Dear Victorious,
I know the Bible says to "spare the rod and spoil the child." But this really seems outdated. Is it really necessary for Christian parents to spank their children?
Doreen G. - Tupelo, MS
Dear Doreen,
It may not be necessary for Christian parents to spank their children. It may be possible for them to lead their children to better conclusions and to correct their thinking and behavior without corporal punishment. However, when children are too young to reason with, a controlled (i.e., not done in anger) spanking may be the most practical way to get the child's attention to the subject and enforce the point (i.e., draw a boundary that is not to be crossed).
The rod mentioned in the Bible (Proverbs 22:15) is not necessarily a tool a tool for punishment or inflicting pain. Rather it was a tool for correction and discipline. It is structured living that keeps children from giving in to foolishness. It is strict parenting, good discipleship and wise counsel between parents and children.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Political Advice
Dear Victorious,
If you could give our political leaders one piece of advice, what would you say to them?
Ronell A. - Medford, OR
Dear Ronell,
I would advise them to seek the Lord above all else. The Bible tells us that if we seek Him first, everything in life will work out. (Matthew 6:33) I believe that if our politicians would seek God first, above all else, that they would have the wisdom and discernment to make sound decisions. Moreover, they would have supernatural favor from the Creator ... and everything would work out.
Psalm 2:10-11 says that kings and rulers of the world should be wise, serving the Lord with fear and rejoicing with trembling. It describes the relationship that God wants to have with kings, queens, presidents, prime ministers, governors and other rulers of the world. Of course that will require their cooperation!
If you could give our political leaders one piece of advice, what would you say to them?
Ronell A. - Medford, OR
Dear Ronell,
I would advise them to seek the Lord above all else. The Bible tells us that if we seek Him first, everything in life will work out. (Matthew 6:33) I believe that if our politicians would seek God first, above all else, that they would have the wisdom and discernment to make sound decisions. Moreover, they would have supernatural favor from the Creator ... and everything would work out.
Psalm 2:10-11 says that kings and rulers of the world should be wise, serving the Lord with fear and rejoicing with trembling. It describes the relationship that God wants to have with kings, queens, presidents, prime ministers, governors and other rulers of the world. Of course that will require their cooperation!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Punished Haiti?
Dear Victorious,
We've heard Pat Robertson and others say that the devastating earthquake in Haiti is God's punishment for their sins. Is this true?
Kyung C. - Vancouver, BC
Dear Kyung,
I don't think any of us can really know if natural disasters are God's punishment for sin. There are some important truths though that are worth remembering in situations like this.
First, it is the nature and character of God to punish sin with what humans consider devastating circumstances. Throughout the Old Testament God specifically punished sin by unleashing his wrath through wars and natural disasters. In every case, God's intent was to eradicate the evil from a people group and to save a righteous "remnant" that He would then prosper. So it is possible that God punishes sin today.
Second, bad things do happen to innocent people. We live in a fallen world, beset by calamities. the Bible says that all of nature groans until Christ returns. That simply means that things aren't right in the world. Weather patterns and other matters are included. Adam and Eve lived in a perfect world. But after their sin, the world was no longer perfect. So things happen, and they don't need a particular reason to happen.
Third, when people sin, there are always consequences. It doesn't matter what the sin is or who the people are. These are natural consequences. They aren't God's specific punishment. In fact, if there were no God at all, these natural consequences for these poor choices would still be there.
Finally, it has become popular to blame calamity and travesty on someone. Religious leaders have blamed AIDS on homosexuals. They blamed the tsunami on Islam. Now they're blaming the earthquake on voodooism. While these are certainly things that could inspire the wrath of God (based on what we know of His nature and character), it is not helpful to try and assign blame. It would be much more helpful to respond in love, leading the sinners to repentance - turning them from the sinful ways towards righteousness in Jesus Christ.
My suggestion is that we pray for the Haitians. Let's pray for the aid workers. And let's ask God to use this calamity to draw the Haitian people to Himself, giving them a fresh sense of who God is.
