Dear Victorious,
I've also understood that it is wrong for women to teach or be in authority over men. But more and more we see women pastors and women on TV preaching. Is it wrong?
Wilbur M. - Belmont, OH
Dear Wilbur,
Don't get confused here. There are two distinct Biblical truths at play here.
First, women are not to run the church. God established an order for church governance. Men are to lead the churches and women are to be submitted to them.
Second, women can definitely preach. There were always female prophets even in the Old Testament. Acts 2:17 (in the New Testament) tells us that, "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy ..." We are living in the last days.
So the only question I have when I see women preaching is whether or not they are doing so under the authority of at least one man in a role of spiritual authority over them. If they are, it is indeed quite Biblical.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Christian Halloween
Dear Victorious,
Is it okay for Christians to celebrate Halloween?
Tammy F. - Cape Girardeau, MO
Dear Tammy,
The simple answer is no. But I suppose the more socially acceptable answer is found in what you're actually celebrating. The Bible is clear that we are not to be entertained by things of the underworld (evil). So it is troubling to see skeletons becoming fashion statements in our modern culture. But having a fall festival, carving a pumpkin, playing some games, dressing up in fun costumes, etc. is probably okay. As a Christian, I would just watch the costumes and decorations to make sure that we're not "entertaining ourselves (or others) with evil." No skeletons. No ghastly or truly frightening displays. Philippians 4:8 says we are to focus on things that are "excellent and worthy of praise." If your Halloween decorations, costumes and games can meet that criteria, then I would say it's okay. But be careful. It's an easy line to cross.
Is it okay for Christians to celebrate Halloween?
Tammy F. - Cape Girardeau, MO
Dear Tammy,
The simple answer is no. But I suppose the more socially acceptable answer is found in what you're actually celebrating. The Bible is clear that we are not to be entertained by things of the underworld (evil). So it is troubling to see skeletons becoming fashion statements in our modern culture. But having a fall festival, carving a pumpkin, playing some games, dressing up in fun costumes, etc. is probably okay. As a Christian, I would just watch the costumes and decorations to make sure that we're not "entertaining ourselves (or others) with evil." No skeletons. No ghastly or truly frightening displays. Philippians 4:8 says we are to focus on things that are "excellent and worthy of praise." If your Halloween decorations, costumes and games can meet that criteria, then I would say it's okay. But be careful. It's an easy line to cross.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Social Networks
Dear Victorious,
What do you think of social networks like MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and others? Are they Biblical? Do they have a respectable role to play in the life of a Christ-follower?
Martin B. - Lufkin, TX
Dear Martin,
I suspect the story on social networks isn't anywhere near to being complete yet. They are still a work in progress, and the true value proposition is not yet discovered and/or not yet complete. My guess is that the vast majority of people who have signed up for Facebook, for example, did not do so because they saw a clear value proposition that lined up with Scripture. Instead, they signed up because of peer pressure, curiosity or some other motive.
I concede it is possible to use social networks to help us stay in touch with each other. But when it comes to relationships, that is not the mandate we were given by God. Texting something from my cell phone to Facebook so that 200 people can read it and know what I'm doing is NOT loving one another as you would like to be loved (as the Bible commands). So there is a very real and present danger that we fall to social networks in the place of truly loving relationships. And let's face it, most of us don't have the capacity to sustain meaningful, loving relationships with 200 people! So to say that we have 200 friends is probably a strong case of denial on our part.
I'm on the social networks myself. But I have to say that people will know me better by reading my blog(s) or e-mailing with me. And the people whom I most love are not the people I network with on social networks. Rather they are the people whom I make time to invest myself in.
If the social networks ever empower me to make time to invest myself in individuals whom God calls me to love - then I suspect they will be entirely Biblical. Until then, not so much.
What do you think of social networks like MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and others? Are they Biblical? Do they have a respectable role to play in the life of a Christ-follower?
