When the Pilgrims had experienced their first successful harvest in the New World, they decided to give thanks for the Lord’s provision, even though half of them had died in the year since their arrival. Inviting the neighboring natives to join them, they held a three-day celebration patterned after their knowledge of the Feast of Tabernacles.
Read MoreToday's Bible Q&A
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Faith And Works
I have a question regarding OSAS. Where do the scriptures regarding “faith without works are dead” and “you say you believe, the devil believes also and trembles” come in? To me they are saying that only belief is required for the initial act of receiving salvation, but after having received salvation there are expectations that must be met in order to maintain it. In other words you can’t just say I believe and let it go at that. I’m just trying to piece all this together and get a correct understanding.Your assistance is very much appreciated.
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How Do I Get My Faith Back?
I have been saved since I was 11 years old. I am sure of it, I accepted the Lord, and I meant it. However, I have entered periods of doubt over the last four or five years. I think that they came on as a results of what I heard from an atheist. She said I believe in a fantasy, and that I believe in God and Jesus to make myself feel good about dying. I can’t seem to get these words out of my heart no matter how much I pray about it. What can I do to restore my faith? Am I still saved as I doubt? I feel so guilty and ashamed, and I do not even feel right about going to church while my mind works this way. I am too ashamed of my thoughts to share them with my pastor at this point.
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Defeating The Enemy
For months now I’ve been in a dry place and I just don’t know how to get out of it. I’ve struggled with the lack of desire I have for our Lord and his word. The shame and guilt is there when I wake up and it tucks me in at night. I’ve even stopped going to church every Sunday and communication (prayer) with the Lord isn’t any better. I want to be on fire again and I want to love the Lord’s church and I want to be restored to fellowship with Jesus Christ…I just don’t know how.
I’ve asked the Lord for forgiveness and help. Even so, the feelings of failure are always on my mind. I know the evil one is evil and I know he is having a field day in my thoughts and life. I’ve given him too much credit and most often am nagged by fear of being left behind, fear of missing Jesus on that day he comes for his church, fear that any day now he is going to give me what I deserve and something bad will happen to me. I’m in deep cover now and look more like the old me then the new creation I truly am. Does this happen to other Christians? What advice can you give?