One of our new features is a segment called "Ask the Bible." Our Pastor writes this column for our local county newspaper, The Voice in the Desert and we were encouraged and amazed at the response to it. It is simply an opportunity for those with questions, whether on the Bible itself, or how current events relate to Biblical teachings, to receive an answer, based upon scripture alone. He graciously agreed to allow us to incorporate his column into PFW, and we know it will be a blessing. So it is with pleasure that we introduce "Ask the Bible." Please feel free to email any questions you might have for him to BROKNARRW@vtc.net.

"Ask the Bible" began because although I have had the opportunity to write many articles on topics from the Bible, not to mention weekly sermons, etc., I always get to choose the subject without any imput for you, (although I like to think I'm led by the Holy Spirit). However, when The Voice asked me about taking questions, I thought it fair to allow the readers questions to be heard and answered from the Bible (God's Holy Word). I do believe that God has the answers to any questions that mankind has, for He is our creator. My main objective in answering questions from the Bible is a difficult one, and that is to leave as much of my own opinion out as possible. Opinions are like armpits, all of us have them and most of them stink. When we live our lives by our own rules and opinions, our lives are in shambles before we know it. So it is best to know what God thinks rather than what I think. As a pastor I have had many folks come to me over the years and ask me my opinion about this or that, or why I think a certain thing might be happening in their lives. Sometimes it's about something going on in our country. Whatever the issue, I always try to answer their question with a question, "Do you want to know what I think or do you want to know what the Bible says regarding the matter." Let me assure you that what He has to say is far greater than anything any man might every have to say.

QUESTION: I have a question regarding The Lords' Prayer. Matthew 6:13 says "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" Does the Lord ever lead us into temptation? And why would we have to ask Him not to lead us into temptation if He doesn't?

First of all, when we try to interpret scripture we must always use scripture. The Bible is the best commentary about itself that there is. Matthew chapter six isn't really the Lords' Prayer; it is a model prayer that Jesus used when teaching his disciples how to pray. It was not given for us to recite verbatim, but rather to understand issues to be brought before the Lord in prayer. Matthew 6:7 clearly states, "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking." The real Lord's Prayer is found in the Gospel of John Chapter 17. This is where you can read what the Lord Jesus actually says while in fervent prayer.

As to the question regarding God leading anyone into temptation, the Bible says in James 1:13, "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth He any man:" James clearly states that God doesn't tempt man; however, he does allow our faith to be tested and he allows trials to come into our lives to make us depend on him and look to him in our time of need.

Lets look at a prayer found in the book of Proverbs written by King Solomon. "Two things have I required of thee; deny me not them before I die: Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? Or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain." Proverbs 30:7-9 Here is an actual account of someone praying, who knew how to pray, and had been heard by God and answered many times. Much like the model prayer found in the Gospel of Matthew, he is asking for the things he needs to allow him to keep serving the God and to direct his paths and be the guiding force in his life. If we don't ask the Lord to direct our lives on a daily basis we will wind up lost and without direction.

I hope this answers your question and I look forward to hearing from more of our readers with biblical questions. Remember all questions will be answered from the A.V. 1611 Bible, the Bible that has stood the test of time.

May the Lord richly bless you and keep you until the next time,

Pastor Tim Thacker

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6