Pick Subject Category                                                                 

ABORTION ADDICTIONS BIBLE - NEW TESTAMENT BIBLE - OLD TESTAMENT CHRISTIAN LIFE CHURCH DEATH DISCOURAGEMENT END TIMES FAMILY HEAVEN HOLIDAYS HOLY SPIRIT

JESUS CHRIST KNOWING GOD MARRIAGE MONEY OTHER TOPICS PRAYER RELIGION SALVATION SEXUALITY SIN SINGLES SUFFERING

I have had an abortion and feel so guilty. Can God forgive me?
God wants to bring peace, forgiveness, and joy to your life--and He will if you will allow Him. The matter that is distressing you--the taking of life through abortion and anything else that separates you from God--needs to be confessed to the Lord, pleading the blood of Christ (Ephesians 1:7, Romans 3:25, 1 John 1:7) with its power to remove sin and guilt from anyone who asks. There is no question about God's forgiving, but sometimes we are not willing to commit our sin to Him for forgiveness.

As we commit the actions of the past to God, we receive peace, comfort, and assurance through Christ. We believe that God, through His Word and the power of His Spirit, can minister peace to you in the midst of your emotional distress; God's Word offers us the peace that passes all understanding. As you fully commit this problem to the Lord, you will begin a new relationship of hope and comfort in Christ, which will assure you that "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1).

David was deeply distraught about overwhelming conditions in his own life that blurred the sense of God's presence, but in Psalm 51 he expresses assurance that the joy and fellowship of the Lord have become real to him. In other words, he experienced the unfailing love and compassion of God in times when he was plagued with self-condemnation. After turning a problem over to the Lord, we often pick the problem up once more and agonize over it again and again. Instead, we must decisively choose to leave the matter with Him and put it out of our minds, refusing to think about it or dwell upon it in any way. When thoughts of guilt come to your mind, say to yourself and God, "Thank you, Lord, for your great forgiveness and mercy. I praise you that you told me to cast this care upon you (1 Peter 5:7), and I have done so. Forgive me for my worry about this matter; with your help, I will praise you instead."

Why is abortion such a big issue for Christians?
The spiritual condition of man is at the root of the abortion issue. Until man's spiritual condition is changed by the power of Jesus Christ, we will not find a full solution to this problem. It is sin that produces the problem of most unwanted pregnancies, as well as all the other disorders that plague the human race. It is also sin that produces the false belief that women have a "right" to take the lives of unborn babies. The apostle Paul writes, "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like" (Galatians 5:19-21a).

Life is sacred, and we must seek to protect all human life: the unborn, the child, the adult, and the aged. Several Bible passages tell of the sacredness of life and speak to the subject of abortion. They include Exodus 20:13, 21:22, 23:7; Job 10:8-12; Psalms 22:10, 51:5, 127:3, 139:13-16; Isaiah 44:1-2, 49:5; Jeremiah 1:4-5. From a medical point of view, in the words of a physician, "The ultimate scientific fact that all must face and deal with is that nothing, no bits and pieces, will be added to this living human being from the time of fertilization until the old man dies--nothing except nutrition. Each of us existed in toto at that moment. All that we have done since then is to mature."

Since the Supreme Court removed restrictions on abortion in 1973, abortions have risen to an incredible figure of over 1.5 million each year in the United States.

How can I help my loved one who is using drugs and alcohol?
Jesus Christ, the mighty Lord and Savior, is able to deliver anyone from a drug or alcohol problem. When Jesus Christ comes into the heart of an addicted person, He can break every sinful habit as that person allows Him. The Bible says, "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8:36, NKJV).

Here is a tremendous promise from God's Word: "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (James 5:16, NIV). The most important thing you can do is to pray daily that your loved one will respond to the love of Christ. Pray that God will give you wisdom through His Holy Spirit to understand how you can help. Seek counsel with a gospel-teaching pastor also.

How can I get free from the alcoholism that is ruining my life?
Alcoholism is one of the greatest scourges of our nation. It destroys the health and well-being of countless individuals and causes untold grief among families and friends. The words of the Bible have been proved time and time again: 'Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise' (Proverbs 20:1).

Don't let your pride get in the way. Seek out someone (such as a pastor you know) who can direct you to groups in your area that can help you… If there are people around you who are constantly trying to get you to drink, you may have to steer clear of them in the future. Avoid places where you know you will be tempted to drink. It will not be easy, but you need to take specific steps to keep from getting even deeper into the pit of alcoholism.

Christ will help you with your alcoholism as you allow Him to control your life. No, it may not be an easy or smooth road, although with some people Christ seems to remove all desire for alcohol at once. But Christ will do several things for you as you grow in your relationship to Him. For one thing, He will give you a new purpose and meaning in life. He will surround you with His love and show you that you are very valuable in His eyes--far too valuable to destroy yourself with alcohol. Then he will give you new friends, Christians who love you and want to help you. You may even find that God will lead you to Christians who have been in the grip of alcohol also and have conquered it through Christ; and He will help you through His Holy Spirit to have a new strength to resist temptation.

How can I get free from addiction?
Addiction, in any form, can cause inner tensions and frustration that you may feel powerless to overcome. God longs to set you free through Jesus Christ our Lord; see Romans 6:11-14. The Bible says, "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8:36, NKJV). Make certain that you have made your commitment to Christ now by asking God to forgive and cleanse you of your sins and give you life eternal. After you have done this, believe that God has forgiven you and made you His child; read John 1:12, Romans 10:13, and 2 Corinthians 5:17.

None of us is strong enough to overcome temptation in our own strength, but God will give us the strength; see Philippians 4:13. First Corinthians 10:13 states: "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able; but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" (NKJV). Note that it is God who provides the way of escape. Read 1 John 3:8. Talk to the Lord many times a day, asking for His help. Read your Bible and fill your mind with thoughts from His Word. The Word of God will have a purifying effect on your life; see Psalm 119:11.

The old sinful lifestyle must now be replaced with the new life in Christ. This requires the enabling power of the Holy Spirit to replace the old habits with new. Avoid companionship with those that influence you to indulge in sinful activities. Make a list of those activities and habits you want changed. Set some positive goals for your life, and with God's strength go after them. Take the initiative and seek the counsel of a gospel-teaching pastor or other dedicated Christian worker.

How can I overcome my addiction to sexual sin?
To overcome this temptation, we would make the following suggestions:
1. Make a personal commitment of your life to Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord if you have not already done so. You will discover a new desire and a new strength to deal with your problems (2 Corinthians 5:17).

2. Constantly submit your life to the Holy Spirit that He might produce in you the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-25). Conquering temptation and maintaining self-control is not done in our own strength, but in the power of the Holy Spirit. The foundation for a close walk with God through the Spirit involves consistent Bible study, prayer, and fellowship with vital Christians.

3. Refocus and renew your mind by setting it on Christ and thoughts that are wholesome and good (Colossians 3:1-4, Philippians 4:8-9).

4. Eliminate things that trigger lust, such as certain types of books, television programs, internet sites, movies, magazines, etc. even though they may not be explicitly pornographic.

5. Ask the Lord to help you identify the times and situations in which you become more vulnerable to this behavior, and learn other ways of response. Christian counseling, including a support group, may be of special help.

6. Find a mature Christian of the same sex to whom you can be accountable for your progress in overcoming this habit.

How can I overcome my addiction to pornography?
Easy access to pornography on the Internet has become a trap for many in recent years, resulting in personal suffering, broken marriages, and unhappy homes.

