Difference between revisions of "Frequently Asked Questions"

ABORTION

I have had an abortion and feel so guilty. Can God forgive me?
God wants to bring peace, forgiveness, and joy to your life--and He will if you will allow Him. The matter that is distressing you--the taking of life through abortion and anything else that separates you from God--needs to be confessed to the Lord, pleading the blood of Christ (Ephesians 1:7, Romans 3:25, 1 John 1:7) with its power to remove sin and guilt from anyone who asks. There is no question about God's forgiving, but sometimes we are not willing to commit our sin to Him for forgiveness.

As we commit the actions of the past to God, we receive peace, comfort, and assurance through Christ. We believe that God, through His Word and the power of His Spirit, can minister peace to you in the midst of your emotional distress; God's Word offers us the peace that passes all understanding. As you fully commit this problem to the Lord, you will begin a new relationship of hope and comfort in Christ, which will assure you that "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1).

David was deeply distraught about overwhelming conditions in his own life that blurred the sense of God's presence, but in Psalm 51 he expresses assurance that the joy and fellowship of the Lord have become real to him. In other words, he experienced the unfailing love and compassion of God in times when he was plagued with self-condemnation. After turning a problem over to the Lord, we often pick the problem up once more and agonize over it again and again. Instead, we must decisively choose to leave the matter with Him and put it out of our minds, refusing to think about it or dwell upon it in any way. When thoughts of guilt come to your mind, say to yourself and God, "Thank you, Lord, for your great forgiveness and mercy. I praise you that you told me to cast this care upon you (1 Peter 5:7), and I have done so. Forgive me for my worry about this matter; with your help, I will praise you instead."

Why is abortion such a big issue for Christians?
The spiritual condition of man is at the root of the abortion issue. Until man's spiritual condition is changed by the power of Jesus Christ, we will not find a full solution to this problem. It is sin that produces the problem of most unwanted pregnancies, as well as all the other disorders that plague the human race. It is also sin that produces the false belief that women have a "right" to take the lives of unborn babies. The apostle Paul writes, "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like" (Galatians 5:19 -21a).

Life is sacred, and we must seek to protect all human life: the unborn, the child, the adult, and the aged. Several Bible passages tell of the sacredness of life and speak to the subject of abortion. They include Exodus 20:13, 21:22, 23:7; Job 10:8-12; Psalms 22:10, 51:5, 127:3, 139:13-16; Isaiah 44:1-2, 49:5; Jeremiah 1:4-5. From a medical point of view, in the words of a physician, "The ultimate scientific fact that all must face and deal with is that nothing, no bits and pieces, will be added to this living human being from the time of fertilization until the old man dies--nothing except nutrition. Each of us existed in toto at that moment. All that we have done since then is to mature."

Since the Supreme Court removed restrictions on abortion in 1973, abortions have risen to an incredible figure of over 1.5 million each year in the United States .

ADDICTIONS

How can I help my loved one who is using drugs and alcohol?
Jesus Christ, the mighty Lord and Savior, is able to deliver anyone from a drug or alcohol problem. When Jesus Christ comes into the heart of an addicted person, He can break every sinful habit as that person allows Him. The Bible says, "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8:36 , NKJV).

Here is a tremendous promise from God's Word: "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (James 5:16 , NIV). The most important thing you can do is to pray daily that your loved one will respond to the love of Christ. Pray that God will give you wisdom through His Holy Spirit to understand how you can help. Seek counsel with a gospel-teaching pastor also.

How can I get free from the alcoholism that is ruining my life?
Alcoholism is one of the greatest scourges of our nation. It destroys the health and well-being of countless individuals and causes untold grief among families and friends. The words of the Bible have been proved time and time again: 'Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise' (Proverbs 20:1).

Don't let your pride get in the way. Seek out someone (such as a pastor you know) who can direct you to groups in your area that can help you… If there are people around you who are constantly trying to get you to drink, you may have to steer clear of them in the future. Avoid places where you know you will be tempted to drink. It will not be easy, but you need to take specific steps to keep from getting even deeper into the pit of alcoholism.

Christ will help you with your alcoholism as you allow Him to control your life. No, it may not be an easy or smooth road, although with some people Christ seems to remove all desire for alcohol at once. But Christ will do several things for you as you grow in your relationship to Him. For one thing, He will give you a new purpose and meaning in life. He will surround you with His love and show you that you are very valuable in His eyes--far too valuable to destroy yourself with alcohol. Then he will give you new friends, Christians who love you and want to help you. You may even find that God will lead you to Christians who have been in the grip of alcohol also and have conquered it through Christ; and He will help you through His Holy Spirit to have a new strength to resist temptation.

How can I get free from addiction?
Addiction, in any form, can cause inner tensions and frustration that you may feel powerless to overcome. God longs to set you free through Jesus Christ our Lord; see Romans 6:11-14. The Bible says, "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8:36 , NKJV). Make certain that you have made your commitment to Christ now by asking God to forgive and cleanse you of your sins and give you life eternal. After you have done this, believe that God has forgiven you and made you His child; read John 1:12, Romans 10:13 , and 2 Corinthians 5:17.

None of us is strong enough to overcome temptation in our own strength, but God will give us the strength; see Philippians 4:13 . First Corinthians 10:13 states: "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able; but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" (NKJV). Note that it is God who provides the way of escape. Read 1 John 3:8. Talk to the Lord many times a day, asking for His help. Read your Bible and fill your mind with thoughts from His Word. The Word of God will have a purifying effect on your life; see Psalm 119:11.

The old sinful lifestyle must now be replaced with the new life in Christ. This requires the enabling power of the Holy Spirit to replace the old habits with new. Avoid companionship with those that influence you to indulge in sinful activities. Make a list of those activities and habits you want changed. Set some positive goals for your life, and with God's strength go after them. Take the initiative and seek the counsel of a gospel-teaching pastor or other dedicated Christian worker.

How can I overcome my addiction to sexual sin?
To overcome this temptation, we would make the following suggestions:
1. Make a personal commitment of your life to Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord if you have not already done so. You will discover a new desire and a new strength to deal with your problems (2 Corinthians 5:17 ).

2. Constantly submit your life to the Holy Spirit that He might produce in you the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:16 -25). Conquering temptation and maintaining self-control is not done in our own strength, but in the power of the Holy Spirit. The foundation for a close walk with God through the Spirit involves consistent Bible study, prayer, and fellowship with vital Christians.

3. Refocus and renew your mind by setting it on Christ and thoughts that are wholesome and good (Colossians 3:1-4, Philippians 4:8-9).

4. Eliminate things that trigger lust, such as certain types of books, television programs, internet sites, movies, magazines, etc. even though they may not be explicitly pornographic.

5. Ask the Lord to help you identify the times and situations in which you become more vulnerable to this behavior, and learn other ways of response. Christian counseling, including a support group, may be of special help.

6. Find a mature Christian of the same sex to whom you can be accountable for your progress in overcoming this habit.

How can I overcome my addiction to pornography?
Easy access to pornography on the Internet has become a trap for many in recent years, resulting in personal suffering, broken marriages, and unhappy homes.

God gave the gift of sex to us. He intended for it to be something wonderful, producing new life and marital pleasure. But that gift becomes destructive when we make it a means for our own selfish gratification, instead of an expression of love within marriage, as God intended. When we use sex selfishly, we see others merely as things instead of people--humiliating and debasing people. Pornography serves to inflame our lusts, and our lusts easily make us their slaves.

If a person responds to a sexual temptation by willfully entertaining a lustful fantasy or by an intention to act immorally, Jesus indicates that he is committing sexual sin in his heart; see Matthew 5:27-38. Things are not as hopeless as they may seem, because God promises victory over temptation. The Bible says, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it" (1 Corinthians 10:13 ). However, it is important that we do our part by avoiding the places and things that trigger lust and by focusing our mind on Christ and things that are wholesome (Colossians 3:1-4; Philippians 4:8).

Avoiding pornographic sites on the Internet may require using filtering software, placing our computer in an area of our home where it can be observed by others, giving someone access to our saved files, or eliminating use of the Internet altogether. Radical problems require radical solutions if we are to walk in the freedom Christ desires for us.

BIBLE - NEW TESTAMENT

When Jesus said he would build His church on a "rock" (Matthew 16:13 -18), what was
He referring to?
Matthew 16:13-18 has been the focus of a great deal of theological discussion, especially concerning Jesus' words to Peter, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church" (verse 18). The question concerns who or what Jesus intended as the foundation of His church. That Jesus is referring to Himself as the "rock" has been widely held by evangelicals; see 1 Corinthians 3:11. Another interpretation is that Jesus is referring to the truth of Peter's confession in verse 16, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Still another view suggests that He is referring to Peter who, along with the early apostles and prophets, was used to establish the church; see Ephesians 2:19-22. In this latter passage Christ is pictured as the cornerstone, which in an ancient building supported the main weight of the structure, while the apostles and prophets share in the foundation. To see Peter as one of the foundation stones of the church would not, of course, require that he be viewed as an ecclesiastical authority with successors down through the ages. He would simply be the first confessor of who Christ is.

What is your life founded on? The most important step you can take is to anchor your life solidly to Jesus Christ. In His very character and nature you will find the hope and peace you are looking for, by committing your life without reserve to Him. You need to acknowledge your nature to sin, seek His forgiveness, and invite Him to be the Leader of your life. See our <a href="http://www.jhm.org/salvation.asp">plan of salvation </div>.

The Bible's Book of Revelation confuses me. What does it mean?
The Book of Revelation can be confusing to the modern reader because much of it was written using a symbolic style of language that is not used today. Sincere Bible scholars, in fact, disagree about the meaning of some of the symbolic passages. But that should not keep us from reading it and understanding its main message.

The key for the reader is to try to see beyond the details to the main themes, which are tremendous truths. For example, the book of Revelation underlines the fact that this world is doomed, and our hope must never be in this world or its political systems and philosophies. It also points us to the great truth that some day God through Christ will triumph over death and evil, and Satan will be utterly defeated.

The Book of Revelation emphasizes that Christ will come again some day in great glory to establish His Kingdom of perfect justice and righteousness, "and he will reign for ever and ever" (Revelation 11:15). Some day those who know Christ will be secure forever in Heaven, and "there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" (Revelation 21:4).
Most of all, the Book of Revelation (like all of the Bible) points us to Christ. He is the Savior and Lord of all who trust in Him, and some day we will see Him face to face. Are you ready for that day? You can be, by repenting of your sin and giving your life by faith to Christ today. See our <a href="http://www.jhm.org/salvation.asp">plan of salvation </div>.

What is the "sin that leads to death" referred to in 1 John 5:16-17?
In John 5:16-17 the author is writing to professing Christians who commit sin which leads to death. Christian interpreters differ in their understanding of the passage. Some think it refers to a professing Christian who shows that he is not a true believer by his unrepentant rejection of Christ and identification with His enemies. Others believe that the author is referring to true believers whose persistent, willful sinning results in God's penalty of physical death. An example of this can be found in 1 Corinthians, chapter 11, where Paul is warning Christians about participating in the Lord's Supper without any regard for its significance. Acts 5:1-10 would be another example of physical death as a penalty for sin if Ananias and Sapphira were in fact true believers.

John does not forbid intercessory prayer in the situation he has in mind. Since we do not have sure knowledge of what John is referring to back in the first century, it is certainly wise to pray for professing believers who engage in persistent sin of one kind or another. Neither should we forget in our own situation that whenever the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, we should be quick to confess it and forsake it. One of the wonderful promises of the Bible is found in 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

BIBLE - OLD TESTAMENT

Were those who believed in God during Old Testament times saved through Christ?
It is true that Old Testament believers lived before Jesus' actual historical sacrifice, yet the Bible suggests that they experienced acceptance and fellowship with God on the basis of their faith in what God had revealed of Himself and His ways. Genesis 15:6 says concerning Abraham: "Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness."

The Old Testament makes clear that God taught the people to approach Him by way of animal sacrifices. The Mosaic Law required that animals be offered as sacrifices and that the priests sprinkle the blood upon the designated altar. Those sacrifices foreshadowed and symbolized the anticipated shedding of blood and sacrificial death of Jesus, the Messiah. Christ's eventual sacrifice of His own life as the "lamb without blemish" was the fulfillment of the sacrificial offerings to atone for sin. The Old Testament book of Leviticus and the New Testament book of Hebrews provide an excellent harmony of truth on this subject. Both Old Testament believers and New Testament believers were saved by grace through faith on the basis of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament looked forward to the sacrifice of Christ, while the New Testament looks back on that same sacrifice.

Throughout the history of this world, countless people have discovered that God alone, through Jesus Christ, can meet the deepest longings and needs of the human heart. This is possible because Jesus was fully God and fully man. He died to pay the death penalty for our sin, and He was raised from the dead by the power of God. He is alive today, and He wants to be in your life right now. We encourage you to commit your life to Christ. It is the most important step you will ever take. See our "http://www.jhm.org/salvation.asp" plan of salvation .

How can the Bible be correct about the world being created in six days?
Many Christians become troubled when they read the creation account in the Bible and then listen to the ideas of evolutionists. The Bible, of course, asserts that God created the universe and everything in it. Evolutionists, on the other hand, usually leave God completely out and assume that everything "just happened." In addition, evolutionists describe life developing over vast periods of time as a scientific fact, though it is really only a theory.

Some scientists who believe the Bible account of God's creation think that it can fit with some aspects of evolutionary theory. They use terms like "progressive" or "continuous" creation. For example, some suggest that the days of creation in chapter one of Genesis might be "age days," that is, long periods of time in which God created and then helped things develop. It is important to note that there can be no real conflict between the facts of the Bible and the facts of science, since God was the Author of both. The problems arise when we begin to interpret those facts. Since Christians hold various views, it is important to keep an attitude of humility and charity toward others in these complicated areas. One fact is absolutely clear from the Bible--God is the Creator!

Since Adam and Eve were the first humans, where did their eldest son Cain get his wife?
It is often asked where Cain got his wife. Genesis, chapter 5, gives the written account of Adam's lineage." From that chapter, we learn that Adam had sons and daughters; also, that he lived to the age of 930 years. No doubt that Cain married one of those numerous daughters or granddaughters of Adam. In other words, Cain married either his own sister or niece. In the dawn of history, such marriages would have been necessary and would not have been accompanied by the dangers that would result today. God later established laws to prohibit marriage within close degrees of kinship (Leviticus 20:17 -20). Intermarriage of closely related persons such as brothers and sisters today, according to doctors, would result in serious physical deterioration of the race.

Which of the hundreds of Old Testament laws are applicable to us as Christians?
In the Old Testament, God selected the nation of Israel to be His "special" people. As such, they were to be "holy"--separate from the unbelieving nations around them and God's own possession. This was to be expressed by their obedience to the laws God gave them to direct their life as a nation. There were civil laws, ritual laws, and moral laws. By the time of Jesus, the Jews thought that the law was a way to earn salvation--something God had never intended. The Bible stresses, "Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, 'The righteous will live by faith'" (Galatians 3:11 ).

The New Testament says that the Old Testament law was intended "to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith" (Galatians 3:24 ). The ritual laws of sacrifice teach us that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Hebrews 9:22 ) and point us to Jesus on the cross. The moral laws--those against lying, stealing, immorality, etc.--show us how far we fall short of God's will and how badly we need salvation as a free gift, earned by Jesus' death on the cross (Galatians 3:24).

Once we accept God's free gift of eternal life through repentance from sin and faith in Jesus, the moral law becomes a guide for how we live out our new life in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26). The civil laws of Israel have passed away, since the church is not a nation. The ritual laws of sacrifice, priesthood, and Temple have been fulfilled in Jesus, and are no longer applicable to the church (see the book of Hebrews). However, the basic moral law of the Old Testament is clearly reflected in the New Testament guidelines for the Christian life (e.g. Colossians, chapter 3) and is summarized by Jesus in Matthew 22:37-40.

Many people feel they can win God's favor and have eternal life by following the old civil and ritual laws, and do enough good deeds so that they balance out their bad deeds. But this is a misunderstanding. You cannot save yourself--but Christ can, and He will as you commit your life to Him by faith. If you would like to make that commitment today, see our <a href="http://www.jhm.org/salvation.asp">plan of salvation </div>.

Does God require us to follow the Old Testament laws about not eating pork and other kinds
of meat today?
The dietary laws for Israel recorded in Leviticus, chapter 11, which include, for example, a prohibition against eating pork, were given for specific religious and, perhaps, health reasons. The New Testament, however, makes it clear that observation of these Old Testament food laws for religious reasons is no longer required in the New Testament era. Jesus Himself declared that all foods were "clean" (Mark 7:17 -23). In Acts 10:9-16, Peter was informed by God through a vision that he was not to reject the use of certain animals for food on a religious basis. The apostle Paul also writes, "For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer" (1 Timothy 4:4).

The Bible makes it clear that "the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17 ). There is no saving grace in either eating or not eating certain foods. We are saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; see Ephesians 2:8-10. This, of course, does not mean that all animals we use for food are of equal value from a health standpoint.

Many people feel they can win God's favor and have eternal life by following the dietary laws of the Old Testament. But this is a misunderstanding. You cannot save yourself--but Christ can, and He will as you commit your life to Him by faith. If you would like to make that commitment today, please see our <a href="http://www.jhm.org/salvation.asp">plan of salvation </div>.

CHRISTIAN LIFE

Why does the Bible refer to God in masculine terms?
The answer to the question about why God is referred to with masculine terms in the Bible really has only one answer: This is the way God has chosen to reveal Himself to us. God is never described with sexual characteristics in the Scriptures, but He does consistently describe Himself in the masculine gender. While He contains all the qualities of both male and female genders, He has chosen to present Himself with an emphasis on masculine qualities of fatherhood, protection, direction, strength, etc. Metaphors used to describe Him in the Bible include: King, Father, Judge, Husband, Master, and the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

There are those who would like to blur this emphasis in some of the newer Bible translations, but it is very dangerous to tamper with the way God has chosen to reveal Himself. He most certainly does not intend to minimize women, since men and women are revealed as made in His image and of equal value to Him. But it remains that He is Father, not Mother, and even in the Incarnation chose to come to us as a man, Jesus Christ. One famous Christian scholar, C. S. Lewis, has suggested that gender is far deeper than our human distinctions reveal. He suggests that God is so masculine that we all are feminine in relation to Him. If this is true, it might explain why the church is referred to as the bride of Christ, though it is composed of both men and women.

Is the King James Bible the only reliable Bible?
The work of Bible translation is very complicated, and misunderstanding easily arises. We do not possess the original Hebrew/Aramaic Old Testament or the original Greek New Testament as written by inspired men of God. What we have is an Old Testament in Hebrew/Aramaic and thousands of Greek manuscripts of part or all of the New Testament painstakingly copied and passed on to us through the centuries. There are differences in the Greek manuscripts such as minor issues of punctuation, spelling, word order, certain verses included in some manuscripts and not in others, etc., but none of these differences affect any of the major doctrines of our Christian faith.

