How can I be a disciple for Christ?
The word “disciple” means a learner, a student, and one who follows the teaching of another. A disciple of Christ is one who learns from the words and life of Christ, and then follows Him.
The apostle Peter was asked what new believers should do and he answered, “Each of you should turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 3:38, NLT). These are the first steps of discipleship.
Jesus’ disciples will make Him first in their lives. They will study His teachings and they will communicate with Him in prayer. In this they show they are continuing to be learners.
A disciple is a doer for God, following Jesus’ example. Disciples are to go and make other disciples who will also follow God, leading them to baptism and obedience (Matthew 28:18-20).
Finally, and here is a challenge, Jesus says we, His followers, should love one another because “your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:34, 35, NLT).
Lately I have begun to doubt God. Is this wrong? And if it is, then how can I stop these thoughts?
I’m not sure if your question is about doubting the existence of God or about doubting God’s ability or care. Let’s look at both.
God doesn’t fit in a test tube or even a laboratory so that we can say scientifically and conclusively that He exists. Christianity is a faith religion, meaning that there are many things we accept by faith, including the existence of God. That doesn’t mean that there isn’t evidence for God--you find it, for instance, in the complex design of the world around you. The best evidence is when God touches your life. In today’s world it is difficult to avoid awareness of philosophies and teachings that deny the existence of God, so these will also have an impact. An answer to the problem is to focus on evidences for God and where you have seen Him lead in your life.
There are a lot of problems in the world, including personal ones, that we wish God would solve. However, what would this do about the natural consequences of personal choices? Would we realize how evil sin really is? Or that Satan is like a lion seeking to devour his victims (1 Peter 5:8)? We have to remember that God’s main focus is on the big picture--the final salvation of the planet and those who choose to be a part of His kingdom. His offer of eternity does not mean the end of pain, yet.
Doubts are a natural part of life, but focusing solely on them will lead to a loss of faith. We need to remember that there is enough evidence to say that God can be trusted. We have a race to be run that He has set before us. “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish” (Hebrews 12:1, 2, NLT).
You can almost guarantee that whenever descriptive words like “bad” or “evil” are involved that you can put at least some blame on the devil. The bottom line on this is that without him we would not know what those words meant. So, while the answer is yes, there are some other things you should check as well.
First, are there problems that could be affecting your sleep? For instance: Are you in optimum health? Are you leading a balanced lifestyle at the moment? Is there something that is causing you to be stressed? How is your diet? (Overeating on pizza and ice cream just before going to bed can do strange things to your sleep and dream patterns.) It’s worth considering these kinds of things to see if there are some lifestyle adjustments or issues you can work on that could help.
On the spiritual side, there is a helpful promise for you in Philippians where Paul says we should not worry, but pray: “Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6, 7, NLT). Paul then says we should focus on the pure, the lovely, the admirable and those things that are worthy of praise--this is good, practical advice.
If you need more help, seek out a Christian counselor or pastor you trust.
How do I know what God's will is for my life?
Romans 12:1, 2 says that if we commit ourselves to God as “living and holy sacrifices” and allow Him to transform us by changing the way we think, “Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is” (NLT). Unfortunately, this is talking about the kind of people God wants us to be rather than a promise of specific and concrete direction on things such as career or choice of life partner. However, a strong foundation in God is essential in discovering His will for your life.
Some people do sense a specific calling from God for their lives, but these people are few. And there are a few that are specifically equipped by God for a task He gives. That leaves the rest of us having to assess our abilities and to develop them in ways to open up further choices. Through life there will be an opening and closing of doors of opportunity. Accept that and be willing to challenge your comfort zone. One of the greatest gifts God has given you is the ability to make decisions. Commit yourself to Him, ask for His leading, watch for signs of His leading, but also be prepared to make a decision. In whatever you do, remain His servant.
Remember, God’s will for your life is to be His person. If He hasn’t called you to a specific task or duty for Him, He has given you the freedom to use your abilities and gifts in ways you sense is best. This opens up a whole world of opportunities for you to choose from. What He does ask is that He has first priority in your life.
Let me answer the last bit first. We should hand our lives over to God completely because He can be trusted to help us live the most fulfilling life of all, with the bonus of eternal life added on.
Worry about tomorrow? That reference is found in Matthew 6:34, but you need to read from Matthew 6:19 to get it into context. It’s about where you put your treasure--in things on earth, or in heaven. It’s warning about making money the master of your life. Jesus contrasts this attitude by asking, Where is your trust? He asks, doesn’t God feed the birds and clothe the flowers? Don’t you think you are more important than these to Him? Why are you worried so much about your finances and security when God provides. Jesus could see these things may get in the way of your spiritual life.
