Why is it taking me so long to grow as a Christian? I’ve been a believer for a while, and I have to confess that my lack of spiritual progress has really got me down. When I was born again, I thought life was going to be beautiful from that moment forward, but several years …
Faith Q&As
How can I know that I’m saved when I don’t feel saved?
How do we explain God’s command to slaughter the Canaanites in the Old Testament? I’m a Christian, but I have serious issues with the doctrine of scriptural infallibility, especially where the Old Testament is concerned. I’m particularly disturbed by the accounts of divinely authorized genocide and “Holy War” recorded in Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua. When …
Why should I accept Christianity as the “one true religion?” I’m put off by the intolerance of most Christians. I might become a believer myself if you people weren’t so narrow-minded. Can’t you see that there are many different pathways to spirituality – like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Wicca – and that no path is better …
Can pagans be good family people? I’m a young Pagan/Wiccan woman and I appreciate many of the articles, Q&As, and other features posted on Focus on the Family’s website. But I wonder what you, as Christians, think of a person like me. Would you agree that a strong, healthy religious belief system of any kind …
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 …
What did Jesus mean when He said, “Go, sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven”? I became a Christian about a year and a half ago, and for the most part I’ve been very happy in my new-found faith. Sure, I’ve had my ups and downs, …
What does the Bible have to say about conservationism and environmental concerns? I’ve noticed lately that several well-known Christian leaders have decided to make “global-warming” a key issue. Other evangelicals suggest that the “climate change” movement is primarily political and ideological in motivation. That’s the way I’ve viewed it, but I’m also aware that God …
How important is it for Christians to observe the Sabbath? I know that this is one of the Ten Commandments, but is it still valid for believers who are now living under grace rather than the law? And while I’m at it, how did the Sabbath get switched from Saturday to Sunday? Where in the …
What is a “Christian nation?” I’m increasingly confused on this point. I do think believers should be deeply involved in the political process. As a matter of fact, I’m sick of hearing about “separation of church and state,” and I’d love to see America become more thoroughly “Christian” in every way. At the same time, …
What do you say to someone who says the Bible cannot be true because it was written so long ago and has been translated by too many people into too many languages? Is there any way to be sure that we still have a handle on the message these ancient writings were originally meant to …
How can I change my negative view of God? The picture of God that comes most readily to my mind is that of a harsh overseer, a rule-giver, a relentless judge, a dispenser of punishment. I know that the Gospel is supposed to be good news, but somehow it doesn’t feel like good news to …
How can there be such a thing as a single, integrated “Christian worldview” when Christians stand divided on so many issues? I’m forever hearing conservative evangelicals talk about the “Christian” or “biblical worldview,” as if that’s a term everyone recognizes, accepts, and understands. But I don’t think any such consensus exists. Everyone believes his or …
What does it really mean to be a Christian?
Can I really “do all things through Christ?” Besides being a strong Christian, I’m young, full of energy, and enthusiastic about life. As a result, I have big plans and want to do great things for God. When I talk like this, my family and friends tell me I’ve got stars in my eyes. When …
What is the best way to communicate the Gospel message to the “millennial” generation? Our church has committed itself to reaching out to this group, but I’m concerned about what I perceive as a tendency to “broaden” the Gospel’s appeal to twenty-somethings by watering it down and removing all references to sin, repentance, and judgment. …
What’s the relationship between “facts” and “truth”? Is there any difference between them? If so, how would you describe it?
What’s the difference between an “unbeliever” and a person who simply has honest questions about God? I believe in the Bible, and I have often told friends and family that God can do miracles and even raise the dead. Nevertheless, when things get tough, I find it hard to trust in the Lord. Though I …
Am I saved by faith or good works? As a new Christian, I was relieved to hear that salvation doesn’t depend on works, but solely on God’s gift of grace. But then someone told me that “faith without works is dead” and that God cares as much about my actions as He does about my …
How do I seek God’s guidance when faced with major decisions? In other words, how can I get a handle on His will for my life? I’ve been told that it’s important to do this, and for the most part I believe it’s true. Unfortunately, I have no idea how to go about it. I …
