Q: Does the Bible have anything to say about abortion? I mean can the Bible break through the argument that a fetus is a human, etc.?
A: Actually the Bible can rise above the argument that since a fetus isn't a human, abortion is not murder, etc. Jeremiah 1:5 is where God says, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I set you apart."
So the abortion truth really breaks down like this.
1. Humans are formed in God's image - as spiritual beings. (Genesis 1:27)
2. Children are a blessing from God (no matter how inconvenient they may be). (Psalm 127:3)
3. Human life is sacred to God. (Exodus 20:13)
4. God is intimate with the unborn fetus. (Psalm 139:13)
5. Human life actually begins even before the pregnancy started. (Jeremiah 1:5)
Society has taken the position that a fetus isn't a human (at least in its early stages) and therefore abortion isn't murder. Ironically, society recognizes the fetus as human in the later stages of pregnancy, and it recognizes the sacredness of human life. Society agrees that we shouldn't murder. But it rationalizes the abortion by saying that the about-to-be-aborted fetus isn't human (yet). This is not the case.
The Bible clearly defines human life as having been created at the very first sign of the human pregnancy (and possibly even before that). Since the fetus is a human life, then abortion is murder. There's nothing to debate here.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Unbelievable
Q: What is the most unbelievable truth about Christianity? I mean what is true but the most difficult to believe?
A: There are quite a few things which are true but nevertheless are difficult to believe. I suppose the most difficult to believe is simply God's love for us - in the light of His disposition toward sin. God's love for His chosen people and His judgement and wrath against the sins that we commit don't seem as if they can both come from the same God. But they do. And not only must we believe these truths, but we must be able to keep them in their property, healthy perspective.
A: There are quite a few things which are true but nevertheless are difficult to believe. I suppose the most difficult to believe is simply God's love for us - in the light of His disposition toward sin. God's love for His chosen people and His judgement and wrath against the sins that we commit don't seem as if they can both come from the same God. But they do. And not only must we believe these truths, but we must be able to keep them in their property, healthy perspective.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Communication Mistakes
Q: What's the biggest mistake that Christians make in communicating with each other and in communicating with non-Christians?
A: I could list quite a number of what I think are important. It would be a long list! But here are what I believe would be the top three.
First, and most importantly, Christians forget the most important commandments to love God and love others. We don't speak out of love for God and we don't speak out of love for others. In fact, if we could be honest, I suspect that much of the time we do not love others. This is the most important and the single biggest mistake we make ... communicating without love.
Second, and nearly as important, Christians talk when they have nothing to say. Or they keep taking when the conversation is over. How does this happen? They don't let the Holy Spirit lead the conversation. They submit every thought captive to Him. Instead they speak from their own perspective, their own experience and their own understanding. This is the second most important mistake that we make ... communicating without the leading of the Spirit.
Third, and also nearly as important, Christians often don't approach things with an open mind. To be more specific, we don't allow for the possibility that we could be wrong. Or at least not often enough. We certainly aren't open to a question of God's Truth. But there are many other issues and points that we can have a discussion about which aren't God's Truth. And instead of being interested in the truth and allowing for the fact that we may not possess it, we plow ahead as if our perspective or understanding were God's Truth. A classic example would be in politics. Christians will take a position in an election and stand boldly for that position --- never allowing for the fact that they could be wrong or that God might have a different position. This would be the third most important mistake that we make ... communicating from a basis that isn't formed by God's Truth.
A: I could list quite a number of what I think are important. It would be a long list! But here are what I believe would be the top three.
First, and most importantly, Christians forget the most important commandments to love God and love others. We don't speak out of love for God and we don't speak out of love for others. In fact, if we could be honest, I suspect that much of the time we do not love others. This is the most important and the single biggest mistake we make ... communicating without love.
Second, and nearly as important, Christians talk when they have nothing to say. Or they keep taking when the conversation is over. How does this happen? They don't let the Holy Spirit lead the conversation. They submit every thought captive to Him. Instead they speak from their own perspective, their own experience and their own understanding. This is the second most important mistake that we make ... communicating without the leading of the Spirit.
Third, and also nearly as important, Christians often don't approach things with an open mind. To be more specific, we don't allow for the possibility that we could be wrong. Or at least not often enough. We certainly aren't open to a question of God's Truth. But there are many other issues and points that we can have a discussion about which aren't God's Truth. And instead of being interested in the truth and allowing for the fact that we may not possess it, we plow ahead as if our perspective or understanding were God's Truth. A classic example would be in politics. Christians will take a position in an election and stand boldly for that position --- never allowing for the fact that they could be wrong or that God might have a different position. This would be the third most important mistake that we make ... communicating from a basis that isn't formed by God's Truth.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Biblical Boundaries
Q: I've been reading a book on boundaries and wonder about the Biblical context of boundaries. Can they really be drawn in love? And what do you do about Christians who don't honor boundaries that you try to draw with them?
A: Of course boundaries are Biblical. In fact, they form the very basis of our entire relationship with God. Look closely at how God has interacted with mankind from the very beginning. He drew boundaries with Adam & Eve in the Garden. He drew some very specific boundaries with the Israelites too. When it came to enforcing those boundaries, God has always been very forceful and succinct. When the Israelites failed to honor God's boundaries, the consequences were always very certain.
So here's the thing. It is always very healthy - and appropriate - for God's people to draw firm boundaries. As it has been said, "Let your 'no' be 'no,' and let your 'yes' be 'yes.'" Similarly God's people must also excel at accepting and respecting boundaries. We must learn to accept the 'nos' that each of us must inevitably encounter in life.
So what about people who don't respect boundaries? If the boundaries are appropriate (i.e., in keeping with the character and nature of Christ - in that Jesus would draw similar boundaries), then we are in no position to challenge them. So when we draw boundaries, we must make certain they're drawn with the proper motives and that they are appropriate. And when we encounter boundaries, we consider whether they're appropriate and then honor them if they are.
Either way, in setting or honoring boundaries, we need to turn to God prayerfully to discern what to do. The Holy Spirit will help us set appropriate boundaries and take appropriate enforcement action if and when necessary. Similarly, the Holy Spirit will give us all the discernment that we need when we encounter boundaries. He'll either show us that they're inappropriate and lead us to address that with whomever drew them --- or He'll tell us that they're appropriate and give us the strength and wisdom to respect and honor them.
A: Of course boundaries are Biblical. In fact, they form the very basis of our entire relationship with God. Look closely at how God has interacted with mankind from the very beginning. He drew boundaries with Adam & Eve in the Garden. He drew some very specific boundaries with the Israelites too. When it came to enforcing those boundaries, God has always been very forceful and succinct. When the Israelites failed to honor God's boundaries, the consequences were always very certain.
