Read your over 140 Questions!

Blog »    Read your over 140 Questions!!

Friday, July 11, 2014
Jeff Lampl

Below are the 140 questions that you, the CLC family have submitted over the last month.  They’re great questions!  Here’s what to do with them.  Read them, then click on Comment.   Then type your answer to each of the 134 questions with Bible references and submit them.  If all 600 members do this we will have over 80,000 answers about what God is like!   Ready, let’s do it!   (Just kidding, someone just told me my idea isn’t funny).   Jeff  

Do Jews believe in a Heaven and Eternal Life, or is this solely a Christian belief?

What does scripture actually teach about Hell especially as mentioned in Revelation 20:15.   Will unbelievers  be eternally tortured by fire?

What do we mean by the inerrancy of scripture?

Is all action in the world either God or the Devil?

If God is loving and powerful and all-knowing then why does he allow the birth of evil people, sick infants, destructive leaders, children with disabilities etc.   If he knows the future wouldn’t it better for him not to permit their conception?  Responsible married couples can’t conceive while reprobates continue to breed “successfully”.    Most of the world’s problems could be eliminated if the “catalysts” never even existed.   If God knows the future, then he knows the outcome and that salvation will never be accepted.  So Why?

Why in the NT is one wife permitted while it the OT there are countless examples of multiple women.  Furthermore God blessed the after the “adulterous relationship”?   eg: David Abraham.

God created man /earth, but how can our brain rationalize God just existed, with not origin or creator, logically it makes no sense.

Is homosexuality truly wrong.  Many homosexuals are great people who self proclaim Christianity and benefit society, but the Bible claims   marriage of one man and one woman.  

I struggle with the balance of encouraging forgiveness of others and not judging others but don’t want my children to fall in with wrong crowd and be drawn to “dark” things/behavior.  As you said “Hate the sin, love the sinner”  is difficult to teach.

How old is the Earth?

Where did God come from?

God created man/earth, but how can our brain rationalize God just existed with no origin or creator.  Logically that makes no sense.

Can you explain (easily) the Trinity and how Father, Son & Holy Spirit are all different?

If God has a plan for every life, can we, through free will, unintentionally make decisions that stray us from His path?

Could you speak on Romans specifically Chapters 8 & 9.  Predestination?  God’s elect?  What is your opinion/belief?   (please continue to use ‘movie analogies’ as explanations.  They help me understand.

Do we have free will or does God rule over everything?

The Bible says that God does not have favorites, but it also tells us about the elect. What's up with that? How are those two things reconciled? Does God have favorites? If so, how does that become okay?

Probably the hardest thing I deal with on the job site is not explaining why I believe what I believe.  Most doubters go directly to Noah and the ark.  They seem to find the fact that he gathered up 2 of every animal and floated around for 40 days.  Would like some help explaining.

I am reading Exodus and am wondering what the wave offering and the heave offering are and what they were used for.  Also please explain “pleading the blood”.

Paul states that once we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we will no longer be slaves to sin, yet I still sin. What's up

A Christian family member once said “I never sin”.   Can this be true?

Do you teach Emergent church beliefs?   Do you believe and teach the Tribulation is a future event or that it already took place?

Will you teach us a series on Revelation?

The Pastor says that God is working to make everything new. However, in 2 Peter 3:10, it states that "The day of
the Lord will come as unexpectedly as at a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire." Revelation 21:1 is similar. Will the present earth disappear?

I heard a preacher once say that the 6 races were created and then Adam.  I hope he was correct because otherwise it would imply that humanity came from incest.  Which is right?

Is all action in the world either God or the devil?

Why when one person does something wrong does God punish everyone?   I hate him.   (I could mention how when one teacher messed up then a rule applies to everyone)

What happens to believers between the time they die and Jesus comes back again?

When we die where do we go until Jesus calls us to Judgment?

Are the dead now in heaven or are they waiting to go to heaven when Jesus returns?

