Ask a Bible Teacher

A Backslidden Witness

Published: August 2, 2023
Q

Sometimes when I am going through a tough time I still try to witness to others. I feel compelled to do so but feel like a hypocrite because I have no room to talk at the moment. I still share the Good News and try not to let the devil get to me. That’s all I really can do right? I am not perfect and fall flat on my face sometimes but God always picks me right back up.


As Far As The East Is From The West

Published: August 1, 2023
Q

Since nobody knows the day or hour, some persons who have accepted the Lord and repented of their sin, could be committing adultery, lying, gossiping, stealing, hating, cursing, having an abortion, murdering, having homosexual sex, and in the twinkling of an eye, they are given a glorified body and are meeting the Lord in the air and clouds. Is this right?


From The Heart

Published: August 1, 2023
Q

What did Jesus mean in Matt. 15:11 by saying it isn’t what goes into a man’s mouth that defiles him but what comes out of it?


Are Muslims Descendants Of Ishmael?

Published: July 31, 2023
Q

I have a question regarding Ishmael and Issac. Are the Muslims descendants of Ishmael? And for what reason do they hate the descendants of Issac? I was talking to my father about it but I did not know the reason they hate the descendants of Issac except for the fact the devil hates them.


Rightly Dividing The Word

Published: July 31, 2023
Q

Hi Jack, enjoy your website. What is rightly dividing the word of truth? I’ve been told it’s just keeping Paul’s letters separate from the rest of the bible and I can see that as far as our being saved by grace thru faith. After that there’s a lot of good things to put our faith to work on in the other books but how do you divide them? Thanks.


Discipling A New Believer

Published: July 31, 2023
Q

I have this friend that accepted Jesus only a year ago. At that time, she was in a Catholic church. She now is going to a Catholic one one week and then an Evangelical one the next. She was living with a man, unmarried, and she is a widow with a 13 year old daughter.

I have tried to tell her and show her what the Holy Bible says about her situation, to no avail. The man has moved out, but, they are still seeing each other.

My question to you is, ” how long do I keep telling her what the Bible say’s about fornication, being unequally yoked, and an assortment of other things that she is doing and ignoring Gods’ word? Should I stop speaking to her? (1 Cor. 5: 9-11)

At one time I told myself that I would no longer tell her what Scripture says about her actions, but, then she will ask a biblical question, and I answer it. She has gotten really good at quoting to other friends what I have told her the Bible says, but she won’t read it for herself. I have even gone to the extent of asking her to examine herself and see where she has been obedient to Jesus. No, she hasn’t gotten baptized yet. I have explained to her about the different soils, and nothing gets her attention! I would appreciate any input that you have! I don’t want to loose a longtime friend, but, I want to be obedient to Jesus even more.


Small Group Leadership

Published: July 28, 2023
Q

This isn’t a theological question. You seem to have a good grasp on ministry and I’m hoping you can help me with a group-dynamics question relating to a small group setting.

I lead a small group in our church. One couple seems to be very good at getting us off-track from the study. As a leader, I don’t know how far to let the discussion wander from the point.

This occurs every week. When it happens, I pray for discernment but, quite honestly, I don’t perceive any clear guidance either way, so I let it go on until the conversation comes around to where I can grab it and continue with the study. By that time, I feel the train of thought has been cut and it’s difficult to continue.

Do you have any insights into the issue of leading small group discussions?


Conflict Between Grace And Holiness

Published: July 28, 2023
Q

I have an on-going battle or conflict in reconciling the doctrines of grace and forgiveness with the call to holiness (1 Peter 1:15,16 – But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”) I understand that even that work needs to be exacted by the Holy Spirit’s work in my life. It’s just so easy to fall into legalism. Do you have any insights?

I’m leading a study using AW Tozer’s book The Pursuit of God. Tozer deals with some pretty heavy things in our lives that rival God’s rightful place, covetousness, self-life, etc. My apprehension, now that we’re on the 3rd chapter, is that the group may not agree with his approach – heavy on the experiential as opposed to the positional-only stance of being in the presence of God. Are you familiar with this author and book?

I pray God’s richest blessings on you and your family. Peace!


Seeing God

Published: July 26, 2023
Q

My question is on 1 John 4:12 where it states no man has seen God… but how do we reconcile this with what Jesus told Philip in John 14:9. This is how I interpret or understand this seemingly contradiction. 1 John 4 is a chapter that speaks to having love for one another and for God, verse 7 states that “beloved let us love one another for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God and knoweth God”.

This is conjecture but could John have meant here that the un-regenerated man void of the love of God has never seen Him. I feel that every time I look at one of my brothers or sisters I should see God/Christ in them. Remember to be re-born by the Spirit is to return to the original image that God created us to reflect and that is His image.

Thank God for you Jack, that people like my self can ask questions and get Spirit filled answers in return


Blessing And Cursing

Published: July 26, 2023
Q

I know God wants us to love everyone as if they were our brother. But if God said that He will curse those who curse Israel are we also permitted to do the same?

I have a hard time with having a loving feeling towards anyone who hates Israel. Could you please advise me of what you think.

Thanks for your blessed work. We really need your guidance and knowledge of understanding prophecy at this time.