Some people prefer the King James translation because they have been familiar with it often from childhood. Others prefer modern translations because they are more easily understood. Also, modern translators have the advantage of using many older Greek manuscripts of the New Testament discovered since the King James translation was made. Most scholars consider these older manuscripts more reliable than the few later manuscripts available to those who translated the King James Bible. It is also helpful to remember that, while King James "authorized" a particular translation for the Church of England in the 17th century, it is no more "authorized" for us today than any other translation. It was highly criticized in its day by those who preferred earlier translations, and it went through a number of revisions.

People sometimes pick up two translations and expect them to be word-for-word the same. When they find words "missing" or changed," they think something sinister has happened. In reality, both can be perfectly faithful translations of the original language. The basic structures of languages differ from one another, and translation is not just a matter of taking a Greek sentence and finding English words to match. Do not get caught up into a divisive and fruitless controversy over which of many good translations is best. Instead, consider using a number of them in your study and reading, and join in prayer that all peoples in all countries of the world might soon have the Word of God in their own language.

Can we still believe in the authority of the Bible for our modern world?
There are clear reasons why we can believe in the authority of the Bible. A study of the fulfilled prophecies of the Bible alone would undeniably confirm the fact that it was divinely inspired and that only God could have brought about the fulfillment of so many prophecies in the proper time to the proper person and in the proper sequence. Jesus Himself used the Scriptures as the authoritative Word of God (Matthew 4:4-10) and declared that their authority could not be broken (John 10:35 ).

The more one studies the Scriptures, the more one becomes aware of the fact that the Bible passes every test that can be applied to it in order to evaluate its divine inspiration, authority, and inerrancy. We also know that the Bible is God's Word because of the transformation we have seen it make in the lives of those who read, believe, and live by its teaching. It is God's own Word, His saving truth that He has spoken to mankind. It is inspired from beginning to end, and it is the only infallible guide of faith and practice; read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and 2 Peter 1:19-21.

Sometimes when I read the Bible it sounds like it contradicts itself. Does it?
Much has been said over the centuries concerning apparent contradictions in the Bible. Josh McDowell and Don Stewart offer the following comments in their book ANSWERS TO TOUGH QUESTIONS SKEPTICS ASK ABOUT THE CHRISTIAN FAITH:

"Certain passages at first glance appear to be contradictory, but further investigation will show that this is not the case.

"One of the things for which we appeal with regard to possible contradictions is fairness. We should not minimize or exaggerate the problem, and we must always begin by giving the author the benefit of the doubt. This is the rule in other literature, and we ask that it also be the rule here. We find so often that people want to employ a different set of rules when it comes to examining the Bible, and to this we immediately object.

"When facing possible contradictions, it is of the highest importance to remember that two statements may differ from each other without being contradictory. Some fail to make a distinction between contradiction and difference.

"It must also be stressed that when a possible explanation is given to a Bible difficulty, it is unreasonable to state that the passage contains a demonstrable error. Some difficulties in Scripture result from our inadequate knowledge about the circumstances, and do not necessarily involve an error. These only prove that we are ignorant of the background.

"While all Bible difficulties and discrepancies have not yet been cleared up, it is our firm conviction that as more knowledge is gained of the Bible's past, these problems will fade away. The biblical conception of God is an all-knowing, all-powerful being who does not contradict Himself, and so we feel that His Word, when properly understood, will not contradict itself."

What is the difference between Bible reading and Bible meditation?
We believe that it is essential to differentiate between reading and meditating on the Bible. Reading is primarily assimilation of facts without application. When we meditate on the Word of God, we seek to make personal application of the Scriptures to our own lives and circumstances. It is at that very moment that the Holy Spirit is able to speak to us, for as the apostle Paul said, "All scripture is...profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16 ). We never know how or when the Holy Spirit will use the Word of God to bring conviction and correction. As God promises in Isaiah 55:11, the Word "will not return to me empty."

It is also essential to remember that Satan knows the Scriptures well. He often uses Scripture, out of context, to tempt us. He is a master at distorting what the Word of God says (Genesis 3:1). However, when Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Luke, chapter 4), Jesus used the Scriptures to defeat him. The Word of God is our sure defense against Satan's attacks.

Why is it that when I read the Bible, I don't seem to understand it?
It was an old English clergyman who suggested an apt comparison between the Bible and a sundial. He said that a person could well read the figures on a dial, but would obviously know nothing of the exact hour unless the sun was shining upon it. Similarly, he suggested, a person could read the Bible through, but unless the Spirit of God was permitted to enlighten the Word, it was just a compilation of lofty but abstract ideas.

One must make a surrender of his life to Christ through personal repentance and faith, and then watch the ways in which all spiritual input is enhanced--church attendance, fellowship with other Christians and Bible reading. If you have never surrendered your life to Christ, we encourage you to it today. See our "http://www.jhm.org/salvation.asp" plan of salvation .

The value of Bible reading is not in some magical return on time invested--like four blessings for every two chapters. Jesus said in John 5:39 to search the Scriptures, for "they are they which testify of me." When the Bible serves as an introduction to the Person of Christ, it is fulfilling God's original design. Reading it in a modern version is very helpful. Above all, view it as a personal love letter opening up an exciting relationship that gets better with the passage of time.

Where should I begin in my Bible reading?
Daily Bible study and prayer are vital to your spiritual life. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Psalm 119:9,11,105.

Begin by reading the Gospel of John, for it tells us of Christ, of the 'greatest life ever lived,' and what He has done for us. Next read Acts, for it tells us what His first disciples did in the power of God's Holy Spirit. Helpful instruction on how you should interact with other people is found in the book of Proverbs. There are 31 chapters in Proverbs so on the 1st day of the month, read Proverbs 1 and so on. Do not be troubled about the things you read and do not understand. Trust the Holy Spirit to enlighten your mind and grant understanding. As you study prayerfully, you will experience a close fellowship with the Lord.

Is it true that women are not valued very highly in the Bible?
On the contrary, women are valued very highly in the Bible's teaching. In the very beginning, God created both man and woman in His own image with the responsibilities of populating the earth and ruling over it (Genesis 1:27 -28).

The Gospel narratives present many insights into Christ's valuation of women, emphasizing His high regard for them as essential members of God's kingdom. He understood their concerns (John 2:1-9), met their deepest needs (John, chapter 4; Mark 7:24-30), healed them (Luke 4:38-39, Matthew 9:20-22), raised their dead (Luke 7:11-15; John, chapter 11), forgave and restored them to meaningful existence (Luke 7:36-50, John 8:3-11), defended and affirmed their acts of service (Matthew 26:6-13), and instructed them (Luke 10:39). On the road to His crucifixion, Christ addressed the women of Jerusalem in His final word to the crowds, and on the cross, undergoing deep agony, He entrusted His mother Mary into the care of His beloved disciple John. Following His resurrection from the dead, the first person to whom Jesus revealed Himself was Mary Magdalene, a woman He had freed from severe satanic bondage (John 20:10-18).

The New Testament church was enriched by the influence of godly women such as Dorcas, Priscilla, and Lydia , to name a few. The apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 3:28, "There is neither Jew nor Greek [nationality, race], slave nor free [status], male nor female [gender], for you are all one in Christ Jesus." It is true that Bible interpreters and churches vary in their understanding of the proper role of women in the church and home regarding leadership. However, the issue is not about men's and women's equal worth to God and the church. All agree that in matters of salvation and value men and women are equal.

The devaluation of women in so many ways throughout history is a result of sin in the world. Wherever the gospel has gone the status of women has been elevated. Through Christ, women have experienced the opportunity to live creative, productive, and satisfying lives. This transformation has led to far-reaching contributions by women in areas such as social and political reform, medicine, literature, the arts and sciences, and Christian service and missions.

How can we say that someone is sinning, if Jesus said we are not supposed to judge others?
A careful examination of Christ's command, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged" (Matthew 7:1), in light of what He said next, indicates His meaning. He said, "You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye" (Matthew 7:5). He simply was saying that we should not seek to correct a person when we are guilty of the same or another offense. We need to deal with our own sin, and then we can help someone else. He never intended that His disciples should set aside all exercise of discernment or judgment.

Later in the same message Jesus said, "Watch out for false prophets. . . . A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. . . . Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them" (Matthew 7:15 -20). We may and we must exercise the discernment God has given to us as to another's words and deeds. God alone, of course, knows the motives and intent of a person's heart.

It is also important to consider the spirit in which we seek to correct someone else. Even if we are not guilty of the same offense, we have been guilty enough of other offenses. We need to judge or correct another in a spirit of love, compassion, and humility. The Bible says, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:1-2).

Now that I'm a Christian, how do I avoid slipping into my old lifestyle habits?
When we repent of our sins and by faith receive Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, we receive Christ's righteousness (Romans 3:22 -24). God now sees Christ's righteousness in us rather than our sinfulness. Our sins are forgiven, and we are made right with God (John 1:12 ). Now God calls us to love and honor Him as Lord of our daily lives. To do this, we must surrender every area of our lives to His control, allowing God to make us more like His Son (Galatians 2:20 ).

After receiving Christ, there is a real danger of slipping back into old sinful ways. The solution is to commit each day to the Lord and share our problems with Him. We must give Him authority over our lives, confess any known sin to Him, and receive His forgiveness as promised in 1 John 1:9. Our victory has already been won for us by Christ's death and resurrection; see 1 Corinthians 15:57-58. It is now our responsibility, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to live in that victory by practicing biblical standards of behavior as noted in Ephesians 4:22-32.

It is tremendously important that we daily meditate on the Word of God, obey His instructions, continue regularly in prayer, and fellowship with other believers in a gospel-preaching church. As we do this, we will become mature Christians, established and strengthened in Christ; see Romans 5:1.

How can I witness for Christ?
Witnessing is a vital part of the Christian life; the Bible teaches that the true believer will desire to share with others what God has done for him; read John 4:28-30,39-42 and 1 John 1:1-4. God commands us and empowers us to be His witnesses (Matthew 4:19 and Acts 1:8). Our testimony will not always be accepted, but through the Holy Spirit indwelling our hearts we receive power to live a victorious Christian life and serve Christ effectively; read Ephesians 5:18 and Luke 11:13.

Here are a few suggestions that might help you to lead others to Christ: Live a consistent Christ-centered life; be a friend and a good listener; pray that the Holy Spirit will give opportunity for witness and prepare the individual to receive the Word of life (John 16:7-11); and avoid arrogance and preachiness. You should pray daily for the people on your prayer list and ask God for wisdom to present the claims of Christ to them; read James 1:5, 3:17 .

Can listening to some kinds of secular music and watching MTV affect my relationship with Jesus?
Some modern music does, beyond question, include lyrics that are blatantly and openly anti-religious. Some lyrics also exalt or urge immoral behavior, while still others are tied closely to drug experiences or speak in a distorted way about death. When this is the case, the choice you have is not simply one of musical taste. You see, although you say you 'don't pay attention to the words,' it is virtually impossible for them not to take root in your mind. When you repeatedly hear certain ideas and themes in music, they almost inevitably become a part of you and you begin to think they are true or 'not so bad.'

The Bible constantly urges us to fill our minds with good and true things be- cause our thoughts will shape our behavior. We therefore need to control what goes into our minds. 'We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ' (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

This counsel, of course, applies to media other than music as well. Themes of illicit sex, senseless violence, occult experimentation, and anti-Christian sentiment flow through many movies, plays, novels, and material available on the Internet. Christians face a daily war against their minds, but are fortified by the scriptural promise that "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13 )

How can I grow in my spiritual life?
The Bible says, "Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18 ). If you have not already done so, we encourage you to organize your day so that you will have a special time to spend alone with God. Be sure that you do not neglect this "quiet time," for this communion with our Lord will give you strength and power to overcome Satan, to live above your circumstances, and to become a victorious Christian.

It is important that you read your Bible and meditate upon it daily. As the good seed of the Word of God is planted in the heart, watered by prayer, and cultivated through obedience, praise, and Christian service, the child of God matures spiritually, as stated by Paul in Colossians 1:10 and Ephesians 3:17-19. Growth in the life of a Christian comes as he yields his heart and life to the Savior. The Holy Spirit is then able to transform one's life into the likeness of Jesus Christ. Worship and fellowship in a gospel-preaching church are also a necessary part of spiritual growth.

Does God really care how we use our natural resources?
God does care about how we treat the earth that He has given us for a home. When God had created man and woman, the Bible tells us, "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground" (Genesis 1:28 ). He placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden "to work it and take care of it" (Genesis 2:15 ).

I'm turned off by the political rhetoric in the news today. As a Christian, am I obligated to vote in public elections?
There is no question that Christians should vote. Christians can honor God and assist in guiding our nation by voting in elections at all levels of government. However, it is important that we seek information about candidates and issues so that we can vote intelligently. God also will give wisdom as we study the Bible and seek the guidance of His Holy Spirit through prayer. The opportunity of voting in free elections is a privilege that many have given their lives for. It is a responsibility and blessing from God.

The very fact that there is moral ambiguity in politics indicates the need for Christians to participate in the elective process. Every nation stands in need of moral and righteous leadership. Proverbs 14:34 says, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." In addition, the New Testament indicates that we have a responsibility to government since God has established governing authorities for our good (Romans 13:1-7).

Is it appropriate for a Christian to gamble?
For the believer in Jesus Christ, all forms of gambling--from the office raffle to casino gambling or the state lottery--are unacceptable. "Signing up" or registering for a free gift is not gambling. It merely puts a person in a position to receive something that is to be given away, and this is the donor's way of selecting the recipient. However, in the case of gambling, a person is taking chances with hard-earned money.

Gambling clearly breaks several biblical principles which are central to a Christian's way of life. A Christian lifestyle is one that expresses faith in the loving care and provision of Almighty God, not in chance or luck (Matthew 6:33 ). A Christian seeks to love his neighbor, not to profit from a loss by someone else. A Christian seeks to avoid every form of greed and covetousness and to be content with what he has (see Hebrews 13:5). In addition, a Christian realizes that everything he possesses has been given in stewardship by God and should only be used in a way that honors Him.

Gambling is nowhere approved in the Bible. Instead, the Bible stresses that the Christian should earn his living by honest work and effort, and this would exclude relying on chance (2 Thessalonians 3:10 -12). The Bible tells us to 'abstain from all appearance of evil' (1 Thessalonians 5:22 ). Gambling has often done untold evil to people by making them lose money that could be used for good purposes or even the necessities of life. Money is given to us by God to be used for good, not
Gambling is also wrong because of the motives involved. Some people gamble for thrills and excitement. Others gamble because they have a greedy and covetous attitude about money. Some gamble out of a false belief in luck. All of these motives are wrong for the Christian, for they are all self-centered and materialistic. Passages in the Bible which warn against greed and covetousness are Exodus 20:15,17; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; and Colossians 3:5.

An article in Christianity Today magazine points out that the gambling industry and government often present a false picture of the benefits of gambling and the size of the problem it creates. "The cumulative effect of thousands of failed marriages and careers, poisoned by compulsive, addictive gambling, brings with it dire symptoms from which all of us suffer." A person who struggles with gambling addiction and the resulting troubles should seek help immediately

How can I effectively resist Satan when he attacks me?
Whenever we feel attacked by forces of darkness, we can put James 4:7 into practice. This says: "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Our greatest defense against Satan is a right relationship with God through the application of Christ's sin-atoning blood to our hearts. We submit ourselves to God by confessing to Him any known sin in our lives and by actively standing on God's promise of forgiveness and cleansing; see 1 John 1:9. It is through sin that the devil gains a foothold in our lives. A right relationship with God protects us spiritually in much the same way as an armored breastplate covers and protects all the vital organs of a warrior in battle. Read Ephesians 6:10-18.

Having submitted ourselves to God, we can then effectively resist the devil with truth. Our shield against Satan is our faith in God, which is founded on the truth of God's Word. The only weapon the devil has to use against us is deception. He tries to lure us into spiritual defeat with lies and distortions of the truth. Christ was once led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. But He defeated Satan each time by standing on and quoting the Word of God. The devil finally had to leave when Jesus said, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written . . . " (Matthew 4:1-10). It is important for us to use God's Word actively when we are faced with temptations or distressing situations. We should saturate our minds with God's Word, dwelling on who God is and what He has done for us in Christ.

I sense that the Lord is calling me to enter the ministry and preach the gospel. How do I
prepare for this?
Anyone who senses the leading of the Lord to enter the Christian ministry or any field of Christian service should seek confirmation of that guidance through meditation upon God's Word and prayer. Proclaiming the gospel and building up believers is not only a profession but also a high calling from God. It is a God-given urge and passion to seek out the lost, win them for Christ, and nurture them within the church. Paul expressed it this way, "Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel" (1 Corinthians 9:16 ).

Those who are called to serve in the ministry will require training if they are to be effective. Preparation should begin through a personal habit of daily devotions, Bible study, and prayer. Loyalty in church attendance and active participation in Christian service are essential. Counsel and prayer with pastors and church leaders are also vital. Perhaps your pastor could suggest a program of reading and study in those areas he would consider most helpful. Trust the Lord to lead you in further formal training at a Bible college or seminary of His choice.

Our ministry cannot give you specific information on the process of obtaining credentials for ministry within a particular church or denomination, nor do we have a training program for that purpose. Our ministry is crusade evangelism. Your pastor and church leaders will be of most help here. If your church is part of a fellowship of churches or a denomination, the headquarters would have information available. You might also contact officials at a Bible college or seminary that you are interested in. As you explore God's plan for your ministry, remember the wonderful promise of Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

Is it all right for a Christian to believe in astrology and discover God's plan for his or her life
through a horoscope?
The fascination with astrology and horoscopes undoubtedly reflects people's search for a wisdom beyond their own and direction for the future. Astrology is the ancient belief that a person's destiny can be found in the pattern of the stars and planets at the time of one's birth. The "horoscope" is the chart that attempts to describe that destiny. The Bible mentions the astrologers in the royal court at Babylon and their inability to tell or interpret royal dreams (Daniel 2:10 -11 and 4:7). Isaiah the prophet spoke of astrologers with derision: "Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you" (Isaiah 47:13).

Astrology is offensive to God because it attributes to planets and stars the power that belongs to God alone and because it tries to find the will of God by other means than God has appointed. Throughout the Bible God tells us that He will guide us; read Psalm 23:1-2, 25:9,12, 32:8; Luke 1:79; and John 7:17. The Christian has no need of astrology with its futile hints, for he turns instead to the guidance of God's Word.