Are our parents and grandparents, who have passed, in Heaven or in a state of purgatory?

Can you explain how Christians will be judged on judgment day; will everyone else know our sins or just God?

What will Heaven be like?   Will we know people in Heaven that we knew on Earth?

Is Heaven right next to us – just another dimension we can’t see, like a veil?

Reincarnation?  If not - what happens to all these souls – recycled?  Ghosts-hauntings-not “passing over”?   Psychic abilities – true or not and to what extent?  If people have psychic gifts why are we not allowed to entertain that?

When people die today and are Christians do their souls immediately go to "heaven"? Or does the community with God and Jesus occur after Jesus returns again to bring His followers home? I lost my father 10 years ago. Just wondering, since Christ hasn't returned yet, if my father's soul is in heaven now or if his soul is in an intermediate place until Christ returns?

Discuss the concept of “once saved always saved.”

How do you KNOW if you are a Christian and are going to heaven?

I have grown up with the Bible and church, yet the concept of death scares me.  It’s the physical aspect of the process of death and no longer being in this world.  How do I reconcile this fear with God’s word?  I believe in God and Jesus, yet the unseen raises these questions to the point of being anxious.

I have grown up with the Bible and church, yet the concept of death scares me.  It’s the physical aspect of the process of death and no longer being in this world.  How do I reconcile this fear with God’s word?  I believe in God and Jesus, yet the unseen raises these questions to the point of being anxious.  

Are the gifts of the Holy Spirit still for today?  If no, then why would the Holy Spirit, who lives in us, not manifest His power and gifts?  If yes, then why is the church not active in those gifts?

 In Matthew 10:1, Jesus calls the twelve disciples together and sends them out with the authority to drive out demons and heal diseases. Does Christianity believe this was a directive only for those twelve or does Christianity still believe we as believers are sent out with this directive by the power of the Holy Spirit? Why or why not?

If I say I'm blessed because I have a wonderful wife, children on a good path, enough money, am I really using that term correctly? Or am I cheapening the real blessing of all Christians? If I didn't have those things, would I be correct to say I'm cursed?

Elton John right about Jesus supporting gay marriage?
A recent article was published stating the following In the same sex marriage debate, Elton John believes he knows where Jesus would've stood. The musician, who plans to marry his partner David Furnish next year, talked to Sky News on Sunday about how pleased he is with Pope Francis and how he wishes the Church of England would show greater support for his message. "The new Pope has excited me so much by his humanity," John said. "He's stripped it down to the bare bones and said it's all basically about love and taking everybody in, inclusiveness. And that has to be encouraged by the Church of England." So when it comes to issues such as vows of celibacy for Catholic priests and gay clergymen being able to marry, John said the church needs to catch up with the times. "These are old and stupid things, and the church hierarchy might be up in arms about it, the traditionalists, but times have changed," John said. "We live in a different time. If Jesus Christ was alive today, I cannot see him, as the Christian person that he was and the great person that he was, saying this could not happen. "He was all about love and compassion and forgiveness and trying to bring people together, and that is what the church should be about."
As far as coming together for John's nuptials, fans shouldn't expect a large affair. "It'll be very quiet and very off the cuff," John said. "But we will (marry), and I think it's a great opportunity to take advantage of the new laws, and to celebrate it."

I love my homosexual friends.  I know the Bible clearly states that the gay lifestyle is a sin but that means they are rejecting God’s Word.  How do I reconcile this in my life?  How do we deal with this?   Psalm 139:16 doesn’t work logically.

How can I have a conversation with someone about my belief in traditional marriage without coming across ad discriminatory and judgmental?  How can I respond when I am accused of denying gay people the very happiness that I experience with my traditional marriage.

Is homosexuality truly wrong?  Many homosexuals are great people who self-proclaim Christianity and benefit society, but Bible claims marriage of men & women.

Can we be fooled into thinking we are doing what He wanted us to do, when actually we are not?  How can we be sure the decisions we make are what He wants for us?

