Hello, my name is (omitted); I’m a christian seventeen-year-old.  My question is: would it be unchristian of me to join the National Guard as part of the military police to help go to college?  Also, the reason I want to be a MP is to help and protect people.  After college, I want to write and become a US Marshal.

Sincerely,
Signing Up

Dear Signing Up,

There is nothing wrong with joining the military.  John the Baptist had the opportunity to speak to soldiers, and instead of rebuking them for their occupation, he simply told them to be honest and godly soldiers (Lk 3:14).  May God bless you in your service to your country.

What does God's Word say about a woman preaching in the church?

Sincerely,
Chatty Cathy

Dear Chatty Cathy,

It says she can’t do it.  1 Cor 14:34-35 makes it clear that women are not supposed to be in leadership positions during the church assembly.  Women have a zillion different roles within the church, but leading the public assembly isn’t one of them.  Men have the responsibility of preaching, teaching, and leading the worship services (1 Tim 2:12).  In today’s politically correct atmosphere, this can be hard for some to swallow, but as Paul said, “We have no other custom” on this topic (1 Cor 11:16).  There is simply no Biblical precedence for women preachers.

My wife does not want to attend the church we go to now; I think it is because she was offended, but she wants to change churches.  If she does, do I have to go with her (because I like the church we are in now)?

Sincerely,
Disconnected at the Hip

Dear Disconnected at the Hip,

One of the great misconceptions about churches is believing the way to find a good church is to find one that fits your personality, lifestyle, and desires.  This is wrong.  Paul teaches that those who search for teaching that “tickles their ears” will always end up falling into false doctrine (2 Tim 4:3-4).  Most churches cater to the desires of the culture and society… this is wrong.

When searching for a church, you must ask the question, “Does this church follow the New Testament pattern?”  The local church needs to be the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Tim 3:15), ground zero for basic Bible teaching.  A church that will buy the truth and not sell it (Pr 23:23) is a church that will help you get to heaven.  We recommend you read “Finding The Church” and “Preacher Interrogation” for further details on the topic of finding the local church.

You and your wife need to work as one unit (going to separate churches is a sign of a real marital problem - religion is a huge factor in marriage problems) and make sure that where you are going isn’t based off of how you feel, but grounded in Biblical truth.

My husband and I have had a difficult marriage and were on the verge of discussing a divorce when a mutual male friend of ours (also having marriage problems) kissed me.  My husband and I are now about to start the divorce process, and I am in love with another man, the friend; we will call him Steve.  Steve and I are friends.  Steve's wife and I are friends, and I have been trapped between them for weeks.  The problem is, I am so in love with him that I can't see clearly.  He says that he feels the same way for me, but he doesn’t want to tell her because they have a baby.  She said that she will fight to the death for their marriage, and he says that their marriage is already over.  I am so hurt, confused, angry, lonely, and mad at myself and him and her!!!  I could possibly lose both of their friendships and his love... what can I do?  Please help!!!!!!!!

Sincerely,
The Other Woman

Dear The Other Woman,

We will give you the same advice Jesus gave to an adulteress woman: go and sin no more (Jhn 8:11).  You are married and in an adulteress relationship with another woman’s husband.  That is wrong.  You only have one choice: flee fornication (1 Cor 6:18).  You have millions of emotions running through your mind and heart and are – by your own admission –deeply confused.  Don’t trust your own judgment; trust the Scriptures.  God hates divorce (Mal 2:16).  What you are doing is deeply sinful, and your soul is in great peril.  You think your friendships are what are at stake… it is your very soul that is on the line.  Permanently cut off your relationship with this man now.

I don’t believe in God no more.  I needed prayers answered, and God turned a deaf ear to me.  I have done prayer requests at my church for years, but this year was so bad, I lost everything, and all I wanted was a few prayers answered, and God said, “No”.  So I have quit my church and believe God and all preachers are fake.

Sincerely,
Budding Atheist

Dear Budding Atheist,

We have no easy answers for you; it is obvious that you are hurting very much.  We would caution you in saying that God has turned a deaf ear to you.  God knows what you are going through – and there is a reason.  When Joseph was thrown into prison, he ended up being the king’s right-hand man (Gen 39:20).  When Moses was exiled to the desert for forty years, he ended up being the savior of all Israel (Acts 7:29-30).  Even Jesus proves that suffering can lead to victory; His death on the cross led to the forgiveness of sins (Heb 12:2).

Life here on this planet is full of heartaches, and we here at AYP cannot imagine how hard this last year has been on you.  2009 was a very difficult year for many, many people.  Just don’t forget that adversity can lead to victory.  No battle is won without bloodshed, and no bridge is built without sweat.  God causes all things to work together for good for those who love Him (Rom 8:28).

To complicate issues further, you are right on at least one point… many preachers are fake.  False teachers are rampant (2 Pet 2:1-2), and it may be that where you have been going has been plying you with false teaching that would discourage anyone.  E-mail us at askyourpreacher@mvchurchofchrist.org, and we would be happy to help you find a congregation that faithfully teaches the truth.  It is through many tribulations that we must enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22).  We are so sorry for your suffering; don’t give up.