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.

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.

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?

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.

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?

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?

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?

I was talking to a friend and he strongly believes that one can lose their salvation. I brought up that your salvation cannot be pulled out of God’s hands, and he agreed. Then he said that it only worked that way if you did not sin. He stated that that was the reason as to why people go and repent everyday and night, to again be holy and be secure in salvation. Basically, he stated that we “work” for our salvation day and night by prayer. What should I tell him, for I am a bit intimidated.

Also, why do we pray for our forgiveness everyday if we are already saved?

My question revolves around the idea that you and many others put forth, the once saved always saved doctrine. Once I became a Christian, I couldn’t snatch my soul back from Christ even if I wanted to.

I have been raised on this doctrine and I do believe it. However, I have noticed other commentaries on other Christian sites that seem to point more towards an attitude that says that Christians shouldn’t ever sin. In fact, I have even found some sites that say that if you are really a Christian, then you are incapable of sin. Is it possible that sinful behavior could be present in someone who is saved? Shouldn’t the Holy Spirit have driven such sinful activities from the body at the time of the individual’s salvation, I ask mainly because I know that I am not sinless even today, but I have always believed in the power of God and his son Jesus Christ to save me in spite of my occasional failings. However, messages like these have had a tendency to make me feel like I should question my salvation because I still sin.

I’ve read your articles on Forgiveness, thank you for the enlightenment as the holy spirit has revealed it to you. This revelation though in front of me all along yet hidden from my eyes has given me new freedom from sin and the torments of Satan.

I have one question though that you didn’t discuss. Jesus said if your brother comes to you and says ‘I repent,’ forgive him. Is there any evidence that we should forgive though he has not asked or repented? I feel for our own sake we should forgive, yet our own salvation is conditional on us asking and repenting.