Is love a choice? Christ calls us to love, so does that make it a choice rather than something we feel when He calls us to certain people? So really - what is love (a further answer than Jesus please)?

What does a Christ-centered friendship look like?

What is the purpose of the ten commandments? We have been freed from the law (which the commandments are) in Christ, but that does not make the Old Testament obsolete. So what is the purpose of the ten commandments now?

Are sins forgiven as far as east is from West or must we give account for every word in judgment.  Which is it?  Matt. 12:36,  Matt 15:19, Ps 36:3, Micah 7:19, Ps 32:1

I have always wanted to know if non-Christians who are good people go to Heaven.  Can you explain why or why not, please.

In reading Chronicles Kings and kingdoms are punished/destroyed when they turn from Him (idols).  However, IF they turn to Him they are restored.  What about today?  Yes, Jesus died and rose to redeem us but doesn’t punishment (differs from damnation) still apply when we turn from Him?  Or will that punishment just come on judgment day?

Please explain the difference between soul and spirit? (being a medical person) Where are they located in
th         the body?

How can I become more like Jesus Christ?

As an adult Christian, how do you deal with a bully in the workplace?  You continue to work there because that is what God want you to do; they want you to quit.

The Bible says that God does not have favorites, but it also tells us about the elect. What's up with that? How are those two things reconciled? Does God have favorites? If so, how does that become okay?.

1 Timothy says that deacons and overseers in the church are men (husbands).  How are women elders/deacons reconciled to this directive?  If the answer is that this was written in the context of the time period it was written (men had the only social standing), isn’t that a dangerous slippery slope into picking and choosing what we want to believe in the Bible?

I grew up in Baptist church in Texas. My father was raised Baptist. He has been very adamant about being buried verses cremation. Can you be cremated and still go to heaven? What is the difference if you believe in Jesus? Is there some reason a person can be cremated and if so why? The bible mentions being planted in the ground and the return of god and calling of the believers. Or is that something else altogether? Thanks Stephanie

Punishment (eternal torment in Hell) seems disproportionate to the crime in some cases.  A good friend of my mom named Leda, now deceased, and was a sweet Jewish woman that believed in God but did not believe in Jesus.   I figure she committed 10 sins a day, the worst was probably gossip, or maybe pride.   So that is maybe 200,000 sins for a lifetime.   So, say she pays 100 years in Hell for each one.   She gets out in 20,000,000 years.  Not eternity.  So I don't think judgment is too harsh for Satan, for Judas, for Adolph Hitler, Edie Amin, Pal Pot, Joseph Stalin, Lenin . . . .  But for her?

Where are all the dead Christ-denying Jews?  In Hell, right?  Remarkable that the people that God chose to tell his message are all in Hell.

Do we really have salvation?  Then what about all those New Testament verses (hundreds) that claim we will never see the Kingdom of God.  Here are some:

Matthew 5:19  ¹⁹ Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven,

Matthew 5:20 ²⁰ For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:22 And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

Matthew 5:29-30 ²⁹ If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. ³⁰ And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

Matthew 5:48 ⁴⁸ Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Matthew 6:15 ¹⁵ But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Matthew 7:13-14 ¹³ “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. ¹⁴ But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Matthew 7:21-24 ²¹ “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. ²² Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ ²³ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

And what of Romans 2? ⁵ But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. ⁶ God “will repay each person according to what they have done.”^[a]

¹² All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law.

And Romans 3

¹⁰ As it is written:

“There is no one righteous, not even one;
¹¹     there is no one who understands;
    there is no one who seeks God.
¹² All have turned away,
    they have together become worthless;
there is no one who does good,
    not even one.”^[b]
13 “Their throats are open graves;
    their tongues practice deceit.”^[c]
“The poison of vipers is on their lips.”^[d]
14     “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”^[e]
15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
¹⁶     ruin and misery mark their ways,
¹⁷ and the way of peace they do not know.”^[f]
18     “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”^[g]

James 2 Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.