Is fasting appropriate for Christians?
Fasting can be a wonderful spiritual experience. Those who never fast and pray miss a spiritual exercise which has been a blessing to many throughout the ages. A person in good health may choose to forego occasional meals in order to focus on devotion to God. Not only are there spiritual benefits, but many doctors agree that there are also health benefits. The early church found prayer and fasting valuable when seeking the guidance of God for making important decisions such as choosing spiritual leaders; see Acts 13:2-3 and 14:23 . God will honor and bless anyone who will fast and pray in the right spirit.

When Jesus fasted (Luke 4:2), we are told He ate nothing. It meant in all probability that He abstained from all food, solid or liquid, but not from water. This type of fast may be called the "normal fast." There are also a few examples in the Bible of the "absolute fast" which means abstaining from drinking water as well as from eating, as in Ezra 10:6. In Esther 4:16 Queen Esther instructs Mordecai, "Fast for me, Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do." See also Paul's fast in Acts 9:9. Other examples are in Deuteronomy 9:9, Exodus 34:28 and 1 Kings 19:8. This method of fasting is an exceptional measure for an extremely unusual situation. One would need to be very sure of the leading of the Lord to undertake any fast for longer than three days or one that excludes liquid. A doctor's advice would be very important.

There is also the "partial fast" which is a restriction on certain foods or certain meals, as in Daniel 10:3 and 1 Kings, chapter 17. This method is used today by some who omit one meal a day and spend that time in prayer. Biblical fasting can be public as well as private, regular as well as occasional, involuntary as well as voluntary.

CHURCH

What guidelines should I follow in finding a church?
Ordinarily, we hesitate to suggest specific churches because in so many cases we do not know the pastor or the congregation personally. What may be a good church in one community, may not measure up in another. We would encourage you, however, to seek a church that is oriented to the preaching and teaching of the Bible. Central to its emphasis will be:

1. That the Bible is recognized as the infallible Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16 ).
2. That God is a Trinity--Father, Son and Holy Spirit (John 14:26 ; Matthew 28:18,19).
3. That salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone (John 14:6, Ephesians 2:8,9).
4. That spiritual maturity develops as one dedicates oneself to personal prayer, the reading and study of the Word of God, and obedience to what is learned (2 Timothy 3:16,17; Colossians 2:6,7).

The decision you make about your church affiliation is a crucial one! May God lead you to find just that church that is best suited to your personality and needs? This identity will provide much of what is needed for living a full and satisfying Christian life.

Which day are we supposed to keep as the Sabbath?
The Lord gave the observance of the "Sabbath," the seventh day, to the nation of Israel at Mount Sinai as part of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 5:12-15). The Sabbath was to be a sign of God's covenant with Israel , a day of rest from labor, and a memorial of God's great acts of creation and deliverance. The Sabbath was a good gift of God to Israel , but it was also enforced very strictly, the penalty for deliberately doing unnecessary work on that day being death (Exodus 35:2-3; Numbers 15:32 -36).

When God raised Christ from the dead in power and glory on the first day of the week, the followers of Christ were led to honor Him and the resurrection on the first day of the week. Scriptural warrant for giving special worship and honor to Christ on the first day of the week, the "Lord's Day," is found in Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2, Revelation 1:10.

Many Christians and churches believe that worshiping and serving Christ on Sunday in commemoration of His resurrection completely fulfills the requirement of the Fourth Commandment. In this understanding, the Sabbath has been changed from the seventh day of the week to the first day because of Christ's resurrection. It is now a memorial of God's new covenant and His greater spiritual creation and deliverance of the church from sin and death.

Other Christians and churches worship on Sunday but do not believe that Sunday is a Christian Sabbath based on the Fourth Commandment. They believe that the Sabbath commandment is no longer binding upon Christians, since there was no restatement of it for Christians in the New Testament. They rather turn to Paul's admonition in Colossians 2:16-17, "Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ."

All Christians would agree that our faith is not limited to a day, nor does being obedient to the rules of a certain day save us. We are saved through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; see Ephesians 2:8-9. After we receive Christ as Savior, we have God's love poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit" (Romans 5:5, NKJV), and we desire to worship and serve Him every day of the week.

I just committed my life to Jesus, but why should I go to church?
You may have recently become a Christian or have experienced a renewal of your faith. At this point you are probably wondering, "What do I do now to begin the journey which leads to spiritual maturity?" The Bible encourages us to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18 ). The first step in this process is to become actively involved in the ministry of a local church.

All Christians are members of the body of Christ, which is the true church; it has prevailed through the ages, though the "gates of hell" have always opposed it. It is God's will, however, that Christians meet together as a spiritual body on the local level--which they have been doing for nearly two thousand years. A number of New Testament letters were written to local groups of believers in different parts of the Roman Empire . The writer of Hebrews 10:25 admonished the first-century followers of Christ: "Let us not neglect our church meetings, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near" (TLB).

What is a cult?
A cult is any group that teaches doctrines or beliefs that deviate from the biblical message of the Christian faith. It is very important that we recognize cults and avoid any involvement with them. Cults often teach some Christian truth mixed with error, which may be difficult to detect.

There are some features common to most cults:
1. They do not adhere solely to the sixty-six books of the Bible as the inspired Word of God. They add their "special revelations" to the Bible as equally or even more authoritative.
2. They do not accept that our relationship to Jesus Christ is a reality "by grace through faith" alone, but practice instead a salvation by works.
3. They do not give Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, full recognition as the second Person of the Trinity, composed of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

DEATH

When a Christian dies is it all right to cremate the body?
The Bible does not give specific directions for the disposal of the body following death. Bible-era practices are described in Unger's Bible Dictionary as follows: "Interment in Bible times followed soon after death, as is evident in the narratives of the burial of Sarah (Genesis 23:1-20), Rachel (Genesis 35:19-20), and Rebekah's nurse (Genesis 35:8). The Hebrews did not normally cremate, except in most unusual cases of emergency, as in the case of Saul and his sons (1 Samuel 31:11-13). Later Babylonians burned their dead and deposited their ashes in ornate funerary urns, as did Greeks and Romans. Hebrews in later time, indicated by the numerous ossuaries found in New Testament Palestine, also practiced cremation."

Christians will want to show respect for the body. Even though the essential person or spirit has moved on to an eternal destiny, the body is the tangible reminder of all that person meant to us. In addition, the body is destined for resurrection, transformation, and reunion with the spirit at Christ's return. Whether burial or cremation best expresses that appropriate respect is a very personal decision. The wishes of other close family members and friends should also be considered in any decision because they are the ones who will live with the decision and with the memories.

Remember, when Jesus Christ was crucified, he was given total victory over death, hell, and the grave. The most important thing in one's life is to be prepared to meet the Lord when He calls us home. From the moment we draw our first breath to the moment we come face to face with Jesus, nothing else will matter except that we know Him as our Savior and Lord.

At the resurrection it will not make any difference whether a person's body has been buried or cremated. God knows how to raise the body, either in the resurrection of life or the resurrection of condemnation (John 5:28 -29). The new body of a Christian will be a radically changed and glorified body like the body of the exalted Christ. It will be an eternal, spiritual body never again to experience weakness, disease, suffering or death (1 Corinthians 15:35 -54 and Philippians 3:20 -21)

Will we have the opportunity to accept Christ and get right with God after we die?
The Bible teaches that our decision for Christ must be made this side of the grave. The Bible says: "Now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation"; "Seek the Lord while he may be found"; "How shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?" (2 Corinthians 6:2, Isaiah 55:6, Hebrews 2:3). The Bible also says: "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (see Hebrews 9:27 , Mark 8:36 ). We find no hope in the Bible for people who do not get right with God in this life.

The most important thing we have to settle in this life is our eternal salvation. Those who ignore God's warnings and invitations do so at great peril. Proverbs 29:1 says: "A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed--without remedy." God is giving us opportunity now to receive Christ and eternal life. "Today, if you hear his voice, harden not your hearts" (Hebrews 4:7).

Would it be right to try to talk with the spirits of dead loved ones?
There are many people who have lost loved ones and who would desperately like to be able to talk with them again or receive messages from them. This desire is understandable, but according to the Bible, God does not permit contacting the dead. The attempt is a sin against God and results in either deception or involvement with demonic entities impersonating the dead (Deuteronomy 18:10 -12).
It is critically important for anyone who has been involved in this or any other occult practice to confess it to God as a sin, renounce the practice, and turn to Jesus Christ for His forgiveness, cleansing, and protection. Consultation with a gospel-preaching pastor may be wise.

My loved one died. How can I deal with my loneliness?
It is always hard for us to be separated from those we love. Do not apologize for your grief or try to conceal your loneliness. Go to an understanding friend and share your sorrow. You may be surprised at the encouragement you feel. The Bible says: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). Jesus is the best Friend of all. Open your heart to Him. If you ask Christ,

He will tell you how to again find purpose in life. We suggest these four things:
1. Each morning thank God for all the joy He has brought through the years. Surrender your day to Him. Ask Christ to guide and direct you. Then all through the day think of Him as walking by your side.
2. Read your Bible. There you will find words of wisdom and comfort, such as 1 Corinthians 13:12: "Now we see but a poor reflection; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."
3. Seek opportunities to help those in need. There is someone who needs your love and care. Ask God to show you who it is and let him know he has a friend. The joy you bring into the lives of others will be reflected in your own.
4. Hold fast to your belief in eternal life. Death is not the end, but the doorway into heaven.

DISCOURAGEMENT

How can I deal with the fear and anxiety that makes me want to stay home all the time?
A fear reaction to a specific situation can be identified as a phobia, and persons who suffer from phobias endeavor to avoid objects or situations that bring about fear reactions. It is possible that you have developed agoraphobia, the fear that keeps people at home. We seem to be hearing from more and more people who are suffering from panic attacks and great discomfort away from home.

Here are some suggestions to help you defeat your anxiety:
1. Determine to obey God. God commands us not to be anxious (Philippians 4:5).
2. Pray. God promised Daniel He would answer and Daniel was not to fear (Philippians 4:6, Daniel 10:12 ).
3. Meditate on positive thoughts (Philippians 4:8). See also Psalm 34:4, 86:15; Isaiah 40:28-31; Proverbs 1:33; John 14:27.
4. Divert attention from self to others (Philippians 4:10 , 2:3-4). As an individual gets his mind off his own problems by helping others, his anxiety also decreases.
5. Set a time limit on your worries. Probably ninety-eight percent of the things we are anxious about or worry about never happen. Learning to live one day at a time is an art that can be cultivated.

I have one problem after another. Has God forgotten me?
We are sometimes at a loss to know why difficulty is permitted in our lives; however, God has not promised us lives of ease. As a matter of fact, God allows such things to happen that we might be awakened to our need to live in greater dependence upon Him, and in due time God will reveal His greater purposes in our lives. We trust you will allow these trials to be a means of leading you to make a personal commitment of your life to Christ as Savior and Lord (Romans 4:5, Ephesians 2:8-9, and John 1:12 ) or of drawing you closer to Him. Then you will find that His comfort and love will more than meet your need; read Ephesians 3:20 .

Never feel that God has forsaken you, for He is unchanging in His love and grace. The Bible says, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5b). Remember, His love is constant and everlasting, as God has revealed to us in the gift of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. May your faith be grounded in Christ Himself that you may know His will James 1:5, 3:17 .

What can I do to find relief from my worries?
Stress, worry, and anxiety come when we do not fully trust the Lord to handle the situation. We are troubled by anxious thoughts of real or anticipated problems when we rely on our own strength and have not learned to cast all our cares upon the Lord. Anxiety chokes out the Word of God in our hearts and keeps us from growing in Christ.

Replace worry with prayer. Thank God in the midst of your problems, and turn them over to Him, as directed in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." Praising God is a beautiful antidote for anxiety. Memorize and claim these Bible promises when worried or anxious: "So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper, I will not be seized with alarm--I will not fear or dread or be terrified. What can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:6, Amplified); and, "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs and don't forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7, TLB).

Why does God seem so far away now that I am sick and need Him so badly?
Physical sickness and distressing circumstances can often affect our emotions, and it is possible to feel that God is far away. It is important, however, to realize that God loves you and is very close to you regardless of your feelings. In Jeremiah 31:3 we read, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." If you have given your life to Christ, He is right there with you, regardless of the way you may feel. It is important that you trust God's Word about your relationship to Him. God has said, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).

Take these wonderful promises, along with others in God's Word, and meditate on them until they become a part of your thinking. As the Lord gives you strength, spend time each day reading your Bible and praying. Do not worry about your temporary lack of feeling. God says in Hebrews 13:5b: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." He is with you, and eventually your sense of His presence will return.

I have thoughts of ending my life. Where can I find help?
First of all, let us impress upon you the fact that you are important in the sight of God. He says, "You are precious to me...and I love you" (Isaiah 43:4, TLB). The very reason Jesus Christ came to earth to offer Himself in sacrifice is so that we might have life in all its fullness, and it is His desire that we be set free from depression, fear, frustration, and hurt so that we might experience this abundant life.

The most important step you can take is to anchor your life solidly to Jesus Christ by committing your life without reserve to Him. God loves you, and He wants you to be part of His family. All you have to do is turn to Christ and ask Him to come into your heart as your Lord and Savior. Have you made that commitment to Christ? Turn to Him now--and then you will have a new desire to live a life with purpose. For a simple outline of the Gospel message, see our plan of salvation.

Thoughts of taking one's own life do not come from God but from the evil one, Satan. Jesus said, "The thief's (Satan's) purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness" (John 10:10 , TLB). We are warned in 1 Peter 5:8-10, "Be careful--watch out for attacks from Satan, your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion, looking for some victim to tear apart. Stand firm when he attacks. Trust the Lord...He personally will come and pick you up, and set you firmly in place, and make you stronger than ever" (TLB).

It is important that you determine to give all your problems to Jesus and "cast all your anxiety on him" (1 Peter 5:7). Refuse to listen to the devil, who is the "father of lies" (John 8:44 ), and make a total surrender of your life to Christ as Savior and Lord. Then center your attention upon His love for you and His wonderful plan for your life, and rest in the assurance that Jesus will "never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5b, NKJV).

Also, remember that God often uses other people to help us. Many who struggle with suicidal feelings benefit from talking with someone who can pray with them and help sort things out. We would urge you to counsel with a gospel-preaching pastor in your area. You may also benefit from the advice of a professional Christian counselor. Above all, keep your hope fixed in the One who says, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5b).

How can I get over my discouragement and bitterness because of a physical disability?
Physical disabilities can easily lead to discouragement and bitterness. There are certainly no easy answers to such problems. However, you can be sure that God, in His ultimate purpose, desires to bring about in you the greatest good, including the cultivation of love, patience, and faith (Romans 8:28).

Faith in God will give you courage, hope, and the ability to accept your circumstances with a greater peace of mind than you have ever experienced before. The Bible says, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7). Helen Keller, who was both blind and deaf from an early age, is a classic example of handling life's handicaps. She said, "I thank God for my handicaps, for through them I have found myself, my work and my God." Some people with less serious handicaps give in to self-pity and limit their usefulness and service to people and God. The Bible teaches that physical affliction, if not misunderstood, can work for our strengthening and good; read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.

Afflictions can lead us to see our need to accept Christ as our Savior by faith, or discipline us into a closer walk with him. The Bible says, "A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all" (Psalm 34:19). Some of God's most faithful followers have suffered great pain and limitations, but they learned to use their affliction constructively.

END TIMES

What is the "rapture," and when does it occur?
There are many Christians who believe that the second coming of Jesus Christ will be in two phases. First He will come for believers, both living and dead, in the "rapture"; read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17. In this view, the rapture--which is the transformation and catching up of all Christians, dead or alive, to meet Christ in the air--will be secret, for it will be unknown to the world of unbelievers at the time of its happening. The effect of this removal, in the absence of multitudes of people, will, of course, be evident on earth. Then, second, after a period of seven years of tribulation on earth, Christ will return to the earth together with His church, the saints who were raptured (Matthew 24:30, 2 Thessalonians 1:7, 1 Peter 1:13, Revelation 1:7). He will be victorious over His enemies and will reign on the earth for a thousand years (the millennium) together with His saints, the church. After the thousand years, living unbelievers and the wicked dead now raised to life will be judged at the great white throne judgment. They will then be cast into the lake of fire, while the saved will live forever with Christ in a new heaven and earth (Revelation, chapters 19-22).

Many other evangelical Christians believe that Christ's return and the rapture will not occur until the seven years of the tribulation have ended. As far as the latter view is concerned, the rapture will not be secret, since it will be part of Christ's visible and triumphant return to end this present evil age (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). At this point, interpreters differ as to whether there will be a literal thousand-year reign of Christ on earth or whether the white throne judgment and the new heaven and earth will immediately appear.

The crucial matter is not that all Christians agree on all details of what will occur in the final events of this world's history. Some of these events and their order of occurrence have simply not been made clear in the Bible. What is important is that all Christians hold in common that Christ will ultimately return bodily, visibly, gloriously, to reign and rule with His resurrected and transformed saints forever and ever. The details of this great event will be made known in God's own time.

Is Jesus Christ going to return again to this earth some day?
It is very clearly set forth in the Scriptures that Jesus Christ will bodily and visibly return to this earth. In the Old Testament there are prophecies which can be fulfilled only by our Lord's return. In the New Testament there are over 300 references to Christ's second coming. Christ Himself emphasized that He would come again. On one occasion He said, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am" (John 14:3). On another occasion Jesus said, "You will see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven" (Mark 14:62; see also Mark 13:26, Matthew 24:30 and Luke 21:27).

The apostles continued the emphasis on Jesus' return. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Paul said, "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever." Revelation 1:7 says, "Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him." The bodily, visible return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the Christian's "blessed hope" (Titus 2:13 )

Is Christ expected to return very soon as some people are predicting?
There is a great deal of interest today in the subject of our Lord's return. Pastor Hagee believes that this divinely predicted event may well happen soon; and he is constantly urging believers to obey the scriptural injunction that "teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self- controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:12-13).

While there are indications that we may be approaching a crisis in history, and biblical descriptions of the last days fit our times, it would be unwise to make any prediction about the exact time of Christ's return. When on earth, Jesus said, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matthew 24:36). The important thing is that we should be ready for His coming: "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour" (Matthew 25:13). Read also 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 and 2 Peter 3:3-15.

What is the battle of Armageddon?
The Bible plainly forecasts the coming of yet another great war. It will be a war to eclipse anything the world has ever seen. It will embrace most of the nations of the world; and its focal point will be in the Middle East , where the armies of the world will some day deploy themselves, centering at Mount Megiddo . This great war has been called the battle of Armageddon. In the midst of this terrifying war that could destroy civilization the Lord Jesus Christ will return to this earth in glory and power to judge the nations of the world and set up His own glorious kingdom.

