“Our son turned his back on us several years ago because we didn't approve of the way he was living, and we lost track of him. But the other day he called and said he wanted to come home for Thanksgiving. We'd love to see him, of course, but as far as we know, nothing has changed in his life. What advice would you give us?”
“A friend of mine became a Christian a few months ago, and he's about to drive me crazy because he's always trying to convince me he's right and getting me to become one also. I tell him he needs to back off and respect my privacy but so far it doesn't do any good. Maybe a word from you would make him more sensitive. He's giving religion a bad name.”
“Why are some people so mean-spirited? My brother was always mean when we were growing up, and now that he's older he hasn't changed. He's on his fourth marriage now, and his new wife is finding out what the rest of us already knew about him. Do people like this ever change?”
“If someone is very old and frail when they die, are they going to look like that in heaven? Or are we just going to be spirits floating around in heaven?”
“Does the Bible say anything about obesity? I know I'm seriously overweight and my doctor is constantly after me to do something about it, but I don't seem to be making much progress. Maybe I'd take him more seriously if I really thought God wanted me to change.”
“I know you often say God loves everyone, but surely there must be some people He hates. What about people who abuse children, for example, or cause wars, or persecute people who believe in God? I can't imagine God loving them, can you?”
“I've always been a very busy person, with many church and community activities. But a few months ago I had a stroke, and now it looks like I'll never be able to resume them. Why did God do this to me? I'm having a real struggle over this question.”
“I'm in poor health (heart problems) and know I could die at any time, but I get very upset whenever I think about it. I believe in Jesus and in heaven, but I love my family very much and can't stand the thought of being separated from them. Is it wrong for me to think this way?”
“I know you say God loves us, and maybe it's true for some people, but I can't believe that about myself. I wish I knew God loved me, and I've even tried to convince myself He does, but I know I'm just kidding myself. What would you say to someone like me?”
“I grew up in a Christian home, but over the years I drifted away from it and don't believe in God at all now. My question is this: Once a person is a convinced atheist, is there any hope of becoming a believer again? I don't see how it's possible, but I'd be interested in your answer.”
“How can we teach our young son that it's wrong to lie? I don't know why he seems to have such a problem with this (he's only 7), but just about the time we think he understands, we go through another episode. Our older son is never this way.”
“I've always been a strong Christian and active in our church, but the other day I got very angry at someone at work and said some things I shouldn't have. I feel very ashamed of myself, but most of all I know I've let down the Lord. Is there any way for me to recover from this?”