So here's the thing. It is always very healthy - and appropriate - for God's people to draw firm boundaries. As it has been said, "Let your 'no' be 'no,' and let your 'yes' be 'yes.'" Similarly God's people must also excel at accepting and respecting boundaries. We must learn to accept the 'nos' that each of us must inevitably encounter in life.
So what about people who don't respect boundaries? If the boundaries are appropriate (i.e., in keeping with the character and nature of Christ - in that Jesus would draw similar boundaries), then we are in no position to challenge them. So when we draw boundaries, we must make certain they're drawn with the proper motives and that they are appropriate. And when we encounter boundaries, we consider whether they're appropriate and then honor them if they are.
Either way, in setting or honoring boundaries, we need to turn to God prayerfully to discern what to do. The Holy Spirit will help us set appropriate boundaries and take appropriate enforcement action if and when necessary. Similarly, the Holy Spirit will give us all the discernment that we need when we encounter boundaries. He'll either show us that they're inappropriate and lead us to address that with whomever drew them --- or He'll tell us that they're appropriate and give us the strength and wisdom to respect and honor them.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Required to Marry?
Q: My grandmother says that if you have sex with someone then you are obligated to marry them, even if they're not pregnant. Is this really Biblical? Does this mean that gays who have sex must then get married? Wouldn't that be a double standard?
A: Well, it is Biblical in the sense that it's stated in the Bible. Exodus 22:16 says that if a man sleeps with a virgin, he must then pay the customary dowry (if there is one) and accept her as his wife (i.e., marry her).
Certainly there is context around that. The violated virgin must be willing to embrace the marriage. Each party must then commit to the exclusivity of the marriage. But yes, it's in the Bible. Even if she's not pregnant.
And no, it does not mean that gays who have sex must marry. One Biblical standard always gets replaced by a higher, more specific Biblical standard. So, take the case of a man sleeping with a virgin. If that woman is of a different religion and won't share the faith of the man, there is a higher Biblical standard which says that Christians are not to marry non-Christians. So rather than marry the virgin, the man would confess, do what's honorable to support the woman and repent of his sexual sin.
In the case of homosexuals, there is higher (more direct) scripture prohibiting acts of homosexuality. So if two men sleep together they are not to marry. Rather they are to submit to this higher standard and repent of that sin. They are to commit themselves to no further homosexual endeavors for the rest of their lives.
A: Well, it is Biblical in the sense that it's stated in the Bible. Exodus 22:16 says that if a man sleeps with a virgin, he must then pay the customary dowry (if there is one) and accept her as his wife (i.e., marry her).
Certainly there is context around that. The violated virgin must be willing to embrace the marriage. Each party must then commit to the exclusivity of the marriage. But yes, it's in the Bible. Even if she's not pregnant.
And no, it does not mean that gays who have sex must marry. One Biblical standard always gets replaced by a higher, more specific Biblical standard. So, take the case of a man sleeping with a virgin. If that woman is of a different religion and won't share the faith of the man, there is a higher Biblical standard which says that Christians are not to marry non-Christians. So rather than marry the virgin, the man would confess, do what's honorable to support the woman and repent of his sexual sin.
In the case of homosexuals, there is higher (more direct) scripture prohibiting acts of homosexuality. So if two men sleep together they are not to marry. Rather they are to submit to this higher standard and repent of that sin. They are to commit themselves to no further homosexual endeavors for the rest of their lives.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
After God's Heart?
Q: I've read your blog but don't accept your explanation of why King David was "a man after God's own heart." Come on! The guy was despicable. He's everything that we tell our daughters to avoid in life! How can you say such things about him?
A: First of all, I didn't say it. God did. (1 Samuel 13:14 & Acts 13:22) It is true enough that King David was quite a prolific sinner. His sins were many and some were pretty shocking. But, just like the rest of us, his standing before/with God has nothing to do with his level of sinfulness. (And neither does ours.)
King David displayed an uncanny ability to learn from his mistakes (sins). He had a heart that accepted God's correction. David also understood God's loving forgiveness. He knew how to live a forgiven life.
It was David's openness to Gods grace that set him apart from any other sinful man (or woman). David knew the joy of forgiveness. He had been forgiven much - and he knew it. In a sense, you might say King David practiced Romans 8:1 even before it had been written!
A: First of all, I didn't say it. God did. (1 Samuel 13:14 & Acts 13:22) It is true enough that King David was quite a prolific sinner. His sins were many and some were pretty shocking. But, just like the rest of us, his standing before/with God has nothing to do with his level of sinfulness. (And neither does ours.)
King David displayed an uncanny ability to learn from his mistakes (sins). He had a heart that accepted God's correction. David also understood God's loving forgiveness. He knew how to live a forgiven life.
It was David's openness to Gods grace that set him apart from any other sinful man (or woman). David knew the joy of forgiveness. He had been forgiven much - and he knew it. In a sense, you might say King David practiced Romans 8:1 even before it had been written!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Arguing Scripture
Q: I saw your reply to the atheist's comments to your article on http://www.changingthefaceofchristianity.com/ recently. Are you saying that atheists are wrong? How can you say that?
A: I didn't reply publicly to those comments to my article --- so I'm hard pressed to imagine how you saw them. Could it be that you are that same individual trying to draw me into another debate?
The allegation in those comments were that my article represented the "same ol' Christian bias and bigotry," among other things. My response - which I sent to the writer privately - included the fact that if atheists are right in that there is no god, then the Christians, Jews, Muslims, etc. are wrong. Similarly, if the Christians, Jews, Muslims, or other theists are right, then the atheists are wrong. The point here is that someone has to be wrong. And that is the foundation to any dialogue that we're going to have between atheists and theists (be they Christian or otherwise).
It is not biased and bigoted to be a theist. If it were, then the majority of the world, which believes in some form of god or gods would all be biased and bigots. In fact, only the atheists would escape that damning definition.
I will never debate Scripture with someone who doesn't believe that it is the true Word of God. Even then, I wouldn't debate it. Rather I would join someone in exploring its meaning. The Bible (God's Word) specifically tells us not to get into such debates and arguments. (2 Timothy 2:23-24). Moreover, God says that when we get into such arguments with others (be they Christians or otherwise) we are behaving sinfully (James 4:1-2) and worldly (1 Corinthians 3:3).
A: I didn't reply publicly to those comments to my article --- so I'm hard pressed to imagine how you saw them. Could it be that you are that same individual trying to draw me into another debate?
The allegation in those comments were that my article represented the "same ol' Christian bias and bigotry," among other things. My response - which I sent to the writer privately - included the fact that if atheists are right in that there is no god, then the Christians, Jews, Muslims, etc. are wrong. Similarly, if the Christians, Jews, Muslims, or other theists are right, then the atheists are wrong. The point here is that someone has to be wrong. And that is the foundation to any dialogue that we're going to have between atheists and theists (be they Christian or otherwise).
