Ask a Bible Teacher

Can You Be A Christian And Hate Israel?

Published: August 21, 2023
Q

I was on a site recently that called itself Christian but was basically devoted to bashing Jews and Israel. Their posts were just a lot of what I perceived as anti-Israel propaganda. They claimed that if people were made aware of the evil of Zionism and what it stands for then they would see “the truth.” When I identified myself as a Christian and a supporter of Israel, because of what the Bible says, I was mocked and called a “Zionist”. They told me I needed to have the courage to pray and ask the Lord to show me the truth about Israel and the Jews. Where do you think people like this stand as far as the Lord is concerned?


More On The Olivet Discourse

Published: August 17, 2023
Q

Matthew 24:15 to the chapter’s end seems pretty straightforward. It covers a period from the middle of Daniel’s 70th week until the LORD’s return. But I’m wondering about the specific time period indicated by Matthew 24:4-12. Could it be that Matthew 24:4-12 covers the first half of the 70th week? After all, verse 13 says that “he who endures to the end, the same shall be saved.” That doesn’t sound like a statement that would characterize the “church age” in general, but a period characterized by a return to the Mosaic Law.


Loving God As He Loves Us

Published: August 17, 2023
Q

After Jesus’ resurrection, and the time he appeared to the disciples after they had gone fishing. Where Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him and Peter replies in a different word, meaning he loved Him as a brother. Finally the third time that Jesus asked Peter the same question, He used the same word that Peter was using for love. I am wondering if it is possible for us to love Jesus and the Father in the same way that They love us, that is with an agape love. I know that Jesus is very dear to me and I love Him with all my heart, but am wondering if is possible for us as humans to love as God loves.


Joining A Local Congregation

Published: August 17, 2023
Q

I am joining the church I have been attending by profession of faith (received Christ as my personal Lord and Savior) but my husband refuses to join saying he does not believe in some of the doctrines of this church, such as the rapture. He believes that upon death, we are present with the Lord and we do not have to wait for the graves to open to be in His presence. It is kind of confusing to me. He also says the church celebrates Easter and not the Passover. On this account, I see his point but also know the Church does not celebrate the pagan rituals but rather celebrates Christ’s victory over death.


Who Was That Man?

Published: August 16, 2023
Q

I have a question about Daniel chapter 10. In Daniel’s vision, there seems to be more than one person communicating with Daniel; the “certain man {who} was clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz,” and the “one looking like the sons of men,” who has an appearance much less overpowering than the first figure. I have heard that the awesome, first figure is actually Jesus Christ himself and that an angel stood by to help Daniel when he was overcome by His awesomeness. I just need clearing up who is who.


Are Marriage Licenses Required By God?

Published: August 16, 2023
Q

Where in the Bible do we find reference to the need to obtain a marriage license in order to become husbands and wives. Genesis 2:24 speaks about the mandate for the couple to leave father and mother to become one flesh but is there something else we need to do? A friend of mine argues that a license is not really required by God and that it is something men came up with. What do you think?


Praying The Lord’s Prayer

Published: August 16, 2023
Q

I have been praying the Lord’s Prayer 3 times daily for a long time and have recently seen something that made me question if I should be doing this. I refer to a passage that indicates that the Lord knows us and our needs therefore we should not pray repeat prayers. I pray the Lord’s Prayer always followed by prayers for Israel. Should I stop doing this?


An Unforgivable Sin?

Published: August 15, 2023
Q

I’m scared I’ve committed the unforgivable sin. About a month ago I stopped listening to my inner voice because I had been wrong about the guy I was dating. I thought the spirit was telling me to marry him, but it turned out that wasn’t the case. So by not listening did I turn my back on the spirit? I still love God with all my heart and want him to lead my life. I’m worrying myself to death. I’m so scared God has left me. I never wanted that to happen. I just wanted to make sure I was doing Gods will.


Masturbation and 1 John 3:9

Published: August 15, 2023
Q

I have read in your Q&A post that you don’t think masturbation itself is a sin, and clearly, you have missed a vital verse from your bible. This verse most definitely would cover masturbation.

Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 1 John 3:9

I hope you will prayerfully consider revising your position on the subject matter.


Can I Marry A Man Who’s Been Engaged Before?

Published: August 15, 2023
Q

My boyfriend and are are both virgins and are talking about getting married one day. He was engaged back in college but didn’t get married.

My question is whether their commitment to each other would in any way constitute him having been married before in the eyes of God. I know in Biblical times a “betrothal” was quite binding and could only be ended by a divorce. If I choose to marry this man, I want to be fully convinced it is right in the Lord’s eyes to do so. What do you think about the issue?