My husband had a history of adultery. I turned a blind eye for many years. Over a year and a half ago he left me and the children for another woman. He has been living with his mistress for over a year. Because of financial reasons on his part and child custody issues ( he was absent for four months) we are still legally married under state law. I filed over a year ago and it’s finally coming to an end. About 6 months ago I started seeing a long time friend. We have fallen in love and plan to marry. His family are very quick to judge and claim that I am committing adultery because I am still legally married. The bible says that God hates divorce unless adultery is committed. In my heart I tried everything. My husband cheated and abandoned me and the children. I prayed and God sent me this wonderful man I have now committed my life to. I no longer have any love for my legal husband and I feel that under God’s law we are divorced. What is more important, state law or Gods law?

In Matthew 12:29 Jesus said we must first bind the strong man ( the devil ) then we can spoil his house. Does that mean we are to bind the devil also? I hear that in lots of churches ie: I bind you Satan in the name of Jesus. Can we bind him in the name of Jesus?

In Mark 9: 14-27 a man brought a boy with a dumb spirit to JESUS. In vs. 19 he asked the father how long ago did this happen? Why did JESUS ask him that? Wouldn’t JESUS have known that? Then in vs: 22 the father said if you can do anything help us, and in vs 23 JESUS said if you can believe all things are possible to him that believes. In vs: 24 the father said i believe.. help my unbelief. What does all that mean? Did he believe or not?

I’ve been reading the book of Acts especially chapter 1 and 2 looking for something that suggests that Mary the mother of Jesus was also there on the day of Pentecost. Its seems as if I read something like that in the bible and now I’m really struggling to get it. Please help me if you can.

I have always thought that there was more to the story about the shepherds visiting the birth of Jesus than what Luke says. For example, I’ve been told that these were shepherds of the flock of sheep that were used in the temple sacrifices and therefore they were making sure that the lambs being born were without blemish. This is the reason they were sent to Bethlehem to witness the birth of Jesus, the Lamb of God, who was born without sin. Also, the plot of land they were using was the same plot that Boaz redeemed for Naomi in the book of Ruth. Is there any evidence of this or is it all a cute story like the little drummer boy?

I heard a sermon on this passage which I completely disagreed with. If I understood correctly, it seemed the pastor said that believers who do not bear fruit, or refuse to allow the Holy Spirit to work through them to bear fruits of love would be taken away and “purged or cleansed” in the fire to help them grow…something to that effect. As I understand it, believers can suffer loss but I’ve never read or been taught they will have to go through some type of purgatory. This teaching sounds like more “overcomers” theory.

In John 16:33 Jesus said we will have tribulation in this world, but to be of good cheer or courage because He has overcome the world. I have to say I’m not real sure exactly what Jesus meant when He said this. I know in my head there is nothing more powerful than God or Jesus and that He always has the final say when it comes to anything in the world. But how are we supposed to be of good cheer concerning pain and suffering?

I believe we are saved by grace alone and we have no requirement other than faith. My question is, are some of my dear friends who believe they have some responsibility in maintaining their salvation by their works not saved?

Re: Must God Choose Us? Could you explain these two verses. Isaiah 55:6 says, “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near” and John 6:44 says, ” No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” They seem to contradict each other.

I co-lead a Men’s Group in our Church. We have a very intelligent retired Phycology Professional in our group. He states he does not believe in sin, hell, heaven nor the Deity of Jesus. He sees the Bible as just another book of Truth, and picks and chooses from it to suit his needs to learn – as he would from any other book. This man is 84, and he is willing to gamble his eternity on his own philosophical views and beliefs. I do not know what to say to such an intellectual ‘seeker’. Right now, I just pray for him. He is a very kind and nice man; but just so lost in his own “worldly intellect” ! What should I do?