Does Jesus’ Tomb exist?
Anonymous
_________________________________
Dear Curious,
If you visit the sites in modern day Israel, you will find that there are actually two major locations in Jerusalem which are said to be the former burial place of Jesus:
The Church of Holy Sepulchre.
The Garden Tomb.
Without going into the details of these two locations, many do believe that one of these two tombs was where our Savior was buried for a few days. Thanks and blessings to you.
Dean
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Friday, October 26, 2007
I believe that once saved always saved. What verses can I show someone who believes they could lose their salvation?
Hello Anonymous-
What you have asked is of extreme importance. Our most important mission while alive is to bring as many people as possible to Christ as we possibly can. Clarity in presenting the gospel should be one of our great driving forces.
If a person does not understand eternal security when they come to Christ for salvation they have not really come to Christ
Before we get specifically to your question let’s take a few moments to see how strongly GOD feels about the clarity of the gospel and the people who bring it to others.
Then as an interesting point of interest, just for the fun of it lets see what happens in heaven when someone gets saved.
I. About the Gospel Message
A. About the Clarity of the Gospel
8) But even if we or an angel from heaven
should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you,
let him be eternally condemned!
9) As we have already said, so now I say again:
If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted,
let him be eternally condemned!
---Galatians 1:8-9--
GOD could not be clearer about it. To tell to someone a false gospel is the most heinous thing we can do. Because that persons eternity may very possibly rest upon understanding it.
Our striving to understand the gospel and to make it clear to others is of massive importance. GOD states it this way:
B. About the Messenger
14) How, then,
can they call on the one they have not believed in?
And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?
And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
15) And how can they preach unless they are sent?
As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet
of those who bring good news!"
---Romans 10:14-15---
What makes something particularly valuable? Usually things are valuable because they are rare. Did you notice in this text that even the feet of people who bring others to salvation through Christ are beautiful to GOD?
C. About the Messenger #2
They are beautiful because they are rare. Not many people do this. Yet their value to GOD is so extremely high that for all eternity those people will shine brighter than other people in heaven.
Those who are wise
will shine like the brightness of the heavens,
and those who lead many to righteousness,
like the stars for ever and ever.
---Daniel 12:3---
D. About the Angels
In the same way, I tell you,
there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God
over one sinner who repents."
---Luke 17:10---
The only thing I want to point out here is that angels who see things so much more clearly than we do are wild with joy whenever anyone comes to Christ.
What is the significance of this word seal? In Paul’ day when a person of power wrote a document of importance and value they would pour hot wax on the edges where it came together when rolled up.
When the wax was still hot he pressed it with a ring or other devise that had a particular design on it that everyone knew was his. No one was permitted by law to open the thing sealed except the one to whom it was addressed.
We, upon salvation, received GOD’S seal on us and no one but GOD Himself can lawfully remove the seal until we arrive at the destination that became our destiny the instant we were saved.
2. For the day of redemption
When is the day of redemption? It is the day we die.
C. No one can take us out of Christ’s hand (John 10:28-29)
Anonymous we have seen some versus that clearly show that once we are saved we are always saved. There are many more. But these are more than sufficient.
Don
Proverbs 24:11-12
What you have asked is of extreme importance. Our most important mission while alive is to bring as many people as possible to Christ as we possibly can. Clarity in presenting the gospel should be one of our great driving forces.
If a person does not understand eternal security when they come to Christ for salvation they have not really come to Christ
Before we get specifically to your question let’s take a few moments to see how strongly GOD feels about the clarity of the gospel and the people who bring it to others.
Then as an interesting point of interest, just for the fun of it lets see what happens in heaven when someone gets saved.
I. About the Gospel Message
A. About the Clarity of the Gospel
8) But even if we or an angel from heaven
should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you,
let him be eternally condemned!
9) As we have already said, so now I say again:
If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted,
let him be eternally condemned!
---Galatians 1:8-9--
GOD could not be clearer about it. To tell to someone a false gospel is the most heinous thing we can do. Because that persons eternity may very possibly rest upon understanding it.
Our striving to understand the gospel and to make it clear to others is of massive importance. GOD states it this way:
B. About the Messenger
can they call on the one they have not believed in?
And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?
And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
15) And how can they preach unless they are sent?
As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet
of those who bring good news!"
---Romans 10:14-15---
What makes something particularly valuable? Usually things are valuable because they are rare. Did you notice in this text that even the feet of people who bring others to salvation through Christ are beautiful to GOD?
C. About the Messenger #2
They are beautiful because they are rare. Not many people do this. Yet their value to GOD is so extremely high that for all eternity those people will shine brighter than other people in heaven.
Those who are wise
will shine like the brightness of the heavens,
and those who lead many to righteousness,
like the stars for ever and ever.
---Daniel 12:3---
D. About the Angels
In the same way, I tell you,
there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God
over one sinner who repents."
---Luke 17:10---
The only thing I want to point out here is that angels who see things so much more clearly than we do are wild with joy whenever anyone comes to Christ.
II. Once Saved always Saved
There are several texts which prove that once we are saved it is irrevocable. Let’s start with John 5:24
A. John 5:24
I tell you the truth,
whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me
has eternal life
and will not be condemned;
he has crossed over from death to life.
1. Has
Notice the word has. Think about what that word means. It is a word of right now possession. It is a word of certainty. There is no ambiguity about it.
When we accept Christ we have eternal life.
2. will not
We will not be condemned. It could not be more clear! Some people may say that you can lose your salvation by doing any number of things but this verse exposes that teaching as wrong. We will not be condemned! Under any circumstance.
3. has crossed over
Here is another reason that we cannot lose our salvation. As far as GOD is concerned we are already in heaven. We are just waiting for our bodies to die.
We have passed over from death to life. There are no scriptures that tell us that we can pass from life back to death.
B We are sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30)
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,
with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
---Ephesians 4:30---
What is the significance of this word seal? In Paul’ day when a person of power wrote a document of importance and value they would pour hot wax on the edges where it came together when rolled up.
When the wax was still hot he pressed it with a ring or other devise that had a particular design on it that everyone knew was his. No one was permitted by law to open the thing sealed except the one to whom it was addressed.
We, upon salvation, received GOD’S seal on us and no one but GOD Himself can lawfully remove the seal until we arrive at the destination that became our destiny the instant we were saved.
2. For the day of redemption
When is the day of redemption? It is the day we die.
C. No one can take us out of Christ’s hand (John 10:28-29)
28) I give them eternal life,
and they shall never perish;
no one can snatch them out of my hand.
29) My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all
no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.
1. never
When does never occur? Obviously never , never occurs. So when Christ says we never perish we will do just that we will never perish.
2. No one
That means that no one: a person (ourselves included), the devil or any being that exists can take a believer out of the hand of GOD. Neither will GOD let go of us.
First He said we already passed from death to life
Second He said we will never perish. Because we can not be taken out of the hand of GOD
Third He said we are sealed until we die
Anonymous we have seen some versus that clearly show that once we are saved we are always saved. There are many more. But these are more than sufficient.
Don
Proverbs 24:11-12
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
The bible tells us to "test the spirits" to determine false doctrine from pure doctrine...
The bible tells us to "test the spirits" to determine false doctrine from pure doctrine. So how should we react when we hear our pastor or leader preaching something that may seem false? Should we disrupt him during the sermon and point out his error in front of everyone? or approach him after the service? Would it be wrong if we stop him while he is preaching to tell him what he is preaching is not accurate?
Mike
____________________________________________
Dear Mike:
Yes Mike, we should indeed “test the spirits.” If you don’t mind, I’ll address your questions separately as you have asked four questions in one.
When you refer to “test the spirits,” you may be referencing 1 John 4ff, which states.
1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; and this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world. 4 You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. 5 They are from the world; therefore they speak as from the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
1 John 4:1-6.
Without getting too detailed, in this portion of scripture John may be addressing the Gnostics in the first century as well as those who do not believe Jesus is the Christ. This may not be the issues with your Pastor – teacher.
Judging from your questions, it appears that you may be questioning whether or not your pastor is correctly dividing the word of God. Acts informs us that the believers in Berea were quite noble as they heard the word, yet confirmed its veracity on a daily basis. We are to hear the word and then confirm.
11 Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so. 12 Many of them therefore believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men. Acts 17:11-12
However, if you feel that your leader is preaching a false doctrine, you may want to make an appointment to visit with him. There is a correct forum for us as a civilized society. Imagine if there were one hundred attendees from various churches, religions, sects, and cults in this upcoming Sunday service. Each one of these attendees has a difference of opinion on biblical interpretation. What would happen if each of these attendees would selectively interrupt the Pastor/teacher in his monologue? That would not be such a pretty sight for a preaching service. Not only so, but what if the teacher is trying to make a point, yet he/she keeps being interrupted by nay-sayers. Paul speaks about this in Corinthians.
However, I have listed below a few scripture verses where some folk(s) believed that they were correct in rebuking our Lord, only to find out that they were incorrect:
22 And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You." 23 But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's." Matt 16:22-23.
39 And some of the Pharisees in the multitude said to Him, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples." 40 And He answered and said, "I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!" Luke 19:39-40.
