Why are some people who go to church stuck up?  They think they are better than everyone.

Sincerely,
Sick Of Being Looked Down On

Dear Sick Of Being Looked Down On,

You might as well ask why some people who go to work are stuck up, or some people who go to school are stuck up, or the park, or the zoo, etc.  In short, there are always going to be arrogant people in every area of life.  Arrogant people are not exclusive to religion, nor should we allow those few who make bad decisions to vilify the whole.

Just because you’ve been to a bad mechanic doesn’t mean you stop driving cars.  Just because you’ve had bad experiences with religious people doesn’t mean you should stop trying to find the truth (Matt 7:7-9).  There are congregations full of faithful, humble, Bible-loving people.  We are sorry for your frustration and the negative experiences you have had.  We would be happy to point you in the direction of a faithful congregation in your area that really does emulate the humility found in God’s Word.  If you would like help finding a faithful church in your area (not all churches are faithful), e-mail us at askyourpreacher@mvchurchofchrist.org.

5 minutes a day
5 days a week
1 New Testament in a year

There are 261 weekdays in a year, and there are 260 chapters in the New Testament. By reading one chapter, Monday through Friday, you will read the whole New Testament by the end of the year. The Daily Cup series is to help with that goal.

Happy Studying!

"The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup." -- Psalm 16:5

Click here for a pdf of the study schedule - CLICK HERE

Is Mohammad a biblical character that was distorted and deified by man, or was he created by Islam?  Is there any record of a prophet in the Bible named Mohammad?

Sincerely,
Prophet Perusing

Dear Prophet Perusing,

Mohammad is a purely Islamic figure.  The Bible never mentions a prophet named Mohammad, and the Moslem religion is entirely without Biblical endorsement.  Jesus says that He is the only way to God (Jhn 14:6).  Mohammad taught that he knew a different way… they can’t both be right.  Mohammad was just another false teacher (Matt 24:11).

My question regards generational curses.  My mother and father recently divorced.  I have now learned that my mother continues to have relationships with married men.  I somehow feel like her choices in her life will somehow curse me in relationships.  I have recently broken up with a man I thought I would have a future with.  Is this just the enemy trying to defeat me?  Thanks!

Sincerely,
Distressed Daughter

Dear Distressed Daughter,

Children pay for the choices their parents make… but not in the way you are concerned about.  People pay for the sins of those who have gone before.  If your father was an axe murderer, it would affect you, your children, maybe even your grandchildren (Ex 34:7)… but eventually he would be forgotten, and the consequences of his behavior would dissipate.  That is what the generational curse is – that children must live with the repercussions of their parents’ choices.  You are dealing with that right now.

Divorce affects children in horrific and lasting ways.  One of the repercussions is that you begin to doubt whether or not you are capable of having a lasting and faithful marriage.  The doubt and fear you have is a pain you endure because of your mother’s choices… but you don’t have to recreate home.  Every person has the God-given gift of free will (Matt 7:13-14).  God wants every marriage to be happy, faithful, and for a lifetime (Eph 5:31-33).  In spite of your parents’ choices, you can choose a godly spouse and live a godly marriage.  Your parents’ decisions cannot deny you the right to live faithfully and have a fully successful future.  In fact, make it a point to be the person who changes your family tree.

Is it wrong for someone to order a mail-order bride from Russia?

Sincerely,
Groomsman

Dear Groomsman,

There is nothing sinful with an arranged marriage… but we would seriously caution against the lack of wisdom involved in marrying someone without knowing their values.  Marriage is a lifetime commitment (1 Cor 7:39).  Granted, we have very little experience with mail-order nuptials, but it is our suspicion that such arrangements rarely are built upon the foundation of faith in Christ.  Will your bride be a christian?  Will she take your vows as seriously as you must?  What are your motives behind an arranged marriage?  What are hers?  All of these are questions that you should ask yourself.  Marriage is one of the first things God ever ordained (Gen 2:24)… and aside from becoming a christian is the most important decision you will ever make.  It isn’t to be taken lightly.