Dear Victorious,
Why do you always have the last initial of the people who write to you? This seems a little suspicious if you ask me.
Frank S. - Santa Fe, NM
Dear Frank,
Because I don't answer letters publicly that don't include their full name. I get several emails a week that look like - for lack of a better word - crank emails. I treat like spam. I don't take letters seriously unless there is something to provide them legitimacy. That is usually an individual who is sincere enough to identify themselves. (I do privately answer some letters via email that never make it into my blog.)
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
World's s A Mess
Dear Victorious,
It seems like the world is just full of bad news. Everywhere we turn we not only hear about natural disasters and wars, but politics and government leaders seem to be disasters in themselves. And it's not only our country. What should we make of this? I mean, what could explain this apparent truth?
Lu Ann P. - Temple, TX
Dear Lu Ann,
The world today isn't really much different than it has ever been. Even back in Biblical times, for example, the same kinds of problems were evident. One might conclude that man is too stupid ... or too imperfect to rule himself. That's probably the closest thing to the truth.
Truth, by the way, is not represented in the circumstances. So the observation you make should be regarded as a fact, a situation or a circumstance. But it is not the truth. Only God is truth. And only through Jesus is truth even possible. But I digress, so back to the point.
Why is the world such a mess, and why has it always been such a mess - even in Biblical times? National and local government leaders do not seek God, serve God, follow God, submit to God or look for God's ways. They do not call their people to repentance or call them to serve the Lord. Consequently, their countries, states, counties, cities, etc. are tormented by conflicts of all sorts (including outright war). Many people follow the false gods of politics, technology, money, and even war (believing that military might represents strength or increases the odds of victory in conflicts). In fact, true worship of God is actually pretty rare on earth. It always has been.
Could this mess ever change? Only if people turn to God. Otherwise, we're destined to continue this thousands-of-years-old pattern of living.
It seems like the world is just full of bad news. Everywhere we turn we not only hear about natural disasters and wars, but politics and government leaders seem to be disasters in themselves. And it's not only our country. What should we make of this? I mean, what could explain this apparent truth?
Lu Ann P. - Temple, TX
Dear Lu Ann,
The world today isn't really much different than it has ever been. Even back in Biblical times, for example, the same kinds of problems were evident. One might conclude that man is too stupid ... or too imperfect to rule himself. That's probably the closest thing to the truth.
Truth, by the way, is not represented in the circumstances. So the observation you make should be regarded as a fact, a situation or a circumstance. But it is not the truth. Only God is truth. And only through Jesus is truth even possible. But I digress, so back to the point.
Why is the world such a mess, and why has it always been such a mess - even in Biblical times? National and local government leaders do not seek God, serve God, follow God, submit to God or look for God's ways. They do not call their people to repentance or call them to serve the Lord. Consequently, their countries, states, counties, cities, etc. are tormented by conflicts of all sorts (including outright war). Many people follow the false gods of politics, technology, money, and even war (believing that military might represents strength or increases the odds of victory in conflicts). In fact, true worship of God is actually pretty rare on earth. It always has been.
Could this mess ever change? Only if people turn to God. Otherwise, we're destined to continue this thousands-of-years-old pattern of living.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Littering
Dear Victorious,
My sister has a saying that true Christians don't litter. I say it doesn't matter. Who's right?
Virginia T. - Navarre, OH
Dear Virginia,
Your sister is right. While the Bible does tell man to take dominion over all the earth, there are several Biblical principles and standards that tell us not to be foolish about that. Being a good steward, for example, of the resources that God gives us, is a strong Biblical principle that all Christians should follow.
Another Biblical principle that would guide things like littering would be the concept of loving your neighbor as yourself. When we litter or pollute, we spoil the land for others. Those "others" include future generations for example. So if we squander resources God has given us now, that's not a very loving thing for our future neighbors.
Finally, you may be surprised to know that there are places in Scripture that tell us not to litter. Numbers 35:33 tells us, "Do not pollute the land where you are .... Do not defile the land where you live ..." While this contextually speaking wasn't addressing the modern day concept of litter or pollution, the intent is the same. We are to consider the land where we live as a blessing from God and to regard it that way.
My sister has a saying that true Christians don't litter. I say it doesn't matter. Who's right?
Virginia T. - Navarre, OH
Dear Virginia,
Your sister is right. While the Bible does tell man to take dominion over all the earth, there are several Biblical principles and standards that tell us not to be foolish about that. Being a good steward, for example, of the resources that God gives us, is a strong Biblical principle that all Christians should follow.
Another Biblical principle that would guide things like littering would be the concept of loving your neighbor as yourself. When we litter or pollute, we spoil the land for others. Those "others" include future generations for example. So if we squander resources God has given us now, that's not a very loving thing for our future neighbors.
Finally, you may be surprised to know that there are places in Scripture that tell us not to litter. Numbers 35:33 tells us, "Do not pollute the land where you are .... Do not defile the land where you live ..." While this contextually speaking wasn't addressing the modern day concept of litter or pollution, the intent is the same. We are to consider the land where we live as a blessing from God and to regard it that way.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Unforgiveable Sin
Dear Victor,
Not too long ago, some asked you about the unforgivable sin. Where is that in the Bible? Even though I read your answer, I still don't understand. It seems like the unforgivable sin could be committed without one realizing they had committed it. But our pastors says not to worry - if you're worried about having committed it then you certainly didn't. That just confuses me more. Help!
Norman P. - Tulsa, OK
Dear Norman,
The Scripture passages you want to look at are probably Matthew 12:31-32 and Mark 3:22-30. Jesus said specifically in both passages that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is the sin which will not be forgiven.
Most of us might think of blasphemy as specifically saying things against the Holy Spirit. For example, cursing God might be considered blasphemy in our culture. However, if you look at the proper definition of the word (http://www.dictionary.com/) you'll find there are at least three accurate meanings of the word.
1. Speaking or acting against God and/or the things of God.
2. Assuming for oneself the rights or qualities of God.
3. Irreverent or disrespectful of God or the things of God.
So how then would someone blaspheme the Holy Spirit? Well, the Holy Spirit is God, so basically blaspheming the Holy Spirit is the same as blaspheming God. Now most people tend to think in the narrowest terms when it comes to sin. In other words, if there is an unforgivable sin, we want to define it as narrowly as possible ... to minimize the chances that we could be guilty of it.
But let's assume, for the sake of argument, that I love the Lord, worship Him and am proud to call myself a Christian. It's not likely that I'd fit that first definition of blasphemy above. But, there are many people walking around today - calling themselves Christians, who should probably consider whether they're guilty of blasphemy in the other definitions, especially the latter one.
Consider, for example, that the Holy Spirit tells you to do something. You heard it. You knew it was Him. And you didn't do it. That would be blatant disobedience on your part. Might it not also be blasphemy - disregarding what the Holy Spirit told you? I know, you're probably saying, "Well I had my reasons!" The only question is whether or not God would agree with your reasons for disobeying Him. If He does, then you're off the hook. If He doesn't, then that may be quite another matter entirely!
The thing is, I don't know if you or I have committed the unpardonable sin or not. But I need to take a sobering look at the definition of that sin, and consider all the possible ways that I could commit it. I obviously don't blatantly speak against God. And I clearly don't claim to be God or deny that there is God. But if I have an improper regard for God and His ways, than am I really any better than any other who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit?
Not too long ago, some asked you about the unforgivable sin. Where is that in the Bible? Even though I read your answer, I still don't understand. It seems like the unforgivable sin could be committed without one realizing they had committed it. But our pastors says not to worry - if you're worried about having committed it then you certainly didn't. That just confuses me more. Help!
Norman P. - Tulsa, OK
Dear Norman,
The Scripture passages you want to look at are probably Matthew 12:31-32 and Mark 3:22-30. Jesus said specifically in both passages that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is the sin which will not be forgiven.
Most of us might think of blasphemy as specifically saying things against the Holy Spirit. For example, cursing God might be considered blasphemy in our culture. However, if you look at the proper definition of the word (http://www.dictionary.com/) you'll find there are at least three accurate meanings of the word.
1. Speaking or acting against God and/or the things of God.
2. Assuming for oneself the rights or qualities of God.
3. Irreverent or disrespectful of God or the things of God.
So how then would someone blaspheme the Holy Spirit? Well, the Holy Spirit is God, so basically blaspheming the Holy Spirit is the same as blaspheming God. Now most people tend to think in the narrowest terms when it comes to sin. In other words, if there is an unforgivable sin, we want to define it as narrowly as possible ... to minimize the chances that we could be guilty of it.
But let's assume, for the sake of argument, that I love the Lord, worship Him and am proud to call myself a Christian. It's not likely that I'd fit that first definition of blasphemy above. But, there are many people walking around today - calling themselves Christians, who should probably consider whether they're guilty of blasphemy in the other definitions, especially the latter one.
