Frequently Asked Questions about Christianity

Q: Why do you have Communion every Sunday during Service?

A: In the Bible, Jesus states that when we celebrate this feast, He eats it with us! (Mark 14:25.) Each time we have Communion, we participate symbolically in the blood and body of Christ (1 Cor. 10:16). We also show our unity as a body, remember His sacrifice, and preach His death and resurrection (1 Cor. 11:17-34). The Communion service is one of the most important reasons Christians meet on Sunday. Paul and his companions thought it so important that they waited seven days in one town so they could assemble with the church and celebrate the Communion meal (Acts 20:6-7).

Q:  Where did the Church of Christ come from?

A:  The Church of Christ has roots that date back to the Restoration Movement period of the 19th century in the United States of America. The participants of this movement had a desire to come together without the use of additional forms of religion or denominations as they believed Jesus founded only one church. The doctrine and practices come from the Bible alone which is historically authentic and accurate. You will find that the beliefs that set Churches of Christ apart are the process of salvation that teaches the need for baptism, and the understanding that the use of your voice, "a capella" style, in worship is the only music needed. Most Churches of Christ that are standing now continue to teach and follow the practices of Christianity in the New Testament.

Q:  How do you answer a person that says they don't have to go to church to be a Christian? They believe they are a good person every day of the week.

A:  This type of statement helps us identify the people that have a limited understanding of the Bible and what God expects of Christians. The Bible is the complete Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Revelation 22:18-19) and it helps Christians recognize that attending church is not optional (Hebrews 10:24). The church is the spiritual body of God and Christians are to work and worship together (1 Peter 2:5). God does not ask us to come together to make Him greater, He is almighty, but He desires to strengthen and encourage us through the spiritual body (Ephesians 2:10). The church teaches the authority of the Bible, the plan of salvation, and gives examples to follow and grow in the faith.

Q: Are we saved by faith only?

A: The belief that we are saved by faith alone is called sola fide. The Bible gives many examples that help us understand that there is not one singular thing that a person can do for salvation, it is a culmination of faith, actions, and the obedience to God's will. (James 2:19-26) To believe that a person would be saved simply by having faith would dismiss the fact that Jesus Christ died on the cross to save us (Philippians 2:5-8, Hebrews 10) and the grace given to us by God (Ephesians 2:8-9). Those who have faith are encouraged to repent (Acts 2:38), confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Romans 10:9-10), and accept baptism in order to be saved (1 Peter 3:21). Absolute faith, obeying God no matter the requirement, and submitting to His will provides joy knowing it leads to salvation.

Q: How does someone join the Church of Christ?

A: To be a part of the Church of Christ you would have to accept and obey God's word to become a Christian. Once you become a Christian you are added to the universal church (1 Corinthians 12:13, Acts 2:47, 1 John 3:1). When you choose to join a local congregation as a believer you are accepting to be a part of a group of disciples so that you are able to continue to grow and serve God as one body (Ephesians 4:16, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

Q: How old is the Bible?

A: If we consider the age of the completed revealed will of God, it is 1900 years old. If we refer to the earliest written revelation, that goes back about 3400 years. There are sixty-six books in the Bible, written by forty different men. The earliest by Moses who wrote the first five books during 15th Century B.C. The last book is Revelation which was written near the close of the 1st Century A.D. The Bible was written over a period of about 1600 years. The Old Testament consists of five books of law: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy; twelve history: Joshua, Jude, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther; five poetry: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon; and seventeen books of prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habbakuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. The New Testament consists of twenty-seven books. The first four: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, tell the life of Christ. Acts provides a history of the preaching of the gospel, with the establishment, and spread of the church. Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galations, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1, 2 & 3 John, and Jude are letters written to guide Christians to live so as to please God. Lastly, the book of Revelation tells of prophecy and serves to remind Christians that we are sealed against any spiritual harm and will soon be vindicated when Christ returns, when the wicked are forever destroyed, and when God's people enter an eternity of glory and blessedness.

Q: Does God not want us to have fun?

