Vertical Thought Questions and Answers

What does the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. say about getting tattoos? Is it wrong to get drunk? How can we tell if a church is the right one? How can we be sure that the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. is the right book to follow and not the TorahThe Greek term for the first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy), the five books of Moses (penta means "five"). This term came into use when the Hebrew Bible (or Old Testament ) began to be translated into Greek about 300 B.C. , Koran or something else?
No doubt you might have a question about the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. or living a Christian life that has been rattling around in your brain for a while. Check this page to find short, concise answers to your frequently asked Vertical Thought questions. We regularly update the page with fresh Q&As, so be sure to come back and see what others are asking. Maybe you’ll find a question that you’ve never even thought of!
Do you have a Vertical Thought question that isn’t featured here? Ask our team of caring, dedicated ministers, and you will get a personal answer. (Please allow a week or so for an e-mail response.)

Newest Bible FAQs

I was just wondering why women aren't allowed to give sermonettes and sermons?

I think that women could give equally inspiring messages. Although we can give our ministers ideas for sermons, it might have more impact coming from a woman's perspective.

Is smoking wrong according to the Bible?

I'm trying to stop. Can you give me some ideas to help?

Why do some religious groups teach that dancing is not appropriate for unmarried people?

What does the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. say?

I'm 17 years old and in a relationship with a girl who I really like. She wants to have sex. Should I give in?

I really like her and I know she likes me too. My problem is that she feels we ought to make love to solidify our relationship. She says that if we don't, we can't know if we are sexually compatible and she will have to leave me. I love her and I don't want to lose her.

Is masturbation right or wrong?

What does the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. say about this? Is it a sin?

How far can you go before you get married?

Is it OK for a Christian teen to French kiss or "pet" (i.e., caress intimately) the one you love?

If it is OK to read some fantasy novels and watch some movies, would it be OK to read novels involving the dead, vampires and werewolves?

Are all these things totally wrong or are there acceptable ones?

Is it wrong to read the Harry Potter books?

From what I've heard at camps and in my congregation, the ministers seem to think it's wrong, but none of them have read the books themselves. Please give me an answer from someone who has read them, if possible.

When Satan was cast down from heaven after his rebellion, did his appearance change?

Does he look the same now?

Revelation 12:9 calls Satan a dragon. Is that what he always looks like?

Is it just symbolic or does he always appear as such?

How did people spend the Sabbath in the Old Testament? So did they just sleep the day away?

From my understanding, they didn't have services like they did in the New TestamentThe 27 authoritative books of the apostolic writings: the four Gospels of Christ, Acts (a history), 21 apostolic letters and the book of Revelation..

It seems like every family has a different way of keeping the Sabbath. How should I determine how to keep the Sabbath?

Some watch television while others do not. Some allow their kids to go to sports games Friday nights while others don't. Every time I spend a Friday night with a Church friend who grew up keeping the Sabbath differently than me, I become more and more confused about how it should be kept. There seems to be no standard other than the obvious refusing to be paid for work on the Sabbath.

What is wrong with playing sports on the Sabbath?

Why can't I play sports on the sabbath?

Why do other churches worship on Sunday rather than the seventh-day Sabbath?

Did God change it or is it a misunderstanding of scripture?

Are the Koran and Islam similar to the Bible and Christianity?

Are they inspired writings?

What is the New Age movement all about?

It's such a big deal, what's its story?

Why do we say "amen" at the end of a prayer?

What does it mean?

I have a hard time praying new things everyday and I find I repeat myself a lot. Does God get tired of listening to the same things?

I have been struggling with my daily prayers to God for most of my life and even more so these last months. Please advise.

Is it really an important issue in living a Christian life to express your feelings and emotions?

It's not my nature to easily express myself the way most others do. I guess you can say I'm kind of the phlegmatic type.

What should I do if kids make fun of me because of my religion?

How do I deal with ridicule?

What do you think of the various sightings of Noah's ark on Mt. Ararat that have been reported?

Many sightings of what appeared to be the ark of Noah have been reported on Mt. Ararat, the same mountain on which the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. indicated it would come to rest. There have also been many photos taken of the area by satellites indicating something made of wood that is not a part of the natural terrain of the mountain.

Does Noah's ark still exist? If so, where would it be?

Is it possible archaeologists could find this ancient, Biblical artifact?

What do people mean when they claim we don't have to keep God's Law anymore under the New Covenant because it's written on our hearts?

