Question: I would like information on Lent.
- Kathryn from Florida, United States
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Question: What is Epiphany?
- Meredith from North Carolina, United States
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Question: What is Advent?
- Emily from Florida, United States
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Question: What is a labyrinth?
- letrice from Kansas, United States
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Question: What is compline? Also, what is the liturgy of the hours?
- jane from North Carolina, United States
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Question: What does the term "Eucharist" mean?
- Lisa from North Carolina, United States
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Question: Leyendo el Upper Room, algunas de las citas biblicas me piden que lea por ejemplo "James 5:13-20". No lo encuentro por ninguna parte...........donde esta? Quien es James?
Who in the bible is James?
Thank you.
- Maria from Virginia, United States
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Question: I need scripture that backs up the need to pray for others. Where does it say something about giving and getting a blessing when one prays? I have a friend who doesn't want to let the church know his wife is ill.
- Ruth from West Virginia, United States
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Question: How do I start a journal?
- Rob from Massachusetts, United States
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Question: I was wondering if it's a sin to "cuss"? From my point of view, I would think that if you aren't using the "cuss" words in bad terms, like say being angry with someone, then they aren't even really considered bad words. If these "cuss" words were indeed a sin, then wouldn't phrases like "what the heck" or "dangit" be a sin also?
- Stacey from North Carolina, United States
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Question: If you are worried/concerned about a situation and have prayed about it but still think about it, is this "giving it to God"? I always thought that if you gave something to God in prayer, you didn't think about it anymore. How can I pray about something and then get it off my mind?
- Ed from Florida, United States
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Question: Are there some serious prayer guides for learning how to pray throughout the day? I have also participated in a centering prayer group and I sometimes use an Anglican rosary, especially for more emotional moments. I am not looking for something highly academic, nor am I looking for something careless. (It should be thoughtful and emotional in varying degrees depending on the context.) Simply thinking about a devotional doesn't go far enough for me. I want to develop trustful prayer, and as a side benefit weaken some of the internal strife I have lived with for many years.
- Christy from North Carolina, United States
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Question: Can you tell me where I can find the number of days there were between the crucifixion and Pentecost? How many days were the disciples in the upper room before the Holy Ghost fell? Where can find this info in the scriptures?
- darryl from Missouri, United States
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Question: Why is Palm Sunday also referred to as Passion Sunday? Why is the word passion used?
- Elaine from New York, United States
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Question: Why does God allow innocent children to be murdered, women raped and killed, famine, suffering, violent accidents, like car crashes and such? I know that it is not God who is doing this madness, but why does God allow it? I have never questioned God before in this way. I feel bad for questioning God, but it's just something I had on my mind.
- Terry from Texas, United States
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Question: The 14 year old daughter of a colleague recently passed away from a rare form of liver cancer. This always raises the question: Why are some people miraculously healed and others are not?
- Cindy from Indiana, United States
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Question: My question has to do with suffering. Why does God want us to suffer? What does it do for God? I mean, wouldn't we praise God more if we were healed from an illness, given a financial windfall, or had our spouse return to their marriage vows? What is the use of suffering?
- Marjorie from California, United States
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Question: I don't remember ever reading the word "Easter" in the Bible. How did this become what we call the day that represents when Christ arose? How is the date for Easter calculated?
- Various Questioners from , United States
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Question: The December 20, 2002 devotional message had derogatory comments about shepherds. Where can I find information about shepherds, particularly the shepherds that announced the birth of Christ?
- Karen from Ohio, United States
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Question: What is All Saint's Day?
- Sharon from Illinois, United States
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Question: Would you please explain to me the meaning of "I believe in the holy catholic church." This appears in the Apostles' Creed.
- Sharon from Alabama, United States
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Question: I have a desire to get back to the church. However, I have kept away because of my past behavior. Twenty years or so ago, I attempted suicide several times. I have thought this was an unforgivable sin. Is there a point in returning to the church given my history of suicidal attempts and thoughts of suicide that still exist? Is there hope of being forgiven and rejoining the human race?
