Can I ever be a minister or deacon?

Pastor Chris,

When I was only 18 I had sex with my neighbor that was married. Her husband was out everynight with other woman. I feel terrible about this and wish I could take it out of my mind. Im in the military, now 23, and will be getting out soon. I want to go to school for bible, will this affect me if I ever wanted to be a minister or deacon?

~ F.F.

F.F.,

While we cannot ever justify sinful actions or attitudes, we can be forgiven of them.  Read 1 John 1:9.  When God forgives us He also cleans us up from our mess.  His grace is sufficient for this.  Remember, Paul was a murderer and David was an adulterer.  God forgave them and used them for His glory.  He will do the same for you.

You will remember your sin, however.  Allow that memory to be used of God to create a hedge of protection to hinder you from making the same mistake again. 

Do not let the devil tell you that you cannot be forgiven or be used by God.  The devil is a liar (John 8:44).  The devil will keep you bound to the past and ineffective in the Lord's service if he can.  Do not let him do that.  Serve Jesus with your whole heart.

~ Pastor Chris

Do you think it's wrong as a Christian to get tattoos?

Do you think it's wrong as a Christian to get tattoos? Is it okay as long as they don't shame the Lord?
Thank you so much.
~ Scarlette

Scarlette,

The issue of tattoos is answered in the Bible in Leviticus 19:28 where it says,

"You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the LORD"(NKJV).

As Christians, our bodies belong to the Lord Jesus Christ.  1 Corinthians 6:19-20, NKJV says,"...do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."

Christianity often comes into conflict with the culture around us.  We have to decide whether or not we will obey the Lord or go the way of the world.  The way of the world leads to barrenness and death.  The way of Christ leads to eternal life (John 14:6).  Jesus does not want to take the fun out of our lives.  He wants to fellowship with us and give us joy, fulfillment, purpose, and peace.

What if someone has already gotten a tattoo?  Should they feel awful about it forever?  NO!  Jesus stands ready to forgive (1 John 1:9).  Maybe the tattoo was done in ignorance or maybe it was done in an act of rebellion or maybe it was done to gain the approval of others.  It does not matter.  If you genuinely ask Jesus to forgive you, He will.  Then, if someone asks you about tattoos you can tell them how Jesus forgave you and that His forgiveness is available for them, too.

God bless you!
Pastor Chris

Will a person that is saved, had accepted Jesus, go to hell or heaven if the take their own life?

Pastor Chris,
Will a person that is saved, had accepted Jesus, go to hell or heaven if the take their own life?

-- Jimmy






Jimmy,
The question of suicide is painful because it hurts so many people. It is murder. Therefore God says not to do it (Exodus 20:13).

That being said, suicide is not the unpardonable sin (Mark 3:28-30). Therefore it can be forgiven.

It is possible for a Christian to be so discouraged, blue, and depressed that he can lose perspective and in a moment of weakness commit the sin of suicide. A true believer committing this sin will go to heaven but will not fulfill his purpose here on the earth and therefore foregoes many of the rewards in heaven that might have been his.

-- Pastor Chris