If all our chips are on the table with Jesus, James teaches that we should be able to see that.

I think I could find 100s of verses like this in the gospels.

Has everyone heard?  I think everyone has heard of God (Romans 1:20, Psalm 19), but you don't get a savior (Jesus) from nature.   So has everyone had a chance?  Maybe to experience God, but to know Jesus?  I don’t see that.

We Protestants and followers of Reformed Theology and the Westminster Confessions believe that Romans 8:29,30  and Ephesians 1:5, 11, teach the doctrine of limited atonement, that God has predestined some to be saved and some not. How is that fair?

We know that Moses and Elijah are in heaven (the transfiguration passage). Are all Jews "saved"?

Why do the Jehovah’s Witness claim only a limited number go to heaven?  200,000?

We believe Jesus is the only way to God.  What happens to all the good, God-loving, people-loving people who aren’t Christians?  Are all those people not going to Heaven?  People who have heard of Christ?  Those who have never heard of Christ?

There are many good people in the world who are good people, but who are not necessarily Christians.  They may be Jewish, Buddhist or no religion at all.  They, in some cases, may be better, kinder, more loving and generous people than some Christians.  Will they be welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven if they are great people but haven’t accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior?

Are we saved solely by the repentance of our sins, acceptance as Jesus as our savior and inviting Him to live in our hearts regardless of what church we are (ie. Catholic, Mormon, non denomination, etc.)? I have met incredible Mormons and Catholics who have an amazing heart for Jesus and strong relationship with God and yet some would say they are not saved based on additional beliefs they adhere to.

Is God in hell?  Where in the Bible does it say He is in hell other than David saying it in Psalm 139?

Are there degrees of Heaven and Hell?

What will Heaven be like?   Will we know people in Heaven that we knew on Earth?

Is Heaven right next to us – just another dimension we can’t see, like a veil?

We have always heard since we have attended church that we are saved by God’s grace.  Then we read the book “Unfinished” and it seems like there is more that is needed.  Which is it?  Is there more that we need to do than just accept Christ and follow him to get into the Kingdom?

Is the God of the Old Testament that annihilated Sodom and Gomorrah, nearly the entire human race in Noah's Flood, told Abraham to knife Isaac, etc. . . . .  a moral monster, and how do you defend that to a nonbeliever?   If the answer is that we should all read the book Is God a Moral Monster? – an excellent book by the way, how do we give an elevator speech version of that to an unbeliever, when we only have 5 minutes?

Is the God of the Old Testament different from the God of the New Testament? Israel was commanded by God to completely exterminate the Canaanite inhabitants of the land, including men, women and children. Jesus said "Love thy enemies".

In the second book of the Bible, Exodus 20:13, God commands His people not to murder. However, throughout the rest of the Old Testament, there are several occasions where God commands His people to go into a region and slaughter all the men, women and even the children, and acquire the land or leave it to ruin. Why is all this murder permitted?

How do I quiet my mind so that I can LISTEN to God?

Does God personally communicate with people now?  Prove it.  Argue it with me.

Why does the 2014 Christian church have it so completely wrong (and relativistic) about receiving private messages from God?  Is essence:

This message is against what the Bible teaches.  Read 1 Samuel 3: this is often used to justify that God speaks personally to Christians.  Some plead to discern the voice of God, audible or otherwise.   There are a lot of problems with this teaching.  Mostly, it is not what the Bible says.  Some particulars:

God probably does occasionally speak to humans.  It is RARE.  In the Bible it is rare too, and it becomes
increasingly rare throughout history.  Should we expect it? 

The Story of Samuel and Eli is not an example of a Christian listening for the voice of God at all.  It is exactly the opposite. Samuel didn’t recognize God at all; he repeatedly attributed God’s voice to someone else. 

Samuel was not a Christian or even a believer.  That support fails on every count.

