do e-mail or telephone counseling.

Why does God allow innocent children to suffer, natural disasters, and such wickedness in his world?

The question: "Why does a good, loving God allow the innocent to suffer?" (or something like it) has been asked by mankind for many generations. Even though we might have an intellectually satisfying answer, that doesn't ease the pain we feel at such a loss. I grieve with you about the loss of life in wars and natural disasters, and in the suffering of the innocent.

Essentially, Christians believe that:

God created mankind good. Genesis 2.
God also created man to know and love God. In order for us to be more than robots that have no choice, God has given us some degree of freedom of will, as well as the ability to either love him and obey him, or to turn away from him and do evil. If God removes the freedom to sin, then love is meaningless because it is compelled.
But man fell from the perfection of God's creation by sin and our characters contain a bent towards selfishness and sin. God sent Jesus to die for our sins and to restore us to God.
The earth, too, has fallen from God's original good creation. Pain and suffering and the evil work of Satan to destroy God's creation are present.
We know that in the end, God will defeat and judge Satan, fallen angels, and the unrighteous and unbelieving.
Finally, God will create a "new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwell." Then he will "wipe away every tear from their eye." Until then we will experience suffering.

I wish I could answer your question in an emotionally satisfying way. But I encourage you to continue to put your trust in God, even though you don't understand why everything happens as it does.

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	Joyful Heart Renewal Ministries, Inc. - Dr. Ralph F. Wilson, Executive Director
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