A: If the "fun" that is being considered is anything that condemns (either or both) your soul and the souls of others, it cannot be labeled as "fun" nor seen as a "loving thing to do" (Romans 13:8-10; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8). It must be understood that by obeying every commandment in the Bible you are respecting God's love and desires for man. Be aware that behind every one of God's "Thou shall not" there is always a very good reason (Deuteronomy 6:24; 1 Peter 3:8-12). Fun, happiness, and freedom does not come from giving into every selfish need or impulse you may have (Titus 3:3). There is ultimately two choices in life; everyone serves someone or something, therefore you either obey and be a servant of others, or you become a servant of God (Romans 6:13,16; 1 Peter 4:2). The choice is left to us all, but Christians understand that God's commandments or "rules" are light when you compare to the ultimate joys and benefits of understanding God's love and protection (Matthew 11:28-29; 1 John 5:3, Ephesians 6:10-15, John 10:28-30).

Q: Why are some people unbelievers?

A: In most cases unbelief is rooted in a moral issue. The word disobedience in the Bible is a term used in place of unbelief (Heb. 3:18-19). Some people choose to reject God because of self-serving reasons which leads to the disobedience of God's commandments. No one is born with a predisposal to reject the idea of God, all men and women are created in His image (Genesis 1:26-27), therefore we all have the capability to accept and obey God. There is no one on earth that is given the right to ignore or bend moral truth for their convenience. Unbelief is highly convenient for those who want to be free of moral responsibility (Psalm 14:1). We must all be aware of the final judgment that awaits each of us (2 Corinthians 5:10, Matthew 25:46). There are also those who claim their unbelief is due to a lack of evidence concerning God’s existence (Psalm 19:1; Romans 1:20; Acts 14:15-17) but throughout history there has been a collection of proof of people existing whose stories are shared in the Bible. We know that God's Son, Jesus, came to earth, and historians have proof that Jesus existed. There are plenty of good authors in the world but historians have collaborated with many of the people listed in the Bible at their particular periods in history. These people existed and there is evidence to prove it - original scrolls of the Bible exist, and even proof of the Ten Commandments, which God gave to Moses for the people of Israel, exists so that cannot be dismissed.

Q: What denomination is your congregation?

A: A denomination is a subgroup of a certain religion. If you search Church of Christ, you may find groups and denominations ranging from Latter-day Saints to United Church that we are not associated with. In the case of the Tartu New Testament Congregation, we are Christians who come together without using additional forms of religion or denominations as we believe that Jesus founded the one and only church. It is common that certain religious denominations have hierarchies of clergy or a global organization that function above local congregations but that is not the case with Churches of Christ. The Churches of Christ congregations are against these religious denominational appropriations and are autonomous, operating as local self-governing congregations that answer to God. The Churches of Christ congregations assist each other and bond in our collective faith in the Bible but our desires are to stay true to the belief that we are following God's universal church according to the covenant in the New Testament.

Q:  What is the Tartu New Testament Church Sunday worship service like?

A:  The Tartu NTC worship services are as stated plainly in the Bible (Colossians 3:16, 1 Timothy 2:1-2, 2 Timothy 4:2, 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, Acts 20:7); they consist of singing, praying, sermons, communion, and giving. Since the New Testament scripture instructs us to sing but leaves no mention of instruments (1 Corinthians 14:15, Ephesians 5:18-20), we simply sing a cappella during Sunday service. There are many examples concerning prayer in the Bible (1 Timothy 2:1-2, 8; Philippians 4:6, plus many others). During worship service we pray to God to give thanks and praise His name. Our prayers are for the needs of the congregation members as well as for the needs of others in our community, and around the world. God commands that we share and teach His Word (Matthew 28:19-20). Every sermon lesson from the Bible is one of the acts of worship in which we, as Christians, engage (Acts 2:42). It is necessary to learn God’s Word in order to grow stronger in Christ, to help teach other, and continue encouraging everyone to always seek His truth (1 Peter 2:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:2; 4:1-5). During communion, or the Lord’s supper (1 Corinthians 10:16), we consume unleavened bread (without yeast) and the fruit of the vine (grape juice). This signifies our remembrance of the sacrifice of the body and blood of Jesus on the cross for our sins (Matthew 26:26-29). Donating is a part of our worship to God as it is a way God's church recieves the necessary funds to do its work. God gave us the perfect plan for giving so we give willingly as we are able (1 Corinthians 16:2, 2 Corinthians 9:7). 

