Is this site still taking questions? Are the answers printed anywhere?
Submitted on 12/31/2008 1:34:42 PM
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Most of my family attended parochial schools while growing up. A nun taught my sister that not everything in the Bible is true. With the different authors (Matthew, Mark, Luke...) each wanting their version to be accepted more than the others & would imbelish their versions about the same incident (ie. last supper, the garden...). They ARE the bible, who's version are we to believe? Did the incident really happen?
Submitted on 10/31/2008 11:17:19 AM
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Re Prop 8
Abomination did not mean the same in Hebrew days as it does now. It meant 'unclean'.
"" If you were to read further in Leviticus, you would also note that:
Leviticus 11:10 says that eating shellfish is an abomination. It is not clear whether customers at Red Lobster eating clams are committing a lesser abomination than homosexuality.
Leviticus 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear corrective lenses. Does my vision have to be 20/20 before I can attend church, or must I limit attendance to churches which do not have altars in them?
Leviticus 19:27 prohibits men from getting their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples. How should the male customers emerging from Supercuts die?
Leviticus 11:6-8 states that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean. Obviously, the football players are engaging in abomination unless they wear gloves on the field. Or have they gone from pigskin to vinyl footballs these days?
Marriage in the United States shall consist of a union between one man and one or more women. (Genesis 29:17-28; II Samuel 3:2-5)
Marriage shall not impede a man's right to take concubines, in addition to his wife or wives. (II Samuel 5:13; I Kings 11:3; II Chronicles 11:21)
Vote No on 8. this is the right and fair vote and has nothing to with marriage.
Submitted on 10/30/2008 8:09:22 AM
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Did God create evil? If he created everything doesn't that include evil and why did he?
Submitted on 10/26/2008 12:16:36 PM
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My question is, how is it that after 2 years of attending Clovis Hills with my wife and 2 children, I am having so much difficulty bringing myself to be baptized, even though I have built a strong belief system. Thanks to my wife and the words of Pastor Steve, I have found the Lord, and have changed my way of thinking spiritually, emotionally, and conciously. I have lived a life of many extremes, from drug dependancy, jail, lack of Christian upbringing, and so forth. My wife of 10 years has shown me a far better life and now those years are behind me. So, I guess my question is, what stops someone from making that final commitment, when they truly believe? Why does it scare me? I know this is a little long winded, but for myself and my family, I need to find the answer, so I can continue to grow my relationship with God. Thank you. David Barr
Submitted on 10/25/2008 8:03:15 PM
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What are you thoughts on Prop 8? I have come across many, many Christians who believe it's wrong to vote Yes on this Prop, and are in fact voting no. In my opinion, since the Bible says that homosexuality is a sin, wouldn't voting no on Prop 8 essentially be legitmizing a sin? I get the argument that everybody has the right to be happy, and that numerous people sin (adultry, etc.), but we're not voting to ""legalize"" those sins either. I'm just wondering how christians can reconcile voting no on Prop 8 with their religious beliefs. To me, it would seem like that was going against what God wants cause that's what we want or think should be.
Submitted on 10/23/2008 9:04:56 PM
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Ok so the Bible basically teaches that if you have ever asked for forgiveness and asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, then you are saved - a child of God. Period.
So how do you account for the idea in Hebrews 6:4-6 which says "" For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened—those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come—and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame.""? So...eternal salvation? Or no?
Submitted on 10/19/2008 5:26:44 PM
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i am very conflicted about sabbath worship i have been taught that it is saturday why do most people today worship on sundayisnt this breaking an commandment
Submitted on 10/19/2008 4:38:13 PM
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i am very conflicted about sabbath worship i have been taught that it is saturday why do most people today worship on sundayisnt this breaking an commandment
Submitted on 10/19/2008 4:33:05 PM
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If you read any bible publsihed before 1945, nothing is said about homsexuality. Modern man conveniently added that in.The bible is all the matter of interpretation.Biblical figues like Jonathan and David, Ruth & Naomi and Daniel may have been well in volved in homegentital relationships, seen as part of God's plan. And Jesus himself said nothing at all about homesexuality, not even whe face to face with a man in a gay realationship. Nothing in the Bible is there any mention of Lesbians..
Submitted on 10/19/2008 2:57:16 PM
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How do I reconcile the fact that I know God is always right and I'm imperfect, and therefore wrong in my thoughts, but still disagree vehemently with the concept of killing animals or worse, a person (ESPECIALLY kids!), to offer to God as a ""sacrifice"" in the Old Testament. I cannot think of any logical or valild reason how killing something or someone would prove comittment or cancel out any debt - to me this is one of the things in the Bible that I have always disagreed with and the only way I've been able to make any bit of sense of it is to assume God knows better than me. This one really tests the limits of my faith though.
