Ask a Bible Teacher

Pat The Prophet?

Published: January 5, 2007
Q

For sure you have seen the Pat Robertson prediction: God told me of ‘mass killing’ in 2007

I do not think Pat Robertson is a prophet as defined in the Bible since he himself said that “sometimes I missed”.

I am curios to know what you think of his prediction. Is it something like a weather man will say: ” The probability of rain tomorrow is 30%”?


A Second Work Of Grace?

Published: January 5, 2007
Q

I continue to be blessed by your site. Every day or so, I check out your new postings. I can only imagine the commitment on your part to keep this going. Bless you!!!

Your posting about the exchange between Peter and the Lord sparked a question about the Holy Spirit. I was raised Quaker and, as a young adult, sat under the teaching of an Episcopal church that was in renewal (charismatic – don’t like using that “tag” because immediate opinions are made). Quakers hold to a “second work of grace” or sanctification and the Episcopal church taught the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Since that time, I question some of the teaching about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, but I can’t help but observe that those who adhere to that teaching lead a more dynamic spiritual life than those who don’t. I believe it has to do with the idea that the spiritual man can and should expect the power of the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. I’ll admit that some of the “goings on” in the charismatic realm has more to do with human endeavor than originating with the Spirit, but there is something working there. The church that my husband and I currently attend believes that you receive the Holy Spirit at conversion. Period. They are good people that mostly love the Lord and work very hard in church activities, but the dynamics are missing.

What do you make of the teaching of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the resulting dynamic lives of those who adhere to that teaching?


Muslim Rule In The End Times

Published: January 4, 2007
Q

I have, for the most part, believed that the Revived Roman Empire would be the seventh world power of Rev 17:9-10, but for the past few years I have been looking at the Ottoman Empire as the seventh empire to rule the world. Since its defeat in the first World War, and although the name “Ottoman” seems to have completely “died” out, the remnant (if it can be so called) has existed in “Islam” and with all of its factions. What is the possibility that in fact the eighth King could be a Revived Islamic Empire, especially considering the current world news and Turkey’s ascent in the peace-making process and its so-called “Gateway” between the East and West, remembering that Rome had two legs, one on the East (Constantinople) and one on the West (Rome)?

I would like to get your thoughts on this World Empire and the current Islamic Revolution (expansion) while considering if possible Rev. 2: and 3: “The letters to the seven Churches. More specifically since all the Churches to my understanding were in Asia Minor (Present-day-Turkey) and it seems that the seat of Satan was/is in Turkey, see for example, the church in Smyrna, and the church in Pergamos. What is the possibility that the Antichrist might come from Turkey instead of Rome? (not that it really matters where he comes from since I believe we won’t be here when he comes on the scene)


Spirits In Prison

Published: January 4, 2007
Q

I enjoy your website very much. We are studying in 1 Peter 3:18-20 at church and were wondering who Peter is referring to as the “spirits in prison” . If you please, give us your insights on this topic.


Can We Save The Dead?

Published: January 4, 2007
Q

In the Scriptures, we are told that if we ask God the father for anything in Jesus’ name, it will be done. Are there limitations to this, or have I misunderstood what the Scriptures are saying?

The reason I ask is that I am very concerned about the souls of unbelieving friends and relatives who have passed away. Is there any point in me praying to God to ask Him to forgive them and to extend his hand of mercy toward them?


Is Saying Merry Christmas OK?

Published: January 3, 2007
Q

While reading your article, A SHEPHERD’S STORY, I was thinking that, finally, someone who understood the scriptures made the observation that Yeshua could not have been born in the cold month of December – the shepherd’s would not have been out in the fields. My joy faded into despair, however, when you ended the article with ‘Merry Christmas’. I guess you just don’t see the irony here. Study on and you will find that the birth of our Savior has absolutely nothing to do with the Saturnalia celebration.


Life On Other Planets?

Published: January 1, 2007
Q

I was reading a forum that argued if other life could exist somewhere in the universe or not.

I’ve heard of the Nephilim, but apart from them, does the Bible draw the line anywhere on whether or not other life could exist somewhere?

I’ve always believed it doesn’t, but I can’t remember if I based that on something I read in the Bible or not.


Reading The Satanic Bible

Published: December 29, 2006
Q

Through my extreme stupidity as a young man I read the satanic bible…my question is; can a person sell his soul? I pray that it isn’t mine to sell, that it belongs to God the Father… Thank you…


Mary, The Palestinian Refugee?

Published: December 29, 2006
Q

What do you think of the Independent, a leading British daily, describing the Virgin Mary as a “Palestinian refugee in Bethlehem”?


Another Question On The Trinity

Published: December 28, 2006
Q

First of all thank you so much for your website, I read it daily. In fact I used your explanation of the 7 miracles of Christ’s in John in a small Christmas celebration with my children. We lite one candle a night for 7 nights. Each candle represented 1 miracle. So at the end of the 7 nights, we had 7 candles burning and my children and I had gone over each of the 7 miracles. We had the opportunity to review Christ’s purpose for coming as we celebrated His birth.

My problem in understanding the trinity really comes because Christ is characterized as a separate being many times in the Bible. When He manifested Himself to Moses, and when He sits at the right hand of the Father being just two situations. Are the father and son (and holy spirit) only one in purpose or are they one in species, or are they in fact only one in being.