Not to belabor the point, but: Belief that God is the one true God and Jesus is his son who died for our sins and rose again–believing that we are sinners in need of a savior and asking Jesus to save us–that’s ALL that’s required for salvation, right? So, the question is–all the other stuff that people read, interpret, come to believe as doctrine, or accept as fact is separate and apart from that basic requirement of belief and acceptance, isn’t it? No matter how wrong we end up getting everything else, as long as we meet the most basic requirement of our faith–which is belief–we’re saved, right?

This past Christmas we had several friends and family over to celebrate the holiday.

After the Christmas meal, it was decided to have the Lord’s Supper. I, as head of household, officiated the event. Everyone took part in it except my mother-in-law.

Come to find out from my wife recently, the reason why she abstained was she wanted to know “where I had the audacity to perform the Lords Supper in my own home without having a legally licensed pastor officiating the ceremony.”

Anyway, do you know off the top of your head where the Bible states that I, as head of household, have the authority as Jesus did to perform such ceremonies as well as “cast out demons, claim my territory over my family from evil, etc…”

In these last days I’ve been trying to live according to God’s will, and I’ve been blessed because of it. I’m struggling with one thing though, and that’s dependence on pot. I smoke almost every day – especially this time of year when I am prone to bouts of severe depression and anxiety. It’s the only thing that helps. I asked a brother about it, and he said that we should live not only according to God’s law, but to that of society as well. He suggested that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and smoking may be harmful to to our health, thus sinful to God. I want to know how God feels about it. Is smoking pot a sin?

After reading your commentary on Hebrews (which in my opinion is your best one yet) a question came to mind. In Hebrews 11:39-40, the writer says “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.” When it says “only together with us would they be made perfect” doesn’t that hint at the old testament believers being resurrected along with the church at the rapture?

Normally, I see old testament believers being resurrected at the end of the tribulation along with martyred tribulation saints since that is where Daniel seems to put the resurrection. However, the Hebrews passage seems to say that old testament saints are “made perfect” along with church believers. Why the apparent contradiction?

My question is: what are some things we can do as laypersons to counter or protect ourselves from being misled by these so-called factual shows on TV?

I know turning off the TV is probably number 1 on the list but these shows prove that people have a thirst for Biblical knowledge especially as it concerns end time prophecy. How can they protect themselves so that shows that say “Jesus was probably not a carpenter” will not cause them to question their faith or the truths in Gods word?

If we’re saved by grace alone, why do we need to believe in Christ? Doesn’t grace alone mean all people should be saved regardless of their response? Isn’t the act of believing a “work” in itself?

Also, why did Jesus leave earth after he was raised from the dead? I think if he had stayed it would have allowed more people to believe and be saved. It seems to me that the information about being saved is not clear enough for many people to understand. But perhaps that is the plan- to only save a small percentage?

My question about the meaning of “losing one’s faith,” as opposed to having doubts, has come to the forefront again. It relates to the reader’s question, and your response, to how a minister of the Gospel can be “left behind.”

I believe our Lord’s death fully satisfies God’s requirement for perfect justice. I believe His resurrection proves the Father’s acceptance of His sacrifice in that respect. I believe it is the only thing that does meet that requirement. There is no other way to live in the eternal presence of God.

I know God will not deceive me. But, I know, also, that scripture is full of examples where He has allowed men to deceive themselves. So, what is the difference between believing and trembling, as the devils do, and believing and being saved, as the Church does? Are the “left behind” preachers/teachers “certain” they are saved? Will they be truly surprised when they don’t go up in the Rapture?

Will Jesus tell me that He never knew me? How can I be certain, despite my acknowledgment of my sins and my prayers for forgiveness in Jesus’ name, that, somehow, what I have done, am doing, is genuine enough? God does not tell me. He has never given me the Blessed Assurance despite my prayers for more than 60 years.

I am unable, so far, to overcome my doubts, not in His promises, but in my self. How can I “let go and let God”?

Thank you for this website. It has been very helpful in my relationship with Christ!

I have a question about my mother. She is currently living with her fiance and she says that there is nothing wrong with living with him because they are not having sex. What does the Bible say about things like this? Is is okay for her to live with him? She says that she has committed no sin. Is she right? Thank you very much and God bless you, your family, and organization.

I have read your teachings on union & fellowship with the Lord when it comes to confessing our sins. I am a born again believer and I am secure in my salvation.

When we confess our sins to the Lord does he acknowledge it if I ask Him to forgive me for “all of my sins” up to this point daily or is important to Him that we confess each “individual” sin before we can be back in fellowship with Him?

I guess what I’m asking is a “blanket confession” (all inclusive) acceptable to the Lord or does He require us to be specific?

I was going through Matthew 10: 5-16 and I wondered… Is this a passage just referring to the disciples, or all of his followers to this day?