It is not biased and bigoted to be a theist. If it were, then the majority of the world, which believes in some form of god or gods would all be biased and bigots. In fact, only the atheists would escape that damning definition.
I will never debate Scripture with someone who doesn't believe that it is the true Word of God. Even then, I wouldn't debate it. Rather I would join someone in exploring its meaning. The Bible (God's Word) specifically tells us not to get into such debates and arguments. (2 Timothy 2:23-24). Moreover, God says that when we get into such arguments with others (be they Christians or otherwise) we are behaving sinfully (James 4:1-2) and worldly (1 Corinthians 3:3).
Monday, February 21, 2011
Taboo Topics
Q: Are there any topics that you wouldn't want to address on this blog? I mean are there any questions that readers could ask but which you might be afraid or at least reluctant to answer here?
A: No, I don't think so. There may be topics that would be taboo in our culture. But I have a pretty strong conviction that the Christian church (i.e., the Christ-following people) must be willing to talk about any thing and everything. If we set any topic as "off limits," then that would surely be where the devil would do his best work in our lives. Christians are called to live what I call examined lives. And when you examine life, you are apt to find things that are ugly, embarrassing, distasteful, etc. But you examine them in the light of Christ's love and God's truth anyway.
A: No, I don't think so. There may be topics that would be taboo in our culture. But I have a pretty strong conviction that the Christian church (i.e., the Christ-following people) must be willing to talk about any thing and everything. If we set any topic as "off limits," then that would surely be where the devil would do his best work in our lives. Christians are called to live what I call examined lives. And when you examine life, you are apt to find things that are ugly, embarrassing, distasteful, etc. But you examine them in the light of Christ's love and God's truth anyway.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Christian Parenting
Q: What exactly does God expect of parents? I mean we hear phrases like the "helicopter mom" or other terms tossed about to basically illustrate what not to do. But it seems like Christians aren't really getting a whole lot of advice on what we are to do. Doesn't the Bible have guidelines for us Christians as parents?
A: Most certainly the Bible has plenty to say to Christians about their role as parents. But they aren't specific guidelines or instructions in a separate section. Rather they appear throughout the Old and New Testament. The place to start though is with yourself and not your children.
God is much more interested in who we are versus what we do ... and that includes what we do as parents. Simply put, the best thing you can do for your children is to give them the most godly parents ever. Make sure that you walk the talk in every way. Go out of your way to be sure that you're surrendered and submitted to Jesus Christ. Be obedient to the Father.
Beyond yourself, the next thing you must do is to be intentional about teaching your children who God is and how they are to relate to Him. Some of the godliest people in the Bible were still guilty of neglecting their children when it came to spiritual discipleship. As a result, their children grew up to do awful things and didn't reflect the godliness of their parents. How do you do this? Read the Bible with your children, especially as they grow older. Have a family time with God at least every week - if not every day. Read the Bible, pray. Discuss God's Word. Help your children acquire a Christian worldview. Teach them to think about things with God's values instead of the world's.
One could develop a list of things to do or not do for Christian parents. But frankly those are just tactical in nature. The truly strategic things are what I've just explained here. Get these right and everything else will take its place.
A: Most certainly the Bible has plenty to say to Christians about their role as parents. But they aren't specific guidelines or instructions in a separate section. Rather they appear throughout the Old and New Testament. The place to start though is with yourself and not your children.
God is much more interested in who we are versus what we do ... and that includes what we do as parents. Simply put, the best thing you can do for your children is to give them the most godly parents ever. Make sure that you walk the talk in every way. Go out of your way to be sure that you're surrendered and submitted to Jesus Christ. Be obedient to the Father.
Beyond yourself, the next thing you must do is to be intentional about teaching your children who God is and how they are to relate to Him. Some of the godliest people in the Bible were still guilty of neglecting their children when it came to spiritual discipleship. As a result, their children grew up to do awful things and didn't reflect the godliness of their parents. How do you do this? Read the Bible with your children, especially as they grow older. Have a family time with God at least every week - if not every day. Read the Bible, pray. Discuss God's Word. Help your children acquire a Christian worldview. Teach them to think about things with God's values instead of the world's.
One could develop a list of things to do or not do for Christian parents. But frankly those are just tactical in nature. The truly strategic things are what I've just explained here. Get these right and everything else will take its place.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
God in Dreams
Q: In the Old Testament, God often spoke to someone by coming to them in a dream. Does God still speak to us this way?
A: He doesn't need to. When God spoke to people via dreams, a burning bush, etc. we did not have His written Word. Today we have God's Word which is comprehensive and complete. We can get direction from God regarding virtually any topic from the Bible today. In both Old and New Testament times, God also spoke through people. He still does that today.
Now, the truth is I don't know if God still speaks to people in dreams. I'll acknowledge the possibility that He does. But if you think God spoke to you in a dream, then it's fairly easy to confirm that. First, does it match what God has already said in His Word (the Bible)? Second, is it consistent with the character and nature of God as revealed to us in His Word (the Bible)?
Third, do other mature believers pray with you and get the same answer? This is an important one - because when God tells you something, He usually doesn't keep it a secret. In fact, He'll tell others about it. They just have to ask. So if I think God is telling me to do or not do something, in important source of validation is other mature believers. Ask them to pray with me about that and affirm that He is telling them the same thing about the subject at hand.
We should never, ever move forward on our own interpretation or understanding of what God is telling us unless we have checked it against these three points of validation. Does it match His Word? Is it in line with His nature and character? Can other believers confirm that's what He's saying?
Moving forward without these points of validation is risky. We humans are too vulnerable to deception. Our own selfish motives can deceive us. The ungodly motives of others can deceive us. And even the devil can deceive us. Often people do things that that think God told them to --- only to find out later that it wasn't God who they were listening to!
A: He doesn't need to. When God spoke to people via dreams, a burning bush, etc. we did not have His written Word. Today we have God's Word which is comprehensive and complete. We can get direction from God regarding virtually any topic from the Bible today. In both Old and New Testament times, God also spoke through people. He still does that today.
Now, the truth is I don't know if God still speaks to people in dreams. I'll acknowledge the possibility that He does. But if you think God spoke to you in a dream, then it's fairly easy to confirm that. First, does it match what God has already said in His Word (the Bible)? Second, is it consistent with the character and nature of God as revealed to us in His Word (the Bible)?
Third, do other mature believers pray with you and get the same answer? This is an important one - because when God tells you something, He usually doesn't keep it a secret. In fact, He'll tell others about it. They just have to ask. So if I think God is telling me to do or not do something, in important source of validation is other mature believers. Ask them to pray with me about that and affirm that He is telling them the same thing about the subject at hand.