The Scripture describes this great battle in the sixteenth chapter of the book of Revelation. The sixth angel will pour out his vial upon the great river Euphrates . We are told that the waters of the Euphrates River will be 'dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.' The dry riverbed will permit unhindered passage of the great armies of the East to the scene of the battle. Unclean spirits, demons, will go out into the world to the kings of the earth 'to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty' (verses 12-14).

The armies of the world will focalize on a point known as Armageddon, the Mount of Megiddo, and there the final world conflict will take place. The extent of this conflict is indicated in the ninth chapter of Revelation, where the army that is to cross the Euphrates River is described; and in that chapter the immensity of this final world war is carefully described.... We are aware of the shuffling of the stage in preparation for the greatest battle of all time that will certainly take place in the years ahead. The crisis of the present hour should shatter the optimism concerning human nature of every person listening to my voice. The only reliable hope for the future must be bound up in a living faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

With so many terrible things happening these days, I'm afraid that the end of the world may be near. Can you help me?
Threatening world events should not be a source of anxiety to true believers who are trusting in Christ as their personal Savior. We who know the Lord are looking forward to His soon return, and we are assured that our future is in His hands.

Perhaps you do not feel this assurance. The key is to realize that God made us so we could have a personal relationship with Him. This relationship gives us peace. The Bible says, "He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in Him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord" (Isaiah 26:3, TLB). When we leave God out of our lives, there is an empty space left in our hearts. We try to fill that empty space in all kinds of ways: sex, drugs, alcohol, pleasure, personal relationships, money--the list is endless. But it will never be filled by anything or anyone except God. No matter the troubles in the world, you can have peace with God. See our "http://www.jhm.org/salvation.asp">plan of Salvation.

The Scriptures give us many promises to keep us in God's perfect peace when the world is shaking with fear. We are to "watch and pray," but we are not to have an unwholesome fear, which is equivalent to doubting God's Word. Jude 24 describes God as "Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy." In Ephesians 6:13 we read,: "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." It is important that we make our relationship with Christ a priority, that we faithfully serve Him in consistent Christian living, and that we eagerly look forward to His coming again. Some relevant Bible passages to read are: Matthew 24:42; Luke 21:36; Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; 2 Timothy 4:8; Titus 2:11-15; 1 Peter 4:7; 2 Peter 3:9-18. May God bless you as you trust in Him.

FAMILY

Would it be wrong to put my mother who has Alzheimer's disease in a nursing home? I don't know how we can continue to care for her at home.
Watching a loved one deteriorate under the influence of Alzheimer's disease is a heart-wrenching experience. It has been estimated that Alzheimer's affects over two million people today. There may well come a time when the care of an Alzheimer's patient in the home is no longer possible and it becomes necessary to place that person in a nursing home where adequate and consistent care is provided. This may be the most loving and responsible thing to do. However, it is important that you come to your decision prayerfully and in consultation with the doctor and with others of your family who are involved. Perhaps your pastor can be of help.

Your difficult decision is one that must be made by many who are facing the struggle of caring for a patient with Alzheimer's disease. If you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord, you can be confident that He will guide you in your decision and care for your needs and those of your loved one. He has promised, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).

My parents treat me like a child. Why can't they give me more freedom?
Growing up is a painful process--for you and your parents! As you go through this difficult period of adjustment together, it is important to follow the scriptural counsel that children are to obey their parents; see Ephesians 6:1-3 and Colossians 3:20. Part of growing up is having a desire to become more independent. As you are obedient and responsible, you will show that you are prepared for more independence.

We strongly urge all young people to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. (See our "http://www.jhm.org/salvation.asp" plan of Salvation ). The happiest young people we know are those who have discovered the joy of living for Him. When we are "reconciled to God," it usually follows that we are in harmony with others. Whenever relationship problems arise, we can bring them to God in prayer and receive the practical instructions and help given in Romans 12:9-21 and Philippians 4:13. The apostle Paul encourages the young when he says, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12 ). May God grant you and your parents wisdom in learning how to communicate love, honor, and respect to each other.

Is it wrong for a Christian to put a loved one in an assisted living or nursing home?
Many families face difficult decisions when it comes to the care of aged loved ones. When elderly people reach advanced age, their safety and medical needs may be beyond the ability of their family to provide for in home-care. This creates a very painful situation. Many elderly people, though not all, feel much more at home and comfortable with loved ones than in a health care facility. Accusations of abandonment and lack of love are not uncommon when the question of assisted living or nursing facilities is raised.

The Bible is clear that families have a serious responsibility to care for the elderly members of the family. Support for this comes from the commandment to honor one's father and mother, as well as from the New Testament emphasis on children and grandchildren affirming their faith by providing for their loved ones (1 Timothy 5:3-8). How to best do this, however, can be puzzling and painful. There are personal preferences, care requirements, finances, and other issues for both the elderly person and the care-giving family to consider.

Some families will choose to fulfill their responsibilities by caring for a loved one at home personally or with the assistance of home-care specialists, while others will arrange for care in an assisted living or nursing facility. If a loved one chooses or requires living arrangements outside of the family home, it is very important for the family to monitor the situation closely, to call regularly, and to faithfully attend to the incidental needs of their aged loved one. Old age can be a frightening and lonely experience. The assurance of God's love and salvation, along with the care and love of family and friends, can mean everything to an elderly and infirm person.

How can I overcome the effects of the abuse I suffered as a child?
Abuse is one of the most traumatic and frightening experiences that can happen to a child. Yet God can provide a healing of memories and the power to overcome and live victoriously in His grace.
If you have received Christ as your Savior, you can put this heavy burden on the Lord Jesus' shoulders (1 Peter 5:7). If you have never taken this all-important step, we urge you to make your commitment to God by confessing your sins, repenting, and inviting Jesus to come into your life and be your Savior. When you do this, you become a member of God's own family (see John 1:12 ). See our plan of Salvation.

When we commit our hearts and lives to the Lord, He promises to bring good out of evil. Romans 8:28 says: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." We who know the Lord are still learning that God can take everything that comes into our lives, no matter how tragic, and turn it to His glory and to our good. When we totally commit our lives to Him, He does just that.

It is not unusual for victims of abuse to carry the emotional scars and memories with them for a very long time. Often victims will turn their anger and frustration inward toward themselves. These misplaced emotions then result in unwarranted feelings of guilt, fear, and low self-esteem. Counseling can be very helpful in overcoming these feelings.

God will give you comfort and peace as you are faithful and obedient to Him (Psalm 37:3-5). Commit the past, the present, and the future to the Lord. Trust Him to fill your life with peace, joy, and faith as you read His Word and pray daily. Also, actively participate in a gospel-teaching church. There the counsel and ministry of the pastor and the fellowship of other Christians may help you.

HEAVEN

Will there be animals in heaven?
God has a special reason and place for each of His created beings. Animals, too, are a part of an orderly creation by God. Man, as the highest order of creation, has been given dominion over the animal kingdom (Genesis 1:26 -28). We believe that animals were intended for man's enjoyment and use. The Bible itself does not indicate that there is life after death for animals. It may be that God's purpose for animals is fulfilled on this earth. However, if animals would make us happier in heaven, surely there will be a place for them there. Some Bible interpreters have called attention to Isaiah's description of the peace of God's future kingdom where he says that "the wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox" (Isaiah 65:25). Heaven will lack nothing that is good and that will bring glory to God.

I'm a good person, so why wouldn't I go to heaven?
Many people have a misconception about God and what is required for us to go to heaven. They think of God as if He held a balance or pair of scales in His hand, weighing our good deeds on one side of the scales and our bad deeds on the other. As long as our good deeds outweigh our bad deeds, we think God will surely reward us with eternal life.

But that is a serious misunderstanding and is wrong. Instead, God's standard is perfection, because He is a holy God who is without sin. That is why the Bible warns, "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it" (James 2:10 ). There is only one conclusion: "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23 ).

How then can anyone be saved and have eternal life? Only by God's grace and forgiveness. And God has made this possible because Jesus Christ took our sins and our punishment upon Himself when He died on the cross. He is without sin, but God put all your sins on Him and He willingly died for you because He loves you.

Do not trust your own goodness; you can never be good enough to earn your way to heaven. Instead, turn to Christ for the forgiveness you need, and ask Him to be your Lord and Savior. Do not let your pride get in your way, but admit your need to God and trust Christ alone for your salvation. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from your- selves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). See our plan of Salvation.

What will heaven be like?
Heaven for the Christian will be a place of glorious life that will never end. Joy inexpressible, limitless peace, pure love, beauty beyond description-- that's what heaven is. Greatest of all will be the presence of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, with whom we will enjoy fellowship forever. Loved ones who have known and loved the Lord will be there. Revelation 21:2 says, "And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."

The Bible makes clear that there is only one way to heaven, and that is through repentance from sin and faith in Jesus Christ who said, "I am the way. . ." (John 14:6). Jesus paid for our sins through His death on the cross. God offers us the free gift of friendship with Him in this life and eternal life in heaven when we die if we will but turn from sin and trust in Jesus as our Savior and Lord. "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved..." (Acts 16:30 ).

How could I be happy in heaven, knowing that some of my loved ones may not be there with me?
Many people have wondered how those in heaven could ever be truly happy; especially with the knowledge that unsaved loved ones were in hell. We do not know the full answer, but we do know what the Bible says concerning God's people: "He [God] will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" (Revelation 21:4). We can be sure that the presence of the Lord, the fellowship of believers, and the wonders of eternity will obliterate all sorrow in heaven.

We also know that God is perfectly just, and those who are in heaven will have every confidence that whatever has happened at the final judgment has been totally just and right. The terrible possibility that our loved ones might miss heaven should motivate us to earnestly pray and lovingly witness to them while there is still time in this life for them to experience salvation. To review a simple presentation of the gospel that you might share with others, see our "http://www.jhm.org/salvation.asp" plan of Salvation.

Can people who have died and gone to heaven see what we are doing here on earth?
Those who ask this question are often directed to Hebrews 12:1. In this verse, the writer portrays the earth-bound Christian as being in an amphitheater of life, surrounded by "a great cloud of witnesses." The setting implies that of an athletic event, like a footrace. The "witnesses" are a reference to the great heroes of the faith listed in the preceding chapter. Some Bible interpreters have suggested that these heroes of faith, plus all the apostles, martyrs, missionaries of the church, in fact, all who have run the race successfully before us, are actually aware of our race and are observing us. Other interpreters, however, do not see these witnesses as actual spectators, but rather as examples of those who have successfully run the race. This would seem to be the most likely interpretation. The New International Study Bible footnote points out that "the Greek word translated 'witnesses' is the origin of the English word 'martyr' and means 'testifiers,' 'witnesses.' They bear witness to the power of faith and to God's faithfulness."

The "great cloud of witnesses" reminds us that we all have the same faith, and in Christ's name we may persevere in our faith in spite of all obstacles and may attempt equally great tasks. So, "let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:1-2).

HOLIDAYS

Does the Bible say that it is wrong to have a Christmas tree?
We understand your concerns about the use of the Christmas tree, specifically in relationship to Jeremiah 10:1-5. These verses do not apply to Christmas trees, but they do condemn the idolatry practiced in Jeremiah's day. God's people were following the customs of the heathen who cut down trees, shaped the wood into idols, decorated them with silver and gold ornaments, and worshiped them as gods.

It is important that we keep Christ central and our worship of Him unhindered in our observance of Christmas. However, we do not believe it is unbiblical to have a Christmas tree lighted and decorated in the home or the church. It has been suggested that the branches of the tree pointing upward can signify praise to God. The star at the top can represent the star of Bethlehem . Also, the green of the evergreens has been recognized as symbolic of eternal life, God's gift to us through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Why do we celebrate Christmas on December 25 when the Bible doesn't mention the
date of Christ's birth?
We understand your concern about our traditional celebration of Christmas. The exact date of Jesus' birth is not recorded in the Scriptures. THE EVANGELICAL DICTIONARY OF THEOLOGY explains that the earliest Christians did not have a time when they regularly observed Christ's birth. However, it was generally celebrated in churches by the late fourth century. December 25 became recognized as Christmas day because it provided a Christian alternative to pagan festivals related to the Roman god Saturn and the winter solstice.

Although the origin of the Christmas celebration is not found in the Bible, it is not wrong for us to remember Christ's birth during the Christmas season. It can be an opportunity for us to grow closer to Jesus and point others to faith in Him. Galatians 4:4-5 teaches, "But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons." May God help each of us to prayerfully consider our relationship with Him during the Christmas season and throughout the year.

Is it true that the name Easter is pagan in origin?
The origins of Easter can be traced to several pre-Christian cultures. The name Easter is attributed to Eastre, the Teutonic goddess of spring and fertility, Astarte the Phoenician goddess, Ishtar the Babylonian goddess, and Oster, the German equivalent. Eastre was celebrated on the day of the Spring Equinox.

Jesus was crucified at the time of the Passover; read John 13:1; 18:28 ,39; 19:14 . In the early centuries of the Christian church, the celebration of Christ's death and resurrection, based on the timing of the Jewish Passover, coincided with Eastre's festival. As pagans were evangelized with the gospel, the Christian celebration took the pagan name. In the year 325, the Nicene Council set the annual observance of Easter on the first Sunday following the full moon after the March equinox (usually March 21).

Some Christians prefer the name Resurrection Sunday instead of Easter. This avoids any confusion with pagan roots and also exalts the significance of Christ's death and resurrection above the commercialization of Easter. May God help us to honor Christ every day, including the day when we especially remember His glorious resurrection.

I have mixed feelings about how our family should be involved in Halloween. What should I do?
People come to different conclusions about celebrating Halloween, particularly if they have young children or grandchildren to consider. For some people this holiday is a time for dress-up and candy; it is an opportunity for fun. Others express concern for their child's safety or for the emphasis that is often made on violence or horror at this time of year. Those who are interested in the right or wrong of the celebration may look at the holiday's origin in the occult and believe it should not be celebrated at all; they are aware that some groups celebrate Halloween as a tribute to Satan. On the other hand, others recognize that Halloween, the eve of "All Saints' Day" (November 1), is also associated with Martin Luther and the Reformation. They celebrate the religious freedoms won at that time in history. Since each of these perspectives contain truth, it is difficult to know how to respond.

We encourage each family to develop their own approach to Halloween based on their own convictions and the options for celebration available to them. The responsibility to make this decision rests on the adults in the family, not the children. The peer pressure on children is far too great for them to be objective. Certainly, providing a safe, fun environment must be a priority.
Some parents adapt the traditional Halloween practices, while others develop totally different alternatives. These alternatives may include fall festival parties where children are encouraged to dress in a particular theme such as positive cartoon or book characters, famous historical characters, or Bible heroes. Carrying out that theme with simple acting can be great fun and an opportunity for teaching values as well. Children will always be attracted to costumes and treats; finding positive ways to enjoy these pleasures is the primary challenge for caring adults.

If you decide to make a major change in the way your family celebrates Halloween, you may not need to do all the work yourself. We would encourage you to contact churches in your area to determine what activities are being planned. Rather than separate completely from the night's activities, some Christians give gospel tracts along with treats to children who come to their homes and make Halloween an opportunity to witness for Christ. Others offer safe places for lighthearted fun.

HOLY SPIRIT

Is the experience of what some call being "slain in the Spirit" a legitimate biblical experience?
Terms such as "slain in the Spirit" and "falling under the power" are not found in the Bible. We are not aware of any Scriptures that specifically describe this experience that occurs in some church services, where believers are prayed for and in the process fall to the floor and remain unconscious for a time. Some call attention to Revelation 1:10-17 which tells how the apostle John fell at the feet of Jesus when he was "in the spirit on the Lord's day," and saw the glorious revelation of Christ. There was also the transfiguration of Christ, when Peter, James, and John "fell on their face" at the revelation of Christ's glory (Matthew 17:1-8).

Some who have experienced being "slain in the Spirit" say that God used it to minister to them by His Spirit in personal ways. In other instances it has been associated with the new birth, the fullness of the Holy Spirit, spiritual, emotional, or physical healing, or deliverance. However, whatever one may think about the experience of being "slain in the Spirit," it should not be made an expectation for all believers or be considered a sign of spiritual maturity. In addition, discernment needs to be exercised by mature church leadership since the power of suggestion and mere emotionalism can so easily mimic legitimate spiritual experience. It is never God's will that we seek spiritual experience for the sake of experience. God's will is that we seek Jesus Himself by faith and in accordance with the Word of God. He is our only source of genuine spiritual experience, satisfaction and fulfillment (Psalm 16:11 , Philippians 3:10 -14).

Is the Holy Spirit a person or a force?
The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is a Person. In John chapters 14, 15, and 16, for example, Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit as "He" because He has all the attributes of personality and is not merely an impersonal force. Jesus also referred to the Holy Spirit as the Comforter or the Counselor (John 14:16 and 15:26 ). This title conveys the ideas of advising, exhorting, comforting, strengthening, interceding, and encouraging.

In addition, the Bible makes it clear that the Holy Spirit is God Himself. In Acts 5:1-4 a man who lied to the Holy Spirit is said to have lied to God. The Holy Spirit also is described in the Bible as having the characteristics of God and doing God's work. He convicts people of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-11) and gives new life to those who trust in Jesus (John 3:8). That He is the third Person of the Holy Trinity is made clear by His inclusion with the Father and the Son in such Bible passages as Matthew 28:19. Here the apostles are commanded to baptize those who receive the gospel "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit came upon people, anointing them for a specific task or purpose (Exodus 31:1-5; Numbers 24:2). In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit dwells within all believers (1 Corinthians 6:19 ), assures them that they are children of God (Romans 8:16 ), enables them to live the Christian life (Romans 8:9, 12-15), and gifts them for Christian service (1 Corinthians, chapter 12).

Are the gifts of the Spirit valid for today?
We believe that it is possible for Christians today, as well as in New Testament times, to receive special gifts of the Spirit. In regard to the spiritual gifts as they are listed in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, it is important to note especially verse 11 where we find that the Holy Spirit gives the gifts according to His own will.

We must keep in mind that the spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit and must not be considered unimportant. The use of them is to exalt the Lord and build up the body of believers. The possession of a spiritual gift is not to be thought of as making one believer more holy or more spiritually advanced than another. It is important to note that Paul admonishes that these gifts must be governed by love and that all things should "be done decently and in order" (1 Corinthians 14:40 ). A good test of any spiritual ministry or experience is whether or not it honors God and exalts the Lord Jesus Christ.