Martin B. - Lufkin, TX
Dear Martin,
I suspect the story on social networks isn't anywhere near to being complete yet. They are still a work in progress, and the true value proposition is not yet discovered and/or not yet complete. My guess is that the vast majority of people who have signed up for Facebook, for example, did not do so because they saw a clear value proposition that lined up with Scripture. Instead, they signed up because of peer pressure, curiosity or some other motive.
I concede it is possible to use social networks to help us stay in touch with each other. But when it comes to relationships, that is not the mandate we were given by God. Texting something from my cell phone to Facebook so that 200 people can read it and know what I'm doing is NOT loving one another as you would like to be loved (as the Bible commands). So there is a very real and present danger that we fall to social networks in the place of truly loving relationships. And let's face it, most of us don't have the capacity to sustain meaningful, loving relationships with 200 people! So to say that we have 200 friends is probably a strong case of denial on our part.
I'm on the social networks myself. But I have to say that people will know me better by reading my blog(s) or e-mailing with me. And the people whom I most love are not the people I network with on social networks. Rather they are the people whom I make time to invest myself in.
If the social networks ever empower me to make time to invest myself in individuals whom God calls me to love - then I suspect they will be entirely Biblical. Until then, not so much.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Church Selection
Dear Victorious,
We're church shopping right now, and it seems that there are a variety of churches to pick from. I'm wondering what you would consider to be the right criteria for picking a church.
Dora C. - Longmont, CO
Dear Dora,
Why is it that you are church shopping? Did you find unresolved heresy in your existing church? Did God tell you to leave your existing church? Aside from moving to a new area or having your existing church go out of business, those are about the only good reasons I can think of for going church shopping. I'm not trying to be nasty here, but the truth is that people often move churches for poor reasons. So if you're church shopping, it is important to understand what godly purpose there be for you to be in the market for a new church. (Of course if there is no God-honoring reason then you should stay at your existing church.)
Often when Americans go looking for new church they base most of their decision on two questions: (1) What does this church have to offer me? (2) What are the differences in this church's beliefs? As you might imagine, I don't think either one of these questions establishes good criteria for picking a home church. The thing is that there are no perfect churches, so whatever you think this church has to offer - it will disappoint you somewhere along the line. And because there are no perfect churches - there will always be conflict or differences that you won't like.
When searching for a new church, the first thing to consider is God's will for you. "Lord, which church do You have in mind for us? Would You lead us to it, and help us to know that You have?" Secondly, I would look for what you can offer this church? Is this a church that has apparent needs which you are gifted to fill? In other words, what can you offer this church that might make it a more complete church community?
It is always important to check the basic doctrine of the church to be sure they're not preaching heresy or perverting Biblical truth. Basically any church that puts Jesus Christ first and believes that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God Himself is going to be a good fit regarding doctrine. And there are a lot of churches in several denominations that would qualify.
So my advice? Establish the basic doctrine issue. Then seek God's will. Finally, look for places where you can serve and contribute. I believe these are the three most important criteria in selecting a new church.
We're church shopping right now, and it seems that there are a variety of churches to pick from. I'm wondering what you would consider to be the right criteria for picking a church.
Dora C. - Longmont, CO
Dear Dora,
Why is it that you are church shopping? Did you find unresolved heresy in your existing church? Did God tell you to leave your existing church? Aside from moving to a new area or having your existing church go out of business, those are about the only good reasons I can think of for going church shopping. I'm not trying to be nasty here, but the truth is that people often move churches for poor reasons. So if you're church shopping, it is important to understand what godly purpose there be for you to be in the market for a new church. (Of course if there is no God-honoring reason then you should stay at your existing church.)
Often when Americans go looking for new church they base most of their decision on two questions: (1) What does this church have to offer me? (2) What are the differences in this church's beliefs? As you might imagine, I don't think either one of these questions establishes good criteria for picking a home church. The thing is that there are no perfect churches, so whatever you think this church has to offer - it will disappoint you somewhere along the line. And because there are no perfect churches - there will always be conflict or differences that you won't like.
