With all the talk about guns lately, it is making me wonder if we should get one. What do you consider to be the biblical perspective of a Christian having a gun for protection purposes?

I was reading through James and stumbled upon James 4:4. I’ve been taught that having possessions and hobbies are okay, as long as they don’t become the center of my life and get in the way between me and God. But after reading this verse, I’ve found anything I do for fun to be a bit disconcerting. I know in all things I should act for the Lord, but if I’m just playing a sport or watching a movie, I find it hard to connect that with God in some way; it seems impossible. I was hoping for your respected opinion on this matter.

I was born again five years ago and I’ve told my friends and family about Jesus, the coming rapture and all that. I’ve also given out tons of tracts to strangers. I’ve written articles online and posted them in high-traffic areas. I’ve prayed for people I know who are unbelievers, to come to Christ. But as far as I can tell, nobody has! Am I doing something wrong? Maybe I’m not really a watchman after all?

If we are all descendants of Noah’s sons, how is it there are many cultures where the disparity of knowledge is so vast? How would it be possible to “forget’ the basics of a culture one came from when it would have been everyday practicality? How would people change so much, and in such a short time?

Last year, I was in a relationship that I truly regret. Even to this day, I don’t know if I have fully forgiven my ex-boyfriend in my heart. I still feel anger and regret whenever I see him. When I reflect on myself, I am disgusted that I am no better and am just as much a sinner as he is. Because this relationship led me to so much sin, I feel so far away from Jesus. I still feel pain and disgrace every time I think about it. But I want to forgive him because I want to be forgiven by God. What can I do?

Thank you again for your ministry, you have helped us to rightly discern God’s truths. I have a relative who is a fairly new Christian, and who wants to understand Scripture NOW, right now, and when he doesn’t, he has a tendency to think that it’s because the Bible too vague in place and some of it doesn’t really apply anymore, or is not true. He professes his faith in the LORD, but hasn’t yet done any in-depth Bible study. What do you recommend?

My question is: Why is 1 John 5:7 which is in the KJV not included in most other translations?

I have a significant problem concerning forgiveness. I forgave my brother for believing a lie that was told by my stepfather, who since passed away. Although this happened several years ago, my brother does not want any contact with me because he thinks I’m the one who lied. I have tried to reconcile on several occasions and he has refused all my attempts. I have had Christ in my heart for 30 plus years. I look forward to his coming soon. What happens if we can’t reconcile the situation? I want to be able to come home with the Lord. If I have been faithful and true will that still happen?

I am disturbed by your articles regarding habitual sinners in heaven. My first thought was, “Then what is the point of Jesus sacrifice if we can’t be overcomers?” I personally through the power of the Holy Spirit’s work in me (not my own power) have overcome alcoholism, fornication, and smoking. These took many years of struggle but the work of God in my life did it. So my thought is that if Jesus can do this for me, he will do it for anyone as they persevere.

I have a question regarding the church’s role in end times and millennium. In Hebrew the word church means ekklesia or ‘the called out assembly” and the Lord refers to the assembly/congregation many times in the OT ie Gen 48:4, Ex 16:3, I Sam 17:47 and many more. So doesn’t that mean there has always been a ‘church’ under the Hebrew title of assembly so it’s not exclusively us believers now?