Some say that what we do should be based on what we feel in our hearts and that it is no longer necessary to keep the Commandments. Further, some say that we only keep God’s laws, such as observing the Sabbath and Holy Days, voluntarily.

Is it wrong to lie in order to save someone's life?

In a very tough situation between life and death, is lying okay?

Is it wrong to use the term "sucks," as in "that sucks"? I'm really confused about this because my teachers and many of my friends use it.

If so many normally-upright people use it, is it wrong?

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Is masturbation right or wrong?

What does the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. say about this? Is it a sin?

Is it wrong to read the Harry Potter books?

From what I've heard at camps and in my congregation, the ministers seem to think it's wrong, but none of them have read the books themselves. Please give me an answer from someone who has read them, if possible.

Is smoking wrong according to the Bible?

I'm trying to stop. Can you give me some ideas to help?

What is wrong with playing sports on the Sabbath?

Why can't I play sports on the sabbath?

Is it wrong to use the term "sucks," as in "that sucks"? I'm really confused about this because my teachers and many of my friends use it.

If so many normally-upright people use it, is it wrong?

Why shouldn't we wear a cross as a sign of being a Christian?

Is there a Biblically sound reason not to?

Is it okay for a Christian to wear bathing suits and shorts?

Does a christian have to be dressed up or differently than the rest of society all the time?

I'm 17 years old and in a relationship with a girl who I really like. She wants to have sex. Should I give in?

I really like her and I know she likes me too. My problem is that she feels we ought to make love to solidify our relationship. She says that if we don't, we can't know if we are sexually compatible and she will have to leave me. I love her and I don't want to lose her.

If it is OK to read some fantasy novels and watch some movies, would it be OK to read novels involving the dead, vampires and werewolves?

Are all these things totally wrong or are there acceptable ones?

I was just wondering why women aren't allowed to give sermonettes and sermons?

I think that women could give equally inspiring messages. Although we can give our ministers ideas for sermons, it might have more impact coming from a woman's perspective.

Why do some religious groups teach that dancing is not appropriate for unmarried people?

What does the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. say?

How should I answer someone who makes me mad? Is there a way to control my anger?

How to deal with anger in a proper way.

Why is it hard for us girls to resist temptation when someone shows us love?

Why do girls have such powerful emotions when they are shown affection by guys?

What does the Bible say about getting tattoos?

Is it wrong to get a tattoo?

How far can you go before you get married?

Is it OK for a Christian teen to French kiss or "pet" (i.e., caress intimately) the one you love?

Is it wrong to lie in order to save someone's life?

In a very tough situation between life and death, is lying okay?

If everyone is given the chance to repent, who are the people that are going to die in the lake of fire? Is someone really going to be so crazy as to not repent?

So why does RevelationThe disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things clear; bringing hidden matters to light; causing especially called individuals to see, hear, perceive, know and understand the things of God; the unveiling of biblical mysteries (Romans 16:25). 20:15 even mention this provision?

Is it wrong to keep holidays such as Christmas and Easter since the Bible says nothing about them? And what about the Holy Days God gave to the Israelites? Do we need to keep them? What's the difference?

Which ones are the better choice?

Why do we say "amen" at the end of a prayer?

What does it mean?

Is it wrong to get drunk? Many times I have been at activities where teens my age are drinking. What does the Bible say about this?

What's the Biblical point of view on teenage drinking and drunkenness in general?

I have a relative who is a homosexual. I don't condone the lifestyle because I know it's not godly. Is it OK to be around this relative?

What's the right way to deal with a homosexual relative?

When Satan was cast down from heaven after his rebellion, did his appearance change?

Does he look the same now?

Does predestination mean that God has already predetermined who will be in His Kingdom?

If we're predetermined to either be in God's Kingdom or not, what's the point?

My geology tutor challenged my belief that we all come from Adam and Eve by claiming they only had two sons. How can I defend my belief?

My geology tutor tried to prove to me that we all evolved. I told him that I believe we all came from Adam and Eve. He said that Adam and Eve only had two sons, CainFirstborn son of Adam and Eve (Genesis 4:1), he was a farmer, or tiller of the ground. He committed the first recorded murder when he killed his younger brother, Abel (Genesis 4:8). After the murder of his brother, Cain settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. and AbelThe second born son of Adam and Eve, he was a shepherd (Genesis 4:2). He was murdered by his brother Cain (Genesis 4:8).. He then asked me where we came from. I didn't know what to say. Can you help me?

What should I do if kids make fun of me because of my religion?

