ASK THE PASTOR: One Hundred Questions and Answers Plus Ten Bonus Questions and Answers Volume II Questions 101-200

By Roscoe L. DeChalus M. Min.

Have you ever wondered how many people went to Egypt with Jacob?
Or perhaps you’re confused by what seem to be contradictions in the Old and New testaments.
Roscoe L. DeChalus, president and senior pastor for Lord of Hope Ministries, draws on his expertise to answer those questions and many more in this book that will bolster your faith in the Lord—and help you share His word with others.
Other questions include:
· Is open-air preaching a requirement for all Christians?
· As Christ died for all our sins, why will we be judged in heaven?
· What is the origin of the cross and church steeples and are they related to phallic worship?
· Why do people listen to false prophets?
Whether you’re a Christian seeking to bolster your understanding of the Bible or a nonbeliever who is open about starting a relationship with the Lord, the answers in this book will satisfy your curiosity and move you to accept the Lord Jesus as your savior.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Apr 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9781664292017

Roscoe L. DeChalus M. Min.

Roscoe L. DeChalus, M. Min. is the president of Lord of Hope Association and the president and senior pastor for Lord of Hope Ministries, which he co-founded with his wife, Revita. He and his wife are also Radio Bible Teachers and have served as telephone ambassadors for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. He earned a Master of Ministry, pastoral ministry degree from Master’s International University of Divinity.

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Copyright © 2023 Roscoe L. DeChalus M. Min.

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ISBN: 978-1-6642-9202-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-9203-1 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-9201-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023902684

WestBow Press rev. date: 4/18/2023

Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Public Domain).

Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked ESV are from the ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

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Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Endorsements

"Pastor Roscoe DeChalus is an enthusiastic, detailed, and dedicated student of God’s Word. I chose these adjectives because they also reflect the kind of answers he gives to questions people ask him.

You can trust him."

Dr. Woodrow Kroll,

Creator of The HELIOS Projects

Former President and Senior Bible Teacher

Back to the Bible International

"A Bible and Christian faith education right in your hand."

Roscoe DeChalus has been a volunteer question answerer with GotQuestions.org for over a decade. In that time, he has answered literally hundreds of questions. His answers have the balance of truth and love (Ephesians 4:15), grace seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6), and doctrine with application. His books are well-worth reading.

In Christ,

Shea Houdmann

President, GotQuestions.org

Got Questions Ministries

In a world full of chaos, the need for clarity is ever present. God has gifted Roscoe with a unique ability to be a voice of reason, answering tough questions with wisdom and grace. 100 Ask The Pastor Questions And Answers Volume 2 is a must in every library.

Dr. Rev. Huntley Brown

International Concert Pianist

If you are interested in a book that provides detailed information to questions that you have wanted to ask a pastor and didn’t, you are at the right book. Pastor Roscoe DeChalus provides detailed information that is easy to read, whether you are a student, a lay person, or a minister. His answers are practical and easy to understand. He shows biblical response to questions, something that is needed in today’s world. His previous book was a sample which leads one to ask more questions. It is a reference book that you will return to again and again. Thank God that Pastor Roscoe DeChalus continues to provide God’s word to help wherever needed.

Revita DeChalus, Vice President/Radio Bible Teacher,

Lord of Hope Ministries

Ask the Pastor 100 Questions, Volume II continues to put into perspective a biblical response to a fraction of the heartfelt questions piercing the heart, mind, and soul of people from all walks of life about where God fits into the bigger scheme of life issues, the role the church leaders play in engaging and interpreting the Word of God they disseminate to the people, and so much more. This really is a must read for everyone. You realize even as a minister of the Gospel, you have questions too, and the Bible does have all the answers. We just need to ask the question.

Andra Allen Standberry

Founder and President

Word of Life Fellowship Ministries, Inc.

Special recognition

Many thanks to my daughter Julie DeChalus and my wife Revita DeChalus for your help with editing both volumes … Your help was priceless!