- Rick from Indiana, United States
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Question: I would like to know the seating arrangement at the first passover when Jesus had the last supper. The table was in a "U" shape, Jesus sat on the left and Peter sat on the right on the end. But I cannot find where the rest of the diciples were sitting.
- Kathy from Iowa, United States
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Question: My 3-1/2 year-old grandson's father committed suicide this week. What do we tell him? Should he go to the funeral? Should he see his daddy in the casket?
- joy from Georgia, United States
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Question: What was the date of the Exodus?
- pat from New Jersey, United States
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Question: Why is it Christians, who are not supposed to judge, sometimes judge worse than anyone? Is there scripture in the Bible to support this question? Also, is Jesus a Democrat or Republican?
- mary beth from Armenia
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Question: When you love a person it is a tangible thing. How can you make your faith, which is the way we see God, more tangible? Is that even posible?
- John from Nevada, United States
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Question: OK! What is the deal with the votives and prayers? I have recently visited St. Patrick's in New York City. Even though I have been in many churches that have the votive/prayers thing, I have no real knowledge of the hows and whys.
- Dan from Alabama, United States
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Question: What was Noah's wife's name?
- Jen from New Hampshire, United States
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Question: I am meeting with a new follower. I need help on one particular question. He asked me if his 6 year old son who has not asked Christ to be his Savior would go to hell if he was not baptized? From my understanding one would get baptized as a proclamation of their decision to follow Christ after asking Christ into their life to be their Savior. I told him I did not know the answer but would ask around.
- Dennis from Alaska, United States
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Question: How relevant/important are the Old Testament laws/decrees/commands to us today?
- Ingrid from South Africa
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Question: As a Christian I try to make sure people know my beliefs in my workplace. Recently i had a coworker who is also a Christian ask quite a strange question to which i had no response..."Where did God come from? Who created God?" I was hoping you could provide some kind of answer for this difficult question. Also I would like some information on what line of study and what degrees are required to become a United Methodist Pastor.
- Travis from South Carolina, United States
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Question: We have an outdoors nativity enactment at Christmas time which is attended by a variety of faiths in our community. In the past our United Methodist church has held "drop-by" Communion services at the nativity site for anyone who wished to receive it. Our current pastor declined to celebrate Communion in this manner, saying that it was inappropriate to conduct it outside corporate worship service. Our pastor does take Communion to the sick and disabled who are unable to come to worship service. Does the United Methodist church take an official position on where and how Communion is to be conducted?
- Joe from North Carolina, United States
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Question: If God gives us free will to make our own decisions, can or can't God move in people's lives to change things?
- Linda from New Mexico, United States
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Question: The umc.org website states that "Communion is one of the responsibilities and duties of a pastor. However, the pastor may train lay persons to deliver the consecrated communion elements to members confined at home, in a nursing home, or in a hospital.” I understand that UM's believe that consecration is only a spiritual change. Why, then, does it take a licensed or ordained person to consecrate the communion elements?
- Adam from Nebraska, United States
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Question: My husband and I both are thinking of cremation when we die. What is the biblical stand on this?
- Brenda from Virginia, United States
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Question: Do you have to attend church to be a Christian? Can't you worship Christ in your heart and show others that you are a Christian by your deeds, words, and actions?
- kathy from Michigan, United States
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Question: I am very confused about Genesis 18. First it says the Lord appeared to Abraham, and then it says that 3 men stood by Abraham. Later on, it says that 2 angels went ahead to the city of Sodom, and the Lord after talking to Abraham, went his way. Did Lord appear as a man and also as angels to Abraham?
- Xavy from Florida, United States
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Question: God says that we cannot be given any more than we can handle, right? So what about people who commit suicide? Their situations in life were more than they could handle otherwise they wouldn't kill themselves.
- Katie from Alabama, United States
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Question: Julian, rewards other than eternal life are mentioned in the Bible. What are the rewards in heaven eluded to in the Bible for those that do good works?
