Have you ever wished to ask a question about the Bible, but felt like it was possibly a dumb question ... but you still think about it? Then ask Dr. Prentiss C. Spivey who will draw on over thirty-five years of Bible teaching to answer your question thoughtfully and share with you actual verses in the Bible you can then examine for yourself if you desire!

Question: Do I need to go to church to be saved?

Answer: Yes, but if you are not a member of the body of Christ, first you must become a member and here is what the Bible says you must do to become a Christian: (1) hear the word of God, (2) believe the word of God: Rom. 10:17, (3) repent of sins: Luke 13:3, (4) confess faith in Jesus Christ: Acts 8:37, and (5) be baptized for the remission of sins: Acts 2:38. After becoming a member of the Lord's church, you are then commanded to meet with other members (Heb. 10:25, 1 Cor. 11:20, 14:23).

Question: What is meant by "born again" and who or what is a "Born Again Christian?'

Answer: The phrase, "born again is a biblical one and means to be regenerated (John 3:3). And, or regenerated means to become a new creature in Christ Jesus (2 Cor. 5:17). When a person is born again the old nature is destroyed (Rom.6:6). Hence, a born again person is one that has done the five things mentioned in answer number one.

Question: Why do bad things happen to good, Christian people? 

Answer: What we call bad is not necessarily bad in the eyes of God. The Bible teaches, all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (2 Tim. 3:12). Remember the righteous man Job. The Lord allowed Satan to tempt Job and Job lost all that he had, but in the end he was given a double portion (Job 42:10-17). The purpose of temptation is not to defeat us, but to bring out the best that is in us (James 1:12-15).

Question: Why do some churches baptize babies while others insist that people wait until they're older?

Answer: Some people believe that babies are born sinners. This is why they say they baptized them. Jesus used a child to demonstrate to adults what conversion meant (Matt. 18:1-5). The Bible teaches that "both men and women" were baptized (Acts 8:12).

Question: Why should I pray? Does God know what I need anyhow? 

Answer: It is true that the Lord knows what we need before we ask (Matt. 6:8). However, it is the Lord's wilI that His children ask Him for what they need (James 1:5-6). Asking the Lord for something should be an expression of faith. We, as parents believe we know what our children need before they ask, nevertheless we like for them to ask. This is like the Lord and his children.

Question: My mom said that my friend who died is not going to Heaven if she didn't take Jesus as her Savior. is this time? 

Answer: The Bible teaches only does who obey the word of God will be saved (Heb. 5:8-9). Those who reject the Lord's word will not go to heaven ( 2 Thess. 1:7-9). However, if you obey the Lord's word and remain faithful you will go to heaven (John 14:1-6; Rev. 14:13, 22:14-15).

Question: What does the Bible say about gossips, especially when they have no idea about the truth?

Answer: The word gossip means "to indulge in idle talk or rumors about others" and that is forbidden by the Lord (1 Peter 4:15).

Question: My problem is I feel slightly guilty not becoming an active participator in the church. Am I displeasing God by not using my talents in the church?

Answer: Yes, you are displeasing the Lord when you fail to use your talent in his church (Matt. 25:14-30). Remember, the Lord wants to add all people to his church (Acts 2:47), and in his church save themselves from this untoward generation (Acts 2:40).

Question: What led you to become a minister? Why do you remain one? What advice would you have for a new minister? 

Answer: I became a Christian first, then a desire to share what I had gained in Christ (salvation) led me into the ministry of preaching the word of God. I want to go to heaven and assist others to do the same. If he is a minister in the church that Jesus built (Matt. 16:18), would encourage him to keep the Kingdom first in his life (Matt. 6:33). To study the word (2 Tim. 2:15), to take heed to himself, and the doctrine, continue in them (1 Tim. 4:16). If he is not in the church that Jesus built, I would encourage him to do the five things according to question number one, and then do the above.