Table of Contents

Question 101

Question 102

Question 103

Question 104

Question 105

Question 106

Question 107

Question 108

Question 109

Question 110

Question 111

Question 112

Question 113

Question 114

Question 115

Question 116

Question 117

Question 118

Question 119

Question 120

Question 121

Question 122

Question 123

Question 124

Question 125

Question 126

Question 127

Question 128

Question 129

Question 130

Question 131

Question 132

Question 133

Question 134

Question 135

Question 136

Question 137

Question 138

Question 139

Question 140

Question 141

Question 142

Question 143

Question 144

Question 145

Question 146

Question 147

Question 148

Question 149

Question 150

Question 151

Question 152

Question 153

Question 154

Question 155

Question 156

Question 157

Question 158

Question 159

Question 160

Question 161

Question 162

Question 163

Question 164

Question 165

Question 166

Question 167

Question 168

Question 169

Question 170

Question 171

Question 172

Question 173

Question 174

Question 175

Question 176

Question 177

Question 178

Question 179

Question 180

Question 181

Question 182

Question 183

Question 184

Question 185

Question 186

Question 187

Question 188

Question 189

Question 190

Question 191

Question 192

Question 193

Question 194

Question 195

Question 196

Question 197

Question 198

Question 199

Question 200

Question 101: Explain Acts 7:51-60, and Acts 8:1 precisely each verse.

Question 102: Will we remember our earthly life when we are in heaven?

Question 103: Why did God only reveal himself through Abraham and his descendants and not to the whole world at once? I have a friend who is still a Christian but believes now in more than one way to heaven because of this question. I couldn’t answer it that well. He told me why doesn’t God reveal himself to the Native Americans or the Africans or the Chinese?

Question 104: How to give a good offering message? Kindly provide some messages for reference.

Question 105: Not really a question, more of a request … I might be teaching a lesson at a bible study held at my school. The lesson is on being a Christian, an actual Christian. Like a Disciple of Christ, not what people portray what being a Christian is … Being a Christian is how the world identifies us, but sometimes I feel like people take that word and set limitations upon being one. Jesus’ disciples had a RELATIONSHIP with him, and that’s what I am trying to convey in this lesson. I would really appreciate some notes, pointers, scriptures, so I could increase my studies, and my knowledge on the subject stated.

Question 106: I have been trying to grow spiritually for the past 5 years when I gave my life to Christ, but I end up right where I started. I don’t feel like I am the man of God that I’m supposed to be.

I struggle with fornication. Always have… What can I do? I apologize if this is not a real question. But I feel like God is tired of me.

Question 107: Is open-air preaching a requirement for all Christians?

Question 108: Am I sinning? Would this be considered hating your brother? I have lost all faith in the church. The church ways make me angry. There are too many self-righteous Christians and legalistic Christians. There are a lot of Christians who are weak in faith and think they can’t be around sinful things or people. Most of all, I despise the fake Christians. The ones who are essentially saying they can sin and do what they want because they are saved through grace. I have lost faith in the church. It is sickening and defiles God’s name. Is this righteous indignation? My church friends who agree with me (including my pastor) say I am right but I am sinning against my brothers and I am being the very thing I hate, legalism and self-righteousness. How can I not be angry when they are ultimately mocking and defiling God’s Name and Word? Frankly, I’m tired of being mocked for being a Christian at work and those ‘Christians’ give good Christians a bad rep.

Question: 109: How different is Christian ministry from the ministries of human government?

Question 110: What did God mean when he said that, He is not the God of the dead but of the living?

Question 111: Gen 20:6 Then God said to him (Abimelech) in the dream, ‘Yes, I know you did this with a clear conscience … … … … … Gen 31:11 The angel of God said to me in the dream, ‘Jacob.’ I answered, ‘Here I am.’ … … Gen 37:5 Joseph had a dream, … Gen 41:1 When two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream: He was standing by the Nile, … Judges 7:15 When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped God … Ps 73:20 As a dream when one awakes, so when you arise, O Lord, you will despise them as fantasies. Ecc 5:3 As a dream comes when there are many cares, so the speech of a fool when there are many words. Jeremiah 23:25 ‘I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name. They say, ‘I had a dream! I had a dream!’ Jer 23:28 Let the prophet who has a dream tell his dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain? declares the LORD. Daniel 2:6 But if you tell me the dream and explain it, you will receive from me gifts and rewards and great honor. So tell me the dream and interpret it for me. Joel 2:28 ‘And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Mt 2:12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. Mt 2:13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream … … From the above verses we see that dreams were important. Some were true; some were just fantasies (Psalm 73:20) and also some people used dreams to tell lies, Jer 23:25. We also see that not just those people we can refer to as ‘the chosen ones’ were having dreams example in Gen 41:1, Pharaoh had a dream. How did they or their audiences know if truly God had spoken to them in a particular dream? Did all the dreams have a meaning? If He (God) spoke to them in dreams, can we say that He also speaks to us in dreams? If God is the God of the people in the bible, why should/shouldn’t we believe our dreams nowadays?