Q:  Is sharing the gospel enough for a Christian, how do I know I am doing it enough?

A:  If you are a Christian and are sharing God's word to others, you are using the gift of Evangelism (1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Romans 1:16-17, 1 Peter 3:15). Sharing the gospel and using your spiritual gifts is a way of life, not a work task that you feel you need to check off nor compare your efforts against others around you (1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Romans 12:4-8). Christ has given us each at least one spiritual gift; you are enough in His eyes (Psalm 139:14, 2 Corinthians 3:5, Ephesians 2:10). If you are a Christian living for Him, using the gifts He has entrusted in you with the intent to praise Him in everything you do, then allow God to reassure you that you are doing enough. (Ephesians 4:11-16, 1 Corinthians 1:4-8). The congregation is currently learning about all the spiritual gifts, the series began on 14-July-2024 so there are a few sermons uploaded on the NTC YouTube page in case you would like to learn more.

Q:  What else can be done if I commit a sin and prayed over the situation? I'm filled with anxiety because I don't know if I'm being unrepentant.

A:  When Christians acknowledge and are remorseful of committing sin we are called to repent. Repentance requires a change of behavior and mindset (2 Corinthians 7:10-11). If you have affected someone or broken any laws with your sin, a good start would be to ask yourself if you desire to make amends. You must be prepared to want to fix what you have broken, but keep in mind that not everything is fixable as we cannot make changes to the past. You acknowledge that you are aware of the sin and you did pray about it so take the time to figure out what you must change in order to mend what can be restored and not fall into sin again as it is extremely important (1 John 1:9). There should be no desire to justify nor mitigate sin, being objective when you are struggling will help you turn and stay away from sin. (Proverbs 4:14-15). Be mindful and count on your support system, which can be loved ones or a professional, to help you with anxiety. Do not allow yourself to be confused; when you repent, change, and accept God's forgiveness of your sin you are recognizing that He does not want you to destroy yourself because of sin (Ecclesiastes 7:16, 7:20).

Q:  Is sin a disease, for example can addiction be a sin?

A:  The Bible teaches us what sin truly is; it is described as a transgression of God's laws (Exodus 20:3-17, 1 John 3:4-5, John 4:17, Joshua 1:18, Isaiah 59:2). Sin can absolutely make someone sick but addiction is a condition where someone is unnaturally dependent or committed to a habit, especially when it is a compulsive reliance that leads to severe trauma. If you have an addiction please be aware that immoral cycles can be broken and God can wash away your sin (1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Romans 5:9-11). The Bible makes it known that the true origin of our sin derives from a selfish choice not a genetic or physical malfunction (Mark 7:20-23, James 1:13, James 4:14, John 9:1-34) but we are also reminded that God can forgive our sins and heal the sick (1 John 1:7-10, Matthew 8:17).

Q:  How does an individual find faith, does God give us faith?

A:  The Bible teaches us that faith comes from hearing and believing the word of God (Romans 10:17, Acts 18:8). God provides a source, the Bible, for an individual to learn from, believe in, and grow their faith (Acts 4:4, Acts 8:12). God does not simply give anyone faith, through the Holy Spirit or otherwise; in actuality we are sealed with the Holy Spirit after we have heard the word of God and believe it is true (Ephesians 1:13, Acts 2:38). Once an individual has studied the Bible and accepted it to be the true word of God one way they can develop their own personal relationship and faith by depending on the Holy Spirit to guide them in understanding and applying the word of the Lord. (Galatians 5:16-26). The journey in seeking the Truth and building your faith can be confusing so it is recommended that you also consider finding mature Christians who have developed a deeper understanding and have a strong conviction as they will encourage you in your walk with Christ.

Q:  I'm struggling because I don't know if I'm leaving enough time to grow my relationship with God. I wake up each morning to pray but sometimes get distracted so I don't know if I'm praying correctly or if it's sufficient.