- Frank from Texas, United States
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Question: Julian, I have a friend that is killing herself by not eating. And now she has started to cut herself. I dont know what to do, because she says she is numb to all the pain and stuff. Please just give me some advice, or some Bible verses to help her.
- Miranda from Tennessee, United States
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Question: Was Adam the first man or the first man "in God's image"? Does "in his image" mean the first person with a soul? Cain was concerned with the "others" killing him. Does this mean there were other "men" on the planet in addition to Adam's family?
- Clifton from Texas, United States
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Question: If God created everything, then may I assume that God also created evil? This is very perplexing. If God created evil, why?
- Catherine from New Jersey, United States
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Question: Why is Jesus called the Rose of Sharon?
- Pansy from Georgia, United States
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Question: I have seen many written references to fasting, as well as many spiritual advisors saying they have received answers to prayers or breakthroughs from destructive strongholds. In this regard, what is fasting?
- L from New Mexico, United States
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Question: Where do I find the statement, "He will restore the years the locust have eaten"? Is this a scriptural passage or pastoral inference?
- Steve from North Carolina, United States
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Question: What is "the communion of saints" as mentioned in the Apostles' Creed?
- Lisa from Texas, United States
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Question: Please explain Luke 17:34-35. Does this mean that no matter how hard we pray for an unbeliever, chances are that he or she will not be saved? Are some of us destined to be saved and others not?
- Maggie from New York, United States
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Question: In today's society when someone says "God told me to kill _____" we label them as crazy. Ehud said that he has a message from God, to kill King Eglon. Why was this right?
- Meg from North Carolina, United States
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Question: Can you give me any background on the person in the Bible, Jezebel?
- Denise from Oklahoma, United States
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Question: Was Gideon, the judge of Isreal, wrong when he led the troops into battle shouting "For the Lord and for Gideon"? Wasn't that boastful on his part?
- Meg from North Carolina, United States
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Question: I was baptized in the Methodist Church as an infant, but was not really raised in the church. I am now interested in becoming a full member of the denomination. Could you describe the confirmation process for adults?
- G.N. from Pennsylvania, United States
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Question: Is it wrong to practice yoga? Even if you do not believe in what the instructors do, and if you use the time as an opportunity to be quiet and focused on the Lord?
- Amanda from Vermont, United States
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Question: I have been wondering why it is that we pray, and how that relates to God's will and our own free will. If God already knows what we need, why should we ask?
- Megan from South Dakota, United States
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Question: Can you enlighten me some on utterances in tongues or speaking in tongues?
- Kenneth from Virginia, United States
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Question: What is the Eucharist?
- c. malaika from Tennessee, United States
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Question: What is grace? What are the types of grace?
- Elizabeth from Texas, United States
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Question: Julian, how can I as an individual be a help in bringing in the love of Christ where there is so much backbiting, power struggle, disrespect, and discord?
- Yolonda from South Carolina, United States
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Question: If some of what is in Revelations is happening to a person...does that mean they are not going to heaven? (even if the person has accepted Christ as their savior).
Everytime I read the Bible I see what I am not and how much I have failed.
- Lanette from New Jersey, United States
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Question: I have a problem with praying in a group. I don't want to not pray, I want to so much but the words don't come out. Can you give me some idea as to what I should do as at Bible College we are expected to pray spontaneously and I find myself with some kind of block.
- F from United Kingdom
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Question: I have joined a small Bible study group at work. The leader thinks at my age (84) I should be able to lead them in prayer. I'm not able. How do I learn to pray aloud?
- muriel from Florida, United States
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Question: For years I knew that God wanted me to use my talents and time to work in the church as a musician. Now my life has changed dramatically and I'm wondering if this is still my calling. It seems as if I keep hitting brick walls and the joy is gone. How do I know if this is still what God wants me to do?
- kerry from Arkansas, United States
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Question: How is a divorcing pastor to be handled? How should the congregation respond?
- David from Texas, United States
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Question: What is Celtic Christianity?
