Should I vote for Mitt Romney (a Mormon) for president?

Sincerely,
Chad

Dear Chad,

We won’t tell you who to vote for or who not to vote for… that just simply goes beyond the Scriptures and into the realm of opinion.  Politics have always intermingled with religion because many political issues (such as abortion, homosexuality, etc.) have moral implications, but religion is not the same as politics.  Jesus’ attitude toward the government was that we should pay our taxes (Lk 20:25), obey the laws (Rom 13:1), pray for the rulers, and hope for a quiet life (1 Tim 2:1-2).  Politics are a big deal in this country (especially during such volatile political times), but Christianity transcends such earthly disputes and battles.  Stand by God’s Word in all issues, and you will always be fine.

Did Jesus say in the Bible, “I am a lord”?

Sincerely,
Quote Finder

Dear Quote Finder,

In Jhn 13:13, Jesus told His disciples that He was a lord, and in Jhn 8:58, Jesus stated that He existed before Abraham.  In Matt 16:16-17, Peter confessed Jesus as Christ and called Him the Son of God; Jesus praised Peter for making this good confession.  Jesus rarely overtly stated His deity, but He never denied it either.

     I’ve made some mistakes in the past that I’m ashamed of.  Society reminds me everyday of my actions, and makes it hard for me to forgive myself, especially when I know they haven’t forgiven me.  I feel ashamed and worthless.  What can I do to erase my past?

Sincerely,
Can’t Get Past the Past

Dear Can’t Get Past the Past,

You can’t erase your past, but you can change your future… but that isn’t the real issue.  The real problem is that you don’t feel forgiven.  The two issues are very different.  There are times when our head and our heart aren’t on the same page.  Guilt can drive someone crazy if they don’t learn to keep things in proper perspective.  God says that your heart can be wrong.   It is very similar to the problem that the apostle Paul faced.  Paul had murdered Christians and felt that he was the worst of the worst, but he learned that Jesus would forgive him (1 Tim 1:15-16).

The apostle John said it best, “By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before Him, for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and He knows everything.” (1 Jhn 3:19-20)  Your act of faith is going to be letting go of your fears and trusting that living by God’s Word is what matters (Rom 10:17)… not what society thinks of you.

My boyfriend doesn’t believe in God.  Should I keep praying for him and hope for a change, or will being with him only hold me back?

Sincerely,
Holding Too Tightly?

Dear Holding Too Tightly,

It isn’t wrong, but tread lightly.  It isn’t a sin for you to have a boyfriend who isn’t a Christian, but it is important that you make appropriate boundaries.  The Bible teaches that we should only marry someone if they are in the Lord (1 Cor 7:39).  Marrying an unbeliever will tie you to someone who doesn’t have the same values as you (2 Cor 6:14).  The progress of your relationship will eventually need to stall if he doesn’t obey the gospel.  Religion is the most important factor in a marriage because it affects your morals, how you raise children, your finances, your hobbies, how you treat one another, and a thousand other elements of your future.  Be very careful when courting an unbeliever.

     I was wondering; why does “John the Baptist” have the title of “the Baptist” because if I understand it right, the denomination of Baptists didn’t come to be until around the Reformation.  And another question: is that where Baptists got the name for their denomination?  Thank you!  And God bless you!

Sincerely,
Troubled by a Title

Dear Troubled by a Title,

The word ‘baptist’ means ‘immerser’ because it comes from the same root word as ‘baptism’, which means ‘to immerse’.  John the Baptist went everywhere preaching that people should repent and prepare for the kingdom of heaven (Matt 3:1-2).  Those who obeyed John’s preaching were baptized by him (Matt 3:5-6).  That is where John got his name.

The Baptist denomination got its name because they have the unique teaching that baptism is necessary to become a member of their church, but it isn’t necessary for salvation.  This isn’t a Bible teaching because the Bible teaches that baptism is a requirement for salvation (1 Pet 3:21).  Ironically, the thing the Baptist church is most known for is something that is biblically wrong.

Currently, I am not attending a church.  I stay in my Bible and study The Word as much as possible.  I love learning about the Lord and am excited about my journey with Him for the rest of my life!  My question is: are there other ways to tithe my money other than giving to a church?  I listen to a Christian radio station daily and would love to send an offering, but from what I have been told, this is not tithing.  What about giving to the Salvation Army or another Christian organization?  Please help!

Sincerely,
A Generous Heart

Dear A Generous Heart,

It is a common misconception that studying our Bible at home is a replacement for attending services.  Heb 10:24-25 states that forsaking the assembly is a sin and that without the church, we won’t be the kind of people that we ought to be because the church provokes us to love and good works.  It is an admirable thing that you want to give, and it is an admirable thing that you faithfully study your Bible.  Now is a great time to fulfill even more commands by finding a faithful church and doing what every New Testament Christian did – become an active member.  We’d be happy to help you find a congregation in your area that is faithful to the Word in every way.  If we can help, e-mail us at askyourpreacher@mvchurchofchrist.org.