Q: I heard a guy on the radio this week talking about how Japan "is a godless nation" and the latest earthquake and tsunami are punishments from God. How would you respond to someone who has such beliefs? Doesn't God love everyone?
A: Mmmm ... I'm not sure I would say that God loves everyone. God is willing to love everyone. God desires to love everyone. And I believe God is grieved that not everyone meets the criteria for His love. But the Bible does indicate that God's love is reserved for God's people ... and we each have the choice of being one of those people.
I also don't know if it's true that Japan "is a godless nation." What is true is that traditionally they have not shared the values of Christian nations. For example, in war they have been savage invaders and conquerors, inflicting horrendous atrocities on their victims. It's been only since the United States dropped atomic bombs on them that they stopped behaving so badly on the world scene. If the U.S. hadn't done that, it's likely that they would be a ruthless regime terrorizing the world today. Like I said, they have traditionally not shared the values of the western Christian people groups.
But does that mean that all Japanese people are godless? No, I don't think so. In fact, there are Christian churches in Japan. There are Christian missionaries working in Japan. Look, I don't know if God is trying to punish Japan with these calamities or not. The fact is, nobody knows such things. If I were the Japanese people though, I would be asking myself if God would have any reason to punish the entire nation.
I heard recently that less than 1% of the Japanese population is Christian - and that most Japanese don't claim any religion at all. So it is fertile ground for evangelism. As Jesus said, "the harvest is many, but the workers are few." So rather than try to decide whether or not the Japanese people might somehow deserve the calamities they're experiencing --- I believe it would be more Christlike to wade into their misery and despair and show them the love of Christ.
Knowing God's nature and character the way I do, it's entirely possible that God will use these calamities to help bring more Japanese people to Christ. We should all be at least praying for them and asking God to use this time to reveal Himself to the Japanese people. Let us all pray that God will be glorified in the end through these calamities.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Science & Religion
Q: My friend says that religion and science oppose each other. Is that really true?
A: I don't think so. If anything, science complements religion. The Bible leaves out the details of many things.
For example, the Bible describes the heavens as vast. But we learn through science that space is infinite. In other words, science helps us understand how vast the heavens are.
Another example might be creation. The Bible tells us that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. It goes on to tells how He created everything on earth. Science suggests how God might have done all that.
I like to think of science as God revealing a bit more of Himself, His nature and even His ways to mankind. In that way, when confronted with science, I ask yourself how it might be complementary to Scripture. You should too!
A: I don't think so. If anything, science complements religion. The Bible leaves out the details of many things.
For example, the Bible describes the heavens as vast. But we learn through science that space is infinite. In other words, science helps us understand how vast the heavens are.
Another example might be creation. The Bible tells us that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. It goes on to tells how He created everything on earth. Science suggests how God might have done all that.
I like to think of science as God revealing a bit more of Himself, His nature and even His ways to mankind. In that way, when confronted with science, I ask yourself how it might be complementary to Scripture. You should too!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Curing Gays
Q: You recently shared a link on Facebook to a news story about how Apple is embracing an iPhone application from Exodus International --- which aims to "cure homosexuals." Isn't this just hate-mongering? Aren't we supposed to love the sinner hate the sin? And does anyone really believe gays can be "cured?" I mean, if God made them that way, who are we to change them?
A: The Biblical position is that homosexual activity is a sin. And as Jesus pointed out, lust in our minds and hearts is also sin. So homosexual fantasies are sin (just as hetero-sexual fantasies outside of committed, marriage relationships are sinful). The Biblical position is also that temptation to sin can be resisted, and is to be resisted. So no, I don't think it's "hate mongering" to try and offer loving, spiritual-based assistance to people who need to resist and turn from the temptations they may have to engage in sinful behavior. Quite the contrary. If we really love the self-proclaimed gays in today's society --- then we really owe them the decency of that loving, spiritual guidance and support.
Finally, I'm not deluded by the notion that gays can be "cured." Only Christ Jesus can completely free us from the temptation to sin. He is the only cure.
A: The Biblical position is that homosexual activity is a sin. And as Jesus pointed out, lust in our minds and hearts is also sin. So homosexual fantasies are sin (just as hetero-sexual fantasies outside of committed, marriage relationships are sinful). The Biblical position is also that temptation to sin can be resisted, and is to be resisted. So no, I don't think it's "hate mongering" to try and offer loving, spiritual-based assistance to people who need to resist and turn from the temptations they may have to engage in sinful behavior. Quite the contrary. If we really love the self-proclaimed gays in today's society --- then we really owe them the decency of that loving, spiritual guidance and support.
Finally, I'm not deluded by the notion that gays can be "cured." Only Christ Jesus can completely free us from the temptation to sin. He is the only cure.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Easter
Q: Easter is coming up in a few weeks. What would be a good way to celebrate it? I'd like to teach my kids something more than the Easter Bunny, candy and new outfits. But I honestly don't know where to start.
A: You start with the resurrection. Easter is the celebration of Christ's resurrection ... which proved that He is who He says He is. It proved that Jesus is God. And that truth means that our sins are forgiven. We just have to confess them and turn to Him.
I think an excellent way to celebrate Easter is to focus on the meaning of the resurrection. Ask yourself what it means that your sins are forgiven. Is that a big deal to you? You might make a list of the sins you've committed so that you can see what Christ died to forgive. You could have your kids, for example, do the same thing.
Our culture, as have many other cultures in the history of the world, includes food as a main part of every celebration. So it's not entirely wrong that we have jelly beans and chocolate rabbits on Easter. It's just wrong to leave it there.
A: You start with the resurrection. Easter is the celebration of Christ's resurrection ... which proved that He is who He says He is. It proved that Jesus is God. And that truth means that our sins are forgiven. We just have to confess them and turn to Him.
I think an excellent way to celebrate Easter is to focus on the meaning of the resurrection. Ask yourself what it means that your sins are forgiven. Is that a big deal to you? You might make a list of the sins you've committed so that you can see what Christ died to forgive. You could have your kids, for example, do the same thing.
Our culture, as have many other cultures in the history of the world, includes food as a main part of every celebration. So it's not entirely wrong that we have jelly beans and chocolate rabbits on Easter. It's just wrong to leave it there.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Christian Technology
Q: What does the Bible have to say about modern technology? I mean are Christians supposed to embrace it or turn from it? I notice the Amish, for example, eschew most modern technologies. And I know the Mennonites do too, albeit to a lesser extent (they drive cars). Is there a Biblical basis for such decisions? Would Jesus have a cell phone or text His disciples?
A: I'm not aware of any Bible passage that would instruct or even guide Christ-followers to eschew modern technological advancements. In fact, I'm pretty sure that many of God's blessings come in the form of technological advancements. Consider, for example, advancements in medical technology. They often lead to answered prayer. Everything from home construction to transportation to education to communication and other forms of technology often pave the way for God to bless us.
On the other hand, whatever is meant for good can also be used for evil. Satan loves nothing better than to appropriate what's good for his own purposes. We've seen television be a double-edged sword, bringing us both high quality or even Biblical entertainment, education and inspiration. At the same time, it brings us crap that at a minimum undermines Christian values and at a maximum blatantly offends. The same is true for automobiles, cell phones, laptops and other modern technologies. The best example I can think of are the parents whom I see sitting in restaurants or just out in public with their children --- but who are absorbed in their texting or emails and blatantly ignore their children. The technology can get in the way of our relationships rather easily.
So would Jesus have texted His disciples? I suspect He would have. But I'm equally confident that Jesus would have turned off His Blackberry when it was time to pray, or during a meal or worship service. I don't even think He'd have left it on vibrate. Simply put, Jesus knew that technology was intended to serve mankind ... and not enslave us. And He would have been astute at realizing when that fine line was crossed. We should be that astute as well!