A:  If there are moments that you get distracted while praying this detail is important to work on. The Bible provides countless examples that teach us how and why Christians need to spend time praying (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, Matthew 7:7-11,Romans 8:26-27, Acts 6:4, Mark 6:30-32, Matthew 26:36-44, Luke 18:10-14, etc). While there is no specific position you should be in nor are you limited to a time of day, it is very important that the time you are dedicating to prayer that you are focused on God, and that you are always truthful as you offer thanksgiving and supplications to the Lord (1 Timothy 2:1-2, Matthew 6:7-8, James 4:8-10, Colossians 3:17). To continue understanding and growing in your Christianity it important that you reach out and spend time with a mature Christian group in your community to worship, study, and motivate each other to do good works (Hebrews 10:23-25, James 5:16).

Q:  What's the difference in miraculous gifts and the spiritual gifts?

A:  The Bible teaches us that God provided miraculous abilities to some (these miraculous gifts were not distributed evenly) of His followers for a limited time so that they could better serve Him (1 Corinthians 12:7-11, 1 Corinthians 13:8-10, 1 Corinthians 14:1-5). The Old Testament gives many examples of miracles, such as the first, which was the creation of life (Genesis 1 & 2). The miracles we see now are different and we must be aware that there are false prophets in the world therefore we should always be mindful to verify the spirit (1 John 4:1). As for spiritual gifts, the Bible shows these are the gifts all Christians receive by the Holy Spirit to serve God so that everyone on earth has the opportunity to love Him and be saved (1 Peter 4:10-11, Romans 12:4-8, Ephesians 4:11-16. Matthew 28:18).

Q:  Why do people have to suffer, is it because of sin?

A:  There are many reasons that everyone in this world suffers, the source can range from sinful behavior to unintentional mistakes. If you believe that by being a Christian, a faithful follower of Christ, that it will somehow remove all suffering in your life then you are misunderstanding God and the Bible. God is all-knowing (Psalm 139, 1 John 3:20, 1 Chronicles 28:9), He is fully aware of who we are (Hebrews 4:13, John 21:17) and what our burdens are (Heb. 4:14-16, Isaiah 41:10, 1 Corinthians 10:13); in fact,  He hurts with us (John 11:35, Matthew 8:17). The truth to focus on is that Christians are to praise, be faithful, and follow God even through the suffering as He is the only one who can truly provide the strength and love to push through the difficulties in life (Isaiah 41:10, Philippians 4:13, 1 Peter 4:16, James 1:12, Hebrews 13:6). A great example of this is the entire book of Job, it explains how Job lost everything from his possessions to his family. Even when the struggle of a physical illness overcame him, Job refused to curse God and turn away from Him (Job 2:10). Humans have suffered from the beginning of time and we will continue to suffer but the Bible explains that Christians should look forward to the eternal life that the Lord offers us when He asks us to accept Him into our lives so that we can be cured, made new again, and suffer no more in the afterlife (John 10:27-29, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Revelation 21:4). If you are suffering from physical or mental issues the most helpful thing to do is seek professional help to alleviate any pain or provide guidance that will help you heal. When the suffering is caused by sin the first thing you need to do is seek God, repent, and ask Him to help you change so that you are able to remove yourself from sinful ways that only lead to destruction (1 John 1). At times we all make honest mistakes that lead to suffering, be understanding that we are imperfect humans so that you can learn from any mistakes you make or witness, and grow from that type of suffering as well. In any and all of these cases, always remember to stay focused on God in order for Him to give you strength to remove yourself from a place you are suffering, transform you to change any bad habits or choices, and/or give you strength to live with a painful illness (2 Corinthians 1:3-7).

Q: Why do Christians impose their religious values on people? 

