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Family Q&A

What is the Daily Broadcast Direct e-newsletter, and how do I subscribe or unsubscribe?

What is the Daily Broadcast Direct e-newsletter, and how do I subscribe or unsubscribe?

Where can I find resources to help me relate to my teen?

Where can I find resources to help me relate to my teenage child?

I received an e-mail from you that I’m unable to open and read. Can you help?

I received an e-mail from you that I’m unable to open and read. Can you help?

American flag on flagpole topped with cross

A Christian’s Relationship With a “Godless” Government

Why should I “submit” to a government that I believe is moving in the wrong direction? I love my country and want to cooperate with the political system, but I’m struggling to understand what the Bible says on this subject. How in the world can the apostle Paul tell Christians to submit to the authorities …

police officers and other civil servants lined up

Christians and Civil Service

Is it “un-Christian” to serve as a public official? I’ve always had a strong desire to inject my Christian beliefs and values into the culture by playing an active role in public life. But a Christian friend of mine thinks this is wrong. He says I shouldn’t assume that the United States is a “Christian …

mom dad and two young boys walking on beach

Focus’ Advice Appropriate for Believers and Non-Believers Alike

Will Focus on the Family’s family advice help me if I’m not a Christian? I’ve been listening to some of your radio shows, and I’m intrigued by your guests’ unique insights into the nuts and bolts issues of family life. There’s just one problem: I don’t consider myself a believer and doubt I ever will. …

black and white back of woman's head sad

Inconsistency in Miracles, Healings, and Answers to Prayer

Why is God so “hit-or-miss” in the way He responds to our petitions for His miraculous intervention? When my son was born with a heart defect and needed open-heart surgery, our prayers were answered miraculously. But when my husband was diagnosed with cancer, his condition deteriorated steadily in spite of the constant intercession of family, …

woman praying holding Bible

Prayer and Its Place in God’s Sovereign Plan

If God has a plan, why should we pray? Do our prayers really make a difference if He already knows how things are going to turn out? Christian friends have often assured me that God is working out His plan for me and my children. At the same time, they have also urged me many …

shadow of person sitting under mysterious purple sky

Responding to Evolution

How do I answer the argument that everything can be explained in terms of evolution? By way of example: I told an atheist friend that evolutionary theory doesn’t account for altruism or self-sacrifice. If survival is what it’s all about, why would a soldier throw himself on a grenade to save his friend? He said …

scroll in museum case

The “JEDP” Theory and Its Implications for Biblical Credibility

Do you have any thoughts on Julius Wellhausen’s (1844-1918) so-called “Documentary Theory” of the Torah or Pentateuch? According to this theory, the traditional “Books of Moses” (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) weren’t written by Moses at all, but by a group of authors who can be distinguished by their different literary styles: the “Jahwist” …

sun going down over mountain

What the Bible Has to Say About the Rapture

Should Christians believe in the rapture or not? I’ve been reading and hearing a lot about this in Christian fiction and on evangelical talk shows. Is there a scriptural basis for this popular teaching?

girl in class with pencil and calculator other students in background

Choosing a College

Can you give me any advice about selecting a good college or university?

teen guy sitting on forest road pondering

Teen Sees Nothing Wrong With Premarital Sex

What’s the problem with having sexual intercourse before marriage? I’m an intelligent, responsible and mature high school student, and I can’t see why having sex with someone I love is wrong. Most of the arguments I’ve heard against my position are religious in nature and I just don’t buy them. What’s your response to that?

Two men walking side by side

Addictions: Choosing an Accountability Partner

As a recovering addict, how can I find someone to walk with me through the difficult beginning stages of the healing process? Do you have any advice on choosing an accountability partner and what this relationship should look like? I’d really appreciate any suggestions you can offer.

Elderly couple sitting on park bench

At-Home Alternatives for Elder Care

Is a nursing facility the only option for my mother? Her health has been in decline for a long time, and it’s recently become clear that she can no longer live on her own. She doesn’t want to move, and I don’t like the idea of putting her in some kind of “institution.” What are …

Hand holding cards near poker chips

Christians and Social Gambling

How does God view social gambling between friends? My buddies and I enjoy getting together for a game of poker now and then. Everybody who knows anything about the game understands that it’s just not the same if it doesn’t include a real risk of some kind, however small. How do you feel about Christians …

older woman holding hand over face and forehead

Depression in the Elderly

Is there anything I can do to help my aging mother when she gets blue and down in the dumps? She used to be a very positive person, but now she can barely speak to us when we visit her in the nursing home where she’s been living for just over a year. Is depression …

man holding up his arms at sunset over water

Finding Freedom From Addiction Through Faith in God

How can I trust God enough to be released from drug and alcohol abuse? I once heard a Christian speaker who had suffered from addictions describe how he found healing when he turned his life over to God. I’ve prayed for this, but I guess I’m not trying hard enough or don’t really know what …

people in volunteer shirts passing out food

Ideas for Church Outreach to Victims of Trauma and Tragedy

How can our church minister most effectively to victims of disaster and trauma? I’m the pastor of a small congregation in a mid-size town. Over the past month our community has been devastated by a terrible flood. Many families in this area have endured the loss of their homes, interruption of work and school, loss …

caution tape in front of spooky background

Perspectives on the Legalization of Marijuana

What’s wrong with marijuana? Personally, I don’t see any reason why it shouldn’t be legalized. Many people have assured me that pot isn’t addictive. Besides, most states have already legalized it for medical or recreational purposes. Can you tell me why it shouldn’t be legal across the board?