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 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 happens when a christian sins?  How much does a christian have to sin before he has lost his salvation?  Are consequences to sin in a believer’s life experienced to lead that one to repentance and redemption?  Or to separate him from a Holy God?  At what point will he be turned over?  His mind darkened?  His heart hardened?  His spirit separated from God?

Sincerely,
Where’s The Line?

Dear Where’s The Line,

A christian loses his salvation when he returns to a lifestyle and mindset of wickedness.  It isn’t a matter of how much sin we commit, but the attitude we take toward God and sin.  When we no longer value what Christ has done for us and stop letting His Word guide our life, we crucify Him again and fall away (Heb 6:4-6).  When a christian sins, they should have godly remorse and sorrow (2 Cor 7:10) because they have offended their Redeemer.  A wicked heart is hardened against such sorrow.  We must always be careful to protect our heart from becoming rebellious (Heb 3:12).

It is impossible to say exactly at what point someone moves from saved to lost… but that just accentuates the importance of guarding our lives and minds by trusting in Christ’s Word (Jude 1:24).  Commit yourself to growing and bearing fruit for Christ, and you will always be safe (1 Pet 2:1-2).

I don't know what to consider myself anymore.  I feel like I used to be/still am a christian, but I cannot come to terms with certain struggles:

1. If God is omnipotent, then how can we as human beings not be mad at Him for creating such an imperfect world?
2. Did God make a mistake with the world pre-flood?  Why would He destroy it all?  Couldn't He see what it was to become?  Why wouldn't He have created the second world the first time?
3. Does God really bless some people and not others?  Why do even the greatest christians give thanks to God for saving a baby’s life, or so-and-so's life, while others have had to suffer terrible deaths?

Sincerely,
Questioning

Dear Questioning,

We will try and handle each of your concerns in turn:

1. God didn’t create the world imperfect.  When God finished the world, it was perfect (Gen 1:31).  All imperfection that we find in this world is a consequence of our sins (Gen 3:17-19).
2. The problem with the pre-flood world was a manmade one, not a God-made one.  Mankind’s thoughts were violent and sinful (Gen 6:5).  God could see what was happening, but He allowed us to have freewill… and He respects our freedom of choice.
3. God blesses all of mankind (Matt 5:43-48).  All blessings and joy are gifts from our Creator (Jas 1:17).  Death was introduced by sin (Gen 3:3).  When someone dies, that is a consequence of our sin (Rom 6:23)… not a failure on God’s part.

In the end, it is important to remember that God hasn't failed us – He sent His own Son to give us life (Jhn 3:16).  We fail Him when we sin (Rom 3:23).