Where in the Bible would I get a physical description of Lucifer before he was cast down.  I know he was God's choir director, and, supposedly, musical harmony emitted from his chest (as I heard one minister say).  I'd like to read it for myself.  I've tried the internet… but to no avail.  Please help.

Sincerely,
Music In Mind

Dear Music In Mind,

The Bible doesn’t give a physical description of Lucifer… in fact, the Bible never uses the name ‘Lucifer’ to refer to Satan at all.  The things you have been told are a great example of how many religious leaders say things that don’t have biblical truth behind them.  There is only one Bible reference to the word ‘Lucifer’, and it is in Isa 14:12… and only in the King James Version.  All the other versions use the words ‘Morning Star’… and the verse isn’t talking about Satan; it is talking about the Babylonian king (Isa 14:4).

The Bible never says Satan was God’s choir director, music emitted from his chest, etc.  In fact, we are never given any specific detail as to what Satan is and where he came from.  The Bible is silent about such things.  There are millions of theories about him, but no biblical facts.

Is smoking weed a sin; if not, why?  If so, why?  Where does it say either case in the Bible?

Sincerely,
The Burning Dandelion

Dear The Burning Dandelion,

Plants (and drugs made from plants) are wonderful things if used as God intended – medicinally.  Anything that removes the clarity of someone’s mind or makes them drunk is sinful if used recreationally (1 Cor 5:11).  Christians are to be sober-minded, so that we can properly learn, grow, and serve the Lord (1 Thess 5:6).  The devil loves an addled brain, and the moment we stop thinking clearly, he is ready to pounce (1 Pet 5:8).  Furthermore, the body is a temple and should be treated as God intended – not destroyed with drugs (1 Cor 6:19).  Drugs destroy your body and mind.  You were bought with a price; glorify God in your body (1 Cor 6:20).

I have heard about people making money by God's methods for finances.  My question is: how does the Bible tell you to make money?

Sincerely,
Entrepreneur

Dear Entrepreneur,

If we read the Bible for the purpose of financial gain, we will have missed the point.  The first key to biblical finances is to be content with what you have (1 Tim. 6:5-8).  God says a lot about money, but the majority of it deals with how to faithfully use what you have.  God doesn’t want us to get wrapped up in money worries (Php 4:6) or in money passions (Heb 13:5).  To cover every verse on finances is far too large a topic for the scope of this forum, but all of them point to the fact that all our money is a gift from God and that we should be good stewards of whatever amount we have.

Does it work for a christian to be a cheerleader?  Some people say it's wrong, but I don’t know.

Sincerely,
Cheery Disposition

Dear Cheery Disposition,

The Bible never specifically says anything about cheerleading, but we can look at verses that may be pertinent.  There are certain things associated with cheerleading that must be considered before deciding whether or not it is appropriate.  The biggest issue to consider is modesty.  Many cheerleading uniforms are designed to be immodest – this is wrong (1 Tim 2:9).  Furthermore, many of the moves, kicks, and tosses involved in cheerleading inappropriately expose a cheerleader’s body and are meant to be sensual.  Cheerleading hasn’t always been this way, but unfortunately, in today’s society, cheerleading has become very inappropriate.  Pr 11:22 says that a godly woman should show discretion – cheerleading is often anything but discrete.  Instead of letting their inner character adorn them (1 Pet 3:3-4), many young women are being taught that beauty is only skin deep.  Modern cheerleading continues to further that shallow and ungodly worldview.

Do you think it's possible for the Shroud of Turin to be real?  I know there isn't really any biblical evidence to prove it or not, but in your opinion, do you think it's possible?

Sincerely,
Cloth Collector

Dear Cloth Collector,

No, we don’t think it is real.  The reason we don’t is because – as you said – there is no evidence.  The Shroud of Turin is supposed to be the cloth that was placed over Jesus’ face at burial, but the only group who has been saying this is the Catholic church.  The Shroud has been dated to the Middle Ages… not the first century.  The Shroud supposedly has Jesus’ face etched into the cloth – the Bible never mentions such a supernatural feat occurring at Christ’s burial.  In short, there isn’t any historical evidence that points toward its validity, and there isn’t any Biblical evidence.  No evidence, no truth.