If God knows our sinful nature, why did He destroy the earth and promise never to do it again?

Sincerely,
Strong Swimmer

Dear Strong Swimmer,

God made the promise never to flood the earth again because He had a different plan in mind.  Instead of leaving every man to do what was right in his own eyes until things got completely and totally depraved (as was the case before the flood – Gen 6:5-6)… He used one man to bring hope to all men.

After the Great Flood, God called Abraham to be His servant and the father of a great nation (Gen 12:1-2).  God made a promise to Abraham that through Abraham’s seed, all mankind would be blessed (Gen 22:18).  Jesus is the seed of Abraham (Gal 3:16).  After the Great Flood, God put into motion His plan to offer salvation to all mankind through Jesus Christ.  That road began with Abraham, and when the proper time came… Jesus was born (Gal 4:4).

Is it okay for elders to get paid for being an elder? What about a deacon? Should they get paid?

Sincerely,
Legal Laborer?

Dear Legal Laborer,

Yes, an elder can be paid, especially if he is active in preaching in teaching.  1 Tim 5:17-18 says that an elder is doing a work that is worthy of financial support.  However, the same is never said of a deacon.

1. Why did Noah choose seven clean and two unclean animals?
2. What is the difference between clean and unclean animals?

I need the Scriptures, too.

Sincerely,
A Boatload of Questions

Dear A Boatload of Questions,

Giving the Scriptures is our specialty!  In fact, if we don’t give you the Scriptures, you should reject anything we say.

Noah chose seven clean animals and two unclean animals because God told him to (Gen 7:2)… but God probably told him to do it because clean animals were used for animal sacrifices.  That is really the definition of a clean animal – a ‘clean’ animal is an animal that is approved for either:

• Consumption as food (Deu 14:4-20)
• Use as a sacrifice to God (Leviticus 4-8 outlines some of the many sacrifices made to God, and all of them use only clean animals.)

Since Noah made sacrifices to God as soon as the ark landed (Gen 8:20), it was necessary that he have more than just two.  Two animals are enough for repopulation but not enough for animal sacrifices.

When I was young, I publicly received Jesus in my life, but I fell into a sinful life until now.  I’m forty-two; can I return to God?  I’m worried about what Hebrews 6:4-6 says; do I have any hope?

Sincerely,
Wanting Out

Dear Wanting Out,

Yes, there is hope.  Heb 6:4-6 says that it is impossible for anyone else to renew a person who has fallen away to repentance.  The point is that when someone falls away, there isn’t anything new that can be said… the person’s problem isn’t ignorance – it’s attitude.  Only you can change your attitude, and it sounds like you have.

Think of your journey to God as starting anew – don’t make any assumptions.  We must study the Scriptures to find what makes God happy (Rom 10:17).  We recommend you read “What Must I Do To Be Saved?” and carefully examine the Scriptures in that post to see if you have obeyed them.  After that, we recommend you read “Finding The Church” and carefully examine whether or not the church you are currently attending (if you are attending one) is doing what the Bible teaches.  If you would like help finding a congregation, e-mail us at askyourpreacher@mvchurchofchrist.org.  God finds great joy when lost sheep are found… rejoice in a new beginning to your journey (Lk 15:4-7).

I have a question concerning forgiveness.  I have a friend that was baptized a few years ago but still wants to drink to get it out of their system… but will stop in a few years.  When I ask why they are doing it, they say they, "are going to be forgiven anyway if they ask for it later", so they continue to drink.  My question is, will they really be forgiven?  Or will their forgiveness being asked in vain?

Sincerely,
Sober-Minded

Dear Sober-Minded,

Your friend has a common misconception about sin… that it is easy to quit.  When we openly and purposefully sin, we are choosing to become enslaved by that sin (alcohol is specifically mentioned as being addictive - Tit 2:3).  Paul teaches that part of becoming a christian is changing our attitude toward sin (Rom 6:1-4).  Christianity is a new life… a new life where sin no longer rules over us (Rom 6:11).

When we are baptized, we are making a statement that we hate sin, want it removed from our lives, and are seeking forgiveness from Christ.  Baptism is an appeal to God for a new life free from the filth of sin (1 Pet. 3:21).  If your friend still wants to live in sin and trick God into forgiveness later – God will not be deceived (Gal 6:7).  God knows our hearts (Lk 16:15).  If we accidently sin and then ask Him for forgiveness… that is very different from purposefully living a sinful lifestyle.  Your friend has some maturing to do before they really understand what it means to live a godly lifestyle.  In fact, if they are currently sinning, it may be time for you to talk to them about it.  Unfortunately, if he/she won’t listen to Scriptures, you may need to do what Matt 18:15-16 says and bring another faithful christian along to help you explain the sinful predicament he/she is in.