JESUS CHRIST

Is Jesus God?
In their book ANSWERS TO TOUGH QUESTIONS SKEPTICS ASK ABOUT THE CHRISTIAN FAITH, Josh McDowell and Don Stewart state the following: "Among the religious leaders who have attained a large following throughout history, Jesus Christ is unique in the fact that He alone claimed to be God in human flesh. The claims of Christ are many and varied. He said that He existed before Abraham (John 8:58 ), and that He was equal with the Father (John 5:17 -18). Jesus claimed the ability to forgive sins (Mark 2:5-7), which the Bible teaches was something that God alone could do (Isaiah 43:25).

"The New Testament equated Jesus as the creator of the universe (John 1:3), and that He is the one who holds everything together (Colossians 1:17 ). The apostle Paul says that God was manifest in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16 , KJV), and John the evangelist says that 'the Word was God' (John 1:1). The united testimony of Jesus and the writers of the New Testament is that He was more than mere man; He was God.

"Yes, Jesus claimed to be God. Why should anyone believe it? After all, merely claiming to be something does not make it true. Where's the evidence that Jesus is God?

"The Bible gives various reasons, including miracles and fulfilled prophecy, that are intended to convince us that Jesus is the one whom He said He was (John 20:30-31). The main reason, or the sign which Jesus himself said would demonstrate that He was the Son of God, was His resurrection from the dead."

Most importantly, countless people for almost 2000 years have discovered that Jesus Christ alone can meet the deepest longings and needs of the human heart. He can do this because He was God in human form, and He was raised from the dead by the power of God. He is alive today, and He wants to enter your life right now. Do not be blinded by your own ideas or the ideas of others regarding religious truth. Look at Christ, and when you do you will realize that in Christ alone "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). See our plan of Salvation.

If Jesus is God, why does the Bible talk about Him praying to God?
Since the Bible affirms that Jesus is God, it is often perplexing to note that Jesus addresses God in prayer. The answer to this, as well as to all references to Jesus as tired, hungry, weeping, lacking knowledge, etc., is that Jesus was a true man, as well as God. The second Person of the Trinity, God the Son, took upon Himself complete humanity, except for our sinful nature, when He was conceived in Mary. Theologians describe Him as one Divine Person having two natures, divine and human--the God-man.

Passages of Scripture that describe Jesus' limitations are referring to His humanity. He lived His life as a true man, depending upon His heavenly Father day by day, just as we are expected to do. Many believe that even His miracles and supernatural knowledge were enabled by the Holy Spirit, not accomplished by switching back and forth between His divine and human natures. When Jesus cried from the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" He was expressing from His human consciousness the terrible sense of being separated from His heavenly Father as He suffered the penalty for the world's sin. He, of course, with respect to His divine nature, could not suffer or die. In all of this great mystery, we have only glimmers of truth that is beyond human comprehension.

Did God really forsake Jesus when he was dying on the cross?
Jesus' cry, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mark 15:34 ) has puzzled many. Jesus is actually quoting the opening line of Psalm 22 and using it to express His deep agony on the cross. He is suffering the penalty for our sin in our place. The penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23 ). Death includes two dimensions--physical and spiritual. Physical death is the separation of the spirit from the body. Spiritual death is the separation of the spirit from God. Since Jesus was dying for our sin as our substitute, He was experiencing the agony of separation from His Father. It was the agony of hell.
There is an unfathomable mystery here. Jesus was both God and man united in one divine Person. He could not suffer and die with respect to His deity, but He could suffer the agony of separation from the Father and actually die physically with respect to His humanity. And He did, that we might through repentance from sin and faith in Him as our Savior and Lord be forgiven of our sin and reconciled with God. "We all, like sheep, have gone astray . . . and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:6).

Our greatest need is for forgiveness--and Christ came to make that forgiveness possible. Christ bridged the gap between God and man, and by faith in Him that gulf can be erased and we can come to know God personally. Faith is not just an idea in our minds or even a conviction in our hearts. It is a commitment of our lives to God and His truth. Let God's Word, the Bible, be the source of your understanding about God and His love. But beyond that, open your heart to Christ and commit your life to Him. It is the most important step you will ever take. If you want to make this commitment, we encourage you to see our "http://www.jhm.org/salvation.asp"plan of Salvation.

KNOWING GOD

Does God reveal things through dreams and visions?
The Bible indicates that God revealed His will to selected people through dreams or visions in Scriptures such as Genesis 8:12; 37:5-10; 1 Kings 3:5-15; Daniel, chapters 2 and 7; Matthew 1:20; 2:13,19; and Acts 10:9-16; 16:9. God may communicate through dreams or visions even today, but we need to carefully check any such guidance we receive with Scripture and godly counsel to be sure it is from the Lord. Anything that contradicts Scripture is not from God. Our minds and even Satan are capable of producing great deception in such subjective areas. Second Timothy 3:16-17 shows that God has revealed His will to us primarily through His Word. It says, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

How can I get to know God?
There is nothing more satisfying than to know God in a personal way. God loves you and gave His Son to die on the cross for you. He gave His life as a divine sacrifice that you might be forgiven of sin and have eternal life. Jesus said, "I am come that they might have [eternal] life" (John 10:10b). This is God's free gift to every one of us. The Bible teaches that we are all sinners (Romans 3:23 ) and deserve the penalty of sin, which is separation from God. When we realize that our sins separate us from Him, it is our privilege and responsibility to turn from sin unto Christ in true repentance, with faith in Him as Savior and Lord. In taking this step we become a part of God's family; see John 1:12.

To receive Christ as Savior is a transforming experience. Not only do we gain a new dimension of joy, peace and purity, but we find all things become new; see 2 Corinthians 5:17. See our "http://www.jhm.org/salvation.asp" plan of Salvation.

If God loves us so much, why would He ever send a person to a place like hell?
It is not God's desire that any person should suffer an eternity in hell. The Bible says, "He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).

Hell was prepared originally for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41). However, God will not force anyone to go to heaven. If a person willfully refuses to repent of sin and turn to God, with faith in Jesus' sacrifice for the sins of the world, God has no alternative. Justice demands that those who disregard and reject God's loving offer of pardon will pay the penalty for their own sins forever in hell.
Has this question caused you to delay making a choice to follow God? Choose eternal life now! The Bible says, "Now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians). See our <a href="http://www.jhm.org/salvation.asp">plan of Salvation </div>.

How can you be so sure there is a God, since science hasn't proven His existence?
The existence of God cannot be proven in a laboratory or through the complicated mechanisms of logic. Neither can love, nor beauty, nor happiness, but that does not mean they are not real. In the same way, just because you cannot "prove" that God exists as you can prove a chemical formula, it does not mean that He is not real. It only means you are using the wrong tools.

We invite you to look beyond the physical world to the greatest evidence of all--the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Bible says we can know God is real, because He came into this world in the Person of Jesus Christ. If you want to know what God is like, look at Christ, who is "the image of the invisible God" (Colossians 1:15 ). We urge you not to let pride or anything else get in the way of discovering the new life He alone can give. When we open our lives to Jesus Christ, we are admitting that we do not have all the answers and cannot save ourselves. The Bible says, "The foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men" (1 Corinthians 1:25 ).

The Bible also says, "You can never please God without faith. . . . Anyone who wants to come to God must believe that there is a God" (Hebrews 11:6, TLB). You best demonstrate your faith in a bank by putting your money in it. You best show your faith in a doctor by trusting him in times of illness. You best prove your faith in a boat by getting aboard. You demonstrate faith in Christ by trusting Him with your life and by receiving Him unconditionally as your Savior. See our plan of Salvation.
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I'm troubled by Old Testament stories about God destroying or ordering the destruction of whole cities. Isn't God a God of love?
Many struggle with the Old Testament accounts of the wholesale destruction of some nations and cities by God. God destroyed the whole world civilization of Noah's day by a flood (Genesis 6:13 ) and whole cities by fire, such as Sodom (Genesis 19). In other cases, He ordered the destruction of Canaanite cities by the armies of Israel (Deuteronomy 7:1-2.)

It is important to remember that, while God is a God of love, He is also a holy God, separate from sinners and perfect in righteousness, justice, and purity. The powerful seraphim are pictured as flying and calling, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty" (Isaiah 6:3). Judgment against rebellious and indifferent sinners is inevitable, apart from repentance, "for the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23a).

God had endured the idolatry, child sacrifice, and moral corruption of the original inhabitants of the land of Canaan for centuries. When He gave the land to Israel and ordered the destruction of the Canaanites it was both judgment on a people hardened against God and protection for Israel lest they be drawn into the corrupt life of the land's inhabitants. Our difficulty with these acts of judgment is closely associated with our failure to comprehend the purity of God and the sinfulness of mankind, including us. According to the Bible, we all deserve not only physical death but also eternal punishment--apart from the death of Jesus as our substitute. Our only hope for escaping the wrath of God is through repentance from sin and by faith in Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord. In the words of Jesus, "Unless you repent, you too will all perish" (Luke 13:5)--stern words from a God who is patient with our failings. "[The Lord] is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9).

Many people decide that the seemingly senseless acts of God's judgment are a valid reason to reject Him. But this is a serious error. Because God is just, He cannot excuse sin or act somehow as if it did not exist. But because God is also loving, He does not want us to have to endure the punishment we deserve for our sins. We do ourselves no good by thinking we have a greater sense of justice than God Himself. We must surrender to this truth: "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23 ). You cannot save yourself from God's judgment--but Christ can, and He will as you commit your life to Him by faith. See our plan of Salvation.

Can you explain the Trinity to me?
The Bible shows very clearly that there is only one God, and yet that there are three personal distinctions in His complex nature, traditionally referred to as "three Persons in the Godhead,"--God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Each is distinct from the others but never acts independently. They are one in nature and purpose. This mystery is called the doctrine of the Trinity, though that term is not used in the Bible. The teaching, however, is present in seed form in the Old Testament and is revealed explicitly in the New Testament. Note these passages: Matthew 28:19; John 10:30 , 14:26 ; 2 Corinthians 13:14.

Our finite minds cannot understand or explain this mystery of God, which is nevertheless a fact. We must accept the truths found in the Word of God by faith even though we ourselves cannot comprehend them fully; read Hebrews 11:1,3,6 and 1 Corinthians 2:5-10:14; 13:12. It is really not surprising that the infinite God should be complex in His nature beyond the ability of finite humans to comprehend! This doctrine is absolutely essential to New Testament Christianity. Theologians have pointed out that if it were not true, the Bible would be unreliable, Christ would not be divine, and His death on the cross would not atone for our sins, being merely the death of a martyr.

Why are there so many questions about God that no one seems to have the answers to?
There are some questions we cannot answer now because God in His wisdom has simply not chosen to reveal this information in the Bible. In addition, our finite minds cannot fully comprehend the mind of God nor His ways, and we will have to wait until we meet Him face to face to understand completely. In heaven we will have perfect understanding, as stated in 1 Corinthians 13:12: "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." Read also Isaiah 55:8-9. We must leave our questions with Him, resting in the assurance that He loves us perfectly and rules with perfect justice; read Romans 8:28.

MARRIAGE

My marriage is in shambles since my spouse cheated on me. How do I deal with this?
We are sorry to learn of this heartbreaking situation. God's Word makes it very clear that marriage is a commitment for life to the one individual out of the entire world that we have chosen to be our mate. This commitment means saying "Yes" to our wife or husband and "No" to all others in the matter of intimate friendship. The marriage vow says, "Forsaking all others," and in Matthew 19:5 we read: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." In verse 6b Jesus adds: "Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."

When there is unfaithfulness in a marriage, the heartbroken person has several options. One option is to be bitter--trying to hurt the offending partner in the hope that it will produce guilt and a willingness to change. There is another way that may be infinitely harder, but we believe it is better. In times such as these, God always invites us to commit the situation and ourselves completely to Him. Allow your present circumstances to be an opportunity for you to deepen your faith and to depend completely on the Lord. If you have never accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to make this commitment today by turning from sin, trusting Christ to forgive you, and inviting Jesus to direct your life. See our <a href="http://www.jhm.org/salvation.asp">plan of Salvation </div>.

When you have committed your heart and your life into the safety of God's keeping, then you will be able to respond in love in this situation. This kind of love is based on 1 Corinthians 13. Please pause and read this chapter now. Even though you know a great wrong has been done, consider how God has loved us even when we were sinners, unrepentant and hateful (Romans 5:8). Pattern your love after His; see John 13:35 and 1 John 4:7. Also read the responsibilities of husbands and wives given in 1 Peter 3:1-12 and Ephesians 5:21-33.

We suggest that you consult with a gospel-preaching pastor or Christian marriage counselor in your area for ongoing guidance. God is in the healing business. While He cannot make your spouse change, with God's help, we believe you may in time be able to enjoy the rich blessings of a loving, healthy relationship. Pray for the restoration and growth of deep love within your marriage, and for your spouse who has caused you such deep hurt.

Remember, loving and forgiving does not mean that you simply endure the act of unfaithfulness. Adultery has consequences for all parties involved that cannot easily be resolved.

How can we resolve the problems we are having in our marriage?
It is good to know that your desire is to deal with the problems you are having, rather than run away from them. Because God established marriage, it is most satisfying when it is based on Him. A mutual faith in Christ is the foundation upon which a solid home is built, where beautiful harmony abides and grows through mutual love, trust, and respect between the marriage partners. The most important consideration for a husband and wife is to make certain that they have established this foundation for their marriage by committing their lives to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. If you have not taken this all-important step, we encourage you and your spouse to come together to commit your lives and your marriage to Christ.

Many couples have also found the counsel of a faithful, gospel-teaching pastor or Christian marriage counselor to be helpful in building or strengthening their relationship. Prayerful consideration of God's Word is most important. The Bible provides guidance for every aspect of our lives; note the responsibilities given to husbands and wives in 1 Peter 3:1-7, Ephesians 5:21-33, and 1 Corinthians, chapter 7.

Christian pastors and counselors have published a variety of helpful books on marriage. You should visit a Christian bookstore or your church library to obtain literature written to strengthen Christian marriages.

I am facing a divorce, what can I do?
It is sad that your marriage is being threatened by divorce. Complete fulfillment in marriage can never be realized outside of the life in Christ. This is the foundation upon which a Christian home is built, where beautiful harmony abides and grows through mutual love, trust, and respect between the marriage partners. Prayerful consideration of God's Word is most important. Read the responsibilities given to husbands and wives in 1 Peter 3:1-7, Ephesians 5:21-33, and 1 Corinthians, chapter 7. Pray earnestly that the Holy Spirit will reveal God's plan for your lives.

Should it be possible to have your marriage restored, seek counsel together with a gospel-teaching pastor or Christian marriage counselor, that he may assist you in establishing a firm foundation for your marriage.

Our Lord desires that you experience His love and comfort even in the midst of these circumstances. First of all, we would encourage you to make certain that you have completely committed your life to Christ by faith. A proper relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ can permit one to live with a sense of peace and security when experiencing heartache and difficulties. Isaiah 40:31 says, "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength." Commit each day and each passing hour into the care of our wonderful Lord, and permit Him to direct your life and meet your needs. See our <a href="http://www.jhm.org/salvation.asp">plan of Salvation </div>.

It is important that you now live constructively for Christ and experience God's will and purpose for living. Let us encourage you to join with other Christians in Bible study and prayer to satisfy your need for fellowship. If you have not already done so, organize your day so that you will have a special time to spend alone with God, being faithful to observe a time of Bible reading, prayer, and praise each day. Be sure that you do not neglect this "quiet time," for it is the line to heaven which will give you strength and power to overcome the enemy, to live above your circumstances, and to become a victorious and forgiving Christian.

What can I do about the harsh and hurtful things my husband says to me?
We can appreciate the frustration and pain you have experienced as a result of your husband's hurtful words. It is distressing to be on the receiving end of very cutting and abrupt comments that wound one's spirit. Some people, for reasons known only to them, often speak to others in this manner. Sometimes a harsh and insensitive attitude shields a person who himself has been wounded by the remarks of others. In any case, we can understand the problems you are having. Remember that God loves you, and you are important in His sight. He loves you so much that He sent Christ to die for your sins. As you focus on the fact that God loves you and considers you precious to Him, there will be a real difference in your life. Your sense of self-worth does not need to depend on the opinion of others.

Be sure you do not act toward your husband in the way he acts toward you. It is easy in a situation like yours to reply in kind. But that does not solve the problem--it only makes it worse. The Bible tells us, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (Proverbs 15:1). It also says, "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life" (Proverbs 15:4). Affirm and support your loved one in your conversations. Your example may help him to learn to do the same for you. Read also Ephesians 4:29-32.

We would encourage you to find a time when you can speak frankly (and yet lovingly) with your husband. Perhaps he is not even aware the things he says hurt you, and although he may not be intentionally hurting you, he needs to be aware of your feelings. Communication is important in a good marriage, and you and your husband need to learn to share your concerns (as well as your joys) with each other. Read 1 Corinthians, chapter 13, and Ephesians 5:28-29. Many couples have found the counsel of a gospel-teaching pastor or Christian marriage counselor to be helpful in strengthening relationships and improving communication skills.

We would urge both you and your husband to examine your relationship with Christ. Have you committed your lives to Christ? Are you seeking to follow Him? If not, make that commitment now, and learn the joy of having Christ at the center of your marriage. When a husband and wife are truly seeking to honor Christ, they will not want to hurt each other--quite the opposite, they will want to encourage each other. As you pray and learn from God's Word together, God will help both of you become the loving partners He wants you to be

We're believers and attend church, but when my husband gets angry he sometimes hits me.
What should I do?
Let us assure you that God does not intend for anyone to be treated abusively. God's plan is for a husband and wife to live together in love.

The Bible in Ephesians 5:21-33 presents the divine model for marriage. The husband and wife are to submit themselves to the Lord, first of all, and then to each other out of reverence for God. The husband's role in the marriage relationship is to love his wife as Christ loved the church, even to the point of sacrificing his life for her. He is also appointed by God to be the spiritual leader of the home and will be held accountable for his role as such. Wives are to submit themselves to their husband's loving leadership as unto the Lord. However, being a submissive wife is not a matter of being passive or of allowing her husband to abuse her. Rather it is a creative and exciting role in which she helps and supports her husband in leading the family where Christ is the Head.

The wife who is being physically abused should take immediate steps to remove herself, and any children, from the situation. Help can be obtained by looking for crisis intervention centers that are listed inside the covers of most telephone books. We would also suggest that you confide in a trusted Christian friend or relative about your situation. You will be surprised at the relief and encouragement you feel in letting someone else know what you have been experiencing.

We also would encourage you to talk with your pastor about your abuse, whether physical or emotional or both. See if your husband will get help for handling his anger in a proper way. Every effort should be made to get Christian psychological help so that further abuse can be avoided and the marriage can be healed. If there are children involved, they should be included in the restoration process as well. Prayer and pastoral counseling, along with psychological therapy, can accomplish much.