When searching for a new church, the first thing to consider is God's will for you. "Lord, which church do You have in mind for us? Would You lead us to it, and help us to know that You have?" Secondly, I would look for what you can offer this church? Is this a church that has apparent needs which you are gifted to fill? In other words, what can you offer this church that might make it a more complete church community?
It is always important to check the basic doctrine of the church to be sure they're not preaching heresy or perverting Biblical truth. Basically any church that puts Jesus Christ first and believes that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God Himself is going to be a good fit regarding doctrine. And there are a lot of churches in several denominations that would qualify.
So my advice? Establish the basic doctrine issue. Then seek God's will. Finally, look for places where you can serve and contribute. I believe these are the three most important criteria in selecting a new church.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Greatest Advice
Dear Victorious,
Of all the things that Christians are supposed to do or not do, what do you think is the single most important?
Harley B. - Lufkin, TX
Dear Harley,
That's an easy one for me. Psalm 46:16 says, "Be still, and know that I am God." So the most sage advice I could give any Christian would be simply to be still and know that He is God. Being still before the Lord - in prayer, in His Word, in waiting, in mediation - are all excellent ways for us to truly know the Lord. In my own personal experience, they are also the most fruitful.
Of all the things that Christians are supposed to do or not do, what do you think is the single most important?
Harley B. - Lufkin, TX
Dear Harley,
That's an easy one for me. Psalm 46:16 says, "Be still, and know that I am God." So the most sage advice I could give any Christian would be simply to be still and know that He is God. Being still before the Lord - in prayer, in His Word, in waiting, in mediation - are all excellent ways for us to truly know the Lord. In my own personal experience, they are also the most fruitful.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Unequally Yoked
Dear Victorious,
The Bible teaches about not being unequally yoked, referring to marriage (but it also applies to business, etc). How about dating? I started dating (only three dates so far) this girl before I knew about her beliefs, and it turns out that she is not Christian (she was raised Buddhist, although she doesn't really practice it).
I believe God would want me to be a witness to nonbelievers, but at the same time I don't know if I should end the relationship before we get more involved in it. I've heard about the term "mission dating", but I'm not sure that's what I want to do. I have been praying and I know in the end God will work it out one way or another (whether the relationship works out or not), but right now I am very confused as to what to do.
Pedro B. - Dallas, TX
Dear Pedro,
The Bible is clear on this subject. We are not to be unequally yoked in marriage, business or any other way with people who don't share our core values and beliefs. If you want to see how serious God takes this issue, look at the Old Testament and see His reaction when the Israelites married those of other religions and beliefs.
So if you are a Christ-follower, there is no room for you to even date someone of a different core faith. Being friends with someone and witnessing to them is not the same thing as developing emotional (or physical) intimacy with them. And there is no such thing as mission dating. In fact, that would be insincere, fraudulent and phony --- not much of a testimony at all!
My advice? Be honest with this girl. Tell her you're committed to Christ and really cannot see yourself in a serious relationship with someone who is not. Tell her about the love of Christ and why you're so committed to Him. If she's open to it, invite her to church. Invite her to explore Christ for herself. And be there for her if she wants to investigate. But draw a clear boundary in your relationship so there's no confusion. No more dating.
Finally, if you'll be true to your own beliefs, God will reward your obedience in this area. You want to be united in marriage to someone who is submitted to and worshipping the same God you are. (He is, after all, the ONLY true God.)
The Bible teaches about not being unequally yoked, referring to marriage (but it also applies to business, etc). How about dating? I started dating (only three dates so far) this girl before I knew about her beliefs, and it turns out that she is not Christian (she was raised Buddhist, although she doesn't really practice it).
I believe God would want me to be a witness to nonbelievers, but at the same time I don't know if I should end the relationship before we get more involved in it. I've heard about the term "mission dating", but I'm not sure that's what I want to do. I have been praying and I know in the end God will work it out one way or another (whether the relationship works out or not), but right now I am very confused as to what to do.