A: I'm not aware of any Bible passage that would instruct or even guide Christ-followers to eschew modern technological advancements. In fact, I'm pretty sure that many of God's blessings come in the form of technological advancements. Consider, for example, advancements in medical technology. They often lead to answered prayer. Everything from home construction to transportation to education to communication and other forms of technology often pave the way for God to bless us.
On the other hand, whatever is meant for good can also be used for evil. Satan loves nothing better than to appropriate what's good for his own purposes. We've seen television be a double-edged sword, bringing us both high quality or even Biblical entertainment, education and inspiration. At the same time, it brings us crap that at a minimum undermines Christian values and at a maximum blatantly offends. The same is true for automobiles, cell phones, laptops and other modern technologies. The best example I can think of are the parents whom I see sitting in restaurants or just out in public with their children --- but who are absorbed in their texting or emails and blatantly ignore their children. The technology can get in the way of our relationships rather easily.
So would Jesus have texted His disciples? I suspect He would have. But I'm equally confident that Jesus would have turned off His Blackberry when it was time to pray, or during a meal or worship service. I don't even think He'd have left it on vibrate. Simply put, Jesus knew that technology was intended to serve mankind ... and not enslave us. And He would have been astute at realizing when that fine line was crossed. We should be that astute as well!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Orphans in the World
Q: I've read that there are something like 30 million orphans around the world today. Seriously, how could Christians respond to something like that? I mean, it's more than anyone could imagine. How could you build enough orphanages to house all of those kids?
A: Well, here's a little surprise for you --- orphanages are not Biblical. That's right. They're not Biblical. The Christian response is not to house the lonely orphans in institutions. Jesus said that we are to love others as we ourselves would like to be loved. As an adoptive parent myself, I firmly believe Jesus would want His followers to welcome the orphans into our homes.
So how many orphans can you take on? How many empty bedrooms are in your house? Your children are grown adults now, and you're still fit and able. So how many more kids can you parent? How many more kids will the resources that God has given you support? Christians should be the most adopting people on earth. I mean that literally.
Beyond adopting the orphans ourselves, Christians could be going into countries and empowering local families to adopt as well. There are probably enough parents in China or Russia, for example - to raise all the orphans in those countries. But they're poor and lack the resources to support larger households. Christians could empower them to adopt those orphans.
The loving environment of a family will always be the best option for an orphan child. The only question is whether we have enough Christian families that are willing to be that loving. God knew that there would be orphans, widows and the poor on this earth. And He's always had a plan for taking care of them. His plan is to use people like you and me.
A: Well, here's a little surprise for you --- orphanages are not Biblical. That's right. They're not Biblical. The Christian response is not to house the lonely orphans in institutions. Jesus said that we are to love others as we ourselves would like to be loved. As an adoptive parent myself, I firmly believe Jesus would want His followers to welcome the orphans into our homes.
So how many orphans can you take on? How many empty bedrooms are in your house? Your children are grown adults now, and you're still fit and able. So how many more kids can you parent? How many more kids will the resources that God has given you support? Christians should be the most adopting people on earth. I mean that literally.
Beyond adopting the orphans ourselves, Christians could be going into countries and empowering local families to adopt as well. There are probably enough parents in China or Russia, for example - to raise all the orphans in those countries. But they're poor and lack the resources to support larger households. Christians could empower them to adopt those orphans.
The loving environment of a family will always be the best option for an orphan child. The only question is whether we have enough Christian families that are willing to be that loving. God knew that there would be orphans, widows and the poor on this earth. And He's always had a plan for taking care of them. His plan is to use people like you and me.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Christian Funerals
Q: Is there a way that Christians should handle a funeral? I mean when dealing with the death of a loved one, shouldn't there be an approach that is uniquely Christian? I've been to some funerals lately and don't really notice any difference between the funeral of a believer and the funeral of a non-believer. Is that right? Is that how it's supposed to be?
A: The thing about funerals is that they're for the living --- and not for the dead. Whatever ceremony or observance you have it is for the benefit of those who survive. It is not for the deceased. So in that regard, I think most people defer to whatever it is that would bring comfort and solace to the surviving family and friends.
Is that right? Is that how it's supposed to be? To be honest, I'm not really sure. I suppose we could look at some Biblical principles and try to use the funeral or other observance as a "call to action," where we would exhort the surviving family and loved ones to see the eternal and heavenly perspective on what's just happened.
The saddest funerals I've ever been to have been for non-believers who'd just died. For them, there is no hope of eternal life. And everyone knows it. It is difficult to put a positive spin on such a catastrophic losses that grieves even God Himself. But it seems to me that would be a good time to point that out and call the survivors to live differently.
Whether it's the funeral of a Christian or a non-believer, I think I would strive for the most God-honoring funeral I can imagine. How can we give God the glory in this service? How can we point people to God in this funeral? What promises of God need to be focused on most at this funeral? What Biblical principles are most relevant during this time of loss? How would Jesus want the surviving family and loved ones to response to this loss? If I'm going to preach a funeral, those are some questions I'm going to want to answer.
In conclusion, I don't think it's so much a matter of whether traditional funerals are right or wrong. Rather it is a matter of whether or not there are better, more God-honoring funerals to be had.
A: The thing about funerals is that they're for the living --- and not for the dead. Whatever ceremony or observance you have it is for the benefit of those who survive. It is not for the deceased. So in that regard, I think most people defer to whatever it is that would bring comfort and solace to the surviving family and friends.
Is that right? Is that how it's supposed to be? To be honest, I'm not really sure. I suppose we could look at some Biblical principles and try to use the funeral or other observance as a "call to action," where we would exhort the surviving family and loved ones to see the eternal and heavenly perspective on what's just happened.
The saddest funerals I've ever been to have been for non-believers who'd just died. For them, there is no hope of eternal life. And everyone knows it. It is difficult to put a positive spin on such a catastrophic losses that grieves even God Himself. But it seems to me that would be a good time to point that out and call the survivors to live differently.
Whether it's the funeral of a Christian or a non-believer, I think I would strive for the most God-honoring funeral I can imagine. How can we give God the glory in this service? How can we point people to God in this funeral? What promises of God need to be focused on most at this funeral? What Biblical principles are most relevant during this time of loss? How would Jesus want the surviving family and loved ones to response to this loss? If I'm going to preach a funeral, those are some questions I'm going to want to answer.
In conclusion, I don't think it's so much a matter of whether traditional funerals are right or wrong. Rather it is a matter of whether or not there are better, more God-honoring funerals to be had.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Church Conflict
Q: Through the years we've attended a handful of churches. Inevitably, each of them seems to hit periods of turbulence. I mean, there are nasty political situations in the church. People get wounded. Some get mad and leave. You keep thinking you'll find another church where they don't have the conflict or the drama. But then it happens again. Is it me? Am I a magnet for conflict? What is it about churches that make so many of them dysfunctional?
A: The real problem is simply that the churches are full of sinners who are in desperate need of a Savior. They're broken, flawed people with incomplete and impure thinking. This may be one of the most misunderstood truths in all of Christianity. People look at the problems in a church and conclude that they mean something about the authenticity or legitimacy of that church. They don't. They simply mean that the church is human.
If you set out to find the perfect church, I daresay you would never find it. For even if it looks perfect now, you're not seeing everything and/or it won't look that way for long. Everyone in a church must yield to a higher authority than mankind. It's the only way that everything can be made right. The fact is that not many churches or church leaders, including lay leaders, recognize that conflict is inevitable and therefore must be dealt with.
Churches, leaders and even the lay people in them need to acquire a "black belt in conflict." Seriously, because conflict is so natural to our flawed nature, we can only honor God when we learn to deal with it successfully. And for what it's worth, we honor God most when we walk through the conflict instead of around it.
I teach a course on conflict resolution. The Bible is chock full of advice and tools to help us deal with conflict successfully.
