ChristianAnswers

Q: I’ve been straying away from God, I want to pray and get up and do Bible study, but I’ve had no energy. I still go to church and volunteer, and go into services here and there, but I want to be closer to God, what should I do? A: We get closer to God by the Scriptures.  Here are helps for Reading the Bible & for Prayer. BIBLE One thing that will help if you want to read first thing in the morning is to get a good nights sleep. At least 8 hours. And to keep your mind from over stimulation turn off all electronics (don't use them) and stay off your phone and the internet 30 minutes to an hour before bed. You could use 15 to 30 minutes there to read the Bible, (a second time that day). And your mind retains it as you sleep. 😊  And Start a good morning routine when you wake up. Read the Bible for 10 to 15 minutes in am b4 you have breakfast.  When it comes to reading the Bible an idea is to listen to an audio bible during the day. I listen to it while g...

If a poor man as neighbor or church member needed urgent ambulance with life care to get to the hospital and you were on your way to give that money as an offering to the church would you help him or take that money to church for the tithe? A: Most poor people have govt assistance to where they pay 0 for the ambulance and little to no costs for hospital bills.  But let's say he made too much to qualify and barely enough to survive, or lived in another country than USA.  It is a no brainer. You give it to the person. Or to the hospital on his behalf.  I just saw a sermon about a related same kind of topic. The Pharasiees would rather someone die on the Sabbath then help them out of a pit but if it was their animal they would fetch it out. And they picked on Jesus and the Apostles gleaning wheat it on Sabbath to eat food and were told it wasnt lawful on the Sabbath. But Jesus said how David ate the Holy Bread in the Tabernacle on the Sabbath and that was not ty...

Some claim Christian holidays are pagan.  Those who disagree might claim you are trying to prevent the Gospel to be spread or like when Jesus rebuked Peter saying get behind me Satan, for a neferious spirit was trying to stop God's plans.  Besides the claim that Christian holidays are pagan, others hold false premise claiming holidays are mutually exclusive and two holidays cannot coexist on the same day/time period. Both are inaccurate.  There is no day that is not God's day. It’s we can certianly REDEEM what was pagan for Christ and use it to spread the Gospel.  Just consider for a moment: Did you know the CROSS that sits on top of many of our church steeples and hangs around many necks was used as a Roman tool of torture before it was redeemed and transformed into a symbol of eternal life by Christ? You do know Christians still use Sun-Mon Calendars today right? You use it every day, right?  Christ is Lord of all.  You do realize He created p...

Q: Do we need to go to Church as a Christian? I am a teen and I dont really grasp what the pastor talks about. A: I felt the same way as a young teen. I had no idea what the pastor was talking about or why people listened to him so long. I used to just color or cuddle in my grandparents in the pews. When I was 12 I was determined to sit and understand what he was saying. So I really focused hard💪😂. He spoke on the  gospel  ...and I got saved! We should be in Church on Sunday because it is the gathering of believers. Your eternal family. The redeemed are brothers and sisters in Christ and we need to be with our spiritual family. We learn, grow, fellowship and do things together here. It is basically "as close to" Heaven as we can get right now. We are flawed people who all need love, grace and forgiveness. In Heaven it will be sin free but its as good as it gets anywhere on earth There 😊.  Sunday School is the place you need to be at so you can grow in understanding Scr...

If you are reading this you might have been befriending bad company, those who are Satan's children, and/or are looking for good ones, or are simply looking for Christian friends in general. Whether you are in school, college or just out of college this can help.  If you are in bad company and exiting those relationships... You do not need to even let them know you arent going to be friends with them anymore but just spend your time not with them.  Guide to finding friends  When looking for Christian friends hopefully your school has either youth from your church there you can join, or if not, a Christian club; but make sure to only friend those who are real Christians. Not only are many in so called Christian clubs actually cult members but also those who go to false churches and those who are false converts.  So regardless of your age group and where you are... at a church group or at a club ask questions of those there when you have an introduction me...

Q: Should Christians watch scary movies? A: What we allow in our mind affects us. Depending on age it could give you nightmares and cause fear and unrest. God wants us to live in the light and peace. It is best to avoid things that are not righteous and godly and dont benefit you as a Christian. This narrows down most things, [which is a good thing], and helps you avoid the majority of junk out there; the things of the devil, the world and wickedness.   But God has given us lots of great options that can bless and be beneficial to us, and are good like Christian movies and content and age appropriate material. If you are young, ask your Parents if they are Christian for recommendations, and ask your youth leader at church, ask a decon and or your Pastor too. They will have many good suggestions.  Here are some ideas: There are several life based movies by Christian movie companies you can find . The Gospel of John (2002), is a really good one that is Bible re...