Now, imagine that you decided that you were going to interrupt the teacher, and you go ahead and interrupt… only to find out that you were incorrect. That would not be such a pretty sight. Perhaps, you may want to discuss the issue with your teacher in person - one on one in a private appointment. Many inconsistencies are usually worked out in this fashion.
Finally, please be aware that ‘systematic – biblical theology’ covers a variant of doctrines and beliefs and your particular belief may not be the same as the church, pastor, or teacher. Therefore, work out your faith and doctrinal statements in accordance with God’s word and remember that there may be more that one academic doctrine behind any one portion of scripture. In other words, you and I will have to keep doing our homework on God’s word.
In hopes of continual growth in the Lord. (Hebrews 5:12- 6:1).
Thanks for your question Mike.
Blessings.
Dean
Mike
____________________________________________
Dear Mike:
Yes Mike, we should indeed “test the spirits.” If you don’t mind, I’ll address your questions separately as you have asked four questions in one.
When you refer to “test the spirits,” you may be referencing 1 John 4ff, which states.
1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; and this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world. 4 You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. 5 They are from the world; therefore they speak as from the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
1 John 4:1-6.
Without getting too detailed, in this portion of scripture John may be addressing the Gnostics in the first century as well as those who do not believe Jesus is the Christ. This may not be the issues with your Pastor – teacher.
Judging from your questions, it appears that you may be questioning whether or not your pastor is correctly dividing the word of God. Acts informs us that the believers in Berea were quite noble as they heard the word, yet confirmed its veracity on a daily basis. We are to hear the word and then confirm.
11 Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so. 12 Many of them therefore believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men. Acts 17:11-12
However, if you feel that your leader is preaching a false doctrine, you may want to make an appointment to visit with him. There is a correct forum for us as a civilized society. Imagine if there were one hundred attendees from various churches, religions, sects, and cults in this upcoming Sunday service. Each one of these attendees has a difference of opinion on biblical interpretation. What would happen if each of these attendees would selectively interrupt the Pastor/teacher in his monologue? That would not be such a pretty sight for a preaching service. Not only so, but what if the teacher is trying to make a point, yet he/she keeps being interrupted by nay-sayers. Paul speaks about this in Corinthians.
However, I have listed below a few scripture verses where some folk(s) believed that they were correct in rebuking our Lord, only to find out that they were incorrect:
22 And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You." 23 But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's." Matt 16:22-23.
39 And some of the Pharisees in the multitude said to Him, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples." 40 And He answered and said, "I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!" Luke 19:39-40.
Now, imagine that you decided that you were going to interrupt the teacher, and you go ahead and interrupt… only to find out that you were incorrect. That would not be such a pretty sight. Perhaps, you may want to discuss the issue with your teacher in person - one on one in a private appointment. Many inconsistencies are usually worked out in this fashion.
Finally, please be aware that ‘systematic – biblical theology’ covers a variant of doctrines and beliefs and your particular belief may not be the same as the church, pastor, or teacher. Therefore, work out your faith and doctrinal statements in accordance with God’s word and remember that there may be more that one academic doctrine behind any one portion of scripture. In other words, you and I will have to keep doing our homework on God’s word.
In hopes of continual growth in the Lord. (Hebrews 5:12- 6:1).
Thanks for your question Mike.
Blessings.
Dean
Monday, October 22, 2007
My father-in-law is a physician and an athiest. While at dinner with him last night speaking on creation, he asked me to answer a question that I coul
Hello “Dr. Doesn’t know best”
Do you know what a straw dog is? A straw dog is a false assumption that a person lays down as a foundational truth. From that false assumption a conclusion is reached that is consistent with the false starting point. You have then both a wrong starting point and its inevitable "child" a wrong conclusion.
The problem is that two wrongs don’t make a right. Your father in law is a physician and therefore a scientist. So let’s illustrate this from medical science.
Years ago some doctors thought that when people were sick the problem was in the blood (This was a false assumption, your straw dog). So to return them to health you nicked a blood vessel of one sort or another and let it bleed some of that bad blood out. This was called blood letting.
If the patient was seriously ill several blood lettings were deemed necessary to restore them to health. Perhaps the best known recipient of this procedure was a man named George.
After several sessions the diseases course did indeed come to an end. Unfortunately it came to an end because the host body it lived in died, from blood loss.
George’s last name was Washington. George Washington the first President of our country.
The straw dog here is that GOD cannot possible be all knowing if man has free will.
A. Let's break down all the component parts of this question.
a. GOD knows things as they are
Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him
to whom we must give account”
---Hebrews 4:13
tell us what the future holds,
Through predictions (many hundreds of them). We knew where Christ was to be born (Micah 5:2); The precise day of his death (Daniel 9:25); and the method of his death (Psalm 22) among other things.
Predictions foretold that Cyrus would deliver the Jews from Babylon about 150 years before it happened. This prediction even names Cyrus by name more than 100 years before he was born.
c. GOD knows what might have happened if man had chosen differently
This is an important truth to notice because one part of the question we were asked was “Either man has free will and God cannot know what man will decide tomorrow”
There is an interesting passage in 1 Samuel that addresses this “on point”.
David had been fleeing from Saul who wanted to kill him. David and his men were living in a town by the name of Keilah.
David asked GOD two questions. First would Saul come to Keilah to attack him? Second if he stayed in the town of Keilah would the people turn him over to Saul?
GOD said yes to both questions so David walked out of the city with his men and moved to desert strongholds and in the mountains. ( 1 Samuel 23:7-14)
Here is the point. GOD knew what would happen if David stayed in Keilah or if he chose not to stay. Man’s free will and GOD’S ability to see the future are not therefore mutually exclusive.
Do you know what a straw dog is? A straw dog is a false assumption that a person lays down as a foundational truth. From that false assumption a conclusion is reached that is consistent with the false starting point. You have then both a wrong starting point and its inevitable "child" a wrong conclusion.
The problem is that two wrongs don’t make a right. Your father in law is a physician and therefore a scientist. So let’s illustrate this from medical science.
Years ago some doctors thought that when people were sick the problem was in the blood (This was a false assumption, your straw dog). So to return them to health you nicked a blood vessel of one sort or another and let it bleed some of that bad blood out. This was called blood letting.
If the patient was seriously ill several blood lettings were deemed necessary to restore them to health. Perhaps the best known recipient of this procedure was a man named George.
After several sessions the diseases course did indeed come to an end. Unfortunately it came to an end because the host body it lived in died, from blood loss.
George’s last name was Washington. George Washington the first President of our country.
The straw dog here is that GOD cannot possible be all knowing if man has free will.
A. Let's break down all the component parts of this question.
- There is a presumption that GOD is all knowing
- There is a presumption that people's free will and GOD'S knowing things ahead of time are mutually exclusive
- There is a presumption that GOD has chosen some people to salvation and in that choice has condemned those not chosen to hell.
B. Is GOD all knowing?
Let’s begin the response to this question by stating what should be obvious. To say GOD is all knowing is not the same as proving He is all knowing.
1. The Bible says that GOD is all knowing
The Bible states that GOD knows everything. The theological term for this is omniscient.
GOD knows things as they are
GOD knows things as they will be
GOD knows things as they might have been
a. GOD knows things as they are
Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him
to whom we must give account”
---Hebrews 4:13
b. GOD knows all future events
tell us what the future holds,
so we may know that you are gods.”
---Isaiah 41:22b-23a
Through predictions (many hundreds of them). We knew where Christ was to be born (Micah 5:2); The precise day of his death (Daniel 9:25); and the method of his death (Psalm 22) among other things.
Predictions foretold that Cyrus would deliver the Jews from Babylon about 150 years before it happened. This prediction even names Cyrus by name more than 100 years before he was born.
c. GOD knows what might have happened if man had chosen differently
This is an important truth to notice because one part of the question we were asked was “Either man has free will and God cannot know what man will decide tomorrow”
There is an interesting passage in 1 Samuel that addresses this “on point”.
David had been fleeing from Saul who wanted to kill him. David and his men were living in a town by the name of Keilah.
David asked GOD two questions. First would Saul come to Keilah to attack him? Second if he stayed in the town of Keilah would the people turn him over to Saul?
GOD said yes to both questions so David walked out of the city with his men and moved to desert strongholds and in the mountains. ( 1 Samuel 23:7-14)
Here is the point. GOD knew what would happen if David stayed in Keilah or if he chose not to stay. Man’s free will and GOD’S ability to see the future are not therefore mutually exclusive.
C. "or man does not have free will and God has chosen to save some and condemn others."
I think this may be a secondary sticking point for your father in law. Has GOD chosen people to be saved ? Yes He has.
The scriptures however, indicate that He has chosen not a select number of people to be saved. Instead He has chosen all men to be saved.
3) This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4) who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
----1 Timothy 2:3-4
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
----2 Peter 3:9
The reason that all people are not going to enter heaven is that some people decline the invitation.
D. Concluding Thoughts
What have we seen? We have seen that The question to you from your father in law was based on a false assumption. That being that GOD’S ability to see the future and man’s free will were mutually exclusive.
We have also seen that although GOD has chosen all men to be saved not all men have chosen to accept the invitation.
Your question was an interesting spin on questions that are frequently asked.
Don
1 Peter 3:15
Is sex outside of marriage ok?