Submitted on 10/19/2008 1:22:42 PM
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A request - please extend this program for at least a year - this has been the most useful, realistic, real-world session that you've done in a long time and it's a shame to see it only last 4 weeks with so many substantive issues being addressed.
Submitted on 10/19/2008 1:12:17 PM
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What is wrong with our church if the entire first 2 weeks of a 4 week program are focused on sexually related questions? I think sex questions are great and valid but what does it say about where our heads are at if that reflects the majority of questions our attendees ask (as per pastor Steve)? I love sex but man, can't we move on to other issues when there is so much more to life?
Submitted on 10/19/2008 1:11:58 PM
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Is something wrong with me if I want to come to church to learn from the message, and I enjoy the message, but loathe the singing? If so, how can I force myself to enjoy something I honestly can't stand? I've prayed about this but maybe not enough or I'm praying ""wrong"". I've been this way as long as I can remember - I just hate singing in any church because it's always sappy and silly, and no matter how hard I try, I cannot fake enjoying something that feels corny and sappy, that it seems like everyone in every church loves. When I have stood up and tried to ""play along"", I feel like a trained seal, barking for my treats, or a lemming that is just doing what everyone else does. Does this mean I'm not really a Christian until I finally get to the point where I love church music as everyone else that is standing up and ""rocking out"" apparently seems to enjoy it?
Submitted on 10/19/2008 1:11:48 PM
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What am I doing wrong if I've grown up in the church, been reading the bible since I was a kid (in several different versions), been forced to memorize bible verses and still no matter how many times I've read it, it does not connect and seems like I'm reading some foreign language, where much of it makes absolutely no sense, and it rarely moves my soul the way I hear so many other Christians talk about their experiences reading the Bible? I've also tried small group bible studies and didn't get much of these either.
Submitted on 10/19/2008 1:11:37 PM
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I've heard conflicting ideas about animals in Heaven. I would not consider it to be Heaven if the souls of ALL of God's creatures did not exist there. If it were true that animals' souls did not also exist after death, the entire concept of a human soul would be baseless because if one can say that a dog, for example, does not have a soul that would continue to exist after it's earthly life ended, then that would mean that they are no more than a bunch of atoms strung together and that the unique behaviors, and loyalty that we can all see in them is nothing more than a series of chemical reactions. If that were true, then why would a human be any different? Why could we not say that how we act and feel is not also merely a series of chemical reactions? It seems that if we accept the notion that animals don't go to Heaven then we give credence to the concepts of evolution over creationism. Additionally, the only way to reconcile the crue lty that happens to innocent children in this world is the thought of them having an imperect and glorified place in Heaven. So if animals don't go to Heaven, especially those who've been abused (think of the millions of dogs and cats that are euthanized each day, or veal calves that are killed at 4 months old), then there would seem to be no balance to reconcile these injustices. So to me it seems quite logical that they do go to Heaven, but what does the Bible say about it?
Submitted on 10/19/2008 1:11:29 PM
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Few questions and a request - please extend this program for at least a year - this has been the most useful, realistic, real-world session that you've done in a long time and it's a shame to see it only last 4 weeks with so many substantive issues being addressed. On to the questions:
What is wrong with our church if the entire first 2 weeks of a 4 week program are focused on sexually related questions? I think sex questions are great and valid but what does it say about where our heads are at if that reflects the majority of questions our attendees ask (as per pastor Steve)? I love sex but man, can't we move on to other issues when there is so much more to life?
Is something wrong with me if I want to come to church to learn from the message, and I enjoy the message, but loathe the singing? If so, how can I force myself to enjoy something I honestly can't stand? I've prayed about this but maybe not enough or I'm praying ""wrong"". I've been this way as long as I can remember - I just hate singing in any church because it's always sappy and silly, and no matter how hard I try, I cannot fake enjoying something that feels corny and sappy, that it seems like everyone in every church loves. When I have stood up and tried to ""play along"", I feel like a trained seal, barking for my treats, or a lemming that is just doing what everyone else does. Does this mean I'm not really a Christian until I finally get to the point where I love church music as everyone else that is standing up and ""rocking out"" apparently seems to enjoy it?
What am I doing wrong if I've grown up in the church, been reading the bible since I was a kid (in several different versions), been forced to memorize bible verses and still no matter how many times I've read it, it does not connect and seems like I'm reading some foreign language, where much of it makes absolutely no sense, and it rarely moves my soul the way I hear so many other Christians talk about their experiences reading the Bible? I've also tried small group bible studies and didn't get much of these either.