So tomorrow is my birthday. I don’t celebrate any pagan holidays or birthdays. But I do tell others happy birthday who do celebrate. As a Christian, do you think this is wise to say happy birthday or to celebrate that day? A:  There is a big misconception about things that are percieved as carnal or things that are secular as if there is a division between sacred and secular, but there's no such thing in the Christian life. Our whole life in Christ 247 365 is of glorifying God and worshipping Him. There is nothing wrong with birthdays. It glorifies God by celebrating your life which He created. There is nothing wrong with others loving you and blessing you because it is a gift from God. You can also do the same thing on your born again birthday and use it as a day to share the gospel with everyone you know. A birthday celebration can be used for thanking God for another year of life, no matter the ups and downs, and celebrating the strength He gave you to get throu...

Q:  I am a Christian and there's a guy I like who is Mormon. What do I need to consider?  A:  Christians and Mormonism are two different religions.  Mormons have been rebranding their cult since 2016 to try to get people to think they are Christian. Don't fall for it.  The biblical teachings in the Bible (Essentials of Christianity) are not what the Mormon cult believes and teaches.  Mormons reject the Bible and its truths, but twist it to suit their purposes to pull people into their cult when talking to them. Today 50% of the members in their religion came from decieving & pulling weak believers into their cult (from door knocking). This is why it is vital to have a firm grasp on the basics taught in Scripture, so you are not decieved by them or any other false religion, esp ones masqurading as Christian.  Not only do these essentials taught in Scripture reveal foundational problems with mormonism, but it gets worse... they created a ...

Can people in heaven look down and see us? Some see in Hebrews 12:1 the idea that people in heaven might be able to look down and see us: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses. . . .” The “witnesses” are the heroes of faith listed in Hebrews 11, and the fact that we are “surrounded” by them leads some to think those heroes (and possibly other people) are looking down on us from heaven. The idea that people are looking down from heaven to see what we’re doing is common in popular culture. But, as much as we might like the notion that we’re being watched by our departed loved ones, that’s not what Hebrews 12:1 is teaching. Building on Hebrews 11, the author begins drawing up some practical lessons (that’s why chapter 12 begins with “Therefore”). The “witnesses” are the people whom God commends for their faith in chapter 11, and there is a large crowd of them in heaven. The question is, in what way are they “witnesses”? The proper interpretation of Hebrews...

Do ancestors/ believers in Heaven have anything to do with Earthly things anymore, like do they watch over us or protect us? What's so different from believing that and of guardian angels protect us from within Heaven?  And relatedly, does Scripture teach that when believers die they automatically go to Heaven? A: When we die Scripture says we are in the presence of the Lord, in Heaven.  Scripture notes we have an angel assigned to us "until salvation" which might mean until we get saved or until the Day of Salvation [the day which is like Judgment Day for the lost is the Day of separating believers from unsaved]. They only do as God says. We do not talk to nor worship them. We cant even see them.  There's a misunderstanding out there by some and teach incorrectly that people remain in the grave until Judgment Day. Which btw would then negate the idea they watch over us from heaven. Believer's today are in Heaven. There was 2 sides to the place of the ...

This is a list of suggested topics and conversations to have with someone to look into Christian compatability for a relationship.  Today courting isnt the culture in western society but it should be in Christian relationships.  Dating is not what God intended for his people, but finding a spouse and only giving your affections, love, time and life to that person.  We are not to be unequally yoked with unsaved people, and that includes those who profess to be Christian but are not one. And it includes not dating nor marrying people of different religions and false religions masqurading as Christian ones.  List coming soon....

Money Tracts Q: I saw a disabled lady in a motorized cart at the store handing out tracts that look like money, is this wrong? The person might need money for food.  A: It is legit evangelism. We use the things of this world to reach them. Money is the  worlds greatest desire, but when we understand sin we find out Jesus is our greatest desire/need. Their greatest need is salvation. They could die in 5 minutes or as soon as they drive off from the store. Bread won't help them then.  Job said, “I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food” Job 23:12 The Apostles Peter and John were entering the temple gates when they encounter a lame man begging for alms. The man expects them to give him money, but Peter responds by saying, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!" (Acts 3:6). Acts 2:44-45 "All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold thei...

In the Prayers faq it touched on God disciplining and correcting believers, but also using others to bring that to you.  It shouldn't be seen as a negative or an offense, but a positive that ultimately is actually for your good and to bless you. Even when we do wrong, God's loving correction has good at the end of the plan. Here are some verses to meditate on and store in your heart so when times of loving correction, admonishing, exhorting, and times where someone points something out to you, that you gratefully embrace it and seek to make any changes to ensure you are walking rightly in the faith in your life.  It is all meant in love and to bless you. If you view it that way, you will never be offended, and actually be grateful to God and the person He used to reveal it to you. 😊🙏 "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11 Whether...

