Thank you for this ministry! I love reading the questions and answers. I read your articles regarding alcohol and I agree that the Bible does not say we can’t drink alcohol as long as we don’t sin as a result. My problem is this: My pastors require anyone in leadership to sign a covenant stating they will not smoke, drink alcohol, or watch movies “not pleasing to the Lord”.

I am the prayer coordinator at my church. My pastor is a recovered alcoholic. It seems their concern is what “others would think if they saw a leader drinking” I agree, I should not drink in his presence, or maybe even in public, but I think he is making a personal conviction into a doctrine, and I am struggling with the issue of submitting in this area. God bless you and thank you!

I have a question that will likely be easy for you to answer but I am going to ask anyway. In John, the man who ate with and saw Jesus says that no man has seen the face of God. In light of the fact that I have been taught that Jesus was fully man and fully God, how does John’s statement play out?

I have been reading your articles, and have learned much from you. I co-teach a Men’s bible study every two weeks and this year we decided to study God’s word without using a study guide. My turn is coming up (probably be four sessions) I felt lead to study Psalm 91. I personally believe that this is God’s direct word of protection to and over me and my family. But, when faced with teaching and open discussion I know that the men will ask questions such as: Why do good Christian people get sick, hurt, and so on. What are your thoughts on this?

I’m an avid reader of your website and a firm believer in the sufficiency of Christ’s work on the cross. However, I’m confused on John chapter 15, where in verse 2 Jesus says, ” He (The Father) cuts off every branch in me (Jesus) that bears no fruit…” Then in verse 6, Jesus goes on to say, “If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” This verse does not sound like a “fellowship” verse to me.

On the surface John 15:2 appears as a strong encouragement to the disciples to remain in fellowship with, or rather remain in Christ’s love. But what are the consequences of not remaining in His love? Do we lose our salvation?

Every picture of Jesus we see with long hair and beard. Was there any evidence found to this effect?

I have something of a personal issue – my history class is discussing the Crusades, and, naturally, the Catholics are being cast in a rather negative light. However, they are being labeled as Christians, which, while to us, would cause an issue, the non-Christians (or the uninformed) have no qualms about it.

To add to the issue, my teacher (who is Jewish, although to what degree of devoutness I’m not sure) tells the class that there were “only two branches of Christianity” back in those times, Catholic and Orthodox; thus, they should all be labeled as “Christians” as opposed to Catholics or Orthodox in particular.

So, my question is, how do I solve this problem without looking like I’m trying to convert the class? Due to the situation about the Catholics being so forward about their religion, it wouldn’t be a good time to come off as a pushy, self-righteous Christian.

Honestly, I grieve at the entire thing – what’s the solution?

Reading the Old Testament, I wonder how God could call these men good. There isn’t one of them that doesn’t break His law and usually in a profound way. Take David (A man after God’s own heart) for instance; He not only broke the commandments about covetousness and adultery, but murder as well. Yet God honored Him highly. Oh yes I know David’s heart was for God, yet I read of no sacrifices from David for atonement. Am I missing something about the Law and the great men of the Bible? What is a person to think?

Recently I heard a sermon on YouTube in which the speaker pointed out that Christian behavior must change in the course of a Christian life, because the Bible states that unless we pursue holiness we won’t see Jesus Christ. The Bible reference he gave was Heb.12:14. To me this seems to contradict the position that repentance is only a change of mind and not behavior. I am aware of the fact that if you are sincere about changing your mind, it will not be long until also your behavior will change. Some things however, like deeply engraved habitual sin or even addictions, are very resilient and don’t change easily. So what do I need to tell myself and others who ask me?

Why is Jesus called the Lamb of God? John 1:29 “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” Rev 5:6 ” Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne.”

And why is He called the Lion of Judah? Revelation 5: 5 Then one of the elders said to me “Do not weep! See, the LION of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals”.

One of my sons almost died when he was 5 due to extremely high fever which lasted 3 days. It affected his learning ability. He can learn but at an extremely slow pace. He says that what he has learned of the bible is from the preachers and me. He loves the Lord and is extremely faithful to Him. Recently someone he met told him that he had to read the bible himself or the word wasn’t his nor his salvation. Also that he should speak Hebrew. What kind of church has those beliefs and do you believe that is so? He is in his 50s and has led a Christian life for many years.