Question: 112: There is a man that comes to my home for Bible study and he is constantly trying to `heal` others in the group. I need Biblical backing to make him stop. He is making people uncomfortable and some have stopped coming.

Question 113: Is there a verse which explains that if you know someone is doing something wrong and you do not say anything about it then you are wrong too? Can you help me with the correct verse? Thank you!

Question: 114: Can a God honoring and hard working servant of God be an elder when his wife has back slid so much that she has not come to church for many years, & has no interest in things pertaining to God. Likewise with his grown up son & daughter … In fact, 1 of the children claims to be a Buddhist. The wife & children are model citizens - law abiding, hard working, etc. BUT show no interest in God. I am perplexed how this ties in with one who rules his own house well and faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination.

Question 115: Why use ash on Ash Wednesday?

Question 116: What is fire and brimstone preaching? Is it effective?

Question 117: In the Parable of the Weeds in Matthew 13:24-30, how do I know I’m one of the plants that are not good? Because if I am one of them which I can say I am (possibly all of the negative ones) how can I change from the corrupt plants and be the good one? What must I do to become that good plant? How do I prevent from turning into those bad plants? Please pray for me. Thank you.

Question 118: Is Exodus 21:20-21 condoning the beating of slaves since it says that the man who beat the slave isn’t to be punished if the slave is alive for a couple days? Plus this verse also calls slaves a person’s property. Also with Leviticus 25:44 it says that the Hebrews shall in the KJV and may in the NASB, NIV buy slaves from the nations around them but not among the Israelites themselves. I have a KJV Study Bible and I noticed that they seemed to skip these verses with their commentary. These verses are pretty tough to me and don’t seem right.

Question 119: When Jesus cast out the manifold demon(s) ‘Legion’ and permitted them to enter into the pigs, why did they run off of the cliff?

Question 120: What is New Monasticism?

Question 121: Was Nisan 14, 33 C.E the day Jesus died? Are Jehovah witness right to believe that Jesus died at this date? If so is Tuesday March 26, 2013 after sundown is this the anniversary of Jesus?

Question 122: How should Christians respond to the Ku Klux Klan?

Question 123: When Jacob went to Egypt how many people went with him?

Question 124: Is it ok to listen to Ronald L. Dart?

Question 125: This is a follow-up to a question I sent answered by Roscoe: How should Christians respond to the Ku Klux Klan? Thanks for your detailed response. What I meant, though, in asking this question (and I should have been more specific) is what we, as Christians, should think of the KKK and their claims to be Christian.

Question 126: Where does it say in the Bible that the soul never dies? The soul either lives forever in hell or heaven, right? When a person gets saved/accepts Christ as their savior the soul is sealed Right?

Question 127: As Christ died for all our sins why will we be judged in Heaven?

Question 128: Can I have a few verses that will help me explain to my fiancé that she is beautiful and she does not need to spend hours putting makeup on and doing her hair, thanks.

Question 129: Do Jehovah’s witnesses cast out spirits in the lords name? Do they prophecy? I’m just trying to figure out Matthew 7:21. It makes sense for people who believe in Jesus but don’t believe he was psychically raised from the dead. That would make the verse make sense. Why would a person who believes correctly and has relationship with Jesus Christ go to hell? Thanks for your help with helping me understand.

Question 130: Why do people put so much emphasis on race? Such as black people thinking anyone black are their people when realistically other than our different shades of colors it’s not much of a difference. When I look at the body of Christ it doesn’t matter at all. So is this basically the world’s way vs. God’s? P.S. I’m Black.