A: The real problem is simply that the churches are full of sinners who are in desperate need of a Savior. They're broken, flawed people with incomplete and impure thinking. This may be one of the most misunderstood truths in all of Christianity. People look at the problems in a church and conclude that they mean something about the authenticity or legitimacy of that church. They don't. They simply mean that the church is human.
If you set out to find the perfect church, I daresay you would never find it. For even if it looks perfect now, you're not seeing everything and/or it won't look that way for long. Everyone in a church must yield to a higher authority than mankind. It's the only way that everything can be made right. The fact is that not many churches or church leaders, including lay leaders, recognize that conflict is inevitable and therefore must be dealt with.
Churches, leaders and even the lay people in them need to acquire a "black belt in conflict." Seriously, because conflict is so natural to our flawed nature, we can only honor God when we learn to deal with it successfully. And for what it's worth, we honor God most when we walk through the conflict instead of around it.
I teach a course on conflict resolution. The Bible is chock full of advice and tools to help us deal with conflict successfully.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Spiritual Gifts
Q: What exactly are spiritual gifts? And how do I know if I have them?
A: Spiritual gifts are special abilities that are supernaturally bestowed on each of them. Everyone of us has them and the mix of them tends to vary from one person to another. Opinions tend to vary about what the gifts are, depending on where they're referenced in the Bible. A few commonly accepted gifts are also not referenced specifically in the Bible, but are rather implied.
The most commonly accepted reference to the spiritual gifts is 1 Corinthians 12, which most people think lists just nine (9) spiritual gifts. They are wisdom & knowledge (1 Cor. 12:8), faith (1 Cor. 12:9), healing (1 Cor. 12:9 & 12:28), miracles (1 Cor. 12:10 & 12:28), prophesy (1 Cor. 12:10 & 12:28), discernment of spirits (1 Cor. 12:10), speaking in tongues (1 Cor. 12:10), and interpretation of tongues (1 Cor. 12:10). These are also known as the charismatic gifts because they tend to be more supernatural in nature.
There are other references in Romans 12 to things that Christianity tends to accept as being spiritual gifts. Those include things like exhortation, serving, giving, leadership, mercy, and teaching. Ephesians 4 also list some things that Christians believe are spiritual gifts of apostleship, pastoring, and evangelism. But the list is actually a little longer still. There are various passages of Scripture in both the Old and New Testament that suggest a few other spiritual gifts. Celibacy (1 Cor. 7:7), martyrdom, voluntary poverty, hospitality and missionary are all on that last.
The best way to determine which of the gifts you have is through a professionally developed spiritual gifts test. The one I favor is called the Wagner-Houts Gift Analysis. You can find it on-line. There are other tests available on-line as well. You might want to take more than one of them and compare the results for consistency. Then I recommend you take the results and talk them over with someone who knows you well to see if the results line up with what is known about you.
The bottom line is that we all have spiritual gifts to one degree or another. Some of us are aware of them, and some of us put them to better use than others. So once you identify them, the challenge is to become a good steward of those spiritual gifts!
A: Spiritual gifts are special abilities that are supernaturally bestowed on each of them. Everyone of us has them and the mix of them tends to vary from one person to another. Opinions tend to vary about what the gifts are, depending on where they're referenced in the Bible. A few commonly accepted gifts are also not referenced specifically in the Bible, but are rather implied.
The most commonly accepted reference to the spiritual gifts is 1 Corinthians 12, which most people think lists just nine (9) spiritual gifts. They are wisdom & knowledge (1 Cor. 12:8), faith (1 Cor. 12:9), healing (1 Cor. 12:9 & 12:28), miracles (1 Cor. 12:10 & 12:28), prophesy (1 Cor. 12:10 & 12:28), discernment of spirits (1 Cor. 12:10), speaking in tongues (1 Cor. 12:10), and interpretation of tongues (1 Cor. 12:10). These are also known as the charismatic gifts because they tend to be more supernatural in nature.
There are other references in Romans 12 to things that Christianity tends to accept as being spiritual gifts. Those include things like exhortation, serving, giving, leadership, mercy, and teaching. Ephesians 4 also list some things that Christians believe are spiritual gifts of apostleship, pastoring, and evangelism. But the list is actually a little longer still. There are various passages of Scripture in both the Old and New Testament that suggest a few other spiritual gifts. Celibacy (1 Cor. 7:7), martyrdom, voluntary poverty, hospitality and missionary are all on that last.
The best way to determine which of the gifts you have is through a professionally developed spiritual gifts test. The one I favor is called the Wagner-Houts Gift Analysis. You can find it on-line. There are other tests available on-line as well. You might want to take more than one of them and compare the results for consistency. Then I recommend you take the results and talk them over with someone who knows you well to see if the results line up with what is known about you.
The bottom line is that we all have spiritual gifts to one degree or another. Some of us are aware of them, and some of us put them to better use than others. So once you identify them, the challenge is to become a good steward of those spiritual gifts!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Letters To 7 Churches?
Q: What are the "Letters To 7 Churches." I heard someone preaching about them on the radio the other day and was not familiar with them. The guy on the radio said they're in the Bible?
A: John, the author of the book of Revelation (the last book in the Christian Bible) included in that book letters to seven different churches that were all located in what was then known as the province of Asia. They were in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. These were simply cities in that province and the letters were simply addressing the Christian church located in each city.
The significance of the letters - or perhaps their relevance in our modern day culture - is that each church displayed a certain set of behaviors. Some were godly and some were not. Each letter addressed the strength of the church to which it was written. But each letter also addressed the weakness of the church to which each particular letter was written.
If you read the letters (Revelation 2 & 3) you'll see that the nature and character of those church congregations was very common to what we might find in American churches today. So the challenge is then to look at my own church and see what it has in common with any or all of those seven (7) churches. Would Jesus have any different perspective or point to make with my church than He did with those churches? Definitely not!
The letters to those seven churches back then were meant to motivate those churches to make changes. They're there for us to read today for exactly the same reason. We should read them and be motivated to make changes!
A: John, the author of the book of Revelation (the last book in the Christian Bible) included in that book letters to seven different churches that were all located in what was then known as the province of Asia. They were in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. These were simply cities in that province and the letters were simply addressing the Christian church located in each city.
The significance of the letters - or perhaps their relevance in our modern day culture - is that each church displayed a certain set of behaviors. Some were godly and some were not. Each letter addressed the strength of the church to which it was written. But each letter also addressed the weakness of the church to which each particular letter was written.
If you read the letters (Revelation 2 & 3) you'll see that the nature and character of those church congregations was very common to what we might find in American churches today. So the challenge is then to look at my own church and see what it has in common with any or all of those seven (7) churches. Would Jesus have any different perspective or point to make with my church than He did with those churches? Definitely not!
The letters to those seven churches back then were meant to motivate those churches to make changes. They're there for us to read today for exactly the same reason. We should read them and be motivated to make changes!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Nehemiah Lessons
Q: Our small group at church is doing a study of the book of Nehemiah. We're almost finished, and frankly I'm not sure that I get the point. I mean it's cool that Nehemiah was able to organize the people and rebuild the city within just a few weeks. It's even more cool that the king supported him in his effort. Is there one thing that we should learn from this book? If so, what would it be?
A: People often point to the book of Nehemiah as being a model for leadership. So often a study of Nehemiah focuses on the virtues of Nehemiah's style of leadership. And that may all be true. But I do believe there are a couple of key points that I've not seen any Bible study focus on.
For starters Nehemiah's heart was broken for the people. When he heard about the conditions in Jerusalem - he was broken hearted. He grieved. He fasted. He prayed. I wonder how many of us are that broken hearted. We're so filled with images on TV, for example, that we might be immune. Take for example, the recent tragedy in Japan. I've no doubt that hundreds of thousands of Americans watched these images --- hearing the story of destruction, suffering and despair --- and then went out to dinner and to a movie. Few of us wept for Japan, fasted for Japan, etc. So like I said, I wonder if any of us could love a people group so much that we could be broken hearted for their misery, suffering, vulnerability, etc.