We should never, ever move forward on our own interpretation or understanding of what God is telling us unless we have checked it against these three points of validation. Does it match His Word? Is it in line with His nature and character? Can other believers confirm that's what He's saying?
Moving forward without these points of validation is risky. We humans are too vulnerable to deception. Our own selfish motives can deceive us. The ungodly motives of others can deceive us. And even the devil can deceive us. Often people do things that that think God told them to --- only to find out later that it wasn't God who they were listening to!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Sex in Heaven
Q: Will we be sexual in heaven?
A: The answer is that I don't know. But I tend to doubt it. Human sexuality, as far as I can understand it, is human. We are spiritual beings and were spiritual beings before being given our assignments here on earth. Those assignments ... to go live human lives, included sexuality. Once those assignments are complete, I suspect our sexuality will also be complete.
A: The answer is that I don't know. But I tend to doubt it. Human sexuality, as far as I can understand it, is human. We are spiritual beings and were spiritual beings before being given our assignments here on earth. Those assignments ... to go live human lives, included sexuality. Once those assignments are complete, I suspect our sexuality will also be complete.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Being Reconciled
Q: If you've offended someone, what should you do about that? And does it matter if you did it intentionally or not?
A: In Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus told us that God doesn't want our worship unless all of our earthly relationships are reconciled. So if I am aware that someone is offended by something that I did or didn't do, I have a God-ordained obligation to go to them and offer an apology - as well as whatever else I might be able to do to make it right.
It doesn't matter whether I offended them intentionally or not. In fact, it doesn't even matter if they should be offended or not. Perhaps I or others think they have overreacted or been too sensitive. Even if that were true, it wouldn't changes God's will for me to attempt to be reconciled. It doesn't matter if they deserved it (the offense), whether they've done the same thing to me in the past, or whatever.
Simply put, as a Christ-follower, I have a God-ordained obligation to do whatever I can to be reconciled to everyone at all times. If I am aware of an incidence where I'm not, then God doesn't even want me to worship Him until I've addressed that.
A: In Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus told us that God doesn't want our worship unless all of our earthly relationships are reconciled. So if I am aware that someone is offended by something that I did or didn't do, I have a God-ordained obligation to go to them and offer an apology - as well as whatever else I might be able to do to make it right.
It doesn't matter whether I offended them intentionally or not. In fact, it doesn't even matter if they should be offended or not. Perhaps I or others think they have overreacted or been too sensitive. Even if that were true, it wouldn't changes God's will for me to attempt to be reconciled. It doesn't matter if they deserved it (the offense), whether they've done the same thing to me in the past, or whatever.
Simply put, as a Christ-follower, I have a God-ordained obligation to do whatever I can to be reconciled to everyone at all times. If I am aware of an incidence where I'm not, then God doesn't even want me to worship Him until I've addressed that.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Christianity's Challenge
Q: What do you think is the biggest problem in Christianity today?
A: Ignorance. People who call themselves Christians don't take the time to educate themselves about all of the implications of their being identified with Christ. As a result, they don't know what they are supposed to do and not do. So they end up looking very foolish --- some might say hypocritical. Even though they call themselves Christians, they look nothing like Christ.
A: Ignorance. People who call themselves Christians don't take the time to educate themselves about all of the implications of their being identified with Christ. As a result, they don't know what they are supposed to do and not do. So they end up looking very foolish --- some might say hypocritical. Even though they call themselves Christians, they look nothing like Christ.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Manly Men
Q: What makes a man a man? I mean, how would you define masculinity in Christian terms? Is there a Biblical reference for it?
A: Well most dictionaries define in it terms of someone "having the appropriate qualities for their sex." What does that mean? It means that masculinity is considered to be a relevant term, and gets defined differently in each society. So the Bible really is the best place to go for guidance on this one!
When I go to my Bible, I find at least three different categories of reference for masculinity. First, God created man in His own image. (Genesis 1:27) Mind you, Jesus hadn't been born yet, so the only image we know of God at that point was as a spiritual being. Conclusion? God created man to be spiritual. Second, God put man in charge. (Genesis 2:15) Third, God told man to work for his entire life. (Genesis 3:19)
So this is the framework for masculinity. A real manly man is spiritual, in charge and hard working. On top of that framework, now we can add the examples of manliness that we see in the rest of the Old and New Testament. King David's live is the best example we have across the Old Testament, I believe.
Read 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings and 1 & 2 Chronicles and get a picture of the nature and character of King David. Notably he was quick to repent when he was wrong and he was a great, indulgent worshipper. David was a prayer warrior. And David loved the Lord with all his heart and lived his life trying to submit to the Lord every way he knew how. In the end, God called King David "a man after my own heart." (Acts 13:22)
So now I have a man who is spiritual, takes charge and leads, is hard working, admits his mistakes and repents quickly, is a great worshipper (i.e., recognizes who God is) and prays effectively. Are you starting to see the picture here? It's the Biblical definition of masculinity.
Finally, we can look at the nature and character of Jesus Christ as well as His core teachings. Read Matthew 5, 6 & 7 (known as Jesus' Sermon on the Mount). I think if you'll take the examples I've given you from the Old Testament and put them together with what Jesus had to say, you'll get a complete picture of Biblical masculinity.
Make no mistake, God intended for men to be men. And He intended for men to lead their wives, their families, their communities and their churches. There is no shortage of material for us to learn how to do that either. It's all in God's Word (the Bible)!
A: Well most dictionaries define in it terms of someone "having the appropriate qualities for their sex." What does that mean? It means that masculinity is considered to be a relevant term, and gets defined differently in each society. So the Bible really is the best place to go for guidance on this one!
When I go to my Bible, I find at least three different categories of reference for masculinity. First, God created man in His own image. (Genesis 1:27) Mind you, Jesus hadn't been born yet, so the only image we know of God at that point was as a spiritual being. Conclusion? God created man to be spiritual. Second, God put man in charge. (Genesis 2:15) Third, God told man to work for his entire life. (Genesis 3:19)
So this is the framework for masculinity. A real manly man is spiritual, in charge and hard working. On top of that framework, now we can add the examples of manliness that we see in the rest of the Old and New Testament. King David's live is the best example we have across the Old Testament, I believe.
Read 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings and 1 & 2 Chronicles and get a picture of the nature and character of King David. Notably he was quick to repent when he was wrong and he was a great, indulgent worshipper. David was a prayer warrior. And David loved the Lord with all his heart and lived his life trying to submit to the Lord every way he knew how. In the end, God called King David "a man after my own heart." (Acts 13:22)
So now I have a man who is spiritual, takes charge and leads, is hard working, admits his mistakes and repents quickly, is a great worshipper (i.e., recognizes who God is) and prays effectively. Are you starting to see the picture here? It's the Biblical definition of masculinity.