Question 131: Question 332165: What does it mean `are called according to his purpose`?

Question 132: Question 334147: What is the origin of the cross and church steeples and are they related to phallic worship?

Question 133: Question 334748: I met a lady and wanted to marry her but she insisted that she does not want her people to be there; which automatically disqualified my people. Her reason for her decision was; she said her mum and some of her siblings are possessed. We went to a pastor (related to her); he took us to a remote area where no one would know. The Pastor didn’t preside over the conjunction called spiritual blessing, but asked another person to do it. Now, we are having serious problem being together. She said all of my family is possessed. Her siblings that I know to be spiritually stable in God are her arch enemies. The man of God she spoke to (her relative), she is now calling her a star hijacker. When we were together, whenever she goes to hospital, she keeps telling me that one nurse or the other are having more than one head or more than two natural eyes; while I did see a normal head and eyes. We are no more together. My question is am I married to this lady according to the biblical standard? May I go ahead with her? Up-till now, she doesn’t change, but growing worse. She goes from one diviner to the other … which is compounding the issue. Please, I need a quick response and your advice. Thank you.

Question 134: Can god curse me with black skin? I feel that’s why out of my 23 years nothing has been going for me but 14 suicide attempts. I do believe being black is a curse and that’s why I’m an n-monkey.

Question 135: Ok, if women are the flesh of the man’s bones, why do most men throughout the world have no attachment to women nor do they feel emotional about sex. It’s like wouldn’t it be natural to feel attachment to something that is a part of you? However most of the evils done to throughout the world to women are by men (human trafficking, violence, etc)

Question 136: What does the bible say about Christians who join Cosplaying? Is it a sin?

Question 137: What is the role of a believer in the church? Please explain in a descriptive way. I shall be grateful to you. Praise the Lord!

Question 138: If just about every time I hear a good message I think of ideas for my own messages and day dream about preaching does that mean I could be called to preach? If so, then how do I go about answering the call without being afraid of it? I know God wants me in the ministry somehow but I’m trying to figure out what his will is. Help Please?

Question 139: Should Christians meet people where they are? If so, how should that be done? Should churches meet people where they are? If so, how should that be done?

Question 140: I went to the Old Apostolic church with my grandparents when I was brought up by them, but I till this day have no clue whether they believe in the trinity or that Jesus and God is separate beings … We never had any bible studies at home, and I don’t think I ever asked or understood properly.

Question 141: Hello, I don’t understand Acts 15:21 in context, what its purpose is. Can you help? Thanks, again!

Question 142: I’ve been reading Kyle Idleman’s Not a Fan and it has been a sobering read. He points out that there are many, many hypocrites in the church today who claim to be Christians and do believe, but aren’t committing their lives to Christ. I certainly agree with the points he’s making there but what scares me is that there are Amazon reviews pointing out that he is possibly being too legalistic and preaching that one needs great works in order to verify their salvation. Obviously we don’t contribute anything to our salvation, but is he right that unless we are doing great things for Christ all the time, then our salvation was never genuine? And is his book Biblical?

Question 143: The Bible does not instruct people as to whether or not to marry under these circumstances, although both parents are still obligated to support the child emotionally, spiritually and financially. Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/pregnant-married.html#ixzz2Y7E81b3R according to what scripture does it mention that both parents have to support the child? Is it simply based on judgment or does it actually mention this? Why can’t just one parent be involved if it’d be more beneficial that way? Also, was Hagar really married to Abraham or was she just a concubine?

Question 144: What I see in preaching of Peter in Acts 2 he mentions water baptism as part of his Gospel message is different from St. Paul’s Gospel. In Paul’s Gospel, water is not part of the Gospel. I noticed in your info. On baptism you don’t make any mention of this difference. Since Paul was given the latest revelations from the risen Christ, why do churches in general not preach Paul and his Gospel rather than going back before Paul? The baptism Paul preaches on is the baptism by the Holy Spirit when He baptizes us into the body of Christ, the church. Could you comment on my question? Thank you so much for this opportunity to email you. May the Lord bless your ministry!