Pedro B. - Dallas, TX
Dear Pedro,
The Bible is clear on this subject. We are not to be unequally yoked in marriage, business or any other way with people who don't share our core values and beliefs. If you want to see how serious God takes this issue, look at the Old Testament and see His reaction when the Israelites married those of other religions and beliefs.
So if you are a Christ-follower, there is no room for you to even date someone of a different core faith. Being friends with someone and witnessing to them is not the same thing as developing emotional (or physical) intimacy with them. And there is no such thing as mission dating. In fact, that would be insincere, fraudulent and phony --- not much of a testimony at all!
My advice? Be honest with this girl. Tell her you're committed to Christ and really cannot see yourself in a serious relationship with someone who is not. Tell her about the love of Christ and why you're so committed to Him. If she's open to it, invite her to church. Invite her to explore Christ for herself. And be there for her if she wants to investigate. But draw a clear boundary in your relationship so there's no confusion. No more dating.
Finally, if you'll be true to your own beliefs, God will reward your obedience in this area. You want to be united in marriage to someone who is submitted to and worshipping the same God you are. (He is, after all, the ONLY true God.)
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Drifting Friendships
Dear Victorious,
If friends drift away from each other over the years, what do you think it means? I have a friend whom I dearly love. I thought that she loved me the same. But over the years we seem to have drifted apart. I have searched myself and can't find anything I've done wrong that would cause her to love me less. So all I can conclude is that she never really loved me in the first place.
Sally B. - Colleyville, TX
Dear Sally,
I think it means they are human. The fact that your friend once loved you and that the two of you are no longer close doesn't mean that she no longer loves you. The problem is that you're making this all about you. And you're doing it to the exclusion of other people in your lives.
The Bible tells us that nothing in our lives is a coincidence. Predestination is certain and final. God knew and planned every aspect of our lives. So the people that come in and out of our lives do so as a result of God's planning.
Who else has God put in your friend's life that may need her love and support? Is it possible that they now need it more than you do? Have you perhaps grown enough that you can be more supportive to others and are not as needy of this friendship as you once were? Are there new people that God has placed in your life (or given you access to) whom you might be overlooking as you mourn the loss?
True Christ-followers know that the intensity of relationships comes and goes. But love endures all - including separation and time. There are people I love very much whom I don't get to see very often. But that doesn't change my love for them. I still pray for them, wish the best for them, and would be there if they needed me. I suggest you position yourself similarly with old friends. And then spend your time today on the people whom you are in touch with.
If friends drift away from each other over the years, what do you think it means? I have a friend whom I dearly love. I thought that she loved me the same. But over the years we seem to have drifted apart. I have searched myself and can't find anything I've done wrong that would cause her to love me less. So all I can conclude is that she never really loved me in the first place.
Sally B. - Colleyville, TX
Dear Sally,
I think it means they are human. The fact that your friend once loved you and that the two of you are no longer close doesn't mean that she no longer loves you. The problem is that you're making this all about you. And you're doing it to the exclusion of other people in your lives.
The Bible tells us that nothing in our lives is a coincidence. Predestination is certain and final. God knew and planned every aspect of our lives. So the people that come in and out of our lives do so as a result of God's planning.
Who else has God put in your friend's life that may need her love and support? Is it possible that they now need it more than you do? Have you perhaps grown enough that you can be more supportive to others and are not as needy of this friendship as you once were? Are there new people that God has placed in your life (or given you access to) whom you might be overlooking as you mourn the loss?
True Christ-followers know that the intensity of relationships comes and goes. But love endures all - including separation and time. There are people I love very much whom I don't get to see very often. But that doesn't change my love for them. I still pray for them, wish the best for them, and would be there if they needed me. I suggest you position yourself similarly with old friends. And then spend your time today on the people whom you are in touch with.
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