Finally, we can look at the nature and character of Jesus Christ as well as His core teachings. Read Matthew 5, 6 & 7 (known as Jesus' Sermon on the Mount). I think if you'll take the examples I've given you from the Old Testament and put them together with what Jesus had to say, you'll get a complete picture of Biblical masculinity.
Make no mistake, God intended for men to be men. And He intended for men to lead their wives, their families, their communities and their churches. There is no shortage of material for us to learn how to do that either. It's all in God's Word (the Bible)!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Interracial Marriage
Q: Is it a sin for a Christian to marry someone from a different race? (That seems to be the commonly held belief of most of the Christians I know.) And if it's okay, then why are so many people against it?
A: No it is not a sin for a Christian to marry someone from a different race. The Bible is actually silent on this subject; it neither forbids or endorses interracial marriage. What God did explicitly forbid is interreligious marriage. Christians are not to marry people of other faiths. Christians should only marry other Christians.
Back in the Old Testament, God told the Israelites not to marry anyone from outside their faith. (Deuteronomy 7:3-5) The primary reason was that He didn't want their faith to get diluted by other (false) beliefs. And God didn't want His people to be distracted in their marriage by worship of other (false) gods. (Exodus 34:12-16)
So what if a Christian is already married to a non-Christian? That could only happen in one of three ways I believe. (1) You made a mistake and married a non-Christian. (2) You became a Christian after you were already married. (3) Your spouse deceived you about the fact that they were really not a Christian. In any case, the Bible tells us how to handle that. The Christian is obligated to stay in the marriage and do their best to reflect the love of Christ to their spouse. If the non-Christian spouse wants out of the marriage, he or she may leave. But the Christian can not be the one to make that decision. (1 Corinthians 7:10-15)
Okay, back to interracial marriages. Like I said, the Bible neither forbids or endorses them. However, we have several examples of God's chosen people entering into marriages with people from a different race. Moses married an Ethiopian woman (Numbers 12:1). Salmon married Rahab, the harlot of Jericho (Matthew 1:5). Boaz married a Moabite (Ruth 2:10 & 4:13). We never find any issues with those marriages on the basis of race.
So interracial marriage is fine, so long as it is between two believers - which is the same criteria that should be applied to marriages within the same race.
Finally, there are people, even people who call themselves Christians, opposed to interracial marriage because they are ignorant (unaware) of the truth. God created us all in His own image - as spiritual beings. The human bodies He's assigned each of us to during our tour of duty on earth are not material to who we are.
A: No it is not a sin for a Christian to marry someone from a different race. The Bible is actually silent on this subject; it neither forbids or endorses interracial marriage. What God did explicitly forbid is interreligious marriage. Christians are not to marry people of other faiths. Christians should only marry other Christians.
Back in the Old Testament, God told the Israelites not to marry anyone from outside their faith. (Deuteronomy 7:3-5) The primary reason was that He didn't want their faith to get diluted by other (false) beliefs. And God didn't want His people to be distracted in their marriage by worship of other (false) gods. (Exodus 34:12-16)
So what if a Christian is already married to a non-Christian? That could only happen in one of three ways I believe. (1) You made a mistake and married a non-Christian. (2) You became a Christian after you were already married. (3) Your spouse deceived you about the fact that they were really not a Christian. In any case, the Bible tells us how to handle that. The Christian is obligated to stay in the marriage and do their best to reflect the love of Christ to their spouse. If the non-Christian spouse wants out of the marriage, he or she may leave. But the Christian can not be the one to make that decision. (1 Corinthians 7:10-15)
Okay, back to interracial marriages. Like I said, the Bible neither forbids or endorses them. However, we have several examples of God's chosen people entering into marriages with people from a different race. Moses married an Ethiopian woman (Numbers 12:1). Salmon married Rahab, the harlot of Jericho (Matthew 1:5). Boaz married a Moabite (Ruth 2:10 & 4:13). We never find any issues with those marriages on the basis of race.
So interracial marriage is fine, so long as it is between two believers - which is the same criteria that should be applied to marriages within the same race.
Finally, there are people, even people who call themselves Christians, opposed to interracial marriage because they are ignorant (unaware) of the truth. God created us all in His own image - as spiritual beings. The human bodies He's assigned each of us to during our tour of duty on earth are not material to who we are.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
What's Love?
Q: I know that 1 Corinthians 13 gives us a definition of love. But it seems that mankind - whether Christian or not - struggles to define love. Is it a feeling or an action? An emotion or a decision? Why do we struggle so with it - when the Bible is so straight forward about what love is? Seriously, how should love be any better defined or understood?
A: I believe the reason that mankind - whether Christian or not - struggles so much with the definition of love is that love refuses to meet our expectations. The thing about love is that a lot of evil wants to come under the disguise of love. Take selfishness, for example. Often when someone tells you they're in love, they talk all about what the other means to them. Consider these statements common to someone talking about love:
"He makes me feel so ...."
"He treats me like ..."
"I get butterflies whenever I'm around her."
What's at the root of those statements? Me! Often we confuse love with being how we feel about someone or how we react to someone. That says nothing about them ... but quite a bit about us.
1 Corinthians 13 is the place to start for a timeless definition of love. The best way to understand it is to look at the character and nature of love as its defined here --- and then begin writing more statements. Suppose, for this exercise, that the Apostle Paul told you he'd written this much, and he asked you to keep writing 1 Corinthians 13. So you'd start writing, and it might look something like this:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love doesn't keep track of whose turn it is to pay for dinner. Love leads with forgiveness ... even before it knows if who is to blame or if they're sorry or not. Love doesn't keep score. Love would never embarrass you in front of your friends. Love protects your reputation. Love would never have a good laugh at your expense. Love is eager to make sacrifices for your pleasure.
And the definition continues: Love is willing to confront you when you're wrong and gently correct you ... but not in front of others. Love always believes in you and is always willing to give you second, third and fourth chances. Love picks up after itself and is never late for appointments. Love pays its bills on time and lives within its means. Love is generous to a fault. Love draws firm boundaries and is quick to discipline.
So you get the point here. Keep writing. Think of all the situations and relationships you've ever been in ... and apply the 1 Corinthians 13 definition of love to them. Then watch how it comes out. You'll see that love is not so hard to understand or figure out. It just isn't what comes natural to human beings. But it is what comes natural to spiritual beings. So in conclusion, love isn't human. Rather love is supernatural, divine, spiritual and descends from heaven.