Question 145: How is substitutionary atonement just in God’s eyes? Is it simply because that’s the system he set in place?

Question 146: Dear Church, I’m a Christian since youth, and tried to follow God’s command in my living but at one point of my life I had encountered a problematic relationship with a girl and things fell apart. Actually at that time I was angry with God, why God was doing this to me and thinking it would be better if God didn’t let me get to know this girl in the first place. I purposely stay away from God and intentionally committed sin. But after sometime I felt guilty and wanted to go back to God and ask for forgiveness. I actually already did ask for forgiveness from God but somehow I felt that I am still guilty because I did commit the sin intentionally. Do you think God will still forgive me and will I be saved for eternal life? Question (2) I have Christian friend who had a relationship with somebody’s husband. Can she be forgiven by God since she knew it was wrong to do so? Will she still be saved? I think human is still human, unless we died … If not, it is very hard to avoid to committing sins. This is how I feel sometimes. I think dead is better than committing sin because dead people don’t commit sin.

Question 147: Why do people listen to false prophets? I have shown evidence to my friend that Kate Kerr is a false prophet and after accepting the evidence she still listens to her and stopped reading her Bible.

Question 148: What two trees have significance to Christianity? One I know is the Tree of Life; the other is supposed to be in the NT and is not cedar, fig, or olive. (I already guessed those). Please help and support answer with scripture. Thanks in advance.

Question 149: My name is …, Lutheran Christian, Please send personal response … At age 33, I just had One Girlfriend. As a Heterosexual man, I have Sexual Desires and needs. I am VERY upset, how at age 21 in 2001, I had to lose my virginity to an escort girl because I couldn’t get a girlfriend. My Mother said that when I pass away, that God will send me back in time to when I was 15 in 1995 to my freshman year in High School, and God will make it so I can lose my Virginity to a Girl friend who loves me, instead of an Escort. My Mom said that God could make it so I have all the woman and sex I want in Heaven the afterlife. I admit that I do NOT have Faith that God will do this for me. I have wishful thinking but I’ll believe it when I see it. I almost never get sex, and I’m tired of this. There should be Sexual Intercourse in Heaven for Everybody, including people like me who can hardly get any on Earth. But I do NOT have Faith that God will give me what I want and desire when I die. I will believe it when I see it. I’m like a doubting Thomas.

Question 150: Please Respond, you said I should Remain sexually pure until I get Married, but I might Never Get Married, and like all Heterosexual Men, I have needs, Plus Everyone deserves a Great Sex Life, both Men and Women, I can’t get a date or Sex to save my life, it has been this way since 2007, Like all Human Beings, I deserve Sex.. Plus, Before you claim Sexual Intercourse and Lovemaking don’t Exist in Heaven, Read the book What the Bible REALLY Says about Sex by Tom Gruber, you can order it on Amazon.com, he has a Valid interpretation of scripture showing Sex does exist in Heaven.. … And it should for all people, if the other Hobbies of Earthly Life exist in Heaven, so should sex. Also the book says, when Christians are told sex doesn’t exist in Heaven, it makes them very upset.. I personally deserve all the women and sex I want when I pass away, all men do … I’m NOT talking about the Islamic Concept of 72 Virgins I’m a Lutheran Christian, I’m talking about endless women for me and all the other Guys, but I realize Heaven is about more than sex and Fellowship with God, but can’t there be some sex? Yours Truly …

Question 151: How do I respond to a Church of Christ member who denies the rapture? Is this COC doctrine to deny the rapture?

Question 152: What can we learn spiritually from the book of Judge’s chapter’s 19-21 spiritually? Why did he do that?

Question 153: Thank you. I didn’t have the author when I sent the first question. His name is Emmet fox. And the book is the Sermon on the Mount: the key to success in life. And he uses the term scientific Christianity. I wanted to know what that term might mean.

Question 154: Should Christian’s join labor unions?

Question 155: I have a friend who is a Jehovah’s Witness, and earlier today she posted something on Instagram about an `annual meeting`. In her post she said something about not being able to talk about some information that was given at the meeting. I was wondering if you knew what this `annual meeting` is and what kind of information they give out at this meeting, because I’m actually really curious about this.

