My preacher seems to think the Bible was written on a 5^th grade level, and it’s all understandable, and no question requires more than the Bible itself to explain it.  I would like to think that is true, but I really don't believe it is.  What did you think?

Sincerely,
It’s Complicated

Dear It’s Complicated,

Most accurate Bible translations are written using language that is at a tenth to twelfth grade reading level – simple enough to understand, but still requiring some work.  The Bible isn’t just for the intellectual and elitely smart; Paul even said that most of the wise of the world aren’t interested in the Bible because it is too simple for their tastes (1 Cor 1:20).
The Bible does take work to understand (even Peter said that some of the things Paul wrote are difficult – 2 Pet 3:15-16), but on the other hand, if we put the work in, the Bible is all we need.  The sum of God’s Word will always give you the truth (Ps 119:160).  If we study it fervently and with care, we will be able to rightly divide the Word (2 Tim 2:15).

How does God choose who will die a violent death, such as decapitation, stabbing, and rape on even people of christianity?  I don't understand this.  Does the Bible have an answer for this?

Sincerely,
Why Not Me?

Dear Why Not Me,

The Bible tells us that humans have the freewill to decide our own fates and that we are all affected by the choices we, and others, make.  In the Old Testament, God shows us that bad choices affect people as much as four generations later (Num 14:18).  If a man murders someone, it will have an impact upon him, the family of the deceased, his own children, those on the jury that convict him, etc.  Our choices have consequences, and they cause a ripple effect in the world we live in.  In short, we reap what we sow (Gal 6:7).  God knows our days upon this earth, but He also gives us the freewill to shape various aspects of the world that we live in.  Just because God has knowledge of how you and I will die does not mean that He causes your death to happen in a certain way.  Foreknowledge is not the same as causation.  A doctor may know that a patient is going to die of cancer, but that doesn’t mean the doctor caused the patient to die of that ailment.  God gives mankind the freedom to make decisions; it isn’t His fault when people die violent and horrific deaths.  That is caused by mankind and our decision to rebel and sin.  Remember, the world was made perfect – Adam & Eve destroyed the harmony of the Garden of Eden.  Mankind makes choices that affect the future and the lives of those who live on this planet.

I grew up in the church and was baptized as a teenager.  Although I believed in all I had learned growing up, I really only got baptized because it was expected of me.  I knew I should work on my Christianity and start praying and reading my Bible and fixing problems in my life, but I didn't want to.  I eventually matured and started getting my life in order, but at the time I was baptized, I knew I wasn't going to do anything about it then.  Does my baptism still count if the repent part of “believe, repent and be baptized” didn't come until years later?

Sincerely,
On The Right Track Now

Dear On The Right Track Now,

Baptism is based on an appeal to God for a clear conscience (1 Pet 3:21); if we aren’t seeking to turn to God, the baptism is simply you getting wet.  If there is no repentance (‘repentance’ means ‘changing of the mind’) that accompanies baptism, the whole point of the immersion is negated.  Baptism is supposed to be done because we are cut to the heart and desire a new life in Christ (Acts 2:36-38, Rom 6:3-4).

Having said that, it isn’t abnormal for those raised in the church to later question whether they knew enough or were mature enough to be baptized.  Whether you need to be re-baptized is an issue of conscience and self-examination.  You must work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Php 2:12).  If you truly believe that you were only getting into the water to appease others, you still need to be baptized for remission of your sins.  It us up to you to reflect and ponder whether you have truly obeyed that command.

Yes, I am a christian and have given my life to Christ.  I try to live a good christian life, but when I was very young, I had an abortion.  I was pushed into it by everyone that I knew, including my parents and my boyfriend.  My question is this... is one sin worse than others?  I have asked the Lord to forgive me, and I was and still am very sincere.  I believe that my sins have been forgiven, but lately I am reading things about abortion that are upsetting to me.   Please help.

Sincerely,
Regretful

Dear Regretful,

All sins are equal, but some sins have worse consequences than others.  In this life a “little white lie” may not cause you much trouble, but committing adultery will devastate your life.  However, in the eyes of God, all sin is deserving of death (Rom 6:23).  That “little white lie” will send you to hell just as much as the adultery would.  Abortion is such a heinous sin because of how deeply it affects the life and emotional state of the mother, the family, and ultimately, because it destroys a child’s life… but abortion can be forgiven through the blood of Christ.  The apostle Paul murdered christians (Acts 26:10), but Christ saved him (1 Tim 1:15).  The person that had an abortion is the old you… in Christ, you are a new person, and the old deeds have passed away (2 Cor 5:17).  Move forward in life with peace of mind knowing you will be reunited with your child in heaven.

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

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