God gave the gift of sex to us. He intended for it to be something wonderful, producing new life and marital pleasure. But that gift becomes destructive when we make it a means for our own selfish gratification, instead of an expression of love within marriage, as God intended. When we use sex selfishly, we see others merely as things instead of people--humiliating and debasing people. Pornography serves to inflame our lusts, and our lusts easily make us their slaves.

If a person responds to a sexual temptation by willfully entertaining a lustful fantasy or by an intention to act immorally, Jesus indicates that he is committing sexual sin in his heart; see Matthew 5:27-38. Things are not as hopeless as they may seem, because God promises victory over temptation. The Bible says, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it" (1 Corinthians 10:13). However, it is important that we do our part by avoiding the places and things that trigger lust and by focusing our mind on Christ and things that are wholesome (Colossians 3:1-4; Philippians 4:8).

Avoiding pornographic sites on the Internet may require using filtering software, placing our computer in an area of our home where it can be observed by others, giving someone access to our saved files, or eliminating use of the Internet altogether. Radical problems require radical solutions if we are to walk in the freedom Christ desires for us.

When Jesus said he would build His church on a "rock" (Matthew 16:13-18), what was He referring to?
Matthew 16:13-18 has been the focus of a great deal of theological discussion, especially concerning Jesus' words to Peter, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church" (verse 18). The question concerns who or what Jesus intended as the foundation of His church. That Jesus is referring to Himself as the "rock" has been widely held by evangelicals; see 1 Corinthians 3:11. Another interpretation is that Jesus is referring to the truth of Peter's confession in verse 16, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Still another view suggests that He is referring to Peter who, along with the early apostles and prophets, was used to establish the church; see Ephesians 2:19-22. In this latter passage Christ is pictured as the cornerstone, which in an ancient building supported the main weight of the structure, while the apostles and prophets share in the foundation. To see Peter as one of the foundation stones of the church would not, of course, require that he be viewed as an ecclesiastical authority with successors down through the ages. He would simply be the first confessor of who Christ is.

What is your life founded on? The most important step you can take is to anchor your life solidly to Jesus Christ. In His very character and nature you will find the hope and peace you are looking for, by committing your life without reserve to Him. You need to acknowledge your nature to sin, seek His forgiveness, and invite Him to be the Leader of your life. See our plan of salvation.

The Bible's Book of Revelation confuses me. What does it mean?
The Book of Revelation can be confusing to the modern reader because much of it was written using a symbolic style of language that is not used today. Sincere Bible scholars, in fact, disagree about the meaning of some of the symbolic passages. But that should not keep us from reading it and understanding its main message.

The key for the reader is to try to see beyond the details to the main themes, which are tremendous truths. For example, the book of Revelation underlines the fact that this world is doomed, and our hope must never be in this world or its political systems and philosophies. It also points us to the great truth that some day God through Christ will triumph over death and evil, and Satan will be utterly defeated.

The Book of Revelation emphasizes that Christ will come again some day in great glory to establish His Kingdom of perfect justice and righteousness, "and he will reign for ever and ever" (Revelation 11:15). Some day those who know Christ will be secure forever in Heaven, and "there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" (Revelation 21:4).
Most of all, the Book of Revelation (like all of the Bible) points us to Christ. He is the Savior and Lord of all who trust in Him, and some day we will see Him face to face. Are you ready for that day? You can be, by repenting of your sin and giving your life by faith to Christ today. See our plan of salvation.

What is the "sin that leads to death" referred to in 1 John 5:16-17?
In John 5:16-17 the author is writing to professing Christians who commit sin which leads to death. Christian interpreters differ in their understanding of the passage. Some think it refers to a professing Christian who shows that he is not a true believer by his unrepentant rejection of Christ and identification with His enemies. Others believe that the author is referring to true believers whose persistent, willful sinning results in God's penalty of physical death. An example of this can be found in 1 Corinthians, chapter 11, where Paul is warning Christians about participating in the Lord's Supper without any regard for its significance. Acts 5:1-10 would be another example of physical death as a penalty for sin if Ananias and Sapphira were in fact true believers.

John does not forbid intercessory prayer in the situation he has in mind. Since we do not have sure knowledge of what John is referring to back in the first century, it is certainly wise to pray for professing believers who engage in persistent sin of one kind or another. Neither should we forget in our own situation that whenever the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, we should be quick to confess it and forsake it. One of the wonderful promises of the Bible is found in 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

Were those who believed in God during Old Testament times saved through Christ?
It is true that Old Testament believers lived before Jesus' actual historical sacrifice, yet the Bible suggests that they experienced acceptance and fellowship with God on the basis of their faith in what God had revealed of Himself and His ways. Genesis 15:6 says concerning Abraham: "Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness."

The Old Testament makes clear that God taught the people to approach Him by way of animal sacrifices. The Mosaic Law required that animals be offered as sacrifices and that the priests sprinkle the blood upon the designated altar. Those sacrifices foreshadowed and symbolized the anticipated shedding of blood and sacrificial death of Jesus, the Messiah. Christ's eventual sacrifice of His own life as the "lamb without blemish" was the fulfillment of the sacrificial offerings to atone for sin. The Old Testament book of Leviticus and the New Testament book of Hebrews provide an excellent harmony of truth on this subject. Both Old Testament believers and New Testament believers were saved by grace through faith on the basis of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament looked forward to the sacrifice of Christ, while the New Testament looks back on that same sacrifice.

Throughout the history of this world, countless people have discovered that God alone, through Jesus Christ, can meet the deepest longings and needs of the human heart. This is possible because Jesus was fully God and fully man. He died to pay the death penalty for our sin, and He was raised from the dead by the power of God. He is alive today, and He wants to be in your life right now. We encourage you to commit your life to Christ. It is the most important step you will ever take. See our plan of salvation.

How can the Bible be correct about the world being created in six days?
Many Christians become troubled when they read the creation account in the Bible and then listen to the ideas of evolutionists. The Bible, of course, asserts that God created the universe and everything in it. Evolutionists, on the other hand, usually leave God completely out and assume that everything "just happened." In addition, evolutionists describe life developing over vast periods of time as a scientific fact, though it is really only a theory.

Some scientists who believe the Bible account of God's creation think that it can fit with some aspects of evolutionary theory. They use terms like "progressive" or "continuous" creation. For example, some suggest that the days of creation in chapter one of Genesis might be "age days," that is, long periods of time in which God created and then helped things develop. It is important to note that there can be no real conflict between the facts of the Bible and the facts of science, since God was the Author of both. The problems arise when we begin to interpret those facts. Since Christians hold various views, it is important to keep an attitude of humility and charity toward others in these complicated areas. One fact is absolutely clear from the Bible--God is the Creator!

Since Adam and Eve were the first humans, where did their eldest son Cain get his wife?
It is often asked where Cain got his wife. Genesis, chapter 5, gives the written account of Adam's lineage." From that chapter, we learn that Adam had sons and daughters; also, that he lived to the age of 930 years. No doubt that Cain married one of those numerous daughters or granddaughters of Adam. In other words, Cain married either his own sister or niece. In the dawn of history, such marriages would have been necessary and would not have been accompanied by the dangers that would result today. God later established laws to prohibit marriage within close degrees of kinship (Leviticus 20:17-20). Intermarriage of closely related persons such as brothers and sisters today, according to doctors, would result in serious physical deterioration of the race.