Question 156: Can Christians love the good in others (e. g. unbelievers?)

Question 157: I have a friend; a Christian named (Anonymous). He is living with a Christian woman to whom he is engaged but not yet married. He says, and I believe him, that there is no sex and no sexual attraction of him for this woman, a Christian whom I do not know. My friend (Anonymous) is not a member of a church to the best of my knowledge. I live in Philadelphia, Pa. and he lives in Maine. We were friends in person when he lived in the Philly area and until he cut me off because he FEELS I tempt him to homosexuality (which he has a history and struggle with) so this may for now be a moot question (I am NOT a homosexual and have no history or struggle with it). I myself am a member of a church in Philly. Under Matthew 18 and 1 Cor. 5, and 1 Tim. 1 (do these verses apply?) to what if any extent should I and my other Christian friend (who lives in the Philly area) refuse to associate with him? For ME this would only be if he reinstates contact. My Anonymous friend does have regular contact with my other Christian friend in the Philadelphia area.

The verses are 1 Cor. 5:9-13.

Question 158: My Friend (Anonymous) got saved at 19 - he is now about 60. I don’t know that he ever had same-sex attraction towards ME. I told you before that I myself have NEVER had a problem with homosexuality. As for contact with him by ME, that question is moot for now because he has forbidden me to call him or write him on ANY subject. I have advised another friend on not being an enabler to My Friend (Anonymous) and not creating an APPEARANCE of it (1 Thess. 5). My friend says he fully appreciates this need. I do not know that my Friend (Anonymous) is now accountable to an area local church and THAT is part of his problem - that means no visible corporate spiritual authority or accountability, right? This was also the situation when he lived in Connecticut (still far from Philly). He claims to be accountable to his former (and my present) church in Philly but that claim is hollow, if for no other reason, the geographical distance between the Philly area and where he now lives with this woman in Maine. A type of a sheep without a shepherd, yes?

I now know what I probably need to do if My Friend (Anonymous) calls me - tell him that he is sinning, warn him of the consequences, and his need for church authority, and until he repents, no fellowship. If he sincerely wants counseling on what to do about his sins, I guess that would be OK.

Question 159: Is it wrong to go to your friend’s wedding knowing your friend is a Christian and his wife-to be is an unbeliever? How about to being a groomsman in that wedding?

Question 160: How can I get my anger out in a healthy way so I’m not sinning?

Question 161: Just something I happened to notice, that heaven and hell (at least by those same names) aren’t really mentioned in the Old Testament. All that’s really mentioned in the OT is Sheol and it seems that everyone (righteous and unrighteous) went there. I’ve heard some people say that Sheol means grave and was just the end of human existence, and others say that Sheol was a conscious eternal existence and a holding area for the righteous and wicked until Jesus died. Which is right? Did Old Testament Israelites/Jews believe in an afterlife, or did they just think they stopped existing until Jesus came along and taught about the afterlife and they changed their minds? I’ve heard some that say the concepts of Hell and afterlife came from pagan mythologies (since they’re supposedly not mentioned in the OT) and that Christianity only included it in the NT to make the gospel more appealing to non-Christians - what are some good refutes or apologetics I can use against people that claim such? Why did the righteous go to Sheol instead of Heaven in the OT? And why did the unrighteous end up there too instead of Hell?

Question 162: Does Satan have the power to heal?

Question 163: Hello. I wonder why is there many different Christian religions? The Jehovah witnesses have the founder Charles Russell … which appears on photos with freemason imagery and his tomb has a pyramid the same one in the back of our dollar bill announcing the new world order … that our bible tells us about on Revelations … They also have other symbols on their Watchtower publishing‘s that I have seen on many church books … bibles … especially on old church architecture. I just don’t feel comfortable with only faith and believing those around me are good people on church … I am young and confused … I just wish there was no fence religions … I wish God would talk to us and lead us into His presence …

Question 164: What is the best way to handle Mormon missionaries? Why do Mormons say there are three different levels in heaven? What does Paul mean that Christians will tell God what they did in life? Will God punish people who abuse people and are proud of it?

