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In the gospels, Jesus is often quoted as saying that if you do not do something, you will not reach the kingdom of God, or see it or attain it. Recently our pastor pointed this out and said he didn’t want to “upset our evangelical upbringing” but that it’s true. I think he was talking about forgiveness specifically, though there are other instances where Jesus says similar things (such as Matthew 7:21, Mark 10:15, etc).

I am a fairly new believer so I began asking around some people who belong to my congregation and they all believe you must forgive everyone of everything all the time, and do all of what Jesus commands or you’re doomed. So I have been racking my brain afraid that there will be someone somewhere I haven’t forgiven, because if I don’t forgive, God won’t forgive me. I am sure I haven’t forgiven everyone everything, am I not saved since he won’t forgive me? What of the other passages where Jesus says those phrases? Was he just kidding when he said you MUST forgive everyone?

Today, I was having a conversation with a friend about what is required to obtain forgiveness when you commit a sin against someone (specifically, adultery). My friend feels that sincerely asking God for forgiveness and ceasing the sinful behavior is all that is required, especially when the former relationship (marriage) no longer exists and both parties have moved on with their lives. Of course, I feel that it is a must that you ask God for forgiveness, but I feel that you must also ask the person that you wronged for forgiveness as well. I’ve searched the Bible for references on asking for/receiving forgiveness, but I’m still unclear. Can you share your perspective on this?

I thank God for this wonderful site. There’s an air of freedom about it. My question is: Where in the Word does it mention that we are not to talk against Satan?

This is kind of a 2 part question. (I read one of your articles on healing)

1. Is it okay to use medicines?

2. I have a few things that cause me daily discomfort (pain). If I choose to go a more natural route i.e. herbs, is this okay?

I know herbs are mentioned in the bible (specifically, I remember the phrase “bitter herbs” ).

I just don’t want to be taking anything out of context (or misunderstanding proper uses of these things), if it is not alright to use these. Specific helps have been garlic, ginger, red peppers (chiles), kava (occasional low dose root extract capsule), grape seed oil and (vitamin c and d, though not herbs) (frequency of each not in the order given).

I have put a fair bit of effort into finding things that help, so I don’t have to rely on prescription stuff. However, I would be unhappy if my experimentation in these areas is not a good idea.

Three sources I have looked at place the beginning of the conquest of Canaan as about 1400-1406 B.C. They also place the date of Ruth as being in the latter part of the judges. One says 1000 and two others say 1100B.C. That would give 300 to 400 years between the time Rahab was taken out of Jericho and the life of Ruth and Boaz. What am I missing?

I know as Christians we are to not put all of our focus on the things of the world because our treasures are in heaven but is there anything wrong with wanting nice things such as new clothes, a new house, family vacations, etc? I tithe more than 10% of my monthly income but feel guilty about going on a vacation or buying new clothes or wanting a bigger house. Thanks for your response.

What do you think of the curent trend in some churches to have people that are called by others and themselves as “Prophets, and Apostles?” They use Ephesians 4:11 and following as their basis. I believe it is called the “Five- Fold Ministry.”

I don’t want to “quench the spirit”, and I know the “gifts” are forever, or until Christ comes, but I’m so uncomfortable with people who call themselves a “Prophet” or an “Apostle.” I believe in the gift of prophecy, and that the gifts are for today, but isn’t there any biblical distinction twixt someone who operates in the “gift of prophecy”, and the office of a “Prophet?” Likewise, I know scripture lists more apostles than the 12 disciples, but I’ve been taught that apostles have seen the risen Lord. Then I’ve heard that “Apostles” are merely those who are “sent out” to establish churches.

You’ve helped clarify so many things, I hope you’ll take a stab at this one.

God in three Persons. Is each part of the Trinity called a “Person” because each one has a distinctive personality or is there another reason? How can you call a Spirit a Person?

My 21 yr old son was raised Baptist but now has recently been going to a Pentecostal church. This makes me a little uneasy because I believe that they believe things that are not quite right such as believing that you can lose your salvation. Baptists believe that “once saved always saved”. Now I realize that denominations are a man made thing and that you can certainly be saved and not be Baptist. Am I right in my uneasiness or wrong?

First, I really want to say, Praise God for this website! God has used you’re writings to really help me grow in faith with Him.

My question is. What advice would you give someone that is called to youth ministry?

Thank you very much for your time and God Bless!