A: I believe the reason that mankind - whether Christian or not - struggles so much with the definition of love is that love refuses to meet our expectations. The thing about love is that a lot of evil wants to come under the disguise of love. Take selfishness, for example. Often when someone tells you they're in love, they talk all about what the other means to them. Consider these statements common to someone talking about love:
"He makes me feel so ...."
"He treats me like ..."
"I get butterflies whenever I'm around her."
What's at the root of those statements? Me! Often we confuse love with being how we feel about someone or how we react to someone. That says nothing about them ... but quite a bit about us.
1 Corinthians 13 is the place to start for a timeless definition of love. The best way to understand it is to look at the character and nature of love as its defined here --- and then begin writing more statements. Suppose, for this exercise, that the Apostle Paul told you he'd written this much, and he asked you to keep writing 1 Corinthians 13. So you'd start writing, and it might look something like this:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love doesn't keep track of whose turn it is to pay for dinner. Love leads with forgiveness ... even before it knows if who is to blame or if they're sorry or not. Love doesn't keep score. Love would never embarrass you in front of your friends. Love protects your reputation. Love would never have a good laugh at your expense. Love is eager to make sacrifices for your pleasure.
And the definition continues: Love is willing to confront you when you're wrong and gently correct you ... but not in front of others. Love always believes in you and is always willing to give you second, third and fourth chances. Love picks up after itself and is never late for appointments. Love pays its bills on time and lives within its means. Love is generous to a fault. Love draws firm boundaries and is quick to discipline.
So you get the point here. Keep writing. Think of all the situations and relationships you've ever been in ... and apply the 1 Corinthians 13 definition of love to them. Then watch how it comes out. You'll see that love is not so hard to understand or figure out. It just isn't what comes natural to human beings. But it is what comes natural to spiritual beings. So in conclusion, love isn't human. Rather love is supernatural, divine, spiritual and descends from heaven.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Man of God
Q: I read your blog about being "a man of God." So how would you know if you were a Biblical "man of God?" I mean is there tangible evidence that would present itself to support such a claim?
A: Yes, I believe there would be. Take a look, for example, at 2 Kings 1:12, where Elijah said, "If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men!" Then the fire of God fell from heaven and consumed him and his fifty men. In my book, that's tangible evidence.
I believe a true man of God would be walking so in tune with God that every step he takes and every breath he draws is totally in sync with the Father in heaven. A man of God can raise the dead, separate the seas, command water to pour out of rocks, and other such miracles. Mind you, it's not the miracles that make him a man of God. Rather it is the relationship he has with God that enables God's miraculous powers to flow through him. He is that yielded to the Lord, that obedient.
A: Yes, I believe there would be. Take a look, for example, at 2 Kings 1:12, where Elijah said, "If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men!" Then the fire of God fell from heaven and consumed him and his fifty men. In my book, that's tangible evidence.
I believe a true man of God would be walking so in tune with God that every step he takes and every breath he draws is totally in sync with the Father in heaven. A man of God can raise the dead, separate the seas, command water to pour out of rocks, and other such miracles. Mind you, it's not the miracles that make him a man of God. Rather it is the relationship he has with God that enables God's miraculous powers to flow through him. He is that yielded to the Lord, that obedient.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Enough on Divorce
NOTE TO READERS: I'm not going to spend any more time discussing Christian divorce. Frankly, I've already answered that question as sufficiently as I can.
Christian Divorce
Q: I know that God hates divorce, but it seems that a great many Christians (at least the ones I know) have been divorced. Some of them have been divorced more than once! So as a Christian, how do you know when it is time to get divorced?
A: You're right in saying that God hates divorce. But He stops short of absolutely forbidding it. In fact, Moses allowed the Israelites to divorce (Deuteronomy 24:1-4) and Jesus explained that divorce was allowed among God's chosen people because of the hardness of their hearts (Mark 10:1-10) But in that same conversation, Jesus reiterated that God's intention is for marriage to be permanent. God hates divorce.
So it's important for Christians to have an accurate view of God's will for their marriage. God hates marriage and He wants marriages to last. But God also understands we are humans and our hearts can become so wounded, so bitter and so unforgiving that marriage can become a sore source of misery.
I have read reports that the divorce rate among those who identify themselves as born-again Christians is higher. But frankly, I believe that is because the divorce drove them to Christ. So I don't believe it is that Christians divorce more frequently than non-Christians. But often the pain of divorce can only be resolved by turning to Christ.
Finally, let's look at your question about how to know if it's time to get a divorce. Certainly there is always hope with Jesus. If both partners are fully submitted to Jesus Christ then there is hope for the marriage. So in that context, it's never going to be time to get a divorce.
On a more practical note though, let me say that I would only get a divorce if I'd prayed over it and had at least one other mature believer praying about it with me. I'd be looking for God's permission to exit the marriage commitment. And I'd expect the wise counsel of other mature believers to affirm with me that God's permission is actually what I'd received.
God hates divorce - but it is not the unforgiveable sin.
A: You're right in saying that God hates divorce. But He stops short of absolutely forbidding it. In fact, Moses allowed the Israelites to divorce (Deuteronomy 24:1-4) and Jesus explained that divorce was allowed among God's chosen people because of the hardness of their hearts (Mark 10:1-10) But in that same conversation, Jesus reiterated that God's intention is for marriage to be permanent. God hates divorce.
So it's important for Christians to have an accurate view of God's will for their marriage. God hates marriage and He wants marriages to last. But God also understands we are humans and our hearts can become so wounded, so bitter and so unforgiving that marriage can become a sore source of misery.
I have read reports that the divorce rate among those who identify themselves as born-again Christians is higher. But frankly, I believe that is because the divorce drove them to Christ. So I don't believe it is that Christians divorce more frequently than non-Christians. But often the pain of divorce can only be resolved by turning to Christ.
Finally, let's look at your question about how to know if it's time to get a divorce. Certainly there is always hope with Jesus. If both partners are fully submitted to Jesus Christ then there is hope for the marriage. So in that context, it's never going to be time to get a divorce.
On a more practical note though, let me say that I would only get a divorce if I'd prayed over it and had at least one other mature believer praying about it with me. I'd be looking for God's permission to exit the marriage commitment. And I'd expect the wise counsel of other mature believers to affirm with me that God's permission is actually what I'd received.
God hates divorce - but it is not the unforgiveable sin.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Former Church
Q: When a pastor leaves a church, what should be his relationship with that church afterward? Does it matter if he was forced out of the church?
A: The answer lies in the heart of that pastor. Did the shepherd really love the sheep? If so, I think it would be impossible for him to write them off and just stop caring. And I don't believe it would matter why he left that church.