Hello Yves I am glad that you had the courage to ask that question, most people don’t ask. I will let Scripture do all the talking here because there are so many verses that answer this question for you. I will list a number of them, then it will be up to you to make the choice to the right thing with the information that is given. Here we go!
1 Corinthians 6:13-20
13"Food for the stomach and the stomach for food"—but God will destroy them both. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. 15Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! 16Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, "The two will become one flesh." 17But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit. 18Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. 19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
3It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God;
Obviously, God wants us to stay clear of all sexual sins, not because He is mean person, but because He loves us and cares for us. If we stay within God’s boundaries, they will always taken where we need to go; on the other hand, they will never take us where we shouldn’t go. If you have fallen to this trap, and I do mean trap, check out this verse and you’ll see what I mean:
James 1:14-15
14but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
So if you have fallen into this trap, there is a way out.
Galatians 5:16
“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”
I Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
As we walk in the Spirit, God gives us the ability to overcome anything in our lives, sex outside of marriage is no different, but you must be committed to changing the way you think and the way you live, especially if you are a Believer. It is a daily thing and as you do it God will replace the former things with His strength, love and grace. I live you with this one last verse and I hope that it all makes sense to you. Once again thanks for asking that question and I pray that God will honor you as you honor Him. John Lee
Ephesians 4:22-24
22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
How do I surrender all to God?
This is a question that most of us, if we’re honest, have struggled with, I know I have, so hopefully I can answer this question for you Yo. I think that the first place to start is to realize that everything already belongs to God. Check out this verse: 1Chronicles 29:11 “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.”
Secondly, I notice that anytime Jesus called someone He asked them to leave everything and follow Him. Matthew 4:19-20 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 20 “At once they left their nets and followed him.” Luke 14:33 “In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.”
To be surrendered you must first acknowledge that fact that God owns it all, and if you are going to follow Him you have to deny your ambitions and desires and replace them with His.
Mark 8:34b, 35 "…If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.”
Remember this one thing: Surrendering you life doesn’t mean that God is automatically going to send you to some far away place to be a missionary, unless that is part of His purpose and plan for your life. What ever it is that God is calling you to do He must have your heart before He can do it. Don’t resist Him, let God use you…remember it’s no longer you, but Christ who lives in you.
Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
I hope this helps you. Thanks again for your question! John Lee
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
What is the best way to attract a person who needs Christ without being pushy?
Great Question!
I will give you my opinion. God has perfect timing in all areas of our lives- including salvation. Somehow in the midst of our everyday lives God uses us to be salt and light to those who need Him. Remember we do not save anyone because that's the work of the Holy Spirit, but we are to share the Good News of Christ with everyone we have a relationship with. We have a tendency to be harder on those we love most for whatever reason. We have to be careful that we don't attempt to be the designated Holy Spirit even though our desire is to "win" that person to Christ. With that in mind, I would recommend the following:
1. Pray for the individual daily. That they would be open to God's calling.
2. Spend time with them. Show the love of Christ every opportunity you have with that person. This does not mean to compromise what is right, it just means to love through Christ's righteousness.
3. Be patient, God is!
2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
4. Be a friend...always. "The Son of man ... a friend of publicans and sinners."
Matt. 11:19
I believe we can all relate to this heartfelt question because we all want those we know and love to experience God and His abundant life.
Tony Isaacs
I will give you my opinion. God has perfect timing in all areas of our lives- including salvation. Somehow in the midst of our everyday lives God uses us to be salt and light to those who need Him. Remember we do not save anyone because that's the work of the Holy Spirit, but we are to share the Good News of Christ with everyone we have a relationship with. We have a tendency to be harder on those we love most for whatever reason. We have to be careful that we don't attempt to be the designated Holy Spirit even though our desire is to "win" that person to Christ. With that in mind, I would recommend the following:
1. Pray for the individual daily. That they would be open to God's calling.
2. Spend time with them. Show the love of Christ every opportunity you have with that person. This does not mean to compromise what is right, it just means to love through Christ's righteousness.
3. Be patient, God is!
2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
4. Be a friend...always. "The Son of man ... a friend of publicans and sinners."
Matt. 11:19
I believe we can all relate to this heartfelt question because we all want those we know and love to experience God and His abundant life.
Tony Isaacs
If you're a christian can demons posses you?
Hi this is Tony Isaacs
I strongly hold to the belief that a Christian cannot be possessed by a demon. I believe there is a sharp difference between being possessed by a demon, and being oppressed / influenced by a demon. Demon possession involves a demon having direct control over the thoughts and/or actions of a person (Luke 4:33-35; 8:27-33; Matthew 17:14-18). Demon oppression / influence involves a demon or demons attacking a person spiritually and/or encouraging him/her into sinful behavior (1 Peter 5:8-9; James 4:7). You will notice that in all the New Testament passages dealing with spiritual warfare, we are never told to cast a demon out of a Follower of Christ (Ephesians 6:10-18). We are told to resist the devil not to cast him out.
It is unthinkable to me that God would allow one of His children, whom He purchased with the blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19) and made into a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) – to be possessed and controlled by a demon. Yes, as believers, we wage warfare with Satan and his demons, but not from within ourselves. 1 John 4:4 declares, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” Who is the One in us? The Holy Spirit. Who is the one in the world? Satan and his demons.
I strongly hold to the belief that a Christian cannot be possessed by a demon. I believe there is a sharp difference between being possessed by a demon, and being oppressed / influenced by a demon. Demon possession involves a demon having direct control over the thoughts and/or actions of a person (Luke 4:33-35; 8:27-33; Matthew 17:14-18). Demon oppression / influence involves a demon or demons attacking a person spiritually and/or encouraging him/her into sinful behavior (1 Peter 5:8-9; James 4:7). You will notice that in all the New Testament passages dealing with spiritual warfare, we are never told to cast a demon out of a Follower of Christ (Ephesians 6:10-18). We are told to resist the devil not to cast him out.
It is unthinkable to me that God would allow one of His children, whom He purchased with the blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19) and made into a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) – to be possessed and controlled by a demon. Yes, as believers, we wage warfare with Satan and his demons, but not from within ourselves. 1 John 4:4 declares, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” Who is the One in us? The Holy Spirit. Who is the one in the world? Satan and his demons.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Where is Noah’s Ark?
Thanks for asking the question Daniel. That is a question people having been asking for years and years. So you see, you are in good company.
Here is what the Bible says:
Genesis 8
1 But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded. 2 Now the springs of the deep and the floodgates of the heavens had been closed, and the rain had stopped falling from the sky. 3 The water receded steadily from the earth. At the end of the hundred and fifty days the water had gone down, 4 and on the seventeenth day of the seventh month the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat.
Mount Ararat is located in Eastern Turkey on the borders of Iran, Armenia (formerly U.S.S.R.), and Nachivan. This volcanic mountain rises 5,165 meters or 16,945 feet high above the plains and is the highest location in the ancient kingdom of Urartu, a region which covered thousands of square miles.
Many have conducted expeditions in search of Noah’s Ark, but to no avail. Some expeditions have reported seeing fragments of the ark, some have said that by plane, in the spring of the year when snow and ice melt is more extensive that they have spotted a portion of the ark.
To this date, there has been no conclusive evidence of the actual remains of the ark. So what are we to make of this? As a young teen I was fascinated with the question myself and read a book about the search for Noah’s Ark and with God’s help came to this conclusion: if God would have wanted us to find the ark he would have allowed it.
God desires that we worship Him and Him alone. If we found the ark, there is no telling how it would be commercialized or worshipped. Here is what our Lord tells us.
2 "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
3 "You shall have no other gods before [a] me.
4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments. Exodus 20:2-4
I hope this is helpful.
God bless you.
Pastor Sammy
Thanks for asking the question Daniel. That is a question people having been asking for years and years. So you see, you are in good company.
Here is what the Bible says:
Genesis 8
1 But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded. 2 Now the springs of the deep and the floodgates of the heavens had been closed, and the rain had stopped falling from the sky. 3 The water receded steadily from the earth. At the end of the hundred and fifty days the water had gone down, 4 and on the seventeenth day of the seventh month the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat.
Mount Ararat is located in Eastern Turkey on the borders of Iran, Armenia (formerly U.S.S.R.), and Nachivan. This volcanic mountain rises 5,165 meters or 16,945 feet high above the plains and is the highest location in the ancient kingdom of Urartu, a region which covered thousands of square miles.
Many have conducted expeditions in search of Noah’s Ark, but to no avail. Some expeditions have reported seeing fragments of the ark, some have said that by plane, in the spring of the year when snow and ice melt is more extensive that they have spotted a portion of the ark.
To this date, there has been no conclusive evidence of the actual remains of the ark. So what are we to make of this? As a young teen I was fascinated with the question myself and read a book about the search for Noah’s Ark and with God’s help came to this conclusion: if God would have wanted us to find the ark he would have allowed it.
God desires that we worship Him and Him alone. If we found the ark, there is no telling how it would be commercialized or worshipped. Here is what our Lord tells us.
2 "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
3 "You shall have no other gods before [a] me.
4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments. Exodus 20:2-4
I hope this is helpful.
God bless you.
Pastor Sammy
Thursday, October 11, 2007
WHY HAVE I LOST MY FAITH IN YOU?