Which of the hundreds of Old Testament laws are applicable to us as Christians?
In the Old Testament, God selected the nation of Israel to be His "special" people. As such, they were to be "holy"--separate from the unbelieving nations around them and God's own possession. This was to be expressed by their obedience to the laws God gave them to direct their life as a nation. There were civil laws, ritual laws, and moral laws. By the time of Jesus, the Jews thought that the law was a way to earn salvation--something God had never intended. The Bible stresses, "Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, 'The righteous will live by faith'" (Galatians 3:11).

The New Testament says that the Old Testament law was intended "to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith" (Galatians 3:24). The ritual laws of sacrifice teach us that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Hebrews 9:22) and point us to Jesus on the cross. The moral laws--those against lying, stealing, immorality, etc.--show us how far we fall short of God's will and how badly we need salvation as a free gift, earned by Jesus' death on the cross (Galatians 3:24).

Once we accept God's free gift of eternal life through repentance from sin and faith in Jesus, the moral law becomes a guide for how we live out our new life in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26). The civil laws of Israel have passed away, since the church is not a nation. The ritual laws of sacrifice, priesthood, and Temple have been fulfilled in Jesus, and are no longer applicable to the church (see the book of Hebrews). However, the basic moral law of the Old Testament is clearly reflected in the New Testament guidelines for the Christian life (e.g. Colossians, chapter 3) and is summarized by Jesus in Matthew 22:37-40.

Many people feel they can win God's favor and have eternal life by following the old civil and ritual laws, and do enough good deeds so that they balance out their bad deeds. But this is a misunderstanding. You cannot save yourself--but Christ can, and He will as you commit your life to Him by faith. If you would like to make that commitment today, see our plan of salvation.

Does God require us to follow the Old Testament laws about not eating pork and other kinds of meat today?
The dietary laws for Israel recorded in Leviticus, chapter 11, which include, for example, a prohibition against eating pork, were given for specific religious and, perhaps, health reasons. The New Testament, however, makes it clear that observation of these Old Testament food laws for religious reasons is no longer required in the New Testament era. Jesus Himself declared that all foods were "clean" (Mark 7:17-23). In Acts 10:9-16, Peter was informed by God through a vision that he was not to reject the use of certain animals for food on a religious basis. The apostle Paul also writes, "For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer" (1 Timothy 4:4).

The Bible makes it clear that "the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17). There is no saving grace in either eating or not eating certain foods. We are saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; see Ephesians 2:8-10. This, of course, does not mean that all animals we use for food are of equal value from a health standpoint.

Many people feel they can win God's favor and have eternal life by following the dietary laws of the Old Testament. But this is a misunderstanding. You cannot save yourself--but Christ can, and He will as you commit your life to Him by faith. If you would like to make that commitment today, please see our plan of salvation.

Why does the Bible refer to God in masculine terms?
The answer to the question about why God is referred to with masculine terms in the Bible really has only one answer: This is the way God has chosen to reveal Himself to us. God is never described with sexual characteristics in the Scriptures, but He does consistently describe Himself in the masculine gender. While He contains all the qualities of both male and female genders, He has chosen to present Himself with an emphasis on masculine qualities of fatherhood, protection, direction, strength, etc. Metaphors used to describe Him in the Bible include: King, Father, Judge, Husband, Master, and the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

There are those who would like to blur this emphasis in some of the newer Bible translations, but it is very dangerous to tamper with the way God has chosen to reveal Himself. He most certainly does not intend to minimize women, since men and women are revealed as made in His image and of equal value to Him. But it remains that He is Father, not Mother, and even in the Incarnation chose to come to us as a man, Jesus Christ. One famous Christian scholar, C. S. Lewis, has suggested that gender is far deeper than our human distinctions reveal. He suggests that God is so masculine that we all are feminine in relation to Him. If this is true, it might explain why the church is referred to as the bride of Christ, though it is composed of both men and women.

Is the King James Bible the only reliable Bible?
The work of Bible translation is very complicated, and misunderstanding easily arises. We do not possess the original Hebrew/Aramaic Old Testament or the original Greek New Testament as written by inspired men of God. What we have is an Old Testament in Hebrew/Aramaic and thousands of Greek manuscripts of part or all of the New Testament painstakingly copied and passed on to us through the centuries. There are differences in the Greek manuscripts such as minor issues of punctuation, spelling, word order, certain verses included in some manuscripts and not in others, etc., but none of these differences affect any of the major doctrines of our Christian faith.

Some people prefer the King James translation because they have been familiar with it often from childhood. Others prefer modern translations because they are more easily understood. Also, modern translators have the advantage of using many older Greek manuscripts of the New Testament discovered since the King James translation was made. Most scholars consider these older manuscripts more reliable than the few later manuscripts available to those who translated the King James Bible. It is also helpful to remember that, while King James "authorized" a particular translation for the Church of England in the 17th century, it is no more "authorized" for us today than any other translation. It was highly criticized in its day by those who preferred earlier translations, and it went through a number of revisions.

People sometimes pick up two translations and expect them to be word-for-word the same. When they find words "missing" or changed," they think something sinister has happened. In reality, both can be perfectly faithful translations of the original language. The basic structures of languages differ from one another, and translation is not just a matter of taking a Greek sentence and finding English words to match. Do not get caught up into a divisive and fruitless controversy over which of many good translations is best. Instead, consider using a number of them in your study and reading, and join in prayer that all peoples in all countries of the world might soon have the Word of God in their own language.

Can we still believe in the authority of the Bible for our modern world?
There are clear reasons why we can believe in the authority of the Bible. A study of the fulfilled prophecies of the Bible alone would undeniably confirm the fact that it was divinely inspired and that only God could have brought about the fulfillment of so many prophecies in the proper time to the proper person and in the proper sequence. Jesus Himself used the Scriptures as the authoritative Word of God (Matthew 4:4-10) and declared that their authority could not be broken (John 10:35).

The more one studies the Scriptures, the more one becomes aware of the fact that the Bible passes every test that can be applied to it in order to evaluate its divine inspiration, authority, and inerrancy. We also know that the Bible is God's Word because of the transformation we have seen it make in the lives of those who read, believe, and live by its teaching. It is God's own Word, His saving truth that He has spoken to mankind. It is inspired from beginning to end, and it is the only infallible guide of faith and practice; read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and 2 Peter 1:19-21.

Sometimes when I read the Bible it sounds like it contradicts itself. Does it?
Much has been said over the centuries concerning apparent contradictions in the Bible. Josh McDowell and Don Stewart offer the following comments in their book ANSWERS TO TOUGH QUESTIONS SKEPTICS ASK ABOUT THE CHRISTIAN FAITH:

"Certain passages at first glance appear to be contradictory, but further investigation will show that this is not the case.

"One of the things for which we appeal with regard to possible contradictions is fairness. We should not minimize or exaggerate the problem, and we must always begin by giving the author the benefit of the doubt. This is the rule in other literature, and we ask that it also be the rule here. We find so often that people want to employ a different set of rules when it comes to examining the Bible, and to this we immediately object.

"When facing possible contradictions, it is of the highest importance to remember that two statements may differ from each other without being contradictory. Some fail to make a distinction between contradiction and difference.