How do I reconcile the fact that I know God is always right and I'm imperfect, and therefore wrong in my thoughts, but still disagree vehemently with the concept of killing animals or worse, a person (ESPECIALLY kids!), to offer to God as a ""sacrifice"" in the Old Testament. I cannot think of any logical or valild reason how killing something or someone would prove comittment or cancel out any debt - to me this is one of the things in the Bible that I have always disagreed with and the only way I've been able to make any bit of sense of it is to assume God knows better than me. This one really tests the limits of my faith though.
I've heard conflicting ideas about animals in Heaven. I would not consider it to be Heaven if the souls of ALL of God's creatures did not exist there. If it were true that animals' souls did not also exist after death, the entire concept of a human soul would be baseless because if one can say that a dog, for example, does not have a soul that would continue to exist after it's earthly life ended, then that would mean that they are no more than a bunch of atoms strung together and that the unique behaviors, and loyalty that we can all see in them is nothing more than a series of chemical reactions. If that were true, then why would a human be any different? Why could we not say that how we act and feel is not also merely a series of chemical reactions? It seems that if we accept the notion that animals don't go to Heaven then we give credence to the concepts of evolution over creationism. Additionally, the only way to reconcile the crue lty that happens to innocent children in this world is the thought of them having an imperect and glorified place in Heaven. So if animals don't go to Heaven, especially those who've been abused (think of the millions of dogs and cats that are euthanized each day, or veal calves that are killed at 4 months old), then there would seem to be no balance to reconcile these injustices. So to me it seems quite logical that they do go to Heaven, but what does the Bible say about it?
Thank you.
Submitted on 10/19/2008 1:04:46 PM
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If you read any bible publsihed before 1945, nothing is said about homsexuality. Modern man conveniently added that in.The bible is all the matter of interpretation.Biblical figues like Jonathan and David, Ruth & Naomi and Daniel may have been well in volved in homegentital relationships, seen as part of God's plan. And Jesus himself said nothing at all about homesexuality, not even whe face to face with a man in a gay realationship. Nothing in the Bible is there any mention of Lesbians..
Submitted on 10/19/2008 11:52:57 AM
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why don't you print the answers?
Submitted on 10/19/2008 11:41:19 AM
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Good Morning. I am not sure whether I need to be concerned or not which is why I am coming to you for advise. My son is attending a ""Universal Church"", in Fresno. I think on Mariposa Street, not quite sure. He has been raised with the same values and teachings that you at Clovis Hills believes in. He seems to be going quite overboard with some of the things he is telling me, yet he is the type of kid who is very vulnerable and will put all into what he is doing -at that current time-. Example, if he met you and you were a country cowboy, he would turn into one as well untill the rapper came along and then he would become mr. rapper. point being he is easily taken in and when he is telling me he is fasting all the time and not just giving 10% of his barely earned income, he is only 18, he is giving his whole paycheck. So, is he just falling hard again, or is this Universal Church a church that is not in right beliefs as in what you preach? What is their philosiphy? If they have the same beliefs and practices as Clovis Hills, then I can relax a bit and just know this is my son getting really involved, because, God Bless, if this is right and this is what he has found then that's great and Praise God. But, I do not want him believing him what is not the truth and something that is going to hurt and control him. I so much thankyou for you help and advise on this. As reading next to this question, looks like you'll teach on it during the month, Oops, sorry for this kind of question, still hope you can help me without teaching to the whole church...I just didn't know who else to ask that I can trust. Please if at all possible email me back at afickle@hotmail.com. I appreciate your kindness.
Submitted on 10/18/2008 8:25:03 AM
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Why do Jewish people only believe in the first books of the Bible?
If there is evidence of dinosaur bones and Apeman bones, what timeline does that fall in with the Bilical times and how does all of that work? I believe God created us, so how does that dinosaur stuff tie in?
Submitted on 10/15/2008 8:26:55 AM
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i am not satisfied with your position on sexual sins, including homosexual sin, and fornication. (Adultery is the only one you were very forceful about.) Are you so afraid of hurting someone's feelings or emptying the seats that you will just let people go on doing it? I know God is love and all that but people are going to hell.
Submitted on 10/14/2008 1:27:50 PM
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I know that Pastor Steve addressed the issue of drinking and it almost seemed to me that he was saying it was okay. But could he please address the issue of drinking to excess and other self destructive behavior. What do the scriptures say ?
