Additional articles in this column:

By Pastor Tim Thacker

In our local newspaper ("The Voice In The
Desert") we have a column entitled "Ask The
Bible." This column deals with frequently asked
questions. We will update our website with
these articles. The first article appears below...

Ask The Bible

For the past year and a half, I have had the opportunity to write articles on several topics from the Bible. The unfair thing about it is I always got to choose the subject without any input from you, the reader. "The Voice" had decided to change the title of this section of the newspaper from "Inspiration Corner" to "Ask the Bible". There have been several comments and questions directed to Inspiration Corner, none of which have been addressed or answered in any way. I thought it only fair to allow the readers to ask questions and to be answered from the Bible (God's Holy Word). I do believe that God has the answers to any questions that mankind may have, for He is our creator.

My objective in answering the questions from the Bible will be a difficult one; leaving out as much of my own opinion 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. It is best to know what God thinks rather than what I think.

As a pastor I have had many folks come to me and ask my opinion on what I think of this or that, what might be happening in their lives, or perhaps something going on in this country, or an issue regarding whether they should do something or not do it. I have always tried to answer their question with a question; "Do you want to know what I think or do you want to know what God thinks and what the Bible says regarding the matter?" Let me assure you that what He has to say is far greater than anything man might 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

Contact for all questions you have is through 'The Voice in the Desert'.
Address your questions to
'Ask the Bible'
P.O. Box 112, Pearce, AZ 85325
or e-mail us at BROKNARRW@vtc.net.