Ask a Bible Teacher

Using Holy Things For A Common Purpose

Published: September 12, 2022
Q

I always have a problem when it comes to explain holiness. I want to think it means not drinking, not smoking, etc. But deep down inside me there is something that tells me that the meaning of this word goes deeper than that. When I read 1 Peter 1:13-16 I thought I was going to get a detailed breakdown of what holiness means but didn’t. Can you please explain what Pater was saying?


The Way Of Return

Published: September 12, 2022
Q

When a person who has been leading a dissolute drug filled life absolutely can’t remember their young life when they attended church and had a possible salvation and baptism experience; what type of commitment would you advise them to follow to be certain of their salvation?


Does He Have The Right To Do That?

Published: September 12, 2022
Q

I don’t understand why in the Noah’s Ark story God destroyed every living thing on earth except for eight people and a bunch of animals just because people did not pray and remember Him? Could a Creator have the right to destroy creatures? Similarly, can parents take their child’s life when the child is not listening to them or showing proper respect to the parents?


When Was Israel Re-Born?

Published: September 8, 2022
Q

I was reading another pre-tribulation site where the commentator referred to two dates. First he mentioned 1949 as the “Armistice” date and also referred to the land that was originally dispensed to the Jewish nation in 1948. I have always believed that 1948 is the reference point to determine the time the Lord will return. At another time I read something about 1947 being the actual official beginning of Israel and showed some official paper. What do you say about this?


What Did You Mean By That?

Published: September 8, 2022
Q

In one of your answers about salvation you wrote the following: “The fact is some who think they’re saved are not, and some who fear they’re not saved will discover they are.” Who were you referring to?


Lukewarm Friends

Published: September 8, 2022
Q

I am very grateful for your ministry. I believe you have been gifted with insight and an ability to effectively communicate that glorifies our Lord Jesus Christ. I am fearful for family and friends who have a lukewarm knowledge that Jesus is the Son of God but do not see the urgency of needing to accept the Lord’s grace soon. What advice can you give me on making the issue more urgent to them?


Gathered In His Name

Published: September 7, 2022
Q

Thank you again for your wonderful website. I have been reading your teachings for over a year now, and telling everyone I know about you. I hope I am not overstepping a line when I refer to you as my Bible teacher. I am wondering how you interpret “gathered together in my name”? When two or more Christians get together, is Jesus with them even if they only get together for lunch or something? Or do they specifically have to come together to worship Him or pray for spiritual insight, for Jesus to be there?

The reason I ask this is because I am taking piano lessons for the purpose of praising the Lord. My piano teacher is a Christian also and she knows why I want to learn. We are working so that eventually I will be able to praise the Lord through music, but we are not specifically worshiping Him or seeking guidance. Though the Holy Spirit is already sealed within our hearts, would I be reading to much into the scripture if I thought Jesus was there with us?


No Animal Sacrifice For Me

Published: September 7, 2022
Q

I was wondering. Could the person who offers the sacrifices in the temple when it is rebuilt in Ezekiel 40-48 be the anti-Christ? I know that the Holy Spirit lives in me and I just can’t see the Lord having anyone sacrifice animals. I surely wont be sacrificing animals, to me it would be an abomination.


Preaching To The Dead

Published: September 6, 2022
Q

Earlier this week you answered a question about whether or not Jesus may have suffered in Hell during his visit there. Scripture tells us, and as you said, “When He went to the side for the unsaved, it was to preach to them, not suffer with them.”

Why do you think Jesus was preaching to the unsaved? Was there a chance for them to experience some form of redemption, or do you think Jesus was explaining to them why they deserved to be on the wrong side of the chasm?


The Gap Theory And The Speed Of Light

Published: September 6, 2022
Q

Thank you for a wonderful website. I especially like how your explanations are simple and direct, using scripture in its plain meaning. God indeed “means what he says and says what he means”.

My question is about the creation of the universe. Since you seem to believe in a “Gap theory” from your writings, such as the article “Honest to God”, I wonder if you have heard of the “decay of light speed theory” and its relationship to the age of the universe and creation? If correct, it seems to fit much better with the plain text reading of the creation account. No need to insert a “gap” between verse 2 and 3. Also the theory seems to answer many of the anomalies that we are seeing in the field of astronomy even today. What are your thoughts on this? Thanks again for your wonderful work!