"It must also be stressed that when a possible explanation is given to a Bible difficulty, it is unreasonable to state that the passage contains a demonstrable error. Some difficulties in Scripture result from our inadequate knowledge about the circumstances, and do not necessarily involve an error. These only prove that we are ignorant of the background.

"While all Bible difficulties and discrepancies have not yet been cleared up, it is our firm conviction that as more knowledge is gained of the Bible's past, these problems will fade away. The biblical conception of God is an all-knowing, all-powerful being who does not contradict Himself, and so we feel that His Word, when properly understood, will not contradict itself."

What is the difference between Bible reading and Bible meditation?
We believe that it is essential to differentiate between reading and meditating on the Bible. Reading is primarily assimilation of facts without application. When we meditate on the Word of God, we seek to make personal application of the Scriptures to our own lives and circumstances. It is at that very moment that the Holy Spirit is able to speak to us, for as the apostle Paul said, "All scripture is...profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16). We never know how or when the Holy Spirit will use the Word of God to bring conviction and correction. As God promises in Isaiah 55:11, the Word "will not return to me empty."

It is also essential to remember that Satan knows the Scriptures well. He often uses Scripture, out of context, to tempt us. He is a master at distorting what the Word of God says (Genesis 3:1). However, when Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Luke, chapter 4), Jesus used the Scriptures to defeat him. The Word of God is our sure defense against Satan's attacks.

Why is it that when I read the Bible, I don't seem to understand it?
It was an old English clergyman who suggested an apt comparison between the Bible and a sundial. He said that a person could well read the figures on a dial, but would obviously know nothing of the exact hour unless the sun was shining upon it. Similarly, he suggested, a person could read the Bible through, but unless the Spirit of God was permitted to enlighten the Word, it was just a compilation of lofty but abstract ideas.

One must make a surrender of his life to Christ through personal repentance and faith, and then watch the ways in which all spiritual input is enhanced--church attendance, fellowship with other Christians and Bible reading. If you have never surrendered your life to Christ, we encourage you to it today. See our plan of salvation.

The value of Bible reading is not in some magical return on time invested--like four blessings for every two chapters. Jesus said in John 5:39 to search the Scriptures, for "they are they which testify of me." When the Bible serves as an introduction to the Person of Christ, it is fulfilling God's original design. Reading it in a modern version is very helpful. Above all, view it as a personal love letter opening up an exciting relationship that gets better with the passage of time.

Where should I begin in my Bible reading?
Daily Bible study and prayer are vital to your spiritual life. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Psalm 119:9,11,105.

Begin by reading the Gospel of John, for it tells us of Christ, of the 'greatest life ever lived,' and what He has done for us. Next read Acts, for it tells us what His first disciples did in the power of God's Holy Spirit. Helpful instruction on how you should interact with other people is found in the book of Proverbs. There are 31 chapters in Proverbs so on the 1st day of the month, read Proverbs 1 and so on. Do not be troubled about the things you read and do not understand. Trust the Holy Spirit to enlighten your mind and grant understanding. As you study prayerfully, you will experience a close fellowship with the Lord.

Is it true that women are not valued very highly in the Bible?
On the contrary, women are valued very highly in the Bible's teaching. In the very beginning, God created both man and woman in His own image with the responsibilities of populating the earth and ruling over it (Genesis 1:27-28).

The Gospel narratives present many insights into Christ's valuation of women, emphasizing His high regard for them as essential members of God's kingdom. He understood their concerns (John 2:1-9), met their deepest needs (John, chapter 4; Mark 7:24-30), healed them (Luke 4:38-39, Matthew 9:20-22), raised their dead (Luke 7:11-15; John, chapter 11), forgave and restored them to meaningful existence (Luke 7:36-50, John 8:3-11), defended and affirmed their acts of service (Matthew 26:6-13), and instructed them (Luke 10:39). On the road to His crucifixion, Christ addressed the women of Jerusalem in His final word to the crowds, and on the cross, undergoing deep agony, He entrusted His mother Mary into the care of His beloved disciple John. Following His resurrection from the dead, the first person to whom Jesus revealed Himself was Mary Magdalene, a woman He had freed from severe satanic bondage (John 20:10-18).

The New Testament church was enriched by the influence of godly women such as Dorcas, Priscilla, and Lydia, to name a few. The apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 3:28, "There is neither Jew nor Greek [nationality, race], slave nor free [status], male nor female [gender], for you are all one in Christ Jesus." It is true that Bible interpreters and churches vary in their understanding of the proper role of women in the church and home regarding leadership. However, the issue is not about men's and women's equal worth to God and the church. All agree that in matters of salvation and value men and women are equal.

The devaluation of women in so many ways throughout history is a result of sin in the world. Wherever the gospel has gone the status of women has been elevated. Through Christ, women have experienced the opportunity to live creative, productive, and satisfying lives. This transformation has led to far-reaching contributions by women in areas such as social and political reform, medicine, literature, the arts and sciences, and Christian service and missions.

How can we say that someone is sinning, if Jesus said we are not supposed to judge others?
A careful examination of Christ's command, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged" (Matthew 7:1), in light of what He said next, indicates His meaning. He said, "You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye" (Matthew 7:5). He simply was saying that we should not seek to correct a person when we are guilty of the same or another offense. We need to deal with our own sin, and then we can help someone else. He never intended that His disciples should set aside all exercise of discernment or judgment.

Later in the same message Jesus said, "Watch out for false prophets. . . . A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. . . . Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them" (Matthew 7:15-20). We may and we must exercise the discernment God has given to us as to another's words and deeds. God alone, of course, knows the motives and intent of a person's heart.

It is also important to consider the spirit in which we seek to correct someone else. Even if we are not guilty of the same offense, we have been guilty enough of other offenses. We need to judge or correct another in a spirit of love, compassion, and humility. The Bible says, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:1-2).

Now that I'm a Christian, how do I avoid slipping into my old lifestyle habits?
When we repent of our sins and by faith receive Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, we receive Christ's righteousness (Romans 3:22-24). God now sees Christ's righteousness in us rather than our sinfulness. Our sins are forgiven, and we are made right with God (John 1:12). Now God calls us to love and honor Him as Lord of our daily lives. To do this, we must surrender every area of our lives to His control, allowing God to make us more like His Son (Galatians 2:20).

After receiving Christ, there is a real danger of slipping back into old sinful ways. The solution is to commit each day to the Lord and share our problems with Him. We must give Him authority over our lives, confess any known sin to Him, and receive His forgiveness as promised in 1 John 1:9. Our victory has already been won for us by Christ's death and resurrection; see 1 Corinthians 15:57-58. It is now our responsibility, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to live in that victory by practicing biblical standards of behavior as noted in Ephesians 4:22-32.

It is tremendously important that we daily meditate on the Word of God, obey His instructions, continue regularly in prayer, and fellowship with other believers in a gospel-preaching church. As we do this, we will become mature Christians, established and strengthened in Christ; see Romans 5:1.

How can I witness for Christ?
Witnessing is a vital part of the Christian life; the Bible teaches that the true believer will desire to share with others what God has done for him; read John 4:28-30,39-42 and 1 John 1:1-4. God commands us and empowers us to be His witnesses (Matthew 4:19 and Acts 1:8). Our testimony will not always be accepted, but through the Holy Spirit indwelling our hearts we receive power to live a victorious Christian life and serve Christ effectively; read Ephesians 5:18 and Luke 11:13.

