In a recent answer to a question, you discussed a time when you asked God a question about why a situation involving forgiveness turned out the way it did. You wrote that God responded to your question. I assume from spending much time reading the information on your web site that you have these conversations with God frequently. I hear pastors in radio sermons as well as my own pastors talk frequently about hearing from God and that God speaks to their hearts all the time. My question is how does one know when they are hearing from God or receiving answers to questions directed to God? I received Jesus as my Lord and savior many years ago and I read my Bible most days and pray everyday throughout the day as well as continually feel a deep longing to connect with God. I don’t know how to distinguish a word/thought/conversation with God from my own thoughts. How does one develop this talent/ability?

I’m a little confused as Acts 2:20 reads “the sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD.”

But Revelation 6:12 reads, ” I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red.”

Does this mean the day of the Lord only starts after the sixth seal is opened? That doesn’t fit with anything I believe but I can’t seem to get over it. Thanks in advance for your answer. You make the end times understandable but this little thing has thrown me!

Thank you for your website. It is a daily source of spiritual encouragement. One of the best on the Internet. My question is, what is meant by the phrase “in the spirit” or “in the Spirit”? Is it a state we should try to attain or something that just happens when God wants it to? If it is a state we should attain, how does one do it?

Have you ever heard the term “sins of omission” and if so how would they affect a person’s salvation?

Do you think America will be judged before the Rapture? America has changed drastically the last 6-10 years and I do not recognize her any more. Is it wrong to ask God to spare America and the Christians who live there? I long to see King Jesus and my family. I have many there including my first born and only son. I am so ready, especially since my children are covered and my granchildren are under the age of accountability.

Is the Body of Christ, the Church, anywhere in Scripture, referred to as His army? This claim, based on Hebrews 10:5 as the reference, according to this source, has a double meaning, the first one being that God prepared a body for Jesus as the ultimate and final sacrifice for sin. This ministry takes this further and says that also means God is preparing an army from the Church which has become His Body. This person refers to this Scripture’s meaning as multiple layers, like an onion, with more than one layer of meaning. This seems not right to me. We are His Church, His Body, His Bride. But His Army?

My question is in regard to the recent earthquake activity. Since God’s wrath doesn’t start until the tribulation, are the earthquake “birth pangs” a result of creation crying out for Christ’s return?

You mention that the mentally retarded and very young are exempt from even knowing there is a God. I understand that. Can you tell me your thoughts on how young?

I have a nine year old son who has grown up in the church and who I and his father consistently talk with about God, Jesus, sin and the message of salvation. But, he has not made a profession of faith. I know that part of him is a little fearful and embarrassed to be baptized. We talked at length the other day about the fact that just because we (his parents) are saved this does not extend to him. He has to make the decision in his heart for himself. He asked me where he would go if he died right now without having made this decision. What do you think?

A married male church member makes sexual advances towards a 17-year old female, also a member of the same church. Later, a deacon and pastor confront the man and he admits it’s true. He apologizes but not to the girl personally.

In such a circumstance, what do you think the Biblical response should be and what kind of discipline should be taken if any? Is is unbiblical to ask the man to refrain from attending church to allow the situation to “heal?”

Last night I had a conversation with a younger man and he is confused. I told him that the only way you can be saved is to accept Jesus Christ as savior, admit you’re a sinner, and ask for forgiveness. His biggest hang up is his concern about good people who never accept Christ, people who rarely sin, always ready to help the needy and so on. I tried to explain they are lost without Jesus, but he can’t accept that. I don’t know where to begin to explain it to him. Can you help me?