Ask a Bible Teacher

Why Bother?

Published: August 22, 2022
Q

Why should we try to sin less if we can never be fully sin-free in this lifetime? Does that “less” in frequency really matter? If Christians will be forgiven of their sins after they ask for God’s forgiveness but later they still keep sinning of the same or different in nature and keep asking for forgiveness from God, what is the point of living a holy life which is clearly not achievable in this lifetime even in Christians?

Which bible verse says there are no greater or lesser sins and all sins are the same before the eyes of God?


Fairy Princesses And Space Rangers

Published: August 22, 2022
Q

How should Christians view such things as fantasy tales and science fiction?

I grew up with Disney movies such as Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, etc. My parents read me fairy tales from the Brothers Grimm. I never thought these things were real and I never felt they skewed or damaged my view of God or relationship to Him. Likewise, my brothers grew up on Star Wars, alien space ranger stories, and things like that. Obviously, we knew they were all “pretend”.

I’m at a place now where I’m wondering what God thinks of fantasy and fairy tales involving fairy godmothers, magic spells, etc. If a person doesn’t believe in those things and understands that these plots and stories are just “make believe”, what is your opinion of what God thinks of that? Are we allowed to indulge in childlike imagination or are these things that add fantastic creatures to what He’s already created intrinsically wrong and the gateway to the occult as I’ve heard argued by ultra-conservative Christians?

I want to please God and pursue a holy life, but as I near a point in my life where I move towards marriage and begin having children of my own, I find myself wondering if princess fairy tales for any daughters I may have and space ranger stories for any sons are wrong in God’s eyes or if they fall under disputable Romans 14 matters. What do you think?


Predestination Or Free Will?

Published: August 22, 2022
Q

I am currently involved in a Christian chat room whereby debating and fellowship occur. One of the debates that comes up frequently is whether man has free will when it comes to choosing our Lord. Many feel that it is predetermined and those that will be saved are the ‘elected’.

I know the Lord is all knowing and knows who will come to him and who will not. But I am having a very difficult time thinking that the Lord has predetermined who will be saved and who will not. I truly believe that the Lord is love and he would not create some simply for them to go to hell.

Can you clear this up for me? Do we have free will or is there predestination? Thank you.


Understanding Matt. 7:1

Published: August 19, 2022
Q

What is the proper context of Matthew 7:1 regarding judging? Is it wrong to judge? Unbelievers love to toss “Judge not” around. How should we respond?


Who Are The Elect?

Published: August 19, 2022
Q

Some Christians are saying Jews are the “elect”; I know they are God’s chosen people. Question is… Who exactly are the “elect”? Are Christians, born-again believers part of the “elect” as well?


Who Was Melchizedek, Really?

Published: August 19, 2022
Q

I have a question concerning the identity of Melchizedek. Who was he? I have an old Wall Chart History of the World book that hints at him possibly being Shem, however Hebrews 7:3 speaks about Melchizedek having no father, no mother, having neither end of days, nor beginning of life. However, in verse 4 it says he was a great man. I’ve also heard that he is the pre-incarnate Christ. Can you shed light on this? Thank the Lord for your ministry.


Satan’s Fall From Heaven

Published: May 31, 2022
Q

Do you think the rapture happens as the dragon is cast out of heaven? I wouldn’t want to be around when he is cast down and confined and angry. It’s interesting that Jesus comes with the archangel but it doesn’t say with a great host of angels. Perhaps the angels are kicking butt and clearing the rebel angles out and getting things ready for us. When Jesus said He saw Satan fall like a lightening bolt, how does that fit in to the war in heaven when He is confined to earth?


The Centurion And The Sons Of The Kingdom

Published: May 31, 2022
Q

I have a question about something that was thrown into the middle of the conversation between Jesus and the centurion in Matthew chapter 8. In 8:11 and 12, Jesus goes from marveling at the faith of the centurion to telling His followers about people eating with Abraham Isaac and Jacob (the Jewish people) in the Kingdom of Heaven but those that already live there (the children of the Kingdom) will be tossed out. Is this referring to the angelic realm? I’m really confused.


Who Lives In The Mansions?

Published: May 31, 2022
Q

The Bible says, “In my Fathers house are many mansions.” Who lives or will live in those mansions?


Does The Lord Test Us?

Published: May 30, 2022
Q

I was wondering your thoughts on God testing us. I’ve only heard this taught one time, Deuteronomy 8:2 says that God tests us in order to know what is in our heart, whether or not we will keep his commands. If taken literally, or at least the way I take it, the LORD brings things across my path to see how I will respond… Will I chose to act in faith on his word, or be in fear. Will I choose to obey or not and so on and so forth. Is this correct? If so it would give a different outlook on “problems” we encounter on a day to day basis.