Ask a Bible Teacher

How Can I Be Certain?

Published: January 6, 2008
Q

My question about the meaning of “losing one’s faith,” as opposed to having doubts, has come to the forefront again. It relates to the reader’s question, and your response, to how a minister of the Gospel can be “left behind.”

I believe our Lord’s death fully satisfies God’s requirement for perfect justice. I believe His resurrection proves the Father’s acceptance of His sacrifice in that respect. I believe it is the only thing that does meet that requirement. There is no other way to live in the eternal presence of God.

I know God will not deceive me. But, I know, also, that scripture is full of examples where He has allowed men to deceive themselves. So, what is the difference between believing and trembling, as the devils do, and believing and being saved, as the Church does? Are the “left behind” preachers/teachers “certain” they are saved? Will they be truly surprised when they don’t go up in the Rapture?

Will Jesus tell me that He never knew me? How can I be certain, despite my acknowledgment of my sins and my prayers for forgiveness in Jesus’ name, that, somehow, what I have done, am doing, is genuine enough? God does not tell me. He has never given me the Blessed Assurance despite my prayers for more than 60 years.

I am unable, so far, to overcome my doubts, not in His promises, but in my self. How can I “let go and let God”?

 


Why Isn’t Everyone Saved?

Published: January 9, 2008
Q

If we’re saved by grace alone, why do we need to believe in Christ? Doesn’t grace alone mean all people should be saved regardless of their response? Isn’t the act of believing a “work” in itself?

Also, why did Jesus leave earth after he was raised from the dead? I think if he had stayed it would have allowed more people to believe and be saved. It seems to me that the information about being saved is not clear enough for many people to understand. But perhaps that is the plan- to only save a small percentage?


Was Jesus A Carpenter? Follow Up

Published: January 14, 2008
Q

My question is: what are some things we can do as laypersons to counter or protect ourselves from being misled by these so-called factual shows on TV?

I know turning off the TV is probably number 1 on the list but these shows prove that people have a thirst for Biblical knowledge especially as it concerns end time prophecy. How can they protect themselves so that shows that say “Jesus was probably not a carpenter” will not cause them to question their faith or the truths in Gods word?

 


Confessing Our Sins

Published: January 8, 2008
Q

I have read your teachings on union & fellowship with the Lord when it comes to confessing our sins. I am a born again believer and I am secure in my salvation.

When we confess our sins to the Lord does he acknowledge it if I ask Him to forgive me for “all of my sins” up to this point daily or is important to Him that we confess each “individual” sin before we can be back in fellowship with Him?

I guess what I’m asking is a “blanket confession” (all inclusive) acceptable to the Lord or does He require us to be specific?


Is A Platonic Live In Relationship OK?

Published: January 11, 2008
Q

Thank you for this website. It has been very helpful in my relationship with Christ!

I have a question about my mother. She is currently living with her fiance and she says that there is nothing wrong with living with him because they are not having sex. What does the Bible say about things like this? Is is okay for her to live with him? She says that she has committed no sin. Is she right? Thank you very much and God bless you, your family, and organization.


Circumcising Timothy

Published: January 5, 2008
Q

Why did Paul have Timothy circumcised? Wasn’t this contrary to his repeated assertion that Gentiles who became members of the Church were not required to undergo a Jewish ritual procedure for all males, according to Mosaic Law, a symbol of the Old Testament covenant that God made with Abraham?

 


The Timing Of The Passover Meal

Published: January 6, 2008
Q

My question for you today involves when the Jewish day begins and when the numeric date actually changes. I know that based on Genesis it was evening first and therefore the new day begins at sundown.

If Passover begins on 14 Nisan with confirming the unblemished animal, does the actual Passover meal take place on 15 Nisan as the new day begins at nightfall?


For Them Or For Us?

Published: January 7, 2008
Q

I was going through Matthew 10: 5-16 and I wondered… Is this a passage just referring to the disciples, or all of his followers to this day?

 


The Sleep Of Death

Published: January 2, 2008
Q

Psalm 13:3 – Show Context Look on me and answer, O Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;

Psalm 90:5 – Show Context You sweep men away in the sleep of death; they are like the new grass of the morning–

Were they sleeping then because Jesus hadn’t come as savior yet? Is it different now because He has come?


Can I Marry My Uncle?

Published: January 3, 2008
Q

My mother passed away November 2006. Her sister (my aunt) passed away March 2007. In our grief my uncle (my aunt’s husband) and I became close. He wants to marry me. I can only do this if it is acceptable to God. What is God’s word on this issue? I am 51 years old and I don’t know what to do.