Question 165: What does the Bible say about the Principle It is impossible to fight fleshly temptation with fleshly weapons? 2 Cor. 10 and 1 John 4 and other references …

Question 166: 1) Did Mary know how Jesus would suffer and die? If she knew, when did she know? 2) If a person is sorry for a transgression or sin, but for the wrong reasons like fear of going to Hell or fear of the last judgment, is it still forgiven?

Question 167: My Mormon friend says Matthew 22:30 says that it’s ONLY talking about the wife and the seven brothers, and it doesn’t apply to everyone else. As a Christian how would I respond to this? Because I know that’s not just talking about them …

Question 168: How do you handle a rebellious step child that you did not raise, but has come to live with you at age 18?

Question 169: Is it ever ok to lie in the case of Rahab when the Bible says that it was imputed unto her for righteousness? How can a lie produce righteousness? This is troubling me and I want an answer. I hope you can help me.

Question 170: Is it wrong for prophets and pastors to sell anointing oils? I know of a prophetess that sells anointing oils and it just doesn’t seem right to me. Isn’t it the same as being paid to prophesy to someone? You shouldn’t take money to do God’s work, right? Unless its tithes.

Question 171: Hi, it seems obvious to me that those Toronto blessing people, aren’t operating with the Holy Spirit, doing all kinds of bizarre things that are so dumb. But they received Christ same way I did, right? They believe same, believe in Jesus and you will be saved verses as I do. So there must be different Jesus’, and different gospels like Paul say. Now I can’t really take John 3:16 and Romans 10:9 and others at face value. Can you help me understand? Thanks. I don’t feel comfortable telling someone to believe in Jesus and you will be saved. I feel I have to explain in detail more than that now.

Question 172: What is your opinion on the Gay Christian Network? Noted Christian author Philip Yancey and a number of Christians I know tell me they’re a wonderful body of believers if one can bypass their sexuality. Some of their stories have left me with compassionate tears (though I’m not gay, I find myself becoming an ally). Is that wrong? Are they sinning?

Question 173: Thank you for the last answer! I was also wondering, would it be alright for Christians to read books or watch media that have gay characters? (For example, the TV show Modern Family)? If the act has already been established as a sin, then it wouldn’t affect us, right?

Question 174: I am a minister with a crisis of faith/relationship. I believe. But relationship to God has grown weary upon me. I don’t know how to rekindle my passion. How do I reignite my passion for the Lord. I’m kind of just indifferent to it all right now. Thanks.

Question 175: Should Christians celebrate Black History month?

Question 176: As Christ died for all our sins why will we be judged in Heaven?

Question 177: What does it mean are called according to his purpose?

Question 178: If someone’s ex spouse dies, is the living spouse free from the marriage bond? Some say that Paul in 1 Corinthians 7 said for the divorced to remain unmarried or reconcile. While this is true, doesn’t the word reconcile show that was referring to a case in which both spouses are living? One preacher said that (in Romans 7) when Paul compares the marriage bond to the bond of the old law, he doesn’t say that a woman can divorce and wait for her husband to die. He likens this to an Old Testament believer, who could not divorce the law and just wait around for it to die in Christ, then be remarried to Christ. This is true, because as Romans 7 says, the believer (past and present) is bound to the law for life, there is no way to divorce it. Although Paul was not directly teaching about marriage, I think the same is true of marriage. There is no real divorce. I believe that death (even of an ex) spouse frees one from the marriage bond. This preacher went onto say that it is unlikely the woman at the well had 5 husbands die and that it had to be 5 divorces. However, that is not written. One final thought, if death ends the tie to a married spouse, but not to a divorced spouse, doesn’t that make divorce more powerful than marriage?

I saw a preacher/doctor state that a divorced person has no spouse and are not considered when Paul states that death ends the marriage bond. He stated that Paul in 1 Corinthians 7, tells a divorced woman to reconcile or remain unmarried. This is true; however I observe he states reconcile TO HER HUSBAND. He also gave the example of the woman at the well and stated that it was unlikely the 5 husbands she previously had were all dead and that the Lord said that she had a new husband, however it is never stated that divorce was the case. I think this preacher took liberty in assuming such. It has been stated that remarriage is adultery … not against the first spouse, but is still adultery in some unknown way. I feel death ends the marriage bond, even for divorced people. The vows are till death do us part. Also, as I stated before, if marriage to a non divorced spouse ends with death, but marriage to an ex does not and is still adultery even after they die, isn’t divorce more powerful than marriage? If marriage ends with death, but divorce does not even end with death? I feel after studying the Word of God that death frees from the marriage bond, even in the case of divorce.

