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.

I’ve told my daughter, who is 15, that Satan has access to God right now, and has to ask to do things to people…siting the book of Job, where he asked God if he could test him. Is that correct? Then my daughter asked “Why would God ever say yes to him, to allow him to do bad things to people?” That stumps me. Can you help?

I have failed miserably over the years as a Christian. As Jesus said Anyone who wants to follow Him must deny himself and pick up his cross. I know I do not measure up. Maybe here and there I’ve really tried to do the Lord’s will but then I fail again. I used to work as an Lpn in a hospital. I’m disabled now. I didn’t confront my co workers and ask them did they know Jesus as their Savior because I didn’t want to make waves. Is this being ashamed of the Lord? If it is, will He tell me to depart from Him? I more then anything want to be like Jesus now. But now I am house bound. I only see my husband and son. I have just made an effort to start a web site telling people that God’s gift of Salvation is Free because this Lordship Salvation disturbs me terribly. I want other Christians to realize that our salvation is a free gift and can’t be earned by anything we do but I am still terribly afraid I haven’t denied myself enough. I haven’t picked up my cross when I should have. I am very upset and all I can do is beg the Lord’s forgiveness for being such a poor witness during my life as a Christian. Please let me know what you think about what I’ve written and thank you again for your help.

I was sexually abused when I was 13, I’m 24 now, and I’m still having trouble ‘getting over’ it. I know eventually Christ will erase all pain associated with the abuse, but right now I’m suffering from the memory of what was done to me. Are there any bible verses that will help me get through the tougher days?

Exodus 33:11 says that the LORD spoke with Moses face-to-face, as a man speaks to his friend. Yet, in the same chapter in verse 20, it says “You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live”. Is this a Bible error? Please explain.

In response to the last post about “Aren’t All Miracles From God?” I was wondering how does this fit in with when the Bible says “Every good thing comes down from the Father of Lights…” And in line with that also thinking, I have heard people say that riches and an easy life can be given to people as a curse/judgment from God. Thinking that, you know, hardship and trials brings out stronger character in us.