Submitted on 10/14/2008 1:02:33 PM
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I sat through the services this past weekend and was disappointed that although you addressed the subject as a sin and did pretty well you left me with the feeling that a homosexual could continue to practice homosexual sin and be ok and go to heaven as long as he/she was trying to change. I'm sorry but homosexual sin is one in which I have been taught you must stop practicing and if necessary remain alone if necessary to keep from continuing in that lifestyle to go to heaven. I think you left people thinking it's just a same sin as a small lie, etc. You are to willing to placate to keep from ""offending"".
Submitted on 10/14/2008 12:16:57 PM
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Isn't one of the signs of the end times world economic crisis? What does the Bible say about the signs? Where are we in that whole picture? You never talk about it.
Submitted on 10/14/2008 12:03:37 PM
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Sitting in on sunday's service got me thinking....... If we all sin (steve included) andall sin is equal, why is it ok for you (Steve) to lead us by giving us the word of God, but a person sho became gay for whatever reason, can not sing and give praise durring worship? now please dont take it like im out to get you (Steve). That is not my intention. I just don't understand how we can say that that is fair?
Submitted on 10/12/2008 12:19:10 PM
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My daughter married a Jehovah Witness. She continues to follow her Christian upbring and beliefs. They have a child, who goes to his meetings with him and goes to our church. I know deep down she would like her husband to join her at church, Clovis Hills, and realize the truth. Since we all live together, how can we bring the word to him?
Submitted on 10/10/2008 1:54:33 PM
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If a person commits suicide, do they go to heaven or hell?
Submitted on 10/9/2008 9:38:12 AM
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I have recently been listening to the Bible on CD. And though I know it is not an indepth study (listening while driving down the road) - I have noted that Paul has writen a large portion of the New Testament. He is also pretty much the major advocate that Gentiles (us) can be saved as well as the Jewish. Paul doesn't appear to have been one of the twelve apostles of Jesus (who preached mainly to other Jews?) Where, from the mouth of Jesus himself, does he say Gentiles and not just the Jews are able to follow him and be saved?
Submitted on 10/9/2008 9:35:54 AM
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How does God talk to you? I hear people say that they pray to God to get answers. How does this work?
Submitted on 10/9/2008 9:24:59 AM
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I became a Christian 7 years ago, however, during those times when I struggled to decide whether to become one or not, I was constantly challenged by the same thought:
Why is it the the Bible is interpreted literally or figuratively depending on the point to be made? The inconsistency kept me from becoming a Christian for many years and still plagues some friends and family. Thanks!
Submitted on 10/8/2008 2:54:22 PM
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hi my name is mel.
i for a very long time have been so very in love with a man, my best friend. but in 2004 married another.... i now what to be with my best friend... i love him.
i am catholic, and have been told my hole life when you marry it is for ever. and a devorce is a sin. and i want to live by god. and be happy. how can i do both..... am i a selfish person. to want to live the rest of my life with the other man. or do i live by god and make the best of my bad desison.
tell me the truth, about how i am to live by god.
Submitted on 10/8/2008 1:20:22 PM
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hi my name is mel.
i for a very long time have been so very in love with a man, my best friend. but in 2004 married another.... i now what to be with my best friend... i love him.
i am catholic, and have been told my hole life when you marry it is for ever. and a devorce is a sin. and i want to live by god. and be happy. how can i do both..... am i a selfish person. to want to live the rest of my life with the other man. or do i live by god and make the best of my bad desison.
tell me the truth, about how i am to live by god.
Submitted on 10/8/2008 12:50:31 PM
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The 3 questions I'd like to see addressed are:
1. Evolution - dinosaur bones DO exist.
2, Homosexuality - which we now know to be genetic. Is it a sin that won't be forgiven? Hard for me to believe that the loving Jesus we read about would ostracize.
3. Prayer. If God already knows the outcome, is prayer just to make us feel better? Can enough prayer CHANGE God's outcome?
Thanks!
Submitted on 10/8/2008 11:51:18 AM
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I'm a P.K. and have been surrounded by religion my whole life. I've considered myself Christian even though I've been away from church for 10 years. Now I have a family of my own and I realize it takes more than ""being good"" to be a commited Christian. How do I figure out what's holding me back without over-analyzing everything?
Submitted on 10/8/2008 10:36:29 AM
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If God created everything, and everything God created is good...then how does Satan and evil come into being? Is evil just a neccesary opposite to good?
Submitted on 10/8/2008 10:28:21 AM
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Lots of people claim to have spoken to God and know what he wants. So how do we know that the people who wrote the Bible were truly inspired by God?