Dear Ivonne
As I began to think about the question you have asked quite a few thoughts crossed my mind.
1. Did Ivonne suddenly begin to doubt that GOD exists at all?
2. Or did she really mean that she had lost confidence in GOD’S faithfulness and goodness toward her?
3. To have even asked the question it shows that you want to be close to GOD.
Let’s start with the word why.
I. Why?
Perhaps the question to ask ourselves at this point is not so much why we lost our faith in GOD. Instead we should consider why we had our faith in the first place.
a. How did we gain our faith?
Often people gain their faith simply because they accept what their parents, church or teachers say.
That’s OK to a degree. But it is not the same as really searching out for ourselves just why we know that GOD exists and that the Bible is His word.
Do you know their are irrefutable proofs that prove beyond any reasonable doubt that GOD exists and that the Bible is His word? There are. The first way is the mathematics of probabilities in sequential predictions and the second way is creation.
GOD exists. That reality can be proved beyond any reasonable doubt.
So did you gain your faith because you know many infallible proofs? Or did you simply grow up around people and places of faith and simply accepted the existence of GOD as true?
b. application
If you have seen that the existence of GOD can be proved beyond any reasonable doubt than your question is not really”Why have I lost my faith in you?” It is “Why have I lost my confidence in you?”
Would it surprise you to know that the Apostle Peter had this same problem even after having lived with Christ for three and a half years? We will see why in a little bit.
II. Did Ivonne suddenly begin to doubt that GOD exists at all?
If a person begins to doubt GOD’S existence I have to ask the question is that “Is there an academic reason for this or an experiential reason?”
In answer to some earlier posts we have gone to some length proving the existence of GOD. Please refer to them if you want to see proofs that are undeniable.
A. Predictions
tell us what the future holds,
B. The intelligent design of creation
For since the creation of the world
God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—
have been clearly seen,
being understood from what has been made,
so that men are without excuse.
----Romans 1:20
Once we prove the existence of GOD it is irrelevant to that reality if we don’t like or understand HIS way of going about things.
III. Did Ivonne really mean that she had lost confidence in GOD’S faithfulness and goodness toward her?
I ask this question because sometimes the foundation of our faith is flawed and when bad things happen to us we doubt our faith because we think things should have happened different than they did.
Here is what I mean in more practical terms. Many people’s philosophy of faith goes something like this:
“GOD, I thought we had an understanding. If I gave myself to the faith whole heartedly and lived for you righteously then you would ‘have my back’.
But I’m getting slaughtered down here and you don’t seem to have my back. Where are you? Are you really there?”
Many people think this whether they articulate it that way or not. Perhaps you do also. I used to.
Here are some things to consider.
A. Sometimes terrible things happen to very good believers.
James Dobson wrote a book titled “When GOD doesn’t make sense.” It’s a book worth reading and I recommend it.
To think that GOD looks at things as we do is shattered by reading the book of Job.
By GOD’S own statement Job was the most righteous man alive at that time. Yet in spite of that GOD allowed everything he had to be taken from him. He lost his wealth, health, children and respect of his friends.
Then the LORD said to Satan,
"Have you considered my servant Job?
There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright,
a man who fears God and shuns evil."
----Job 1:8
Remember GOD’S intelligence is hugely different than our own so we cannot begin to understand what goes into why He does things the way He does.
There was a war in heaven going on over the character of Job. Because of Job’s faithfulness GOD was glorified and for thousands of years later (Long after all that he had would have turned to dust any way) Believers have looked at his story and realized that there is more to life than what is obvious to the naked eye.
Perhaps you have been wanting something more tangible from GOD. Maybe your thoughts about GOD did not jibe with reality even though you thought they did.
B. Sometimes people Try to reshape GOD
Have you ever wondered why the Apostle Peter told Christ that he was willing to die for him? Than prove it by suicidally pulling a sword on a large force of trained soldiers. Yet within a few hours deny Christ three times?
There is a reason. That reason coincidently applies to many of us.
For three and a half years Jesus had been telling the Apostles that his purpose was to die and therefore pay for the sins of the world.
But they were not listening. They twisted around Jesus’ words to mean that Christ was coming to defeat the Roman army and set up his Kingdom now.
That is seen in many places including how they bickered over who would sit on Jesus right hand and left hand when he sat on his throne. (Matt: 20:20-28)
This gets to Peter’s behavior. Even though he walked and talked with Jesus. Peter had a religion different than the one Jesus was teaching. Peter’s religion was that Jesus would come as conqueror now. He was ready to die for that religion.
But when Jesus rebuked Peter and said not to fight, in the Garden of Gethsemane
Peter was rocked to the core of his being. Now he did not know what to believe.
He had no beliefs at all at that moment. Much less not one worth dieing for. So he gave up on his faith altogether and ran away.
Peter had lost his faith. How did that happen? Because he had believed false things about Jesus. He had made up a Jesus of his own choosing. Sometimes people do the same thing today. I have been guilty of that.
I thought GOD was supposed to have my back. When he didn’t seem to be holding up what I thought was supposed to be His part of the agreement I lost confidence in Him.
IV. Four Faith strengthening exercises
A. Meditate on the perfect design of nature
B. Understand that GOD’S workings don’t necessarily mean that He will fix our lives. Sometimes our needs are at cross purposes with the Kingdom needs.
C. Rest in His goodness.
Once we prove GOD exists and the Bible is His word. We give things to Him in prayer with confidence that he is doing something with them. GOD is almighty, all wise and all good. Accept that reality and rest in it.
D. Read and ponder the scriptures daily (Psalm 119:130)
As I began to think about the question you have asked quite a few thoughts crossed my mind.
1. Did Ivonne suddenly begin to doubt that GOD exists at all?
2. Or did she really mean that she had lost confidence in GOD’S faithfulness and goodness toward her?
3. To have even asked the question it shows that you want to be close to GOD.
Let’s start with the word why.
I. Why?
Perhaps the question to ask ourselves at this point is not so much why we lost our faith in GOD. Instead we should consider why we had our faith in the first place.
a. How did we gain our faith?
Often people gain their faith simply because they accept what their parents, church or teachers say.
That’s OK to a degree. But it is not the same as really searching out for ourselves just why we know that GOD exists and that the Bible is His word.
Do you know their are irrefutable proofs that prove beyond any reasonable doubt that GOD exists and that the Bible is His word? There are. The first way is the mathematics of probabilities in sequential predictions and the second way is creation.
GOD exists. That reality can be proved beyond any reasonable doubt.
So did you gain your faith because you know many infallible proofs? Or did you simply grow up around people and places of faith and simply accepted the existence of GOD as true?
b. application
If you have seen that the existence of GOD can be proved beyond any reasonable doubt than your question is not really”Why have I lost my faith in you?” It is “Why have I lost my confidence in you?”
Would it surprise you to know that the Apostle Peter had this same problem even after having lived with Christ for three and a half years? We will see why in a little bit.
II. Did Ivonne suddenly begin to doubt that GOD exists at all?
If a person begins to doubt GOD’S existence I have to ask the question is that “Is there an academic reason for this or an experiential reason?”
In answer to some earlier posts we have gone to some length proving the existence of GOD. Please refer to them if you want to see proofs that are undeniable.
A. Predictions
so we may know that you are gods.
----Isaiah 41:23a
For since the creation of the world
God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—
have been clearly seen,
being understood from what has been made,
so that men are without excuse.
----Romans 1:20
Once we prove the existence of GOD it is irrelevant to that reality if we don’t like or understand HIS way of going about things.
III. Did Ivonne really mean that she had lost confidence in GOD’S faithfulness and goodness toward her?
I ask this question because sometimes the foundation of our faith is flawed and when bad things happen to us we doubt our faith because we think things should have happened different than they did.
Here is what I mean in more practical terms. Many people’s philosophy of faith goes something like this:
“GOD, I thought we had an understanding. If I gave myself to the faith whole heartedly and lived for you righteously then you would ‘have my back’.
But I’m getting slaughtered down here and you don’t seem to have my back. Where are you? Are you really there?”
Many people think this whether they articulate it that way or not. Perhaps you do also. I used to.
Here are some things to consider.
A. Sometimes terrible things happen to very good believers.
James Dobson wrote a book titled “When GOD doesn’t make sense.” It’s a book worth reading and I recommend it.
To think that GOD looks at things as we do is shattered by reading the book of Job.
By GOD’S own statement Job was the most righteous man alive at that time. Yet in spite of that GOD allowed everything he had to be taken from him. He lost his wealth, health, children and respect of his friends.
Then the LORD said to Satan,
"Have you considered my servant Job?
There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright,
a man who fears God and shuns evil."
----Job 1:8
Remember GOD’S intelligence is hugely different than our own so we cannot begin to understand what goes into why He does things the way He does.
There was a war in heaven going on over the character of Job. Because of Job’s faithfulness GOD was glorified and for thousands of years later (Long after all that he had would have turned to dust any way) Believers have looked at his story and realized that there is more to life than what is obvious to the naked eye.
Perhaps you have been wanting something more tangible from GOD. Maybe your thoughts about GOD did not jibe with reality even though you thought they did.
