Ask a Bible Teacher

The Gap Theory And The Speed Of Light

Published: April 8, 2007
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!


Preaching To The Dead

Published: April 14, 2007
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?


Denying That Jesus Is God

Published: September 5, 2015
Q

I’ve been reading a lot on another website where the author writes that the “Church” has everything wrong, especially the claim that Jesus is God! I attend a Baptist church house and I don’t want to approach my Pastor about this. I feel that you will be able to assist me in understanding whether this person is right or wrong.


Calling Jesus Father

Published: June 10, 2016
Q

I know that Jesus is not God the Father and that God the Father cannot be God the Son. But can Jesus be called Father?


Working On The Sabbath

Published: April 7, 2008
Q

I know of nothing in the Bible that explains the following, but perhaps you can provide some insight.

Why did our Lord use spittle and clay to heal the blind man instead of merely speaking the word? What lesson are we to learn from that?


Robbing God?

Published: January 23, 2009
Q

Hi Jack, thank you for your site, I follow it every day. May be you could help me to understand where I am at with the Lord, and get back in fellowship with him. I am saved and have been for awhile now, and I have been following after Jesus as GOD. For my understanding of the Bible is, that Jesus is GOD just as GOD is Jesus just as GOD is the Heavenly Father and he is also GOD the Holy Spirit. I believe in worshiping Jesus and praying to him and by doing this I am praising GOD the Father. One day at church I told a senior deacon that I pray to Jesus and I got a response from him that I was doing something wrong. I explained to him that it was not some kind of replacement Theology, because Jesus is also GOD. Now when I pray to Jesus I am thinking in the back of my mind that I am some how robbing GOD the Father of the praise he so deserves but at the same time I know that GOD the Father is also Jesus, GOD the Son. I am sorry if this sounds confusing because it is hard for me to explain. I just want to worship GOD the best that I can and in a way that is pleasing and acceptable to HIM . Thank you for your time and thoughts about this.


The Role Of Father And Son

Published: May 18, 2014
Q

In 1 Cor. 15:24-28 Paul wrote, “Then after Christ has destroyed all powers and forces, the end will come, and he will give the kingdom to God the Father. After everything is under the power of God’s Son, he will put himself under the power of God, who put everything under his Son’s power. Then God will mean everything to everyone.”

What do these scriptures mean that say “He will put himself under the power of God?” Christ is God, so why does he give the kingdom to God the Father?


The Lord’s Discipline, Follow Up

Published: March 4, 2010
Q

I think it is fair to say that all of us have buried memories and thoughts we would like to keep buried. Now, what if you’ve already taken them and given it to God? If those memories suddenly flood back because of an argument or event, is that God “doing something” with those memories for say, discipline to bring us closer to Him? I read in your post “The Lord’s Discipline” that discipline does not increase our fear but increases our love. But does the process include making us angry and hurtful?


The Lord’s Discipline, Follow Up Part 2

Published: March 14, 2010
Q

What if we’ve let the anger toward the one that has hurt us go, but we can’t let go of the shame we feel because of what the person had done? I have forgiven the one that hurt me as a child, but I have a difficult time forgiving myself and I feel shameful for “allowing” it to happen and for allowing it to carry on into a time in my life where I knew it was wrong. I’ve prayed about this often, but I can’t seem to overcome this shame and I struggle with it often. It really irritates me and I believe the answer is that I’m just letting Satan take joy out of my life through the shame. How do we let go of the shame? It’s easier said than done.


Health And Wealth?

Published: August 24, 2008
Q

I have a friend who is very involved in a church that teaches through faith “You will be wealthy.” My friend thinks if she has enough faith God will supply her family with everything they need. Please show me scriptures that show God really wants people to work for a living. My friend and her husband have not worked in years and the work that they have had in the past is all self-employed. They cannot support their kids, but will not listen to either friend or family. They are in their forties, so this is not just being “young and dumb.”