We've heard Pat Robertson and others say that the devastating earthquake in Haiti is God's punishment for their sins. Is this true?
Kyung C. - Vancouver, BC
Dear Kyung,
I don't think any of us can really know if natural disasters are God's punishment for sin. There are some important truths though that are worth remembering in situations like this.
First, it is the nature and character of God to punish sin with what humans consider devastating circumstances. Throughout the Old Testament God specifically punished sin by unleashing his wrath through wars and natural disasters. In every case, God's intent was to eradicate the evil from a people group and to save a righteous "remnant" that He would then prosper. So it is possible that God punishes sin today.
Second, bad things do happen to innocent people. We live in a fallen world, beset by calamities. the Bible says that all of nature groans until Christ returns. That simply means that things aren't right in the world. Weather patterns and other matters are included. Adam and Eve lived in a perfect world. But after their sin, the world was no longer perfect. So things happen, and they don't need a particular reason to happen.
Third, when people sin, there are always consequences. It doesn't matter what the sin is or who the people are. These are natural consequences. They aren't God's specific punishment. In fact, if there were no God at all, these natural consequences for these poor choices would still be there.
Finally, it has become popular to blame calamity and travesty on someone. Religious leaders have blamed AIDS on homosexuals. They blamed the tsunami on Islam. Now they're blaming the earthquake on voodooism. While these are certainly things that could inspire the wrath of God (based on what we know of His nature and character), it is not helpful to try and assign blame. It would be much more helpful to respond in love, leading the sinners to repentance - turning them from the sinful ways towards righteousness in Jesus Christ.
My suggestion is that we pray for the Haitians. Let's pray for the aid workers. And let's ask God to use this calamity to draw the Haitian people to Himself, giving them a fresh sense of who God is.
Monday, January 18, 2010
4th Generation?
Dear Victorious,
Settle and argument for me. My father-in-law (who thinks he knows everything) insists that God punishes sin to the 4th generation. He says it's in the Bible. So, for example, he believes that my great grandchildren will be punished for the sins I've committed. I say God wouldn't do that; it just wouldn't be fair. Who's right here?
Donald T. - Birmingham, AL
Dear Donald,
Neither of you are right. What your father-in-law cites is in the Bible - but he is misunderstanding its meaning. I can think of two Scripture verses where it specifically mentions punishment of sin "to the third and fourth generation." The first is in Numbers 14:18. The second is in Deuteronomy 5:9-10.
When Moses makes this reference in Numbers 14:18, he is describing the impact of sin. We can understand this to be the natural consequences of sin. So if a parent is sinful and rebellious, the children will suffer in that they will not learn how to live right. As a result, their children will suffer similarly. Ignorance, rebellion, unbelief and other maladies are systemically passed on from generation to generation. God is not saying he intends to punish three or four generations for one sin. He is saying that He will allow the natural consequences of our sin to play themselves out - from generation to generation.
The reference in Deuteronomy 5:9-10 is even more clear. God says these consequences will pass from generation to generation "of those who hate me." This means that unless the generation turns to God and disrupts the pattern of disobedience and rebellion of their parents or other ancestors --- they will suffer the natural consequences of those sins. However, God adds that if the next generation turns to Him in obedience then He will respond to them in love (with forgiveness and mercy).
You and your father-in-law should not be ignorant about who God is or how He works. Sin affects many people besides the sinner who commits it. Some of those people aren't even born yet when the sin is committed. This is the reality of how sin works ... and it's the most important point of these Scripture references.
However, God is love and He offers forgiveness and mercy to all who will turn to them. So, for example, if you think you are suffering the consequences of your parents' (or other ancestors) sin, then you can turn to God with a repentant heart and expect His forgiveness and mercy.