- robin from Colorado, United States
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Question: I am interested in gathering more information about the spirituality types called "apophatic" and "kataphatic" Can you give me some definitions that you use and suggested reading.
- Dennis from Iowa, United States
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Question: I understand the United Methodist Church and other denominations allow women to fully participate in all aspects of ministry. Please explain this theology as it applies to those who refute this as being out of "God's created order."
- Sandra from Texas, United States
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Question: I am trying to be a good Christian. One of the things that I worry about is making God mad at me by not being the perfect Christian. Therefore I am afraid to repent my sins to Him. I worry that if I repeat the sin, he will be upset with me. How can I get beyond this?
- Julie from Minnesota, United States
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Question: I recently attended a seminar on forgiveness and during the time together, the leaders layed hands on a few people (for healing) and spoke in what they referred to as "their prayer language." I have been a Christian for many years and have never had a "prayer language." Am I missing out on something? Other people would call this "speaking in tongues" and I don't understand this concept. I would appreciate information.
- Sharon from Montana, United States
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Question: What is the difference between the soul and the spirit?
- Ann from Texas, United States
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Question: Can we receive the different gifts from God even though we have not been baptized? (For example, speaking in tongues even though one has not taken the step to be baptized.)
- Eileen from Singapore
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Question: Does judgment only pertain to those who have rejected Jesus and have chosen not to believe? Or will there be some sort of judgment on believers who have failed to act righteously?
- Linda from Texas, United States
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Question: A friend and I were discussing the Bible's proclamation that Jesus is the only way to salvation. My friend's response was, "But the Bible is many men's thousands-of-years-old translations from one language to another, and human interpretations of what was said and done at the time of Jesus." How can we know that Jesus is the only way?
- robin from Texas, United States
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Question: I believe the hardest part of being a Christian is seeing Christ in our neighbor. Why is it so hard to find Christ in that person we do not like?
- Bob from California, United States
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Question: What is a Rosary? Are they only used by Roman Catholics, or can Protestants use them to pray?
- Andrew from Washington DC, United States
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Question: How can I make my failure be successful? I am a faithful Christian, but sometimes I feel hopeless when I have failed. Is this a trial of faith ? How long is this trial?
- alden from New York, United States
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Question: How can I avoid temptations? How can I avoid anger?
- Carmen from Puerto Rico
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Question: What do B.C. and A.D. mean?
- Judy from Alabama, United States
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Question: I have depression and have had it for 2 1/2 years. Just when I think it gets better, I just fall deeper into it. It feels to me like I am being puished for something. How can I find out if this is true, and how can I get out of this hole of despair I am in right now?
- Sam from Pennsylvania, United States
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Question: Why at the end of some biblical stories does Jesus order the disciples not to tell anyone that he is the Messiah?
- Nancy from Indiana, United States
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Question: Hi Julian, please help me to clear my doubts.
What did Jesus mean by saying don't love the world or anything in this world? Jesus said in Luke 6 to lend to your enemies and expect nothing back. Should I lend to my enemy and expect nothing back only if he or she is poor? Or lend to my enemies even if they are not poor and expect nothing back?
- elizabeth from Indiana, United States
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Question: Did Jesus return to earth after he ascended to heaven? That has always been my understanding. Have I misunderstood?
- Don from South Dakota, United States
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Question: Are there references to God's presence in everything, since God created it all?
- Kevin from New Jersey, United States
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Question: In Joshua 10:13, the Book of Jashar is mentioned ... and I believe it is mentioned in one of the books of Samuel as well. Is the history of this text known?
- Mason from Maryland, United States
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Question: Please explain the meaning of Palm Sunday.
- Nancy from North Carolina, United States
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Question: Why is it that the Jewish faith does not believe in or recognize Jesus Christ? Wasn't Jesus Jewish?
- rene from Arizona, United States
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Question: What is the symbolism of the Easter Lily?
- Scott from Oklahoma, United States
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Question: The Bible states that the Sadducees did not believe in resurrection. Was their belief that the soul terminated at death, or that souls were resurrected at a later point in time?