Typically pastors leave churches for one of three (3) reasons. (1) They decide to take another job elsewhere or decide to retire. (2) They have fallen in some sinful way and have lost the confidence of the elders/deacons. (3) They have somehow gotten cross-wise with the elders/deacons and were forced out because of philosophical reasons.
But like I said, I don't believe the reason for the departure should change the pastor's demeanor towards the church he used to pastor. He's still a shepherd, called to lead and love God's people. He may have some forgiving to do, but he should always be ready to continue shepherding God's people wherever they are.
A good example might be the Apostle Paul, who was ministering in Thessalonica. He was forced to leave. But look at the letters he wrote to the Thessalonians and the church at Thessalonica. They were filled with encouragement and exhortation. I believe they are a good example of a proper shepherd's heart toward the sheep he used to lead.
A: The answer lies in the heart of that pastor. Did the shepherd really love the sheep? If so, I think it would be impossible for him to write them off and just stop caring. And I don't believe it would matter why he left that church.
Typically pastors leave churches for one of three (3) reasons. (1) They decide to take another job elsewhere or decide to retire. (2) They have fallen in some sinful way and have lost the confidence of the elders/deacons. (3) They have somehow gotten cross-wise with the elders/deacons and were forced out because of philosophical reasons.
But like I said, I don't believe the reason for the departure should change the pastor's demeanor towards the church he used to pastor. He's still a shepherd, called to lead and love God's people. He may have some forgiving to do, but he should always be ready to continue shepherding God's people wherever they are.
A good example might be the Apostle Paul, who was ministering in Thessalonica. He was forced to leave. But look at the letters he wrote to the Thessalonians and the church at Thessalonica. They were filled with encouragement and exhortation. I believe they are a good example of a proper shepherd's heart toward the sheep he used to lead.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Parental Praise
Q: When a child grows up and turns out to be a success in life, who do you think gets more credit - the mother or the father?
A: Neither. It takes a village. Sometimes neither mother, father or a loving village are present. And yet individuals can grow up to become successful in life. The truest source (of their success) is God's loving grace. It is only by the grace of God that we are each not destroyed by the mistakes of our parents.
A: Neither. It takes a village. Sometimes neither mother, father or a loving village are present. And yet individuals can grow up to become successful in life. The truest source (of their success) is God's loving grace. It is only by the grace of God that we are each not destroyed by the mistakes of our parents.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
On Divorce
Q: If God hates divorce, how does a Christian know when to get a divorce? (Or are Christians never allowed to divorce?)
A: You could ask ten theologians this question and probably get ten different answers. I believe the most definitive answer is found in Jesus' actual words recorded in Matthew 19. Read the whole chapter. Consider what it says.
Essentially divorce is not God's will for us. Rather God intends for marriage to be a deep, lasting commitment that we make with each other exclusively. However, God is aware of the fact that our hearts are imperfect. Sometimes they can be so wounded that, aside from Him, they cannot go through one more day of this painful existence. So on those rare occasions, God allows divorce.
But keep in mind that just because God may allow divorce in certain circumstances --- He may not have allowed divorce in your circumstance. Moreover, just because He allows divorce doesn't mean that He always allows divorce. The thing here is that divorce is not your choice or your option. But you can petition the Lord and if He allows it, you can get a divorce. So in a sense, you are requesting His permission to leave this marriage institution that God supposedly put together.
A: You could ask ten theologians this question and probably get ten different answers. I believe the most definitive answer is found in Jesus' actual words recorded in Matthew 19. Read the whole chapter. Consider what it says.
Essentially divorce is not God's will for us. Rather God intends for marriage to be a deep, lasting commitment that we make with each other exclusively. However, God is aware of the fact that our hearts are imperfect. Sometimes they can be so wounded that, aside from Him, they cannot go through one more day of this painful existence. So on those rare occasions, God allows divorce.
But keep in mind that just because God may allow divorce in certain circumstances --- He may not have allowed divorce in your circumstance. Moreover, just because He allows divorce doesn't mean that He always allows divorce. The thing here is that divorce is not your choice or your option. But you can petition the Lord and if He allows it, you can get a divorce. So in a sense, you are requesting His permission to leave this marriage institution that God supposedly put together.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Jesus on Sports?
Q: Is the Super Bowl biblical? Would Jesus watch professional sports?
A: We could go into a long, theological examination here, but there's no point. Would Jesus watch sports? I think that's covered in a broader question of whether Jesus would watch TV at all. Do you think Jesus read fiction, told jokes or played board games? Let's be clear, Jesus was singularly focused on doing His Father's will. So would Jesus have done any of these things? Only in the context of loving others.
If Jesus could love others by watching professional sports with them, I suspect He would have. But Jesus would have never let it be about the sports. He kept it about the people --- as should we.
A: We could go into a long, theological examination here, but there's no point. Would Jesus watch sports? I think that's covered in a broader question of whether Jesus would watch TV at all. Do you think Jesus read fiction, told jokes or played board games? Let's be clear, Jesus was singularly focused on doing His Father's will. So would Jesus have done any of these things? Only in the context of loving others.
If Jesus could love others by watching professional sports with them, I suspect He would have. But Jesus would have never let it be about the sports. He kept it about the people --- as should we.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Embarrassing TV
Q: When we're watching TV, even watching a "safe" show can sometimes have embarrassing parts. I'm talking about references to sexuality or commercials for sexually related products for both men and women. How can we avoid those things in a Christian household?
A: I'm afraid that these things are the price we pay when we access the medium overall. If you want to visit the museum, you don't get to pick and choose what's in the museum. So by virtue of agreeing to go into the museum, you agree to subject yourself to whatever is in there. It works the same way as TV. We can block certain channels or shows, but ultimately we subject ourselves to whatever programming or advertising there is.
The world of television has obviously decided that there is nothing wrong with advertisements for erectile dysfunction pills or feminine hygiene products. If we're going to watch the shows on TV, we have to remember that the companies which make and sell these products are the companies that pay for those TV shows that we want to watch. The only way to avoid them is to avoid watching TV.
You could watch Christian TV only and that would be a safe bet. But when you watch non-Christian broadcasting, by definition, you are allowing someone else to set and control your viewing standards.
A: I'm afraid that these things are the price we pay when we access the medium overall. If you want to visit the museum, you don't get to pick and choose what's in the museum. So by virtue of agreeing to go into the museum, you agree to subject yourself to whatever is in there. It works the same way as TV. We can block certain channels or shows, but ultimately we subject ourselves to whatever programming or advertising there is.
The world of television has obviously decided that there is nothing wrong with advertisements for erectile dysfunction pills or feminine hygiene products. If we're going to watch the shows on TV, we have to remember that the companies which make and sell these products are the companies that pay for those TV shows that we want to watch. The only way to avoid them is to avoid watching TV.