Some people make intercessory prayer for those forefathers (and mothers) who may have sinned ... acknowledging those sins before God and asking Him to forgive those sins. While you might argue that this isn't really necessary (since you didn't commit the sin), it does demonstrate to God the fact that you have a repentant heart and don't own the sin that was committed. In other words, it demonstrates that you agree with God about the fact that the sin was wrong.
Settle and argument for me. My father-in-law (who thinks he knows everything) insists that God punishes sin to the 4th generation. He says it's in the Bible. So, for example, he believes that my great grandchildren will be punished for the sins I've committed. I say God wouldn't do that; it just wouldn't be fair. Who's right here?
Donald T. - Birmingham, AL
Dear Donald,
Neither of you are right. What your father-in-law cites is in the Bible - but he is misunderstanding its meaning. I can think of two Scripture verses where it specifically mentions punishment of sin "to the third and fourth generation." The first is in Numbers 14:18. The second is in Deuteronomy 5:9-10.
When Moses makes this reference in Numbers 14:18, he is describing the impact of sin. We can understand this to be the natural consequences of sin. So if a parent is sinful and rebellious, the children will suffer in that they will not learn how to live right. As a result, their children will suffer similarly. Ignorance, rebellion, unbelief and other maladies are systemically passed on from generation to generation. God is not saying he intends to punish three or four generations for one sin. He is saying that He will allow the natural consequences of our sin to play themselves out - from generation to generation.
The reference in Deuteronomy 5:9-10 is even more clear. God says these consequences will pass from generation to generation "of those who hate me." This means that unless the generation turns to God and disrupts the pattern of disobedience and rebellion of their parents or other ancestors --- they will suffer the natural consequences of those sins. However, God adds that if the next generation turns to Him in obedience then He will respond to them in love (with forgiveness and mercy).
You and your father-in-law should not be ignorant about who God is or how He works. Sin affects many people besides the sinner who commits it. Some of those people aren't even born yet when the sin is committed. This is the reality of how sin works ... and it's the most important point of these Scripture references.
However, God is love and He offers forgiveness and mercy to all who will turn to them. So, for example, if you think you are suffering the consequences of your parents' (or other ancestors) sin, then you can turn to God with a repentant heart and expect His forgiveness and mercy.
Some people make intercessory prayer for those forefathers (and mothers) who may have sinned ... acknowledging those sins before God and asking Him to forgive those sins. While you might argue that this isn't really necessary (since you didn't commit the sin), it does demonstrate to God the fact that you have a repentant heart and don't own the sin that was committed. In other words, it demonstrates that you agree with God about the fact that the sin was wrong.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Popular Christians
Dear Victorious,
Do you think it's possible for true Christians to be popular without compromising their faith? It always seems that the most popular people are the ones that look like the hypocrites.
Eve S. - Schaumburg, IL
Dear Eve,
I think we need to agree on the definition of popular. The short answer to your question is yes. But the definition of popular is probably going to be the big if here. If people are truly Christlike, then they will definitely be attractive to others. Look how many people followed Jesus when He walked the earth in human form. He was as godly as anyone could be, and yet thousands wanted to be with him, hear him, sit in his audience, serve him, etc.
The fact that not everyone likes someone does not mean they are not popular. Let's not look for popularity. Rather let us look for someone who is so attractive in their character and authenticity that others are drawn to them. That is when popular and virtuous will meet.
Do you think it's possible for true Christians to be popular without compromising their faith? It always seems that the most popular people are the ones that look like the hypocrites.
Eve S. - Schaumburg, IL
Dear Eve,
I think we need to agree on the definition of popular. The short answer to your question is yes. But the definition of popular is probably going to be the big if here. If people are truly Christlike, then they will definitely be attractive to others. Look how many people followed Jesus when He walked the earth in human form. He was as godly as anyone could be, and yet thousands wanted to be with him, hear him, sit in his audience, serve him, etc.
The fact that not everyone likes someone does not mean they are not popular. Let's not look for popularity. Rather let us look for someone who is so attractive in their character and authenticity that others are drawn to them. That is when popular and virtuous will meet.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Palin Presidency
Dear Victorious,
Do you think Sarah Palin would make a good president for the United States? Why or why not?
