Ask a Bible Teacher

Rebuilding Babylon

Published: November 18, 2006
Q

I am puzzled by the current world situation if soon the prophesy of the Ezekiel war or about Damascus will taken place.

However, if the Ezekiel war or what was prophesied about Damascus will take place in the not too distant future, then when is in your opinion the rebuilding of the city of Babylon will take place, in the time table of end time scenario, in such away to prepare the city for the end time scenario of Zec 5:11?


How Big Is The Church?

Published: November 17, 2006
Q

Would you be able to comment on what the “pre-determined number” of Christians would be that would coincide with the rapture happening? In other words, does this (in Romans?) mean that once this number of believers is reached that no more people will be allowed into heaven and that this number will then be the signal to rapture? Someone once mentioned the number as 144,000…which seems pretty low. Thank you.


Can I Ever Remarry?

Published: November 17, 2006
Q

If marital unfaithfulness and/or marriage to an unbeliever are the only biblically acceptable reasons for divorce, then can I ever remarry?

My husband was physically and emotionally abusive to me…and after we had children he was including them in his abusive behavior as well. I wanted a divorce and told him so…many times. We tried counseling without success. Finally, he agreed to get a divorce…and he was the one who actually initiated the petition. I never fought it.


Children And Salvation

Published: November 15, 2006
Q

I have two questions in regards to the topic “Will We See Our Unborn Babies in Heaven?”. First: Isn’t using Psalm 139:13-16 taking that verse out of context, for even if life did not begin at conception, could God not also make us in our mothers wombs, and isn’t the point of that verse to talk about how much God cares for us and has planned out our life and not to define when human life starts?

Second: Is there any Scriptural proof that would say that before a child makes a decision they will go to heaven. Romans 10:9 says “if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” This would seem to say that babies will not go to heaven because they never confessed nor believed.

I have been wondering about this for a while now, and any answer you have would be much appreciated.


Psalm 110 And Replacement Theology

Published: November 15, 2006
Q

I was at a home school conference a couple of years ago and heard (a well known theologian) use one of the verses you used in this week’s commentary to support his replacement theology position:

The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” (Psalm 110:1)

According to him this one verse sums it all up “Jesus will not return to earth until the Christians have made things on earth better and better by going forth and multiplying.”

I would appreciate your comments on what this verse really means because I know that the Bible teaches things here are going to get worse not better.


A Correct Way To Tithe?

Published: November 15, 2006
Q

I have a question regarding tithing. My church has several different funds to which you can give. The building fund, cemetery fund, the pastors mission trip or to missions in general. I have always thought that I should give my 10% to the church budget and then anything that I want to give to the building fund or missions should be extra. Some people divide their tithe between the funds. Which is correct?


Is It A Sin To Fight In A War?

Published: November 15, 2006
Q

Since murder is against God’s Word, is it a sin to fight in a war?


Will The Real Jack Kelley Please Stand Up?

Published: November 15, 2006
Q

I have been a faithful follower of yours for almost a year. Just today, a good friend challenged me by quoting your background. Please comment on the internet publicity that you have been “unreliable” in your reporting via USA Today. How can we depend on what you share with us on your Grace Thru Faith site?


Have I Waited Long Enough?

Published: November 14, 2006
Q

I have been divorced for 7 years and separated for 2 years while the divorce was in process. I tried to prevent, delay, avoid the divorce that my wife initiated. We were married in the catholic church by my priest, she is protestant, and have three children together. She had a thyroid problem that went undiagnosed until the divorce was started. It had affected her physically to the point that her judgment had been affected. Her doctor told me that her brain chemistry was ‘out of whack” and that she shouldn’t be allowed to make any major decisions until they could regulate her and she could get counseling. I couldn’t persuade her that the divorce was not based in reality but her skewed version of reality. Her parents and good friend (male) persuaded her that I was trying to control her. She moved out and began a relationship with her “friend”.

My question to you: I believe my wife to be ill physically and mentally. Mark 10: 5-9 and 1 Corinthians 7: 15 seem to offer opposite teaching. I loved my wife and never wanted the divorce. I feel bound by my promise to love et al in sickness and in health, what God has joined together let no man put asunder. I have never lost hope of re-uniting with my wife, and we are friendly to each other when exchanging kids, but I am getting older and would rather not spend the rest of my life alone. For the last 9 years the kids have been my life but they will be off to college soon enough. Please share your thoughts on my situation. Most people tell me to move on, but I don’t really feel that I have that option, Biblically or ethically.


Old Testament Canon

Published: November 13, 2006
Q

In your commentary on Psalm 137, re: “under the leadership of Ezekiel the Jews put together the books of the O.T.” Could you tell me where I could get more information on this? It sparked my interest in knowing about how, when, where the O.T. books were placed in their order.