Question 179: What is the origin of the cross and church steeples and are they related to phallic worship?

Question 180: I met a lady and wanted to marry her but she insisted that she does not want her people to be there; which automatically disqualified my people. Her reason for her decision was; she said her mum and some of her siblings are possessed. We went to a pastor (related to her), he took us to a remote area where no one would know. The Pastor didn’t preside over the conjunction called spiritual blessing, but asked another person to do it. Now, we are having serious problem being together. She said all my family are possessed. Her siblings that I know to be spiritually stable in God are her arch enemies. The woman of God she spoke to (her relative), she is now calling her a star hijacker. When we were together, whenever she goes to hospital, she keeps telling me that one nurse or the other are having more than one head or more than two natural eyes; while I did see a normal head and eyes. We are no more together. My question is, am I married to this lady according to the biblical standard? May I go ahead with her? Up-till now, she doesn’t change, but growing worse. She goes from one diviner to the other … which is compounding the issue. Please, I need a quick response and your advice. Thank you.

Question 181: Can god curse me with black skin? I feel that’s why out of my 23 years nothing has been going for me but 14 suicide attempts. I do believe being black is a curse and that’s why I’m a n-monkey.

Question 182: Ok, if women are the flesh of the man’s bones, why do most men throughout the world have no attachment to women nor do they feel emotional about sex. It’s like wouldn’t it be natural to feel attachment to something that is a part of you? However most of the evils done to throughout the world to women are by men (human trafficking, violence, etc …).

Question 183: Satan obviously knows God’s Word (Matthew Ch.4); wouldn’t Satan try to act in a different manner to what the bible warns us about him? Especially in Revelation, wouldn’t Satan try not to fulfill those prophecies?

Question 184: Does God use any means necessary to draw us to Him to salvation? As in like life circumstances to bring a desire to cry out to God.

Question 185: Explain John 15:1-2.

Question 186: Let me try to sum this up. Idols … What can and cannot be an idol? Was John an idol; well they cried out for his knowledge of the Lord. They sought him before they sought Jesus and JAH, am I not right in a sense? What if we are calling the ones called upon by the Lord idols? There’s another John, John Lennon. Was he an idol? By far yes, but the other John a Baptist loved the Lord as well, just a lot more then Lennon. They both wanted peace. We are to seek Jesus and JAH only, an idol will mainly steer you away. How and why do all these so called idols that preach the Lord seem so bad? We have common sense just like the bible has said to seek them for knowledge? What I can’t get is if they are not appointed by the Lord then they are idols? Doing it in the good of the Lord can’t possibly make an idol out of them. When someone asks who inspires me I respond Jesus and JAH, but I can’t forget the ones that helped me get to know Jesus and JAH more personally; they wrote the bible.

Question 187: If and since God is omnipresent, how can he not live in unbelievers and their hearts? I’m not saying they’re saved, just questioning God’s true omnipresence …

Question 188: If I die confessing Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, but have sinned a lot during my life, will I be saved?

Question 189: Hello Brothers and sisters! I’ve recently had a lot of performance anxiety before the Lord. I know that we are saved by Grace and not by works. Though faith without works is dead … I have an entire family of unbelievers; my life in general is quite dull. My job is not that fun and my conversion creates tension between me and my family and my friends. So I end up playing computer games and listening to preachers on YouTube every day. I hear people tell amazing testimonies and mine is amazing as well but just not AS AMAZING as many others. I know I’m saved because God has changed me but I don’t see him very clearly, most of the time I’m not sure if it’s him or just my imagination. So, do you really need to sell everything you own and follow Christ to be able to see him more clearly, or do I just need to trust in him more? I’m longing for greater manifestations of his power in my life. How can I get that?

Question 190: Should I withhold sex because of wife’s