Does the Bible teach that we must learn to discern the voice of the Lord individually for ourselves to live
optimal Christian lives?  No.

Are there incidents of God speaking?  Yes, but it is not the discipline of learning to discern the voice of the Lord for myself to live optimally as a Christian.

Does the Bible teach that we are to expect this kind of guidance?  No.

Does the Bible teach that the Holy Spirit regularly convicts us of right and wrong?  Sure.  That is Biblical.  But that is not what you were talking about.

Listening for the audible or ‘feeling’ word of God is a replacement for the hard work of studying the Bible and apologetics.  It is also a mistake to tell people that it is the primary route to God’s word.  That is wrong.  The primary route to God’s word is Scripture. 

The big problem here is the ‘relationship’ we are to have with God couched in 21^st century post modernism, where the focus is on the Christian, and not on God.   Listening for the voice of God should not be a replacement for the hard work of reading and understanding the Bible.

And finally, imagine how all the rest of us feel, who never hear the voice of God, but instead try to rely on the Bible and apologetics to learn to follow Him.  Just plain left out.

Why has the Christian church completely given up and has lost the culture war?   The number 2 topic in Christianity (the Number 1 topic being salvation through Jesus) should be apologetics and evangelism (Make disciples of all nations, You and an ambassador, always be ready to give a defense of the faith that is within you).  But the Christian church has largely (and if you take Jeff Lampl and the Discovery Institute and a few West Coast authors out of it), completely given up on defending the Bible and Christianity and God as Creator and Moral Law Giver.  Christians are lazy or weak or ignorant of the fact that this hands over culture to the media, Hollywood, the government, and science, and as a result, we end up with a president and a culture that is steeped in immorality: homosexuality, abortion, embryonic stem cell research, euthanasia, rights without obligation, sexual freedom, legal drug use, etc.   All because Christians have GIVEN UP.  This attitude is rampant in our church.  Issues that everyone should learn:

Is God real and how do you know, and why?

Is Jesus real and how do you know and why?

Who is keeping score? How do you know?

Is there absolute truth?  Why?

Is there hell?  Who goes there?  How do you know?

What about Hinduism, Shintoism Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, Jehovah’s Witnesses, LDS?  What about them?

What is faith?   It sure isn’t wishful thinking, and that is what most of NLPC members think.

How do we know that Christianity is true?

Did Jesus really live on this earth?  How do we know?

How do we know that the bible is true?

What is the source of truth, goodness, and beauty?  How do we know?

What will follow after this life and how do you know?

Did the resurrection really happen and how do you know?

Is Jesus the Only Way?

What about those that have never heard?

Is God good in the presence of evil and suffering?

Is Genesis 1 true?

Why does God allow/create/not stop disease, especially childhood disease?   There are kid cancers for example.  I understand why there is natural evil (we need weather) and people evil (free will), but where did disease come from?   I guess God wants to end our lives so we can go somewhere in eternity.  OK, fine, But what about childhood cancer.  Can’t we just plain outlaw that one?  Why does God not stop it?  Why did God create it?  De he?

If God has His loving eye on you and won’ let bad thing happen . . . . WHY DO BAD THINGS HAPPEN!?!?!
Sickness, Pain, suffering, Crime, Rape, Kidnapping, War, etc.

How can we understand “God works all things together for our good” when there are world-wide threats, horrible illnesses, and tragedies all around us. . . . how does that work for our good?  Somehow knowing it is a broken world and there is sin all around, doesn’t help reconcile that.

I recently found myself answering a friend’s questions about God, Jesus and faith.  Having recently read the book “Mere Christianity” in our home group, I feel I was able to provide meaningful answer to all but one question – How does a loving God allow a young child to suffer from cancer.  Simply describing freewill doesn’t explain where disease came from.

How can we understand “God works all things together for our good” when there are world-wide threats, horrible illnesses, and tragedies all around us . . . . how does that work for our good?  Somehow knowing it is a broken world and there is sin all around, doesn’t help reconcile that.

