• Life,  Prayer,  Questions,  Tough Questions

    Why Pray?

    Today, I was asked the following question… Many friends (Christians) are saying why pray?…God has a plan and He knows what He is going to do and our prayers don’t change that…they aren’t challenging that He is God and sees the big picture…any help? This is a great question.  It is obvious from the Bible that God wants us to pray but on the other hand the Bible is clear on the sovereignty of God.  God cannot be controlled, coerced, influenced unwittingly or manipulated by our prayers. So, what does this mean? First, let’s look at some basic teachings on prayer. 1.    Prayer was important to Jesus. Jesus prayed.  Luke…

  • God's grace,  Life,  Questions,  Salvation,  Suicide,  Tough Questions

    Does God’s grace allow me to do what I want and still go to heaven?

    As a follow-up to yesterday’s blog on “what the bible says about suicide”,  I’ve been asked by a few people if God’s grace means I don’t need to worry about sin anymore. The question is that if we are saved by grace, does that mean I can now do whatever I want?  In other words, does my eternal security that’s founded in God’s grace give me the permission and allowance to sin?  Does God’s grace and assured forgiveness give me the green light to make whatever choices I want??? … whether it is to continue to live in sin, do wrong to others, or even do harm to myself?  If…

  • God's grace,  Life,  Questions,  Salvation,  Suicide

    What does the Bible say about suicide?

    I was asked this question: Cecil, what is your belief on whether or not a Christian would go to heaven if he or she commits suicide? Here was my response: I believe we are saved by grace, not by works (Eph. 2:8-9). Even though it appears we “choose” to accept Christ, it is clear in John 3:3-8 that we are born again and our salvation is actually the work of God. We were once “dead” but made “alive” (Eph. 2:4-6). The Bible also says that Jesus holds the believer in His hand and nothing / no one can snatch him away (John 10:27-30). Romans 8:38 also says that “nothing” can…