I would like to know your thoughts on natural disasters. If God is omnipotent and omni-benevolent, why would he allow people, including children, to perish in natural disasters? I know we live in an imperfect world, but surely an all-powerful God could stop these things from happening.

I’ve got a question, probably unanswerable, about our roles in eternity. My understanding is that believers will be assisting the Lord in governing in, what…earth, New Jerusalem? But, at that time, won’t everything be perfect? Who and what are we supposed to govern? How can you fix something that isn’t broken? I’m told our roles are kings and priests, but again, kings over what/who and what does a priest do?

I always heard that Isaiah 7:14 refers to the prophecy fulfilled by Jesus Christ himself, since He is Immanuel – God with us. But then, the context of the chapter and paragraph gives specific description of something that couldn’t refer to Jesus. The very next verse said: … when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose right… and so on. And then, Isaiah mentions Assyria. How can you explain that? Does he talk about separate events?

You’re always very honest in answering everyone’s questions, so I need yet another honest answer from you. My wife and I have two girls (ages 8 and 6), and we made the mistake of allowing Santa Claus to be “real” to them. Now that the oldest is starting to figure out truth from fiction, it won’t be long before the truth about Santa comes up. When it does, how do we explain that Santa’s not real….but Jesus is? We are a family of believers, so the girls have been taught about Jesus throughout their short lives. Unfortunately, they’ve believed in Santa this whole time, too. So how do we tell them the truth without jeopardizing the reality of Jesus?

I have been a Christian for years. I prayed to accept God and jumped into ministry right after. I heard God through whispers, countless blessings, and saw Him at work. I even brought a coworker to Christ. Then I fell on hard times, and over a period of years fell away from Him. I stopped reading and praying and turned my back on Him. I cursed at Him and questioned if I ever knew him. My heart feels empty and cold and lonely now. My soul is in anguish for what I have done. God brought me to Hebrews 6, 10, and several other passages that spoke of the dangers in falling away. I don’t know what I am now. I know God is there, but I know that I denied Him. I question if I ever knew Him. It seems to be either that, or I was a believer who didn’t maintain fellowship and let sin overtake me to the point that I disgraced God, and He left me. What do I do now? What does this all mean in terms of scripture?

Why is it important that Jesus sit at the right hand of God the father? There seem to be a lot of verses that talk about the right hand, why?

Re: Will I Be Left Behind Because Of My Habits? I read in this article you state “the Bible doesn’t mention drug use” I agree 110% that the only requirement for salvation and being part of the rapture is believe alone, by faith alone and by Christ alone. 1 Thes 4:14 says if we believe that Jesus died & rose again we’re in. However, the Greek word translated sorcery in Gal 5:19-21 is “pharmakeia” where we get the English word pharmacy. It’s talking about drugs.

Could you explain James 2:19 in relation to salvation and works? I’ve heard many use this verse to say “see, just believing isn’t enough for salvation because the demons believe and aren’t saved”. They say your fruit is indicated by your “works”. Can you put this into proper perspective?

Can you please explain the scripture “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thy house” from Acts 16:31?

A patient and I were discussing the plight of a little girl I’m also treating who recently had major surgery and then 10 days later was rushed back to the hospital for an emergency appendectomy. His response was this.

“That poor girl…I’ll never understand what God has in mind with all the pain and suffering the young have to endure. Who could ignore the cries of a child? It seems like we’ve been forgotten and he’s moved on to another project.”

I know he’s not a believer. How can I respond to this in a way that could perhaps change that?