Consider, for example, that the Holy Spirit tells you to do something. You heard it. You knew it was Him. And you didn't do it. That would be blatant disobedience on your part. Might it not also be blasphemy - disregarding what the Holy Spirit told you? I know, you're probably saying, "Well I had my reasons!" The only question is whether or not God would agree with your reasons for disobeying Him. If He does, then you're off the hook. If He doesn't, then that may be quite another matter entirely!
The thing is, I don't know if you or I have committed the unpardonable sin or not. But I need to take a sobering look at the definition of that sin, and consider all the possible ways that I could commit it. I obviously don't blatantly speak against God. And I clearly don't claim to be God or deny that there is God. But if I have an improper regard for God and His ways, than am I really any better than any other who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit?
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Wedding Invitations
Dear Victorious,
Do I have to invite people to an event even if I don't want to? My fiance and I are planning my wedding, and my mother is pushing us to invite relatives that I'm not particularly close to. Some of them, to be honest, are rather annoying and I wouldn't enjoy having them at my wedding. To coin a phrase that you use, what's "the right criteria for making this decision?"
Krystle P. - Post, TX
Dear Krystle,
The Bible says that we are to love others the way we would want to be loved. We are to forgive people who offend us time and time again. We are to offer grace to others for their shortcomings and faults. We are to do whatever we can to ensure that our relationships are always fully reconciled.
Certainly you could meet all of those mandates for Christians and still not invite all of your relatives to your wedding. However, if you've excluded anyone for reasons such as these, then excluding them would be clearly wrong -- and indication of a sinful attitude in your heart.
My advice would be to define the criteria for your guest list before you develop it or without considering the names of who would be on it. For example, you might limit it to 100 people. Or you might exclude children. Or you only include immediate family members. You can not, under any circumstances, invite all the cousins, for example, except the one with whom you have an unresolved difference or who has an annoying spouse.
The proverbial high road can be taken here without compromising the quality of the event too. You set boundaries for the guests, and be prepared to enforce those boundaries. For example, if Uncle Frank is a "sloppy drunk," you limit all the guests to a certain number of drinks, or instruct the bar tender to cut off anyone who exhibits any sign of having had too much to drink. You can let Uncle Frank know in advance that to help him avoid getting drunk and making a nuisance of himself, your bartender will be instructed to use his discretion and your brother will be keeping an eye out for any unbecoming behaviors. Then Uncle Frank can decide if he wants to submit to your boundaries and attend your wedding. (But you still invite Uncle Frank.)
Do I have to invite people to an event even if I don't want to? My fiance and I are planning my wedding, and my mother is pushing us to invite relatives that I'm not particularly close to. Some of them, to be honest, are rather annoying and I wouldn't enjoy having them at my wedding. To coin a phrase that you use, what's "the right criteria for making this decision?"
Krystle P. - Post, TX
Dear Krystle,
The Bible says that we are to love others the way we would want to be loved. We are to forgive people who offend us time and time again. We are to offer grace to others for their shortcomings and faults. We are to do whatever we can to ensure that our relationships are always fully reconciled.
Certainly you could meet all of those mandates for Christians and still not invite all of your relatives to your wedding. However, if you've excluded anyone for reasons such as these, then excluding them would be clearly wrong -- and indication of a sinful attitude in your heart.
My advice would be to define the criteria for your guest list before you develop it or without considering the names of who would be on it. For example, you might limit it to 100 people. Or you might exclude children. Or you only include immediate family members. You can not, under any circumstances, invite all the cousins, for example, except the one with whom you have an unresolved difference or who has an annoying spouse.
The proverbial high road can be taken here without compromising the quality of the event too. You set boundaries for the guests, and be prepared to enforce those boundaries. For example, if Uncle Frank is a "sloppy drunk," you limit all the guests to a certain number of drinks, or instruct the bar tender to cut off anyone who exhibits any sign of having had too much to drink. You can let Uncle Frank know in advance that to help him avoid getting drunk and making a nuisance of himself, your bartender will be instructed to use his discretion and your brother will be keeping an eye out for any unbecoming behaviors. Then Uncle Frank can decide if he wants to submit to your boundaries and attend your wedding. (But you still invite Uncle Frank.)
Monday, July 26, 2010
Unhappy Christians
Dear Victorious,
I've always thought that Christians are supposed to be happy people. Christ is supposed to make life full and complete and all that. But I see many unhappy Christians, who complain and seem so negative. How could this be? What should we make of such unhappiness amongst Christians?
Oliver W. - Durango, CO
Dear Oliver,
There may be several explanations - including the possibility that the people whom you observe are not really following Christ. But assuming that they are truly Christians, the best way to understand the dilemma is to compare modern day Christians to the Israelites in the Old Testament. We are His people today, just as the Israelites were His people back then. And it is often easier to understand ourselves be looking at the Israelites.
The Israelites were unhappy and miserable ... after God rescued them from Egyptian slavery and was taking them to the promised land. Psalm 78 sums up the key causes of the Israelites' grumbling and complaining and general unhappiness. Those were as follows:
1. Their spirits were not faithful to God.
2. They refused to obey God's laws.
3. They forgot the miracles that God had done for them.
I believe the root cause of unhappiness, grumbling and complaining among today's Christians are most likely the same:
1. Their faith in God is not strong and probably not growing much.
2. They are not obedient, not submitted to God.
3. They are not mindful of how God has blessed them.
God regarded the Israelites unhappiness, grumbling and complaining as rebellious, disrespectful, disobedient and unrighteous. He considered it sinful and punished them by making them wander in the desert for 40 years!
We too should consider it sinful. Unhappy Christians are a sinful lot. They (we) should repent and focus on having more faith, being obedient, and being grateful. Those are the cures for unhappiness amongst Christians.
I've always thought that Christians are supposed to be happy people. Christ is supposed to make life full and complete and all that. But I see many unhappy Christians, who complain and seem so negative. How could this be? What should we make of such unhappiness amongst Christians?
Oliver W. - Durango, CO
Dear Oliver,
There may be several explanations - including the possibility that the people whom you observe are not really following Christ. But assuming that they are truly Christians, the best way to understand the dilemma is to compare modern day Christians to the Israelites in the Old Testament. We are His people today, just as the Israelites were His people back then. And it is often easier to understand ourselves be looking at the Israelites.
The Israelites were unhappy and miserable ... after God rescued them from Egyptian slavery and was taking them to the promised land. Psalm 78 sums up the key causes of the Israelites' grumbling and complaining and general unhappiness. Those were as follows:
1. Their spirits were not faithful to God.
2. They refused to obey God's laws.
3. They forgot the miracles that God had done for them.
I believe the root cause of unhappiness, grumbling and complaining among today's Christians are most likely the same:
1. Their faith in God is not strong and probably not growing much.
2. They are not obedient, not submitted to God.
3. They are not mindful of how God has blessed them.
God regarded the Israelites unhappiness, grumbling and complaining as rebellious, disrespectful, disobedient and unrighteous. He considered it sinful and punished them by making them wander in the desert for 40 years!
We too should consider it sinful. Unhappy Christians are a sinful lot. They (we) should repent and focus on having more faith, being obedient, and being grateful. Those are the cures for unhappiness amongst Christians.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Christian Conflict
Dear Victorious,
Would you say that conflict between Christians is inevitable? And if so, why?
Marmelle T. - Pontiac, MI
Dear Marmelle,
I suppose conflict between humans who aren't fully submitted to Jesus Christ is inevitable. Conflict is, in my opinion, caused by sin. God is the author of reconciliation. He is not the author of conflict. So if there is conflict, I look for the sin. Any human who isn't fully submitted to Jesus Christ is capable of sin, and therefore is likely to find themselves in the midst of conflict.
The sin that cause the conflict could be your sin, it could be my sin, it could be the sin of a third party - or any combination of these three. But sin will always be found at the source of the conflict. The objective then is to identify the source(s) of the sin that causes the conflict, call the culprits to repentance and find reconciliation in the conflict.
Is conflict more evident amongst Christians than it is amongst the general population? I don't think so. It is prevalent amongst people who are religious - but not amongst people who are fully submitted to Jesus Christ.
Would you say that conflict between Christians is inevitable? And if so, why?
Marmelle T. - Pontiac, MI
Dear Marmelle,
I suppose conflict between humans who aren't fully submitted to Jesus Christ is inevitable. Conflict is, in my opinion, caused by sin. God is the author of reconciliation. He is not the author of conflict. So if there is conflict, I look for the sin. Any human who isn't fully submitted to Jesus Christ is capable of sin, and therefore is likely to find themselves in the midst of conflict.
The sin that cause the conflict could be your sin, it could be my sin, it could be the sin of a third party - or any combination of these three. But sin will always be found at the source of the conflict. The objective then is to identify the source(s) of the sin that causes the conflict, call the culprits to repentance and find reconciliation in the conflict.
