Ask a Bible Teacher

2 Thes. 2:3, Falling Away Or Departure?

Published: July 1, 2009
Q

The other night I was listening to (a well known teacher) concerning the rapture. He brought up 2nd Thess. 2:3 where in a lot of translations it’s called the falling away or the “apostate Church! He said that the Greek word seemed to also mean “departing” which would be more evidence for the pre – tribulation rapture. I have the Geneva translation and they use “the departing” instead of “the falling away”! I’m sure that others have written to you concerning this! I do think that as the days progress with time closing in that not only is this great news but we will have more understanding concering the times (as long as it’s fitting in the scriptures).


Angel Or Eagle?

Published: June 30, 2009
Q

I’ve read Revelation about 100 times, but just finally had an “ah ha!” moment regarding 8:13. Why is it that throughout Revelation it is angels pouring out bowls of wrath and blowing trumpets, etc., and then all of a sudden an eagle shows up hollering “woe”? Who or what is the eagle?


In The Image Of God, Follow Up

Published: June 29, 2009
Q

Thank God for the bountiful knowledge He has given you.

I have a question that is similar to the question today regarding the meaning of “In The Image Of God”. I was listening to a popular radio show a couple of days ago and man of the Jewish faith, possibly a Rabbi, mentioned that in the Torah the meaning of “in His image” actually translates as “in His shadow”. I’m just curious as to what you think.


Saving My Wife

Published: June 29, 2009
Q

I am unequally yoked for, now, thirty years with my second wife. Although she claims to be an atheist, I believe she tends more to agnosticism. She claims things of a “spiritual” nature hold no attraction or importance in her life. Yet, she responds with hostility and even anger when the issue is even mentioned.

My wife’s hostility to the mention of spiritual matters leads me to believe she is not entirely persuaded that God does not exist, but I still see nothing apart from His intervention to allow her to consider her need for salvation.

My question, then, is there any way, except by a spiritual awakening by God Himself, to “reach” an atheist who, by the nature of her unbelief, is unaware of a need for salvation? Can one do anything except pray for God’s intervention in the case of a person who resists even the mention of things of a spiritual nature?


Like A Thief In The Night

Published: June 29, 2009
Q

I was wondering about your article Confirming the Sequence of End Times, I understand the rapture has to happen before the Ezekiel battle, but does it happen before the Psalm 83 battle or in between it and the Ezekiel battle?

And I know this is totally off the wall, but is it the rapture or his second coming that is akin to a Jewish wedding? Where he comes at night to surprise his bride? If he comes at night, which night: Jerusalem’s night or somewhere else in the world?


Will The Church Live On Earth?

Published: June 26, 2009
Q

I am confused on a question about the Millennium. I had come to believe that the Church would also dwell on the earth with the Tribulation Saints during this time. Is this not the case, will those of us raptured, not dwell also on earth?


Revealing The Ark Of The Covenant

Published: June 26, 2009
Q

What’s your take on the announcement that the Ark of the Covenant is about to be unveiled? I’m guessing it’s a fake because of Rev. 11:19. Even so, does the Ark play any role in the end days or is this a distraction?


Tithing To Other Ministries Instead Of The Church

Published: June 25, 2009
Q

All I ever hear about tithing is that we’re supposed to give 10% to the church. My mother is a big pusher over this, often making me feel ashamed that I’m not giving 10% of my money on a weekly basis to my church. I don’t tell her, but I give money to people where the spirit leads me to. (I’m not even sure if I’m supposed to tell you that)

So am I still supposed to give 10% on top of the other expenses that I help out with? I just don’t want to feel like my giving is worth nothing. Thank You.


New Or Renew?

Published: June 25, 2009
Q

I’ve taken note that a well known Bible teacher states that the Earth is a world without end, and uses Eph. 3:21 to back that up. But looking to Isaiah 65:17 says the Lord will create new Heavens and a new Earth; and that the former will not be remembered. This teacher says the Earth will be “restored”, but using the Strong’s concordance, the word translated new in Isaiah 65:17 is #2319, (kaw-dawsh) which means “new”-fresh, new thing, not #2318, (kaw-dash), which means renew. Am I missing something?


Is Israel’s Suffering Over?

Published: June 23, 2009
Q

I recently read an article written by a Christian in Jerusalem. He seems to believe that all the suffering for the Jews have already ended and it is all just victory for them from now until the eternal reign of Christ. I thought that the Jews still suffered during the tribulation period on up until Jesus returns to earth at armageddon, when God fights for them against the nations of the earth.