B. Sometimes people Try to reshape GOD
Have you ever wondered why the Apostle Peter told Christ that he was willing to die for him? Than prove it by suicidally pulling a sword on a large force of trained soldiers. Yet within a few hours deny Christ three times?
There is a reason. That reason coincidently applies to many of us.
For three and a half years Jesus had been telling the Apostles that his purpose was to die and therefore pay for the sins of the world.
But they were not listening. They twisted around Jesus’ words to mean that Christ was coming to defeat the Roman army and set up his Kingdom now.
That is seen in many places including how they bickered over who would sit on Jesus right hand and left hand when he sat on his throne. (Matt: 20:20-28)
This gets to Peter’s behavior. Even though he walked and talked with Jesus. Peter had a religion different than the one Jesus was teaching. Peter’s religion was that Jesus would come as conqueror now. He was ready to die for that religion.
But when Jesus rebuked Peter and said not to fight, in the Garden of Gethsemane
Peter was rocked to the core of his being. Now he did not know what to believe.
He had no beliefs at all at that moment. Much less not one worth dieing for. So he gave up on his faith altogether and ran away.
Peter had lost his faith. How did that happen? Because he had believed false things about Jesus. He had made up a Jesus of his own choosing. Sometimes people do the same thing today. I have been guilty of that.
I thought GOD was supposed to have my back. When he didn’t seem to be holding up what I thought was supposed to be His part of the agreement I lost confidence in Him.
IV. Four Faith strengthening exercises
A. Meditate on the perfect design of nature
B. Understand that GOD’S workings don’t necessarily mean that He will fix our lives. Sometimes our needs are at cross purposes with the Kingdom needs.
C. Rest in His goodness.
Once we prove GOD exists and the Bible is His word. We give things to Him in prayer with confidence that he is doing something with them. GOD is almighty, all wise and all good. Accept that reality and rest in it.
D. Read and ponder the scriptures daily (Psalm 119:130)
Don
Job 10:8;13:15
In the history of the Bible, when are cave men supposed to have existed?
Dear Student of the Bible:
This is Dean Chung. As you review history in contrast with the Bible, there is one constant that must be accepted as a Christian: the inerrancy of Scripture. This means that the Christian’s presupposition (and fact) is that the Bible is the undisputed truth. In addition, the history that is detailed in the Bible is a theological history (or history with a theological viewpoint). As such, I will answer your question from a theological perspective, as I am not a scientist, nor am I an archeologist, nor do I claim to be either.
Today’s culture and worldview would view the caveman as a product of evolution, which has his roots in primates. When we think of “caveman,” our mind conjures up the now popular auto insurance television commercial caveman (with sub-human intelligence). Funny, that same caveman is now the star of a television show, as he is apparently a smart guy. Though, the caveman that is assumed in culture is the non-sensible, non communicable - Neanderthal that is an animal hunter, who happens to live in a cave with his family of four children.
Let me ask you; is this a true depiction of man? In seeking to answer this question, Genesis 1:24-27, states that God created man and woman in His image. Man is the crowning pinnacle of God’s creation. It is evident that from the creation of man, he was created to be an intelligent being as he communicated with God.
May I note that cultural experts at one time believed that hieroglyphics was artwork and not a language, until the discovery of the Rosetta stone in the late 1700’s. Hence, many believed that early civilizations were much like the unintelligent caveman. Though, throughout the Bible, each and every culture and people have a distinct intelligence factor with a spoken, and possibly a written language.
Now, where do cavemen fit in the Bible? Did you know that at the time of Jesus there was a group of ascetic Jews that lived out in the desert and probably lived in caves? They were known as the Essenes, and the Dead Sea Scrolls are usually credited to them. Also, even today, the Bedouin tribes in the Middle East still live in the desert in much the same fashion as the Patriarchs of the Bible: Abraham, Moses and the exodus.
Therefore, today’s view of a caveman may not be altogether factual as viewed from a Christian worldview. Man was created to fill and subdue the earth and rule over the every living thing (Genesis 1:27-28). This takes an intelligent and creative mind that was created by our Lord God. Amen and Blessings. Dean.
This is Dean Chung. As you review history in contrast with the Bible, there is one constant that must be accepted as a Christian: the inerrancy of Scripture. This means that the Christian’s presupposition (and fact) is that the Bible is the undisputed truth. In addition, the history that is detailed in the Bible is a theological history (or history with a theological viewpoint). As such, I will answer your question from a theological perspective, as I am not a scientist, nor am I an archeologist, nor do I claim to be either.
Today’s culture and worldview would view the caveman as a product of evolution, which has his roots in primates. When we think of “caveman,” our mind conjures up the now popular auto insurance television commercial caveman (with sub-human intelligence). Funny, that same caveman is now the star of a television show, as he is apparently a smart guy. Though, the caveman that is assumed in culture is the non-sensible, non communicable - Neanderthal that is an animal hunter, who happens to live in a cave with his family of four children.
Let me ask you; is this a true depiction of man? In seeking to answer this question, Genesis 1:24-27, states that God created man and woman in His image. Man is the crowning pinnacle of God’s creation. It is evident that from the creation of man, he was created to be an intelligent being as he communicated with God.
May I note that cultural experts at one time believed that hieroglyphics was artwork and not a language, until the discovery of the Rosetta stone in the late 1700’s. Hence, many believed that early civilizations were much like the unintelligent caveman. Though, throughout the Bible, each and every culture and people have a distinct intelligence factor with a spoken, and possibly a written language.
Now, where do cavemen fit in the Bible? Did you know that at the time of Jesus there was a group of ascetic Jews that lived out in the desert and probably lived in caves? They were known as the Essenes, and the Dead Sea Scrolls are usually credited to them. Also, even today, the Bedouin tribes in the Middle East still live in the desert in much the same fashion as the Patriarchs of the Bible: Abraham, Moses and the exodus.
Therefore, today’s view of a caveman may not be altogether factual as viewed from a Christian worldview. Man was created to fill and subdue the earth and rule over the every living thing (Genesis 1:27-28). This takes an intelligent and creative mind that was created by our Lord God. Amen and Blessings. Dean.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Was I right in breaking up with him?
Hi Emma.
What a good question. Although your breakup is unique, there are Scriptures that deal with our relationships and our hearts that apply to our dating relationships. ( I assume it's dating since you used the term "break up".)
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. I Corinthians 13:4-8
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Psalm 84:11
Here's a few guidelines that are helpful when it comes to dating relationships. We can get these principles from Scripture:
1. Be smart: guard your heart. If the relationship wasn't Godly or right, it's good not to be in it. True love does two things: Protects and provides. (Eph. 5) If the relationship wasn't based on true love, then it's better it's over.
2. Better to wait and be sure than to date and be insecure. Don't date someone you are uncertain about or someone you can't picture the future with. It's better not to date than to second guess every aspect of your relationship.
3. Don't look for the right one: be the right one and God will bring the right one to you. Don't be consumed with finding someone to date. Be consumed with being Godly and God will bring the right person along at the right time.
I'm sorry for your pain during this time. I hope this is of some comfort and resource to you.
Pastor Jeff
What a good question. Although your breakup is unique, there are Scriptures that deal with our relationships and our hearts that apply to our dating relationships. ( I assume it's dating since you used the term "break up".)
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. I Corinthians 13:4-8
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Psalm 84:11
Here's a few guidelines that are helpful when it comes to dating relationships. We can get these principles from Scripture:
1. Be smart: guard your heart. If the relationship wasn't Godly or right, it's good not to be in it. True love does two things: Protects and provides. (Eph. 5) If the relationship wasn't based on true love, then it's better it's over.
2. Better to wait and be sure than to date and be insecure. Don't date someone you are uncertain about or someone you can't picture the future with. It's better not to date than to second guess every aspect of your relationship.
3. Don't look for the right one: be the right one and God will bring the right one to you. Don't be consumed with finding someone to date. Be consumed with being Godly and God will bring the right person along at the right time.
I'm sorry for your pain during this time. I hope this is of some comfort and resource to you.
Pastor Jeff
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
What is the best way to attract a person who needs Christ without being pushy? or obvious?
Hey Desperate Sister this is John Lee answering your question. This is a very important question because there are so many people in our circle of influence that need to hear the Gospel, we want to tell them but we don’t want to be offensive. One thing that I notice right off the bat; anytime I see Jesus confronting people with the truth it was done in love. Jesus had a real passion for the people that He ministered to. Luke 19:41 As he approached
I believe that Jesus was able to attract people to the gospel because He loved the people and He was real, authentic, with the people. That’s how you have to be! Don’t hit them with the “drive by” witness; spend time getting to know that person. Invest and invite is one of the best tools we use at Christ Fellowship. As you invest in that person’s life you win the opportunity to share with them. 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. I hope this helps.
Monday, October 8, 2007
What is love?
Hello Stephannye-
You have asked a very big question.
If I were asked what one spiritual dynamic would be the most powerful in causing us to be very close to GOD it would be the dynamic of love.
For God so loved the world
that he gave
his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life
Notice that love, which is (Agapao) love, is not about self. It causes the one possessing it to give themselves away for the benefit of others.
2. Phileo
Phileo can be thought of as tender affection. The city of Philadelphia got it’s name from this word. Philadelphia is called the city of brotherly love.