A: It is common to hear the accusation that Christians impose our beliefs, values, and teachings onto others. People attempt to make a case by claiming Christians always "shove religion down your throat", but if you have felt this way then it is likely that you have come across unhealthy or immature believers. A true Christian, following God, will not impose nor attempt to violate you/your rights (Romans 12:18). We are all loved and judged by God (Matthew 5:45, Hebrews 12:23, 2 Corinthians 5:10) but what Christians are called to do is love one another (John 3:16, John 15:12-13, Galatians 6:10, 1 Timothy 2:1) so we offer that to others by sharing God's blessings with everyone (Matthew 22:37-39, Proverbs 11:24-25, John 13:34). Christians are also called to share and spread the word (Matthew 28:18-20, Ephesians 6:19-20, Mark 16:15) which is why it is important for us to invite people to learn about the Bible (Joshua 1:8, Colossians 3:16) and become part of the church (Romans 15:7, 1 Timothy 3:15, 2 Timothy 4:2-5, Hebrews 10:24-25).

Q:  What do Christians mean by spiritual journey and how do I begin?

A:  The phrase "spiritual journey" is commonly used when Christians refer to the exploration of understanding and walking with the Lord. It is a very intentional path that should be taken seriously in order to grow in your wisdom and nearness to God. The Bible teaches us to seek and communicate with God daily by praying as Jesus Christ is the only perfect example and lead on this journey (1 Thessalonians 5:17, John 14:6, Psalm 32:8-9). Everyone's spiritual journey is different so it is not healthy to compare, but be patient to understand that every Christian's journey begins by seeing things through child-like eyes that make it difficult to fight the influence of our human flesh (1 Corinthians 13:11, 1 Corinthians 3:1–3). It is important, if you are beginning your journey, that you spend time studying the Bible with a mature Christian as they will introduce you to God's truth and help you understand scripture (1 Peter 2:2-3, Isaiah 43:18-19, ). A mature Christian will be a great example as they are far in their spiritual journey and you will see this by the fruit they bear (Matthew 7:16-27, Galatians 5:22-23, Titus 2:3–4). Also, keep in mind that because we are human, we are imperfect and the progression of your spiritual journey may not be perfect either but do not allow this to discourage you! This path will require a lot of time and attention to what God needs of you (2 Corinthians 7:1, Deuteronomy 10:12, Romans 12:2) so that the Lord can truly work through you (Philippians 1:6, Philippians 2:13, Ephesians 3:16-20) but it will be the most loving and rewarding journey you could choose (James 1:12, 1 Samuel 26:23, John 15:4-5).

Q:  What's the purpose of the verse "let your requests be made known to God" in Philippians 4:6?

A:  The Bible verse is in reference to how and why we pray. The verses that lead up to and proceed directly after Philippians 4:6 help us understand the purpose. By making your requests known to God you are showing Him your ability to rejoice, that you are capable of reason, and showing you have faith that He is with you in these moments. (Philippians 4:4-5). When we pray and express to the Lord what we need, He will then give us the peace and understanding that we lack (Philippians 4:7). When we struggle with things on our own, the natural response is usually grief and anxiety. The Bible explains why we should not allow ourselves to be carried away by those worries. Instead, we must lean on our faith and relationship with God knowing that our Lord is going to provide a way through any situation we are in (Matthew 6:25-34). It is also important that you keep in mind that there are moments when you may feel that God is not answering your prayers or providing for your needs. Do not allow this to discourage you and your growing faith. In these moments it is imperative that you examine your heart and your mind in case your needs may not be aligned with the Lord's teachings and continue in prayer (1 John 5:14-15, Proverbs 3:5-6, James 1:22, James 4:8).

Q:  Can you explain how God’s sovereignty works if we have free will?

