I was wondering if it should be counted as wrong if you are a christian and believe in heaven but use words that are considered bad on Earth.  I'm just confused because some of my christian friends use those words.

Sincerely,
Higher Vocabulary

Dear Higher Vocabulary,

Your friends are wrong for using foul language, and just because they call themselves christians doesn’t mean they can say whatever they want.  Eph 4:29 tells us to avoid all corrupt speech.  We need to avoid any and all language that sounds filthy or derogatory – this would include all swear words.

What is the significance of a name change in the Bible?

Sincerely,
What’s In A Name?

Dear What’s In A Name,

The significance depends upon the circumstance.  When Saul's name was changed to Paul, we aren't told any reason for the change – as far as we know, it was simply a change from a name with Jewish origins to a name with Greek roots.  However, when Simon was called Peter, we are told Jesus specifically picked that name for him (Jhn 1:42) – Peter means 'rock, boulder'... so Jesus was saying something about the type of man that Peter was.  That context gives the name change greater meaning.

Probably the most significant name change in the Bible is the one that God did with Abram.  God changed Abram's name to Abraham.  Abraham means "father of a multitude" (Gen 17:5).  God changed his name to signify that Abraham would become the father of many nations.

In all name changes found in the Bible, it always comes down to the context to define the significance of the alteration.

If we are saved by grace through Christ alone, and not by works, why does the Word say that at the Judgment, Christ might say to some, "Depart from me; I never knew you"  (Matt 7:23)?  It seems to suggest that after being born again, we then must do something to stay saved.  Some of them were obviously doing wonderful works in His name (Matt 7:22).  Can you help me understand?

Sincerely,
Working On An Answer

Dear Working On An Answer,

When Paul says that we are not saved by works, he is talking about perfect works (Rom 3:27).  Paul was dealing with the argument that a man could be saved by living by the law and that he didn’t need God’s grace (Rom 3:28).  We are saved by faith in God, not perfect works.  However, that doesn’t mean that what we do doesn’t matter.  James says that faith without works is dead (Jas 2:20).  The choices we make in life show who we have faith in.  We know we have faith in God when we listen to His Word (Rom 10:17) and then do our best to live by what it says (Jas 1:22).  Abraham is a perfect example of this.  Abraham was saved by faith (Rom 4:9), but we are also told that Abraham was saved by works when he offered Isaac (Jas 2:21).  God knew Abraham’s faith when Abraham lived by that faith (Gen 22:12).  Our actions do define us.  We have all sinned (Rom 3:23), and God in His grace, sent His Son to pay the price for our sins, but that doesn’t mean that how you live doesn’t matter.  Matt 7:23 is referring to those people who say that they trust the Lord but aren’t living by His Word.  Those people won’t be saved.

What's “be all things to all men to save some” mean?

Sincerely,
Quote Questioner

Dear Quote Questioner,

The verses you are referring to are 1 Cor 9:19-22.  Paul is explaining that when he preaches the gospel, he does whatever it takes (except sin – 1 Cor 9:21) to reach out to people, so they may be saved.  Paul molded his personality and behavior to match the cultures and traditions of the people he was preaching to.  If someone needed empathy, he provided it.  If someone was a debater, Paul was blunt and persuasive.  He listened when he needed to and spoke when appropriate.  He talked differently to Jews than Gentiles because their habits and attitudes were different.  Paul used wisdom in his preaching because saving souls is important enough that it is worth doing whatever it takes to get the message across (1 Cor 9:23).

Hello.  I've prayed to God on this subject many times, but I do not seem to get a clear answer either way.  I'm hoping you can help.  What do you think is God's view on embryo adoption?  Many infertile couples undergo IVF treatments, and as a result, many surplus embryos are left over.  These are either frozen indefinitely, destroyed, or used for scientific research.

We are unable to have children of our own and would dearly love to adopt one of these embryos which would otherwise never be given the chance of life.

Do you think it is morally wrong to bring a child into the world this way?

Surely it's better for them to have a life and be loved and cherished rather than just destroyed.  Okay, we may not be the biological parents, but we would love them with the same intensity.  I know it's an unusual question, but I'd appreciate any guidance on this matter.

Sincerely,
Maternal Instinct

Dear Maternal Instinct,

What a wonderful heart for children that you and your husband have!  Very few people realize that there are tens of thousands of fertilized embryos that exist in America and are being stored because of in-vitro fertilization procedures.  This poses a huge ethical dilemma.  Since the Bible never tells us when a human life begins, it is impossible to simply treat fertilized embryos as waste.  As far as we know, life begins at conception (this is the same argument used against abortion – read “A Voice For The Voiceless” for further details), and that would include these embryos.  So what is to be done?  Embryo adoption is becoming an increasingly popular option for couples that are seeking to have children and also feel morally compelled to save these children.  Adoption is a wonderful option.

The Bible is very pro-adoption.  In fact, the greatest adoption story in history is the church.  Jesus died, so God could adopt us as His children (Eph 1:4-5, Rom 8:15).  What a wonderful legacy of love that you can provide your children with.  Your children will always know that they were loved from the earliest stages of life and that their parents chose life.