Phileo love is a very giving love but not to the limitless degree of Agapao. In places in the New Testament this word is translated “kindness”.
“The islanders showed us unusual kindness.
They built a fire and welcomed us all
because it was raining and cold.”
You would not be mistaken to think that the expression, “Do unto others as you would have them do to you,” fits this word quite well.
In Phileo you treat people this way, but you take it just so far. If someone abuses you long enough you stop. Agapao on the other hand does not stop.
3. Eros
Eros is the word from which we get our English word erotic. More than anything else it is self centered love. An eros defined person does things toward others for the benefit of themselves.
An eros person can be charming or they can be rude. They can be sulking or they can be abusive. They really do not care if they cause pain or pleasure to others as long as they get what they want. What they want is selfish fulfillment.
B. Practical Application
Early in this study I said that love is the way to get very close to GOD. Let’s see why.
1. We are made in the image and likeness of GOD (Genesis 1:26-27)
So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them
----Genesis 1:26
2. GOD is love (1 John 4:8b)
Notice that this text does not say GOD does love. It says that He is love. It is a mistake to mix the two.
There is an old expression that goes something like this, “You can give without loving, but you can’t love without giving.”
GOD is love. Therefore He gives selflessly.
3. Love is a “path”
Sometimes we think, “I want to get just as close to GOD as I can possibly get. But how do I get there?”
The answer is walk on the road that GOD walks on. That road is called love. When we do we also come into harmony within ourselves.
Dear friends, let us love one another,
for love comes from God.
Everyone who loves has been born of God
and knows God.
Whoever does not love
does not know God,
because God is love.
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is love.
Whoever lives in love lives in God,
and God in him
You have asked a very big question.
If I were asked what one spiritual dynamic would be the most powerful in causing us to be very close to GOD it would be the dynamic of love.
A concise definition of love is selflessness toward others. To the degree we give ourselves away is the degree to which we love.
This will make sense as we develop this study.
Let’s start with the word love. We need to define words before we can understand them.
A. The word(s)
I have read that the Greek language has seven different words for love. Almost exclusively only two of these are used in the New Testament those being (Agapao and Phileo).
A study of those two words plus one more (eros) should not only give us a good idea of what love means but also give us a very clear understanding of how to be close to GOD.
1. Agapao
This is the highest form of love. This word is the one GOD used in John 3:16. Here love is seen as completely giving yourself away for the benefit of others with no regard to cost to yourself.
This will make sense as we develop this study.
Let’s start with the word love. We need to define words before we can understand them.
A. The word(s)
I have read that the Greek language has seven different words for love. Almost exclusively only two of these are used in the New Testament those being (Agapao and Phileo).
A study of those two words plus one more (eros) should not only give us a good idea of what love means but also give us a very clear understanding of how to be close to GOD.
1. Agapao
This is the highest form of love. This word is the one GOD used in John 3:16. Here love is seen as completely giving yourself away for the benefit of others with no regard to cost to yourself.
For God so loved the world
that he gave
his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life
----John 3:16
Notice that love, which is (Agapao) love, is not about self. It causes the one possessing it to give themselves away for the benefit of others.
2. Phileo
Phileo can be thought of as tender affection. The city of Philadelphia got it’s name from this word. Philadelphia is called the city of brotherly love.
Phileo love is a very giving love but not to the limitless degree of Agapao. In places in the New Testament this word is translated “kindness”.
“The islanders showed us unusual kindness.
They built a fire and welcomed us all
because it was raining and cold.”
---Acts 28:2
You would not be mistaken to think that the expression, “Do unto others as you would have them do to you,” fits this word quite well.
In Phileo you treat people this way, but you take it just so far. If someone abuses you long enough you stop. Agapao on the other hand does not stop.
3. Eros
Eros is the word from which we get our English word erotic. More than anything else it is self centered love. An eros defined person does things toward others for the benefit of themselves.
An eros person can be charming or they can be rude. They can be sulking or they can be abusive. They really do not care if they cause pain or pleasure to others as long as they get what they want. What they want is selfish fulfillment.
B. Practical Application
Early in this study I said that love is the way to get very close to GOD. Let’s see why.
1. We are made in the image and likeness of GOD (Genesis 1:26-27)
So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them
----Genesis 1:26
2. GOD is love (1 John 4:8b)
…GOD is love
Notice that this text does not say GOD does love. It says that He is love. It is a mistake to mix the two.
There is an old expression that goes something like this, “You can give without loving, but you can’t love without giving.”
GOD is love. Therefore He gives selflessly.
3. Love is a “path”
Sometimes we think, “I want to get just as close to GOD as I can possibly get. But how do I get there?”
The answer is walk on the road that GOD walks on. That road is called love. When we do we also come into harmony within ourselves.
If GOD is love and we are created in His image than we are created to love. Any behaviour less than that is disharmonious with our spiritual "DNA". We have been created to give ourselves away.
Dear friends, let us love one another,
for love comes from God.
Everyone who loves has been born of God
and knows God.
---1 John4:7
Whoever does not love
does not know God,
because God is love.
----1 John 4:8
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is love.
Whoever lives in love lives in God,
and God in him
---- 1 John 4:16
C. Conclusion
Well Stephannye as you can see the study of love can get very long. There is so much more we could look at. Yet I think what we have seen gives a good picture of what love is.
Now here is a bit of homework for you. Look at the three loves and ask yourself, “Which love have I been living?. Then ask yourself which is the one I want to become?”
Don
1 Corinthians 13
Well Stephannye as you can see the study of love can get very long. There is so much more we could look at. Yet I think what we have seen gives a good picture of what love is.
Now here is a bit of homework for you. Look at the three loves and ask yourself, “Which love have I been living?. Then ask yourself which is the one I want to become?”
Don
1 Corinthians 13
Is it wrong for a Christian to have, for example, a statue of Buddha?
Hi Oda
Thanks for your question. Let's take a look at this topic.
The Bible is clear that we shouldn't have idols of any kind. The idols are not only referring to actual statues that would be worshipped, but anything we put before God. Idols can be a person, a material thing, a bank account, etc.
"We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true—even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. Dear children, keep yourselves from idols." I John 5:20-21
In this case, we are discussing a statue of Buddha in the home of a Christian. Although the Christian may not actually worship the Buddha statue, would it still be appropriate? This is when we must consider other ramifications and look to Scripture for answers.
What does the statue represent? (a false religion) What do guests in my home assume is true about me? (whether we like it or not, people will make assumptions about what you believe and who you are by what is in your home) Does the statue of a false god that is prominent in our culture glorify Jesus Christ in the home of one of his followers?
Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. I Timothy 4:16
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. I Peter 2:12
Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.
I Thessalonians 5:21-22
In short, it's wise to not have a statue of Buddha. Even if it's for decorative purposes, what message would you want to send?
Thanks again for a great question.
Pastor Jeff
Thanks for your question. Let's take a look at this topic.
The Bible is clear that we shouldn't have idols of any kind. The idols are not only referring to actual statues that would be worshipped, but anything we put before God. Idols can be a person, a material thing, a bank account, etc.
"We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true—even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. Dear children, keep yourselves from idols." I John 5:20-21
In this case, we are discussing a statue of Buddha in the home of a Christian. Although the Christian may not actually worship the Buddha statue, would it still be appropriate? This is when we must consider other ramifications and look to Scripture for answers.
What does the statue represent? (a false religion) What do guests in my home assume is true about me? (whether we like it or not, people will make assumptions about what you believe and who you are by what is in your home) Does the statue of a false god that is prominent in our culture glorify Jesus Christ in the home of one of his followers?
Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. I Timothy 4:16
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. I Peter 2:12
Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.
I Thessalonians 5:21-22
In short, it's wise to not have a statue of Buddha. Even if it's for decorative purposes, what message would you want to send?
Thanks again for a great question.
Pastor Jeff
Why is it so hard to Trust God? Why cant I feel like He really is there?
Hi really frustrated,
This is Pastor Jorge., I think what your question is very valid and I don’t think you are the only one that feels this way.
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
But why is it so much easier to quote that verse than to really do it? How many times have I wanted the Lord to tell me right then what I should do?
When I began to examine the verse there is one key word there and that is “Heart”. I cant put God on a time limit and give Him an ultimatum. That shows that my heart is not totally submitting to Him. God in His all knowing wisdom holds all the answers to the questions that we have. The things we experience through out our lives are in His perfect plan, and they are there for God to receive the Glory.
Trusting in Him is one thing but then why cant I see Him and His works?
In John chapter 20 we have an awesome experience of Jesus appearing to Mary. In this part Mary is extremely depressed, frustrated. Her Savior, the one who she thought was the Messiah had been brutally murdered and now that she wanted to honor him in His death, His body was gone. She is so down that even when Jesus Himself appears she cannot recognize him. In the midst of her tribulation, Jesus was there! She just could not see Him. Jesus Christ gave us many promises, He would not be who He said He was if one of those promises were not fulfilled.
One of my favorite promises is John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Here are some other verses:
2 Timothy 2:13 if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful
God is always there for us. I truly believe that our prayer focus should not be; “ Please God get me out of it!” But, “Lord please let me be patient so that I see YOU in the midst of all this trial”. God is not limited in the way He will show himself to us.
