Has God Put Us Here to Suffer?

Question: Why are we here? Has God put us here to suffer?–from a Friend Answer: The ultimate reason for life on earth is not suffering but supreme joy and pleasures. In fact, God Himself has promised that when His plan on earth is complete, everyone will enjoy a utopia, free of all that can harm … [Read more…]

Is Sickness the Result of Personal Failure?

Question: You indicate in some of your literature that there are ‘clear statements that illness and handicaps are the result of personal failure, or the failure of one’s parents or ancestors.’ Could you please explain? Answer: We are not aware of any statements of this nature in our literature. As a church, our emphasis is … [Read more…]

Why Do the Innocent Die Prematurely?

Question: This past month (December of ‘88) a plane came down in Scotland causing the death of many innocent persons. Just before that a terrible earthquake occurred in Armenia causing the death of thousands. How can God let it happen? The plane was carrying many students who hadn’t had a chance at life. What is … [Read more…]

As Paul was Saved Upon his Conversion, Why Then, did he Speak of Having Sins?

Question: If Paul was converted (saved) when he said, ‘Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?’ (Acts 9:6; 22:10), why did he still have sins that needed to be washed away (Acts 22:16)? Answer: It seems that you may be confusing the terms ‘conversion’ and ‘salvation’. Conversion is the initial conviction, the turning from … [Read more…]

Did God Use Literal Fire and Brimstone to Destroy Sodom and Gomorrah; or Was the Fire Symbolic?

Answer: Whatever technique God used to destroy the ancient wicked cities of the plain, including Sodom and Gomorrah, it was completely effective and immediate. According to the record in Genesis, “The Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire…out of heaven; and he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the … [Read more…]