Secondly, Nehemiah looked to God for everything. He prayed often. He was specific in his requests of God. He was confident that God would answer. He encouraged the people to be confident in God's provision. I think that too stands in stark contrast to how we live today. Even the most faithful Christians are probably falling short of the level of faith that Nehemiah exhibited. Look at it another way. When Jesus performed miracles - He was never surprised that they worked. For example, when Jesus turned water into wine, He didn't say, "Oh my gosh! It worked! It worked!" Jesus knew who He was and He was confident in the power the Lord had given Him. How may of us really expect miracles in our day to day lives?
Just because you don't quite get it, I encourage you not to give up on the book of Nehemiah. Virtually every book in your Bible is "useful for teaching" (2 Timothy 3:16).
A: People often point to the book of Nehemiah as being a model for leadership. So often a study of Nehemiah focuses on the virtues of Nehemiah's style of leadership. And that may all be true. But I do believe there are a couple of key points that I've not seen any Bible study focus on.
For starters Nehemiah's heart was broken for the people. When he heard about the conditions in Jerusalem - he was broken hearted. He grieved. He fasted. He prayed. I wonder how many of us are that broken hearted. We're so filled with images on TV, for example, that we might be immune. Take for example, the recent tragedy in Japan. I've no doubt that hundreds of thousands of Americans watched these images --- hearing the story of destruction, suffering and despair --- and then went out to dinner and to a movie. Few of us wept for Japan, fasted for Japan, etc. So like I said, I wonder if any of us could love a people group so much that we could be broken hearted for their misery, suffering, vulnerability, etc.
Secondly, Nehemiah looked to God for everything. He prayed often. He was specific in his requests of God. He was confident that God would answer. He encouraged the people to be confident in God's provision. I think that too stands in stark contrast to how we live today. Even the most faithful Christians are probably falling short of the level of faith that Nehemiah exhibited. Look at it another way. When Jesus performed miracles - He was never surprised that they worked. For example, when Jesus turned water into wine, He didn't say, "Oh my gosh! It worked! It worked!" Jesus knew who He was and He was confident in the power the Lord had given Him. How may of us really expect miracles in our day to day lives?
Just because you don't quite get it, I encourage you not to give up on the book of Nehemiah. Virtually every book in your Bible is "useful for teaching" (2 Timothy 3:16).
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Charity Requests
Q: We are really overwhelmed sometimes with the requests we get for donations to charities. They send you mail. They call on the phone. They come to your front door. They send your friends to ask you to support their cause. It seems there's no end to the requests for money. The problem is that so many of them have good causes that seem worthy of support. But there's no way we can support all of them. What's a Christian to do?
A: What a Christian is supposed to do is first realize that virtually all of your money, time and resources belong to the Lord. We are just temporary stewards of these things --- and we are responsible to Him for how we spend or save or donate those resources.
The second thing a Christian is supposed to do is take 10% off the top and give it to your local church as soon as you get it. No exceptions. The remaining 90% of your money, etc. are to be prayed over. "Lord, what would You have me do with this money? How should I spend it?"
And finally, when these requests come in, you pray over each and every one of them. "Lord, how should I respond to this request? Should I give? If so, how much? Should I ask for more information? Is there anything I should do besides give money? (Like maybe volunteer or pray?)"
There are a couple of important truths about non-profits and so-called "para-church ministries." The first is that these non-profit organizations aren't Biblical. Seriously, they're not. The Old Testament model was that everyone bring their tithes and offerings to the temple - which operates a storehouse out of which it works to meet the needs in the community. So the social ills that all these non-profits are trying to address today? God's plan for meeting them is through the church. But the people aren't obedient in giving their tithes and offerings to the church. And some churches aren't obedient to their calling. (They'd rather build palatial facilities than help the poor!)
Secondly, God doesn't want you to give to the vast majority of the organizations that ask you for donations. Really. Pray and ask God ... and don't be surprised when He tells you to grow a spine and learn to say no. "I'm sorry, but all of our giving dollars are spoken for. I have no money to give you." It isn't mean. It isn't unloving. It doesn't mean that you don't care about the poor, the oppressed, the environment, the rescue animals, the diseases, etc. It just means you don't have your Father's permission to put your money there at this time. He has other things He wants you to spend it on or donate it to. And He has other people whom He will call to support this charity --- if indeed it is doing work that pleases Him.
A: What a Christian is supposed to do is first realize that virtually all of your money, time and resources belong to the Lord. We are just temporary stewards of these things --- and we are responsible to Him for how we spend or save or donate those resources.
The second thing a Christian is supposed to do is take 10% off the top and give it to your local church as soon as you get it. No exceptions. The remaining 90% of your money, etc. are to be prayed over. "Lord, what would You have me do with this money? How should I spend it?"
And finally, when these requests come in, you pray over each and every one of them. "Lord, how should I respond to this request? Should I give? If so, how much? Should I ask for more information? Is there anything I should do besides give money? (Like maybe volunteer or pray?)"
There are a couple of important truths about non-profits and so-called "para-church ministries." The first is that these non-profit organizations aren't Biblical. Seriously, they're not. The Old Testament model was that everyone bring their tithes and offerings to the temple - which operates a storehouse out of which it works to meet the needs in the community. So the social ills that all these non-profits are trying to address today? God's plan for meeting them is through the church. But the people aren't obedient in giving their tithes and offerings to the church. And some churches aren't obedient to their calling. (They'd rather build palatial facilities than help the poor!)
Secondly, God doesn't want you to give to the vast majority of the organizations that ask you for donations. Really. Pray and ask God ... and don't be surprised when He tells you to grow a spine and learn to say no. "I'm sorry, but all of our giving dollars are spoken for. I have no money to give you." It isn't mean. It isn't unloving. It doesn't mean that you don't care about the poor, the oppressed, the environment, the rescue animals, the diseases, etc. It just means you don't have your Father's permission to put your money there at this time. He has other things He wants you to spend it on or donate it to. And He has other people whom He will call to support this charity --- if indeed it is doing work that pleases Him.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Old Testament Relevance?
Q: I was looking for information on tattoo's and came across this web site that says, (and I quote), "It is ALWAYS (sic) wrong to apply Old Testament Law, which was given only to the Jews, to New Testament times. We DO NOT (sic) live under the Old Testament Law. To take a verse our of the Old Testament and attempt to apply it today is to practice legalism." Is that true? We don't have to do anything it says in the Old Testament?
(You can check it out for yourself. The web site is
http://www.scripturessay.com/article.php?cat=&id=523/.)
A: This information is seriously misguided. It is not true. It is not accurate information. I looked at that web site and it appears to be written by the pastor of a small church in Arizona. There's no doubt that the author is sincere - but in this case I believe he is sincerely wrong.
Jesus said in Matthew 5:17-20, "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. For truly I tell you, 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. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called the least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven."
I don't believe Jesus could have made it any more clear than this. The Ten Commandments are probably the best illustration of Jesus' point. Not a single one of them has been abolished. God's people are still expected to obey them even today. And we will be expected to obey them.
For the record, I believe the primary difference that you'll find between the guidance in the Old and New Testaments is how we deal with sin. In the Old Testament, sin was to be confessed and then a sacrifice was made for sin in order to reconcile the sinner to God. In the New Testament, sin is still to be confessed --- but the Jesus is the sacrifice made for that sin in order to reconcile the sinner to God. Because of this, we also don't need an intercessor between ourselves and God. In the Old Testament nobody was good enought to talk directly to God ... they had to have a priest intervene on their behalf. But in the New Testament, Jesus makes us good enough to talk directly to God. There is no longer a need for a priest to intervene on anyone's behalf. Other than these differences, the Old and New Testament basically say the same thing.