This is Pastor Jorge., I think what your question is very valid and I don’t think you are the only one that feels this way.
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
But why is it so much easier to quote that verse than to really do it? How many times have I wanted the Lord to tell me right then what I should do?
When I began to examine the verse there is one key word there and that is “Heart”. I cant put God on a time limit and give Him an ultimatum. That shows that my heart is not totally submitting to Him. God in His all knowing wisdom holds all the answers to the questions that we have. The things we experience through out our lives are in His perfect plan, and they are there for God to receive the Glory.
Trusting in Him is one thing but then why cant I see Him and His works?
In John chapter 20 we have an awesome experience of Jesus appearing to Mary. In this part Mary is extremely depressed, frustrated. Her Savior, the one who she thought was the Messiah had been brutally murdered and now that she wanted to honor him in His death, His body was gone. She is so down that even when Jesus Himself appears she cannot recognize him. In the midst of her tribulation, Jesus was there! She just could not see Him. Jesus Christ gave us many promises, He would not be who He said He was if one of those promises were not fulfilled.
One of my favorite promises is John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Here are some other verses:
2 Timothy 2:13 if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful
God is always there for us. I truly believe that our prayer focus should not be; “ Please God get me out of it!” But, “Lord please let me be patient so that I see YOU in the midst of all this trial”. God is not limited in the way He will show himself to us.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Chance of salvation another way?
Alex this is Todd Breiner answering your question. I must say that it is truly a great question, one I have never thought of before. Let me see if I can answer that based on scripture. John 14:6 says…
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6
Jesus clearly taught that He was the only way to heaven thus anyone not trusting in Him for their salvation is condemned. The Bible also says talking about Jesus:
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
Acts 4:12
So the answer is that people who did not trust in Jesus for their salvation were condemned. That was evident to the members of the early church that is why the spread the gospel so aggressively.
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6
Jesus clearly taught that He was the only way to heaven thus anyone not trusting in Him for their salvation is condemned. The Bible also says talking about Jesus:
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
Acts 4:12
So the answer is that people who did not trust in Jesus for their salvation were condemned. That was evident to the members of the early church that is why the spread the gospel so aggressively.
Mean Christians
Deez, hey this is Todd Breiner answering your question, Why do people seem to get more mean after they become a Christian? There is not really a good answer for that question, because that is not what Jesus teaches Christians to do. However I am sure that almost anyone alive can think of a mean Christian. Deez I am sure that you are speaking from experiences that you have had with mean Christians. What I would like to do is share with you some teachings of Jesus about how Christians are supposed to act.
He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Luke 10:27
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
While this may not help answer why some Christians are mean it should help you understand how Christians are supposed to act and behave.
He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Luke 10:27
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
While this may not help answer why some Christians are mean it should help you understand how Christians are supposed to act and behave.
Why do so many families suffer with so much addiction, pain and sadness?
Hey Nikki,
Thanks for your question. I am thinking that you have suffered some lose and tragedy in your life. God bless you. I would like to go to God’s Word to shed some light on your question.
I am reminded of Matthew 5:44-45;
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
As I was jogging this morning it began to rain. I was trying to run under trees to avoid much of the rain, but to no avail. I was still getting rained on. Nothing I could do would prevent me from getting wet, short of going back inside.
Then I saw a rainbow, near the end of my run and was reminded of the promises of God. Romans 8:31-39
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Difficulties as well as days of prosperity will come to all. It is how we deal with those difficulties that will determine our outlook. Blessings are given without respect to merit or deserving. If they were none of us would receive them.
Pain, sadness and suffering respect no one and all are susceptible to their fury. If we will take that pain and leave it with Jesus, He can give us the strength needed to make it. For only through Him can we gain the power to overcome those hurts and hang ups that can beset us.
Look at 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Nikki, I hope this helps you. Let me also tell you that we have some ministries here at Christ Fellowship that may also help you in dealing with this question. Our Grief Ministry, which meets during the week as well as our Celebrate Recovery Worship Service. For more information please visit www.cffamily.org
God bless you.
Sammy
Hey Nikki,
Thanks for your question. I am thinking that you have suffered some lose and tragedy in your life. God bless you. I would like to go to God’s Word to shed some light on your question.
I am reminded of Matthew 5:44-45;
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
As I was jogging this morning it began to rain. I was trying to run under trees to avoid much of the rain, but to no avail. I was still getting rained on. Nothing I could do would prevent me from getting wet, short of going back inside.
Then I saw a rainbow, near the end of my run and was reminded of the promises of God. Romans 8:31-39
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Difficulties as well as days of prosperity will come to all. It is how we deal with those difficulties that will determine our outlook. Blessings are given without respect to merit or deserving. If they were none of us would receive them.
Pain, sadness and suffering respect no one and all are susceptible to their fury. If we will take that pain and leave it with Jesus, He can give us the strength needed to make it. For only through Him can we gain the power to overcome those hurts and hang ups that can beset us.
Look at 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Nikki, I hope this helps you. Let me also tell you that we have some ministries here at Christ Fellowship that may also help you in dealing with this question. Our Grief Ministry, which meets during the week as well as our Celebrate Recovery Worship Service. For more information please visit www.cffamily.org
God bless you.
Sammy
Will I Ever be rich?
Christopher, there’s a question that I have asked once or twice as I’m sure many have, so you are not alone in thinking about it.
Let’s get right to it. From a purely secular point of view or worldview, the result of your wealth in life, monetarily speaking, has much to do with good work ethic and wise choices. Taking that into consideration, what does the Bible tell us about work ethic?
Look at Proverbs 24: 30-34
30 I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment;
31 thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins.
32 I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw:
33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-
34 and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.
It is clear from looking at this scripture that if you want to be successful, you should not be like the sluggard. A sluggard is someone who is habitually lazy or inactive. Those ingredients lead to poverty.
The sluggard is a procrastinator; the sluggard takes the path of least resistance. The sluggard is foolish in the way he lives.
You want to avoid poverty, work hard. Live your life according to God’s word, and He will bless your efforts. Will you be financially rich? That depends on many factors. It is not wrong to be rich, as long as you will not make money or things an idol.
Trust God, give back to Him and you will find that you are rich indeed. God will always give you what you need.
Psalms 37:25
I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.
God bless you and thanks for the question. I hope that this has been helpful to you.
Sammy
Christopher, there’s a question that I have asked once or twice as I’m sure many have, so you are not alone in thinking about it.
Let’s get right to it. From a purely secular point of view or worldview, the result of your wealth in life, monetarily speaking, has much to do with good work ethic and wise choices. Taking that into consideration, what does the Bible tell us about work ethic?
Look at Proverbs 24: 30-34
30 I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment;
31 thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins.
32 I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw:
33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-
34 and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.
It is clear from looking at this scripture that if you want to be successful, you should not be like the sluggard. A sluggard is someone who is habitually lazy or inactive. Those ingredients lead to poverty.
The sluggard is a procrastinator; the sluggard takes the path of least resistance. The sluggard is foolish in the way he lives.
You want to avoid poverty, work hard. Live your life according to God’s word, and He will bless your efforts. Will you be financially rich? That depends on many factors. It is not wrong to be rich, as long as you will not make money or things an idol.
Trust God, give back to Him and you will find that you are rich indeed. God will always give you what you need.
Psalms 37:25
I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.
God bless you and thanks for the question. I hope that this has been helpful to you.
Sammy
Thursday, October 4, 2007
In Genesis 6, who are the "Sons of God" and who are the "Daughters of Men"? Did angels pro-create with humans?
Hello Alex
The short answer to your question is that the sons of GOD are angels, the daughters of men are human woman and yes they did procreate.
Have you ever heard the phrase “conflict of the ages”? Whether you have or have not your question is part of what that is about.
I. Background Thought
A. The revolt
From the very beginning satan has attempted to overthrow GOD (Isaiah 14:12-14)
12) How you have fallen from heaven,
This at first led to the revolt in heaven where one third of all the angels decided that satan should take GOD’S place. (Revelation 12:4-7-9).
7) And there was war in heaven.
Michael and his angels fought against the dragon,
and the dragon and his angels fought back.
8) But he was not strong enough,
and they lost their place in heaven.
B .Through man (Christ) GOD was to reconcile all things back to Himself
and through him to reconcile to himself all things,
whether things on earth or things in heaven,
by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross
----Colossians 1:20
C. Satan Thought that Adam was the redeemer
It is obvious that satan thought Adam was the redeemer. So what did he do? He motivated Adam to sin. In doing so he thought that he had destroyed GOD’S attempt at reconciliation because GOD’S (supposed redeemer, Adam) was now rendered useless due to sin.
As an aside I find it interesting to note that Jesus was called the last Adam.
So it is written:
"The first man Adam became a living being"
the last Adam, a life-giving spirit
1 Corinthians 15:45
What satan was attempting to do was to stop GOD’S redemptive work at its very earliest stage when it was not yet complicated. This was like closing the gate to the corral before the horse gets out.
As we both know satan lost this round but he did not give up. Genesis six is another attempt of satan to destroy the ability of GOD to work through the human race before the redemptive, sacrificial work could be accomplished.