How do I deal with ridicule?

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Does the Bible give any hints as to what God might have been doing before He created earth? I know that God has no beginning, so I was wondering what He had been doing the whole time.

Since God is eternal, what did He do before the earth was created?

How should I answer someone who makes me mad? Is there a way to control my anger?

How to deal with anger in a proper way.

Do you believe in using the Heavenly Father's true name "Yahweh" and the Savior's true name "Yahshua the Messiah"?

Should we be using these sacred names?

What is a good way to deal with jealousy?

The jealousy I'm speaking of is not malicious. It's just that I wish a certain person wasn't in the picture.

Does predestination mean that God has already predetermined who will be in His Kingdom?

If we're predetermined to either be in God's Kingdom or not, what's the point?

Why do some religious groups teach that dancing is not appropriate for unmarried people?

What does the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. say?

How do you come to the conclusion that innocent victims of abortion will live again in a future resurrection, when Genesis 2:7 says that Adam became a living soul with the breath of life and a baby doesn't take its first breath until it is born?

If Adam's life began when the breath of life came into him from God, when does a baby's life begin?

How can I show my devotion to Jesus? Is wearing clothing with "Christian messages" the right thing to do?

What's the best way to show devotion to God?

Is it better to be baptized before dating and marriage, or can you do both, just with the right timing and approach in mind?

I'm 18, and I am not sure how the United Church of God feels about a baptized and a non-baptized person dating. I have grown up in the Church and don't agree with baptism just to get married.

Does MARK 16:17-18 mean that Christians should handle deadly snakes to demonstrate their authenticity as believers?

Mark 16:17-18 says, "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." Does this mean that Christians should handle deadly snakes to demonstrate their authenticity as believers?

Will God forgive us if we make the same mistakes over again?

Is there a limit to God's forgiveness?

If everyone is given the chance to repent, who are the people that are going to die in the lake of fire? Is someone really going to be so crazy as to not repent?

So why does RevelationThe disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things clear; bringing hidden matters to light; causing especially called individuals to see, hear, perceive, know and understand the things of God; the unveiling of biblical mysteries (Romans 16:25). 20:15 even mention this provision?

Do you think that a person would go to the lake of fire for killing himself? It is murder, but at the same time God knows where the person's heart is at the time.

How will God judge those who committed suicide?

Why is it so hard to get accepted into a group of my own peers even at church activities? At every activity I have attended for youth for the past year I have felt like an outsider.

I hear that we should not have "cliques," but I notice that church teens and the school teens are not much different in that aspect.

According to 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, will Christians have to face the Antichrist before the rapture?

What exactly will happen in the time of the end with the antichrist?

How can we tell if a church is really the right one?

What characteristics set the right church apart?

Why do Bible believers fear evolution? Instead of fearing evolution, why don't Christians embrace it?

Yes, God did indeed create man, but we should not pretend to know how. If we evolved from life's creation itself, does that deny the power of God? Man cannot create life from nonliving material, but the fossil, geological and biological records are clear.

My geology tutor challenged my belief that we all come from Adam and Eve by claiming they only had two sons. How can I defend my belief?

My geology tutor tried to prove to me that we all evolved. I told him that I believe we all came from Adam and Eve. He said that Adam and Eve only had two sons, CainFirstborn son of Adam and Eve (Genesis 4:1), he was a farmer, or tiller of the ground. He committed the first recorded murder when he killed his younger brother, Abel (Genesis 4:8). After the murder of his brother, Cain settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. and AbelThe second born son of Adam and Eve, he was a shepherd (Genesis 4:2). He was murdered by his brother Cain (Genesis 4:8).. He then asked me where we came from. I didn't know what to say. Can you help me?

Why shouldn't we wear a cross as a sign of being a Christian?

Is there a Biblically sound reason not to?

What happens to people when they die?

Do they go to heaven or hell, or something else?

What difference does it make whether you observe the Days of Unleavened Bread or Easter? Don't both honor Christ?

Is it a big deal to keep both?

Is it wrong to use euphemisms? Are they as bad as the actual words?

Is it a moral sin to use some euphemisms?

Is it wrong to lie in order to save someone's life?

In a very tough situation between life and death, is lying okay?

What should I do if kids make fun of me because of my religion?

How do I deal with ridicule?

Is it really an important issue in living a Christian life to express your feelings and emotions?

It's not my nature to easily express myself the way most others do. I guess you can say I'm kind of the phlegmatic type.

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