Mark H. - Tiffin, OH
Dear Mark,
To be honest, I haven't really thought that much about it. Perhaps the reason is I don't think she's serious about going after that job. Frankly she can probably do more in terms of amassing, wealth and influence if she just peddles books, goes on the speaking circuit and becomes a media figure. Consider characters like George Stephanopoulos who shift from politics to private sector and do quite well. Similarly, Sarah may find that the private sector will reward her much better and not be as demanding as public service.
But if she were to run, do I think she'd make a good president? I think she'd work with honesty and integrity. But I don't think she has the wisdom or life experience to deliver what is really needed. Quite honestly the challenges of leading our country are today greater than they have probably ever been. So it would seem to me that we need to find the wisest people who have the greatest critical thinking abilities and a laser-sharp focus on the most relevant issues. I find none of those attributes in Sarah Palin right now.
Do you think Sarah Palin would make a good president for the United States? Why or why not?
Mark H. - Tiffin, OH
Dear Mark,
To be honest, I haven't really thought that much about it. Perhaps the reason is I don't think she's serious about going after that job. Frankly she can probably do more in terms of amassing, wealth and influence if she just peddles books, goes on the speaking circuit and becomes a media figure. Consider characters like George Stephanopoulos who shift from politics to private sector and do quite well. Similarly, Sarah may find that the private sector will reward her much better and not be as demanding as public service.
But if she were to run, do I think she'd make a good president? I think she'd work with honesty and integrity. But I don't think she has the wisdom or life experience to deliver what is really needed. Quite honestly the challenges of leading our country are today greater than they have probably ever been. So it would seem to me that we need to find the wisest people who have the greatest critical thinking abilities and a laser-sharp focus on the most relevant issues. I find none of those attributes in Sarah Palin right now.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Retreats & Conferences
Dear Victorious,
I have attended many Christian retreats and conferences, and always find them to be an enjoyable break. But I wonder if they theologically sound. It seems that many of them are charged with emotion, excitement and euphoria that fades quickly afterwards. Would we be better off not attending such events?
Daryl N. - Sparks, NV
Dear Daryl,
Sometimes we can only get a clear view of reality when we step back from our daily lives and see the patterns of the world around us in comparison with truth. (It's the old adage of "seeing the forest for the trees.") Christian retreats and conferences, like days of prayer and fasting, can help us quiet the noise of our jobs and other commitments, as well as the media that we are constantly exposed to. they can help bring us back into intense focus on God and help us to have fresh encounters with His Spirit. The real question to ask is whether these events glorify God, are based on His truth and whether they renew us to serve Him.
If you are questioning the value of Christian events, ask God to show you His will in that regard. Pray before each one that you sin up for. Ask ... and wait ... for God's permission to go. Let Him be the judge of whether or not each event has value for you in your walk with the Lord.
I have attended many Christian retreats and conferences, and always find them to be an enjoyable break. But I wonder if they theologically sound. It seems that many of them are charged with emotion, excitement and euphoria that fades quickly afterwards. Would we be better off not attending such events?
Daryl N. - Sparks, NV
Dear Daryl,
Sometimes we can only get a clear view of reality when we step back from our daily lives and see the patterns of the world around us in comparison with truth. (It's the old adage of "seeing the forest for the trees.") Christian retreats and conferences, like days of prayer and fasting, can help us quiet the noise of our jobs and other commitments, as well as the media that we are constantly exposed to. they can help bring us back into intense focus on God and help us to have fresh encounters with His Spirit. The real question to ask is whether these events glorify God, are based on His truth and whether they renew us to serve Him.
If you are questioning the value of Christian events, ask God to show you His will in that regard. Pray before each one that you sin up for. Ask ... and wait ... for God's permission to go. Let Him be the judge of whether or not each event has value for you in your walk with the Lord.
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