Can you help me solve my dad and sister's problem with fighting each other?

Sincerely,
Suffering Sibling

Dear Suffering Sibling,

One very sad truth is that you can’t live other peoples’ lives for them.  We all are responsible for our own decisions and lifestyles (Php 2:12).  You can’t fix the situation between your sister and father, but you can make sure and not add to the fire.  Don’t take sides, and don’t get in the middle of their disagreements (Pr 26:17).  Make a decision to be a person that loves peace and pursues it (Ps 34:14).  As much as you are able, be at peace with both your father and sister (Rom 12:18).  Your example can remind them that life doesn’t have to be full of arguments and strife.  Let your light shine (Matt 5:16).  We can’t guarantee that will change things, but we can guarantee that you will always have a clear conscience regardless of what they choose to do.

Who rules the world today?

Sincerely,
Measuring The Rulers

Dear Measuring The Rulers,

Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Tim 6:14-15).  Ultimately, Jesus is the great and awesome Savior of the world (1 Jn 4:14).  The devil has a certain level of power in this life; the Bible describes Satan as the “prince of the power of air” (Eph 2:2).  Satan’s power is as fleeting as the wind – powerful, but without substance.

God says that He chooses the rulers of this world (Rom 13:1-2).  Even when it seems like men are in charge, the Son is holding everything together by the strength of His might (Col 1:16-17).

My friend has a very religious mother, and she thinks she likes women.  She wanted to know if it is a sin to be homosexual.

Sincerely,
Confused

Dear Confused,

Yes, homosexuality is a sin… no matter what society teaches.  The Bible is very clear on the subject of homosexuality.  Homosexuality is a perversion of the relationship God intended between a man and a woman (Rom 1:26-27).  Openly accepted homosexual lifestyles are a sign that a society has deeply diverged from Bible principles (Jude 1:7).  Homosexual urges should be fought and controlled just like we should repress the desire to be violent and show the self-control to watch how we speak.  An actively homosexual lifestyle is a sinful lifestyle.

If you commit a sin and ask God for forgiveness, does God forgive you right away?  Or does He forgive you once you have proved to Him that you won't commit that sin again?

Sincerely,
Just Wondering!

Dear Just Wondering,

The Scripture gives every indication that when a christian (it is different for those who aren’t already christians) sincerely repents and asks for forgiveness, they are immediately forgiven.  God tells us to confess our sins, and we will be forgiven (1 Jn 1:9).  Jesus told the disciples to forgive their brother immediately if he repented and asked for forgiveness (Lk 17:3-4).  If we are expected to forgive immediately, it would only make sense that the Lord works the same way.  Ps 34:18 says that God desires a contrite spirit and that He is near to those with a broken heart.  When we confess our sins, God is looking for an attitude of sorrow and humility.  If that attitude is there, the behavior will eventually follow.

How can I say, “No” to sin?

Sincerely,
Temptation Tried

Dear Temptation Tried,

There is no single answer to how we can defeat sin.  God describes our struggle with sin as a war, and all good warriors wear lots of armor to protect them for the battle ahead.  Ephesians 6 describes the various pieces of armor that God has provided to protect us against the temptations of sin (Eph 6:13).

1. Gird yourself with truth (Eph 6:14).  The truth is the most basic tool that we have against sin.  The devil uses lies to deceive us and tempt us (Jhn 8:44).  If you know the Bible truth about what is right and wrong, you will be prepared to identify Satan’s traps (Heb 5:14).
2. Protect your heart by living righteously (Eph 6:14).  One of the simplest ways to avoid sin is to pursue righteousness (1 Pet 3:11).  Fill the days of your life with good behavior, and there will be no room for bad behavior (Matt 12:43-45).
3. Seek to live a peaceful life and dwell in harmony with others (Eph 6:15).  When we love our fellow man and seek what is in his best interest, we avoid a great deal of opportunities for anger, sin, and division.  Never compromise your morals, but as much as it depends on you, be at peace with all men (Rom 12:18).
4. Carry the shield of faith (Eph 6:16).  Faith is the act of trusting God and following the Word of God (Rom 10:17).  Faith is an act of loyalty to the Lord (Matt 22:37).  It is often hard to do the right thing, especially when a simple lie or sin would prevent discomfort.  Have faith in Him who is able to save your soul.  He can cause all things to work together for good (Rom 8:28).
5. Remember your salvation in Jesus (Eph 6:17).  It is the hope of salvation that drives us forward, renews our zeal, and reminds us of what we are fighting for.  Hope whets our appetites for better things to come and makes it easier to purify ourselves from sin (1 Jn 3:3).
6. Know your Bible (Eph 6:17).  The Bible is described as a sword (Heb 4:12), and it is able to both defend and fight back against evil.  There is no greater tool in your arsenal against the wiles of the devil than your Bible.  Learn it, read it, fill your mind and heart with it, and return to it constantly for renewed strength.  When your Bible becomes your close friend, you are ready for anything.
7. Pray without ceasing (Eph 6:18).  Prayer gives us strength to stand strong, and it gives you direct access to the Creator of all.  God is great; ask Him for help and courage.