“I’ve just been released from prison for about the fifth time. Every time, I’ve said I’d change and not fall back into my old ways, but I always do. What’s wrong with me? I know you’ll probably say I need God, and maybe I do, but what difference would that make?”
“My father is getting very forgetful, but he refuses to admit it or see a doctor. My sister and I especially worry because he still insists on driving, although he shouldn’t be. How can you help someone who won’t admit that they need help?”
“Our aunt takes great delight in criticizing others—and not just people she knows (probably including us), but also those she doesn’t know (like politicians and celebrities). It gets tiresome listening to her, but what can we do? She’s always been like this.”
“Why do we need missionaries today, since we can reach virtually the whole world with the Christian message through technology? I know the Internet can be used in wrong ways, but can’t we use it to preach the Gospel?”
“I go to church regularly, but I’m very shy so I never talk to anyone or try to make friends. I wish I wasn’t this way. Why didn’t God make me friendly and outgoing, like other people?”
“I got caught in a little lie the other day, and finally I’ve had to face the fact that lying has become almost a habit with me. I’ve always excused it, I guess, but I know I can’t do that any longer. How can I conquer this?”
“A prominent businessman in our town makes a big show of being an active Christian, but over the years many people in the community have learned not to trust him. Does the Bible say anything about people like this?”
“I’ve heard that the Bible tells us to love others, but everyone in our family agrees that one of our cousins is impossible to love. He’s obnoxious and conceited, and no one likes being around him. How can you love someone you don’t like?”
“Can a scientist believe in God? I’m in college, and I asked several of my science professors about this. They all said they didn’t think it was possible. I suppose you’d disagree, but why?”
“I know we’re supposed to try to make the world a better place, but why bother? No matter how hard we try, the world doesn’t seem to be getting any better, does it? If anything, it seems to be getting worse. ”
“My boyfriend and I are talking about marriage, but he worries me sometimes because he’ll never admit he’s wrong — even when he clearly is. He always blames someone else for his problems, and never admits they might be his fault. Should I be concerned?”
“Do you really think it’s possible for people to change? For example, some people just seem to be naturally selfish, and no matter what you try to teach them, they’ll never really change. Maybe they’ll change in small ways, but not their basic personalities.”