A friend of mine posed a question about how they used to keep track of the years. We read that Adam was over 900 years old when he died. How did those keeping track of the years know this? I know in Genesis it says that the sun and the moon and the stars were there for signs and such…is this how they kept track of everyone’s number of years?

When I pray I almost always pray in my mind and not aloud. Is it necessary to pray aloud and does it make any difference? Also should you pray on your knees when praying? Is there any scripture to support any of this? I would like to be most effective when praying and should think it’s how sincere you are and what you’re praying for that counts.

I have a question about salvation that is basically about motives and where we place God. Should a person question their salvation if they do indeed love God, but a lot of the time love other things or people above Him? And what about when people first get converted, but their joy and delight are more in the benefit of being saved, than in God’s character in saving them. Because these motives are present, should a person question their salvation?

What is the full story about good works? I know Paul says in Romans 3, “there is none that doeth good”. I’ve also heard preachers talk how our works are as “filthy rags” before God. I know good works are completely out of the salvation equation, but was a little confused about how their can be good works if there is “none that doeth good”, and they are like “filthy rags”.

I know there are several verses that talk about not being friends with people who are unbelievers or who are living in sinful lifestyles. I have acquaintances that I spend short periods of time with occasionally who definitely live in ways completely opposite of how I would ever live. Some are homosexual and some are sexually promiscuous. But, when hard times hit, I am the one they always call and I point them to the truth of the scriptures and encourage them to change how they live. So, my question is, am I not permitted to be acquaintances with such people according to scripture?

One of your posts said that in preparing for tough times ahead, that we shouldn’t “horde” things, and that storing up food or supplies to last a year or two isn’t putting our trust in God. Since we see what we think is coming, shouldn’t we take these things as a warning to start “squirreling” away somethings for when times get worse? After all, Joseph was smart and helped Pharaoh store food for when the famine hit. If we make no preparations at all, isn’t that just asking to be enslaved even more when we see many signs in front of us that our economy is about to collapse?

John 14:2 (In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you) has puzzled me ever since I became a Christian in 2002. I asked my favorite Sunday School teacher the meaning of this scripture, and he said it had to do with permanence. But that still doesn’t explain Jesus’ reference to “many rooms” (or “mansions” in some translations). What are these rooms?

I believe Jesus died on the cross for our sins and I accept his Grace. I have been baptized and praise Him everyday. I try to be a good person, but know I am still a sinner. I am confused about the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues. I am unable to do so. What does this mean?

Would the archangel Michael be considered a “Perfect” being without blemish etc. and if so, could he have paid the penalty for our sins if he had come down in human form and lived a sinless, blameless life. This is of course what the Jehovah Witnesses believe. I do not believe that the Bible teaches this but I am curious as to your thoughts.

Why do I feel the need to ask God to save me over and over again? Am I really saved if I do this? I question my salvation because of this.