Divorce is not the answer to most marriage problems, although separation may be an answer in some cases in order to avoid additional physical abuse. God still takes the marriage vow very seriously. He gave marriage to us, and the marriage vow is not to be dissolved or broken casually--although our society has, by and large, forgotten this truth. Jesus' words still express God's perfect will: "Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate" (Matthew 19:6).

Whatever the difficulties that you face as you take the necessary steps to resolve your situation, remember God's promise, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10)

Does the Bible say that the husband is to be the head of the home?
The Bible teaches that the husband is the head of the home, but there is a considerable amount of misunderstanding over how that headship is to be expressed. While it is critically important that the husband shoulder the primary responsibility for leadership in the home--especially spiritual leadership--it is equally important that it be a leadership of love.

In Ephesians 5:23 it says that 'the husband is the head of the wife.' Being the head does not imply superiority. But it means the role husbands have in life. The Scripture says: 'Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church' (Ephesians 5:25 , RSV). How did Christ love the church? He loved the church so much that He died on the cross for all of those who were going to become members of His body, the church, and He gave Himself up for the church that He might sanctify her and present her to Himself in splendor (see verses 26,27). Headship is seen in His care of the church, His sacrificial love for the church, His desire for her to grow into the fullness of her splendor.

Ephesians 5:28 also says that "husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself." So, once again, the emphasis of headship is not upon power or control, but upon love and care. Headship focuses on nurture and protection, not domination--on self-sacrifice, not selfish demands. For the wife, submission to this kind of servant leadership becomes a joy, not a burden.

MONEY

I have serious financial problems. What can I do?
We can understand your desperate financial situation because of the high cost of living today. We would suggest that you visit with a gospel-preaching pastor in your area, tell him of your needs, and ask for any suggestions that he might have. Also, your local, county, or state social services agencies should be consulted for any help they can give you. Many communities and churches have emergency assistance that is available to supply urgent needs for those in the area. The services of a financial counselor at your local bank can also be helpful.

We trust you have committed your life to Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord and have also committed your situation to Him in prayer, seeking His guidance for the answers you need. If you have not, perhaps your current difficulty will be a means of leading you to make a personal commitment to Christ or of drawing you into a closer relationship with Him. We would encourage you to do this today. See our "http://www.jhm.org/salvation.asp" plan of Salvation.

God has not forgotten you; He loves you with an eternal love, and His Word is true. We know that He can provide for you. Philippians 4:19 says, ""And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

Does a Christian have to tithe?
Christians who want to please the Lord often have questions about tithing. The dictionary defines the word "tithe" as "a tenth part of something paid as a voluntary contribution or as a tax especially for the support of a religious establishment." It was a common practice in the Old Testament and required of members of the nation of Israel .

Many Christians believe that this principle of giving one-tenth should be carried over to the New Testament in giving to the church and other Christian organizations. Mr. Graham would fit into that category. He has said, "We have found in our own home, as have thousands of others, that God's blessing upon the nine-tenths, when we tithe, helps it to go farther than ten-tenths without His blessing." However, even then the question as to whether to tithe from one's net or gross income is not answered in Scripture, nor is the question of whether to give it all to the local church or to include other ministries. We feel that such decisions should be based on personal conviction.

Other Christians who tithe do so simply because they respect the Old Testament principle and find it a helpful place to begin in their giving. They do not believe, however, that tithing is a New Testament obligation. It is not mentioned in the New Testament except where it is describing Old Testament practices, or in the Gospels where Jesus is addressing people who were under the Old Testament law. Note Jesus' comments to the Pharisees in Luke 11:42.

A New Testament teaching on giving which may be helpful to you is found in 1 Corinthians 16:2: "On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income." This passage brings out four points: we should give individually, regularly, methodically, and proportionately. The matter of your giving is between you and God, and He always takes into account our circumstances. He knows when they are beyond our power to direct and control. The important thing is that we see giving as a privilege and not a burden. It should not be out of a sense of duty, but rather out of love for the Lord and a desire to see His kingdom advanced. Second Corinthians 9:6-7 says: "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

The deeper question, you see, is this: What has priority in our lives? Is Christ really first--or do we put our own desires and ourselves first? Make sure Christ is first in your life, and then ask Him to guide you.

Does God want all of His children to be financially wealthy?
We can find no evidence in the Bible to indicate that God's will is for everyone to be wealthy, or that there is something wrong with Christians who do not have many material possessions. In fact, James clearly warns that we must not treat those who are rich differently than we do those who are poor (James 2:1-9). The Bible does acknowledge that some believers are rich (1 Timothy 6:17 ). However, those who are rich are admonished to not put their hope in their wealth, but in God, and they are to be generous and willing to share (1 Timothy 6:17 -18). In fact, Paul warned against believing "that godliness is a means to financial gain" (1 Timothy 6:5) and went on to say that we should be content with what we have (1 Timothy 6:8). He even warned, "People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs" (1 Timothy 6:9-10).

On the other hand, some have made the opposite mistake of thinking that there is some special merit in being poverty-stricken and have taken pride in that. As long as we are seeking our value in what we have or do not have on this earth, we do not understand God's purposes. God can choose to prosper with material wealth, or He can choose not to. Our focus needs to be on Him and His purposes for us--whether we are rich or poor. Since we are His, all that we have is also His, to be used for His purposes. Jesus tells all of us, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19 -21).

OTHER TOPICS

Do we have both a soul and a spirit?
In answer to your question, use of the terms "soul" and "spirit" in the Bible is very complex. Often in the New Testament, they are used synonymously to refer to the immaterial part of man; at other times, they are used with fine distinctions. In those cases, the term "soul" seems to refer to man's more basic psychological functions as he interacts with the world, while "spirit" seems to focus on man's relationship with God. In the Old Testament, "soul" is sometimes used to refer to man in his totality.

Theologians struggle with the question of whether man is made up of two parts, namely body and soul/spirit, or three parts, namely body, soul and spirit. The latter position has been popularized through the teaching of many Christian psychologists and teachers, since it furnishes such a handy way to distinguish between man's material nature, his psychological structure, and his spiritual relationship to God.

Illustrations from the Bible would be as follows: In Genesis 2:7 the Hebrew word for soul is used in reference to man in his totality as created by God. A situation in the New Testament where soul and spirit appear to be used synonymously is Luke 1:46-47. An instance where soul and spirit (used as adjectives) seem to be in contrast, soul referring to man's lower psychological functions and spirit to man's higher spiritual function, is 1 Corinthians 2:14 -3:4.

What can be done about immoral and violent television programs?
It seems that immoral and violent television programs are increasing in number. A person once commented about a book he regretted reading: "It was like a sewer gurgling and spilling over its filth into my mind for months and even years afterward." That is just how media and entertainment programs can affect our minds--and especially the minds of children.

We would suggest that you write the television stations and the Federal Communications Commission, telling them of your disapproval of the content of some of the programs and the demoralizing influence it has upon society. You can also talk with your pastor or contact your church denominational headquarters for other suggestions. One of the most effective things that can be done to eliminate such programs is to write the sponsors.

Pray for the leaders of the media industry and for the Christians who work in that profession. And most importantly, be careful and responsible with your own television viewing habits. What we allow to be put before our eyes and into our ears does affect our mind and spirit. As Christians we have the responsibility to allow the Holy Spirit to so rule our lives that God may be glorified by our actions. The follower of Christ is admonished to live by 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."

I have AIDS. Can God help me?
If you have AIDS, we want to assure you of the great love of God for you. God understands your needs whether you are young or old, or your problems are large or small. In Hebrews 4:15-16 we have the wonderful promise that Jesus, who is God incarnate, is "touched with the feeling of our infirmities" and that we can "therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Jesus lived on earth and suffered both physical and emotional pain. He understands us.

Jesus himself explained that, "the thief's (Satan's) purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness" (John 10:10 , TLB). Jesus wants to be your Friend and constant Companion even though others may forsake you. Not only that, He offers eternal life and a place in heaven. We have God's acceptance and His commitment to us through our faith in Christ who said, "Whoever comes to me I will never drive away" (John 6:37b). When everything else in life is stripped away, God reveals His love and care through His Son Jesus Christ.

If you have never done so, open the door of your heart to Jesus Christ. You can do that by a simple prayer of repentance and faith right now. Jesus says, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20 ). Let Christ fill that empty space in your life, and then make it your goal to follow Him the rest of your life. See our "http://www.jhm.org/salvation.asp" plan of Salvation .

Remember that God "is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us" (Ephesians 3:20 , NKJV). Romans 8:34 tells how Jesus is at the right hand of God praying for us, and verses 35-39 tell how nothing can separate us from God's love.

Is it a violation of the sanctity of human life to execute a murderer?
The sacredness of human life is at the very heart of the difficult question of capital punishment. Many feel that imposing capital punishment on those who commit murder--or at least particularly heinous acts of murder best protects this sacredness. More states are now adopting this position. On the other side are those who feel that this sacredness of human life would be violated by the exercise of capital punishment. They also cite cases where a person is later discovered to have been innocent of the crime for which he was executed. Some Christians oppose capital punishment because of the hope that, given enough time, a criminal may come to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ and receive eternal life.

Biblical passages such as Genesis 9:6, Numbers 35:16, and Romans 13:3-4 have been used to support capital punishment. At the same time, passages such as Romans 2:1-4 and 2 Peter 3:9 speak of the awesome responsibility of human judgment and the riches of God's "kindness, tolerance and patience," intended to lead all people to repentance. Some have used the commandment translated in the King James Version of the Bible "Thou shalt not kill" as a prohibition of capital punishment. The commandment, however, refers to murder and is accurately translated "You shall not murder" in modern translations.

PRAYER

How does one pray? I've never been taught how to say a personal prayer or really talk to God.
There is no formula to prayer - other than to pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Prayer is simply conversing with God. But before we talk about how to pray, consider what prayer is and does. Warren and Ruth Myers state in their book "31 DAYS OF PRAYER": "Prayer keeps us aware of Him as our Source and opens our lives to receive His greater bounty. Prayer also links our lives with God's exciting purposes and power. More importantly, it brings us into a love relationship with God, rooted in realizing how much we need Him and our choosing to depend on Him. The more we pray, the more we're able to let God meet our emotional and spiritual needs and love others through us. Prayer ushers us into an experience with God, with a growing sense of wonder, delight, and gratefulness."

In regard to how to pray, remember that prayer is essentially talking with God as you would talk with an earthly parent who loves you and wants the best for you. God is your heavenly Father who loves you perfectly. The ACTS model will probably be helpful to you as you learn how to pray. ACTS stands for Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication.

Adoration means worship. We encourage you to begin your time of prayer by adoring and praising God. Praise Him for who He is and for all that He has done for you. God delights in your praises!
Confession, the next component, means agreeing with God about the things that you have done wrong. It's a time to express sorrow about what you have said, thought, or done that is not pleasing to Him. Ask God to forgive you for these things, and then believe that He does so freely. When you confess your sins, you receive God's cleansing and this helps to remove any barrier in your communication with Him (read 1 John 1:9).

Thanksgiving basically means being thankful to God. Thank Him for His love, protection, and provision -- to name a few things.

Supplication is the final component, and this means praying for your needs and for the needs of others, such as friends, family, your pastor, missionaries, government leaders, and persecuted Christians around the world. You may want to pray for such things as God's guidance, wisdom, and opportunities to serve.

Keep in mind that the ACTS model serves as a guide to help you, not a rigid formula to follow. There is no "canned" approach that you need to take; just talk from your heart. There are additional steps that will help. Carve out a specific time to pray each day. Pick a quiet place where you can be alone with God. You will also find a special blessing if you begin your time by reading the Bible. Select a passage to read (download a Bible reading plan) and spend some time thinking about it deeply. Reflect on what God is "speaking" to you through the passage. Ask God to help you apply what you are learning. God wants you to share your heart with Him, and He wants to share His heart with you -- this can take place anytime, day or night!

Why doesn't God seem to answer my prayers?
When we think of "unanswered" prayer, it may be that we do not understand the way in which God responds to our requests. He may not grant an immediate answer, and sometimes our prayers are answered in a way that we fail to recognize. Our motive for making a request to God must be pure. If your prayer is self-centered, concerned with the gratification of your own desires, God cannot, in faithfulness, grant your requests. James 4:3 says, "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."

Perhaps you are praying for a person close to you, and you have not seen any changes. God can work through your prayers to soften a heart or to bring about circumstances to draw those for whom you are praying closer to Him. However, God has given man a free will. If your prayers are not always answered as you expect, it is not because God is not working in the situation. It may be that the person for whom you are praying has not yet responded to God's call. You must not permit yourself to give in to despair. You should, however, continue in prayer, knowing that the Lord is more concerned for them than you are and that it is His will to help them; read 1 Timothy 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9, and 1 John 5:14-15.

I worry that some of my family and friends will never accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
What can I do?
One of the most encouraging promises in the Word of God is "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household" (Acts 16:31 ). This was the message spoken by Paul and Silas to the Philippian jailer as he cried out, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" The passage describes how the man and his household did believe and were saved. You can pray in confidence for your loved ones, knowing that the Lord is more concerned for them than you are and that He is willing to save them through faith in Jesus; read 1 Timothy 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9 and 1 John 5:14-15.

As you continue trusting God for the salvation of your loved ones, remember that you are in partnership with the Holy Spirit, and He is able to deal with them in ways you cannot. In the Old Testament God says, "I am the Lord, the God of all mankind: Is anything too hard for me?" (Jeremiah 32:27). Don't give in to discouragement; instead, permit the life and love of our Lord Jesus Christ to be seen in you, for this in itself will be a tremendous testimony to members of your family and friends who are not believers in the Lord. Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16, NKJV). To review a simple presentation of the gospel that you might share with others, see our plan of Salvation.

What do Christians mean when they say they heard the Lord speak to them about something?
Most Christians who say that the Lord "told" them something do not mean that they heard an audible voice. Instead, they mean that they "heard" God "speaking" to their innermost being--impressing them about something. He does this through His Holy Spirit who dwells within the heart of every true believer. The Holy Spirit is our Guide and our Teacher, directing us to do what God wants us to do--"God's will."

The Bible, God's love letter to us, is the primary instrument that God uses to "speak" to us. For example, you might read a verse in the Bible that seems like it was written just for you and your particular situation that day! Or, the pastor's message from the Bible may suddenly grip you in a special way. But the Holy Spirit will "speak" to you at other times and in other situations as well. He will let you know when you have done something wrong, or bring to mind someone to pray for, or give you peace (or lack of peace) about a certain decision, etc.

When you pray, ask God to give you sensitivity to His Holy Spirit, so that you will be alert to the many ways that He "speaks" to you throughout each day. However, remember that what you "hear" from the Lord must always agree with what the Bible teaches--or else, it is not a word from God.

Does God answer the prayers of those who don't believe in Jesus Christ?
The Bible teaches us that prayer is the privilege of those who have become righteous children of God (John 1:12 ). The Psalm writer tells us: "The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; the face of the Lord is against those who do evil… " (Psalms 34:15). This is also implied in the Gospel of John, chapter 9. Jesus healed a man who had been blind since his birth. The religious leaders of that day challenged the man's healing and sought to discredit Jesus by implying that he acting outside of God's will. To this accusation, the healed man replied, " We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will . . . If this man were not of God, he could do nothing." (John 9:28-33.)

In the New Testament, there are a few examples of prayers spoken by unbelievers, such as the thief on the cross who prayed, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom" (Luke 23:42 ). There is the prayer of the tax collector, who prayed simply, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner" (Luke 18:13b). There are also the undisclosed prayers of Cornelius, the Roman centurion, who had come to believe in the God of Israel. God heard the prayers and sent the apostle Peter to Cornelius with the good news about Jesus in order that he might be saved (Acts, chapter 10).

From these instances it appears that the prayers of those who were not followers of God took the form of calls upon God for mercy and acceptance. One could pray such a prayer with the confidence that God will answer and receive him or her by His grace into the assurance of salvation and eternal life. Jesus once said, "Whoever comes to me I will never drive away" (John 6:37b). However, one who has never trusted in Jesus as his personal Savior should be reminded that if his only point in prayer is to relieve his mind of problems and secure benefits, it is extremely doubtful that such praying would gain the desired objective.

If you have received Christ as your Savior, you have the privilege to talk freely with God because He is your Heavenly Father, and you are His child. If you have never received Christ, we urge you to make your commitment to God by turning from sin, trusting Christ to forgive you, and inviting Jesus to come into your life as your Savior and Lord. When you do this, you become a member of God's own family. See our "http://www.jhm.org/salvation.asp" plan of Salvation .

What is prayer?
Prayer is spiritual communication between man and God, a two-way relationship in which man should not only talk to God but also listen to Him. Prayer to God is like a child's conversation with his father. It is natural for a child to ask his father for the things he needs.

There are many promises in God's Word to encourage us to pray, such as: "He shall call upon me and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him" (Psalm 91:15); "And it shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear" (Isaiah 65:24); "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7). The Scriptures tell us that we are to pray for one another and also assure us that God hears and answers prayer.

When you receive Christ into your heart, you become a child of God and have the privilege of talking to Him in prayer at any time about anything. The Christian life is a personal relationship to God through Jesus Christ. And best of all, it is a relationship that will last for all eternity.

I see no hope for the circumstances in our nation. How can I even begin to pray?
We often face problems so complex that there is no apparent solution. 'Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you' (Matthew 7:7). Sometimes we are so overwhelmed by the problem itself that we lose the capacity to seek and find the solution He always gives. When you have a problem that defies human solution, sit down, lie down, or kneel down, and say something like, 'Dear Lord, this problem is beyond me. But I know it is not beyond you because you are all-wise. And I know you are as concerned as I about this problem (or maybe even more). So, I come asking you for a solution. Thank you in advance for giving it to me.' Time after time the answer, and a good answer, will come. God has no problems, only plans.

The Bible says, 'Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you' (1 Peter 5:7). Try it! You'll find He really does.

RELIGION

What is the Apostles' Creed?
The Apostles' Creed, though not written by the apostles, is the oldest creed of the Christian church and is the basis for others that followed. Its most used form is:

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth: And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary, Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried: He descended into hell; The third day he rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; The Holy catholic Church, the Communion of Saints; The Forgiveness of sins; The Resurrection of the body, And the Life everlasting. Amen.

In its oldest form, the Apostles' Creed goes back to at least 140 A.D. Many of the early church leaders summed up their beliefs as they had an opportunity to stand for their faith; see, for example, 1 Timothy 6:12. These statements developed into a more standard form to express one's confession of faith at the time of baptism. It is not Scripture, but it is a simple list of the great doctrines of the faith.
The word "catholic" means "relating to the church universal" and was the word used in the original version of the Creed. It does not mean the Roman Catholic Church, but the church, the body of Christ, as a universal fellowship. The phrase, "He descended into hell," was not part of the creed in its earliest form.