Here are a few suggestions that might help you to lead others to Christ: Live a consistent Christ-centered life; be a friend and a good listener; pray that the Holy Spirit will give opportunity for witness and prepare the individual to receive the Word of life (John 16:7-11); and avoid arrogance and preachiness. You should pray daily for the people on your prayer list and ask God for wisdom to present the claims of Christ to them; read James 1:5, 3:17.

Can listening to some kinds of secular music and watching MTV affect my relationship with Jesus?
Some modern music does, beyond question, include lyrics that are blatantly and openly anti-religious. Some lyrics also exalt or urge immoral behavior, while still others are tied closely to drug experiences or speak in a distorted way about death. When this is the case, the choice you have is not simply one of musical taste. You see, although you say you 'don't pay attention to the words,' it is virtually impossible for them not to take root in your mind. When you repeatedly hear certain ideas and themes in music, they almost inevitably become a part of you and you begin to think they are true or 'not so bad.'

The Bible constantly urges us to fill our minds with good and true things be- cause our thoughts will shape our behavior. We therefore need to control what goes into our minds. 'We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ' (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

This counsel, of course, applies to media other than music as well. Themes of illicit sex, senseless violence, occult experimentation, and anti-Christian sentiment flow through many movies, plays, novels, and material available on the Internet. Christians face a daily war against their minds, but are fortified by the scriptural promise that "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13).

How can I grow in my spiritual life?
The Bible says, "Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18). If you have not already done so, we encourage you to organize your day so that you will have a special time to spend alone with God. Be sure that you do not neglect this "quiet time," for this communion with our Lord will give you strength and power to overcome Satan, to live above your circumstances, and to become a victorious Christian.

It is important that you read your Bible and meditate upon it daily. As the good seed of the Word of God is planted in the heart, watered by prayer, and cultivated through obedience, praise, and Christian service, the child of God matures spiritually, as stated by Paul in Colossians 1:10 and Ephesians 3:17-19. Growth in the life of a Christian comes as he yields his heart and life to the Savior. The Holy Spirit is then able to transform one's life into the likeness of Jesus Christ. Worship and fellowship in a gospel-preaching church are also a necessary part of spiritual growth.

Does God really care how we use our natural resources?
God does care about how we treat the earth that He has given us for a home. When God had created man and woman, the Bible tells us, "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground" (Genesis 1:28). He placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden "to work it and take care of it" (Genesis 2:15).

I'm turned off by the political rhetoric in the news today. As a Christian, am I obligated to vote in public elections?
There is no question that Christians should vote. Christians can honor God and assist in guiding our nation by voting in elections at all levels of government. However, it is important that we seek information about candidates and issues so that we can vote intelligently. God also will give wisdom as we study the Bible and seek the guidance of His Holy Spirit through prayer. The opportunity of voting in free elections is a privilege that many have given their lives for. It is a responsibility and blessing from God.

The very fact that there is moral ambiguity in politics indicates the need for Christians to participate in the elective process. Every nation stands in need of moral and righteous leadership. Proverbs 14:34 says, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." In addition, the New Testament indicates that we have a responsibility to government since God has established governing authorities for our good (Romans 13:1-7).

Is it appropriate for a Christian to gamble?
For the believer in Jesus Christ, all forms of gambling--from the office raffle to casino gambling or the state lottery--are unacceptable. "Signing up" or registering for a free gift is not gambling. It merely puts a person in a position to receive something that is to be given away, and this is the donor's way of selecting the recipient. However, in the case of gambling, a person is taking chances with hard-earned money.

Gambling clearly breaks several biblical principles which are central to a Christian's way of life. A Christian lifestyle is one that expresses faith in the loving care and provision of Almighty God, not in chance or luck (Matthew 6:33). A Christian seeks to love his neighbor, not to profit from a loss by someone else. A Christian seeks to avoid every form of greed and covetousness and to be content with what he has (see Hebrews 13:5). In addition, a Christian realizes that everything he possesses has been given in stewardship by God and should only be used in a way that honors Him.

Gambling is nowhere approved in the Bible. Instead, the Bible stresses that the Christian should earn his living by honest work and effort, and this would exclude relying on chance (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12). The Bible tells us to 'abstain from all appearance of evil' (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Gambling has often done untold evil to people by making them lose money that could be used for good purposes or even the necessities of life. Money is given to us by God to be used for good, not
Gambling is also wrong because of the motives involved. Some people gamble for thrills and excitement. Others gamble because they have a greedy and covetous attitude about money. Some gamble out of a false belief in luck. All of these motives are wrong for the Christian, for they are all self-centered and materialistic. Passages in the Bible which warn against greed and covetousness are Exodus 20:15,17; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; and Colossians 3:5.

An article in Christianity Today magazine points out that the gambling industry and government often present a false picture of the benefits of gambling and the size of the problem it creates. "The cumulative effect of thousands of failed marriages and careers, poisoned by compulsive, addictive gambling, brings with it dire symptoms from which all of us suffer." A person who struggles with gambling addiction and the resulting troubles should seek help immediately.

How can I effectively resist Satan when he attacks me?
Whenever we feel attacked by forces of darkness, we can put James 4:7 into practice. This says: "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Our greatest defense against Satan is a right relationship with God through the application of Christ's sin-atoning blood to our hearts. We submit ourselves to God by confessing to Him any known sin in our lives and by actively standing on God's promise of forgiveness and cleansing; see 1 John 1:9. It is through sin that the devil gains a foothold in our lives. A right relationship with God protects us spiritually in much the same way as an armored breastplate covers and protects all the vital organs of a warrior in battle. Read Ephesians 6:10-18.

Having submitted ourselves to God, we can then effectively resist the devil with truth. Our shield against Satan is our faith in God, which is founded on the truth of God's Word. The only weapon the devil has to use against us is deception. He tries to lure us into spiritual defeat with lies and distortions of the truth. Christ was once led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. But He defeated Satan each time by standing on and quoting the Word of God. The devil finally had to leave when Jesus said, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written . . . " (Matthew 4:1-10). It is important for us to use God's Word actively when we are faced with temptations or distressing situations. We should saturate our minds with God's Word, dwelling on who God is and what He has done for us in Christ.

I sense that the Lord is calling me to enter the ministry and preach the gospel. How do I prepare for this?
Anyone who senses the leading of the Lord to enter the Christian ministry or any field of Christian service should seek confirmation of that guidance through meditation upon God's Word and prayer. Proclaiming the gospel and building up believers is not only a profession but also a high calling from God. It is a God-given urge and passion to seek out the lost, win them for Christ, and nurture them within the church. Paul expressed it this way, "Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel" (1 Corinthians 9:16).

Those who are called to serve in the ministry will require training if they are to be effective. Preparation should begin through a personal habit of daily devotions, Bible study, and prayer. Loyalty in church attendance and active participation in Christian service are essential. Counsel and prayer with pastors and church leaders are also vital. Perhaps your pastor could suggest a program of reading and study in those areas he would consider most helpful. Trust the Lord to lead you in further formal training at a Bible college or seminary of His choice.