Submitted on 10/8/2008 10:24:10 AM
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After the service on Sunday, my boyfriend and I of almost 2 years now, which we have been in a committed monogamous relationship, have now decided to refrain from sex until we are married. Is it too late in God's eyes to wait now even though we had sex but now are going to wait? Can we still be forgiven and be blessed in our marriage?
Submitted on 10/7/2008 10:31:01 PM
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I have been in a committed relationship for 12 years and have 2 young children. We have volunteered in our community and have helped more people than I can count in various ways, sometimes to the point of our own family's detriment. I know God doesn't judge people for their ""good works"" alone but why is it the church feels the need to judge me because I am gay? Why can't people err on the side of inclusion rather than exclusion? There are so many homosexuals living regular, family lives and yet we are constantly ostracized for this one fact.
Submitted on 10/7/2008 5:52:34 PM
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I never hear any preaching on sin and what we need to do to avoid sin. Maybe something like the old ""hell and damnation "" sermons, but only updated to our times now.
Submitted on 10/7/2008 2:28:54 PM
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Clovis Hills claims it is a no pressure Church. Why is it that there are some pushy people calling and emailing about joining groups/getting involved?
Submitted on 10/4/2008 11:46:03 PM
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Are there times/situations a Pastor has trouble with living as a Christian? For instance, maybe you are not that bothered by one of the sins and you have a loved one that repeatedly does this one sin or even you as a Pastor. Do you consider yourself ""two-faced"" because of this? Especially if you are preaching about it to members?
Submitted on 10/4/2008 11:42:29 PM
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How would a Pastor of Clovis Hills handle one of their own children being homosexual?
Submitted on 10/4/2008 11:36:52 PM
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I read that there are over 600 sins mentioned in the Bible. How can anyone possibly live life and not sin? God forgives us of our sins because we are his children and he loves us. Do you think this is why so many people continually sin because they know we will be forgiven by Him? Isn't it harder to look your loved one in the face after you have sinned than to worry about God forgiving you?
Submitted on 10/4/2008 11:35:25 PM
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We are all God's children. Does God love any of his children less or not at all if the child is born out of wedlock?
Submitted on 10/4/2008 11:28:55 PM
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My daughter is lesbian. I love her with all that I am. I am new to Christianity and know that homosexuality is a sin. I am not bothered by it. Does God love us both any less? Am I not able to be a baptised Christian because of this?
Submitted on 10/4/2008 11:25:32 PM
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should you feel bad if you don't give anything or very little in the collection bucket?
Submitted on 10/4/2008 1:03:29 PM
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How can it possibly be ok for God to forgive us of sins when some of us purposely keep sinning?
Submitted on 10/3/2008 9:34:43 PM
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Does the church think badly if the rest of your whole family doesn't attend? I can't seem to get my family to come but I am not going to push either.
Submitted on 10/3/2008 9:33:09 PM
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Is it a sin to lust after your spouse? To have sexual fantasies about the one you love?
Submitted on 10/3/2008 9:30:49 PM
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If pornography is a sin, what if it is pictures of your spouse?
Submitted on 10/3/2008 9:29:28 PM
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Redeeming grace. For anything you have done? And once you have redemption will you get another chance should you sin again?
Submitted on 10/3/2008 9:27:53 PM
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Is it wrong to only reach out to God when I need him most?
Submitted on 10/3/2008 9:26:40 PM
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What is the church's take on Tattoos. My spouse and I have some. Is it a sin to have more?
Submitted on 10/3/2008 2:44:08 PM
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What is the correct way to address the issue of homosexuality with your children?
Submitted on 10/3/2008 2:32:06 PM
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How would you explain the link between creation and evolution when there is evidence that could possibly support evolution. For a believer that believes in creation, how would you explain to a non-believer this issue.
Submitted on 10/3/2008 2:31:32 PM
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The book of Revelations discusses the end of the world. Recent talk has been dominated by some cultures belief that this will come in 2012. Is there anything biblically that matches this date of 2012?
Submitted on 10/3/2008 2:30:18 PM
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Is it okay for married couples to participate in oral sex?
Submitted on 10/3/2008 2:28:31 PM
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Who should we vote for - for the next President of the United States? Why?
Submitted on 10/3/2008 10:12:03 AM
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is smoking or drinking a sin?
Submitted on 10/2/2008 2:03:24 PM
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Was Cannabis used in the Bible?
Submitted on 10/2/2008 2:02:30 PM
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What War would Jesus support, and if so why?
