Light for our path: Is it a sin to want to die from a terminal illness?
I am dealing with a terminal illness and am tired of the suffering and pain this is causing me and my family. I am scared to die, but is it a sin to want…
Light for our path: What advice can you give about applauding in church?
Recently our congregation has begun applauding the singing groups in our worship services. This offends some people. If we discouraged applauding, others would be offended. What advice can you give? James F. Pope It is not likely…
Light for our path: Can you please explain Matthew 5:20?
Can you please explain Matthew 5:20 in relation to the doctrine of salvation by faith alone? I have always understood the doctrine of faith alone to mean that someone is…
Light for our path: What is karma?
What is karma? How is it different than “reaping what you sow”? Is it okay to use the term in conversation? James F. Pope We do hear that word karma frequently today, don’t we? From…
Light for our path: Can the devil personally be tempting me and a lot of other people at exactly the same time?
Can the devil personally be tempting me and a lot of other people at exactly the same time? Your question leads us to look in Scripture and examine how the devil…
Light for our path: Does the word Easter refer to Ishtar, the Babylonian fertility goddess?
How do I respond to my husband who maintains that the word Easter refers to Ishtar, the Babylonian fertility goddess? He refuses to go to any church that uses that title. James…
Light for our path: What role does emotion play in contrition?
Sometimes after I sin I don’t feel very remorseful. I am afraid that the lack of emotional guilt within me following sin means I am not contrite. What role does…
Light for our path: What does the white stone in Revelation 2:17 mean?
“What does the white stone in Revelation 2:17 mean?” James F. Pope Answering your question involves bridging a “culture gap” in biblical interpretation and growing in our appreciation for the grace of God…
Light for our path: Is the cross symbol now anti-Christian?
I see a lot of upside-down crosses these days in tattoos, posts on social media, and drawings on kids’ notebooks. I know its origin is biblical, but it doesn’t seem like people are using…