I recently found myself answering a friend’s questions about God, Jesus and faith.  Having recently read the book “Mere Christianity” in our home group, I feel I was able to provide meaningful answer to all but one question – How does a loving God allow a young child to suffer from cancer.  Simply describing freewill doesn’t explain where disease came from.

Why does God allow tragedy/disasters to happen to His people?  Many who are witnessed to and not ready to receive use this as a piece of resistance.  I would like to hear a message on this to be equipped when it is brought up.

If God is so loving and powerful, and all knowing, then why does he allow birth of evil people, sick infants, destructive leaders, children with disabilities, etc.?  If he knows the future, wouldn’t it be better for him not to permit their very conception?  Responsible married couples can’t conceive while reprobates continue to breed “successfully”.  Most of the world’s problems could be eliminated if the “catalysts” never even existed.  If God knows the future, then he knows the outcome and that salvation will never be accepted . . . . so why?

I heard this one last week from an atheist that is considering Christianity.  “God is the creator of everything. God created humans.  But it's human nature to sin. So where are sins coming from?  Why does God create us this way?  So human beings are determined to fight sinful nature with free will?  Then if we are successful, we can go to heaven with no sin?”

So often it seems that prayers aren’t answered or that a deep connection is not made until you reach a breaking point or time of great anguish – why?  

Why are people of some churches so mean and uncaring?   There are many nice ones, of course, but there is a plethora of clichés, gossips, slanderers, people who ruin other’s marriages, people who never say hello, and a huge lack of concern for the real problems people have.

Who designed complex parasites?  By the ID arguments, God did.  That is, if biology is information manifested through biochemistry, and it is, we get to claim what Genesis 1 says is true.  God created the animals and humans, and we can see this by science.  But we cannot be unfair – that is, we cannot take the good things (birds, tigers, lambs, kittens) and leave the bad things to the evolutionists.

Why are actions and/or social customs that are Major sins now (harems, etc.) overlooked as normal in biblical times?

The Old Testament makes numerous references to men having numerous wives, concubines, slaves.  I am not aware of Scripture that supports the chance to monogamy.  Please help.

When and how did we go from polygamy in the Old Testament to monogamy.  What caused the change?

Why in the New Testament is only 1 wife permitted, while in the OT there are countless examples of multiple women – furthermore God blessed them after the “adulterous” relations?  ie. Abraham, David.

Please address the current status of turmoil in the world and the “war of religion” that America faces.  Please include the serious danger of Sharia Law and its gradual advance into America and explain Christianity vs. Muslim, etc. and the way our media is portraying this as ‘no big deal’ when it is a huge danger and problem and now allow this to be so fearful that we do not discuss it.

I struggle with the balance of encouraging forgiveness of others and not judging others, but I don’t want my children to fall in with the wrong crowd and be drawn to “dark” things/ behaviors.  As you have said, “Hate the sin, love the sinner” is difficult to teach.    How do we do this?

We are taught and we choose to believe and forgive all, yet I cannot respect our President (Obama) nor can I respect those advocating and forcing us to “celebrate” homosexuality or transgender choices – why must we  be forced to respect and accept and celebrate these people with that choice?

Why are actions and/or social customs that are Major sins now (harems, etc.) overlooked as normal in biblical times?

If God knows all that is going to happen in one’s life and knows your thoughts, why pray?  How does prayer change anything that will  happen?  I pray to God to give people understanding, feel the Holy Spirit and know his comfort but not to change events.  How does prayer help?

In Matthew 10:1, Jesus calls the twelve disciples together and sends them out with the authority to drive out demons and heal diseases. Does Christianity believe this was a directive only for those twelve or does Christianity still believe we as believers are sent out with this directive by the power of the Holy Spirit? Why or why not?

Just Exactly What Does It Mean To "Abide" in Christ?  Practically speaking, how do I go about doing this? What does it look like? What about "Without Me, you can do nothing."?  When I serve or help, am I "abiding" for I surely am doing a Christian thing?  

