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It would be nice if there were an opportunity to change your mind in hell, but the Bible gives no indication that this will be possible. Hebrews 9:27 says we are all "destined to die once, and after that to face judgment."

Another passage that seems to shut the door to a "second chance" is a parable Jesus told in Luke 16:19-31. The parable was about a rich man who died and went to hell. In his agony, the rich man looked up to heaven and cried out for mercy. In response to his cries, the man was told a chasm separated heaven and hell—a chasm that could never be crossed.

As hard as it is to hear, eternal separation from God is the punishment for people who don't accept Christ as Lord and Savior. But please understand that it's not God's desire for anyone to spend eternity in hell. As it says in 2 Peter 3:9, "He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

So my encouragement to you is to concentrate on the present. I can't tell you what will happen between death and judgment, but I can tell you that God desires for each one of us to experience his love and grace right here, right now.

You may be doing all you can, for now. Keep talking with your dad and other leaders in the church. Learn everything you can from the Bible about these issues and make sure you don't get bitter at God over your dad's opinions.

The easiest thing to do is rebel or do things behind your dad's back. But the right way is to look at this as a season in your life that will one day move into another season. Ask God for wisdom and guidance, and when you're an adult you can make whatever decision you believe is God's will for you.

I know some very wonderful people who have come from conservative churches like yours. The individuals who have a vibrant faith are the ones who chose their battles carefully and focused on a positive, loving, grace-filled relationship with God.

I'm not a theologian, but I will try my best to answer your question. However, perspectives on baptism differ from denomination to denomination. Please make sure you talk with your pastor about this important experience.

Baptism means a dying of self, washing away our sins by Christ's death and a promise of eternal and new life because of his resurrection. As Galatians 2:20 says: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

There are at least two major beliefs about baptism that are prevalent in Bible-believing Christian churches. (Three if you include Quakers who don't baptize). The Lutheran church and many other denominations believe that infant/ child baptism is a sign or a seal of your salvation in Christ. Generally, parents stand with their child and the pastor baptizes the baby, reminding the parents and congregation that they are making a commitment to raise the child to be Christian.

Another group of Christians practices "believer's baptism." Often in this tradition, a baby or child is dedicated to the Lord in the church in a very similar ceremony to baptism but without the actual sprinkling of water. This individual is then baptized at a later time when he or she makes a profession of belief in God through Jesus Christ. Most of the time this baptism is by immersion. This means you are gently placed under the water and raised up out of the water as a sign of a new life in Christ.

Both types of baptism have roots in Scripture. Let me suggest that you seek God's help for an answer.

I also showed your letter to a Lutheran pastor. I'll leave you with his response.

"Baptism is God's act. Once it is done, it does not have to be done again."

I'd encourage you to line up what Christians believe about salvation, Jesus, the Bible, and other important doctrines with what certain cults believe. Share this information with your friends.

Here is an excerpt taken from So What's the Difference? by Fritz Ridenour (Gospel Light Publications). I'd encourage you to use this comparison when discussing Mormonism with your friends.

Christians believe …

… God is uniquely eternal and all powerful, the only God—and that he is a Spirit (Psalm 145:13; John 4:24; 1 Timothy 1:17).
… the Bible, given by God's Spirit, is complete in itself and needs no additions (Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32; Proverbs 30:5-6; Galatians 1:8; Revelation 22:18-19).
… man is not godlike, but sinful and separated from God. Man can only have a relationship with God through faith in Christ. Man, apart from Christ, is lost (Romans 5:12-19, 6:23; Ephesians 2:4-5; John 1:29).
… salvation is a free gift provided by the grace (unmerited love) of God for all who believe (Ephesians 2:8-9; John 12:26; 14:3, 6; 1 John 3:1-2).

Mormons believe …

… God is a material creature who was once a man as we are now men and women. They say people can achieve godhood and believe there are many gods.
… they have "new Scripture" the writings of Joseph Smith are divinely inspired revelations.
… man is progressively becoming God.
… salvation comes by an individual's good works and all people will spend eternity on some level of a multistoried heaven.

You may want to do a little more reading on cults and Christianity. Even though So What's the Difference? is out of print, you may want to see if there's a copy in your church's library. I'd also recommend picking up What's with the Dudes at the Door? by Kevin Johnson and James White (Bethany House).

Scripture mandates that we as believers must "always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15).

I encourage you to "always be prepared" to talk with others about what you believe. Continue to study your Bible and grow in understanding of your own beliefs. Knowing the facts behind your faith will help you stay true to it.

Missions work is often a very difficult concept for a non-Christian to grasp. You know the call from Christ is the call to serve. And you know that Christ gave us a mandate to preach the gospel to the entire world.

Jesus told us in Acts 1:8 that we would be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and all over the world. You are doing what Jesus told us we would do. But I think it's easier for unbelievers to understand mission work when it involves serving in our own country or community.

Here's how I would answer those who may not understand. I would say, "You're right. It is very important that I serve in our community and in our country. There are plenty of problems right here.

"However, I want to give a portion of my commitment to serve to people from other countries as well. I want to go to Mexico with my church because I hope I'll be able to serve some very needy people, but I also believe God can teach me a lot about how to live a better life when I get home."

Often a missions opportunity, like your Mexico trip, will be the beginning of a lifelong calling from God in this important area of our Christian life. Keep up the good work and don't be discouraged.

Congratulations! You have the opportunity to pioneer youth ministry at your church. Renewal and revival in a church often begins when students get serious about prayer and then take on the leadership needed to begin a work.

I don't think there are any magic formulas, but here are some suggestions:

Pray. Every movement of God begins with prayer. Pray daily and often. And be sure to find one other person to pray with.

Start small. Don't worry if only a few are involved. Five, three, or even two students are more than you have now. A small group has the ability to build close relationships that will help you grow spiritually.

Find adult help. There must be someone in your church who's willing to give a new youth group some time and attention. Recruit people you think would be a positive influence in your life and the lives of your friends. Ask that person to help you find the right resources to lead a Bible study or a youth group meeting.

Invite friends. You say you've been asking friends to church. Keep asking! Youth ministry experts tell us that one out of four students who are invited to a youth group meeting will attend.

Maybe God brought you to this church for a special reason. It would be just like God to use a student like you to help start a spiritual movement in your church and school.

Due to the volume of mail, Jim cannot answer every letter. Questions you would like considered for this column should be sent to: "Let's Talk," Campus Life, 465 Gundersen Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188. You can also reach "Let's Talk" via fax (630-260-0114) or e-mail (CLmag@campuslife.net).

Read more from 'Faith & Doubt'

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