Submitted on 10/2/2008 1:50:58 PM
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Why doesn't the church support Medical Marijuan , even though its in the bible, Gen. (all green herbs bearing seeds) and Romans 14:14, Also how is it that we dont use hemp to its best advantage. California made 110 million in tax revenue from it, and Its Americas #1 cash crop topping Beef and Cotton combined. Do you think the church shouls look into backing thoes policies?
Submitted on 10/2/2008 1:49:17 PM
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I know many so called ""Christians"" that are hypocritical and are first to judge. Remind them that only God has that right.
Submitted on 10/1/2008 12:55:42 PM
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I have things to say about religion that may or may not be considered blasphemy, I don't mean any disrespect, it's just my opinion on things. Is there anyone I can have an open conversation with that won't be one-sided about and answer my questions legitimately?
Submitted on 10/1/2008 10:08:55 AM
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Is hell a literal place or only a state of mind??? And are there levels of heaven or hell? This church doesn't talk about it much.
Submitted on 9/30/2008 9:22:14 PM
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If Jesus Christ was born a Jew, raised a Jew and died a Jew, where do all the other religions come from?
Did Jesus turn His back on the Jews and start His own religion?
Submitted on 9/30/2008 1:17:58 PM
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Why should I believe in something that I have no knowledge of, and just do what I'm told. When I ask why I should, people tell me to put it on faith. I have a hard time. What am I putting on faith, and who or what am I placing my faith in.
Submitted on 9/30/2008 11:45:55 AM
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I personally know several members of this church who are in church on Sundays, and in the bars on Friday nights. Is this acceptable as a Christian?
Submitted on 9/29/2008 9:22:03 AM
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Why are there some churches that are allowing homosexual unions as being ok?
Submitted on 9/29/2008 9:10:40 AM
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The Bible teaches us we must respect and abide by the laws of the land. Does this include being legally marries versus being in a committed relationship?
Submitted on 9/29/2008 9:09:16 AM
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With all the wars, climate changes, and an increase in natural disasters, are we living in the end times?
Submitted on 9/29/2008 9:06:51 AM
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My husband and I are legally married, but when we had our marriage ceremony, we intentionally left out any mention of God. (we were not believers at that time.) Would it be a good thing to have another ceremony in which God was central to our commitment to one another? I know our marriage is still honored by God, but I feel like maybe it would be good to do it again, the ""RIGHT"" way. Your thoughts?
Submitted on 9/28/2008 9:56:43 PM
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Which would be better? A family giving $1000 to another Christian family in need, or giving that same $1000 to the church as a ""tithe"" (which should be a free will offering, but doesn't end up that way, because it goes to pay salaries instead of people in need.) Which is preferable, biblically speaking? Please share Scriptures supporting Clovis Hills' stance.
Submitted on 9/28/2008 9:52:13 PM
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If the ""tithe"" was intended to be a fellowship offering, and to share the gospel with others (after Jesus died and was resurrected) why does the church now teach that pastors should be paid with the tithe. Why do pastors not still live in housing provided by the congregants, and live off what is provided by means of food, as God intended. Also, why isn't the tithe used more to spread the gospel, rather than to build elaborate buildings, and sound systems...
Submitted on 9/28/2008 9:42:17 PM
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In the bible, the ""tithe"" was 10% of a a person's crops (this is what it says in the bible...crops and livestock) and that the person that offered it was then supposed to eat it with their families and feed the strangers in their midst with it, why does the church teach to give 10% in money? The bible is clear that the 10% was NOT to be money.
Submitted on 9/28/2008 9:39:22 PM
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I have always be taught that when we die, that if we believe, we go to heaven.
We, as a community of believers have the promise of John 3:16, but where in the Bible does it state that when we die, that we go to heaven immediately?
Most of what I am reading indicates that death is nothing more than sleep. An unconscious state in which we do not know anything. And then our next waking, conscious, moment will be at the second coming of Christ and the Resurrection.
Genesis 2:7 speaks of God forming man and giving him the ""breath of life"". Is ""the breath of life"" our soul, or is breath + body = soul ?
Job 27: again speaks of the breath of God in my nostrils.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 refers to that breath or spirit returning to God.
Revelations 22:12, Jesus says ""Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done."" If Jesus states we get our reward when he returns, than how would we get it before than?
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 seems pretty clear that the dead in Christ will rise first when the Lord himself will come down from heaven. What's the point of this passage if believers are already in heaven?
1 Corinthians 15, speaks a lot about those who have ""fallen asleep"", us being raised in a ""heavenly body"" and 15:51 states this will happen when the ""trumpet sounds"". My understanding being, at the return of Christ.
Submitted on 9/28/2008 9:26:45 PM
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If we don't feel anything (such as being numb about life) does that mean we have no soul?
