Ask a Bible Teacher

Face To Face With God

Published: December 5, 2018
Q

Exodus chapter 33, verse 11, sentence 1, is an example of the kind of communication with God I would like. I feel like not only would this type of encounter clear up any and all questions that one would have, it would also allow one to get to know GOD in a way that only a face to face,friend to friend encounter could. Is this possible in these days and times? I appreciate and look forward to your insights on this matter….Thanks again.

 


Are You Sure We’re Supposed To Tithe?

Published: December 5, 2018
Q

My question is, the Bible shows 2 instances of tithing prior to the giving of the law, Abraham, and Jacob. In both cases we find they tithed of their own accord, not as a directive from God. Abraham did not tithe of his own increase but from his spoils of war which he refused to accept any of for himself.

Under the law God gave tithing to the tribe of Levi as their inheritance instead of land like the other tribes received. This was because the Levites were the priest and needed to be with all the tribes wherever they resided.

Jesus was the fulfillment of the law and became our High Priest and his blood torn down the veil that separated the average person from the Holy of Hollies. Through His blood, all believers have direct access to God.

There is no scripture that relinquished the obligation of the Jews to pay tithes other than those pertaining to Jesus and the new High Priest and the only mediator between God and man.

The only people that were obligated to the law were the Jews and gentile converts. So how do believers who were never under the law and do not have Levitical Priest acting in the priestly duties for them, but have Jesus as our High Priest who tells us we are all priest under him, which means our priesthood is not based on the Levitical priesthood, but rather that of Melchizedek, whose priesthood was appointed by God not through ancestry linage, how are we now obligated to follow the law that when were never given or required to follow it. And if we are supposed to tithe as the law states to the Jews, why don’t we have to follow the other 412 laws that were given to them?


Time And The Universe

Published: December 4, 2018
Q

I have a couple of questions for you. These are just thought provokers and not a salvation issue or anything like that. First, is time really going to end? Hebrews 1:12 says that God’s years will not fail and in Revelation 20:10 says that people in Hell will be tormented day and night forever and ever. The alluding to measurements of time here makes me think that the people that live on Earth throughout eternity ( anyone not a member of the church) will still observe time. What are your thoughts?

Second, seeing how the solar systems and galaxies are all set up like ours is, meaning having planets; and stars for suns; and moons and etc.., etc.., wouldn’t it seem as though these are going to be used for more than a galactic playground for the church and the angels? Just curious about what you might think. Thank you for the great site. I have been blessed much from it and am considering supporting you since you are so true to the Word of God!!!


Read Till He Speaks

Published: December 4, 2018
Q

I am a believer. I am eagerly looking forward to meeting the Lord in person, face to face.

Until that day arrives I am curious as to how to grow my relationship with the Lord. It appears that my communication with him is one way,(me talking to, and listening for him). To date, (although I feel that I am listening), I have not heard anything but silence. Effective two-way communication seems to be essential in getting to know God. I don’t see any substitute. I am asking for help in this matter. I appreciate your time. Thanks.


The Scepter Of Judah

Published: December 4, 2018
Q

Thanks for the continued good work. Please explain Gen.49:10 … The scepter shall not depart from Judah … I have read somewhere that this refers in some way to the Roman occupation of Judea at the time of Christ’s coming.


Why Don’t I Have What They Have?

Published: December 3, 2018
Q

I see with my own eyes that there are many sinners who are so blessed (stable career, strong financial status, a happy family with a beautiful partner, vibrant health, etc.) and I start to wonder since I am His child, why am I not enjoying all the blessings these sinners have? I also know of believers who are very successful in life and have the same blessings. Then the question is, why do God’s children seem to have different levels of blessing? Does God show favoritism among His children? Then it came into my mind that if I cannot even trust Him to bless me with all these things I see others enjoying, am I being naive to trust Him with my salvation?


Struggling With God

Published: December 3, 2018
Q

Thank you so much for your continued help and guidance. My question is about the significance of Jacob’s wrestling match in the book of Genesis. Was the angel he was wrestling a theophany? What was the significance of the wrestling and the length of the wrestling and the crippling of his hip afterward? Thanks as always.


Unquenching The Spirit

Published: December 3, 2018
Q

I have read in one of your previous posts that if we continually ignore the Holy Spirit’s guidance we will lose the ability to hear him. I believe this is called quenching the Spirit and it bothers me for obvious reasons. If someone did indeed quench the spirit is that a permanent event or can it be restored by restoring our fellowship with God?


Gratitude or Greed?

Published: November 30, 2018
Q

When we give to God we’re supposed to give without expecting anything but out of gratitude. But when I read 2 Cor. 9: 6 where it says “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously” it appears as if it encourages giving with expectations of returns from God because a sower expects harvest when sowing. What is your thought on this?


Praying For Our Enemies

Published: November 30, 2018
Q

I know we are supposed to pray for our enemies, but I run into trouble on what to pray about? Can you give me a sample prayer for the way you would do it? I’m thinking of people who are enemies of our Country foreign and domestic.