A final note: the conversation on that web site was about tattoo's. While the Old Testament says tattoos are strictly forbidden, the author explains that this had cultural contact around it that may mean something different today. There are other places in the Old Testament where what's said cannot be directly interpreted ... because the cultural context changed the meaning. So what's said in the Old Testament, in this case "no tattoos" is still true. But the context may give it a different meaning. In other words that tattoos that it was forbidding back then may not be the same tattoos that we have today.
And so ... you really cannot read the Bible without considering the context because it often has a bearing on the what the Scriptures are really telling us. It's why people "wrestle" with Scripture. It's why we're told to contemplate Scripture. If all you do is read the Bible, you'll fall seriously short of what God intends for you in terms of hearing what God has to say in the Bible. This studying of the Scriptures, wrestling with it, contemplating it, thinking it through, discussing it with others ... all are efforts to look at the context of what's being said and realize the communication from God that we find in the Bible is more than just the words that are printed.
(You can check it out for yourself. The web site is
http://www.scripturessay.com/article.php?cat=&id=523/.)
A: This information is seriously misguided. It is not true. It is not accurate information. I looked at that web site and it appears to be written by the pastor of a small church in Arizona. There's no doubt that the author is sincere - but in this case I believe he is sincerely wrong.
Jesus said in Matthew 5:17-20, "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. For truly I tell you, 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. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called the least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven."
I don't believe Jesus could have made it any more clear than this. The Ten Commandments are probably the best illustration of Jesus' point. Not a single one of them has been abolished. God's people are still expected to obey them even today. And we will be expected to obey them.
For the record, I believe the primary difference that you'll find between the guidance in the Old and New Testaments is how we deal with sin. In the Old Testament, sin was to be confessed and then a sacrifice was made for sin in order to reconcile the sinner to God. In the New Testament, sin is still to be confessed --- but the Jesus is the sacrifice made for that sin in order to reconcile the sinner to God. Because of this, we also don't need an intercessor between ourselves and God. In the Old Testament nobody was good enought to talk directly to God ... they had to have a priest intervene on their behalf. But in the New Testament, Jesus makes us good enough to talk directly to God. There is no longer a need for a priest to intervene on anyone's behalf. Other than these differences, the Old and New Testament basically say the same thing.
A final note: the conversation on that web site was about tattoo's. While the Old Testament says tattoos are strictly forbidden, the author explains that this had cultural contact around it that may mean something different today. There are other places in the Old Testament where what's said cannot be directly interpreted ... because the cultural context changed the meaning. So what's said in the Old Testament, in this case "no tattoos" is still true. But the context may give it a different meaning. In other words that tattoos that it was forbidding back then may not be the same tattoos that we have today.
And so ... you really cannot read the Bible without considering the context because it often has a bearing on the what the Scriptures are really telling us. It's why people "wrestle" with Scripture. It's why we're told to contemplate Scripture. If all you do is read the Bible, you'll fall seriously short of what God intends for you in terms of hearing what God has to say in the Bible. This studying of the Scriptures, wrestling with it, contemplating it, thinking it through, discussing it with others ... all are efforts to look at the context of what's being said and realize the communication from God that we find in the Bible is more than just the words that are printed.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Real Love
Q: How would you define love? I mean, how do you know if your love for someone else is real? Or more importantly, how do you know if their love for you is real?
A: Of course 1 Corinthians 13 ("Love is patient ...") is the defining Scripture for what love is or isn't. From a practical application perspective, I think you have to look at that (1 Corinthians 13) as the foundation and start building on it. The first thing you have to notice is that love is action and not feeling or emotion. You may have strong feelings or emotions ... but they aren't love.
Then we have to consider what actions constitute love. Typically their acts of sacrifice, of consideration, of unmerited favor. They're selfless acts. They're thoughtful acts. Real love is focused on the object of love ... with absolutely no regard for what's in it for itself. So, for example, if I say I love you, that love is only real when my love for you has no regard for what you can give me in return. In fact, real love expects or demands nothing in return.
A: Of course 1 Corinthians 13 ("Love is patient ...") is the defining Scripture for what love is or isn't. From a practical application perspective, I think you have to look at that (1 Corinthians 13) as the foundation and start building on it. The first thing you have to notice is that love is action and not feeling or emotion. You may have strong feelings or emotions ... but they aren't love.
Then we have to consider what actions constitute love. Typically their acts of sacrifice, of consideration, of unmerited favor. They're selfless acts. They're thoughtful acts. Real love is focused on the object of love ... with absolutely no regard for what's in it for itself. So, for example, if I say I love you, that love is only real when my love for you has no regard for what you can give me in return. In fact, real love expects or demands nothing in return.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Death Punishment?
Q: This has always been on my mind and I've never got a clear answer. Is death a punishment for sin?
A: Well physical death is not the punishment for sin. It is part of the cycle of life here on earth. However, I would say that spiritual death is the ultimate punishment for sin. I count as spiritual death anyone who is not going to heaven to spend eternity with Christ.
The Bible tells us that Jesus "conquered the grave," which means that He overcame the dynamics of death. Another way to think about that would be to see what death is when one is with Jesus --- it isn't death at all. It's simply that human life cycle. But attend the funeral of someone who never committed their life to Christ, and you've got a much sadder affair. There is no further reason for hope in that individual's life. Said differently, death in their particular life was not conquered by Christ.
A: Well physical death is not the punishment for sin. It is part of the cycle of life here on earth. However, I would say that spiritual death is the ultimate punishment for sin. I count as spiritual death anyone who is not going to heaven to spend eternity with Christ.
The Bible tells us that Jesus "conquered the grave," which means that He overcame the dynamics of death. Another way to think about that would be to see what death is when one is with Jesus --- it isn't death at all. It's simply that human life cycle. But attend the funeral of someone who never committed their life to Christ, and you've got a much sadder affair. There is no further reason for hope in that individual's life. Said differently, death in their particular life was not conquered by Christ.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Biblical Revolution?
Q: With all of the protests in the Middle East, seeking to overthrow their dictatorship governments, what is the Biblical perspective? Doesn't the Bible say that people are supposed to submit to the authority of their government leaders? And doesn't the Bible say that God puts the leaders of governments into their roles? So it would seem that a protest march against, for example, Libya's president, would be sin. Right?
A: You ask a very good question. But the answer may take a little more work than the question! Yes, it's true that Christ-followers are supposed to submit to their governmental authorities and the "laws of the land." (Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17) Many people read various translations of Romans 13:1-2 and conclude that all governments are instruments of God. This is not an accurate understanding of what the Scripture says.
All governments run by mankind are concessions that God has made. So God either deliberately puts someone in office, or He allows someone to take office. We could talk about that the difference is, but it isn't difficult to see in Chronicles, for example, instances where God allowed evil rulers to take over the Israelites because they had become ungodly people. Many people today don't want to think about God having that kind of character. But the fact of the matter is that it is who God is. It is His nature and character to use evil rulers to bring about change in the people. Living as slaves or under oppression of evil dictators caused the Israelites to have a change of heart, turn to God, cry out to God and recommit themselves to God. (And when they did, God would bring about regime change or would at least give them a benevolent dictator.)
So the problem that we have here is not so much an evil government as it is how God's people respond to that evil government. We are to obey the laws of man as long as they do not contradict the laws of God. So what does that mean? It means we respect the authority of those discharged to serve and protect, even if it means being beaten, jailed, or even put to death. (Consider the role of martyrs.) But, if there is a legal option for change, we are certainly free to use it. Consider that the Apostle Paul, when falsely accused and sentenced exercised his rights as a Roman citizen to make his appeal to Caesar.
