As a christian lady, would it be inappropriate to slap a worldly man in the face when spoken to in a provocative, evil manner?

Sincerely,
Talk To The Hand

Dear Talk To The Hand,

It would probably be best if you walked away.  The Lord tells us to turn the other cheek… not slap the other cheek (Matt 5:39).  Christians should never resort to violence to solve problems; that is the way of the world (Gen 6:11).  Christians should be known as peacemakers (Matt 5:9).  Be angry, but don’t let that anger turn into bad behavior (Eph 4:26).  Show them you are a lady by kindly and quietly removing yourself from such vulgar company.

     I love someone who has the same gender as me, and we're both Christians.  Is this wrong?  We love God above all.  Our preacher preached about this and made me scared because I do not want to go to hell, neither does my partner.  I do not want her to be in any trouble.  I love her so much, and I do not want to let her go.  Please help me.  Is loving someone the same gender as yours a sin?  Help me please.

Sincerely,
In Love

Dear In Love,

Homosexuality is definitely a sin (Rom 1:26-27).  Any sexual activity outside of God’s plan for marriage is fornication.  Homosexual behavior, pre-marital sex, adultery, etc. are all sinful and Jesus condemned them all when He taught the right way for men and women to behave.  God doesn’t force anyone to act upon same-sex attractions, just like God doesn’t force an alcoholic to the bottle or a wrathful husband to strike his wife.  How we act is a choice, not a genetic equation.  There is a lot of debate over why some people have same-sex attractions, but at the end of the day, your temptations need to be mastered.  When Cain was angry, God told Cain to rule over sin or it would devour him (Gen 4:7).  Same-sex attractions are a temptation that stems from within a person, just like anger, unhealthy opposite-sex attractions, and a thousand other temptations (Jas 1:13-14).  The key is that there is always a way of escape from those unhealthy desires (1 Cor 10:13).  You and this other woman need to flee the fornication of homosexuality (1 Cor 6:18).

I have a friend who says he is gay.  I am not sure, but he says he is saved.  Will God still forgive him while he still desires men?  I know what God says, but I am not sure what to say... help.

Sincerely,
Looking For The Words

Dear Looking For The Words,

There is nothing you can tell your friend other than what the Scriptures say.  Homosexuality is completely incompatible with Christianity.  It is impossible to be actively engaged in a homosexual lifestyle and be saved (1 Cor 6:9-11).  Homosexuality is condemned as a sin of vile passion (Rom 1:26-27).  Your friend has the ability, as all of us do, to do what is right even when we don’t feel like it.  He may feel attracted to people of the same gender, but he must make a choice not to act upon it.  The Scriptures warn of the fate that awaits those who will not turn from this sin (Jude 1:7).  If your friend believes that it is okay to live that sort of lifestyle, all you can do is show him the Scriptures, and then he must decide whether he will accept what God says.

I have a question regarding 1 Cor. 14:34.  Does this instruction for women pertain to the spiritual gifts of that time period, that now no longer exist, or does this scripture apply to women in today's congregations who desire to learn about God's Word?  Also, would you explain verse 1 Cor 14:36?  My Bible says: "Was it from you that the Word of God first went forth?  Or has it come to you only?"  Thank you.

Sincerely,
Corinthian Questioner

Dear Corinthian Questioner,

1 Cor 14:34 deals with the spiritual gifts of that time period – as well as all confusion in the public assembly (1 Cor 14:33).  In the public worship service (this does not include private home studies, children’s classes, etc.), women are to “keep silent”.  This refers specifically to speaking out in an authoritative way – such as leading prayer or preaching a sermon.  God specifically designated men to fulfill that role in the church assembly (1 Tim 2:11-12).  This isn’t politically correct, but it is what the Bible says on the subject.

As for 1 Cor 14:36, Paul is reminding the Corinthians that they need to heed these teachings because they had received the message of Christ – they hadn’t created that message.  Paul was reminding them to obey God’s message, not their own personal preferences (1 Cor 14:37).  There are times when God tells us to do things that we disagree with; that is when we have a choice – will we trust ourselves or will we trust our Maker?  We can either mold our lives to match the pattern our Creator has given us… or we can disregard His teachings and remain ignorant (1 Cor 14:38).

What does God's Word say about a woman preaching in the church?

Sincerely,
Chatty Cathy

Dear Chatty Cathy,

It says she can’t do it.  1 Cor 14:34-35 makes it clear that women are not supposed to be in leadership positions during the church assembly.  Women have a zillion different roles within the church, but leading the public assembly isn’t one of them.  Men have the responsibility of preaching, teaching, and leading the worship services (1 Tim 2:12).  In today’s politically correct atmosphere, this can be hard for some to swallow, but as Paul said, “We have no other custom” on this topic (1 Cor 11:16).  There is simply no Biblical precedence for women preachers.