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).

The parable of the Prodigal Son gives us one perspective of how God views those that come back to Him and His teachings after straying and how this is a blessing and pleasing unto Him… however, 2 Peter 2:20-22 makes it seem that this is worse in God's eyes than never following His Word in the first place.  Which is the case?  Thank you!!

Sincerely,
Looking For The Upside

Dear Looking For The Upside,

The story of the prodigal son (found in Lk 15:11-32) is the story of the lost returning to Christ… 2 Pet. 2:20-22 is the exact opposite.  Peter is talking about faithful people who return to the wickedness of sinful living.  If someone becomes a christian and then, once again, gets entangled in worldly living – they are worse off than they were to start with (2 Pet 2:20).  When we know the truth and don’t obey it, we have the same eternal destination as before… but we can’t plead ignorance anymore.  As long as we are still breathing, there is the possibility of returning to God, but it is a lot harder for an “ex-christian” to return to the truth than it is for an honest-but-ignorant person to obey God’s Word.

I am a student at a university.  Why does it seem that God is "far away" from places such as universities?  I know it sounds dreadful, but seeing what young people do these days, one cannot but wonder where everything is going.  Please help.  Kind regards.

Sincerely,
A Student

Dear A Student,

God is far away from universities because God isn’t wanted at most universities.  The average college teaches evolution, political correctness, and religious diversity.  There is no room for the one and only Jesus (Jhn 14:6) in an atmosphere that proclaims “live and let live”.

Colleges routinely promote promiscuity under the guise of “safe sex”.  Substance abuse is accepted and oftentimes promoted.  In short, everything anti-christian finds a home in these collegiate environments.  Modern campuses are simply reenacting the story of Rom 1:18-32.

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.

I believe that I'm being called to be a preacher's wife, and I've been praying about it, and I believe I know who it is.  It is the preacher's son.  He is two years older than me, but we are both really young.  Is it all right to get married when you’re young?

Sincerely,
Budding Love

Dear Budding Love,

There is nothing wrong with getting married at a young age, as long as it is done wisely and to the right person.  In fact, the Scriptures talk about rejoicing in the “wife of your youth” (Pr 5:18).  1 Cor 7:36-38 clearly points out that there is no set standard for when men and women can marry.  Once they both have reached maturity, the timing of marriage becomes an issue of wisdom.  There is no right age to marry.