- Bill from Georgia, United States
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Question: I once read in the Old Testament that a person supporting the king -- if the king is wrong -- is just as guilty as the king. I'm paraphrasing because I can't find it again. Where can I find this in the Bible, and what does it mean?
- Bill from Arkansas, United States
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Question: I started getting really involved in God in June 2002. Since then, my life has gone downhill. My parents got divorced; I'm living in a new place; we are in debt; and we have many other problems. I know God turns up the heat sometimes for my own good, but why so hot for so long while I am a fairly new believer?
- Casey from Iowa, United States
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Question: I want to know what happened to Joseph (Mary's husband) after they found Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41-52). There was nothing written about Joseph after that story. And Joseph was not there when Christ was crucified.
- Ramon from Philippines
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Question: What link is there between the eagle and the Bible? What lessons can Christians learn from this bird?
- abraham from Zimbabwe
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Question: Where could I read about the life of Jesus between his birth and childhood and when his ministry started as a young man?
- Margaret from New York, United States
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Question: What is the significance of Maundy Thursday? Why and how is it observed?
- Jean from Chile
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Question: If God is all-loving, how can there be sin?
- John from Wisconsin, United States
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Question: I'm inquiring information on the Jabez prayer in 1 Chronicles. I know his name means sorrow. What are some other important things about him?
- Mary from Kentucky, United States
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Question: I am what many would call a "liberal" Christian, yet I feel many other Christians turn from me simply because my social beliefs are different. Was Jesus not a "black sheep" in his time? Should I really belong to a church whose message conflicts with my personal beliefs?
- Charlotte from South Carolina, United States
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Question: How many people were in the upper room with Jesus at the Last Supper? Some say 12; other say over 100.
- john from Maryland, United States
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Question: How do I know if I am "waiting on God" or just procrastinating?
- Rhonda from Texas, United States
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Question: In the devotional scripture for October 17, 2002 (2 Corinthians 12:1-10, NRSV), Paul mentions "a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated." Is it known whether this was a physical ailment? Just curious.
- Mason from Maryland, United States
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Question: Why do most Christians not celebrate Passover? I do not understand nor celebrate Jewish holidays, but I think this Passover represents a very important event that Christians should celebrate.
- Marcus from Florida, United States
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Question: In Deuteronomy 19:21, Leviticus 24:20, and Exodus 21:24 it says "eye for eye and tooth for tooth." But Jesus said, "Do not resist an evil person" (Matthew 5:38). How should I understand the difference between two opposite views? As a Presbyterian, I believe in Jesus. So, let's say that I follow what Jesus told us to do. Then how about what God said in the Old Testament?
- Sarah from Georgia, United States
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Question: Is there a difference between the terms, "Kingdom of God" and "Kingdom of heaven"?
- Celestine from Ohio, United States
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Question: When in Israel's history did animal sacrifices cease?
- muriel from Florida, United States
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Question: Am I wrong if I always give money to beggars, even when I know they may use it for drugs?
I read sometime in the Bible that once the apostles didn't give money to a beggar, because they knew that he would continue begging and would not try to work for his money and become better.
That reading makes me question whether I am doing the wrong thing!
- Carmen from Puerto Rico
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Question: United Methodists believe that the Bible is "inspired," but that it is not the literal word of God and so we don't have to take it literally. What exactly does "inspired" mean, and how do we decide which parts to believe in whole-heartedly and which to discard?
- Noelle from Missouri, United States
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Question: I would like to know more about All Hallows' Eve.
- Alberta from Iowa, United States
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Question: I was listening to NPR the other day; religion and science was the topic. The guest of the show indicated that as science progresses, those who are religious are going to be disappointed to find out that religion is something conjured up by humans to keep us from "jumping off the ledge," so to speak. This is not the first time this theory has been thrown at me, and I undergo rage followed by fear every time this happens. As a relatively new Christian, and an attorney, I am faced with many people who doubt the existence of God. One would think with my over-articulated career I would have the perfect scathing response to these people but I'm always at a loss for the right words. How do I deal with these people -- especially when they're more intelligent and learned than I am?