How do I know when/how I am  "abiding"? What can I do to "abide" more/better/naturally? It's the word "abide" that is so strange . . . I suggest this because it drives home a critical issue . . . .  without Christ, I am really nothing now and at death, will become nothing.  

A secondary point that is so hard to really grasp and live out is that if I am "abiding" in Christ, then I have no need to worry, fret or be anxious (the corollary being that when I do worry, fret or am anxious, I am not "abiding" and the implication is that this is sin against God) . . .  . or even ask things like "If God is God, why do bad things happen to good people?" and that way you can stay away from that question!!  

I have always struggled with Mary and Martha! As a women and a mother, someone has to prepare the meals for everyone! And without anyone's help (been there-done that). And I get it that we can take on too much responsibility and miss God. I just STRUGGLE.  

Saved by grace by faith? OK, I get that because I can't possibly do that myself. Repent (OK, too, I've been bad and wrong and feel very bad), be baptized in the name of Christ, that makes sense and receive the Holy Spirit (wow! amazing!!) But I keep hearing about "Do you have a personal relation with Christ? or else you are not saved". What is that and how do I have a "personal relationship" with an invisible God-man who resides at the right hand of the Father (wherever that is) and who is in control of earth and who is reported to have defeated satan (but in-human disasters are mounting daily especially in the mid-East with abducted young girls and ISIS)
. . . . .  like in face of all this, how do I "explain" the Gospel to non-believers and get them to believe? So when I don't, I feel inadequate and unworthy . . . . .  what's wrong with me?  

I want my faith to be based on love for God, but I know that in reality it is based on fear - specifically fear of not going to heaven. How do you love God? Can you define your love for God? Will heaven be denied for those who believe, but not feel that they hold that love for God? I can't help but focus on the carrot - heaven and I can't seem to change my mindset. Please help! Thank you!

My question is about forgiveness. I know that Jesus wants us to forgive, but how you know that you have truly forgiven someone? If we do forgive those who have wronged us in some way, do we have to have a relationship with them? For example, if you have a parent who wasn't there for you and still isn't part of your life, does Jesus want you to forgive that person and try to have a relationship with them even though you may be hurt or your children may be hurt by them or just to forgive them?

Jesus taught us to ask for forgiveness. But, if forgiveness of everyone's sins happened on the cross and forgiveness is a done deal, then why do we need to ask to be forgiven? Scripture doesn't say anything about unforgiven sin keeping a soul from heaven . . . . only not accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior would do that, right?  THANKS for this opportunity to ask.

What is the significance of the OT, especially the first 5 book of Moses?
Was Noah's flood universal or local?
Is the book of Jonah an allegory?
Who is True Israel?
For whom did Christ die, Elect or the whole world?
What is Reprobation?
What is the difference between Salvation and Sanctification?
What are the Covenants and their significance to NT Believers?
What is the difference between Premil, Postmil and Amil?
When will Jesus return?
What is the purpose of miracles in the Bible, do they still exist and if so, how can we tell?
What is the Church's role in Civil Government?
What is tithing?
How are we to read, understand and apply the Bible, Hermeneutics?
Why are there so many different denominations?
What is the difference between Catholicism & Protestantism?
What is the most Biblical Christian denomination?
What is a Cult and who are they?
Angles and Demons: What/who are they and what is their role today?

Where did God come from?

Please speak on Romans 9 where Paul talks about the supremacy of God.  How do we reconcile this passage with John 3:16?  Does everyone have an opportunity for Salvation or are only a few predestined for eternal life?

Is it not simply more likely that Mary made up her story to avoid being stoned to death for premarital sex?

My husband heard something on NPR about how the writing  that became our Bible were chosen.  It must have challenged something inside of him.  He said everything is based on the King James version and he’s questioning.  Can you help?   Also what is LXX and Qumram?

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