How do we appropriately ask for God to intervene in the life of a sick child?  Should we ask for the child's sake, for His glory, or on the family's behalf?

Sincerely,
Worried Sick

Dear Worried Sick,

All three reasons are wonderful.  James gives an example of praying for the sick, purely because they are sick and want to feel better (Jas 5:14).  Elijah prayed for a child's life for the mother's sake (1 Kgs 17:20-21).  Paul prayed that Christians would be blessed so that God might be glorified (2 Thess 1:12).  We have examples of all three motivations for asking for God's help.  God states that human life has an intrinsic, precious value (Gen 9:6) The desire to preserve life is reason enough to ask for God's help.

When Adam and Eve were kicked out of the garden, Adam was cursed with thorns and thistles in the ground while Eve was cursed with pain in childbirth.  Does that mean that my husband has to do all the yard work?

Sincerely,
Wishing I Wasn’t Weeding

Dear Wishing I Wasn’t Weeding,

Thankfully for us guys, that isn’t what that verse is talking about.  Adam was cursed with thorns and thistles as he grew and harvested food from the earth (Gen 3:17-18).  Adam was cursed with having to work hard and sweat to provide for his family (Gen 3:19).  It wasn’t about yard work, but about hard work.  Adam was cursed with having his work be difficult.  It had nothing to do with mowing the lawn and pruning the roses… you’ll have to find some other reason to get your hubby to do that!

If Jesus is supposed to have a 'name above all names', why do people name their kids 'Jesus'?  I don't want to call them by their name then.  Is it even okay?  Would the real Jesus feel that I am being disrespectful?

Sincerely,
Hey, You!

Dear Hey, You!,

As hard as it is to comprehend in our American minds, Jesus wasn’t the only Jesus – even in His day.  When Jesus walked this earth, He was often referred to as “Jesus of Nazareth” (Matt 26:71) or “Jesus, son of Joseph” (Jhn 1:45).  The reason for this was because they needed to be specific when they talked about Him because multiple people had that name.

Whether it is wise to name your child ‘Jesus’ is an entirely different question, but it isn’t a matter of being right or wrong.  When the Scriptures say that Jesus has a “name above all names” (Php 2:9), it isn’t specifically addressing His literal first name… but His reputation and identity.  There is no person more exalted than Jesus.  You are not being disrespectful to God in calling others by their given name, even if it is ‘Jesus’.  It is clear by context that it is Jesus of Nazareth that you revere, not Jesus of Topeka, Kansas.

Should I study the Scriptures with people that do not believe in the Holy Trinity?

Sincerely,
Three Strikes You’re In

Dear Three Strikes You’re In,

We here at AYP will study with anyone that is willing to actually study.  Paul studied with idolaters (Acts 17:22-23).  John the Baptist studied with publicans and harlots (Matt 21:32).  Paul said he would study and preach to anyone who would listen (1 Cor 9:20-22).  The issue isn’t what they do or don’t understand – the issue is whether someone is humble and honest enough to learn (Lk 8:15).  Plant the seed of God’s Word in an honest and good heart, and it will grow into something great.

The only person you shouldn’t study with is the belligerent person too proud to listen to God’s Word.  Don’t throw your pearls before swine (Matt 7:6).  Don’t even give a false teacher a greeting (2 Jn 1:10).  You must decide whether someone is simply humble but mistaken or proud and hard-hearted.

(This question is a follow up to “Paradise Lost” – AYP)

I was saved when I was about thirteen and was baptized in the Methodist church when I was fifteen.  I hope this doesn’t offend you.  As I grew up, you know every boy and girl has hormones. I became an addict to pornography and sexual sin.  I was born with a nerve disease and have been disabled since I was a teenager.  I never had a girlfriend when I was growing up and have never been on a date with a woman.  I have been battling with my porn addiction for a long time.  I think I am finally cured from sexual sin.  I have been praying about it and reading my Bible a lot.  I am now 48-years-old and now in a wheelchair.  I am just terrified that I have lost my salvation and that I’m going to hell.  All the preachers I ask all say different things.  I have prayed about it and told God my fears, but I’m still terrified about this.  I would appreciate any help you could give me.

Sincerely,
Where To Now?

Dear Where To Now,

You definitely can be forgiven of your sins.  Jesus preached to prostitutes and others who had committed countless sins (Matt 21:31).  God does require repentance of sin (you can’t just continue in an ungodly lifestyle), but you can be forgiven (Acts 3:19).  You have had a rather unsteady past when it comes to religion.  We would like you to consider that as you attempt to wipe the slate clean of previous habits, that you also wipe the slate clean of previous religious assumptions.

We here at AYP want you to learn what the Bible says and nothing more.  When considering salvation, how to live, what church to attend, and various other religious questions – who cares what man thinks?!  The Bible contains everything you need to know concerning life and godliness (2 Pet 1:3).  The Gospel is God’s tool to teach you about salvation (Rom 1:16).  Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Mormon, etc. doctrine has no bearing on your salvation.  Only God’s Word can guide you to heaven.  We recommend you read “What Must I Do To Be Saved” and “Finding The Church” very carefully and continue to ask questions.  Don’t pay attention to what we say; pay attention to the verses we cite in our answers.  The Scriptures are not a matter of personal interpretation (2 Pet 1:21).  The Scriptures are here, so all can see God’s Will any time they read the Word (2 Pet 1:15).  If you have further questions (and we hope you do!), continue to ask them and accept only answers fully supported by the Scriptures.