Q&A (Page 4)
Is Abortion Wrong?
Q. What’s wrong with abortion? Surely a woman has a right over her own body? A. Christians haven’t adopted an anti-abortion stance because they have worked out what’s good for humanity; they believe and practice what God says about things. His Word declares, For You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb – Ps 139:13. The Bible tells plainly that life is sacred to God. He creates life at the moment of conception and only He has…
A Healthy Marriage
Q. What does a healthy, successful Marriage look like? A. In Marriage, the parties are unique, and their relationship with the Lord is unique. It’s therefore impossible to give a universal picture of a good Marriage. Basic principles for Marriage are found in God’s Word and it really goes without saying that a couple should live in the Word to have God’s daily input in their lives. Another way is to examine the relationship God desires for the Bride of Christ…
Truth, Error and My Responsibility
Q. Does God hold us responsible when our parents or leaders deceive us into believing error? A. Ezek 18:20 says, The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father; neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. God holds each individual responsible for his or her own soul. The responsibility for…
How to Read the Bible
Q. I read the Bible regularly but I don’t find it stimulating and my life isn’t changing. What’s wrong? A. It may be that you are reading God’s Word to accumulate knowledge that may generate spiritual experience in you. That’s the wrong way round; trust in God and what He says, and He will give you spiritual understanding – and the power to change and live in victory. Head knowledge becomes heart knowledge when you consume God’s Word as your daily spiritual…
God’s Face Shines
Q. What does the Bible mean when it talks about God’s face shining on His people? A. The Aaronic benediction of the Levitical priesthood in Num 6:25 contains the words May His face shine upon you. These seemingly simple words contain two of the great secrets of the Bible. God’s “face” refers to intimacy; “shine” refers to radiant spiritual power. This contains the two greatest blessings of all Scripture: A personal relationship with God, and, His glory revealed in believers by the…
Bible Study – and How to Grow Spiritually
Q. I study the Word a lot and know quite a bit. But I feel stuck and wonder how I can really grow in spirit and faith. A. Wow, that’s quite a question and you should really sit down with the Elders of your Assembly and chat the issue through with them. They care for you, know you and will be able to guide you into real spiritual growth. However, as I prayed over your question, 1 Cor 8:1-3 came to…
Violent Reaction to Correction
Q. I’m a single Mom and my strong-willed 12-year-old boy reacts violently when I correct him. How can I correct what I’m doing wrong? A. As a parent you are called to exercise parental authority. Without a husband, however, you are deprived of the father-figure and authority to augment yours, and implement the correction Johnny needs. It is thus very important that you engage the Elders of your Fellowship in your dilemma, and embrace and apply the godly counsel and oversight they…
Teaching Children – When to Start
Q. When should one start teaching a child about the Lord, and bringing him to church? A. Current trends favour teaching children life skills but leaving all spiritual guidance to the child’s choice. But this flies in the face of Prov 22:6 which directs us to ‘train up a child’; not to leave things to his discretion! Many parents follow the latest guidelines mooted by psychologists and educationists. We believe that this philosophy is seriously flawed and godly parents need to adhere…
Single Parent
Q. How can I ever cope as a Single Parent? A. It’s tough enough for a godly couple to raise a child in these “perilous times,” so the challenges facing a single parent, who is often the sole breadwinner, are enormous. Quite apart from the financial burdens you face, there are the stresses of your own spiritual and emotional support, being too strict with your discipline, or too lenient, handling your child’s growing up dilemmas, leading him to the Lord…
Raising a Daughter
Q: How can I handle my rebellious teenage daughter over clothing, boys, school and her relationship with the Lord? A: If you don’t handle this correctly, arguments and counter-productive ill feelings and actions will develop. You’re not alone in this dilemma, nor are you being a terrible mother. Your daughter’s simply becoming her own person. That’s good, but the process can be rough. Here are some helpful hints: Put your trust in God and let Him do the work. He loves your…
Persecution – Parental Criticism
Q. I live with my parents whose non-stop criticism of my stand for Jesus is driving me crazy. What can I do? Can I last out? A. The Book of Acts tells how the Early Church developed and matured through persecution. Most of Christ’s followers paid for their testimony with their lives. Strangely, they were happy to do so! Why? They were honoured to be associated with this King of Glory Who had died for their sins, while they suffered for His…
Parental Pressure – Part 2
Q. My Dad is often not around for me, and when I ask for advice, he tells me unbiblical, ungodly things. What can a believer guy do? A. That’s quite a dilemma. However, be sure to keep your heart right toward your Dad. Love him and honour him and be the kind of son to him your Heavenly Father wants you to be. Your gentle and un-rebellious attitude towards him may well be the very thing that God will use…