Our ministry cannot give you specific information on the process of obtaining credentials for ministry within a particular church or denomination, nor do we have a training program for that purpose. Our ministry is crusade evangelism. Your pastor and church leaders will be of most help here. If your church is part of a fellowship of churches or a denomination, the headquarters would have information available. You might also contact officials at a Bible college or seminary that you are interested in. As you explore God's plan for your ministry, remember the wonderful promise of Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

Is it all right for a Christian to believe in astrology and discover God's plan for his or her life through a horoscope?
The fascination with astrology and horoscopes undoubtedly reflects people's search for a wisdom beyond their own and direction for the future. Astrology is the ancient belief that a person's destiny can be found in the pattern of the stars and planets at the time of one's birth. The "horoscope" is the chart that attempts to describe that destiny. The Bible mentions the astrologers in the royal court at Babylon and their inability to tell or interpret royal dreams (Daniel 2:10-11 and 4:7). Isaiah the prophet spoke of astrologers with derision: "Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you" (Isaiah 47:13).

Astrology is offensive to God because it attributes to planets and stars the power that belongs to God alone and because it tries to find the will of God by other means than God has appointed. Throughout the Bible God tells us that He will guide us; read Psalm 23:1-2, 25:9,12, 32:8; Luke 1:79; and John 7:17. The Christian has no need of astrology with its futile hints, for he turns instead to the guidance of God's Word.

Is fasting appropriate for Christians?
Fasting can be a wonderful spiritual experience. Those who never fast and pray miss a spiritual exercise which has been a blessing to many throughout the ages. A person in good health may choose to forego occasional meals in order to focus on devotion to God. Not only are there spiritual benefits, but many doctors agree that there are also health benefits. The early church found prayer and fasting valuable when seeking the guidance of God for making important decisions such as choosing spiritual leaders; see Acts 13:2-3 and 14:23. God will honor and bless anyone who will fast and pray in the right spirit.

When Jesus fasted (Luke 4:2), we are told He ate nothing. It meant in all probability that He abstained from all food, solid or liquid, but not from water. This type of fast may be called the "normal fast." There are also a few examples in the Bible of the "absolute fast" which means abstaining from drinking water as well as from eating, as in Ezra 10:6. In Esther 4:16 Queen Esther instructs Mordecai, "Fast for me, Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do." See also Paul's fast in Acts 9:9. Other examples are in Deuteronomy 9:9, Exodus 34:28 and 1 Kings 19:8. This method of fasting is an exceptional measure for an extremely unusual situation. One would need to be very sure of the leading of the Lord to undertake any fast for longer than three days or one that excludes liquid. A doctor's advice would be very important.

There is also the "partial fast" which is a restriction on certain foods or certain meals, as in Daniel 10:3 and 1 Kings, chapter 17. This method is used today by some who omit one meal a day and spend that time in prayer. Biblical fasting can be public as well as private, regular as well as occasional, involuntary as well as voluntary.

What guidelines should I follow in finding a church?
Ordinarily, we hesitate to suggest specific churches because in so many cases we do not know the pastor or the congregation personally. What may be a good church in one community, may not measure up in another. We would encourage you, however, to seek a church that is oriented to the preaching and teaching of the Bible. Central to its emphasis will be:

1. That the Bible is recognized as the infallible Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16).
2. That God is a Trinity--Father, Son and Holy Spirit (John 14:26; Matthew 28:18,19).
3. That salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone (John 14:6, Ephesians 2:8,9).
4. That spiritual maturity develops as one dedicates oneself to personal prayer, the reading and study of the Word of God, and obedience to what is learned (2 Timothy 3:16,17; Colossians 2:6,7).

The decision you make about your church affiliation is a crucial one! May God lead you to find just that church that is best suited to your personality and needs? This identity will provide much of what is needed for living a full and satisfying Christian life.

Which day are we supposed to keep as the Sabbath?
The Lord gave the observance of the "Sabbath," the seventh day, to the nation of Israel at Mount Sinai as part of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 5:12-15). The Sabbath was to be a sign of God's covenant with Israel, a day of rest from labor, and a memorial of God's great acts of creation and deliverance. The Sabbath was a good gift of God to Israel, but it was also enforced very strictly, the penalty for deliberately doing unnecessary work on that day being death (Exodus 35:2-3; Numbers 15:32-36).

When God raised Christ from the dead in power and glory on the first day of the week, the followers of Christ were led to honor Him and the resurrection on the first day of the week. Scriptural warrant for giving special worship and honor to Christ on the first day of the week, the "Lord's Day," is found in Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2, Revelation 1:10.

Many Christians and churches believe that worshiping and serving Christ on Sunday in commemoration of His resurrection completely fulfills the requirement of the Fourth Commandment. In this understanding, the Sabbath has been changed from the seventh day of the week to the first day because of Christ's resurrection. It is now a memorial of God's new covenant and His greater spiritual creation and deliverance of the church from sin and death.

Other Christians and churches worship on Sunday but do not believe that Sunday is a Christian Sabbath based on the Fourth Commandment. They believe that the Sabbath commandment is no longer binding upon Christians, since there was no restatement of it for Christians in the New Testament. They rather turn to Paul's admonition in Colossians 2:16-17, "Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ."

All Christians would agree that our faith is not limited to a day, nor does being obedient to the rules of a certain day save us. We are saved through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; see Ephesians 2:8-9. After we receive Christ as Savior, we have God's love poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit" (Romans 5:5, NKJV), and we desire to worship and serve Him every day of the week.

I just committed my life to Jesus, but why should I go to church?
You may have recently become a Christian or have experienced a renewal of your faith. At this point you are probably wondering, "What do I do now to begin the journey which leads to spiritual maturity?" The Bible encourages us to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18). The first step in this process is to become actively involved in the ministry of a local church.

All Christians are members of the body of Christ, which is the true church; it has prevailed through the ages, though the "gates of hell" have always opposed it. It is God's will, however, that Christians meet together as a spiritual body on the local level--which they have been doing for nearly two thousand years. A number of New Testament letters were written to local groups of believers in different parts of the Roman Empire. The writer of Hebrews 10:25 admonished the first-century followers of Christ: "Let us not neglect our church meetings, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near" (TLB).

What is a cult?
A cult is any group that teaches doctrines or beliefs that deviate from the biblical message of the Christian faith. It is very important that we recognize cults and avoid any involvement with them. Cults often teach some Christian truth mixed with error, which may be difficult to detect.

There are some features common to most cults:
1. They do not adhere solely to the sixty-six books of the Bible as the inspired Word of God. They add their "special revelations" to the Bible as equally or even more authoritative.
2. They do not accept that our relationship to Jesus Christ is a reality "by grace through faith" alone, but practice instead a salvation by works.
3. They do not give Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, full recognition as the second Person of the Trinity, composed of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

When a Christian dies is it all right to cremate the body?
The Bible does not give specific directions for the disposal of the body following death. Bible-era practices are described in Unger's Bible Dictionary as follows: "Interment in Bible times followed soon after death, as is evident in the narratives of the burial of Sarah (Genesis 23:1-20), Rachel (Genesis 35:19-20), and Rebekah's nurse (Genesis 35:8). The Hebrews did not normally cremate, except in most unusual cases of emergency, as in the case of Saul and his sons (1 Samuel 31:11-13). Later Babylonians burned their dead and deposited their ashes in ornate funerary urns, as did Greeks and Romans. Hebrews in later time, indicated by the numerous ossuaries found in New Testament Palestine, also practiced cremation."