A:  The truth that you can gather from the Bible in order to help you better understand is the fact that although God holds us responsible for our sins, He does not force anyone to accept and follow Him (Jeremiah 13:23, Deuteronomy 30:19-20). And yet, the Lord has already chosen to redeem the human race (Ephesians 1:7-8, John 15:16). It is stated in the Bible that once we acknowledge, accept, and follow Jesus Christ that the Holy Spirit will work through us in order to change our hearts (Galatians 2:20, 1 John 4:19). The Lord does in fact have total sovereign control over everything because He alone created it all (John 1:1-3, Colossians 1:16-17). It may be difficult to comprehend, but this is because we are not omnipotent - our limited minds do not have the ability to comprehend His wisdom and power (Revelation 21:6, Romans 11:33-36). This is one of the reasons why it is important that we learn about and welcome God into our lives, so that we are able to grow in the faith that God is the only one in control (Colossians 1:29, Proverbs 3:5-6). When you trust and understand God's sovereignty it will provide joy and comfort - not confusion and indignation (Romans 8:28). Following the Lord will help you make better decisions that are filtered through God's teachings so that you can live a life approved by God (James 1:5, 2 Timothy 3:16-17). This journey may be imperfect as we all make mistakes, but when you choose to disobey and sin against God it is your obligation to take responsibility and repent (Romans 8:39). The fact that God is in complete sovereign control is something that you will begin to worship and praise Him for when you grow in your faith (Acts 2:25-28). Do not be discouraged if you do not currently understand as this is a perfect reason to continue searching for the truth and studying with a mature Christian.

Q: Recently I started my spiritual journey and can say that I'm a believer now but what can I do to help stay on the right track?

A: It is a blessing that you have begun your walk towards the Lord and you are aware that there is a correct way to Him. It is absolutely important that new believers in the faith take proper steps to continue growing in their understanding of the Word in order to be born again and saved (2 Peter 3:18, John 3:3). If you are not already in touch with a trustworthy and mature Christian it would benefit you greatly to seek one (or a community of them) now to be sure you are not unknowingly speaking on or misunderstanding the way of the Lord (Acts 18:25-26, Ephesians 4:11-16). The responsibility that Christians have to new or growing believers is to help properly guide and provide corrections when needed while they are growing, similar to parents raising their children (1 Peter 2:2, Colossians 1:27-28). Make time to study the Bible as much as you are able; beginning with Genesis is helpful. This is the foundation and will help you understand the references and truth in the other books of the Bible as well. The books in the New Testament that will also be helpful for you as a new believer are Acts and Luke since they give an overview of Jesus's life and the early start of the church. We encourage you to learn about and have faith in the power of prayer as well (Philippians 4:6-7, Numbers 6:24-26). Creating daily moments devoted to connecting with God will provide you with the opportunity to ask Him for guidance and understanding which will assist you as your faith grows (1 John 5:14-15, Proverbs 2:3-6). In these moments, also remember to praise the Lord for the wonderful changes and blessings in your life (Colossians 4:2, Psalm 145:21).

Q: What is the meaning of the phrase “fruit of the Holy Spirit”?

A:  When the Bible mentions the fruit of the Holy Spirit they are accounting for the results of the presence of the Holy Spirit within a Christian. In Galatians 5:22-23 it details clearly, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” When someone decides to believe and accept Jesus Christ into their life then they are able to receive the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14, Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 12:13). The Holy Spirit helps Christians become more like Jesus by giving us power to resist sinful behavior (2 Corinthians 5:17; Philippians 4:13). Galatians 5:19-21 explains sinful behavior of the flesh, “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” These examples give us all a clear picture of people being led by their sinful flesh and do not represent Christ which means the Holy Spirit is not dwelling within them. The Holy Spirit will consistently help believers produce the type of fruit that reflects the Lord's nature, but be aware that Christians do battle against the nature of the sinful flesh daily because we are humans that are still trapped within a body which has sinful desires (Romans 7:14-25, 2 Corinthians 5:17). Christians must be in constant awareness of these struggles and must allow the Holy Spirit to lead us towards God's ways so that we can defeat and remove sin from our lives (2 Corinthians 5:17; Philippians 4:13). The life of a Christian is not about perfection but about understanding that we can no longer allow ourselves to live for our flesh, but that we are living for our Lord who is our savior.

Q:  I don't understand the saying of "accepting Jesus as my personal savior", what does that mean?

A:  When someone asks if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, or mentions that they have, they are referring to your/their personal relationship with the Lord. Many people believe that Christianity is simply about not sinning, going to church, following rituals, praying whenever they are struggling, etcetera. This is not the case! A true Christian understands that it all begins with your own relationship with Jesus Christ; knowing and accepting Him into your life so that the Holy Spirit can work through you (John 3:6-8, Romans 8:2-6). When you trust the Lord and place your complete personal faith in Jesus Christ you understand that He has paid the ultimate price, saved us all, and wants each of us to be a part of His kingdom (Romans 5:8, John 14:6). The Bible helps us understand that God gives eternal life to whoever believes in Him (John 3:16, Romans 6:23), this is why before and during baptism you are also asked if you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior (Acts 4:12).

