At a group discussion on goals of a church I mentioned helping others to develop a relationship with God. Our pastor stated that the Bible never mentions individuals establishing a relationship with God. He continued by saying relationships with God are established at a corporate (church) level. I told him the Spirit of God lives within me. He is my counselor and guide. I communicate with Him and He responds. That’s personal to me. What verses could I use to defend my position?

I don’t understand why in the Noah’s Ark story God destroyed every living thing on earth except for eight people and a bunch of animals just because people did not pray and remember Him? Could a Creator have the right to destroy creatures? Similarly, can parents take their child’s life when the child is not listening to them or showing proper respect to the parents?

When a person who has been leading a dissolute drug filled life absolutely can’t remember their young life when they attended church and had a possible salvation and baptism experience; what type of commitment would you advise them to follow to be certain of their salvation?

I always have a problem when it comes to explain holiness. I want to think it means not drinking, not smoking, etc. But deep down inside me there is something that tells me that the meaning of this word goes deeper than that. When I read 1 Peter 1:13-16 I thought I was going to get a detailed breakdown of what holiness means but didn’t. Can you please explain what Pater was saying?

I am very grateful for your ministry. I believe you have been gifted with insight and an ability to effectively communicate that glorifies our Lord Jesus Christ. I am fearful for family and friends who have a lukewarm knowledge that Jesus is the Son of God but do not see the urgency of needing to accept the Lord’s grace soon. What advice can you give me on making the issue more urgent to them?

In one of your answers about salvation you wrote the following: “The fact is some who think they’re saved are not, and some who fear they’re not saved will discover they are.” Who were you referring to?

I was reading another pre-tribulation site where the commentator referred to two dates. First he mentioned 1949 as the “Armistice” date and also referred to the land that was originally dispensed to the Jewish nation in 1948. I have always believed that 1948 is the reference point to determine the time the Lord will return. At another time I read something about 1947 being the actual official beginning of Israel and showed some official paper. What do you say about this?

I was wondering. Could the person who offers the sacrifices in the temple when it is rebuilt in Ezekiel 40-48 be the anti-Christ? I know that the Holy Spirit lives in me and I just can’t see the Lord having anyone sacrifice animals. I surely wont be sacrificing animals, to me it would be an abomination.

Thank you again for your wonderful website. I have been reading your teachings for over a year now, and telling everyone I know about you. I hope I am not overstepping a line when I refer to you as my Bible teacher. I am wondering how you interpret “gathered together in my name”? When two or more Christians get together, is Jesus with them even if they only get together for lunch or something? Or do they specifically have to come together to worship Him or pray for spiritual insight, for Jesus to be there?

The reason I ask this is because I am taking piano lessons for the purpose of praising the Lord. My piano teacher is a Christian also and she knows why I want to learn. We are working so that eventually I will be able to praise the Lord through music, but we are not specifically worshiping Him or seeking guidance. Though the Holy Spirit is already sealed within our hearts, would I be reading to much into the scripture if I thought Jesus was there with us?

First of all I thank you for your ministry. I appreciate all the biblically sound articles and answers.

My question may sound off the path of the questions you normally answer. The other night in a Wednesday night church service a man brought his girlfriend to the service. She had never been there before. The woman was so drunk that she could barely walk and she was stumbling and tripping all over the sanctuary. During worship shortly after the service began she left the church and went and sat in her car honking the horn. She would honk the horn for a few minutes, then stop, then start again.

My first thoughts were to pray for her which I did during the service. I also thought that it was good for her to have least come for a few minutes. Then a few days later I just thought this was not right, that she should not of been in church so drunk she never would of remembered a thing. I don’t want to seem un-compassionate or hard hearted but I am not sure if this is respectful to our Lord to have someone carrying on like she did. I would greatly respect your opinion.