Ask a Bible Teacher

Moab And Jordan

Published: July 5, 2006
Q

I came across a scripture tonight and wondered what you make of it. Jeremiah 48:47 says “And I will bring back the captivity of Moab in the last days”. The people of Moab were somewhere in the vicinity of Jordan and were relatives of the Hebrews. Do you suppose that, like Israel, the rebirth of Moab would be a sign of the last days? Who would Moab be today? As far as I know there are no such people now. What do you think this means?


Eternity Or Millennium?

Published: July 4, 2006
Q

How did you come to conclude that the New Jerusalem appears at the beginning of the millennium? When I read Rev. 20-21, it seems like the order of things are as follows: 2nd coming of Christ, Satan is bound, millennium period, Satan is released/defeated, old heaven and earth pass away (Rev. 20:11), Great White throne judgment, eternity begins with a new heaven and earth, New Jerusalem descends, “it is done” (Rev. 21:6). Am I misunderstanding something?


Doormats For Jesus?

Published: July 3, 2006
Q

In response to ‘Love your Enemies’, I often find it difficult to obtain a balanced view of this scripture. Personally, I hate any sort of confrontation so it would be easy for me to ‘turn the other cheek’, but in your comments you say we are not to be doormats. How are the two viewpoints reconciled? For instance how would you behave to a bully – stand up to them or back down? Thanks. God Bless.


Can Moses Be A Witness?

Published: July 3, 2006
Q

Just a note to thank you for your studies on Revelation as posted on the Rapture Ready website. They prove to be most profitable in the study of God’s Word.

I did have one question and have wondered if you have additional thoughts on the following matter. In the latest study, you reviewed the possible identity of the Two Witnesses, and concluded that you were leaning towards Moses being one of the two. I have always found this area of particular personal interest and no matter which way I seem to study it, it seems that Moses has to be ruled out simply because it is written that “he died” while Holy Scripture also states that man is appointed to only die once. With those 2 areas of scripture cited, are we not obligated to rule out Moses?

Thank you for your thoughts. May God bless you in your writings as they are a wonderful tool in the study of His Word.


Third Temple Or Fourth?

Published: July 3, 2006
Q

To quote from your recent Revelation study; This Temple (The one the Jews will build for use in the tribulation) will be the source of the living water that begins flowing on the day the Lord returns (Zech 14:8). After a cleansing and re-dedication similar to the one memorialized in the Feast of Hanukkah, it will be used during the Millennium. It’s purpose will be to recall the Lord’s work at the cross and provide the perspective for children born during the Kingdom Age to choose salvation. Acts 15:14-16 confirms that after the Lord has chosen a people from among the gentiles for Himself (the church) He will return and re-build David’s fallen Tabernacle (the Temple). This is the Third Temple, so vividly described in Ezekiel 40-48.

So reads one paragraph from your recent newsletter but there seems to be some discrepancy here, if the temple built by the Jews is to be (used during the millennium) what is the purpose of Jesus building the temple which you call “The third” ? [Surely the one Jesus builds is the fourth!] Where does the bible say when it will be destroyed so the final one can be built?


Eternal Punishment Or Not?

Published: July 3, 2006
Q

I receive this by-monthly mag. with a question and answer/ letter area. One person wrote in that “she is very upset that her unsaved family and friends will spend eternity in torment and punishment! The author writes back that, when the unsaved person dies, after judgment he then is burned up into a pile of ashes!!! That the only eternal punishment is not having God in his life. There is no eternal pain and suffering per se. What is your opinion on this issue?

I am convinced that if that were all there is to the punishment, wouldn’t it be easier to live a worldly life, and at the time of judgment, suffer the few minutes it takes to just burn up. It can’t possibly be that easy.

Thank you for your articles. They are very informative, and very accurate. Thank you for your time . Have a blessed day.


Purpose Driven?

Published: June 30, 2006
Q

I recently heard that the head of (a major evangelical denomination) came out publicly to state that if there were any of their churches that were following “40 Days of Purpose”, they would no longer be considered a member of (that denomination.)

If a church is teaching “The Purpose Driven Life”, why is this bad? In the “40 Days…” book, scriptures are quoted and then suggestions are given as to how to put the scriptures into action in our daily lives. Isn’t that helping to bring people to know Jesus Christ through scripture and get them more acquainted with the Bible? Isn’t He the only way we can get to heaven?

I am currently a member of a mega-church, which I credit for bringing me back into the church after having been away for 20 years, and for drawing me closer to Jesus than I have ever been. When my church did the “40 Days” study, I actually read my Bible and the book on a daily basis. I appreciated the opportunity to have a structured at-home study guide that was easy to read and understand.

I understand that some believe there are some truths, half-truths, mistakes, omissions, and errors in the book, but aren’t we all human – thus, fallible? I do not believe this book was meant for Bible scholars, but I do believe there is a place for this book, and that the purpose of the book has been reached…bringing people to God.


Is The Tribulation A Sabbatical Cycle?

Published: June 29, 2006
Q

Is it true that the Tribulation is referred to as a Shevua (One Week) in Hebrew meaning Sabattical Cycle? If so,how can we tell where a Sabattical Cycle Begins and Ends?


The Destiny Of The Unsaved

Published: June 29, 2006
Q

Concerning an earlier question of the fate of an unsaved soul. Jesus seems to answer this question with the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man at death was sent to suffer the flames, while Lazarus went to heaven and was comforted. The rich man calls out to God to allow Lazarus to dip his finger in the water and place it on his (the rich man’s) tongue as he his burning alive and can’t stand it.

Is the place the rich man is sent Hell and if so, is there any reference to the place of judgment before the rich man is sent to the flames? Thank you for this website.


Kenites And The Serpent’s Seed

Published: June 28, 2006
Q

First, I want to tell you how much I appreciate your dedication to “in-depth” teaching. Thank you so much for GraceThruFaith. It is my favorite bible teaching sight and I spend time there daily. I pray for God’s continued blessings upon you and your work.

I recently read someone’s comment on a blog who believes a “bible teaching” that the Kenites were the descendants of Cain, and that Cain was the offspring of Satan and Eve. I researched and found that this is called the “serpent seed” doctrine. Some also believe that Kenites were responsible for Jesus’ crucifixion and that modern-day Kenites are involved in carrying out Satan’s work. I am questioning this teaching (especially about Cain being the physical offspring of Satan and Eve). Isn’t it inconsistent with the scriptures?