Are the protests in the Middle East sin then? From what I have read and heard about them, I believe that for the most part, they're not. They would become sin if the protesters became law breakers. But a peaceful petition to a government for changes in laws, increases in freedoms, etc. could feasibly be done without sinning. So the question for the protesters is whether or not they're willing to confine their protests to the boundaries of the law.
It would be a good idea to remember here that while God isn't in favor of slavery, He does not provide those who are enslaved with an entitlement to freedom. Rather He tells slaves to obey and honor their masters. A Christian living under an evil dictatorship would do well to keep that in mind.
So, for example, what should the people of Libya do? I would advise them to continue to put as much pressure on their government as they can ---- without actually sinning or breaking legitimate laws. I would advise them to pray for the evil leaders to have a change of heart. I would advise them to ask God to intervene. But I would tell them to be obedient, respectful and work honorably under the evil ruler(s). No matter how offensive we find evil to be, we are still obligated to honor God with our response to it.
A: You ask a very good question. But the answer may take a little more work than the question! Yes, it's true that Christ-followers are supposed to submit to their governmental authorities and the "laws of the land." (Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17) Many people read various translations of Romans 13:1-2 and conclude that all governments are instruments of God. This is not an accurate understanding of what the Scripture says.
All governments run by mankind are concessions that God has made. So God either deliberately puts someone in office, or He allows someone to take office. We could talk about that the difference is, but it isn't difficult to see in Chronicles, for example, instances where God allowed evil rulers to take over the Israelites because they had become ungodly people. Many people today don't want to think about God having that kind of character. But the fact of the matter is that it is who God is. It is His nature and character to use evil rulers to bring about change in the people. Living as slaves or under oppression of evil dictators caused the Israelites to have a change of heart, turn to God, cry out to God and recommit themselves to God. (And when they did, God would bring about regime change or would at least give them a benevolent dictator.)
So the problem that we have here is not so much an evil government as it is how God's people respond to that evil government. We are to obey the laws of man as long as they do not contradict the laws of God. So what does that mean? It means we respect the authority of those discharged to serve and protect, even if it means being beaten, jailed, or even put to death. (Consider the role of martyrs.) But, if there is a legal option for change, we are certainly free to use it. Consider that the Apostle Paul, when falsely accused and sentenced exercised his rights as a Roman citizen to make his appeal to Caesar.
Are the protests in the Middle East sin then? From what I have read and heard about them, I believe that for the most part, they're not. They would become sin if the protesters became law breakers. But a peaceful petition to a government for changes in laws, increases in freedoms, etc. could feasibly be done without sinning. So the question for the protesters is whether or not they're willing to confine their protests to the boundaries of the law.
It would be a good idea to remember here that while God isn't in favor of slavery, He does not provide those who are enslaved with an entitlement to freedom. Rather He tells slaves to obey and honor their masters. A Christian living under an evil dictatorship would do well to keep that in mind.
So, for example, what should the people of Libya do? I would advise them to continue to put as much pressure on their government as they can ---- without actually sinning or breaking legitimate laws. I would advise them to pray for the evil leaders to have a change of heart. I would advise them to ask God to intervene. But I would tell them to be obedient, respectful and work honorably under the evil ruler(s). No matter how offensive we find evil to be, we are still obligated to honor God with our response to it.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Career Choices
Q: What can a parent say to a college-aged child who doesn't seem to know what they want to do in life? My son hasn't declared a major. He seems to be interested in everything, but committed to nothing. It's really frustrating. The world is his oyster and full of possibilities. How can a Christian parent guide a child to good career choices without manipulating or meddling?
A: Isn't that just the point? He's "interested in everything, but committed to nothing." Think about what that means. In today's society, it is more than common for most people to have several "careers." Rarely do people end up working in the profession that they started right out of college. Even when they do, they often switch careers in mid stream ... several times. So the moral to this story is not to get too hung up on what specifically someone does or doesn't do. As long as they're working at something, being productive members of society and not expecting the world to take care of them without giving anything in return --- as a parent I would resign myself to love them, pray for them and be there whenever my guidance is wanted.
How should you pray for a young man like this? Pray that God would draw him close to Himself. Pray that he would have a passion to seek, know and worship God above anything else he ever does. Pray that his heart and spirit would be protected. And pray that he have wisdom and discernment enough to hear when God calls him to a task, profession, mission, etc.
Finally, it's worth saying here that it is far more important who the young man is than what he does. And frankly, that's true for any of us. God is far more interested in who we are than what we do or don't do. The biggest goal I would have for my own son is that he be a man of God, committed to his God and his other relationships. Jesus said the two most important commandments are to love God and love others. Frankly, that is the mandate for life. So you have a successful son who honors his parents when he fulfills those two commandments. It doesn't matter what else he does for a living. Remember the Apostle Paul - a committed murderer of Christians? He changed careers in mid stream to become an Apostle, author most of the New Testament and undoubtedly be the most influential man in the Bible (besides Jesus). And for what it's worth, he was a tent maker to support his ministry.
Let's hope that your son finds that passion for God and engages in some sort of "tent making" to support his ministry.
A: Isn't that just the point? He's "interested in everything, but committed to nothing." Think about what that means. In today's society, it is more than common for most people to have several "careers." Rarely do people end up working in the profession that they started right out of college. Even when they do, they often switch careers in mid stream ... several times. So the moral to this story is not to get too hung up on what specifically someone does or doesn't do. As long as they're working at something, being productive members of society and not expecting the world to take care of them without giving anything in return --- as a parent I would resign myself to love them, pray for them and be there whenever my guidance is wanted.
How should you pray for a young man like this? Pray that God would draw him close to Himself. Pray that he would have a passion to seek, know and worship God above anything else he ever does. Pray that his heart and spirit would be protected. And pray that he have wisdom and discernment enough to hear when God calls him to a task, profession, mission, etc.
Finally, it's worth saying here that it is far more important who the young man is than what he does. And frankly, that's true for any of us. God is far more interested in who we are than what we do or don't do. The biggest goal I would have for my own son is that he be a man of God, committed to his God and his other relationships. Jesus said the two most important commandments are to love God and love others. Frankly, that is the mandate for life. So you have a successful son who honors his parents when he fulfills those two commandments. It doesn't matter what else he does for a living. Remember the Apostle Paul - a committed murderer of Christians? He changed careers in mid stream to become an Apostle, author most of the New Testament and undoubtedly be the most influential man in the Bible (besides Jesus). And for what it's worth, he was a tent maker to support his ministry.
Let's hope that your son finds that passion for God and engages in some sort of "tent making" to support his ministry.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
One Biblical Principle
Q: Is there one theme that runs consistently through the Bible? I mean is there one Biblical principle that is so fundamental as to rise above all the rest?
A: There are several - which means that the answer to your question is probably no. Someone once asked Jesus if there were one commandment that would be greater than all the others. Jesus said, "Love the Lord with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it. Love your neighbor as you would love yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Matthew 22:37-40)
What did Jesus mean? He meant that everything God requires of us is built on these two key principles. Love God and put Him first in our loves. Then love others the way we ourselves would like to be loved. Literally everything else that God requires of His people ride on these foundations.
Beyond this, I can think of one other key principle that is core to everything the Bible has to say. Simply put, "Do not fear." Almost every single book in the Bible has at least one verse that instructs us to, "Fear not." It starts in Genesis 15:1 and continues through Revelation 1:17.
Invariably the message is that God's people are not to be ruled by or make decisions according to their human emotions. Being fearful in the face of intimidating circumstances is a human response. God calls His people to rise above that and move through intimidating experiences with a firm trust in Him to be with us, be our provider, etc.
A: There are several - which means that the answer to your question is probably no. Someone once asked Jesus if there were one commandment that would be greater than all the others. Jesus said, "Love the Lord with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it. Love your neighbor as you would love yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Matthew 22:37-40)
What did Jesus mean? He meant that everything God requires of us is built on these two key principles. Love God and put Him first in our loves. Then love others the way we ourselves would like to be loved. Literally everything else that God requires of His people ride on these foundations.