Christians will want to show respect for the body. Even though the essential person or spirit has moved on to an eternal destiny, the body is the tangible reminder of all that person meant to us. In addition, the body is destined for resurrection, transformation, and reunion with the spirit at Christ's return. Whether burial or cremation best expresses that appropriate respect is a very personal decision. The wishes of other close family members and friends should also be considered in any decision because they are the ones who will live with the decision and with the memories.

Remember, when Jesus Christ was crucified, he was given total victory over death, hell, and the grave. The most important thing in one's life is to be prepared to meet the Lord when He calls us home. From the moment we draw our first breath to the moment we come face to face with Jesus, nothing else will matter except that we know Him as our Savior and Lord.

At the resurrection it will not make any difference whether a person's body has been buried or cremated. God knows how to raise the body, either in the resurrection of life or the resurrection of condemnation (John 5:28-29). The new body of a Christian will be a radically changed and glorified body like the body of the exalted Christ. It will be an eternal, spiritual body never again to experience weakness, disease, suffering or death (1 Corinthians 15:35-54 and Philippians 3:20-21).

Will we have the opportunity to accept Christ and get right with God after we die?
The Bible teaches that our decision for Christ must be made this side of the grave. The Bible says: "Now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation"; "Seek the Lord while he may be found"; "How shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?" (2 Corinthians 6:2, Isaiah 55:6, Hebrews 2:3). The Bible also says: "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (see Hebrews 9:27, Mark 8:36). We find no hope in the Bible for people who do not get right with God in this life.

The most important thing we have to settle in this life is our eternal salvation. Those who ignore God's warnings and invitations do so at great peril. Proverbs 29:1 says: "A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed--without remedy." God is giving us opportunity now to receive Christ and eternal life. "Today, if you hear his voice, harden not your hearts" (Hebrews 4:7).

Would it be right to try to talk with the spirits of dead loved ones?
There are many people who have lost loved ones and who would desperately like to be able to talk with them again or receive messages from them. This desire is understandable, but according to the Bible, God does not permit contacting the dead. The attempt is a sin against God and results in either deception or involvement with demonic entities impersonating the dead (Deuteronomy 18:10-12).
It is critically important for anyone who has been involved in this or any other occult practice to confess it to God as a sin, renounce the practice, and turn to Jesus Christ for His forgiveness, cleansing, and protection. Consultation with a gospel-preaching pastor may be wise.

My loved one died. How can I deal with my loneliness?
It is always hard for us to be separated from those we love. Do not apologize for your grief or try to conceal your loneliness. Go to an understanding friend and share your sorrow. You may be surprised at the encouragement you feel. The Bible says: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). Jesus is the best Friend of all. Open your heart to Him. If you ask Christ,

He will tell you how to again find purpose in life. We suggest these four things:
1. Each morning thank God for all the joy He has brought through the years. Surrender your day to Him. Ask Christ to guide and direct you. Then all through the day think of Him as walking by your side.
2. Read your Bible. There you will find words of wisdom and comfort, such as 1 Corinthians 13:12: "Now we see but a poor reflection; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."
3. Seek opportunities to help those in need. There is someone who needs your love and care. Ask God to show you who it is and let him know he has a friend. The joy you bring into the lives of others will be reflected in your own.
4. Hold fast to your belief in eternal life. Death is not the end, but the doorway into heaven.

How can I deal with the fear and anxiety that makes me want to stay home all the time?
A fear reaction to a specific situation can be identified as a phobia, and persons who suffer from phobias endeavor to avoid objects or situations that bring about fear reactions. It is possible that you have developed agoraphobia, the fear that keeps people at home. We seem to be hearing from more and more people who are suffering from panic attacks and great discomfort away from home.

Here are some suggestions to help you defeat your anxiety:
1. Determine to obey God. God commands us not to be anxious (Philippians 4:5).
2. Pray. God promised Daniel He would answer and Daniel was not to fear (Philippians 4:6, Daniel 10:12).
3. Meditate on positive thoughts (Philippians 4:8). See also Psalm 34:4, 86:15; Isaiah 40:28-31; Proverbs 1:33; John 14:27.
4. Divert attention from self to others (Philippians 4:10, 2:3-4). As an individual gets his mind off his own problems by helping others, his anxiety also decreases.
5. Set a time limit on your worries. Probably ninety-eight percent of the things we are anxious about or worry about never happen. Learning to live one day at a time is an art that can be cultivated.

I have one problem after another. Has God forgotten me?
We are sometimes at a loss to know why difficulty is permitted in our lives; however, God has not promised us lives of ease. As a matter of fact, God allows such things to happen that we might be awakened to our need to live in greater dependence upon Him, and in due time God will reveal His greater purposes in our lives. We trust you will allow these trials to be a means of leading you to make a personal commitment of your life to Christ as Savior and Lord (Romans 4:5, Ephesians 2:8-9, and John 1:12) or of drawing you closer to Him. Then you will find that His comfort and love will more than meet your need; read Ephesians 3:20.

Never feel that God has forsaken you, for He is unchanging in His love and grace. The Bible says, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5b). Remember, His love is constant and everlasting, as God has revealed to us in the gift of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. May your faith be grounded in Christ Himself that you may know His will James 1:5, 3:17.

What can I do to find relief from my worries?
Stress, worry, and anxiety come when we do not fully trust the Lord to handle the situation. We are troubled by anxious thoughts of real or anticipated problems when we rely on our own strength and have not learned to cast all our cares upon the Lord. Anxiety chokes out the Word of God in our hearts and keeps us from growing in Christ.

Replace worry with prayer. Thank God in the midst of your problems, and turn them over to Him, as directed in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." Praising God is a beautiful antidote for anxiety. Memorize and claim these Bible promises when worried or anxious: "So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper, I will not be seized with alarm--I will not fear or dread or be terrified. What can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:6, Amplified); and, "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs and don't forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7, TLB).

Why does God seem so far away now that I am sick and need Him so badly?
Physical sickness and distressing circumstances can often affect our emotions, and it is possible to feel that God is far away. It is important, however, to realize that God loves you and is very close to you regardless of your feelings. In Jeremiah 31:3 we read, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." If you have given your life to Christ, He is right there with you, regardless of the way you may feel. It is important that you trust God's Word about your relationship to Him. God has said, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).

Take these wonderful promises, along with others in God's Word, and meditate on them until they become a part of your thinking. As the Lord gives you strength, spend time each day reading your Bible and praying. Do not worry about your temporary lack of feeling. God says in Hebrews 13:5b: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." He is with you, and eventually your sense of His presence will return.

I have thoughts of ending my life. Where can I find help?
First of all, let us impress upon you the fact that you are important in the sight of God. He says, "You are precious to me...and I love you" (Isaiah 43:4, TLB). The very reason Jesus Christ came to earth to offer Himself in sacrifice is so that we might have life in all its fullness, and it is His desire that we be set free from depression, fear, frustration, and hurt so that we might experience this abundant life.

The most important step you can take is to anchor your life solidly to Jesus Christ by committing your life without reserve to Him. God loves you, and He wants you to be part of His family. All you have to do is turn to Christ and ask Him to come into your heart as your Lord and Savior. Have you made that commitment to Christ? Turn to Him now--and then you will have a new desire to live a life with purpose. For a simple outline of the Gospel message, see our plan of salvation.