- Jennifer from Illinois, United States
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Question: When communion is over and all the congregation has gone home, how are the remaining sacraments disposed of?
- Monty from Alabama, United States
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Question: At the time of Julians life, did she have a big impression upon society?
Was Julian a model for future mystics or was she similar to previous mystics?
Was her behaviour typical for the time period?
Does she have a lasting influence today?
- gerad from New Zealand
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Question: I was given a book of prayers for women. While I appreciate the gift, and have even recited some of the prayers as needed, I feel ambivilant. Is it okay to pray using pre-written prayers, or is it more meaningful to pray from the heart asking the Holy Spirit to intervene on your behalf, even though the words you pray may not be quite right?
- Yvonne from Georgia, United States
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Question: How does one walk with Jesus in the mundane details of life? For example,
how do you walk in the spirit when
taking out the garbage? Is this even
possible?
- Mark from Georgia, United States
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Question: What is penitence?
- Dan from Tennessee, United States
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Question: What does it mean to be saved, to accept Jesus as your personal savior?
- Laura from Florida, United States
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Question: Do you believe that God can give a person a vision?
- james from North Carolina, United States
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Question: I have been a Methodist for 23 years now and I just started attending a Methodist beliefs class that my minister is teaching. We had a discussion about whether or not Jesus and God are the same. The manual that we are reading states that Jesus and God are the same. One of our prayers states that God sent his only son, he died on the 3rd day, he arose from the dead and ascended into Heaven, and sat the the right hand of God. To me, that sounds like they are two differernt people. What are your thoughts on this?
- Thomas from Tennessee, United States
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Question: What are the major differences between the King James, New Revised Standard, and New International Versions of the Bible?
- C.B. from Texas, United States
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Question: I am embarassed to say, but we never said grace in my family, and I now want to start. What should I say during grace?
- Donna from Pennsylvania, United States
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Question: After the Death of Jesus and before he ascended to the right hand of the Father, did Jesus go to Hades to preach the gospel and free the righteouse, i.e., Moses, Abraham, David, Joseph? This was told to me and I am hoping for a scripture reference.
- Ray from California, United States
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Question: How can we encourage or bring those we love into a personal relationship with Christ -- to become a Christian?
- Laurie from Texas, United States
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Question: Do Methodists believe in saints like the Catholic Church?
- Rafiné from Puerto Rico
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Question: Was Jesus a real historical person?
- Donald from Virginia, United States
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Question: Please teach me how to deal with unanswered prayer. It is the desire of my heart to become a mother. My husband and I have been struggling with infertility issues for several years now. And our prayers to create a child of our own flesh and blood continue to go unanswered. We are hurt and angry by our circumstances. Why must this pain continue for so long? We are losing hope.
- Susan from Indiana, United States
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Question: Where in the scriptures do I find support for the statement "The Lord helps those who help themselves"?
- Wilt from South Carolina, United States
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Question: I am looking into joining a church. My father always brought us to a Presbyterian church. However, reading what the Methodist Church believes, it seems the same as the Presbyterian Church. What is the difference between the two?
- samantha from Florida, United States
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Question: Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible, but he wasn't even alive until Exodus. How can we know that all of the words written before Moses' time were right if he was not even there to witness the stories he told?
- Megan from Kansas, United States
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Question: I have been married and divorced twice, and am now in my third marriage. There are some passages in the Bible which describe me as an adulteress. I worry that I won't go to Heaven because of this. Am I forgiven for my many marriages?
- Melissa from Florida, United States
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Question: In Genesis 6:1-4, it speaks of the "sons of God" who married the beautiful daughters of human beings. The sons of God had sexual relationships with these daughters. Who were the sons of God? And what actually were Nephilim? Also, in Genesis 1:26 God says, "let us make man in our image, according to our likeness." Who is "our"? Is this the Trinity?