Submitted on 9/28/2008 7:56:48 PM
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If we don't feel anything (such as being numb about life) does that mean we have no soul?
Submitted on 9/28/2008 7:52:02 PM
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I have lived with my husband for 27 years, but we were not formally married. We made a husband/wife commitment to each other. I have searched the scriptures and found no place where we needed a certificate to be married. In GOD's eyes, am I married?
Submitted on 9/28/2008 2:22:32 PM
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I think the topic of evolution is definitely one that needs to be addressed. I am a Biology graduate student at Fresno State, and am constantly surrounded by the topic. I know that evolution is a theory, accepted by most scientists as fact, and while there is a lot of support for the theory there is also a lot of holes in the fossil record. As a Christian I know that this theory is wrong and creation is the only truth, but I think even a lot of Christians are buying into evolution because the rest of the world is. If you did your own research on the topic and didn't just believe what they tell you in school, most people would see how much scientific evidence actually supports creation (one very useful website is the Institute for Creation Research www.icr.org). It is quite scary how many Christians, and even church leaders, have been pressured into incorporating evolution into God's plan. There are well respected scientists who don't believe in evolution, including a noble winner. The statistical probability of evolution by natural selection via mutation is astronomically small. This same scientist has done decades of research on the molecular level and found that mutations are very rarely beneficial, so the odds of enough benefical mutations to occur for evolution/speciation to take place is pretty much impossible.
Submitted on 9/25/2008 5:52:21 PM
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As we near the end times and the world gets more evil it is impossible to escape knowledge of horrific evil, unspeakable evil, and disturbing evil, that is difficult to remove from the mind once heard. Theologians have debated the sovereignty of God for ages, so perhaps there is no answer to this question, but why doesn't God do something?How is it we as Christians are supposed to do what we can to stop evil, but God, who has complete power, allows it? If He hardened pharoahs heart, which at some level interferred with free will, why won't He involve His hand of protection?
Submitted on 9/24/2008 6:26:14 PM
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Christianity offers joy, peace, abundant life, power to overcome sin,healing, and that Jesus will never leave me. For all my/our sincere efforts to walk with the Lord, I see very little of it in myself and in the church corporately. It is dependent upon many other things such as staying in the word, trust, etc. Are the wonderful things offered to us in heaven going to be the same, that is, does it sound so sure and inviting, ""no more tears or sadness"" etc. but will be dependent on something else we are to do (in heaven) to experience them?
Submitted on 9/24/2008 6:07:44 PM
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What about people living together in a committed relationship?
Submitted on 9/24/2008 10:37:46 AM
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Why did Jesus curse the fig tree? How can Jesus do something that seems cruel?
Submitted on 9/22/2008 3:52:58 PM
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If God is the only Creator, where do Satan's demons come from? I know God doesn't create evil since evil itself is a ""lack of God"". Did Satan ""recruit"" his army from souls already banished to Hell? Is it explained in the Bible?
Submitted on 9/22/2008 10:10:15 AM
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Once saved always saved. Can we lose our salvation?
Submitted on 9/21/2008 2:59:00 PM
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Can a Christian really drink alcohol and still be a witness to the world? So many people have alcohol addiction.
Submitted on 9/18/2008 10:36:37 PM
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If there are 1000's of people who attend clovis hills every weekend why are there so many ministries that need volunteers? why isn't using your spiritual gifts for the body of christ talked about more intentionally?
Submitted on 9/18/2008 11:09:01 AM
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Does this church believe that Hell is a real place? I have attended this church for quite a while and I have never heard a sermon on this subject.
Submitted on 9/18/2008 10:17:21 AM
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Sexual sins are rampant in the church world. Homosexuality, adultery, fornication, and pornagraphy are not addressed very often and many seem to think a Christian can do these things and still be OK??
Submitted on 9/16/2008 7:51:25 PM
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How do currant events compare to the teachings in the Bible regarding the ""end Times""? Are we living in the last days? I have attended this church for many years and NEVER heard a series on Revelations. I know many have opinions about what will take place but what is this church's interpretation?
Submitted on 9/16/2008 7:47:23 PM
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Does God really have a soul mate for everyone?
Submitted on 9/15/2008 10:30:51 AM
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On the history channel there are all these programs about the dinosaurs, neanderthals, and evolution. How can the church dispute this evidence? We believe in God and Jesus but how can you not believe the physical evidence?
Submitted on 9/14/2008 2:35:06 PM
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Why did God kill the first borns in Egypt? How can you justify God being a loving God when he did this?