Is conflict more evident amongst Christians than it is amongst the general population? I don't think so. It is prevalent amongst people who are religious - but not amongst people who are fully submitted to Jesus Christ.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Hearing God
Dear Victor,
Why is that some people can hear a sermon or read the Bible and get one thing from it - while other people get something entirely different? It seems that people can both be exposed to God's Word but it has a vastly different impact on them. I don't understand this.
David C. - Plano, TX
Dear David,
There are two possible answers to your question.
First, in the case of reasonably mature believers, the Holy Spirit reveals different things to different people at different times - and uses the same Word of God to do so. For example, I may read a passage of Scripture today that I've read before, but see something new today that I didn't see there before. That's the work of the Holy Spirit.
Second, in Isaiah 6:9 God says there will be people who hear but don't understand. Then in Luke 8:11-15, Jesus tells the parable of the sower and the four (4) different types of soils. Using that parable, Jesus tells us that there are four (4) different kinds of people who hear God's Word:
1. "Path" people - who refuse to believe God's message even though they understand it.
2. "Rock" people - who believe the message, but never get around to doing anything about it (i.e., obeying it).
3. "Thorn patch" people - who are overcome with worries and materialism which leaves no room in their lives for God. (They're too distracted by life to actually live!)
4. "Good soil" people - who follow Jesus no matter what the cost, and produce real fruit ... exhibiting Christ with their lives, and reflecting the nature and character of Christ in who they are.
So this may all boil down to who is listening. In our first category of people who hear but don't understand, they haven't received the Holy Spirit and simply cannot understand. Then in our second category, we see that the four types of people are blessed with the Holy Spirit to help them understand - but allow other things to get in the way of their understanding.
It's been said that revelation requires a response (action). So when a new piece of understanding is given to me, I must do something with it. I need to change a belief, change a point of view, change an attitude, change some thinking and/or even change some behaviors and take some actions. Without this active response, the revelation has been wasted on me.
Why is that some people can hear a sermon or read the Bible and get one thing from it - while other people get something entirely different? It seems that people can both be exposed to God's Word but it has a vastly different impact on them. I don't understand this.
David C. - Plano, TX
Dear David,
There are two possible answers to your question.
First, in the case of reasonably mature believers, the Holy Spirit reveals different things to different people at different times - and uses the same Word of God to do so. For example, I may read a passage of Scripture today that I've read before, but see something new today that I didn't see there before. That's the work of the Holy Spirit.
Second, in Isaiah 6:9 God says there will be people who hear but don't understand. Then in Luke 8:11-15, Jesus tells the parable of the sower and the four (4) different types of soils. Using that parable, Jesus tells us that there are four (4) different kinds of people who hear God's Word:
1. "Path" people - who refuse to believe God's message even though they understand it.
2. "Rock" people - who believe the message, but never get around to doing anything about it (i.e., obeying it).
3. "Thorn patch" people - who are overcome with worries and materialism which leaves no room in their lives for God. (They're too distracted by life to actually live!)
4. "Good soil" people - who follow Jesus no matter what the cost, and produce real fruit ... exhibiting Christ with their lives, and reflecting the nature and character of Christ in who they are.
So this may all boil down to who is listening. In our first category of people who hear but don't understand, they haven't received the Holy Spirit and simply cannot understand. Then in our second category, we see that the four types of people are blessed with the Holy Spirit to help them understand - but allow other things to get in the way of their understanding.
It's been said that revelation requires a response (action). So when a new piece of understanding is given to me, I must do something with it. I need to change a belief, change a point of view, change an attitude, change some thinking and/or even change some behaviors and take some actions. Without this active response, the revelation has been wasted on me.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Sex Change Saved?
Dear Victorious,
I saw your response the other day about trans gendered people being confused or deceived. Are you saying that if someone has a sex change he or she isn't saved? What would you advise someone to do in that situation then?
Robert O. - Santa Fe, NM
Dear Robert,
No, I'm not saying that at all. Living a trans gendered life is sin. But God is willing to forgive sin.
Someone who is truly walking with Christ would never pursue a trans gendered lifestyle - including the surgery, hormone treatment and other aspects of it. The Christ in them simply wouldn't allow it.
Someone who has already pursued a trans gendered lifestyle and becomes a Christian afterward should simply do the same thing that other sinners do --- repent. He or she would repent of that sin, agree with God that it was wrong, and seek God's will regarding if or how it should be rectified.
(For someone who already pursued a trans gendered lifestyle and thought they were a Christian, or did not realize doing so would be inconsistent with Christianity, the advice about repentance would also apply.)
Depending on the situation, I imagine that it's entirely possible God would not require them to, for example, have surgery to reverse their gender. He may allow them to go on living in their new gender - and they would be as forgiven and saved as you and I are of our sins.
I would advise someone who is considering a sex change, or someone who has already changed their sex, to get on their knees, get in the Word and seek God's will. And I would love them enough to make that journey with them.
I saw your response the other day about trans gendered people being confused or deceived. Are you saying that if someone has a sex change he or she isn't saved? What would you advise someone to do in that situation then?
Robert O. - Santa Fe, NM
Dear Robert,
No, I'm not saying that at all. Living a trans gendered life is sin. But God is willing to forgive sin.
Someone who is truly walking with Christ would never pursue a trans gendered lifestyle - including the surgery, hormone treatment and other aspects of it. The Christ in them simply wouldn't allow it.
Someone who has already pursued a trans gendered lifestyle and becomes a Christian afterward should simply do the same thing that other sinners do --- repent. He or she would repent of that sin, agree with God that it was wrong, and seek God's will regarding if or how it should be rectified.
(For someone who already pursued a trans gendered lifestyle and thought they were a Christian, or did not realize doing so would be inconsistent with Christianity, the advice about repentance would also apply.)
Depending on the situation, I imagine that it's entirely possible God would not require them to, for example, have surgery to reverse their gender. He may allow them to go on living in their new gender - and they would be as forgiven and saved as you and I are of our sins.
I would advise someone who is considering a sex change, or someone who has already changed their sex, to get on their knees, get in the Word and seek God's will. And I would love them enough to make that journey with them.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Unbeliever's Death
Dear Victorious,
What do you do when someone dies who isn't a believer? I mean it's pretty obvious that they aren't going to heaven. But what can be said about that?
Eduardo R. - San Ramon, CA
Dear Eduardo,
What you do and what you say are two different things. What you think is another matter still. The Bible is clear that those who don't put their faith in Jesus Christ will spend eternity in hell. That is a sobering proposition.
It's tempting to think that a loving God wouldn't send anyone to hell ... especially someone whom everyone considers to be "basically a nice person." Of course nothing in that statement would be true. A loving God doesn't send anyone to hell. In fact, because He is so loving, He has drawn firm boundaries around good and evil. He calls us to repentance and offers to make us holy. And He refuses to tolerate sin and evil. This is what a loving God does.
Unfortunately, it is mankind that makes foolish choices. We spurn God's grace and mercy, instead choosing our own path, or the path of another. When someone dies without Jesus Christ, he or she has made an unfortunate choice. I suppose the best thing we can do with it is find an increased urgency to get the word out. We can renew our vigil of prayer for those who know the gospel but haven't declared Christ in their own lives (which would be most people in North America today).
When people in North America today die without Christ, it is not because they didn't have the chance. More than likely, they had all the information they needed to make an informed decision. That they did not is heart breaking. Let it spur us on to strengthen our own stand against evil and our own calling to make disciples and take the Good News to others.
There is an old prayer that says something like, "Let me find peace with the things I cannot change and discernment with the things I can." This would be a good prayer to be praying when someone has died without Christ. "God, this is painful and heart breaking. Give me strength to move through that pain. And give me a renewed passion for You and Your will in my life." That's my prayer.
What do you do when someone dies who isn't a believer? I mean it's pretty obvious that they aren't going to heaven. But what can be said about that?
Eduardo R. - San Ramon, CA
Dear Eduardo,
What you do and what you say are two different things. What you think is another matter still. The Bible is clear that those who don't put their faith in Jesus Christ will spend eternity in hell. That is a sobering proposition.
It's tempting to think that a loving God wouldn't send anyone to hell ... especially someone whom everyone considers to be "basically a nice person." Of course nothing in that statement would be true. A loving God doesn't send anyone to hell. In fact, because He is so loving, He has drawn firm boundaries around good and evil. He calls us to repentance and offers to make us holy. And He refuses to tolerate sin and evil. This is what a loving God does.
Unfortunately, it is mankind that makes foolish choices. We spurn God's grace and mercy, instead choosing our own path, or the path of another. When someone dies without Jesus Christ, he or she has made an unfortunate choice. I suppose the best thing we can do with it is find an increased urgency to get the word out. We can renew our vigil of prayer for those who know the gospel but haven't declared Christ in their own lives (which would be most people in North America today).
When people in North America today die without Christ, it is not because they didn't have the chance. More than likely, they had all the information they needed to make an informed decision. That they did not is heart breaking. Let it spur us on to strengthen our own stand against evil and our own calling to make disciples and take the Good News to others.
