What’s The Lord Telling Me?
Published: July 16, 2009I have a question about giving. A couple years ago, my wife and I prayed about an opportunity that would enable us to give more to the Lord. We looked into a small business opportunity that she could run while I maintained my full time job. We prayed about this endeavor and felt the green light to move forward. This was two years ago. Since that time, we haven’t made any money in the business. In church this morning, I felt the Lord tug at my heart and ask me to trust Him with the income from that small business even though it’s not making money. If I do this it will mean there will be some business bills I can’t pay right away. Do you think the Lord is waiting for me to start giving from the business revenue before the business prospers?
Why Am I Still Alive?
Published: July 21, 2009I am 71 years old, a Christian since age 10. I never asked to be born, I wish I hadn’t been born—having suffered from depression all my life. How can God condemn me or someone like me to hell. I don’t want to live—-I didn’t want to be born– yet here I am living and if I wasn’t a Christian I would be condemned to hell. If I had not had a Christian upbringing, I would commit suicide, but do not believe that is right. I have never understood why someone who doesn’t want to live has to live. I have prayed numerous times at night not to wake up, but I wake up and have to face a new day each day.
Why Did God Go To Sodom And Gomorrah?
Published: July 26, 2009I have a question about Psalm 33 and Genesis 18. In Psalm 33 it states that God sees all of mankind from Heaven. He is able to view and know every man and woman’s thoughts, feelings, etc. There are a number of other places that say as much as well, this is just the one I remembered the book and chapter for. But in Genesis 18:20-21 He says that He is going down to look at Sodom and Gomorrah to see if the sin and wickedness are as bad as the outcry that has reached Him. My question is, why? Why would He need to go and see in person when He can see from Heaven?
Ezekiel’s Wheels
Published: July 27, 2009I have a question on Wheels with eyes in Ezekiel 1:15-21. While I was studying Ezekiel I came across this, and was completely perplexed. I think most of the commentators are too, because the 2 commentaries I’ve read, don’t have anything to say about it really, except that the rims full of eyes symbolize the all seeing nature of God. So, my question is, what are the wheels, what do they symbolize, what significance do they have in the passage?
Christian Duty Vs. Modern Medicine
Published: July 31, 2009You have been good to answer so many of my questions. I have been involved with a kind man who has been renting a cabin on my land. Of late he has lost his job due to his boss dying. His mental state has been very odd and he seems to have delusions as to some things that happened in the military. How does God want us to deal with this kind of thing?
How do we compare our Christian duty with modern medical psychotherapy structures? Didn’t Jesus heal minds? Why would God put a man in this condition? My friend says he wants to be healed, and he has confessed Christ. Please help me understand.
Forgiveness
Published: July 14, 2009I have a question regarding forgiveness. Is there a reference in the bible that tells us that we are not to forgive a believer that is backsliding until he/she first repents? What does the Bible say about forgiveness and a backslider? How are we to treat them?
Also, if a member of the church falls deeply into sin, is it to be announced to the whole church that they are in sin, and that they refuse to repent? I have been hearing things like this recently at church and I am not sure that I completely agree with my pastors idea on the subject.
Guardian Angels
Published: July 22, 2009When a baby stares fixedly at a corner of the room, my mother-in-law always said a tiny infant was looking at his Guardian Angel, whom he could see clearly. Who knows? Wasn’t Elijah’s servant allowed to see the Host of Heaven arrayed for battle?
Of late, and when I remember to do it, I have taken to asking God to send an angel to watch over me when I find I am being distracted in prayer or reading scripture. It seems to work. Placebo effect?
Do all Christians, even adults, have a Guardian Angel? What does scripture say about it? I need all the help I can get.
Can We Quit Believing?
Published: July 24, 2009Some say that every time the word believe is used in Scripture it means to continuously believe. They take this to mean if you quit believing, you are not continuously believing, and that one day you will no longer be saved. Can a true Christian really quit believing? I could see that in a human sense something MIGHT happen to make someone quit believing Christ and yet in my very heart I just don’t see how someone who really believes would ever quit.
The New Jerusalem?
Published: July 15, 2009Thank you for taking time to answer questions and working so hard with your website! I have something I have been wondering about: when you say that the new city of Jerusalem will probably orbit just above the earth, what scriptures can you find to show this point of view? I can remember one about John saying that the city came down from heaven but he never said that it landed on earth. Can you help me find some more please?
OSAS The Whole Story, Follow Up
Published: July 17, 2009I use many of your topical studies for lessons at one of our state prisons. Right now, I am taking them through the topic study “OSAS The Whole Story”. I understand that all gifts are free, unearned, and cannot be lost. Can I then assume that all prizes, crowns, and rewards are subject to “testing by fire”, as found in 1st Corinthians 3:13-15? Also, are Fellowship and Relationship the same or different?
Your lessons are a Godsend to my Ministry. I praise God for sending you to help the many folks that seek your help.