Why is it so hard to just have faith?  Why can't it be absolute instead of questionable?

Sincerely,
Wanna See It

Dear Wanna See It,

Faith, without an element of trust, isn’t faith at all.  If you can see something, then all doubt is removed – faith is a conviction in things not seen (Heb 11:1).  God has provided ample evidence of His existence (Rom 1:20, for further details read “Does God Exist?”) as well as abundant evidence that the Bible is His Word (see “Who Wrote The Bible?”).  The vast preponderance of evidence proves that God exists, but it is up to us to trust the evidence without actually seeing Him.  Faith is the great struggle and battle of the human soul.  Will we choose to believe in a God we cannot see (but can logically prove exists)… or will we choose to believe that there is nothing after death?

     I attend a church that has some practices for which I can't find "book, chapter, and verse."  Trying to study the issue has resulted in an implication of "divisiveness" and impending dis-fellowship.  So, the matter is dropped.  The Bible says we must stand up for truth and sound doctrine.  How is that possible without being "divisive," which the Bible condemns?

Sincerely,
Between A Rock And A Hard Place

Dear Between A Rock And A Hard Place,

If you don’t want to be divisive – then don’t be.  Stand for your principles, but do it with an attitude of humility and kindness – these are the characteristics we see in Christ.  When you talk to older Christians about things you disagree with them on, treat them with the respect you would if disagreeing with your father or mother.  When talking to younger Christians, treat them like equals and brothers and sisters in Christ. (1 Tim 5:1-2)

You can’t be kind at the cost of truth (Pr 23:23), but you certainly should do everything in your power to be at peace and to be peaceable (Rom 12:18, Heb 12:14).  If you don’t want to be divisive, don’t be the type of person that drives wedges between people.  Be the kind of person that humbly seeks truth and tries to lead others to the same light.  If there reaches a point where the congregation you attend isn’t seeking that same truth, then you can part ways knowing that you did your best to be Christ-like in your love of truth and love of people.

I don't like the person that my sister has become.  I have a hard time being around her and would prefer not to see her.  The problem is that my mother lives with me, and she would really like to see my sister.  Should I speak up or just grin and bear it?

Sincerely,
Sour Sis

Dear Sour Sis,

There may be a time for you to confront your sister if you feel she is living a sinful lifestyle (Matt 18:15).  However, you haven’t given us specific enough information to determine whether you are talking about sin or merely a personality conflict.  Remember that you can always be kind and generous to people… regardless of how they behave.  Jesus commends us to that kind of loving behavior (Matt 5:38-42).  Love is doing what is in someone’s best interest – love is a choice.  You can even love your enemies (Lk 6:35)… if you can do that, you certainly can love your sister.

Is it a proper Christian attitude for me to want to buy an assault rifle because the government wants to take them away?

Sincerely,
Self-Defensive

Dear Self-Defensive,

The Scripture never condemns weapons – Jesus even told His disciples to get swords at one point (Lk 22:36), and made a whip for Himself to clear the temple (Jhn 2:15).  Owning weapons isn’t a problem as long as it isn’t breaking the law to do so (and of course, as long as you are behaving in a Christian manner with those weapons).  Christians must obey the laws of the land (Rom 13:1-2).  If at some point it becomes illegal, you would need to follow those new laws as an act of honoring God.  As for the attitude behind your desire – it is for you to examine yourself and your motives.

I was in and out of a relationship for about five years.  Things were pretty good with her, but there was one period that we were apart for a whole year during the five-year period.  I felt that this girl was the love of my life, and we got back together.  During the year apart, however, I sinned with another woman...then I lied about it when I got back with the original girl.  Finally, I told her the truth after being with her for about a year more, and she broke things off.  It has been about six months since we broke up, and I still feel like I love her and that she is the love of my life.  I am feeling discouraged and a bit hopeless in finding another woman that I will feel the same way about since I live in a somewhat remote area from other young people.  It is even affecting my faith as it is on my mind quite often.  I know I sinned greatly and have repented of those sins, but is this feeling a scar for my sins?  Should I try to win her back again?  How can I get rid of this feeling and be more optimistic towards love?

Sincerely,
Love Lost

Dear Love Lost,

The pain you are feeling is a consequence of sin.  We reap what we sow (Gal 6:7), and you have the battle scars to prove the cost of poor choices.  The most important thing is that you seek and get forgiveness from God for your sins (1 Jn 1:9)… regardless of whether your ex-girlfriend ever forgives you.  We recommend you read “What Must I Do To Be Saved?” to see what the Bible teaches on the subject of salvation and forgiveness of sins.  Making your life right with God is the most important step in repenting of sin.

It is always difficult when a romantic relationship ends (especially near Valentine’s Day – also known as Singles Awareness Day), but God promises that if you serve Him, all things will work together for good in your life (Rom 8:28).  God tells us to not rush love and romantic relationships (Songs 8:4).  If you work on becoming the kind of person you ought to be, the Lord will bless you.  Make a decision to become a person prepared to serve God in whatever capacity He sees fit (2 Tim 2:21).  When you allow Christ to live in you, life turns out right (Gal 2:20).