There is an old prayer that says something like, "Let me find peace with the things I cannot change and discernment with the things I can." This would be a good prayer to be praying when someone has died without Christ. "God, this is painful and heart breaking. Give me strength to move through that pain. And give me a renewed passion for You and Your will in my life." That's my prayer.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Sex Change
Dear Victorious,
Is having a sex change a sin? I see these people who are "trans gendered," who say they were a "man in a woman's body" or vice versa. This seems hard to believe. Yet the professionals and experts seem to acknowledge this as a natural phenomenon. Culturally it's as if we approach a change of someone's sex about the same way we might approach straightening their teeth. Is this appropriate?
Marva L. - South Bend, IN
Dear Marva,
Yes, I think having a sex change, or trying to live as the opposite sex would be sinful. We were created as spiritual beings, without a sexual assignment. The Bible says that God knew us even before we were formed in our mother's womb. (Jeremiah 1:5) After that, God sent us to have a human experience. At the start of that human experience, we were given a sexual assignment as well. So our sexuality is not "who we are." It is simply the role that God asks us to play during our human experience here on earth.
Physically, all embryo start out female. It is during formation in the mother's womb that sexuality is determined. (This is why, for example, men have nipples.) But keep in mind that God knew us well before this time.
Biblically, it is not possible for someone to have been born "a man in a woman's body" or vice versa. The person who says such a thing is clearly confused and deceived. We should love them enough to lead them to a better conclusion about who they are.
Is having a sex change a sin? I see these people who are "trans gendered," who say they were a "man in a woman's body" or vice versa. This seems hard to believe. Yet the professionals and experts seem to acknowledge this as a natural phenomenon. Culturally it's as if we approach a change of someone's sex about the same way we might approach straightening their teeth. Is this appropriate?
Marva L. - South Bend, IN
Dear Marva,
Yes, I think having a sex change, or trying to live as the opposite sex would be sinful. We were created as spiritual beings, without a sexual assignment. The Bible says that God knew us even before we were formed in our mother's womb. (Jeremiah 1:5) After that, God sent us to have a human experience. At the start of that human experience, we were given a sexual assignment as well. So our sexuality is not "who we are." It is simply the role that God asks us to play during our human experience here on earth.
Physically, all embryo start out female. It is during formation in the mother's womb that sexuality is determined. (This is why, for example, men have nipples.) But keep in mind that God knew us well before this time.
Biblically, it is not possible for someone to have been born "a man in a woman's body" or vice versa. The person who says such a thing is clearly confused and deceived. We should love them enough to lead them to a better conclusion about who they are.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Always Right?
Dear Victorious,
You always seem to answer questions as if you think you're right. Are you always right? Do any of your answers ever get challenged and proven wrong? If so, why isn't that revealed on your blog?
Herman N. - Naperville, IL
Dear Herman,
I answer questions "as if" I'm right because I think people are writing to ask my opinion or my thinking on something. I'm not a Biblical scholar and don't possess any credentials that would position me as an authoritative expert. Yet people ask me their questions. You have to wonder why they are doing that!
My ignorance is vast. In fact the older I get the more aware of my own ignorance I become. But I work hard to get it right. I study my Bible, pray and read voraciously myself. Frankly, I think of myself as a truth-seeker, who always allows for the possibility that I could be wrong (about anything).
The strongest opposition I've had from anyone who was serious came in the form of accusations such as, "You always think you're right." Unfortunately, the individuals making such accusations were not willing to show me where I might be wrong.
More often than not, I am right. Some people - perhaps you among them - just don't like that fact. But let's face it, if I'm right, it's not because I'm so smart or know it all. It's because I've sought God's truth and He's graciously allowed me to have that truth.
I pray regularly that God will let me see things with His eyes, hear things with His ears and even think about things with His mind and His perspective. I also specifically ask God to show me the truth about things, reveal Himself to me, let me see things His way, etc. Those are prayers that I think He is happy to answer.
So no, I'm not always right. And even when I am, God gets the credit for that.
You always seem to answer questions as if you think you're right. Are you always right? Do any of your answers ever get challenged and proven wrong? If so, why isn't that revealed on your blog?
Herman N. - Naperville, IL
Dear Herman,
I answer questions "as if" I'm right because I think people are writing to ask my opinion or my thinking on something. I'm not a Biblical scholar and don't possess any credentials that would position me as an authoritative expert. Yet people ask me their questions. You have to wonder why they are doing that!
My ignorance is vast. In fact the older I get the more aware of my own ignorance I become. But I work hard to get it right. I study my Bible, pray and read voraciously myself. Frankly, I think of myself as a truth-seeker, who always allows for the possibility that I could be wrong (about anything).
The strongest opposition I've had from anyone who was serious came in the form of accusations such as, "You always think you're right." Unfortunately, the individuals making such accusations were not willing to show me where I might be wrong.
More often than not, I am right. Some people - perhaps you among them - just don't like that fact. But let's face it, if I'm right, it's not because I'm so smart or know it all. It's because I've sought God's truth and He's graciously allowed me to have that truth.
I pray regularly that God will let me see things with His eyes, hear things with His ears and even think about things with His mind and His perspective. I also specifically ask God to show me the truth about things, reveal Himself to me, let me see things His way, etc. Those are prayers that I think He is happy to answer.
So no, I'm not always right. And even when I am, God gets the credit for that.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Religion Addiction
Dear Victorious,
Can you become addicted to religion? If so, what would be the signs?
Frank Z. - Marina del Rey, CA
Dear Frank,
Yes, I think people can become addicted to religion. Addiction is defined as "the condition of being habitually or compulsively occupied with or or involved in something." (http://www.dictionary.com/) The same source also says that addiction can be described as "the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice ..."
Note the word enslaved in this definition. Someone might be addicted to religion when it takes more than it gives in terms of personal peace and serenity. Or they might be addicted when they compulsively operate out of fear or unnatural obsession. An example might be someone who must be at the church every time the doors are open, no matter what's going on. Or it might be someone who can't have a conversation about anything else - their religion is their entire world and whole life.
To be clear, God is to be first priority in our life and please Him is to be our highest focus. But God is not religion. The two are quite different. I would consider an obsession with God to be a core strength of Christ-followers. It portends a close, intimate relationship with God. But an unhealthy obsession with religion is not of God. In fact, it distracts from that close, intimate relationship with God that we're all called to.
Can you become addicted to religion? If so, what would be the signs?
Frank Z. - Marina del Rey, CA
Dear Frank,
Yes, I think people can become addicted to religion. Addiction is defined as "the condition of being habitually or compulsively occupied with or or involved in something." (http://www.dictionary.com/) The same source also says that addiction can be described as "the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice ..."
Note the word enslaved in this definition. Someone might be addicted to religion when it takes more than it gives in terms of personal peace and serenity. Or they might be addicted when they compulsively operate out of fear or unnatural obsession. An example might be someone who must be at the church every time the doors are open, no matter what's going on. Or it might be someone who can't have a conversation about anything else - their religion is their entire world and whole life.
To be clear, God is to be first priority in our life and please Him is to be our highest focus. But God is not religion. The two are quite different. I would consider an obsession with God to be a core strength of Christ-followers. It portends a close, intimate relationship with God. But an unhealthy obsession with religion is not of God. In fact, it distracts from that close, intimate relationship with God that we're all called to.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Evil Cell Phones?
Dear Victorious,
My uncle is insane and insists that cell phones (and even a Blackberry) are "the work of the devil." He refuses to use one and judges those of us who do. He's a very religious man and tends to see everything in religious terms. How can we convince him of how ridiculous he's being?
Tamara A. - Allen, TX
Dear Tamara,
It's pretty unlikely that your uncle is truly insane. Perhaps your exasperation with him is causing you to jump to some ridiculous conclusions. Are you sure you've listened to him and tried to understand his perspective? You can't really convince someone that they're wrong until you've shown them that you care most about truth ... versus being right or having things your way.
For the record, there is nothing Biblical to support a position that cell phones are evil. However, most inventions of mankind that were intended for good have also been detrimental. (Consider how many people are killed in automobile accidents.) Whenever anything is not used properly, overused or even just allowed to have the wrong role in our lives - it can be an instrument for evil.
Cell phones may be a great invention and they may help people accomplish all kinds of good things. But at the same time, they disrupt important conversations, distract from important activities (i.e., driving) and of course are used for devious activities (like making prank calls or accessing pornography). While it may seem ridiculous to categorize them as "instruments of evil," one could hardly broad brush them as being instruments of righteousness either!
Why don't you find out your uncle's concerns about cell phones, consider whether those concerns have any legitimacy and respond accordingly. Perhaps God is using your uncle to speak truth into your life. If so, will you be found listening?
My uncle is insane and insists that cell phones (and even a Blackberry) are "the work of the devil." He refuses to use one and judges those of us who do. He's a very religious man and tends to see everything in religious terms. How can we convince him of how ridiculous he's being?
