Question 1: The “Three Days and Three Nights” Dilemma
“Jesus often predicted that he would die and rise after three days, like the sign of Jonah who spent three days and three nights in the fish. But Jesus died on a Friday and rose on Sunday morning — that’s not literally three nights. Are we misunderstanding something in our modern interpretation? Or is it a Jewish cultural way of counting time?”
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Answer:
The reference comes from Matthew 12:40, where Jesus said:
“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
Jesus died on Friday afternoon, was buried before sunset (before Sabbath began), and rose Sunday morning. By Jewish reckoning, any part of a day counts as a full day.
Friday (afternoon before sunset) – Day 1
Saturday – Day 2
Sunday morning – Day 3
Though not three literal nights, this “third-day resurrection” is consistent with other scriptures:
Luke 24:46 – “The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day.”
Mark 8:31 – “After three days he will rise again.”
The “three nights” phrase in Matthew is figurative, drawing from Jonah’s experience. It’s not meant to be a mathematical calculation, but a prophetic parallel.
Question 2: Genesis Creation vs. Scientific Understanding of Planets
Participant:
“Genesis 1 says God created the heavens and the earth. Science tells us about seven or more planets. So is the ‘earth’ in Genesis just our planet? Are the other planets mentioned or accounted for in the Bible?”
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Answer:
Genesis 1:1 — “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
“Heavens” here includes:
The sky (atmosphere)
Outer space
Celestial bodies (stars, sun, moon, planets)
The Bible does not individually name planets, but includes all of them under the broad terms like:
“Lights in the firmament” (Genesis 1:14–16)
Stars of heaven (Genesis 15:5)
The sun, moon, and stars were created on the fourth day, which would also include the planetary systems we know today.
Our solar system is one of many in the vast “heavens,” and the Genesis creation includes everything within that.
> “When scripture says one thing and what happened looks different, our belief should be built on what God actually did. Then, go back to recheck your interpretation of what He said. Don’t rush; the understanding may come later, but God will never contradict Himself.”
Additional Question: Old Covenants vs. New Covenant – What About Fathers of Faith?
Question 3
“We have the New Covenant in Christ, but also see Old Testament covenants like Abrahamic and Davidic ones. Some say we should only focus on the New Covenant. Also, you mention spiritual fathers like Bishop Oyedepo and their ‘grace’ such as the covenant of ease. Is it okay to have many spiritual fathers or mentors?”
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Answer:
1. Old vs. New Covenant:
The Law of Moses (Old Covenant) was a bridge between Abraham and Jesus.
We are joined to Abraham by faith in Christ — not by obeying the Law.
Galatians makes this clear: we are children of Abraham through Christ.
2. Abrahamic Blessings:
We are heirs to Abraham’s blessing (Galatians 3:14) through the New Covenant.
So, we don’t reject the Abrahamic covenant — we fulfill it through Christ.
3. Grace on Spiritual Fathers:
Any grace seen on a spiritual father (e.g., ease, prosperity, favor) originates from Christ.
Tapping into it is simply using that person’s life as a point of contact to access what is already available in Christ.
4. Impartation & Information:
You can receive impartation and teaching (information) from those you follow closely.
Paul said: “Be followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (Hebrews 6:12)
5. Multiple Mentors?
You can have many mentors and teachers, but only a few (or one) true spiritual father(s).
Intimacy and time determine the depth of what you can receive.
Example: Studying Bishop Oyedepo’s books and listening to him daily makes his grace easier to flow into your life.
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Q4: Ministering to the Sick – Prayer vs. Medical Attention
> When praying for a sick person, I have faith, but I often know that the sick person doesn’t share the same faith. After praying, if the person asks whether they can seek medical help and I say yes, does that mean I lack faith or that my prayer is invalidated?
Response:
1. Faith Required from the Sick Person:
The primary faith required is for the sick person to believe in you as a minister or to simply be open to receiving help.
Even a small level of openness is often enough for God to work.
2. Encouraging Medical Attention:
Encouraging someone to seek medical help does not invalidate your prayer.
If a case is life-threatening or there’s no immediate improvement, there’s nothing wrong in advising medical care. It’s wisdom, not a lack of faith.
3. Preparing to Minister:
Spend time in fellowship with God before going to minister. This helps:
Stir up spiritual power.
Align your spirit with God’s will.
Increase your discernment.
This time may involve worship, tongues, or simply being in God’s presence.
4. How to Pray:
Pray with authority and dominion: “In the name of Jesus, I command this sickness to go!”
Avoid uncertain prayers like “God, if it’s your will…”
Be precise and bold in your declarations.
5. After Praying:
Continue declaring healing for the person, even after leaving.
Keep speaking faith over their life in private.
6. Medical Attention Can Be Part of God’s Plan:
Sometimes, God allows someone to travel for medical help because there’s a divine encounter waiting there (e.g., restoration, breakthrough).
Like Lazarus, whose death became an opportunity for a greater miracle, we must trust God’s higher wisdom.
7. Practical Example:
A sister once left after being prayed for and went home for treatment. She later testified that something happened during the trip that positively changed her life. That was God’s orchestration.
8. Minister to as Many as Possible:
Increase your experience and faith success rate by praying for more people.
Each encounter teaches and trains you, even if not all are healed immediately.
Don’t stop just because some results don’t come instantly.
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Q3: The Meaning of “Allah” – Is it the Same as God?
Question from Participant:
> I’ve been studying Arabic, Hebrew, and Greek. I noticed that “Allah” in Arabic means God. Some say it’s not the same God. I’m confused—do Arab Christians also use the word Allah for God?
Response:
1. Language vs. Context:
In Arabic, “Allah” simply means “God.” Arab Christians also use the word “Allah” in their worship.
Context matters—in Islamic theology, Allah refers specifically to the Islamic concept of God.
2. Contextual Meaning:
Just like a word in English can have several meanings, “Allah” has layers:
Primary: A general word for God in Arabic.
Specific (Contextual): The Muslim name for their God.
3. Example for Clarity:
In Nigeria, there’s a place called “New Garage.” Even though technically it should be “Motor Park,” the people agreed to call it “New Garage,” and that becomes its identity.
Cultural context defines meaning.
4. Summary:
“Allah” = God in Arabic language.
But when used by Muslims, it carries their religious definition.
Christians in Arab countries still say “Allah” but with a Christ-centered understanding.