You could watch Christian TV only and that would be a safe bet. But when you watch non-Christian broadcasting, by definition, you are allowing someone else to set and control your viewing standards.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Resolving Conflict
Q: Is there a Biblical framework for solving conflict? I mean when we get into an argument with someone, how do we solve it? Is there some principle in the Bible that would work in any situation?
A: Yes, there is. Read chapters 5, 6, & 7 in the book of Matthew. It's Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and contains a variety of principles for healthy living. People are human and flawed. So we have the inherent drift toward conflict with each other. The only way to avoid or resolve that conflict is to focus on points of agreement instead of points of disagreement.
If my wife and I cannot agree on which sofa to purchase, let's back away from the sofa shopping exercise and look for some point of agreement above the sofa. Maybe it's the style of the room, the level of comfort we want, or the amount and type of entertaining that we'd like to do. Or if we can't agree on how many children we want, let's back away from that conversation and talk about why we want children, what kind of family we think we'd like to have, etc.
If you look for them, there will always be something that you can agree on that will be higher in priority than the point you're disagreeing on. So when you run into a disagreement, stop and go back to one of those points of agreement. From there, you'll find the compromise or the resolution to the conflict.
A: Yes, there is. Read chapters 5, 6, & 7 in the book of Matthew. It's Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and contains a variety of principles for healthy living. People are human and flawed. So we have the inherent drift toward conflict with each other. The only way to avoid or resolve that conflict is to focus on points of agreement instead of points of disagreement.
If my wife and I cannot agree on which sofa to purchase, let's back away from the sofa shopping exercise and look for some point of agreement above the sofa. Maybe it's the style of the room, the level of comfort we want, or the amount and type of entertaining that we'd like to do. Or if we can't agree on how many children we want, let's back away from that conversation and talk about why we want children, what kind of family we think we'd like to have, etc.
If you look for them, there will always be something that you can agree on that will be higher in priority than the point you're disagreeing on. So when you run into a disagreement, stop and go back to one of those points of agreement. From there, you'll find the compromise or the resolution to the conflict.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Born Gay?
Q: I've been reading about homosexuality and am confused. It seems that some people are born that way - and that is logical. But it doesn't seem that most churches accept that fact. Why is that?
A: People are not born to be homosexual. God created each of us for a heterosexual marriage. The exception to that would be the people whom He may have created to live celibate lives (i.e., those who never marry).
People are born with sinful natures that can be tempted. Those who have been abused sexually, for example, often find themselves a target for sexual temptations that are stronger and/or different than what the average person might experience.
We know the character and nature of God, and we have His Word (the Bible) that tells us what He thinks about virtually everything we'd ever encounter in life. Clearly God would not create someone to be something that He would then forbid.
The problem with those with homosexual feelings today is that they believe those feelings (temptations) define them. They don't. Similarly, people with food issues shouldn't just give up and proclaim that they were born that way and will just be fat. God wouldn't create people to be gluttonous and then declare gluttony a sin. It's just not who God is.
Those with homosexual tendencies need to come to grips with the difference between a temptation and a definition. (And they are different!)
A: People are not born to be homosexual. God created each of us for a heterosexual marriage. The exception to that would be the people whom He may have created to live celibate lives (i.e., those who never marry).
People are born with sinful natures that can be tempted. Those who have been abused sexually, for example, often find themselves a target for sexual temptations that are stronger and/or different than what the average person might experience.
We know the character and nature of God, and we have His Word (the Bible) that tells us what He thinks about virtually everything we'd ever encounter in life. Clearly God would not create someone to be something that He would then forbid.
The problem with those with homosexual feelings today is that they believe those feelings (temptations) define them. They don't. Similarly, people with food issues shouldn't just give up and proclaim that they were born that way and will just be fat. God wouldn't create people to be gluttonous and then declare gluttony a sin. It's just not who God is.
Those with homosexual tendencies need to come to grips with the difference between a temptation and a definition. (And they are different!)
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Murder?
Q: Why did God give us a commandment not to murder - when so many of his chosen leaders in the Old Testament slaughtered so many people?
A: Wow, that is an excellent question. To get to the answer, we really have to consider acts of war separate from individual actions.
God told the Israelites to declare war on certain factions when He led them back to Israel. Who were these factions? They were evil people whom God knew would never turn to Him. So He wanted them destroyed, and He (intended to) use the Israelites to do the destroying. But these were always acts of war. There was never a time when God condoned one individual killing another individual. When King David, for example, had a man killed to conceal the affair he'd had with that man's wife, God condemned it and it was considered sin.
A: Wow, that is an excellent question. To get to the answer, we really have to consider acts of war separate from individual actions.
God told the Israelites to declare war on certain factions when He led them back to Israel. Who were these factions? They were evil people whom God knew would never turn to Him. So He wanted them destroyed, and He (intended to) use the Israelites to do the destroying. But these were always acts of war. There was never a time when God condoned one individual killing another individual. When King David, for example, had a man killed to conceal the affair he'd had with that man's wife, God condemned it and it was considered sin.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Ground hog Day
Q: Is there any truth to the belief about ground hog day? How should Christians regard such events?
A: No, there is no truth to ground hog day. There is no truth outside of Jesus Christ. There are facts and observations and circumstances. But that is different than truth.
Christians should regard ground hog day as we would any other pagan holiday, pagan belief, etc. They may be fun and interesting, but they should never have any influence on how we make decisions or how we live our lives.
A: No, there is no truth to ground hog day. There is no truth outside of Jesus Christ. There are facts and observations and circumstances. But that is different than truth.
Christians should regard ground hog day as we would any other pagan holiday, pagan belief, etc. They may be fun and interesting, but they should never have any influence on how we make decisions or how we live our lives.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
God & Homosexuals
Q: Does God hate fags?
A: God doesn't hate anyone. By using the slang "fag," I assume you are referring to men and women who engage in homosexual lifestyles. God doesn't hate them. He loves them dearly. And it breaks His heart to see them being so deceived. What they are doing is sin. Unfortunately, many of them have been led to believe that it's "how they were born." And so they go on sinning, thinking that it's okay. It's not. But they are loved by God, just the same as you and I are loved by God when we sin.
And for what it's worth, homosexuality isn't a definition. It is a temptation.
A: God doesn't hate anyone. By using the slang "fag," I assume you are referring to men and women who engage in homosexual lifestyles. God doesn't hate them. He loves them dearly. And it breaks His heart to see them being so deceived. What they are doing is sin. Unfortunately, many of them have been led to believe that it's "how they were born." And so they go on sinning, thinking that it's okay. It's not. But they are loved by God, just the same as you and I are loved by God when we sin.
And for what it's worth, homosexuality isn't a definition. It is a temptation.
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