- P from Indiana, United States
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Question: I know that we are to pray for our enemies and ask God to bless those who persecute us, but how are we to treat or think about those who are truly evil? I mean people like Jeffrey Dahmer, Osama bin Laden, drug pushers, and hardened criminals who have no remorse for their actions?
- Ros from Arkansas, United States
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Question: Who is now living in the cell of Julian of Norwich? I heard about an Anglican hermit living there ...
- Ludwig from Germany
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Question: I am working the Al-Anon program and am concerned with the part of their literature that states that "I will not try to improve or regulate anyone." If I follow this advice, then how am I to spread the "good news" to others? Am I abdicating my responsibilty as a Christian by following this guideline?
- Mary from Florida, United States
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Question: Why do I only see Catholics wearing a crucifix and having them in their churches? Why don't other denominations? Is it okay to wear one if I'm not Catholic?
- Lisa from Michigan, United States
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Question: How does one go about finding a Spiritual Director?
- Peggy from Pennsylvania, United States
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Question: Do Catholics understand and believe in Salvation?
- Karla from Texas, United States
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Question: I am the original "worrywart." Is this a sin in God's eyes? Is this lack of faith?
- Joan from Washington, United States
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Question: How do you rid yourself of hatred for someone who has repeatedly hurt you and shows no remorse and continues to hurt you by satisfying their own selfish needs?
- Ros from Arkansas, United States
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Question: What is the definition of "meat" during the lenten season? Is chicken considered a meat?
- amy from Texas, United States
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Question: Why is it called Maundy Thursday? I know we celebrate the Last Supper, but where does "maundy" come from and what does it mean?
- Doug from North Carolina, United States
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Question: Do you have any information on the shamrock? I heard it stood for the trinity ... is that true?
- Thelma from Texas, United States
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Question: What is the significance of "forty days" throughout the Bible?
- John from Massachusetts, United States
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Question: I'm researching the Lent observation practices (or lack there of) for various Christian denominations.
Please provide a very brief summary (1 to 3 sentences) of your theology on lent.
- Brian from Pennsylvania, United States
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Question: Did people go to heaven before Jesus? This question is from my Jr. High class.
- Annette from Texas, United States
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Question: Why did John the Baptist wear camel hair and eat locust?
- Lisa from Mississippi, United States
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Question: In the book Jonah, Jonah is asking GOD to kill him, that it would be better for him to die then to live. Why is that? I thought that killing and suicide and that stuff is forbiden?
- Sam from Pennsylvania, United States
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Question: Recently, I attended a prayer service at my local United Methodist church and the pastor said that "the Book of Revelation was for another time in history when these books were written. Not for us -- for us it is a book of hope." I want to know if this is the opinion of one person or the church belief.
- Melissa from Indiana, United States
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Question: Is _________ a sin?
- Many Julian questioners from , United States
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Question: In the Old Testament God rested on the seventh day and called it Holy. Was that day Saturday or Sunday? In the New Testament Jesus rose on the first day of the week. Was that Sunday? So, then, is the Sabbath Saturday, or Sunday? The Jewish faith says Saturday. The Christian faith says Sunday. Which testament do we follow?
- G. Frederick from Connecticut, United States
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Question: Why, after God commanded the Hebrew people not to kill, did God send them to war against the nations on their way to the Promised Land?
- Luba from Canada
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Question: What is the role of a church community in Christian life? My Dad thinks that regularly meeting with a church community is an unnecessary fabrication, with no real basis in the Bible. He says the family is the institution endorsed in the Bible, not the Church. Did Jesus refer to communal worship in the Bible?
- Elizabeth from United Kingdom
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Question: What is a Taizé service?
- Laurie from South Carolina, United States
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Question: I have a friend who wants to know if any verses in the Bible discuss what will happen to persons who commit suicide. Do they go to Hell?
- Sara from Wyoming, United States
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Question: Is there an index of testamonies from your Upper Room daily devotional book?
- Ellen from New Jersey, United States
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Question: Please understand that I love to take Communion in most any form, but in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, Paul tells the Church that the bread should be eaten together with all present and the wine drunk. Is Paul saying that communion should not be taken by such methods as dipping the bread individually by each person?