Thoughts of taking one's own life do not come from God but from the evil one, Satan. Jesus said, "The thief's (Satan's) purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness" (John 10:10, TLB). We are warned in 1 Peter 5:8-10, "Be careful--watch out for attacks from Satan, your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion, looking for some victim to tear apart. Stand firm when he attacks. Trust the Lord...He personally will come and pick you up, and set you firmly in place, and make you stronger than ever" (TLB).

It is important that you determine to give all your problems to Jesus and "cast all your anxiety on him" (1 Peter 5:7). Refuse to listen to the devil, who is the "father of lies" (John 8:44), and make a total surrender of your life to Christ as Savior and Lord. Then center your attention upon His love for you and His wonderful plan for your life, and rest in the assurance that Jesus will "never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5b, NKJV).

Also, remember that God often uses other people to help us. Many who struggle with suicidal feelings benefit from talking with someone who can pray with them and help sort things out. We would urge you to counsel with a gospel-preaching pastor in your area. You may also benefit from the advice of a professional Christian counselor. Above all, keep your hope fixed in the One who says, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5b).

How can I get over my discouragement and bitterness because of a physical disability?
Physical disabilities can easily lead to discouragement and bitterness. There are certainly no easy answers to such problems. However, you can be sure that God, in His ultimate purpose, desires to bring about in you the greatest good, including the cultivation of love, patience, and faith (Romans 8:28).

Faith in God will give you courage, hope, and the ability to accept your circumstances with a greater peace of mind than you have ever experienced before. The Bible says, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7). Helen Keller, who was both blind and deaf from an early age, is a classic example of handling life's handicaps. She said, "I thank God for my handicaps, for through them I have found myself, my work and my God." Some people with less serious handicaps give in to self-pity and limit their usefulness and service to people and God. The Bible teaches that physical affliction, if not misunderstood, can work for our strengthening and good; read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.

Afflictions can lead us to see our need to accept Christ as our Savior by faith, or discipline us into a closer walk with him. The Bible says, "A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all" (Psalm 34:19). Some of God's most faithful followers have suffered great pain and limitations, but they learned to use their affliction constructively.

What is the "rapture," and when does it occur?
There are many Christians who believe that the second coming of Jesus Christ will be in two phases. First He will come for believers, both living and dead, in the "rapture"; read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17. In this view, the rapture--which is the transformation and catching up of all Christians, dead or alive, to meet Christ in the air--will be secret, for it will be unknown to the world of unbelievers at the time of its happening. The effect of this removal, in the absence of multitudes of people, will, of course, be evident on earth. Then, second, after a period of seven years of tribulation on earth, Christ will return to the earth together with His church, the saints who were raptured (Matthew 24:30, 2 Thessalonians 1:7, 1 Peter 1:13, Revelation 1:7). He will be victorious over His enemies and will reign on the earth for a thousand years (the millennium) together with His saints, the church. After the thousand years, living unbelievers and the wicked dead now raised to life will be judged at the great white throne judgment. They will then be cast into the lake of fire, while the saved will live forever with Christ in a new heaven and earth (Revelation, chapters 19-22).

Many other evangelical Christians believe that Christ's return and the rapture will not occur until the seven years of the tribulation have ended. As far as the latter view is concerned, the rapture will not be secret, since it will be part of Christ's visible and triumphant return to end this present evil age (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). At this point, interpreters differ as to whether there will be a literal thousand-year reign of Christ on earth or whether the white throne judgment and the new heaven and earth will immediately appear.

The crucial matter is not that all Christians agree on all details of what will occur in the final events of this world's history. Some of these events and their order of occurrence have simply not been made clear in the Bible. What is important is that all Christians hold in common that Christ will ultimately return bodily, visibly, gloriously, to reign and rule with His resurrected and transformed saints forever and ever. The details of this great event will be made known in God's own time.

Is Jesus Christ going to return again to this earth some day?
It is very clearly set forth in the Scriptures that Jesus Christ will bodily and visibly return to this earth. In the Old Testament there are prophecies which can be fulfilled only by our Lord's return. In the New Testament there are over 300 references to Christ's second coming. Christ Himself emphasized that He would come again. On one occasion He said, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am" (John 14:3). On another occasion Jesus said, "You will see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven" (Mark 14:62; see also Mark 13:26, Matthew 24:30 and Luke 21:27).

The apostles continued the emphasis on Jesus' return. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Paul said, "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever." Revelation 1:7 says, "Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him." The bodily, visible return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the Christian's "blessed hope" (Titus 2:13).

Is Christ expected to return very soon as some people are predicting?
There is a great deal of interest today in the subject of our Lord's return. Pastor Hagee believes that this divinely predicted event may well happen soon; and he is constantly urging believers to obey the scriptural injunction that "teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self- controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:12-13).

While there are indications that we may be approaching a crisis in history, and biblical descriptions of the last days fit our times, it would be unwise to make any prediction about the exact time of Christ's return. When on earth, Jesus said, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matthew 24:36). The important thing is that we should be ready for His coming: "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour" (Matthew 25:13). Read also 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 and 2 Peter 3:3-15.

What is the battle of Armageddon?
The Bible plainly forecasts the coming of yet another great war. It will be a war to eclipse anything the world has ever seen. It will embrace most of the nations of the world; and its focal point will be in the Middle East, where the armies of the world will some day deploy themselves, centering at Mount Megiddo. This great war has been called the battle of Armageddon. In the midst of this terrifying war that could destroy civilization the Lord Jesus Christ will return to this earth in glory and power to judge the nations of the world and set up His own glorious kingdom.

The Scripture describes this great battle in the sixteenth chapter of the book of Revelation. The sixth angel will pour out his vial upon the great river Euphrates. We are told that the waters of the Euphrates River will be 'dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.' The dry riverbed will permit unhindered passage of the great armies of the East to the scene of the battle. Unclean spirits, demons, will go out into the world to the kings of the earth 'to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty' (verses 12-14).

The armies of the world will focalize on a point known as Armageddon, the Mount of Megiddo, and there the final world conflict will take place. The extent of this conflict is indicated in the ninth chapter of Revelation, where the army that is to cross the Euphrates River is described; and in that chapter the immensity of this final world war is carefully described.... We are aware of the shuffling of the stage in preparation for the greatest battle of all time that will certainly take place in the years ahead. The crisis of the present hour should shatter the optimism concerning human nature of every person listening to my voice. The only reliable hope for the future must be bound up in a living faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

With so many terrible things happening these days, I'm afraid that the end of the world may be near. Can you help me?
Threatening world events should not be a source of anxiety to true believers who are trusting in Christ as their personal Savior. We who know the Lord are looking forward to His soon return, and we are assured that our future is in His hands.

Perhaps you do not feel this assurance. The key is to realize that God made us so we could have a personal relationship with Him. This relationship gives us peace. The Bible says, "He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in Him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord" (Isaiah 26:3, TLB). When we leave God out of our lives, there is an empty space left in our hearts. We try to fill that empty space in all kinds of ways: sex, drugs, alcohol, pleasure, personal relationships, money--the list is endless. But it will never be filled by anything or anyone except God. No matter the troubles in the world, you can have peace with God. See our plan of Salvation.

The Scriptures give us many promises to keep us in God's perfect peace when the world is shaking with fear. We are to "watch and pray," but we are not to have an unwholesome fear, which is equivalent to doubting God's Word. Jude 24 describes God as "Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy." In Ephesians 6:13 we read,: "Therefore put on the full armor of God, s