Tamara A. - Allen, TX
Dear Tamara,
It's pretty unlikely that your uncle is truly insane. Perhaps your exasperation with him is causing you to jump to some ridiculous conclusions. Are you sure you've listened to him and tried to understand his perspective? You can't really convince someone that they're wrong until you've shown them that you care most about truth ... versus being right or having things your way.
For the record, there is nothing Biblical to support a position that cell phones are evil. However, most inventions of mankind that were intended for good have also been detrimental. (Consider how many people are killed in automobile accidents.) Whenever anything is not used properly, overused or even just allowed to have the wrong role in our lives - it can be an instrument for evil.
Cell phones may be a great invention and they may help people accomplish all kinds of good things. But at the same time, they disrupt important conversations, distract from important activities (i.e., driving) and of course are used for devious activities (like making prank calls or accessing pornography). While it may seem ridiculous to categorize them as "instruments of evil," one could hardly broad brush them as being instruments of righteousness either!
Why don't you find out your uncle's concerns about cell phones, consider whether those concerns have any legitimacy and respond accordingly. Perhaps God is using your uncle to speak truth into your life. If so, will you be found listening?
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Questioning God
Dear Victorious,
In the Old Testament book of Numbers, Aaron and Miriam (Moses' sister) get into trouble with God because they questioned Moses' relationship with God. Frankly, it doesn't seem to cast God in a very good light, because he lashes out at them and ends up punishing Miriam worse than He punished Aaron. Doesn't this suggest that questioning God or evaluating someone's relationship with God would be off limits?
R.K. - Plattenville, LA
Dear R.K.
No, God was not angered because Aaron and Miriam asked a question. Rather He was angered because of their motives. They weren't truly seeking to understand the truth. Rather they were jealous of Moses' influence and authority and perhaps even had a rebellious line of thinking towards the directions Moses was giving. The attitude was the sin. The action (of asking the question) was not.
This story in the 12th chapter of Numbers has often troubled even the best of Christians. There is speculation as to why Miriam was punished with leprosy and why Aaron was not. Some suggest that it was a sexist thing for God to do. I don't believe that's who God is though. We need to look for an answer that better aligns with the nature and character of God.
It would appear to me that Miriam was punished more severely because her sin was more severe. She was, after all, Moses' sister. She would have been in a position, for example, to know that he was - as God called him - "the most humble man on the face of the earth." God can read the condition of our hearts, and most likely He saw that Miriam's jealousy was greater than Aaron's.
Consider how this story might have turned out if Miriam and Aaron had gone to God in prayer and said something like, "Lord, we are starting to have difficulty following Moses and his directives. We confess that we are feeling jealous of his authority and influence, and starting to resentment the power he wields over us. Would you forgive us of those sinful thoughts and feelings? Father, if it would please you, give us right hearts and minds about Moses and his leadership. Show us how You want us to respond to Moses. Frankly, his relationship with You seems so incredible and so far superior to anyone else's that we have trouble believing it. If it's real, then please help our unbelief."
Knowing God the way I do, I'm confident He would have responded to such a prayer with sincere grace and mercy. He would have had compassion on Aaron and Miriam and would rewarded their repentance from sinful thoughts and attitudes, as well as their contrite hearts and sincere desire to find and follow God's will.
The fact of the matter is that we may never know for sure why God did or didn't do something. But we always have the revealed nature and character of God to guide our thinking. When we put our faith in that, then stories that appear to have troubling circumstances don't rattle us. Rather they give us confidence in God's divine wisdom, mercy and grace. (Note that Miriam's leprosy was healed just seven days later!)
In the Old Testament book of Numbers, Aaron and Miriam (Moses' sister) get into trouble with God because they questioned Moses' relationship with God. Frankly, it doesn't seem to cast God in a very good light, because he lashes out at them and ends up punishing Miriam worse than He punished Aaron. Doesn't this suggest that questioning God or evaluating someone's relationship with God would be off limits?
R.K. - Plattenville, LA
Dear R.K.
No, God was not angered because Aaron and Miriam asked a question. Rather He was angered because of their motives. They weren't truly seeking to understand the truth. Rather they were jealous of Moses' influence and authority and perhaps even had a rebellious line of thinking towards the directions Moses was giving. The attitude was the sin. The action (of asking the question) was not.
This story in the 12th chapter of Numbers has often troubled even the best of Christians. There is speculation as to why Miriam was punished with leprosy and why Aaron was not. Some suggest that it was a sexist thing for God to do. I don't believe that's who God is though. We need to look for an answer that better aligns with the nature and character of God.
It would appear to me that Miriam was punished more severely because her sin was more severe. She was, after all, Moses' sister. She would have been in a position, for example, to know that he was - as God called him - "the most humble man on the face of the earth." God can read the condition of our hearts, and most likely He saw that Miriam's jealousy was greater than Aaron's.
Consider how this story might have turned out if Miriam and Aaron had gone to God in prayer and said something like, "Lord, we are starting to have difficulty following Moses and his directives. We confess that we are feeling jealous of his authority and influence, and starting to resentment the power he wields over us. Would you forgive us of those sinful thoughts and feelings? Father, if it would please you, give us right hearts and minds about Moses and his leadership. Show us how You want us to respond to Moses. Frankly, his relationship with You seems so incredible and so far superior to anyone else's that we have trouble believing it. If it's real, then please help our unbelief."
Knowing God the way I do, I'm confident He would have responded to such a prayer with sincere grace and mercy. He would have had compassion on Aaron and Miriam and would rewarded their repentance from sinful thoughts and attitudes, as well as their contrite hearts and sincere desire to find and follow God's will.
The fact of the matter is that we may never know for sure why God did or didn't do something. But we always have the revealed nature and character of God to guide our thinking. When we put our faith in that, then stories that appear to have troubling circumstances don't rattle us. Rather they give us confidence in God's divine wisdom, mercy and grace. (Note that Miriam's leprosy was healed just seven days later!)
Friday, July 16, 2010
Ministry Calling
Dear Victorious,
How do you know if God is calling you to be a preacher?
Earnest L. - Lagos, Nigeria
Dear Earnest,
That's a big question. The simplest answer would be when you can't do anything else. And I'm serious about that. You should only consider being a preacher if you can't imagine yourself doing anything else. Beyond that, look at Biblical criteria for spiritual leaders in 1 Timothy 3. It gives you a good sound basis for evaluating your readiness for such a post.
Of course prayer and the counsel of other mature Christians would be necessary before you make a decision about being a full-time preacher. Does it line up with your giftedness? Do the people who know you and love you see that calling in you? Do they agree that you meet the spiritual qualifications?
Here is a link from one of my favorite web sites that gives you much more detail about the qualifications for being a preacher (or any other type of spiritual leader in a church).
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/IVP-NT/1Tim/Leadership-Qualifications
How do you know if God is calling you to be a preacher?
Earnest L. - Lagos, Nigeria
Dear Earnest,
That's a big question. The simplest answer would be when you can't do anything else. And I'm serious about that. You should only consider being a preacher if you can't imagine yourself doing anything else. Beyond that, look at Biblical criteria for spiritual leaders in 1 Timothy 3. It gives you a good sound basis for evaluating your readiness for such a post.
Of course prayer and the counsel of other mature Christians would be necessary before you make a decision about being a full-time preacher. Does it line up with your giftedness? Do the people who know you and love you see that calling in you? Do they agree that you meet the spiritual qualifications?
Here is a link from one of my favorite web sites that gives you much more detail about the qualifications for being a preacher (or any other type of spiritual leader in a church).
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/IVP-NT/1Tim/Leadership-Qualifications
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Pets in Heaven
Dear Victorious,
I'm sure you've probably addressed this before, but do pets go to heaven? I'm having an argument with my sister-in-law about this and neither of us can find anything in Scripture that says one way or the other.
Nancy V. - Covington, KY
Dear Nancy,
I don't think you'll find this in Scripture directly. Often Scripture doesn't answer our specific questions directly. Rather we have to look at the context of God's truth ... which will cover all questions we may have in life.
The context to look for is to see who - or what - does get into heaven. The Bible gives no lists though. Rather it explains in Genesis that we are created in God's image --- as spiritual beings. And we are the only part of creation that was made this way. So the conclusion is that only spiritual beings get into heaven. And humans are the only spiritual beings that have been created. So because they are not spiritual beings, pets and other animals do not go to heaven.
I'm sure you've probably addressed this before, but do pets go to heaven? I'm having an argument with my sister-in-law about this and neither of us can find anything in Scripture that says one way or the other.
Nancy V. - Covington, KY
Dear Nancy,
I don't think you'll find this in Scripture directly. Often Scripture doesn't answer our specific questions directly. Rather we have to look at the context of God's truth ... which will cover all questions we may have in life.