Q: I'm struggling with anxiety and I don't understand what the Bible says I need to do that will help me not worry about my future.

A: It is completely normal to struggle with anxiety about the unknown, especially when you are going through difficult times. The Bible teaches us that when we focus on God, remembering He makes a clear and straight path for us, as well as fights for and protects us daily, these feelings of anxiety become manageable until they are removed (Psalm 23, Jeremiah 29:11). We are told that every day will provide some type of struggle, but that is not for us to carry nor hold onto (Matthew 6:34). Jesus taught the disciples and others He came across to pray and to have faith in God's loving grace. When you are anxious, always remember to go to God to ask Him for what you need and thank Him for the great things He has already provided for you so that He can continually fill you with His peace (Philippians 4:6-7). There will be periods in time when you feel that the anxiety or problems in your life persist but this is when God's grace can save us (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). The Lord will always be with us in these moments, to help us understand what needs to change, where He is leading us, to give us strength and help carry us through what we think we cannot endure. Keep in mind that when you pray you have to believe in God's word in order to begin to transform your mind to be disciplined so that you are able to remove the need for control and fear from your life (2 Timothy 1:7, Philippians 4:8). Lastly, seek counseling and/or surround yourself with a mature Christian community that will help you take the actions needed to change. For example, going to weekly Bible study class that will help remove doubts and worries, or request a one-on-one that can assist you in building personal guidelines based on biblical teachings which will help you put the Lord's teachings into practice instead of simply worrying which does not accomplish anything (Philippians 4:9, Matthew 6:27-29). 

Q:  Why do some people call themselves born again Christians? 

A:  The term born-again is referenced in the Bible within John 3:3 where it is stated, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” when Jesus is teaching a Pharisee named Nicodemus to comprehend that he must first believe in Him in order to be granted eternal life. The phrase originates from the Greek expression “γεννηθῇ ἄνωθεν” and the literal translation is:“born from above”. The Bible also shows us that a true Christian is a follower of Christ who believes, is faithful to, and has accepted Jesus as their savior (1 John 2:4-6, Acts 2:38, Acts 8:12, Mark 16:16). There are some people who misuse both the term born-again and definition of a Christian but this will help you differentiate the true biblical definitions and recognize why we should be careful when we use or hear someone use this term. Take time to read John 3:1-15, Colossians 3:5-17, Galatians 5:16-26, Ephesians 4:17-32 to deepen your understanding on how to discern when someone who considers themselves a born-again Christian is using this term properly.

Q:  What's the best way to figure out when the Holy Spirit is guiding me versus my emotions or my own thoughts?

A:  The key to begin deciphering the difference is to ask yourself whether you truly recognize and understand God's word (2 Timothy 3:16, Ephesians 6:17). Reading and studying the Bible is crucial to understanding the Lord, His will, and the purpose of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7-11, John 14:16, John 14:26, Ephesians 1:13). Christians are guided by the Holy Spirit in different subtle ways (Romans 9:1, John 16:12-14) so when you are struggling make sure that you test your feelings and thoughts against Scripture. The Holy Spirit will never guide you to speak or represent the Lord in any way that conflicts with the Bible (1 Corinthians 2:6-12, Luke 12:12). Also, be sure you are searching for signs of the Lord's fruit in your life (Galatians 5:22-26, 2 Peter 1:3-7) as this will help you discern if you are following His guidance. When Christians allow God to lead their life you will witness growth, maturity, and understanding. Prayer is imperative as well, it allows the Holy Spirit to help us pray about areas that we are weak in and/or being blinded by our own flesh (Romans 8:26-27, John 14:26, James 1:5). May you receive continuous encouragement to add these routines to your daily life in order to create healthy habits that will build onto your understanding and recognition of where the Lord is leading you in your life.

Q:  Is there a prayer or something specific to tell God that can help me after I have sinned?

