I have a follow up question concerning Why didn’t God prevent what happened on 9/11?

You said, and may I say rather eloquently, that God certainly had no reason to prevent what happened on 9/11 as America, our country, has in so many words told God to Get Lost. So He has. I think I may assume that there must of been some born again Christians working that day in at least one of the twin towers. And I think I can safely assume that there were probably more then ten born again Christians working that day.

Concerning the story of Sodom and Gomorrah and their destruction. The pre-incarnate Jesus Christ visited Abraham and during that time Abraham finally asked if there were at least ten righteous people living in that city would God destroy it. And the answer was no, if there were ten righteous people God would not destroy it.

Do you think I can assume there were at least ten righteous people in the Twin Towers the day they were destroyed? And if I can assume this, why then did God allow the Twin Towers to be destroyed? And to carry this a little further, I would suppose it is of no use to pray that God protect those Christians living in America right now as we live in a country that not only has told God to Get Lost but are also very likely about to elect a Muslim President. I would say it would be a very good idea to be sure every day we ask for forgiveness for all our sins since fire and brimstone are right around the corner.

If what you are saying about God’s desire to heal everyone of their illness is true … if a lack of faith is the only thing that prevents God from accomplishing this … then the efforts of all the doctors and nurses throughout all of history have served only to undermine God’s divine plan for healing sick believers. So when I (as part of my nursing duties) educate my patients about their disease process and what they can expect in its progression, I destroy their faith and subsequently any chance of my patients overcoming cancer, end-stage heart disease, liver failure, kidney failure, Lou Gherig’s disease and a host of other fatal illnesses.

I became a nurse to help people through a very difficult time in their lives but if what you are saying is true, then I am worse than a murderer. Instead of a gun or a knife, I use my compassion and (until now) what I thought was my God-given abilities as a nurse to ease suffering … as weapons to tear down someone’s faith so that they cannot receive God’s healing. What now?

I don’t understand a reply you gave about word of faith teaching. You said : “Word of Faith” or “Positive Confession” as it’s also known is the belief that that faith works like a mighty power or force. Through faith, we can obtain anything we want — health, wealth, success, whatever. However, this force is only released through the spoken word. As we speak the words of faith, power is discharged to accomplish our desires. This view is Scripturally sound, as far as it goes.” I don’t believe that faith works like a force, this is not what the Bible teaches as far as I know. Is it not faith in the person of God that brings the answer to our requests and not faith in some power or force? Faith of itself is not a power. Don’t these wrong teachings about faith come from the heretical beliefs of false religions such as Christian science? I cannot see how you can say these views are scripturally sound in any fashion. This view does not allow for a sovereign God in my understanding of it. The way it is taught, God must obey our every request. Could you comment further on this and clear up my misunderstanding?

Thank you for your website. You are gifted in scripture and help us who are not in a greater understanding of God’s Word. I praise God for your service.

I am interested in a better understanding of your position on prayer and healing. I am understanding you to say that for physical healing to happen all that is needed is prayer given in full faith of that healing. While I believe that God is willing to heal and the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective (James 5:16), I also believe that there are consequences to our actions. A lifetime of bad habits such as alcohol, smoking, overeating, excessive sports (wearing out the body) come with consequences. Even the genetics passed through our family determine our physical health.

These things are all characteristic of a fallen world, and while God is perfectly capable of healing them and he does on occasion for His glory, I don’t see were great faith will wipe out the consequences of our actions. Salvation yes, sanctification yes, peace with God yes, but not always complete physical healing. His grace is sufficient whether I’m healed of physical ailment or not. I’m not being antagonistic to your belief, just trying to better understand it.

You make an astounding statement at the conclusion of the above article: “The Bible doesn’t really give a final destiny for anyone because it ends at the end of the Millennium, just when eternity is beginning.” May I, and countless others, beg to differ?

If you will read Rev. 21:1, it begins with “and” indicating continuation from the previous statement, in which the Great White Throne (GWT) judgment has occurred. When, in your estimation, would the GWT judgment have occurred? When else but at the conclusion of the Millennium? Rev 21 goes on to describe what happens now – “no more death,…crying…or pain” When all these things would still be occurring during the Millennium. It goes on to describe the holy city and its characteristics, and the final state of the believers -“and they shall see His face…and His servants shall serve Him… .. they shall reign for ever and ever.” How can you say that the Bible is silent on this question? Compared to your needless adherence to the discredited Gap theory, and of course, the pre-trib rapture, this is rather small, but it’s a doozy. Wake up, bro!