Beyond this, I can think of one other key principle that is core to everything the Bible has to say. Simply put, "Do not fear." Almost every single book in the Bible has at least one verse that instructs us to, "Fear not." It starts in Genesis 15:1 and continues through Revelation 1:17.
Invariably the message is that God's people are not to be ruled by or make decisions according to their human emotions. Being fearful in the face of intimidating circumstances is a human response. God calls His people to rise above that and move through intimidating experiences with a firm trust in Him to be with us, be our provider, etc.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Forgiveness
Q: The sermon topic in our church last week was about forgiveness. The preacher gave us a Bible verse that says if you don't forgive others then God won't forgive you! But what if you can't forgive? What if the wound was so great and the damage so enormous that the pain won't go away and no matter how hard you try or how much you may want to forgive, you just can't?
A: Yes, in Matthew 6:15 Jesus told us, "But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." I'm glad your preacher gave you that verse. It's not one that most Christians memorize. Nevertheless it is a sobering truth about the life of a Christian.
You've hit on an important point - and that is that sometimes the forgiveness that's required is beyond human ability. In such cases, it will take a supernatural power to bring about that forgiveness in you. So you get on your knees and you confess the sin of unforgiveness. Agree with God that the forgiveness is appropriate and necessary. But confess to Him that you are not able to get to that forgiveness on your own. Ask God to help you. Seriously. Ask God to help you forgive that other person for whatever it was they did that caused such a serious wound in you.
The thing about forgiveness is that it is not a feeling. Nor is it tied to our feelings. So you don't, for example, forgive someone when the pain is gone. In fact, you could forgive someone when the pain is at its greatest. That's because forgiveness is something that we choose ... and not something that we feel. And if the pain is so great that you're unable to make that choice on your own, then confess that and ask God to help you. It's a prayer request He'd love to answer!
A: Yes, in Matthew 6:15 Jesus told us, "But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." I'm glad your preacher gave you that verse. It's not one that most Christians memorize. Nevertheless it is a sobering truth about the life of a Christian.
You've hit on an important point - and that is that sometimes the forgiveness that's required is beyond human ability. In such cases, it will take a supernatural power to bring about that forgiveness in you. So you get on your knees and you confess the sin of unforgiveness. Agree with God that the forgiveness is appropriate and necessary. But confess to Him that you are not able to get to that forgiveness on your own. Ask God to help you. Seriously. Ask God to help you forgive that other person for whatever it was they did that caused such a serious wound in you.
The thing about forgiveness is that it is not a feeling. Nor is it tied to our feelings. So you don't, for example, forgive someone when the pain is gone. In fact, you could forgive someone when the pain is at its greatest. That's because forgiveness is something that we choose ... and not something that we feel. And if the pain is so great that you're unable to make that choice on your own, then confess that and ask God to help you. It's a prayer request He'd love to answer!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Denying Christ
Q: In the Bible, Jesus' disciple Peter denied Him three times. But I heard a preacher on the radio recently talking about how American Christians deny Christ. How could that be?
A: Christians in modern American culture probably look quite unlike Christians have ever looked in history. In some respects, it is popular to be a Christian. Everyone does it. Consequently we describe certain parts of the country like "the Bible belt." But actually we deny Christ not so much with our words more with our attitudes and behaviors. Perhaps we hope someone won't find out that we're Christians - or we'll conceal that fact to get a job, be popular, fit in, etc. Or we deny Christ when we decide not to speak up for what is right, are silent about our relationship with God, blend into the society around us (for any reason), or accept our culture's non-Christian (i.e., ungodly) values.
Christians are supposed to look different than the world around them. They're supposed to be like strangers in a foreign land. They're not supposed to fit in. In fact, they should look radically different than everyone else. And each day, they should become more and more like Christ Himself. When we don't ... we deny Christ.
A: Christians in modern American culture probably look quite unlike Christians have ever looked in history. In some respects, it is popular to be a Christian. Everyone does it. Consequently we describe certain parts of the country like "the Bible belt." But actually we deny Christ not so much with our words more with our attitudes and behaviors. Perhaps we hope someone won't find out that we're Christians - or we'll conceal that fact to get a job, be popular, fit in, etc. Or we deny Christ when we decide not to speak up for what is right, are silent about our relationship with God, blend into the society around us (for any reason), or accept our culture's non-Christian (i.e., ungodly) values.
Christians are supposed to look different than the world around them. They're supposed to be like strangers in a foreign land. They're not supposed to fit in. In fact, they should look radically different than everyone else. And each day, they should become more and more like Christ Himself. When we don't ... we deny Christ.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Spiritual Gifts
Q: What exactly are spiritual gifts? How do you know if you have them?
A: Spiritual gifts are simply part of the nature you were born with. They show up in your preferences or in how you think and look at things. But they are supernaturally given to us to empower us to perform certain roles in life. Each of us was born with a purpose, and our spiritual gifts align with that purpose. So literally everyone has spiritual gifts of some sort. Most people have several of them. And it is that collection or arrangement of the spiritual gifts that make up some of the unique and wonderful qualities that are best displayed when we are living our purpose.
You can read more about the spiritual gifts in the following Scripture references: Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:1-31 & 14:1-40, Ephesians 4:7-16, and 1 Peter 4:7-11.
A: Spiritual gifts are simply part of the nature you were born with. They show up in your preferences or in how you think and look at things. But they are supernaturally given to us to empower us to perform certain roles in life. Each of us was born with a purpose, and our spiritual gifts align with that purpose. So literally everyone has spiritual gifts of some sort. Most people have several of them. And it is that collection or arrangement of the spiritual gifts that make up some of the unique and wonderful qualities that are best displayed when we are living our purpose.
You can read more about the spiritual gifts in the following Scripture references: Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:1-31 & 14:1-40, Ephesians 4:7-16, and 1 Peter 4:7-11.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Prophet
Q: My sister's husband says that he is a prophet. Is that possible? How can people just declare themselves to be prophets or apostles or whatever? (For what it's worth, nobody in the family thinks my brother-in-law is prophet.)
A: Yes, it is possible. A prophet, back in Old Testament times or even now is simply someone through whom God speaks. In Old Testament times when we didn't have Bibles and Jesus hadn't yet given us direct access to speak to God personally, most of the communication with God was done through prophets. So if people wanted to know God's view of something, they would ask a prophet - who would presumably ask God. Another role of the prophets was to identify sin and call people to repent. So the prophets spoke for God. They were His voice and communicated things that Jesus would say Himself.
The role of prophets today isn't much different. People can pray directly to God and read His word (the Bible) - so there isn't as much need for prophets as they had in Old Testament times. But even today, a true prophet of God would simply speak for God - identifying sin, calling people to repentance, and exhorting people to live life God's way.
Now, the thing about true Biblical prophets of God is nobody who knows them believes them. Jesus explained this in Mark 6. He specifically said that a prophet is honored everywhere except in his own home town, home church and even among his relatives and family. Moreover, Jesus said if the people won't welcome or listen to the prophet, he should abandon them to their own fate and not waste his breath trying to convince anyone (that he is a prophet or that he's speaking on behalf of God).
So the fact that you have doubts or that nobody in your family is willing to believe that your brother-in-law is a prophet actually suggests to me that he might be a prophet!
A: Yes, it is possible. A prophet, back in Old Testament times or even now is simply someone through whom God speaks. In Old Testament times when we didn't have Bibles and Jesus hadn't yet given us direct access to speak to God personally, most of the communication with God was done through prophets. So if people wanted to know God's view of something, they would ask a prophet - who would presumably ask God. Another role of the prophets was to identify sin and call people to repent. So the prophets spoke for God. They were His voice and communicated things that Jesus would say Himself.