The Bible addresses the concept of unconfessed sin hindering fellowship with God in several places. Proverbs 28:13 says, "Whoever conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them obtains mercy." This verse suggests that hiding our sins from God prevents us from receiving His mercy and experiencing His full blessings. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." This verse emphasizes God's willingness to forgive us when we genuinely confess our sins, restoring our fellowship with Him. Isaiah 59:2 says, "Your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear." This verse directly connects unconfessed sin with a barrier in our relationship with God, hindering our prayers and preventing His full presence in our lives. Psalm 66:18 says, "If I had cherished sin in my heart, ...

Q: I am not sure how to actually pray to God or how to start the prayer. Appreciate advice. A: Are you asking for a helpful method? Are you asking the example of the Lord's prayer in generally how we can pray?  How I pray? To start with, sin issues need to be addressed.  Since we do not know all the sins we have committed in a day, and we know that God doesnt hear our prayers if theres sin we havent dealt with, I usually start out "Father God I come before you humbly in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my sins [and list the ones I am aware of (if I didnt deal with them in prayer at the time I caught myself sinning)], and then I communicate/pray to God using one of the below guides or from them. We can pray and are to "pray without ceasing", as we go about our day. We wouldn't be verbally doing that or we might look crazy esp what it is we say. So we pray in our mind and God hears our prayers just as he knows our thoughts. 😊 Pray with faith (Hebr...

Q: What does Scripture say, or imply, about applause during worship service.   More and more services I attend, the audience applauds the worship team or a song, or a singer after a song, after an instrument solo, etc. etc.   Today, one of the deacons in the praise team did a nice trumpet solo to honor US veterans ( america the beautiful ) and everyone ( except me ) applauded. Of course- it is respectful to applaud a nice performance at a concert or show.  However, I go to church/worship for one reason- to give God Glory! I do not go to church to hear tributes to American holidays, church praise performances, etc. From my perspective-  Everything is for the Glory of God and not to  any of the people in the service. I feel it is out of place and distracts honoring the Lord. Would like your thoughts and Scriptural guidance.  No, I do not think this warrants looking for another church (perhaps it does? ) as the church is quite healthy otherwise....

How can a Pastor deal with being Admonished by a congregant? I am a Pastor and have recently had a female Deacon approach me and rebuked me (she actually said 'i want to rebuke you for something you said' for calling (during a sermon) her non-believing family "fools" because, in their heart, they say there is no God. Her reasoning was that it hinders the gospel. (Update: Deacons within my church context is a servant role and not a leadership role (e.g. they hold zero spiritual authority), and her family was not in attendance, nor did I call them by name. How would you handle this? A: I am sure you do know that all can be corrected regardless of position because we are all equal as followers of Christ.  With that said, in this case, I have a hopeful feeling that alongside that biblical truth [People who don't believe in God are fools] your sermon also addressed why and shared the actual gospel. If so, the facts of the verse you shared wasnt to be holier then th...

Q: Is it a sin not to go to Church on Sunday? I go on Wed's but barely on Sunday. Seeking advice? A: Church is both the universal invisible body of believers, and referred to also as the local congregation assembly. It is where Christians gather. It is both our preparation place for training (spiritual warfare, and discipleship, education in sharing the gospel, and life long  growing in our faith), and also a place to serve God and the brethren, and worship and praise God. It is our Heaven on Earth (as good as it gets here). Hebrews 10:25 says... not to forsake the assembling of you selves as the manner of "some" is. That "some" is pointing to a negative. They're not doing what they should. Being derelict, yet claiming to love God and the brethren. This includes during times of christian persecution. We believers should be there as often as possible. Teens should be there every Sunday as that's when majority gather. Note: If we are filli...

A: Yes. But even if it didnt, we can look at history. It was used by pagans to do nefarious things to others or as part of pagan worship, [even during pagan temple prostitution], (and to use it to avoid life problems just as today some do with drugs & alcohol).  See what Scripture taught about pagan " pharmakeia ".  Beyond stewardship, as Christians, our bodies are not our own. We "have been bought with a price" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), not "with perishable things like silver or gold . . . but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ" (1 Peter 1:17-19). Having bought us with His own life, Christ has delighted to create in us something entirely new, something somewhat bizarre. By indwelling us with His Spirit, He has turned us into organic temples of sorts. So now, caring for our health is not just a matter of good stewardship. It is a matter of reverential piety. This is both wondrous and terrifying. A...

Q: Is it wrong to smack an atheist if they disrespect Christianity? I did it, I didnt mean to but they asked for it. I do feel bad but am conflicted that it wasnt wrong to do. A: Is smacking them going to show love or bring them closer to God? No if someone doesn’t want to turn to Jesus that’s on them.  You can respect their decision, but stress God is real, Heaven is real and Hell is real if you don’t get right with God you will end up in Hell As a Christian if someone disrespects you (or your religion), you are supposed to show them kindness and love. “But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Matthew 5:39 This is basically saying you’re supposed to ignore someone who is rude or disrespects you. Jesus sent the Apostles out to share the gospel and gave direction... Matthew 10:14 "Whoever does not receive you or listen to your words, when you leave that town or village, shake the ...