Ask a Bible Teacher

Unsolicited Witnessing

Published: July 5, 2024
Q

More and more when I share my faith I get people saying things like, “I can see that it works for you.” or “Your way works for you and my way works for me.” They don’t believe there is only one way to God and think truth is subjective. I’ve even had people say to me, “Well, good for you.” when sharing what I believe. The only time they get their bristles up is if I talk about absolute truth and challenge their belief that there is more than one way to God. I don’t do that anymore since it doesn’t help. I’m at a loss. How do I witness to such people?


Faith And Fruit

Published: July 5, 2024
Q

Re: Recognized By Their Fruit. You are not saying that believers will or must produce fruit or their faith is not genuine, right? Fruit is only evidence of belief & not a litmus test. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved is what the Bible says & nothing added to it, correct? I’m asking because I have believer friends who think no fruit means no belief, and I think only God knows the heart & anything else is works.


Financial Debt And The Rapture

Published: July 4, 2024
Q

In your response to the question of how to prepare for the Rapture you said to remove as much debt as possible, or words to that effect. I was a member of a church where the pastor said that debt was not a problem. If the Church was in a lot of debt at the Rapture let Satan and his followers settle with the debt after the Church is gone. What do you think about that?


Does God Care About Human Rights

Published: July 4, 2024
Q

I’ve just read your articles and have learned many new spiritual insights.

I grew up in a Muslim country and have seen much injustice, but the Christians in the West that I know don’t seem to care about those who are not believers.

As a born again Christian, how should we respond to human rights violations against non-Christians? Are we to only take care of those who believe as we do?


A Climate Change Question

Published: July 4, 2024
Q

Do you believe global warming/climate change is a concern we ought to worry about? If you do, how ought we to handle it? I do not trust the global warming advocates. If it is real do you think it could be part of the plan of God to bring about more global sanctions and rules preparing for global government?


How Can The Church Be Considered Pure?

Published: July 3, 2024
Q

I have been following where you are saying that the “Church” is the “bride” of Yeshua. But isn’t the church supposed to be pure, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish as Ephes, 5:25-27 says? In my experience the Church is anything but pure, and many don’t even seem to care. Are we not supposed to be working on ourselves? I am in a Messianic bible study where they teach us that the Lord could not bring a Church like this to himself. What do you think?


OSAS And 1 John

Published: July 3, 2024
Q

Your articles on eternal security were such a blessing to me. I am still wrestling with some vital concerns, however. You stated in several of your articles the believer’s behavior will not negate his or her salvation. But there are several verses in 1 John which seem to indicate to the contrary. For instance, 1 John 3:9 says anyone born of God will not continue to sin because God’s seed remains in him, he cannot continue to sin! There are several others as well.

Coming out of a denomination that stressed grace/ works and struggling with sin as a believer, I want with all my heart to embrace what you’re teaching! My sanity and marriage depend on it. Please keep serving our precious Lord by helping to liberate multitudes in bondage to legalism and rules and commandments taught by men!


Perfect Justice, Perfect Love

Published: July 3, 2024
Q

I am a regular visitor of your site from Saudi Arabia. Every morning I always feel excited to come to your site to be filled with the Word of God.

I have two questions: Who are we to deserve such a sacrifice as Jesus made for us? And, why will Jesus have those scars for all eternity? How sad it will be to those who are redeemed beholding the King of Glory with scars on His hands and feet because of our sins.


Justice Or Mercy?

Published: July 2, 2024
Q

I’m having trouble reconciling the stories in the Old Testament where Israel stood up to her enemies and often called on the wrath of God to save them and the New Testament teaching of being kind to your enemies and turning the other cheek.

Although we are commanded to forgive and I understand fully the reasons for doing so, there is also a part of me that would want God to step in and be the vindicator; that there is a system of justice in the world.

My husband (a non believer) hurt me very deeply when he commited adultry and left me and my children to set up a new life. He periodically continues to hurt me when he withholds money and makes me feel in the wrong for asking – humiliating and belittling me to the point where I feel totally useless. Trying to follow God’s will for my life is seen as a weakness; Godly principles are dismissed as meaningless – seen through worldly eyes.

Forgiveness is difficult but necessary. I find myself though, in the same vein as the psalmist who asks how long this will continue. I want God to open my husband’s eyes and allow him to see what he is doing.

I look then to my Saviour who having been beaten, scourged and crucified, appealed to His father to overlook the crimes of his enemies. This makes me feel ashamed and that God is disappointed in me for not handling things better. I know God’s anger will be unleashed on those who persecute his beloved, but are we to ask for their forgiveness nontheless and does this apply to people who hurt us on a personal level? Like God, is there a time when our patience should come to an end or are we truly to forgive 70 times 7?


Where’s My Blessed Assurance?

Published: July 2, 2024
Q

Although I grew up in the church and my family members were all Christians, I am totally unable to remember any time when I “went forward” to an altar to be “saved.” Despite praying all my life for strength of faith, for “blessed assurance,” I often ask myself whether I’m one of those vessels destined for destruction. Can you help?