Jesus is not against planning for the future. He’s planning to come back to earth. God has used prophecy to tell of some of the plans He has for the future. Jesus said those who did not plan the finances well enough to finish a house they were building would be ridiculed (Luke 14:28-30). Perhaps the strongest indication comes from the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) where the servant who hid his talent is condemned because he planned to do nothing with it. Think about your future, make your plans, but above all, keep God as the number one priority in your life.
What is life for? What is the purpose of life?
What is the purpose of life? Or, to put it in its more popular form, what is the meaning of life? And it’s a good question when you realize that none of us actually chose to be here. Many thinkers throughout history have also considered this question and have come up with scores of different responses, which depend on their philosophy or approach to life. It’s confusing.
A better question is: What gives purpose or meaning to life? That is best answered when you know there was a purposeful (meaningful) beginning, there is a purposeful (meaningful) present and there will be a purposeful (meaningful) future. That leads to another change of question: Who gives purpose to life? Answer: God.
Our beginnings are in God. He created us to live forever in harmony with Him. He demonstrated love by giving humans free choice, which meant they could even choose to reject His ways. They chose the path of tragedy and pain. God, not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9) moved heaven and earth, sending His Son to die the death that should have been ours (Romans 5:6-11). There is no doubt that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). God plans to restore that which was lost and populate the new earth with those who have chosen to put their faith in Him (Romans 1:16, 17).
In a sense, then, life for each of us is a test: Will you follow God or be duped by the Devil? The rest of life is built around this conflict between good and evil. God will win, that’s a given. We choose whether we will win with Him.
What is going to happen at the end of the world, and how should I plan for this?
This is exciting. Jesus is coming back! He’s going to transform His people (1 Corinthians 15:51-58). We will be and feel really alive for the first time, and this will go on and on and on--through eternity. Our minds will be opened to their full potential, our senses will be sharper, our lives will have an absolute sense of fulfillment. We will at last know real love for we will know God better than we ever have before. There will be no fear, no evil, no death, no suffering (Revelation 21:4). You won’t be able to get the smile off your face--ever.
Of course, Satan is not happy with this because this is what he lost when he rebelled against God. He’s already going about like a roaring lion seeking victims (1 Peter 5:8). And he’s angry because he knows time is short so he is planning as much chaos and destruction as he can (Revelation 12:12). This will intensify as we near the time of the Second Coming. He plans to deceive everyone with miraculous signs and wonders (Matthew 24:24), but God’s people will know the truth. The prophecies of Revelation (particularly chapters 12 and 13) show him using world powers in an attempt to get his way. But God wins.
How should you plan for the end of the world? Stay in a strong relationship with the Savior of the world. Jesus didn’t come the first time to condemn us, but to save us (John 3:17). That hasn’t changed. Listen: “Since God did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t God, who gave us Christ, also give us everything else?” (Romans 8:32, NLT). In the battle against Satan you need the armor of God (see Ephesians 6), particularly the shield of faith “to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan” (Ephesians 6:16, NLT). It’s worth reading Romans 8:31-39 as a reminder that nothing can separate us from God’s love. We may let Him down, He will never let us down. Of course, we may choose to reject all this, but He will always be there waiting for us--that’s the promise.
Does God actually know everything that is going to happen in our lives, even every little second?
Some Bible scholars are currently debating this issue, so the question has their attention too. The arguments go something like this: Of course God knows everything because He is all-knowing and must know what is going to happen at any moment. Others say, wait a moment, if God knows everything before you even begin your life, doesn’t that take away your freedom of choice?
I find it difficult to imagine God being surprised by anything that happens. Certainly from Bible prophecy we know He has the big picture of the future in mind. His plan is for you to be a part of His kingdom, and, through Jesus, has already made it possible.
It’s probably best to let the Bible scholars argue over whether God knows every detail of our lives before it happens. What we do know is that God is with us through every moment if we want Him to be (see Psalm 23:4, for instance). He has mapped out a glorious future for us and He has given us the freedom to choose how we will respond to His call and how we will live our lives.
How do you build faith in individuals? What is it that makes you trust other people? This build up of faith tends to come from knowing them over a period of time. But it’s more than just knowing, it’s learning that they can be trusted. Think about your best friend. What makes you trust him or her? The same method will work with God.
With God, get to know Him. Read the Bible, His letter to you. Ask yourself what He is saying to you, as you read to discover His personal message for you. Read about His love for you by reading of the life of Jesus. Read about Jesus’ death. Then read why He died in Romans 5:6-11, noting again that here is God’s love in action. It’s knowing and accepting this that helps you have faith in the promises God has for you, including that Jesus will return for you.
Then talk with Him. Open up your heart, mind and soul to Him in prayer. Good and trusted friends can talk over anything and that helps build up the trust. And remember that prayer is only a one-way conversation if you don’t take the time to listen as well.
Finally, watch for His leading in your life. When you look for it you will find it. As you find it your trust and faith will grow.