Aren't there many good religious writings and religions that can show us the way to know God and experience eternal life?
There is only one infallible standard--the Bible, God's Word. In it God has revealed all we need to know and all we can know about Himself. A true faith is based on the Word of God, while a faith that is based only on the ideas of men is not reliable. That is why it is so important for Christians to know the Bible and what it teaches, because there are many contradictory ideas and religions in the world today.

Although Christianity may be defined by some as a religion, it is more than a religion; it is a relationship with Christ. While the great religions of the world teach that men must do something for God to earn His favor and to gain heaven, Christ brought the good news that God has done something for men. Because Christ paid the penalty for our sins on the cross, God offers salvation--forgiveness of sin, friendship with Him, and eternal life--as a free gift to be received through repentance from sin and trust in Christ.

We believe the evidence shows conclusively that Jesus Christ alone gave us the full truth about God. Most of the founders of the world's various religions were men searching for God; they could give us only their own ideas about God. However, Jesus Christ made a startling claim. "When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me. . . . For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it" (John 12:44 -45,49). Now if this is true, we do not need to look elsewhere for the truth. That is why Jesus could say, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).

Was Jesus who He claimed to be? Yes! How do we know? Because He rose again from the dead. This act forever sets Jesus apart from all the religious leaders of the world. And it also means that He alone can forgive us and save us when we put our trust in Him.

How can I recognize a religious cult?
Cults can take many forms. Some cults are openly and clearly influenced by non-Christian religions (such as some that originate in the Far East ). Others, however, claim to be Christian and may actually incorporate some of the teachings of Christianity, while they deny certain truths in the Bible. Cults substitute their own ideas for the truth that God has given us.

Although cults differ, they share several characteristics. For example, cults often do not accept the Bible alone as God's Word, and may even say that other books (usually written by the group's founder) are also God's Word and of more value. Cults also commonly claim that they alone correctly interpret the truth and that Christian denominations and churches are wrong in their teaching. Some cults have a strong leader and demand that members give their allegiance to him (even to the point of rejecting family members). If you have doubts about a group, ask several clergymen about it, or see if your local Christian bookstore has a volume that describes cults.

Cults deny what the Bible says about Jesus: He was fully God as well as man, and He died on the cross so we could be saved from our sins by faith. Invite Jesus Christ to come into your heart by faith, then get involved with a church where Christ is preached so you can grow spiritually.
Some sincere people tried to convince me to join their religious group to be saved. How can I tell if they are right?

Zeal and sincerity do not guarantee the truthfulness of religious teaching. Some of the religious leaders of Jesus' day were zealous advocates for their cause, but Jesus condemned them because they did not have the truth (Matthew 23:15 ). When contacted by religious groups about which we have very little knowledge, there are a number of questions to be asked which will provide a test of belief. First, do they believe that the Bible alone is the source of God's truth? Second, do they believe in the Trinity, confessing that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man? Third, do they see salvation as coming through faith in Jesus Christ alone? Many groups believe that works are necessary to earn salvation. This belief contradicts the Bible's assertion, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).

True Christianity means that one has a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. We must make certain that our commitment is not to a certain religious group, system of teachings, or even a church, but rather to Jesus Christ Himself. The Bible, God's Word, points us to Jesus as our only source of forgiveness for sins and eternal life. Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).

SALVATION

What can I do to be sure my loved ones will be saved?
We are glad to know that you have a real burden and concern for your loved ones. We believe God has laid this burden upon your heart, and that He wants to work in their hearts and lives in response to your prayers. God desires that all come to the place of repentance and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us that the Lord is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).

The best thing you can do for your loved ones is to pray earnestly. We have the assurance of God's Word that "the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (James 5:16 ). It is the ministry of the Holy Spirit to convict of sin, to show the possibility of being made right in God's sight, and to warn of the danger of neglecting salvation; see John 16:7-11. The Holy Spirit will be faithful to do His work in response to believing prayer, seeking out those whom the Lord has burdened someone to pray for. Pray specifically that the Holy Spirit will give you the opportunity to share the message of salvation with your loved ones, or will direct someone else to them. The Lord is able to do this as shown in Acts 8:26-39 and 9:10 -18.

It is of great importance, however, that you permit the life and love of our Lord Jesus Christ to be seen in you. This in itself will be a tremendous testimony to unsaved loved ones and friends, and will prepare the way for a presentation of the gospel. Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16, NKJV).

What does it mean to "believe" in Christ?
The word "believe" in the Bible means more than simply agreeing in our minds that something might be true. It means "trust"--that we believe so strongly in God that we are willing to commit our lives to Him and live the way we know He wants us to live.

Suppose you were walking along a path and you came to a bridge that crossed a deep canyon. You might look at it and believe that it would hold you, and you might even see other people walking across it so you knew it would hold our weight. But so far your "belief" in the bridge is only in your head. When do you really believe the bridge will hold you? You only really believe it when you are willing to commit your life to it and actually walk across it.

It is the same way with Christ. Yes, we can believe that God exists, but God wants us to come to know Him personally. And He has bridged the gap between us by sending His Son to remove the barrier of sin and become that "bridge." To believe in Christ is to commit our lives by faith to Christ-- to trust Him personally as our Lord and Savior. Our prayer is that you will come to believe in Christ in that way.

What does it mean to be "born again?"
Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God " (John 3:3). Our first birth gave us physical life; the new birth gives us spiritual life and membership in God's family (John 1:13 ). To be born again is to have the Holy Spirit transform our hearts from indifference and hostility toward God to a love of God and a desire for righteousness and holiness. The only way one can come to God and experience what it means to be "born again" is through repentance of sin and faith in Jesus Christ; read John 14:6. The Bible clearly teaches in Ephesians 2:8-10, Titus 3:5, and Romans 10:13 that salvation is a gift; it cannot be earned in any way.

To receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord means more than accepting Him as a fact of history, a teacher, or an example. It means more than giving mental assent to the fact that Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world. It means that one turns from sin and with his or her whole heart trusts in Christ as personal Savior and Lord. God makes that one a new person; see 2 Corinthians 5:17. The Bible says, "To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12 ).

I don't always feel saved. How can I be sure I am?
One of the oldest tricks of the devil is to make Christians doubt their salvation. When we doubt our salvation, we doubt God's Word, and when we doubt God's Word, we are powerless and ineffective tools for Christ.

A lot of people believe they are saved only if they have some powerful emotion or overwhelming feeling. However, every Christian has times when feelings are not strong, no matter what our experiences may have been in the past. But it is not our feelings that save us--it is Christ.
How can we know we are really saved? Because God's Word tells us, and God cannot lie. If you have put your personal faith and trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, the Bible says God has made you a member of His family. 'God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He that hath the Son hath life… These things I have written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life' (1 John 5:11 -13).

Remember that God loves you. And if you begin to doubt, remember the promises He has made to you and the way He loves you. Learn to thank Him for that love. When we know Christ, nothing 'shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord' (Romans 8:39 ).
Is baptism necessary for salvation?

Baptism is important but we violate the Scriptures when we make baptism the prime requirement for salvation… Paul's central theme was Christ and His saving power. Although he spoke of baptism, he said: 'I thank God that I baptized none of you . . . lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name' (1 Corinthians 1:14 -15).

Baptism is a conclusive and public act of obedience and witness to the world that we are Christ's. To one who has received Christ, baptism is a necessary and meaningful experience

Is there any problem if I put off making a decision to follow Christ for a few years, at least until I've had some fun in life?
The question of your salvation and where you will spend eternity is far too serious to be delayed. We have found that those who make a conscious decision to delay giving their lives to Christ almost never get around to doing it. The best time to make a decision to follow Christ is right at this moment. The Bible says, "I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2).

In asking your question, you seem to have two misconceptions. First, you have a misconception about life itself. After all, life is uncertain. How do you know you will even have a chance to commit your life to Christ in the future? Even tomorrow? You're not enlisting in God's "club" when you choose to follow Christ; you are accepting a life preserver He has tossed into your sin-filled, drowning life. This is an eternal life and eternal death matter. It is not to be fooled with. In addition, if you truly understand the gospel of Christ, then you should know that God is calling you to follow Him now--not later. The more you shut the "ears" of your heart to God's voice, the harder it becomes to hear Him as the years go by. The Bible warns, "A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed--without remedy" (Proverbs 29:1).

You also have a misunderstanding about the Christian life. You picture it as something dull and joyless, but can there be any greater challenge and privilege in life than following God's path for us? God's way is perfect, and He knows what is best for us. There is no higher calling than being part of God's family (John 1:12 .)

We challenge you to admit your sinfulness, seek God's forgiveness, and give control of your life to Jesus Christ. Don't be deceived by the promises of pleasure; they will only leave you empty. Let Christ show you the real meaning of life. See our "http://www.jhm.org/salvation.asp" plan of Salvation.

Can you explain salvation to me?
We are glad we can share with you the love of God that He has revealed to us through the Lord Jesus Christ. The only way we have acceptance before God is through Jesus, God's only Son, who came from heaven to live on earth. He fully understands our problems because He lived as a man on the earth for thirty-three years. He did not sin, and yet He took our sins upon Himself and paid the penalty for sin by His death on the cross (Romans 6:23 , Hebrews 4:15 , 1 Peter 2:24 ). Three days after He died, He arose from the dead; and forty days later He ascended into heaven where He intercedes in our behalf (Romans 8:34 and Hebrews 7:25 ).

John 3:16-17 and John 10:10 tell of the great love God has for us. Because of His love, God wants us to come to Him just as we are. He longs for us to talk to Him freely about our sins and our needs. We encourage you to do this. Admit your sins to God, ask His forgiveness, and thank Him for His love and acceptance of you. Jesus has all power and authority over sin and evil (Matthew 28:18, Hebrews 2:14 -15, 1 John 3:8), and through Him we can also live victorious lives. Read 1 John 1:9. If we give ourselves to Jesus, He comes into our hearts by His Holy Spirit and lives there (Revelation 3:20 ). We are in Christ Jesus, and He is in us (John 15:4-7, Galatians 2:20 ).

We read in 2 Corinthians 5:17: "When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same any more. A new life has begun!" (TLB). The Bible also says in 1 Corinthians 15:57: "How we thank God for all of this! It is he who makes us victorious through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (TLB).

I'm a Christian. Will I lose my salvation if I sin?
The person who makes a genuine commitment of his life to Christ becomes a child of God and a member of God's family (John 1:12 ). Just as an orphaned child is adopted into a family, so are we adopted by God and made a part of His family forever. And some day we will go to be with Him in heaven. "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" (1 John 3:1).

However, just because we have committed our lives to Christ does not mean we will no longer struggle with temptation, and sometimes sin. Even the great apostle Paul could say, "I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me" (Romans 7:21 ). When we do sin, God does not reject us or disown us. Our fellowship with Him may be broken, but our relationship is not; we are still members of His family if we have truly committed our lives to Christ. When we sin we should immediately turn to God, confess our sin honestly, ask His forgiveness--and then turn from our sin. The Bible promises, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

If we truly know Christ and are seeking to follow Him, we will not be complacent and unconcerned about sin in our lives. In fact, one of the signs of true spiritual life is the hatred of sin and the determination to conquer it. We will not continue to repeat the same sins over and over again, but will seek God's help (by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us) to overcome them. The Bible promises, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it" (1 Corinthians 10:13 ). Indifference to sin in one's life is a sure sign of serious spiritual sickness, and may indicate that one has never truly invited Jesus into one's life as Savior and Lord (1 John 2:3-4).

Can a person be saved more than once?
People who truly repent of their sin and receive Jesus as their Savior and Lord can fall into sin and then feel that they must be saved all over again. This is not the case. The Bible says, "My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One" (1 John 2:1). "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

Christian conversion is the transformation that we experience when we are born of God. Since one is not born over and over again, we must think of Christian development in two phases: birth and growth. A child, for example, is born once. True, he falls down many times, but when he falls he doesn't need to be born again. His falls, his bumps and bruises are all part of growing. So it is in the Christian life. Birth is sudden, once and for all, but development is the work of an entire lifetime. We can be converted in a moment: the precise moment that we accept Christ. But it takes a lot of prayer, Bible reading, church-going, and Christian service to make a mature Christian.

Does a person have to become emotional and cry to truly receive Christ as personal
Savior and Lord?
There are a variety of emotional responses when people come to Christ. Some people cry because of the joy they have experienced in the total forgiveness of their sins and the realization that they are now a part of God's family. Some people simply rejoice with feelings of lightheartedness as though a great burden has been lifted away. Others seem to experience and express very little emotion at all.

The Bible says, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31 ). Establishing a relationship with Christ is based upon faith and not feeling. God responds to faith whether tears are present or not. Emotion has a part in conversion, but simply because a person does not cry when repenting of sin and trusting in Christ does not mean that he or she has not been saved.

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Does the Bible approve of some homosexual relationships?
The Bible, in Genesis, in chapters one and two, provides God's blueprint for marriage and for His good gift of sex. The gift is only to be enjoyed within a marriage between a man and a woman. There are no exceptions suggested, such as homosexual partnerships. From Genesis on, the Bible praises the marriage of a man and a woman, but it speaks negatively of homosexual behavior whenever it is mentioned.

The Old Testament states "Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable" (Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 ). The New Testament agrees, listing "homosexual offenders" among a list of people who "will not inherit the kingdom of God " unless they are cleansed through Christ (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Other passages are Genesis, chapter 19; Romans 1:18 -32; 1 Timothy 1:8-11; Jude, verse 7

Sometimes it is said that the Bible does not record any words of Jesus about homosexuality, and therefore it must be acceptable to God. However, the Bible does not record sayings of Jesus about a number of other specific sins either. When people asked Jesus about marriage, He told them to remember what Genesis said about God's plan for marriage (Matthew 19:1-12). So, in this sense, Jesus did have something to say about homosexual partnerships. If people had asked Him, He would have told them to remember what God said about marriage in Genesis. God only blessed sex within the committed marriage relationship of a man and a woman.

Is masturbation a sin?
Masturbation is not specifically referred to in the Bible. However, several scriptural principles indicate that it is a practice from which a follower of Christ should abstain. First, it is usually accompanied by the sin of willfully entertaining lustful thoughts and desires which are clearly forbidden by the Lord (Matthew 5:28 ). The more one dwells on such fantasy, the more likely it is to become a reality in behavior (James 1:14 -15). Second, masturbation easily becomes an enslaving habit upon which one becomes dependent (Romans 6:12 -14). Third, self- directed sex violates God's creation design for the right use of His good gift of sexuality (Genesis 1:24 , 1 Corinthians 7:3-4,9). In addition, persistent, compulsive masturbation can be the symptom of deeper psychological/spiritual problems, such as destructive feelings of inadequacy, rejection, and loneliness.

I have a loved one who is gay. Where can I find help?
The realization that someone you love is gay can be a shattering experience. If you are trusting in Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord, you can be conscious of your Heavenly Father's great love for you and your loved one (Jeremiah 31:3). God is the One who is able to transform lives and heal the scars of painful memories. We want to assure you that any willing person can be liberated from any problem, including homosexuality, through the power of Jesus Christ; see 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, especially verse 11. If your loved one is not yet willing to seek freedom from homosexuality, or seems unable to find it, then you can claim his or her release through faithful prayer. James 5:16 states: "The earnest prayer of a righteous man has great power and wonderful results" (TLB).

Center your attention on God and His wonderful plan for your lives. Ask Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit and help you to radiate His love, joy, and peace. The manifestation of the love of Christ is much more effective than argument in assuring others of our great love and concern. Also, ask God to give you wisdom to deal with the situation.

As you turn your loved one over to Jesus, you will discover the truth of Philippians 4:4-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

I struggle with homosexual feelings and temptations. Does God hate me? What can I do?
You are not alone. Many people struggle just as you do. It is important to realize that God loves you deeply and does not condemn you for your same-sex feelings and temptations. But He is intensely interested in what you do with them. If you engage in homosexual relations or lust (willful fantasizing about such relations) God is deeply grieved and sets about in a variety of ways to turn you from such a destructive course. When homosexual thoughts arise in your mind, you must reject them and turn your mind to wholesome thoughts (Philippians 4:4-8). The Bible says, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it" (1 Corinthians 10:13 ). You must discipline your mind as an athlete disciplines his body.

God not only wants to protect you from homosexual behavior, but He wants to begin to meet the deep needs at the root of your same-sex desires. Apart from an occasional miracle, this psychological and spiritual healing which leads toward sexual wholeness does not happen quickly.

Worship, instruction, and fellowship with other believers in a warm and dynamic gospel-proclaiming church will also prove invaluable. Don't despair. God has a solution for you, and He promises, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).

Are homosexuals born that way?
Many homosexuals hold to the belief that they were born that way, and there are some researchers who suggest, on the basis of several recent studies, that there may be a genetic predisposition toward homosexuality in some people. However, even those who argue this believe that certain environmental factors would also have to be present for the condition to develop. In any case, other scientists have challenged these studies, and there is presently no generally accepted scientific evidence that the homosexual inclination is inborn. Also, in a broken world, the discovery of a genetic link would not prove that such a condition was God's intent.

It must be emphasized that even if a biological predisposition to homosexuality in some people exists, it would not change God's opposition to the behavior. Neither would it change the fact that through the transforming power of Jesus Christ freedom from sinful behavior is always available. In addition, many strugglers discover growing heterosexual attractions as they address underlying problems with the help of competent Christian support and counseling.

Our little boy only wants to play with little girls and act like them. Does this mean he is a homosexual?
We can appreciate your concern about your little boy. When a little boy desires to dress as a little girl and play with little girls and their toys exclusively, it can be very troubling to parents. However, your son is not a homosexual. While gender-confused children may develop homosexual attractions in teen years if not helped, that is not the issue at this point.

The reasons why a child develops opposite sex characteristics and preferences to an extreme degree is complex. If the child has heard statements indicating that his parents wanted a little girl instead of a little boy, he may desire to fulfill those expectations to win approval. It is especially damaging for a child to be pushed into a little girl role to fulfill a parent's wish for a daughter.

Whatever the causes, you would do well to emphasize that he should be exactly what God made him--a boy. Psalm 139:13-18 does a beautiful job of making clear God's careful design for each of us. You also need to make clear that you are pleased that he is boy and do everything possible to positively affirm the goodness of his being a boy. You (especially dad) needs to be supportive of him, communicate love and acceptance, and gently help him (not force or shame him) with gender specific activities involving "boy" games, toys. Ultimately, the Lord is our hope and resource for every situation, no matter how perplexing. Remember that the Lord "is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20 ).