I’m confused when it comes to a church and tithing. We are being preached to on tithing (giving our 10% to the church) as if its something that will qualify us for eternity. You get such teaching even from TV. I’m having confusion when my thanks giving to God would be limited to 10% to the church (according to the preaching we often get in our area) hence I’m inquiring this from you.

Please explain it to me. Do I have to give tithing (10%) strictly to my church as a thanks giving to God or its fine if I give generously and exceedingly to the destitute. I ask this because I hear preachings all over about tithing to your church but not enough clarity is given to the relationship between generous giving to the impoverished and tithing (10%) to your church. Secondly, please tell me if its fine for me to give generously to the houses of impoverished on monthly basis (or as often as I can) rather than limiting my giving to 10% tithing?

I’ve heard just about every point of view concerning the Church’s whereabouts before, during and after the War of Gog/Magog, and I came to the conclusion that the Church would almost have to have been raptured beforehand. As I understand it, God would turn to Israel after the departure of the Church. It certainly appears that the time is approaching, with Russia forging its way towards Turkey and ultimately Israel, and Turkey growing impatient at the EU’s stalling of Turkey’s request of EU membership, as well as Russia’s growing aggression throughout the Med. What are your thoughts on this?

Jesus knew full-well the necessity of His approaching death on the cross. However, the humanity of Jesus was afraid of the pain, shame and separation from God that He would face on Golgotha. He prayed for “this cup” to be taken away from Him if possible … but unlike most humans Jesus added, “nevertheless, Your will be done” Thankfully, for us, God’s will was done.

I think that in saying that, Jesus gave us an example to follow. Even if we don’t get our prayers answered the way that we want in the most dire of situations, we have to understand that if we submit to God’s will then the outcome will be in our best interest. There might be a greater blessing is store for us that could only be realized through that illness, death or difficulty. There might be someone nearby who needs to learn how to care for others in need. The limitations place on us by physical disability might teach us to depend more on God’s provision. God can see the big picture.

History shows us that because of the condition of this fallen world,(except for Enoch and Elijah) we all will face hardship, illness and eventually death (short of the Rapture) regardless of our faith and our prayers.

I want to thank you for your web site. It has been a great blessing and it has given me a better understanding on scripture that otherwise I would not have understood.

I know that I must take my problem to the Lord in prayer, and I have, I just want some advice from you on my situation. My husband ( who is a new believer) I believe has an addiction to prescription drugs. Last year he went through back surgery, but before his surgery, his pain he said, came from his knee, his head, or some other place. He has been taking pain medicine before his surgery. Since I met my husband he has taken over the counter sleeping pills. And I know now he combines these with his prescribed pain medicine. I am sure he does not tell the Dr. he takes sleeping pills. But he continues using his pain killers for his back. He insists the Dr. knows what he is doing therefore it is ok for him to take. The medicine has affected all of us. He is always grumpy, tired, frustrated, and does not think rationally, he lies, and sometimes falls asleep at church service. I know my faith is in the Lord to heal him from all his addictions. But I don’t think his is. I truly believe he knows in his mind that Jesus is the truth but does not believe whole heartedly. I am at a breaking point and I have thought about asking him to leave the house, not so much a divorce but some time for him to reflect. He has no family and only two close friends, So I do not know how much that would help him if any. Please what do you think. Do you think I should ask him to leave? Is a separation a sin according to the bible?

It is my understanding that when Jesus said to his disciples, ” You have not because you ask not …” the request had to be made with the right motive which would be guided by being in the will of God. Due to my deficiency in omniscience, I can’t know what God’s will is for me in every situation of my life … I don’t know who around me will be affected by my choices (good or bad). I confess my sins and ask His forgiveness knowing He is faithful and just to cleanse me of all unrighteousness. I do that to remove any barrier that stands between God and me. Therefore when my prayers go unanswered, I have to assume that I was asking for something out of impure motives or asking for something that is not in line with His will and then I have to depend on the fact that He knows what is best for me. What if I asked for a snake believing it is a fish or a stone while thinking it was an egg? He, being the loving father that he is would not grant those requests. Am I wrong in that belief?