(CLICK on the Q/A: for full question and answer)
Q/A:
My brother is addicted to
crack cocaine and steals from our parents, my children and me constantly.
This has been going on for 25 years.
We have to be sure that our purses are locked up any time we have a
family gathering. He even took the
jewelry out of my aunt’s jewelry box last Christmas.
As a result, my children and I have stopped inviting him into our homes.
He angrily confronted me this past Christmas, and said that since I’m a
Christian, I should forgive him and invite him again.
I tried to explain that it had nothing to do with forgiveness, and
everything to do with trust. We just
don’t trust him and can’t enjoy ourselves when we have to keep an eye on him
at all times. And as far as
forgiving, isn’t he supposed to repent and stop what he’s doing first?
Is it OK for someone to repeatedly say, “I’m sorry”, but continue
committing the same acts?
Q/A:
I
am what society would call a functioning alcoholic.
I go to work each day, pay my bills on time and pray to God each and
every day. Make no mistake; I am
sincere in my devotion to God. However,
I cannot get a grip on my drinking problem.
The whole situation seems like a conflict of interest.
Why would our Lord continue to mold and shape my heart when I feel I’m
nothing more than a drunk?
Q/A:
I was listening to one of
your radio programs called “What Christians Believe” and I enjoyed it.
I would like to know what PTM teaches about the unpardonable sin?
Q/A:
Hebrews 10:26-27: could you
explain what these verses mean when it says, “sin willfully”?
Q/A: My cousin had a child out of wedlock. During her pregnancy, the father of the child was killed. It was an extremely difficult time for my cousin, to say the least. Some time after, my family had a baby shower for her. My father, who is Christian, did not feel it was right for him to attend due to the fact that the baby was out of wedlock, and would only show that he tolerated this behavior. However, at the same time my father attended a funeral for a close friend of the family who committed suicide. I am also Christian but I don’t agree with what he did concerning my cousin. I feel that he should have given the same support that he gave to the friend of the family to my cousin. I hate to compare and contrast sins, but isn’t it rather hypocritical of him? - Herbie
Q/A: I asked you a question about
a year ago and still find myself in a dilemma when it comes to tolerating behavior
from “Christians” who turn their backs on Christ...... No, after talking with
them to shine light on their sin they have even confessed they don’t care what
Jesus says. My mother-in-law is
purchasing a home with her boyfriend—she is 65 and he is 38.
She has asked her son, my husband, to help move to the new residence.
I believe strongly that she has a need
to know we support her decision to do this, making her believe her sin
is not sin. We have talked with
her about her choices and the consequences when she decided to move in with
him 6 months ago. She attends church
regularly. Now they are buying
this house together. I believe
by helping her move we are providing the acceptance and tolerance she needs
to continue in her sin. My husband
totally disagrees. He says he loves
his mom and he doesn’t agree with what she is doing, but she has asked him for
help and he is going to help her.
Q/A:
If a person who is married
became involved in activity that was not appropriate, and they did something
very horrible, and realized it was wrong and honestly repented to God, does that
person need to tell their spouse? Will
God still forgive that person if their repentance was sincere and they changed
their behavior and got back in right standing with God?
Q/A:
Once again I’m having
difficulty with interpreting a scripture verse.
Matthew 12:32 seems to indicate that there are some sins which will be
forgiven after death. Am I missing
something?
Q/A:
Does God forgive a person
who has had abortions?
Q/A: What is involved in
forgiveness? Is it enough that you
don’t wish the other person ill and don’t expect reparation even though you
still feel hurt about what happened? Do
you think hurt feelings indicate a lack of forgiveness?
I was just wondering what you thoughts were on the subject.
Q/A: I understand scriptural
teaching about forgiveness (70 times 7, etc.), but how many times should you ask
forgiveness? I was guilty of
participating in a situation which embarrassed a co-worker.
I have asked him on several occasions for forgiveness, without a
response. I pray often for the Lord
to soften his heart, but so far nothing has happened.
I appreciate any thoughts on this matter.
Q/A: The following question came up in a recent Bible study class. Did Adam and Eve ever receive God’s forgiveness or were their souls lost for eternity? - Wayne
Q/A: Could you please explain John 20:23, where Jesus has just breathed the Holy Spirit on his disciples and has told them, if they forgive anyone's sins they will be forgiven and if they don't forgive anyone's sins they won't be? I thought Jesus taught them to forgive sins seventy times seven. And in Matthew 6:14-15 it says if you don't forgive sins, God won't forgive yours. Thanks! - Wayne
Q/A: In John 20:21-23, when Jesus infused the apostles with the Holy Spirit by breathing on them, and gave them the power to forgive sins, was he not telling us to confess our sins to the descendants of the Apostles for forgiveness? - Dave
Q/A:
Does God forgive a person
who has had abortions?
Q/A: I am confused about the death penalty in the Old Testament. If a person was unaware of the teachings of the Law of Moses, and he committed a sin punishable by death, was there room for forgiveness? Why did God require the death penalty?... - Stacey
Q/A: I’m so ashamed for I have committed adultery.... I’ve asked God for forgiveness – many times. At times I’m at peace in knowing that God has forgiven me, but it seems as if there’s so much more I must do to make this right. Can I still hope to sit beside our Lord and Savior for eternity? - Barb