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I'm looking for your scripturally backed opinions on whether the Bible condones self-defense (especially use of deadly force in self-defense or defense of one's family) There are some who say the Bible would support defending oneself against, say, an invader or somebody trying to kill you. Others would say that no, we should never use violence to defend ourselves because God is our defense. What's your take? I'm also looking for scriptures that support different points of view.

I don't see how "leaving" is the answer. I would like to have a good relationship with my mother, hence why I stay in contact. Only trouble is, no matter what I do, it never works out. I'm looking for scripture to guide me on how to handle this situation.

My mother is very hurtful with her words towards me, and demands the type of respect that she refuses to give. I am an adult, but she basically expects I bow down and respect her every wish, but she will never give me any kind of respect. I get very angry at her for treating me like I'm an incompetent child at all times, and I feel like God has shown me that this anger of mine toward her is sinful.... but I struggle with it still. It's VERY bad anger and I know it's unhealthy, but I feel like there's only so much I can take. My mother and I are both Christians... and when my mother and I argue about something she *thinks* she can force me to do, she loves to throw in my face the scripture about, "children obey your parents" and "honor your mother and father". I tell her that the bible also tells parents not to exasperate their children, to which her response is, "that only applies to fathers. Read the Bible more". I know the bible says to honor your parents, but other verses seem directed at children. What does the bible say about how grown children (adult children) ought to treat their parents? What about when parents have been abusive, what about parents who disrespect their adult children? In other words, what does it mean to honor thy father and mother once you're an adult and no longer a child? If you have a parent who never respects you, how do you fulfill the biblical command to honor them? It feels too hard. I want to have a good relationship with my mother, and I want to stop being angry. But I cannot put up with the constant belittling.

I don't feel God anymore. I've prayed and even begged that I could feel him again, but I don't. I don't understand, I havent committed any sins of late that would cause a separation and I've repented of everything I could think of. Has anybody gone through this? What helped?

Been contemplating this for a while. I know the bible says (and I'm loosely quoting /paraphrasing) that fornicators, and witches, and gay people won't go to heaven. But the bible also says that whoever believes in Jesus will have everlasting life. So, does being gay, or a witch, or a fornicator actually matter? If somebody believes in Jesus, they go to heaven right? Obviously believing in Jesus will lead to a relationship with him and a desire NOT to sin (or at least it should) but for people who are gay or who lead lifestyles considered "sinful" but actually do, truely believe in Jesus, they've met the only necessary requirement for salvation right? Because all you have to do is believe? Please correct me if I'm wrong.