- Rusty from Texas, United States
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Question: I am trying to locate some prayers in the Old Testament. Could you help me by giving me at least 3 scriptures?
- Catina from Mississippi, United States
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Question: In some of your reference materials dealing with terminal illness and death, a "breath prayer" is mentioned. What does that refer to?
- Pat from Nebraska, United States
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Question: Does the Upper Room have a statement of faith?
- Billy from Mississippi, United States
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Question: Can God forgive every sin no matter how bad or terrible it may be or sound?
- John from Tennessee, United States
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Question: Once you are saved, are you saved forever, or can a Christian start to do wrong again and lose his/her salvation?
- John from Tennessee, United States
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Question: I am interested in knowing more about baptism and the processes behind it.
- Daniel from Tennessee, United States
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Question: What is casting lots?
- J. from Kansas, United States
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Question: Lately I have been agonizing over my belief in benefit of prayer. We are told that our lives are known before we live them. If that is the case, how will prayer alter our circumstances or our lives? If something is already predestined, how can my prayers affect any outcome? If I pray for a family member all my life to come to Christ and it never happens because he or she was not predestined to do so, what have I accomplished? Or, have my prayers been answered if they do come to Christ even though it was predestined they would?
- Gordon from Wisconsin, United States
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Question: What was "the upper room"? And where can I read about it in the Bible?
- Emma from Alabama, United States
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Question: How many forms of The Walk to Emmaus are there? I know of The Great Banquet, Kairos, Cursillo. ... Can you give me some history on each?
- Bob from Indiana, United States
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Question: Is the Golden Rule, "do unto others as you would have them do unto you," biblical? If so, where can I find reference to it in the Bible?
- Marie from Illinois, United States
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Question: A group of us are combining to write an article on spiritual formation. My segment is: The History of Spiritual formation. Can you help me with finding some material that would help me in this area? I've bought several books, downloaded articles, etc., but I can't seem to find anything on the history. Thank you very much!
- Ron from California, United States
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Question: Why is Good Friday called "good?"
- Elizabeth from Indiana, United States
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Question: I have seen the word "selah" used quite often at the end of statements in the Book of Psalms. What is the history/meaning of this word?
- Mason from Maryland, United States
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Question: I am charged with decorating a large stage to look like the upper room for a large church mission we are putting on. I would like some suggestions as to what one may have found in the upper room. We have some old trunks, baskets, wooden barrel and crates but I need other ideas to really create as an authentic space as possible.
- Kimberly from Wisconsin, United States
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Question: Why do Protestants wear orange shamrocks for St. Patrick's Day?
- Kay from Ohio, United States
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Question: I would like to know the significance of ashes being placed on the forehead on Ash Wednesday. I am a Methodist and my church imposed the ashes (for the 1st time). Is there any biblical reference to the imposing of the ashes?
- Chris from Texas, United States
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Question: What does "Urim" and "Tumim" mean? Please describe the objects.
- Lulu from Florida, United States
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Question: At the United Methodist church I attend regularly, we recite the Lord's Prayer with the line "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us." When I go home and visit my family, we attend a Presbyterian church. I always have to be careful, because at that church, we say, "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." Other churches say, "Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us." I notice that most Bible translations of Matthew 6:12 use "debts." Why are there so many variations and why do different churches prefer different ones?
- Andrew from Arkansas, United States
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Question: I'd like to know more about the historic basis for Lent. Why do we have a 40-day period of preparation before Easter? Why not 30, 25, or 50 days?
- Tom from Tennessee, United States
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Question: Regarding the ritual of applying ashes to a person's forehead on Ash Wednesday, I thought that I remembered learning that they aren't supposed to be washed off. Is this true or is that they just aren't to be washed off until the end of the day? Thanks.
- Brian from Texas, United States
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Question: What is the signifcance of purple during Lent?
- kelli from Arizona, United States
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Question: How are palm crosses prepared for the imposition of ashes?
- Susan from United Kingdom
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