A:  When a Christian sins, one thing to acknowledge is that you are not alone. We are all sinners in need of salvation (Titus 3:5-7, Romans 3:10, Romans 3:23). There is no specific prayer that is necessary when praying for forgiveness of sin. It is simply imperative that we go to the Lord with honesty in prayer after we have committed a sin (Psalm 51:3-4). Admit where you have failed Him, plead for mercy from judgement, and for the Holy Spirit to help you change so that you are able to run away from sin if you are truly repentant (Acts 8:22, Psalm 51:1-2). Jesus is our only savior, He set a perfect example for everyone to discover the truth and live a righteous life (Hebrew 5:8-9, 2 Corinthians 5:21, John 1:14). Christians must focus on Him to fight all evil, temptations, and sins in our life (Psalm 141:4, Romans 6:12-14, 1 Corinthians 10:13). Do not allow the accuser, the devil, to keep you from the Lord after you have failed (James 4:7, 1 John 3:8). The only one that can keep Christians away from God’s love, mercy, and acceptance is ourself if we do not ask for forgiveness and commit to change (Hebrews 6:9-12, 1 John 1:9).

Q: How can I tell if I or someone I know is spiritually lost?

A: In the Bible those referred to as "lost" are people who refuse or have not been able to discover eternal life in the Lord (Jeremiah 50:6, Psalm 119:176). When someone states they are lost it is usually to convey that they, as the dictionary defines, do not have direction, they have gone astray, missed the way, or are confused of their place. The Bible confirms that Jesus Christ was put on earth to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10, John 14:6) so that humans could no longer be separated from God. Christians acknowledge that without Jesus we cannot find God and we are called to help others understand this (Psalm 53:2, Luke 15:3-7). God did for us what we could not (Romans 5:8, John 3:16-17) and even when you or someone else does not realize they are lost, the Lord knows so we must always search for His guidance. Those who are spiritually lost are bound to their sins and need to return to the Lord (Romans 6:23, 1 Peter 2:25, Isaiah 59:2). When someone admits they are spiritually lost, they must understand and acknowledge their sin, accept that with sin comes punishment, and ultimately give thanks for Jesus Christ who paid for it all in order to give us new life united with God (Colossians 2:14, 2 Corinthians 5:17).

Q:  Can you explain what Christian spirituality is?

A:  The spirituality of a true Christian is founded on the faith in God and accepting that Jesus Christ is our savior. When someone becomes a Christian it is because they believe and choose to submit to the Lord and in turn receive the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). When a Christian allows theirself to be led and submits their control to the Holy Spirit the fruit of the Spirit is evident to others because we do not feed into our fleshly desires (Galatians 5:22-23). The authentic Christian spirituality comes from the Spirit, in the way He works in and through each Christian, and has nothing to do with what we are capable of through our own power, words, nor emotions (John 16:13). Christian spirituality requires the choice and dedication to always study the Lord's truth in the Bible, to surround yourself with mature Christians in order to grow your knowledge and grow closer to God, and the consistency to surrender yourself to the Holy Spirit in order for Him to continue blessing your daily life and keeping you safe from sin (1 John 1:5-8, Ephesians 4:30).

Q: What does Easter mean for Christians?

A: The significance of Easter for Christians is uniquely cherished and honored because it is the annual commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the day that, with grateful hearts, Christians focus on the fact that God set one of the greatest examples of His love by asking His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross to pay the price for all our sins, then resurrected Jesus three days later in order to reconcile us all (Romans 4:25, John 3:16-17). Christians live with the acknowledgement that Christ is King because of His ultimate sacrifice and God's incomprehensible authority (1 John 4:10, Ephesians 1:19, John 15:13). The death and resurrection of Jesus reminds each Christian of our salvation and the promise of eternal life with Him (Matthew 5:3-8, John 10:28-29). Christians celebrate and praise the Lord for this day,  for providing salvation, comfort, boundless love, and conviction although we are all sinners undeserving of His grace (Romans 5:15-16, Romans 11:6, John 1:16-17). We are saved because He has risen (1 Peter 1:3, Luke 24:6-7)!