Ask a Bible Teacher

Are There Unicorns in The Bible?

Published: April 29, 2010
Q

This may seem silly, but I can’t help but ask. In Psalm 22:21 I see the word unicorns in KJV. Does this mean horse-like unicorns did used to exist or are they speaking of another creature? I’m sorry for the pointless question but I’m curious to say the least.


Praying For Our Enemies, Follow Up

Published: April 27, 2010
Q

In a recent question about praying for our president you mentioned that we have the option of praying that his eyes be opened and that God forgive him for what he is doing. My question is this: If what the president is doing is something that needs to be forgiven, it is a sin–will our prayers that someone else be forgiven for sinning actually accomplish forgiveness? I thought we can only ask for, and receive, forgiveness for our own sins.


Saving My Mom

Published: April 26, 2010
Q

I am a born again Christian, however my family is not. Does Acts 16:31 apply to my family because I believe in Christ Jesus? The reason for my question is because my Mom is from Thailand. I know she believes in God but she doesn’t understand that salvation is through Jesus. I’ve tried to explain it to her but I don’t think I’ve been successful. If Act 16:31 doesn’t apply to a believer and his family, can you explain (put in context) the passage for me. Thanks for your wonderful words of wisdom and the encouragement you have given me through your website.


Moses And The Amalekites

Published: April 25, 2010
Q

In Exodus 17:8-14 why did Moses choose to stand at the top of the hill holding the staff of God in his hand? Why did Aaron and Hur stand on each side of Moses, holding up his hands?


Expelling An Unrepentant Sinner

Published: April 23, 2010
Q

I thoroughly enjoy reading the various questions on your site. I have a rather controversial one. A local church in the area recently booted a member out of the church. This member, a Christian and member of this church for years was living in unrepentant sin, was not willing to change, and after numerous meetings and counseling from the pastors they decided to boot this person out. Is that Biblical and should that still be practiced today? It seems harsh of this church.


Alone Together Before The Wedding

Published: April 23, 2010
Q

If somebody wants a marriage based on love and falls in love is it wrong? I mean loving somebody who is a Christian and who knows Jesus as his/ her personal savior. So meeting each other before marriage, hugging, kissing, is that wrong in any sense ?


More On Those Who Say They Are Jews But Are Not

Published: April 22, 2010
Q

Although I really enjoyed your posting, I have a question that has always bothered me. If God destroyed all mankind with the flood and only saved Noah and his family…then aren’t we all really descendants from Noah, which in turn would make all of us part Jewish?


Sins Not Covered By Sacrifice

Published: April 21, 2010
Q

My question has two parts, one to do with sacrifices and the other with sin in the old testament. From my understanding, the sacrifices that the Israelites made were for the temporary cleansing of sin, and were supposed to reflect what Jesus would do when He came. but did they cover all sins? For example, in Joshua 7: 17-26, Joshua asked Achan if he had disobeyed God by taking spoils from the Babylonians. Achan admited that he had sinned before God, and was put to death. According to this scripture, it seems that Achan’s sin was not covered by the sacrifices which would mean that there were some sins that were so bad, that the blood sacrifices would not cover them.

The second part of my question has to do with sin in general at that time. From my understanding, adultery was punishable by death at this time, correct? So the effect of this law would mean that David should have been put to death when he sinned with Bathsheba. But, as we know, David confessed his sin, and was forgiven. But if David was forgiven by his confession, would that also mean that anyone who confessed their sin be forgiven, thereby anulling the punishment? And If so, shouldn’t Achan have been forgiven when he admitted that he had sinned against God? There seem to be different outcomes for David and Achan. On a side note, why was Achan’s whole family punished for his sin? Sorry to kinda throw that one in, but it was bugging me.


War In The Middle East

Published: April 20, 2010
Q

What should we expect to happen here in the United States and the world for that matter, when Israel hits Syria , Iran or others there? And what should we do to prepare for war in the Middle East?


Rebuilding The Temple

Published: April 19, 2010
Q

I really enjoy your web site. My question is in regard to how long it will take to build the third temple. My thinking is that if Daniel’s 70th week is 7 years, each day being a year, would the temple be built in 3 years? Jesus said “Destroy this temple and I will raise it up in 3 days.” Would the building of the temple occur during the first 3 years of the tribulation?