Ask a Bible Teacher

When Did The Last Days Begin?

Published: December 22, 2016
Q

In Acts 2:17-21 Peter is quoting the prophet Joel about the last days. So, did the last days start during Peters time? Or was it later? How can we know we are not simply excited about big changes in society and calling it the end times? There were big changes going on during Peters time as well and yet he died without seeing the return of Christ. Might we simply be doing the same thing and are also destined to die without seeing Christs return?


Is This Good Stewardship?

Published: December 22, 2016
Q

I have a 13 year-old-cat. Yesterday I had to pay about $232 for veterinary care for her. But is it right for me to spend that much money on a cat; when there are so many people in third-world countries who are starving?


Stuck In New Jerusalem?

Published: December 21, 2016
Q

You have said that the Church will be in the New Jerusalem during the Tribulation and the Millennium, but that we won’t arrive until after the battle of Armageddon. However, scripture says we will return with Jesus when He comes to destroy the nations at Armageddon and thereafter we will rule on Earth with Him. How can we do that if we are stuck in the New Jerusalem floating above Earth?


How Are Jewish People Saved?

Published: December 14, 2016
Q

I am confused about the Jewish people and salvation. How do God’s chosen people become saved? Is it only by faith in the life and work of our Savior Jesus Christ? What about those who lived and died before He came? Are they lost forever?


Mary’s Christmas Story. Follow Up

Published: December 13, 2016
Q

I have a question regarding the Holy Family’s return trip/timing to Nazareth. In Matthew’s account, the wise men were led by the star “till it came and stood over where the young Child was.” (2:9) with verse 11 stating “they were come into the house”. From there, they fled into Egypt as the “angel of the Lord ” told Joseph in a dream to escape Herod’s seeking to destroy Jesus. Reading further in chapter 2, it looks like they were there for up to 2 years before being told again by the angel of the Lord to “go into the land of Israel” since it was safe for Him now to return.

Now, in Luke 2:21, Joseph and Mary are taking Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem on His eighth day for the circumcision rite. In the next verse, it says “when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished Simeon and Anna’s accounts are told, then in verse 39 it says “…they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.” So, when did they leave Bethlehem to present Jesus in the Temple in Jerusalem, and where were they when they received the Magi?, flee to Egypt?, etc.


Denying The Holy Spirit

Published: December 12, 2016
Q

I have a non believer friend who has recently confessed that he denied the existence of the Holy Spirit. By denying the existence of the Holy Spirit has he committed the eternal sin and will forever be lost?


Times And Seasons

Published: December 11, 2016
Q

I have two questions. My first question; in the book of Genesis God says that He would no longer contend with the spirit of man forever and He says that man’s life would be 12o years. Clearly after He said that man lived past that number, so what did He mean?

My second question; in Acts 1:7 Jesus says, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.” I know that Jesus also admonishes us to be able to discern the seasons and even rebukes the pharisees for being able to discern the weather but not the season of His then coming and His return in these last days. Can you help me understand and could you put this in context for me?


Material Things In Heaven

Published: December 5, 2016
Q

Do you think there will be material things in heaven, and if so could you give examples? I have friends in Christ who have hobbies such as sewing, and we were wondering about this. Thank you for your great ministry and help.

 


How Do You Know This?

Published: December 1, 2016
Q

I know you believe in a pre-trib rapture, but why would Christians living in the end times be spared from suffering when other generations of Christians have had to suffer for their faith?

Also isn’t it possible that we are living in tribulation times right now? (witness 2004 Tsunami, Kashmir earthquake, Hurricanes Katrina/Rita/Wilma) If the Church is raptured pre-tribulation then why are there still saints left to be persecuted (blood of the saints who bore testimony)during the tribulation?

And why does Thessalonians say that the righteous dead will be called up (at the 2nd coming) FOLLOWED by the living? How would the pre-trib disappearance of Christians (and only Christians) ever be explained to those remaining..especially family members who are not saved? Thank you for your wonderful service thru this website.


Is This Fasting Or Not?

Published: December 1, 2016
Q

Hello again, still watching your web. Learning answers to a lot of topics I have wondered about for a long time. Every one is talking Fasting. I go to a church that does fasting different than I’ve ever heard. I believe that you give up food in some way or totally for as long as you feel God would exspect of you as an individual. I have heard that a person can fast things like giving up T.V or some kind of pleasure. I do not believe in this as to me it seems like one is giving up a sin that should not be in your life any way. What does the Word say? I really would like your thought on this. Maybe I am wrong. God Bless you and I’ll look for an answer.