The context to look for is to see who - or what - does get into heaven. The Bible gives no lists though. Rather it explains in Genesis that we are created in God's image --- as spiritual beings. And we are the only part of creation that was made this way. So the conclusion is that only spiritual beings get into heaven. And humans are the only spiritual beings that have been created. So because they are not spiritual beings, pets and other animals do not go to heaven.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Old Testament
Dear Victorious,
I heard a preacher on the radio recently, talking about homosexuality. The Bible verses he was quoting were in the Old Testament. He quoted them as if they were still valid. Doesn't the new covenant that Jesus gave us mean we can pretty much disregard the laws of the Old Testament? Isn't the New Testament where our focus should be?
Angela R. - Richardson, TX
Dear Angela,
No, the New Testament is not "where our focus should be." Our focus should be on what God's perfect will is. And that is expressed in both the Old and New Testament. It is often thought that the Old Testament is irrelevant because so many of the things like animal sacrifices or killing our disobedient children no longer apply.
However, if we look at the facts, the only thing Jesus changed with the new covenant is the punishment and payment for sin --- which is how we relate to God from whom we are separated from sin.
Animal sacrifices were to atone for sin and to reconcile us to God. Jesus took the place as the perfect sacrifice. And because Jesus is the perfect sacrifice - which makes us holy and acceptable to God, the things that make us unclean in the Old Testament are no longer applicable. Thus we gained the freedom to eat whatever we want, touch a menstruating women or a dead body, etc.
Virtually all of God's other laws are still applicable from the Old Testament. Consider that Jesus said in Matthew 5:17-18, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished."
Study the differences between the Old and New Testaments. Other than the change in the sacrifice and the things that make us unclean and unpresentable to God, absolutely nothing else has changed. Even the New Testament tells us that nothing has changed. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness ..." (2 Timothy 3:16) That includes both the Old and the New Testament.
I heard a preacher on the radio recently, talking about homosexuality. The Bible verses he was quoting were in the Old Testament. He quoted them as if they were still valid. Doesn't the new covenant that Jesus gave us mean we can pretty much disregard the laws of the Old Testament? Isn't the New Testament where our focus should be?
Angela R. - Richardson, TX
Dear Angela,
No, the New Testament is not "where our focus should be." Our focus should be on what God's perfect will is. And that is expressed in both the Old and New Testament. It is often thought that the Old Testament is irrelevant because so many of the things like animal sacrifices or killing our disobedient children no longer apply.
However, if we look at the facts, the only thing Jesus changed with the new covenant is the punishment and payment for sin --- which is how we relate to God from whom we are separated from sin.
Animal sacrifices were to atone for sin and to reconcile us to God. Jesus took the place as the perfect sacrifice. And because Jesus is the perfect sacrifice - which makes us holy and acceptable to God, the things that make us unclean in the Old Testament are no longer applicable. Thus we gained the freedom to eat whatever we want, touch a menstruating women or a dead body, etc.
Virtually all of God's other laws are still applicable from the Old Testament. Consider that Jesus said in Matthew 5:17-18, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished."
Study the differences between the Old and New Testaments. Other than the change in the sacrifice and the things that make us unclean and unpresentable to God, absolutely nothing else has changed. Even the New Testament tells us that nothing has changed. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness ..." (2 Timothy 3:16) That includes both the Old and the New Testament.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Radical Islam
Dear Victorious,
Doesn't radical Islam make all of Islam evil? How can the world ever find peace with Islam?
Chantel R. - Calgary (Canada)
Dear Chantel,
Not any more than perversions of other faiths make them evil. At its core, Islam is simply a misguided attempt to find God. It is like Judaism and other religions in that regard. They both worship a God who simply doesn't exist. They've taken some dimensions of God and decided that's who He is.
God is revealed in Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Spirit. This Trinity, including the Messiah who arrived hundreds of years ago, is the complete revelation of God. Those who worship other forms of this same God are simply misguided. They are sincere --- but wrong. Like religions who worship completely false gods (i.e., Hindu, Buddhist), radical views can pervert even the most righteous of principles.
It is interesting that in the history of the world, the majority of the wars have been fought over religion. And yet most religions hold peace as a core tenet. You have to ask yourself what's up with that. How can a peaceful tenet result in a bloody war?
At it's core, Islam calls its followers to "annihilate the infidels." In other words, it encourages its followers to kill those who don't follow Islam. The radical fundamentalists are simply implementing what they believe to be the truth. Perhaps the question is what the rest of those who purport to follow Islam believe about these mandates from their own holy book.
My guess is we will never find peace with Islam - radical or not - until Islam finds peace with itself.
Doesn't radical Islam make all of Islam evil? How can the world ever find peace with Islam?
Chantel R. - Calgary (Canada)
Dear Chantel,
Not any more than perversions of other faiths make them evil. At its core, Islam is simply a misguided attempt to find God. It is like Judaism and other religions in that regard. They both worship a God who simply doesn't exist. They've taken some dimensions of God and decided that's who He is.
God is revealed in Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Spirit. This Trinity, including the Messiah who arrived hundreds of years ago, is the complete revelation of God. Those who worship other forms of this same God are simply misguided. They are sincere --- but wrong. Like religions who worship completely false gods (i.e., Hindu, Buddhist), radical views can pervert even the most righteous of principles.
It is interesting that in the history of the world, the majority of the wars have been fought over religion. And yet most religions hold peace as a core tenet. You have to ask yourself what's up with that. How can a peaceful tenet result in a bloody war?
At it's core, Islam calls its followers to "annihilate the infidels." In other words, it encourages its followers to kill those who don't follow Islam. The radical fundamentalists are simply implementing what they believe to be the truth. Perhaps the question is what the rest of those who purport to follow Islam believe about these mandates from their own holy book.
My guess is we will never find peace with Islam - radical or not - until Islam finds peace with itself.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Miley Cyrus
Dear Victorious,
Do you think Miley Cyrus is a Christian? I love her music but my Mom says I shouldn't be listening to her because she's not a true Christian.
Kimberly E. - Evansville, IN
Dear Kimberly,
I believe Miley Cyrus has been public about her profession of faith - indicating that she considers herself a Christian. However, many mature Christians would question her faith because many of her actions and words lack the fruit of a true Christian. Put another way, true Christ-followers tend to exhibit modesty, respect, and adhere to standards of behavior that are lacking in Miley Cyrus' public persona.
Philippians 4:8 tells us to focus on things that are "excellent and worthy of praise." I believe that Miley Cyrus, as well as a number of other popular entertainers in our culture, would fall short of that criteria. So I recommend you listen to your mother and apply more discernment to your likes.
Do you think Miley Cyrus is a Christian? I love her music but my Mom says I shouldn't be listening to her because she's not a true Christian.
Kimberly E. - Evansville, IN
Dear Kimberly,
I believe Miley Cyrus has been public about her profession of faith - indicating that she considers herself a Christian. However, many mature Christians would question her faith because many of her actions and words lack the fruit of a true Christian. Put another way, true Christ-followers tend to exhibit modesty, respect, and adhere to standards of behavior that are lacking in Miley Cyrus' public persona.
Philippians 4:8 tells us to focus on things that are "excellent and worthy of praise." I believe that Miley Cyrus, as well as a number of other popular entertainers in our culture, would fall short of that criteria. So I recommend you listen to your mother and apply more discernment to your likes.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Attending Church
Dear Victorious,
Do you have to go to church to be a Christian?
Tyler B. - Livonia, MI
Dear Tyler,
No. However, if you are a Christian, you will go to church. The Bible says that Christians are "not to neglect our meetings with other believers." Moreover, Christians are commanded to be in community with one another, rebuke one another, confess our sins to one another, pray for each other, bear one another's burdens, and so forth.
It would be impossible to do these things without the benefit of being committed to a specific community of other Christian believers with the same agenda. Going to church doesn't make you a Christian. But not going to church could be a very good indication that your faith isn't genuine.
Do you have to go to church to be a Christian?
Tyler B. - Livonia, MI
Dear Tyler,
No. However, if you are a Christian, you will go to church. The Bible says that Christians are "not to neglect our meetings with other believers." Moreover, Christians are commanded to be in community with one another, rebuke one another, confess our sins to one another, pray for each other, bear one another's burdens, and so forth.
It would be impossible to do these things without the benefit of being committed to a specific community of other Christian believers with the same agenda. Going to church doesn't make you a Christian. But not going to church could be a very good indication that your faith isn't genuine.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Name the Baby
Dear Victorious,
We are expecting our first child this coming winter and are discussing possible names for the baby. Is there any Biblical guideline for naming one's child?
Deenan P. - Colorado Springs, CO
Dear Deenan,
No, there are not. However, there are plenty of Scriptures that give us guidelines which in general should guide our parenting --- and that would include the naming of the child. Ephesians 6:4 and Colossians 3:21 both tell us that we are not to "exasperate" or "embitter" our children that they might become discouraged. There are also several passages of Scripture that tell us we are to love one another as we would want to be loved (i.e., Mark 12:31).
