How many times did Paul visit Thessalonica?

Sincerely,
Visitor Bureau

Dear Visitor Bureau,

Paul visited Thessalonica a minimum of three times.  The first time Paul visited them was on his second journey after he and Barnabas split ways (Acts 17:1).  Then Paul passed through Macedonia, the region where Thessalonica was, again on his third journey (Acts 20:1).  And lastly, he passed through Macedonia on his return from that third journey (Acts 20:3).

     My twenty-eight-year-old daughter was murdered over six years ago, and my only daughter left was thirty-two when she committed suicide five months ago.  I was saved and water baptized in 1982; over the years, I haven’t lived the spiritual life I should have.  I have prayed and repented, and it seems like God has forsaken me.  I don’t know what to do.  How do I get back to God and let go of the past?  I would appreciate if you could help me.

Sincerely,
Grieving

Dear Grieving,

We cannot imagine the pain that you are in and the trials that you have seen.  The loss of a child is a devastation that only those who have experienced it can truly understand.  In this world of sin, unmentionable things happen.  Ever since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden, death, pain, and suffering have become a regular part of our world (Gen 2:17, Rom 5:12).
So what can we do?  God doesn’t desire to forsake us… in fact, He says that if we trust in Him, we will always have Him with us.  A life with God in it isn’t free from trials, but you have hope that heaven awaits.  You mentioned that you haven’t lived the life you know you should have.  Jas 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”  God is ready to forgive you and bring you comfort through your deep sorrow, but you have to reach out to Him.  A large part of that is by going to services and attaching yourself to a faithful church (Heb 10:24-25).  We would love to help you get in touch with a faithful congregation near you that could support you and help you draw near to God again.

Who was Cleopas?

Sincerely,
Wondering

Dear Wondering,

Cleopas is only mentioned one time in the whole Bible.  Cleopas was one of two disciples that were walking on the road to Emmaus when Jesus appeared to them after the resurrection (Lk 24:13-15).  The two men didn’t recognize Jesus, and Cleopas asked Him why He didn’t know about Jesus (Lk 24:18).

     Let me start off by saying I'm not trying to hate on overweight people.  I understand not everyone can help it, but my question is: is being obese or overweight because of being lazy (not exercising or eating right) a sin? 1 Cornithians 6:19-20 tells us that our bodies are temples of God.  And 1 Cornthians 3:16-17 tells us that anyone who defiles the temple of God, God will destroy.  So isn't being obese (like not taking care of yourself to the point of obesity) a sin because of the risks of sickness and diseases from obesity?

Sincerely,
Fed Up With Fat

Dear Fed Up With Fat,

Physical health is important, but it shouldn’t be overemphasized.  Physical health is certainly a blessing (3 Jhn 1:2). Paul mentions that there is value, (not high value, but value nonetheless) in physical fitness training (1 Tim. 4:8). Paul told Timothy to make sure and take care of his stomach ailment (1 Tim 5:23). He also mentions that your body is a temple that ought to be used to glorify God (1 Cor 6:19-20).

On the other hand, fatness is also often associated with blessings (Pr 11:25, Pr 15:30). Everyone recognizes that a few extra pounds are a greater blessing than not enough.

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. The definition of ‘healthy’ is up for debate even among top nutritional scientists. 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.

     My question is one that has been bothering me a lot lately.  I am married and totally in love with my husband.  He is so wonderful to me, and he is a strong spiritual leader for me.  He is everything (and more) that I prayed and asked God for.  But, on occasion, the thought of divorce crosses my mind.  I don't know why it comes into my mind.  I don't want that for my life; when I made my vows to my husband, I didn't make them lightly… not to mention I am so happy and couldn't imagine my life without him.  Now what has been concerning me is in Matt 5:21-30, we are taught that even thinking about sinning (which from my understanding, divorce is a sin unless there has been unfaithfulness in the marriage) can be dangerous for our souls.  I am concerned that because the thought of divorce pops in to my head once and a while that my soul is in danger.  Even though I have no intention of ever acting on that thought, I want to live a happy and long life with my husband.  Do you think that my soul is in danger?  Thank you for your feedback and the work you do.

Sincerely,
Totally in Love

Dear Totally In Love,

Dwelling upon evil desires is sinful (such as lusting after a woman – Matt 5:28), but a thought popping into your head is not the same as dwelling upon evil.

You don’t have complete control over what thoughts come into your mind (this is also true of emotions), but you do have control over what you do with those thoughts.  As a simple example, if someone says the word ‘dog’, you will immediately think of a dog.  Whether you want to or not!  (In fact, you are thinking about dogs right now.)  Jas 1:13-15 points out that sin occurs when we allow our thoughts to dwell upon sinful behavior until we actually act upon them.  Merely having the thought pop into your mind is not the same as dwelling upon it.  You are obviously happily married, have no desire to divorce, and as long as you continue to shove the thought out of your mind as you are doing right now, you aren’t sinning at all.