Why do species go extinct all the time?  If it was because God decided it was to be, why did He create them in the first place?

Sincerely,
The Conservationist

Dear The Conservationist,

All animals were created by God and for God’s pleasure (Col 1:16).  Just like humans create and then destroy things (you probably threw away lots of trash this week that at one point were brand new products)… God uses His creation according to His pleasure and purposes.  Why God has allowed certain animals to become extinct and allowed others to survive is a matter of His choosing.  Furthermore, God has given humans a certain level of authority over this planet (Gen 1:27-28).  How we treat this planet has an effect upon the animal kingdom as well.  Though God has the final say on all things, He has allowed us a great deal of freedom to shape this planet and world according to our desires.  Our choices have a major impact upon what animals do, or don’t, become extinct.

I am a born-again believer, and I have a good friend who is also.  My friend recently lost her dad due to a sudden heart attack.  She is grieving.  Her relationship with her dad was not all that she wanted it to be, and after she was saved (which has been well over ten years ago), she had shared with her dad what Christ had done in her life.  What is more painful is that her dad did grow up in a Christian home, but he never accepted Christ.  My friend is frustrated with the sentiment that christians can find comfort in knowing their loved ones went to heaven.  She asked me where her comfort is when she knows her dad was not a christian, and he did not go to heaven.  All anyone says to her is that you don't know what went on in the last moments of his life, but she is certain there was probably no last moment conversion for her father.  While she has the comfort of her faith for herself, how is a believer to find peace or acceptance in the reality that a close loved one went to hell?

Sincerely,
Friend Of The Mourning

Dear Friend Of The Mourning,

The sorrow we feel when we lose a loved one is, at times, almost unbearable.  That pain can be amplified when we do not have hope of someday seeing that person in heaven.

God says that He finds no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezek 33:11).  That tells you that God will not send anyone to hell by accident, from spite, or out of malicious intent.  Anyone who ends up in hell really, truly belongs there.  When your friend’s father faces God on the Day of Judgment, God will make the right decision concerning his fate.  There is some comfort in knowing that God will not make any mistakes.

God has a deeper, more complete understanding of eternity than you or I do.  He is completely loving (1 Jn 4:8).  If your friend’s father goes to hell, it will be because the most loving and wise God of all creation knew that was where her father chose to be.  Ultimately, there are some sorrows and tears that pain us so deeply that we will never get complete comfort this side of heaven… but your friend can know that when she gets there – all tears will be wiped away (Rev 21:4).

I want to live by God.  I’m only twenty years old, and I want know how.  I have heard people say no scary movies, no cussing, and the Ten Commandments have to be followed.  I’m Pentecostal; there are so many things that have to be done, like reading the Bible (which I don’t understand completely… too many big words I don’t understand) and I want to get into this, but I don’t’ know how to go about it.  I have done many bad or horrible things in my life, very bad things, and I cuss like a steam engine.  Will God forgive me?  I’ve never been baptized or saved.  I’m ready to change; can God forgive me and give me a chance? And I heard I have to give ten percent of my money to the church (and all my money goes to my kids and bills, literally)… something about the Bible speaking of pay your tithes.  Can you help me get started with God; I would so appreciate it.  Thank you.

Sincerely,
A Fresh Start

Dear A Fresh Start,

The easiest way for us to help you is to put you in contact with a congregation near you.  The reason you are confused is because so many churches teach things that aren't in the Bible.  God isn't confusing (1 Cor 14:33); manmade religions are confusing (Jas 3:16).  The Pentecostal church is full of things that you won't find in the Bible – that is probably why you have had so many difficulties understanding what it takes to be saved.

We would be happy to get you in touch with a preacher or congregation in your area that can teach you what it takes to become a christian (and don't worry... we are interested in your soul, not your money).  If you would like our help, simply e-mail us at askyourpreacher@mvchurchofchrist.org with the part of the country you live in, and we will try and find a faithful group in your area.

I'm sixteen, and I have a question I cannot seem to answer.  I feel far from God and His Son, yet, I pray daily throughout the day, I repent of my sins, and I have a Bible study every night.  I constantly try to be the holiest I can be, do right unto others, unto Christ, and unto myself.  So why do I feel as if I'm a bad christian (as if He doesn’t hear me, or if I'm not doing enough to fulfill my reason for being on Earth)?  I'm very happy; I'm homeschooled, yet I feel worthless of my goal on Earth.  Thank you for this website; I'm so glad it's available to me.  God bless and thank you.

Sincerely,
Seeking A Future

Dear Seeking A Future,

It is impossible to say why you (or anyone else) feel a certain way.  Emotions are fickle and can be deceiving.  Some people feel that they are saved when, in fact, they are lost (Matt 7:21-23), but whether our heart condemns us or not isn’t what saves us (1 Jn 3:19-21).  It is our adherence to God’s Word that saves us (Rom 1:16).  If you are doing what God says you must do to be saved, then you can have confidence regardless of how you feel (see “What Must I Do To Be Saved?” for further details).  Serving God is often an issue of doing what is right without regard to our emotions… showing bravery when we are afraid, working when we are tired, praying when we feel we aren’t heard, and persevering when we are discouraged.

What does the Bible say about homosexuality?  Is it wrong?

Sincerely,
Truth Tracker

Dear Truth Tracker,

There are numerous verses that condemn homosexuality.  In the New Testament, 1 Cor 6:9 specifically states that homosexuals cannot inherit the kingdom.  Rom 1:26-27 says that homosexuality is a perversion of God’s natural design of men and women.  1 Cor 7:2 points out that marriage is intended for a man and a woman (Matt 19:4-6 also states this).  Jude 1:7 points out that Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed for their homosexual behavior.  Those are some of the most forthright New Testament verses on the subject.