So I wouldn't choose a name that would be hard to pronounce, might be embarrassing, might elicit taunts from other children, is stupid, etc. I would also not give a child a name that I wouldn't want to carry myself.
There is also Scripture that calls God's people to be holy, not have false idols, avoid godlessness, etc. So I wouldn't give a child a profane name, a demonic name, or name my child after a celebrity or other "false god."
Beyond these guidelines, I think you'll find there are plenty of names for you to consider as suitable for your child.
We are expecting our first child this coming winter and are discussing possible names for the baby. Is there any Biblical guideline for naming one's child?
Deenan P. - Colorado Springs, CO
Dear Deenan,
No, there are not. However, there are plenty of Scriptures that give us guidelines which in general should guide our parenting --- and that would include the naming of the child. Ephesians 6:4 and Colossians 3:21 both tell us that we are not to "exasperate" or "embitter" our children that they might become discouraged. There are also several passages of Scripture that tell us we are to love one another as we would want to be loved (i.e., Mark 12:31).
So I wouldn't choose a name that would be hard to pronounce, might be embarrassing, might elicit taunts from other children, is stupid, etc. I would also not give a child a name that I wouldn't want to carry myself.
There is also Scripture that calls God's people to be holy, not have false idols, avoid godlessness, etc. So I wouldn't give a child a profane name, a demonic name, or name my child after a celebrity or other "false god."
Beyond these guidelines, I think you'll find there are plenty of names for you to consider as suitable for your child.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Sexless Marriage
Dear Victorious,
Can you have a legitimate Christian marriage without sex?
Andrea M. - Munroe Falls, OH
Dear Andrea,
Yes. Sexual intercourse is, in the context of a Christian marriage, a tool for enhancing intimacy and a way of celebrating the committed relationship that God ordained. But it is not a law. If the parties are both comfortable being married without being sexual, then their only responsibility is to each other and to God - who ordained the marriage. Certainly intimacy and celebration can be achieved in other ways.
Can you have a legitimate Christian marriage without sex?
Andrea M. - Munroe Falls, OH
Dear Andrea,
Yes. Sexual intercourse is, in the context of a Christian marriage, a tool for enhancing intimacy and a way of celebrating the committed relationship that God ordained. But it is not a law. If the parties are both comfortable being married without being sexual, then their only responsibility is to each other and to God - who ordained the marriage. Certainly intimacy and celebration can be achieved in other ways.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Illegal Immigrants
Dear Victorious,
Does the Bible have anything to say about illegal immigrants? How should Christians regard illegal immigrants?
Ken T. - Ponca City, OK
Dear Ken,
The Bible doesn't specifically address the issue of illegal immigrants. However, it does give very specific guidelines that would tell us how to regard them.
Romans 13:1-2 (5-7) tells us that everyone is to "submit himself to the governing authorities." Then 1 Peter 2:13 tells us that everyone is to "submit himself to every authority instituted among men." Basically these passages tell us that God's people are to obey the laws of the land. Moreover, they do it not only in obedience to God, but to honor God.
So someone who has entered and/or remains in any country illegally is not an obedient Christian (or Catholic). In fact, he or she is rebelling against God and His statutes for righteous living. They are committing sin every day that they remain without taking action to receive government permission to be there.
How should Christians regard illegal aliens? As law breakers. We shouldn't hire them, associate with them, or otherwise enable their bad behavior. We should rebuke them, report them, and deport them when they are caught. If they submit themselves to the law of our land, then we should forgive and embrace them, engage them, and otherwise love them as fellow believers. But not until they've submitted themselves to the law of the land ... by turning themselves in, throwing themselves at the mercy of the govt., etc.
Does the Bible have anything to say about illegal immigrants? How should Christians regard illegal immigrants?
Ken T. - Ponca City, OK
Dear Ken,
The Bible doesn't specifically address the issue of illegal immigrants. However, it does give very specific guidelines that would tell us how to regard them.
Romans 13:1-2 (5-7) tells us that everyone is to "submit himself to the governing authorities." Then 1 Peter 2:13 tells us that everyone is to "submit himself to every authority instituted among men." Basically these passages tell us that God's people are to obey the laws of the land. Moreover, they do it not only in obedience to God, but to honor God.
So someone who has entered and/or remains in any country illegally is not an obedient Christian (or Catholic). In fact, he or she is rebelling against God and His statutes for righteous living. They are committing sin every day that they remain without taking action to receive government permission to be there.
How should Christians regard illegal aliens? As law breakers. We shouldn't hire them, associate with them, or otherwise enable their bad behavior. We should rebuke them, report them, and deport them when they are caught. If they submit themselves to the law of our land, then we should forgive and embrace them, engage them, and otherwise love them as fellow believers. But not until they've submitted themselves to the law of the land ... by turning themselves in, throwing themselves at the mercy of the govt., etc.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Tattoos
Dear Victorious,
Our daughter is intent on getting a tattoo. She's saved her money and can pay for it herself. She's only 17, so technically we could forbid her to do it. But we think that forbidding her will only make it that more certain that she'll do it when she can. Somehow, having tattoos just doesn't seem the Christian thing to do. Are tattoos wrong, or should we just be more open minded? And if they're wrong, how do we convince her that they are? (She's already saying that there's nothing wrong with Christians having tattoos.)
Eleanor B. - Sugar Land, TX
Dear Eleanor,
If your daughter is a Christ-follower and if you've raised her with solid Christian values, that's where I would start. There may technically be "nothing wrong" with a Christian having a tattoo. But there's nothing right about it either. That's where you want this discussion to start. Christ-followers don't use the "nothing wrong" argument to make decisions. They look for God's will, the leading of the Holy Spirit, and even ask permission. So, for example, one might ask if your daughter has prayed and gotten permission from God to get a tattoo!
Leviticus 19:28 tells us, "Do not cut your bodies ... or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord." While one could argue that this is Old Testament, it is part of what some have called God's standards for holy living, outlined in Leviticus 18:1 - 27:34. These standards generally tell us how God wants us to live. They reveal God's will for our lives.
God calls His people (today's Christians) to be holy, set apart from the society around us. We are to look different, act different and be different than the culture in which we live. This is one place in the Bible where God talks specifically about how that looks.
I probably wouldn't forbid my daughter (or son) with regards to getting a tattoo. But I would certainly make sure they are educated about living a God-honoring life. I would allow them to make their own decisions at this age, but I wouldn't allow them to make such decisions in ignorance.
Our daughter is intent on getting a tattoo. She's saved her money and can pay for it herself. She's only 17, so technically we could forbid her to do it. But we think that forbidding her will only make it that more certain that she'll do it when she can. Somehow, having tattoos just doesn't seem the Christian thing to do. Are tattoos wrong, or should we just be more open minded? And if they're wrong, how do we convince her that they are? (She's already saying that there's nothing wrong with Christians having tattoos.)
Eleanor B. - Sugar Land, TX
Dear Eleanor,
If your daughter is a Christ-follower and if you've raised her with solid Christian values, that's where I would start. There may technically be "nothing wrong" with a Christian having a tattoo. But there's nothing right about it either. That's where you want this discussion to start. Christ-followers don't use the "nothing wrong" argument to make decisions. They look for God's will, the leading of the Holy Spirit, and even ask permission. So, for example, one might ask if your daughter has prayed and gotten permission from God to get a tattoo!
Leviticus 19:28 tells us, "Do not cut your bodies ... or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord." While one could argue that this is Old Testament, it is part of what some have called God's standards for holy living, outlined in Leviticus 18:1 - 27:34. These standards generally tell us how God wants us to live. They reveal God's will for our lives.
God calls His people (today's Christians) to be holy, set apart from the society around us. We are to look different, act different and be different than the culture in which we live. This is one place in the Bible where God talks specifically about how that looks.
I probably wouldn't forbid my daughter (or son) with regards to getting a tattoo. But I would certainly make sure they are educated about living a God-honoring life. I would allow them to make their own decisions at this age, but I wouldn't allow them to make such decisions in ignorance.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Greatest Challenge
Dear Victorious,
What's the greatest challenge for a Christian living in the world today?
Melanie D. - Baton Rouge, LA
Dear Melanie,
We could probably debate the possible answers to such a question all day long. There would be many good answers. Things like faith, believing, and having no fear all come to mind as possible answers. But you asked for one answer. I believe the greatest challenge for Christ-followers today is to set aside self in favor of Him. We are called to obey God. I see very few people doing that. It's a struggle for most of us who even want to obey Him.
We could spend all day talking about why it's difficult to obey God. But I don't really see any point in talking about why something can't be done. I'd rather spend all day talking about how it could be done. How could we all be more obedient to Christ? What tangible, practical steps could we take that would lead to more obedient living on a daily basis?
What's the greatest challenge for a Christian living in the world today?
