I know I'm not the only one in this boat...

I'm a self-employed artist, and the bottom has fallen out of my business. My wife is gamefully employed; but works on commission (none of which is readily available). We're contemplating selling our house to get on top of mounting debts; but are reluctant due to what we're currently doing to our credit. Utilities are being cut off left and right and we're in danger of having our house and car reposessed. We're really freaking out - and it's getting tough to hide from our 3 year old.

Please pray that we find an answer. No - we're not attached to our posessions to the point of being materialistic. We just don't want to be tossed out! Too many things are caving in right now with no place to turn.

Please pray that I'll secure some new clients and the banks will have mercy on us...

Wow! Thanks for all the wonderful responses, everybody!

Hi all,

I know that when I prayed to accept Christ as my savior many years ago, that I was forgiven of all my sins to that point. I know because I asked for it. My slate was wiped clean. Yet - like all of us - I continue to sin. And I faithfully continue to ask for forgiveness of these sins. But recently, my mother brought up a very intriguing point...

She told me that her Bible study leader - a very learned and well-read Christian - has come to believe that upon salvation, we are not only forgiven of all our past sins - but for all our future sins as well. I asked why we then still ask for forgiveness of our sins on a daily basis, and she said God appreciates a persistant spirit.

My mother was an educator for many years (including Sunday School teacher), and has a vast Biblical knowledge. But this concept (of being forgiven for all our future transgressions) was as new to her as it was to me. Her study leader presented such a compelling argument for it though, that she now believes he's right. She didn't have the Scriptures on hand to share with me; but promises to send them.

I'm very perplexed... How could such a thing have eluded me for all these years? Does anyone here share the belief of have Scriptural reference to support it?

As always - thanks for a push in the right direction!

Greetings once again,

I was raised Southern Baptist. And although my family and I moved our membership to a Bible Church last year, I still believe just as I always have. (The only real difference is this new church has better music! ) Therefore - because of my Baptist background - I have absolutely no experience with people speaking in tongues. Never seen it; never heard it happen.

Then, a friend emails me asking about it. I can easily find it in the Scriptures, and realize it may indeed be a gift from God to some people. But I also heard that one must renounce it when joining a Baptist church. Anyone else ever heard of this before? I've moved my membership from one Baptist church to another (as we've moved across the country), and never once been asked about it. Is it only if you're moving from an Assembly of God that you're asked? And why must one renounce it?

Just another one of those things I should have looked into long ago! Any guidance or opinions is greatly appreciated!

Greetings all,

I have an in-law that does not attend church. As a matter of fact, he resents the fact many people - myself included - believe that we should congregate to worship. His argument is typically that he "doesn't need some church to tell him how to worship God" or "take advantage of him." I told him once that it's Biblical for us to go to church, and his claws came out! "The Bible does NOT tell us we have to go to church!" He of course claims to have read the Bible through many times; but yet won't see that all of Paul's letters are themselves outlines for "church-goers." It's the whole forest for the trees thing...

While I know there is no "thou shalt attend church every Sunday" verse - I would very much like to arm myself with as many "pro-church attendance" verses as I can. He's the type that brings things up over and over. And while I don't look forward to arguing; I do believe I should present my case as intellegently as I can (that being with Scriptural references). I'm almost at the point of "shaking the dust off my feet" when I leave his home!

Any and all help is greatly appreciated... Thanks guys!

Hi folks,

Long-time Christian; first-time poster. Been looking for a forum like this and look forward to learning a great deal from you all. I hope to even contribute from time to time!