In Matt. 6:31-33 Jesus said we are to seek the Kingdom first, then all these things will be added to us. But isn’t there a little more to it than just being hopeful for the things of the Kingdom? Shouldn’t we be concerned about our Spiritual growth too? It is almost like some people are so excited for Christ’s return they don’t see the need to address Spirituality in this life, or does that just take care of itself as we focus on Jesus’ return? Jesus told us to “Occupy till I come.” Doesn’t that also mean we are to live life, plan, enjoy His blessings, while we build a strong relationship with Him, still putting Him first?

The new man in Christ does not have a sinful nature. When you received Christ, you were also circumcised by putting away your sinful nature. Human hands didn’t circumcise you. Christ did. – Col.2:11. It’s possible in a moment of weakness to fall back to Romans 7 and live as though we still have a sin nature, but we can decide to live in Romans 8 because we don’t really have one.

Why does God allow the enemy to inhibit, prevent, stall, interrupt, interfere with, His work on Earth. Paul mentioned that he had wanted to go somewhere but the devil had stopped him. Why does God allow this?

As a new Christian, I was taught that when we become a Christian God gives us a special gift to use for his honor and glory. Is it true that God gives us a specific gift other than, of course, the gift of the Holy Spirit within us? I think that if we’re allowed to ask the Lord questions when we get to heaven, my first question will be “Lord, what was my gift” because I’ve totally missed it in this life.

I just watched a TV series that tried to link historical records and archaeology findings to the old testament’s first five books. They interviewed prominent scholars from well known Universities. Their conclusions are deeply troubling for me. The program tried to prove that the Bible has little factual history and many of its accounts are nothing more than folktales and myths. How can we Christians rebuke these outrageous theories?

Thanks for the continued good work. Please explain Gen.49:10 … The scepter shall not depart from Judah … I have read somewhere that this refers in some way to the Roman occupation of Judea at the time of Christ’s coming.

I am a believer. I am eagerly looking forward to meeting the Lord in person, face to face.

Until that day arrives I am curious as to how to grow my relationship with the Lord. It appears that my communication with him is one way (me talking to, and listening for him). To date, (although I feel that I am listening) I have not heard anything but silence. Effective two-way communication seems to be essential in getting to know God. I don’t see any substitute. I am asking for help in this matter. I appreciate your time. Thanks.

I have read in one of your previous posts that if we continually ignore the Holy Spirit’s guidance we will lose the ability to hear him. I believe this is called quenching the Spirit and it bothers me for obvious reasons. If someone did indeed quench the spirit is that a permanent event or can it be restored by restoring our fellowship with God?

Thank you so much for your continued help and guidance. My question is about the significance of Jacob’s wrestling match in the book of Genesis. Was the angel he was wrestling a theophany? What was the significance of the wrestling and the length of the wrestling and the crippling of his hip afterward? Thanks as always.

I read your article yesterday, What Is Sin. It was amazing! I agree with you 100%.

My question to you though is about churches in our times now. We appear to have become very tolerant of sin in people who call themselves Christians and members of our churches. I see so many who regularly attend but who continue to live in sin with boyfriends (for years and years and continue doing it). That is just one example but I think you know what I mean.

You are dead-on right about judging others but are we also supposed to hold one another accountable? I read an article on the Drudge Report tonight about a church in Jacksonville, Florida who are using 18:17 to announce the sins of a particular woman in their congregation to the entire church. It seems a bit rough to me because where does grace fall into any of this? I think there is a fine line between grace and tolerance. What I’m seeing more and more are congregations of people coming to play church and not devoting themselves to the obedience of Jesus Christ. (yes, believe me, no one knows better than me about the plank in my own eye).

I guess what I’m asking is how do we call our churches back to obedience? It seems to me that we have a form of Godliness but lack the power thereof. I fear for the church in these times. I’d be interested to know what you think about this. Thank you so much for your time and may God richly bless you!