Can God read minds?

Sincerely,
What Am I Thinking?

Dear What Am I Thinking,

God is the only one to be noted to have the ability to see into our hearts (Acts 1:24) and read our minds (Lk 11:17).  Yes, God can read your mind.

Do we have our own spiritual power like the stuff that Shoalin monks practice, using spiritual energy they call ‘chi’ to block bullets or set stuff on fire or energy healing; is that stuff for real?  And is it okay to practice that stuff, like, even if we do not have our own power, we can still learn to use ourselves by putting spiritual body and mind beyond the norm to do things, right?

Sincerely,
Ready To Use The Force

Dear Ready To Use The Force,

We do not have our own spiritual power.  The only time people can do things miraculously is if God gives them the power (Jhn 3:2).  Feel free to practice martial arts, etc., but don’t think that by training your body, you will reach a point when you can break the laws of physics.

     I have a friend who wants to leave my church, but I think she really needs it. She thinks a lot of the people there (mostly the youth) are fake and gossipy and says it "turns her off for God."  I don't blame her.  She always wants to leave as soon as service is over.  How can I help her?

Sincerely,
Seeing Her Waver

Dear Seeing Her Waver,

Christianity is work… that is exactly why a lot of people don’t obey God.  God tells us we must hear and do what His Word says (Jas 1:22).  We do what we love, and we do things for those we love.  If we love God, we will keep His commandments (Jhn 14:15).  It is a myth that all Christians love to go to services and love to read their Bibles.  The truth is that every faithful Christian we know has had to work very hard to build the habits of attendance, study, and active participation in the Lord’s work – sometimes in spite of those around them.  It is a lifelong commitment.  The apostle Paul compares it to physical training.  An athlete exercises their body to win the race, even when they are tired or in pain… we need to do the same with our spiritual exercise (1 Cor 9:24-27).  These are the things we would talk to your friend about.  Php 2:12 says that we have to each work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.  If the only reason you are attending services is because of the people... you are doing it for the wrong reasons.  People can certainly make it more enjoyable, but ultimately, you must do what's right regardless of others.

What if I knew someone who simply didn't care about their own life but didn't actively try to take it? For example: never wearing their seatbelt or something.

Sincerely,
Healthy Choices

Dear Healthy Choices,

God says that your body is a temple that ought to be used to glorify God (1 Cor 6:19-20).  The issue comes down to whether or not we care for our bodies – which are gifts from God. If someone woefully neglects their body (through gluttony, poisoning it by doing drugs or smoking, taking excessive risks of bodily injury, etc.), they are sinning. As we make decisions regarding our own health, we must be sure to avoid judging others in this area. A healthy body and lifestyle will look different for every person. All you can control is yourself. We must strive to live with a good conscience (Heb 13:18) and consider how to glorify God with our bodies.

How does the Bible view suicide?

Sincerely,
Morbid Matters

Dear Morbid Matters,

Suicide is murder, self-murder, and is therefore very clearly a sin (Rev 21:8).  The only difference between suicide and murdering someone else is that you don’t get a chance to repent after suicide.  Suicide is a final decision and leaves no room for correction or for asking forgiveness.  It is a willful act of disobedience against God without opportunity for repentance.  The final judgment belongs to God (Heb 12:23), but we certainly wouldn’t want to face that judgment with our own blood on our hands.