Q. How can I retain my faith when so many bad things have happened to me?
A. The Apostle Paul had the answer to this when he said, “But I would you should understand, brethren, that the things which happened to me have fallen out rather to the furtherance of the gospel”(Phil. 1:12). Paul wrote these words from a prison cell, which was certainly a painful human experience, but even there he announced that his bonds in Christ became a great testimony for the Lord. Do not think that only pleasurable experiences will be ours as Christians. Paul said, “For to you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake” (Phil. 1:29). The spiritually perceptive will always find a way to use the circumstances of life as a testimony of Christ.

Q. Why are so many things about God and Christianity so hard to understand?
A. First of all, we must remember that God is bigger than we are and even if He explained everything, much would still be hard to understand. We do not understand all of the functions of the human body or the nature of light, but still we use and rejoice in the existence of these things. So the Bible says, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! For who has known the mind of the Lord? or who has been His counselor?” (Rom. 11:33,34). Therefore, the Bible tells us that “The just shall live by faith” (Rom. 1:17). Indeed, we have no alternative. Remember also that we are supposed to be studious Christians. In Christ are “hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:3). Searching the Scripture will make many things understandable.

Q. Why are there so many differences between Christians?
A. First of all, we must remind ourselves that some Christians are smarter than others. Some have different gifts, talents, abilities which are not easily understood by their friends. So it is that the Scripture says, “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:4). Now, despite those diversities, there is to be unity in the Body of Christ, “For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Greeks, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many” (1 Cor. 12:12-14). The fact is that there are so many differences between Christians so that, if properly exploited, the Church could become a positive hotbed of Christian charity.

Q. I’ve heard it said that The Beatitudes are the way of salvation. Is this true?
A. The Beatitudes are the beautiful words with which the Lord Jesus opened His Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:3-12). They have been called by some “the Constitution of the Kingdom of God” which is not an improper designation. They do not tell us, however, about the redemption of Christ purchased for us on Calvary’s cross. They do not present the way of salvation, but if believed, should cause us to quickly run to a place called Calvary, where the righteousness which The Beatitudes demand, was fulfilled on our behalf by the finished work of the Lord Jesus.

Q. How can I become a better Christian?
A. The answer to that question is easy and obvious. It is, “Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”(2 Tim. 2:15).

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Worth Quoting

“Decision and determination are the engineer and fireman of our train to opportunity and success.”
—Bert Lawlor

“The great man is he who does not lose his child’s heart.”
—Mencius

“Make money your god, and it will plague you like the devil.”
—Henry Fielding

“Certain thoughts are prayers. There are certain moments when, whatever be the attitude of the body, the soul is on its knees.”
—Victor Hugo

But especially,

“Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, And has made us kings and priests unto God and His father; to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen” (Rev. 1:5,6).