The role of prophets today isn't much different. People can pray directly to God and read His word (the Bible) - so there isn't as much need for prophets as they had in Old Testament times. But even today, a true prophet of God would simply speak for God - identifying sin, calling people to repentance, and exhorting people to live life God's way.
Now, the thing about true Biblical prophets of God is nobody who knows them believes them. Jesus explained this in Mark 6. He specifically said that a prophet is honored everywhere except in his own home town, home church and even among his relatives and family. Moreover, Jesus said if the people won't welcome or listen to the prophet, he should abandon them to their own fate and not waste his breath trying to convince anyone (that he is a prophet or that he's speaking on behalf of God).
So the fact that you have doubts or that nobody in your family is willing to believe that your brother-in-law is a prophet actually suggests to me that he might be a prophet!
Friday, March 4, 2011
True Christian?
Q: Is there a good test for knowing if you're truly saved? I mean I know I was saved when I gave my life to Christ. But is there something one could look at as a sort of barometer to know how you're doing as a Christian?
A: Well only God knows for sure because only God knows the true condition of each heart. You say that you gave your life to Christ. Is there tangible evidence of that? Are the choices you make and the life you're living radically different since you did that? Where have you yielded your own will to the will of Christ?
I'm not aware of any true litmus test to see how one is doing as a Christian. But you are wise to be asking the question. True Christians can be defined in a number of ways, depending on who you talk to. But the best proof is to examine yourself and your life regularly. True Christians, in my humble opinion, live examined lives. They're constantly holding their lives up to the image of Christ to see how they measure up. Over time, your life should look more and more like that of Christ.
For some good 'litmus paper' on this subject, I'd recommend you read Matthew 5-9. These chapters start where Jesus is preaching His famous Sermon on the Mount and in them He gives us what we know as The Beatitudes. Overall, it's Jesus' prescription for successful Christian living. So if you want to live an examined life, start there.
A: Well only God knows for sure because only God knows the true condition of each heart. You say that you gave your life to Christ. Is there tangible evidence of that? Are the choices you make and the life you're living radically different since you did that? Where have you yielded your own will to the will of Christ?
I'm not aware of any true litmus test to see how one is doing as a Christian. But you are wise to be asking the question. True Christians can be defined in a number of ways, depending on who you talk to. But the best proof is to examine yourself and your life regularly. True Christians, in my humble opinion, live examined lives. They're constantly holding their lives up to the image of Christ to see how they measure up. Over time, your life should look more and more like that of Christ.
For some good 'litmus paper' on this subject, I'd recommend you read Matthew 5-9. These chapters start where Jesus is preaching His famous Sermon on the Mount and in them He gives us what we know as The Beatitudes. Overall, it's Jesus' prescription for successful Christian living. So if you want to live an examined life, start there.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Religious Differences
Q: Aren't all religions pretty much the same? I mean, does it really matter whether you're a Catholic or Hindu or Lutheran or Baptist?
A: Oh no, all religions are not "pretty much the same!" People often evaluate religions based on their differences --- because there are often fundamental differences in what they believe, how they live, etc. But the biggest difference is in who they worship. In other words, not all religions have the same definition of God.
Some religions add to the deity of God and some subtract from the deity of God. For example, the Catholics give deity (god-like powers) to the Virgin Mary and even to some people whom they recognize post mortem as saints. Or the Hindus have over 600,000 gods whom they worship. So even if they start with the same true God (as in the Catholics) --- they're worshipping a different God because their definition of God is larger than the Bible indicates is true.
Some religions subtract from the deity of God when they fail to recognize certain aspects of His being. Islam and Judaism, for example, both refuse to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. They don't believe He is who He says He is (God). So even though they both recognize the heritage of Abraham and started with the Old Testament God, the god they're worshipping today has a smaller definition than the Bible indicates is true.
When picking a religion, it is not so important as to focus on their different styles of worship, etc. But it is very important to focus on how they define God.
A: Oh no, all religions are not "pretty much the same!" People often evaluate religions based on their differences --- because there are often fundamental differences in what they believe, how they live, etc. But the biggest difference is in who they worship. In other words, not all religions have the same definition of God.
Some religions add to the deity of God and some subtract from the deity of God. For example, the Catholics give deity (god-like powers) to the Virgin Mary and even to some people whom they recognize post mortem as saints. Or the Hindus have over 600,000 gods whom they worship. So even if they start with the same true God (as in the Catholics) --- they're worshipping a different God because their definition of God is larger than the Bible indicates is true.
Some religions subtract from the deity of God when they fail to recognize certain aspects of His being. Islam and Judaism, for example, both refuse to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. They don't believe He is who He says He is (God). So even though they both recognize the heritage of Abraham and started with the Old Testament God, the god they're worshipping today has a smaller definition than the Bible indicates is true.
When picking a religion, it is not so important as to focus on their different styles of worship, etc. But it is very important to focus on how they define God.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Propsperity Theology
Q: What exactly is "prosperity theology?" How does it work, and why is it wrong?
A: The term "prosperity theology" was coined years ago to describe a set of beliefs - or a biblical world view - that are based on the assumption that God rewards godliness with material blessings. Someone preaching prosperity theology, for example, will tell you that "God wants you to be rich!" Truly that is what they believe.
In churches or groups that embrace prosperity theology, you'll typically find an obvious and disappointing focus on money and material wealth. In fact, you'll find people manipulating their apparent godliness in order to make themselves eligible for and legitimately expecting financial wealth as a reward for that godliness.
Why is prosperity theology wrong? Because it's simply not true. It misrepresents who God is, and misleads people in how they should respond to God. It encourages perverted motives. God wants us to be content with what we have - and not be greedy for more. (John 6:6) It misrepresents God's intent toward us. And it misrepresents God's promises.
When it comes to Christians and wealth, we are to be obedient (godly) just because we love Him. And we should not expect material blessings in exchange for doing what God expects us to do anyway. (Luke 17:7-10)
A: The term "prosperity theology" was coined years ago to describe a set of beliefs - or a biblical world view - that are based on the assumption that God rewards godliness with material blessings. Someone preaching prosperity theology, for example, will tell you that "God wants you to be rich!" Truly that is what they believe.
In churches or groups that embrace prosperity theology, you'll typically find an obvious and disappointing focus on money and material wealth. In fact, you'll find people manipulating their apparent godliness in order to make themselves eligible for and legitimately expecting financial wealth as a reward for that godliness.
Why is prosperity theology wrong? Because it's simply not true. It misrepresents who God is, and misleads people in how they should respond to God. It encourages perverted motives. God wants us to be content with what we have - and not be greedy for more. (John 6:6) It misrepresents God's intent toward us. And it misrepresents God's promises.
When it comes to Christians and wealth, we are to be obedient (godly) just because we love Him. And we should not expect material blessings in exchange for doing what God expects us to do anyway. (Luke 17:7-10)
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Witnessing
Q: What's the best way to go about sharing my faith with others?
A: Our most effective witnessing message comes about from our own personal experience and knowledge of Christ. (1 John 1:1-4) The message we communicate needs to be limited to what we've heard ourselves from God. (1 John 1:5) Our loudest witness is not so much what we say but more about how we ourselves live. (1 John 1:6-7)
Truthfulness, clarity, consistency and honest transparency are all important personal qualities to exhibit as Christ-followers. These are the things that matter most to people whose hearts are open to the faith (i.e., those who want or are ready to hear what the witness has to say).
A: Our most effective witnessing message comes about from our own personal experience and knowledge of Christ. (1 John 1:1-4) The message we communicate needs to be limited to what we've heard ourselves from God. (1 John 1:5) Our loudest witness is not so much what we say but more about how we ourselves live. (1 John 1:6-7)
Truthfulness, clarity, consistency and honest transparency are all important personal qualities to exhibit as Christ-followers. These are the things that matter most to people whose hearts are open to the faith (i.e., those who want or are ready to hear what the witness has to say).
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