I'm a man, but I like to dress in women's clothes. Is that okay?
We can appreciate your concern about the practice of cross-dressing. For a person to dress up as the opposite sex for the sake of satisfying emotional or sexual needs is forbidden by God. Deuteronomy 22:5 says, "A woman must not wear men's clothing, nor a man wear women's clothing, for the Lord your God detests anyone who does this." The general biblical principle would be that our biological sex is God's design for our lives, and He does not intend for us to disguise or seek to change it. Some heterosexuals, transsexuals, and some homosexuals practice cross-dressing. The underlying motivation is complex and may vary from person to person, but the practice is not acceptable to God.

Even though God condemns the practice of cross-dressing, it is important to realize that God loves you with the kind of love that none of us can fathom, but that each of us longs for. If you have not experienced God's love and forgiveness and have not placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, we would urge you to do so. For a simple presentation of how you can do this, see our plan of Salvation. If you have received Jesus as your Savior and Lord, His Spirit then dwells within you and will deliver you from sinful behavior patterns as you yield your life to His power and direction.

Remember that temptation in itself is not sin. Every person is tempted in a variety of ways. Even Christ was tempted (Hebrews 4:15 ). We believe 1 Corinthians 10:13 will be helpful to you: "But remember this--the wrong desires that come into your life aren't anything new and different. Many others have faced exactly the same problems before you. And no temptation is irresistible. You can trust God to keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it, for he has promised this and will do what he says. He will show you how to escape temptation's power so that you can bear up patiently against it" (TLB).

It is also very important that you fellowship in a local church that is filled with God's love and power. The pastor may be able to encourage you further.

SIN

What does it mean for a Christian to "backslide"?
The Old Testament uses the term "backsliding" to speak of those who have been near to God but have allowed sin to take them away from Him. The prophet Jeremiah said, "Our backsliding is great; we have sinned against you" (Jeremiah 14:7). Backsliding in Scripture is always seen as a very serious matter: "'Your wickedness will punish you; your backsliding will rebuke you. Consider then and realize how evil and bitter it is for you when you forsake the Lord your God and have no awe of me,' declares the Lord, the Lord Almighty" (Jeremiah 2:19 ).

Many things can cause backsliding. However, whatever the sin might be that leads us away from God, it must be dealt with honestly and brought before Him in repentance. God loves us and wants us to be close to Him. Even when we sin against Him, He promises to forgive. "I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them" (Hosea 14:4). We must always fight against backsliding, but if we do backslide, we know that when we renounce our sin and return to God, there is forgiveness and reconciliation. The Bible says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

What is the unpardonable sin? I am afraid I may have committed it.
Many Christians have heard that there is an unpardonable sin and live in dread that something grave that they have done before or after conversion might be that sin. Their fears are unfounded. While there is an unforgivable sin, it is not one that a true believer in Jesus Christ can commit.

The one sin which God cannot forgive is mentioned in Mark 3:28-30 and Matthew 12:31-32. Jesus had been performing miracles, including driving demons out of people by the power of the Holy Spirit. Instead of recognizing the source of Jesus' power and accepting Him as God's Son, the religious leaders accused Him of being possessed by the devil and driving demons out in the power of the devil. Jesus responded by saying, "I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin."

The sin of the religious leaders, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, was a refusal to accept the witness of the Holy Spirit regarding who Jesus was and what He had come to do, and then submit their lives to Him. Jesus said concerning the Holy Spirit, "When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment" (John 16:8). They chose rather to reject the Spirit's witness of their sin as well as who Jesus was, accusing Him of being demon possessed!

The point for us is that if we have received Jesus as our Savior and Lord, we have not blasphemed the Holy Spirit; we have accepted His witness. One study Bible explains it as follows: "To commit this sin one must consciously, persistently, deliberately, and maliciously reject the testimony of the Spirit to the deity and saving power of the Lord Jesus." If a person keeps doing that until death, there is no hope of forgiveness and eternal life in heaven. Once again, the unpardonable sin is not some particularly grievous sin committed by a Christian before or after accepting Christ, nor is it thinking or saying something terrible about the Holy Spirit. Rather, it is deliberately resisting the Holy Spirit's witness and invitation to turn to Jesus until death ends all opportunity.

In order to experience God's peace, we must come to Him, trusting His promises. Isaiah 1:18 says, "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." In 1 John 1:9 we read: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Jesus Himself assures us, "Whoever comes to me I will never drive away" (John 6:37 ). Our God is a compassionate and merciful God. He desires that no one should be lost, but that all should come to salvation through repentance and personal faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord (2 Peter 3:9; Acts 2:21 ).

Are all sins the same in God's eyes?
It is always difficult and dangerous to attempt to list sins according to their degree of seriousness. In one sense, all sins are equal in that they all separate us from God. The Bible's statement, "For the wages of sin is death..." (Romans 6:23 ), applies to all sin, whether of thought, word, or deed.

At the same time, it seems obvious that some sins are worse than others in both motivation and effects and should be judged accordingly. Stealing a loaf of bread is vastly different than exterminating a million people. Sins may also differ at their root. Theologians have sought for centuries to determine what the essence of sin is. Some have chosen sensuality, others selfishness, and still others pride or unbelief. In the Old Testament, God applied different penalties to different sins, suggesting variations in the seriousness of some sins. A thief paid restitution; an occult practitioner was cut off from Israel ; one who committed adultery or a homosexual act or cursed his parents was put to death (see Exodus, chapter 22 and Leviticus, chapter 20).

In the New Testament, Jesus said it would be more bearable on the day of judgment for Sodom than for Capernaum because of Capernaum's unbelief and refusal to repent at His miracles (Matthew 11:23-24). The sins of Sodom were identified in Ezekiel 16:21 as arrogance, gluttony, indifference to the poor and needy, haughtiness, and "detestable things." When Jesus spoke of his second coming and judgment, he warned that among those deserving punishment some would "be beaten with many blows" and others "with few blows" (Luke 12:47 -48). He also reserved His most fierce denunciations for the pride and unbelief of the religious leaders, not the sexually immoral (Matthew 23:13 - 36).

However, remember that whether our sins are relatively small or great, they will place us in hell apart from God's grace. The good news is that Jesus paid the penalty for our sins and the sins of the whole world at the Cross. If we will repent and turn to Jesus in faith, our sins will be forgiven, and we will receive the gift of eternal life. See our plan of Salvation.

I have wandered away from the Lord. Is there a way back?
It is good that you realize you have drifted away from the Lord; with such knowledge you can seek a restored relationship. We have the assurance of His Word, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). Come to Christ, confess and turn from your sin, and He will keep His promise to forgive and cleanse; see 1 John 2:1. He further promises that He will not only forgive, but He will also forget; see Romans 8:1 and Hebrews 8:12. This is your opportunity to begin life over again and to walk with the Lord in daily fellowship.

The Holy Spirit gives us direction when we fully surrender our lives to Him. He has promised, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you" (Psalm 32:8). Ask God to help you give Christ preeminence in all things, and live according to 1 Corinthians 10:31 , "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." Daily Bible reading, prayer, and fellowship with other believers in a dynamic Bible-teaching church will help you grow strong in you grow strong in your renewed faith

Is it possible for a Christian to live without sinning?
Nowhere does the Bible say that a Christian in this life will ever be completely perfect or will never sin. As long as we are on this earth, we will always struggle against temptation and sin. That is one reason Jesus taught His disciples to pray (in The Lord's Prayer), "Forgive us our sins. . . . And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" (Luke 11:4, Matthew 6:13 ). Sometimes we sin by our actions; sometimes by our motives. Often we sin not because of what we do, but because of what we fail to do. For example, we fail to love others or to forgive others or in other ways fail to do things we ought to do--and that is sin.

However, there are three important truths we need to repeat over and over to ourselves. First, just because we sin does not mean we are no longer God's children. Our fellowship with God may be broken, but our relationship is not. Second, when we sin God stands ready to forgive us, and we need to turn to Him immediately. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). Third, God wants to help us (through His Holy Spirit, who lives within every believer) to avoid sin in the future. "Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature" (Galatians 5:16 ).

Thank God that you belong to Christ, and thank Him for His grace and forgiveness when you do sin--and for strength to overcome future temptation. "My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One" (1 John 2:1).

SINGLES

The man I've met is very nice, but has a hard time controlling his temper. Would it be all right to marry him now--if he promises to change?
Marriage is a serious decision. Above all, you need to seek God's will. You would be wise to be cautious. Loneliness can make one vulnerable. Do not agree to marriage just because you are lonely and want security; few things are as tragic as a miserable marriage outside the will of God.

There are several warning flags that you need to heed. Certainly one warning flag is his past. How much do you really know about him and his previous relationships, not just from him, but also from others who know him? A man who cannot control his temper (even when he is trying to make a good impression) should concern you greatly--no matter how many promises he makes about how he will change in the future. The Bible warns, "A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control" (Proverbs 29:11). It also declares, "An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins" (Proverbs 29:22).

There are several questions you need to ask yourself. Is he committed to Christ? Does his life bear the fruit of one who follows Jesus? Does he go to church and encourage others to do the same? Does he put your needs above his, or do other things concern him more? Is your relationship fulfilling and happy, or unsatisfying and empty? If problems exist in these areas, entering into a marriage relationship most often will intensify these problems rather than solve them. We would suggest that you contact a gospel-preaching pastor for assistance and guidance in the matter.

If marriage is included in God's plan for your life, make certain that you consider marriage only to someone who knows and loves the Lord and intends to make Christ the center of the relationship. (Remember, the Bible says we should not be unequally yoked; read 2 Corinthians 6:14-15.) Seek God's will for your future. Put Christ first in your life--and then don't settle for anything that is less than God's perfect plan.

Is there anything wrong with living with my boyfriend if we plan to be married someday?
Living together without marriage is becoming more frequent as our society moves farther and farther from its religious and moral roots. We can assure you that you will never find lasting happiness by continuing to live this way. For one thing, when you have this kind of relationship outside of marriage there is no commitment to each other--and without commitment there cannot be a full measure of trust and security. Love becomes little more than an emotional feeling toward each other, and when the emotions fade there is nothing to keep you together.

More than that, what you are doing is wrong in the eyes of God, and if you turn your back on Him and His moral law you will never have true peace in your heart. God has given marriage to us for our happiness and security, and when we follow His rules for sex and marriage we can experience real joy. When you treat love and sex casually you are going against His perfect plan, and it will inevitably bring unhappiness.

The Bible stresses: "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral" (Hebrews 13:4). The Bible also says that God so strongly condemns fornication and adultery that those who practice these sins will be excluded from God's kingdom (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). However, the Lord is willing to forgive such sins and transform the lives of those who have committed them (1 Corinthians 6:11 ).

We urge you to surrender to Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord and trust Him to forgive and cleanse you from your sins. This is what it means to become a Christian. The Holy Spirit then will live in your heart guiding and empowering you to honor God in every area of life. The apostle Paul wrote, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13 ). You will need to separate from the one with whom you are living, recognizing that you have no right to live as husband and wife without marriage. You cannot, of course, have Christ as your Lord and continue in such a relationship. We would suggest that you seek the counsel of a gospel-preaching pastor in your community for further support and direction.

Most of my friends are already married, and I am not getting any younger. What should I do?
We can certainly understand your desire to marry. However, if you have received Jesus as your Savior and Lord you need not allow this desire to influence your thoughts so much that you lose your joy and spiritual effectiveness. Rather than spending your energy being concerned over your problem, commit it to the Lord, and He will direct in this as in every other matter of life; see Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 32:8. As you commit yourself completely to Christ, you may be assured that His love will provide the best for your life. If marriage is included in God's plan for your life, make certain that you consider marriage only to someone who knows and loves the Lord and intends to make Christ the center of the relationship (1 Corinthians 7:39).

It is important to remember that it is not necessarily God's will for everyone to marry. We often emphasize Genesis 2:24: "Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh," to the exclusion of 1 Corinthians 7:7: "I wish everyone could get along without marrying, just as I do. But we are not all the same. God gives some the gift of a husband or wife, and others he gives the gift of being able to stay happily unmarried" (TLB). In the 1 Corinthians passage, Paul confirms that God does give the gift of being and remaining single to some persons. Every Christian must answer for himself the question, "Is it God's will that I marry?" God never plans anything for us except what is best. Whether married or single, you can become a truly fulfilled individual by following the Lord's plan and purpose for your life. Perhaps the Lord is leading you out into an area of service for Him.

We would encourage you to fellowship in a gospel-preaching church and other Christian organizations in your area where you will gain friendships and find opportunities for service. If you have not already done so, organize your day so that you will have a special time to spend alone with God. Be sure that you do not neglect this "quiet time," for this communion with our Lord will give you power to overcome the enemy, to live above your circumstances, and to become a victorious Christian.

Is there anything wrong with a Christian marrying a non-Christian?
It is very dangerous for a Christian to marry someone who has not made a heart and life commitment to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. To be ready for marriage spiritually means, first of all, that both parties involved have accepted Christ and eagerly intend to make Christ the Head of their home. To consider marriage without the possibility of spiritual agreement is to invite argument and unhappiness into the future household. Amos 3:3 states: "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?"

God ordained marriage to be a "threesome"--God, you, and your life partner. Think of it as a perfect triangle. The closer each marriage partner lives to God, the closer each will live to the other. Such closeness is impossible when one spouse does not have a personal relationship with God. This is the reason the Bible says we should not be unequally yoked; read 2 Corinthians 6:14-15. The apostle Paul applies this principle in the case of widows when he writes, "But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord" (1 Corinthians 7:39b).

Can God forgive me for getting too involved sexually with my boyfriend--and maybe
even being pregnant?
It is understandable that you are concerned about your relationship with your boyfriend. As you may know, the Bible does not make any allowances for sexual relations outside of marriage; see 1 Corinthians 6:18-7:2. Scripture condemns immorality as a serious sin because it violates one of the most sacred relationships in life. Sexual relations, stripped of pure love, respect, and a sincere desire to give joy and fulfillment within marriage, become meaningless and unsatisfying.

However, God stands ready to forgive you--totally and completely--for every sin you have ever committed. That may sound impossible--but it is true because of Christ and His love for you. On the cross Christ took your sins upon Himself, and He took the punishment and death you deserve. Turn from your sins, and by faith in Christ receive God's forgiveness and new life: see 1 John 1:9. Then with Christ in your heart, begin to follow Him and His will for your life every day.

While you cannot undo what has been done, you can begin to live a new life. Many who have given up their original virginity are, nevertheless, pledging themselves to virginity from this point forward, until they make a lifetime commitment to the man God leads into their lives. This will mean avoiding occasions of temptation whenever possible. Playing with temptation is like playing with a deadly poison. The only answer is to turn from it--decisively and finally, not little by little. This is especially true with sexual temptation, which can become so overpowering. We know it will not be easy, but it will be well worth it. God will help you (1 Corinthians 10:13 ).

We would also urge you to see your doctor immediately to establish whether or not you are expecting a child. If you are, you should counsel with a gospel- teaching pastor before you make the decision as to whether you will keep your baby or place it for adoption in a Christian home.

Be intent on learning God's purpose for your life. Confide in one of your parents or another trusted Christian adult, since their love and concern will provide the guidance and understanding you need during this difficult time of your life. Get involved in a Christ-centered youth fellowship, and surround yourself with mature Christians to whom you can be accountable. Try to be faithful in Bible reading and prayer daily as you seek to discover the wonderful plan God has for your life. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you.... Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

SUFFERING

I am going through a difficult time with no relief in sight. How can I find peace and contentment?
It is natural to go to God for comfort or relief from the difficult situations we face in this life. From strained relationships to life-changing tragedies we do not welcome strife. To know that God offers more than mere endurance is a powerful truth, one we too often overlook. We encourage you to continue to seek His comfort and strength; we also encourage you to not view the present situation as one that should only be endured until relief comes. We find contentment when we believe there is reason and purpose for our circumstances. If you are a child of God, you know that your life belongs to God, and nothing can come into your life unless He allows it. Believe that with all your heart, and look about expectantly for what God is doing in you or through you. Review the stories of Joseph and Daniel. Both stories reveal marvelous works of God occurring in the suffering of His own. Look also at Paul. How many were won to a saving knowledge of Jesus because Paul did not wait for all issues to be resolved before he expected to be used; he was used where he was (Acts 16:22 -36). And He was able to rejoice and be content regardless of what life brought (Philippians 4:11 -13).

We know that you may be hurting, physically in pain, and tired of the battle. Turn from those things and look at the life of your dear Savior. He was led to the desert, tired, hungry, and scorched by the sun. Look at Him on the way to the cross, once again in pain--through no fault of His own. He understands your suffering, and He will not allow it to be wasted. "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:15 -16).

How might God work through you to bring healing to your situation? Are you willing to give up your "right" to sympathy in order to receive real peace, in order to become more like Christ? If so, we encourage you to lift your eyes to the Lord. How is God providing you with comfort and assurance of His care? He has promised to walk with you and to help you to bear this burden (Matthew 11:28 ). He promises that He has a plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11), and that He has work for you to do (Ephesians 2:10 ). Your present days are part of that plan. Pray for solutions; but until they come, let every moment be used to glorify God and to make you more like Christ. "To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me" (Colossians 1:29 ).

May the God of comfort and peace be your daily strength according to His promise in Isaiah 41:10, which states: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Why does God allow suffering in the world?
There are no easy answers to the question of the purpose of suffering and evil. The tendency is to blame God for these conditions, but He did not create them. They came as a result of man's disobedience to God, beginning back in the Garden of Eden; see Genesis 3:16-19. Often suffering and adversity are brought about by disregard of God's will or by the direct efforts of Satan or by natural disasters in a physical world that is also affected by man's sin and the resulting judgment. God, however, has offered the most effective solution possible by giving His Son to die for all. Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price when He suffered and died on the cross, having taken upon Himself the sin of the world and all of its horrible consequences. When Jesus returns in power and glory, there will be a new world completely free from sin with its sorrow and suffering (Revelation, chapters 21 and 22).

We can be sure that God in His divine purpose desires to bring about in us the greatest good and to allow suffering to be a means of discipline through which love, patience, grace, and faith may be cultivated in our lives. God never asks us to understand; we need only trust Him in the same way that we expect our earthly children to trust our love. Peace comes when we realize we are able to see only a few threads in the great tapestry of life and of God's plan. Then we can affirm with great joy and assurance that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28 ).

The way we react to suffering will determine whether life's most tragic experiences bring bitterness and despair or become sources of blessing. The greatest joy will come when, in the midst of adversity, we look up into His face and say, "I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation" (Habakkuk 3:18 ). It is then that His promise will be most meaningful, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze" (Isaiah 43:2).