Ask a Bible Teacher

What Does Repent Mean?

Published: June 12, 2024
Q

I recently found the following definition for repentance. It’s different from others I’ve seen. Can you tell me if it’s correct?

The word in the New Testament usually translated “repent” is the Greek word “metanoeo”. It means “to change your mind; reconsider; or, to think differently.” Granted, if a person changes his mind (repents) toward certain sins in his life, he may become very sorrowful and may even stop committing those sins, but this would be a result of repenting, not repentance itself.

When God tells an unsaved man to repent, He means for that man to change his mind about how to reach God and accept His way of salvation. The person must change his mind from any idea of saving himself through religion or good works, and trust Christ’s death as payment for everything he has done wrong.

 


In The World But Not Of The World

Published: June 12, 2024
Q

How do Christians not live in the world? What does not living in the world mean exactly?


Love The Lord Or Love The World?

Published: June 12, 2024
Q

In today’s world and in my opinion, it seems as though the word disciple is being flaunted as a bait word to attract a lot of fish. And yet my conclusion of what I see is that a lot of churches consider going to church, taking discipleship classes, maybe doing some community service, etc. as a way to become a disciple. It’s almost like to become a disciple, it’s okay to have your cake and eat it too. It’s like they’re all saying, Luke 14:33 doesn’t really mean what it says.

“So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.”

Is this to be taken literally or spiritually? For many years now I’ve long desired (spiritually) to be a “true disciple” but don’t consider myself one because I have not denounced all that I have (physically). And I get so frustrated when I hear Pastors, in particular, saying that “we will make disciples out of you” and yet, the church goes on as it always has. Please help as my prayer is to be able to really share the real Truth in this matter with others.


Who Are The Poor In Spirit?

Published: June 11, 2024
Q

Thank you for your wonderful ministry! I have always been confused by the Beatitude which states, “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”. What exactly does “poor in spirit” mean? I have been told it stands for the righteous, but I would like your clarifying interpretation.


Listening For God

Published: June 11, 2024
Q

What do I say to a believer who doesn’t believe that God speaks to men today?


When Did The Son Become The Son?

Published: June 11, 2024
Q

Can you please elaborate the terminology of the Father, Son relationship as indicated in Hebrews 1 verse 5. “You are my son; today I have become your Father.” As I understand it the Trinity always existed.


Does God Want Us To Suffer So He Can Cleanse Us?

Published: June 10, 2024
Q

Last Sunday at my church, our pastor talked about the refiners fire’s process and he said that God wants us to suffer so he can cleanse us. He used 1 Peter 1:6-7 to support his position. Is this true?


Son Of God Or Son Of Man?

Published: June 10, 2024
Q

The Bible refers to Jesus as the Son of God and the Son of Man. Would you tell me why both terms are used, and is there a reason one term is used in a particular verse instead of the other?


God? Or Son Of God?

Published: June 10, 2024
Q

I read in Matthew 24:36 that not even the son knows the day that he will return. Only god the father knows. If Jesus is God how can this be? Also when Jesus went off to pray who was he praying to if he is God?


Can A Prophecy Become Scripture?

Published: June 7, 2024
Q

A friend of mine wants to know ‘why can’t a prophecy today be considered scripture, if it is all inspired by the Holy Spirit?’