Ask a Bible Teacher

The Documentary Hypothesis

Published: July 18, 2022
Q

I have a question about Genesis but first off I want to say thank you Jack for all of your help!

I am a college student and there is so much misinformation about Jesus and Christianity! I am taking a theology course on the Bible and the book that we read along with the Bible states that Moses did not write any books of the Torah and that in Genesis chapter 1 and 2 there is a conflict of how the order of things are created. The book says that in chapter 1 man and woman were created at the same time but that in Genesis chapter 2 man was created and then woman.

I was wondering if you could clarify this. This book also said that Isaac proclaiming Rebekah to be his sister is simply a copy cat story (that it never happened) of Abraham and Sarah can you help with this too? Thank you so much for your time and effort! God Bless!


A Marriage Counseling Question

Published: July 18, 2022
Q

God bless you and your continuing work. I have a marriage question for you from a pastor’s perspective.

When and how does an illegitimate marriage move from being cursed to being blessed by God? For example, a believing wife divorces her believing husband without biblical grounds, and then shortly remarries an unbelieving husband. Now the woman is dealing with all manner of abuse issues including physical. This woman has recently been attending our church, with all these initial events in her past, and her remarriage is about a year old. She is a sincere but immature believer, dealing with the consequences of her sin the best she knows how, while living in pain and anguish.

I am unsure of the right pastoral counsel to give her concerning her marriage situation. She is hoping that her current husband will give his heart to Christ, but is that all that is needed? What is her responsibility to God and to her previous husband with regard to repentance? Is it simply a matter of her confessing and all will be made well? I understand that through confession she can receive individual forgiveness and purification, but does that mean that God will then move to heal her marriage as well, or will her marriage remain under a curse no matter what?


Matters Of The Heart

Published: July 12, 2022
Q

I love the Lord and his word; today while reading Proverbs 16 the word heart struck me again. How can this be, does the heart think? Am I thinking too literally?

The sinners prayer, If you believe in your heart and confess with your tongue that Jesus is Lord.

Proverbs 16:1 To man belong the plans of the heart but from the Lord the reply of the tongue.

:21 The wise in heart…, 23 A wise man’s heart….

Thank you in advance for your help.


Can We Know We’re Correct?

Published: July 12, 2022
Q

I’ve got a friend who I’ve been explaining Christianity to, now he’s listening and wants to know why Christianity is correct, over all the other religions.

He said, “What I also don’t understand is – with the hundreds upon hundreds of religions out there, all based in their own mythology and convinced of their own righteousness – how can you be so certain that YOUR religion is the correct one?”

Can you help me bring it home to him? I know the Bible is backed by prophecy that’s come true, but I don’t know how to say it right!


The Widow And The Oil. Follow Up

Published: July 11, 2022
Q

In The Widow And The Oil you said, “The widow and her sons hadn’t done anything to earn this.” Are you sure about that? She offered no sacrifices or other works? Was there no display of faith? Was this the widow who gave her last bit of food to the Prophet, and prepared to die?


80 Books Or 66?

Published: July 11, 2022
Q

I have a question about the bible in print. The KJV Bible of 1611 contained many books that were removed before the 1625 reprint. I do under stand that some of the books may not have been from the Holy Spirit and pertained more to the time they were written as a history book would. I have been told that the Jews still follow some of these books today. As Christians are we to stay away from these books that were removed or is it OK to read them if we understand they may not have been from the Holy Spirit?


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.