Submitted on 9/14/2008 2:33:03 PM
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Does God ""know"" the future? Can you change God's ""mind"" through paryer? If not, why pray for someone? When I pray, I ask for forgiveness, I give thanks and praise. But when it comes to praying for someone (like praying for someone who is sick to get well), I wonder why should I?
Submitted on 9/11/2008 5:33:12 PM
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How do I convince a friend to give Clovis Hills a chance? I keep telling her how different the church is but she won't listen.
Submitted on 9/11/2008 10:38:39 AM
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My husband has a hard time believing the story of adam and eve. Should we take this story literally?
Submitted on 9/11/2008 10:37:28 AM
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How do I talk to a family member about Christ and the church when they see the church as an entity that just takes money and lies?
Submitted on 9/11/2008 10:30:05 AM
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Who ARE the 144,000?
Submitted on 9/9/2008 3:22:55 PM
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how can a so called ""christian"" be filled with the Holy Spirit and yet get into porn, cyber sex and real life affairs. how is this possible? sexual immorality is not talked about in the church. Why? it is the number one home wrecker, christian or not. please address this one. there are people at Clovis Hills that are going through this right now. I know, I'm one of them. Help me to understand what went wrong with my spouse.
Submitted on 9/9/2008 11:32:36 AM
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where are the dinosaurs in the bible.
Submitted on 9/9/2008 11:26:17 AM
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I am living with someone outside of marriage.
I know this is not God's preferred situation but there are outside reasons, the IRS, for this. At this point in my life I do not believe it will change. Am I damned because of this? I know it's not right with God, but since I consider myself saved am I not?
Submitted on 9/9/2008 10:06:01 AM
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If God knows what you will do even before you do it, what's the point? Isn't that some sort of ""control"" over us? He knew what Judas would do, He knew what Hitler would do, right? So why shouldn't we just live our lives the way He has planned it out whether we go to Heaven or Hell? Both my teenaged sons have asked me this. Yikes. I told them, God may know, but you don't and you do have control to take whatever road you choose. Scripture, please....
Submitted on 9/9/2008 7:46:03 AM
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How do we know how GOD wants us to ""do"" church? Are there guidelines, or are we just wingin' it?
Submitted on 9/9/2008 6:57:14 AM
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why does youth always seem alienated from the rest of the church?
Submitted on 9/6/2008 10:35:06 AM
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What does the Bible really say about women teaching & preaching in the church?
Submitted on 9/5/2008 7:46:01 PM
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Can church happen at the dirty olive?
Submitted on 9/5/2008 5:46:26 PM
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is it a sin for a family to be over-involved in sports? is american obsession with sports actually idolatry?
Submitted on 9/5/2008 5:45:28 PM
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We are using these questions to determine what we'll teach on during this message series. We will also take questions on those topics at each service. So you can ask questions at any time. -Aron Strong
Pastor of Communication
Submitted on 9/5/2008 4:40:23 PM
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Why can't the questions just be asked in the service live?
Submitted on 9/5/2008 3:57:17 PM
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Where does it say in the Bible that we are supposed to be giving 10% of our hard earned income to the local church? Where does it say in the Bible that we should be paying for a pastor and their staff's salary? Where is the justification in spending so much money producing elaborate technical church services?
Submitted on 9/5/2008 3:54:39 PM
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Why are miracles and signs and wonders so hard to find in today's church? For example people getting up from their death bead... people getting up out of wheelchairs (for real)... (real) demons being cast out of people... all with a simple word.
Submitted on 9/5/2008 3:51:17 PM
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If you believe God is real, and likewise the Devil - why are you not more passionately engaged in the war to overcome the Evil One?
Submitted on 9/5/2008 3:46:44 PM
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Why are some particular Biblical sins: such as adultery, drunkenness, cussing, homosexualtiy, and murder so important to the church; but sins like laziness, over-eating, consumerism, pride, jealousy, ignorance, fake religion are not. Why do we rightly discipline the first group, yet overlook the destruction caused by the second?
Submitted on 9/5/2008 3:45:16 PM
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Can a Christian be poseesed by a demon?
Submitted on 9/5/2008 3:40:12 PM
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If the church is really people, why do churches NEED buildings? Isn't there something far batter and more important we can be doing with our hard earned money? Thinking about justice and mercy - are we just ignoring these things in our world so we can have ""nice"" property?
Submitted on 9/5/2008 3:37:08 PM
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what about gay people? can they go to heaven?
Submitted on 9/5/2008 3:07:44 PM
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There's truth in every religion. Why does Christianity claim to be the only truth?
Submitted on 9/5/2008 9:17:28 AM
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