I was praying one day, praying something like this: Dear Lord, I promise I will not carry out this sinful act at least for this week, and if I shall do so, take away my salvation. Sad to say I broke my promise. Please keep in mind that I voluntarily asked the Lord to remove my salvation. Will the Lord agree to such a statement of me asking Him to take away my salvation in the case of me breaking my promise?
I became a believer because of the fear of failure. I had failed in certain important exams throughout life. I am now an intern lay pastor working. I need to write exams to be promoted at the office. I realize that I wont have time to concentrate on my studies because I am now in charge of a Church. I sincerely need your advice on what to do?
I need help with research on elder abuse. What scripture references would you use to enlighten me on the Christian's responsibility in cases of elder abuse? Should the Christian speak out? Is it meddling to discuss/report suspected elder abuse? I found very little in my concordance under abuse, elder and aged. Can you help?
What does the Bible say about suicides? Would you, if already saved still be forgiven and granted a place in heaven?
What is a tithe? Whom do we tithe to? Is it right to pay tithe to a Pastor or any minister of the church? The 10% of the income, is it gross or net?
My first question concerns the epistles of Timothy and Titus. Why is it that these are called, pastoral epistles? Seeing that the only church authority and responsibility that Paul discusses are the eldership positions of the Bishop and Deacon. Paul never writes or speaks using the word pastor. So I have never been able to find a link between the eldership roles and that of pastor.