Melanie D. - Baton Rouge, LA
Dear Melanie,
We could probably debate the possible answers to such a question all day long. There would be many good answers. Things like faith, believing, and having no fear all come to mind as possible answers. But you asked for one answer. I believe the greatest challenge for Christ-followers today is to set aside self in favor of Him. We are called to obey God. I see very few people doing that. It's a struggle for most of us who even want to obey Him.
We could spend all day talking about why it's difficult to obey God. But I don't really see any point in talking about why something can't be done. I'd rather spend all day talking about how it could be done. How could we all be more obedient to Christ? What tangible, practical steps could we take that would lead to more obedient living on a daily basis?
Monday, July 5, 2010
America Pleasing God
Dear Victorious,
Okay, I read your answer yesterday to Rick about whether God is pleased with America. So if you were just elected President of the U.S., what would you do to ensure that God is pleased with America?
Darren C. - Rockwall, TX
Dear Darren,
If I were just elected President, I would call Americans to repentance. I would fight hard to ensure that decisions in Washington get made with Biblical criteria. And I would work to change the leadership in America such that all of the highest ranking officials would be role models for lives that please God.
Okay, I read your answer yesterday to Rick about whether God is pleased with America. So if you were just elected President of the U.S., what would you do to ensure that God is pleased with America?
Darren C. - Rockwall, TX
Dear Darren,
If I were just elected President, I would call Americans to repentance. I would fight hard to ensure that decisions in Washington get made with Biblical criteria. And I would work to change the leadership in America such that all of the highest ranking officials would be role models for lives that please God.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
America Pleases God?
Dear Victorious,
As we celebrate America's independence, do you think God is pleased with our country?
Rick R. - Katy, TX
Dear Rick,
I suspect God is not particularly pleased with any political body in the world though. No country would please Him. Rather it would be the individual people in the country who would please or displease God. And they would do that through their devotion and obedience to God.
Are Americans sincerely devoted to God? Are Americans obedient to God? The answers are where we would find God's pleasure ... or displeasure. Sadly, when I look around, I see a whole lot of people who don't seem very devoted to God. Worse yet, even the people who claim to be devoted to God don't seem very obedient to Him.
As we celebrate America's independence, do you think God is pleased with our country?
Rick R. - Katy, TX
Dear Rick,
I suspect God is not particularly pleased with any political body in the world though. No country would please Him. Rather it would be the individual people in the country who would please or displease God. And they would do that through their devotion and obedience to God.
Are Americans sincerely devoted to God? Are Americans obedient to God? The answers are where we would find God's pleasure ... or displeasure. Sadly, when I look around, I see a whole lot of people who don't seem very devoted to God. Worse yet, even the people who claim to be devoted to God don't seem very obedient to Him.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Forgiveness
Dear Victorious,
Several months ago I found out that my husband had cheated on me. It was a long time ago, when I was out of town for an extended period of time. He says he only did it once, and swears it never happened again. It "meant nothing." I'm committed to this marriage, but honestly I don't know how I can get past this. There are days when I'm so angry with him I don't know what to do. And often I know I'm just mean and nasty to him because of it. How does one go about this business of forgiveness?
Carolyn O. - Falls Church, VA
Dear Carolyn,
It's been said that forgiveness is only possible when we give up the hope that the past can be any different. What that means is that you must stop wishing this had never happened. That wish will never come true. No one, despite any matter of wishing, has ever been able to re-write history. So that's the first thing you'll need to do ... stop dwelling on the hope or wish that this had never happened.
The second thing you'll need to do is to realize that forgiveness is often a journey. It's rarely as simple as an intelligent decision. While your mind may be totally ready to forgive, your heart is still wounded. It can take time for those wounds to heal. In some cases, the pain may be so great, or the heart so hardened by the pain, that it will take divine, supernatural power to achieve the forgiveness.
So if you find yourself going back to bitterness, resentment and anger ... then it's time to get on your knees and give all that to God. Pray and ask Him to lead you into perfect forgiveness for your husband. And pray for your husband. Ask God to release him of the guilt and shame. Ask the Lord to help him feel forgiven. And of course, ask God to protect him from such temptation ever again.
Several months ago I found out that my husband had cheated on me. It was a long time ago, when I was out of town for an extended period of time. He says he only did it once, and swears it never happened again. It "meant nothing." I'm committed to this marriage, but honestly I don't know how I can get past this. There are days when I'm so angry with him I don't know what to do. And often I know I'm just mean and nasty to him because of it. How does one go about this business of forgiveness?
Carolyn O. - Falls Church, VA
Dear Carolyn,
It's been said that forgiveness is only possible when we give up the hope that the past can be any different. What that means is that you must stop wishing this had never happened. That wish will never come true. No one, despite any matter of wishing, has ever been able to re-write history. So that's the first thing you'll need to do ... stop dwelling on the hope or wish that this had never happened.
The second thing you'll need to do is to realize that forgiveness is often a journey. It's rarely as simple as an intelligent decision. While your mind may be totally ready to forgive, your heart is still wounded. It can take time for those wounds to heal. In some cases, the pain may be so great, or the heart so hardened by the pain, that it will take divine, supernatural power to achieve the forgiveness.
So if you find yourself going back to bitterness, resentment and anger ... then it's time to get on your knees and give all that to God. Pray and ask Him to lead you into perfect forgiveness for your husband. And pray for your husband. Ask God to release him of the guilt and shame. Ask the Lord to help him feel forgiven. And of course, ask God to protect him from such temptation ever again.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Mixed Race
Dear Victorious,
I'm Hispanic and am in a relationship with an African-American man. My grandmother, who is Catholic, says this is immoral. When I've asked her to explain why, she just says that God separated people for a reason and it's disrespectful to him to ignore that separation. Is this Biblical?
Rosa P. - El Paso, TX
Dear Rosa,
No, it's not. Your grandmother is trying to make up truth to support her own bias. Don't listen to her. The only time God told His people to separate from others was when the others were evil. Language, race, culture and other differences are not supposed to separate God's people. Rather they are a way of humbling God's people as we come together.
When considering anyone as a marriage partner, consider the Biblical admonition to not be unequally yoked. (See 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.) It means that we are not to commit ourselves in marriage, in business or in any other way to people who don't share our faith, share our values, etc.
So the only way to apply race in a situation like this would be if you considered a certain race to be inferior in some way (i.e., evil, not loved by God, etc.). Christ-followers would never take such a position on any such race - it's simply not Biblical.
I'm Hispanic and am in a relationship with an African-American man. My grandmother, who is Catholic, says this is immoral. When I've asked her to explain why, she just says that God separated people for a reason and it's disrespectful to him to ignore that separation. Is this Biblical?
Rosa P. - El Paso, TX
Dear Rosa,
No, it's not. Your grandmother is trying to make up truth to support her own bias. Don't listen to her. The only time God told His people to separate from others was when the others were evil. Language, race, culture and other differences are not supposed to separate God's people. Rather they are a way of humbling God's people as we come together.
When considering anyone as a marriage partner, consider the Biblical admonition to not be unequally yoked. (See 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.) It means that we are not to commit ourselves in marriage, in business or in any other way to people who don't share our faith, share our values, etc.
So the only way to apply race in a situation like this would be if you considered a certain race to be inferior in some way (i.e., evil, not loved by God, etc.). Christ-followers would never take such a position on any such race - it's simply not Biblical.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Best Advice
Dear Victorious,
What's the best advice you've ever received yourself? What made it so valuable?
Carla D. - Worthington, OH
Dear Carla,
I suppose the best advice I've ever received was godly in nature, and advice that I actually took and used to make my decision. I know that may seem overly broad, but let me illustrate with an example.
One time I had a deep conflict with a group at my church. A close friend helped me put my thoughts in writing, including editing the document to make sure it was truthful and not biased. When it came time to send it, I asked if he thought I should send it. His advice was, "... only if you can be sure they will hear what you have to say." As I reflected on that, I concluded that I would not send it --- and never did. Even today, I'm certain that was the right decision.
What made that advice valuable is that it was drawn from his understanding of Biblical principles ... and the fact that I actually took it to heart and used it as decision criteria. If either of those things had not been true, the advice would have not been worth much at all.
What's the best advice you've ever received yourself? What made it so valuable?
Carla D. - Worthington, OH
Dear Carla,
I suppose the best advice I've ever received was godly in nature, and advice that I actually took and used to make my decision. I know that may seem overly broad, but let me illustrate with an example.
One time I had a deep conflict with a group at my church. A close friend helped me put my thoughts in writing, including editing the document to make sure it was truthful and not biased. When it came time to send it, I asked if he thought I should send it. His advice was, "... only if you can be sure they will hear what you have to say." As I reflected on that, I concluded that I would not send it --- and never did. Even today, I'm certain that was the right decision.
What made that advice valuable is that it was drawn from his understanding of Biblical principles ... and the fact that I actually took it to heart and used it as decision criteria. If either of those things had not been true, the advice would have not been worth much at all.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