II. Genesis Chapter Six
In the sixth chapter of Genesis we see satan trying to contaminate the whole human race by having the fallen angels procreate with them. Once contaminated no member of the human race would be able to be used by GOD to reconcile the world to Himself.
A. Sons of GOD
Who are the sons of GOD? Several places in the scripture clearly define who they are, none more clearly than Job.
Now there was a day when the sons of God
came to present themselves before the LORD,
and Satan also came among them
----Job 1:6 (NKJV)
The (NIV) translates “sons of GOD” as angels. What can be lost because it is not seen in the English translations is that in Genesis 6:2 and Job 1:6 the same exact Hebrew word is used. That word is Ben. So when you are talking about the sons of GOD in Genesis 6 and in Job 1. Whatever translation is used (NIV; NKJV) it is the same beings.
The sons of GOD are angels.
B. Daughters of Men
So who are the daughters of men? That is not too hard to figure out. Since the sons of GOD are clearly angels then the daughters of men would have to be human.
C. The Nephilim
The Nephilim were part angel part human beings. They were a pollution of the human race and if they had been allowed to live long enough would have most likely contaminated the human race completely.
D. Noah was “perfect in his generations” (Genesis 6:9)
This is the genealogy of Noah.
Noah was a just man,
perfect in his generations.
Noah walked with God.
----Genesis 6:9 (NKJV)
The (NIV) translates “This is the genealogy of Noah” (NKJV) as “This is the account of Noah.” I think the NKJV is more accurate. The context of the text makes clear what is meant by this term.
And what is that context?
The “generations” had to do with a genetically uncontaminated standing before GOD. This is something the contaminated ones could not do. Notice verse nine.
You asked a very good question.
Don
Proverbs 4:23
The short answer to your question is that the sons of GOD are angels, the daughters of men are human woman and yes they did procreate.
Have you ever heard the phrase “conflict of the ages”? Whether you have or have not your question is part of what that is about.
I. Background Thought
A. The revolt
From the very beginning satan has attempted to overthrow GOD (Isaiah 14:12-14)
12) How you have fallen from heaven,
O morning star, son of the dawn!
You have been cast down to the earth,
you who once laid low the nations!
13) You said in your heart,
13) You said in your heart,
"I will “ascend to heaven;
I will raise my throne
above the stars of God;
I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly,
on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain
14) I will ascend above the tops of the clouds;
14) I will ascend above the tops of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High
This at first led to the revolt in heaven where one third of all the angels decided that satan should take GOD’S place. (Revelation 12:4-7-9).
7) And there was war in heaven.
Michael and his angels fought against the dragon,
and the dragon and his angels fought back.
8) But he was not strong enough,
and they lost their place in heaven.
and through him to reconcile to himself all things,
whether things on earth or things in heaven,
by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross
----Colossians 1:20
C. Satan Thought that Adam was the redeemer
It is obvious that satan thought Adam was the redeemer. So what did he do? He motivated Adam to sin. In doing so he thought that he had destroyed GOD’S attempt at reconciliation because GOD’S (supposed redeemer, Adam) was now rendered useless due to sin.
As an aside I find it interesting to note that Jesus was called the last Adam.
So it is written:
"The first man Adam became a living being"
the last Adam, a life-giving spirit
1 Corinthians 15:45
What satan was attempting to do was to stop GOD’S redemptive work at its very earliest stage when it was not yet complicated. This was like closing the gate to the corral before the horse gets out.
As we both know satan lost this round but he did not give up. Genesis six is another attempt of satan to destroy the ability of GOD to work through the human race before the redemptive, sacrificial work could be accomplished.
II. Genesis Chapter Six
In the sixth chapter of Genesis we see satan trying to contaminate the whole human race by having the fallen angels procreate with them. Once contaminated no member of the human race would be able to be used by GOD to reconcile the world to Himself.
A. Sons of GOD
Who are the sons of GOD? Several places in the scripture clearly define who they are, none more clearly than Job.
Now there was a day when the sons of God
came to present themselves before the LORD,
and Satan also came among them
----Job 1:6 (NKJV)
The (NIV) translates “sons of GOD” as angels. What can be lost because it is not seen in the English translations is that in Genesis 6:2 and Job 1:6 the same exact Hebrew word is used. That word is Ben. So when you are talking about the sons of GOD in Genesis 6 and in Job 1. Whatever translation is used (NIV; NKJV) it is the same beings.
The sons of GOD are angels.
B. Daughters of Men
So who are the daughters of men? That is not too hard to figure out. Since the sons of GOD are clearly angels then the daughters of men would have to be human.
C. The Nephilim
The Nephilim were part angel part human beings. They were a pollution of the human race and if they had been allowed to live long enough would have most likely contaminated the human race completely.
D. Noah was “perfect in his generations” (Genesis 6:9)
This is the genealogy of Noah.
Noah was a just man,
perfect in his generations.
Noah walked with God.
----Genesis 6:9 (NKJV)
The (NIV) translates “This is the genealogy of Noah” (NKJV) as “This is the account of Noah.” I think the NKJV is more accurate. The context of the text makes clear what is meant by this term.
And what is that context?
The “generations” had to do with a genetically uncontaminated standing before GOD. This is something the contaminated ones could not do. Notice verse nine.
just (clean, lawful, and righteous)
perfect (without blemish, without spot, whole, complete, entire)
We see then that Noah was a person not just righteous in the way he lived but also uncontaminated genetically.
E. What about The Sons of Noah and the daughter in Laws?
Though they may not have been as righteous as Noah in behavior they were also perfect in their genetic composition. At this time the contamination of the whole hum,an race had not yet been completed.
If they had not been pure GOD could not have used them for replenishing the earth.
_________
I think we have adequately answered you question as to who exactly are the sons of GOD as well as the daughters of men and whether or not they procreated.
You asked a very good question.
Don
Proverbs 4:23
Is it ok to particapate in yoga? Also they meditate?
Confused!
Hi, this is Tony Isaacs. This is an interesting question. I have run into this question a lot because of my martial arts background. The answer is Yes, it's ok to participate in the physical side of yoga. This is great exercise. Stretching and proper breathing is one of the best possible ways to stay physically strong. The answer to the meditation side is No. This type of meditation deals with emptying yourself without clear direction or knowing what you should fill your mind with. It allows the possibility of the wrong things to come into your life. (World philosophies, spiritualism, demoniac influences, etc.)
1. We are encouraged never to turn our mind off:
"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.." 2 Cor. 10:5
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Phil. 4:8
2. We are to fill ourselves as Christian with the Spirit of God:
"Instead, be filled with the Spirit." Ephesian 5:18
So enjoy your yoga, but when it comes to the meditation time of your workout, think higher!
Hi, this is Tony Isaacs. This is an interesting question. I have run into this question a lot because of my martial arts background. The answer is Yes, it's ok to participate in the physical side of yoga. This is great exercise. Stretching and proper breathing is one of the best possible ways to stay physically strong. The answer to the meditation side is No. This type of meditation deals with emptying yourself without clear direction or knowing what you should fill your mind with. It allows the possibility of the wrong things to come into your life. (World philosophies, spiritualism, demoniac influences, etc.)
1. We are encouraged never to turn our mind off:
"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.." 2 Cor. 10:5
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Phil. 4:8
2. We are to fill ourselves as Christian with the Spirit of God:
"Instead, be filled with the Spirit." Ephesian 5:18
So enjoy your yoga, but when it comes to the meditation time of your workout, think higher!
Should I get married to someone only because we have a child? Even if I dont think he is the right one to marry??
Angela,
Thanks for the question. This is Tony Isaacs. I have personally counseled several people who have faced this situation. The short answer is no! Scripture does not directly answer this specific question, however it provides principles that guide us.
The person you marry is based upon your faith not circumstances. 2 Cor. 6:14 says, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?"
If you make a mistake (sexual relationships out of marriage) it does not merit making another mistake to make it "right". The questions a person should be asking are, "Do I love this person?, Can I live without this person?, Is this person a Christian?, or more importantly, Is this person a growing Christian?"
Marriage is based on love and commitment, not obligation (peer pressure) or fear. In the "old days" people would call this a shotgun wedding because it was the "honorable" thing to do. But, unfortunately, for many it was another mistake.
I realize that it may be scary to face life as a single parent, but it's better than being in a lifelong marriage commitment with the wrong person. Whenever considering marriage to someone, you should do so prayerfully- even if he is a Christian. Let the Holy Spirit guide you.
Thanks for the question. This is Tony Isaacs. I have personally counseled several people who have faced this situation. The short answer is no! Scripture does not directly answer this specific question, however it provides principles that guide us.
The person you marry is based upon your faith not circumstances. 2 Cor. 6:14 says, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?"
If you make a mistake (sexual relationships out of marriage) it does not merit making another mistake to make it "right". The questions a person should be asking are, "Do I love this person?, Can I live without this person?, Is this person a Christian?, or more importantly, Is this person a growing Christian?"
Marriage is based on love and commitment, not obligation (peer pressure) or fear. In the "old days" people would call this a shotgun wedding because it was the "honorable" thing to do. But, unfortunately, for many it was another mistake.
I realize that it may be scary to face life as a single parent, but it's better than being in a lifelong marriage commitment with the wrong person. Whenever considering marriage to someone, you should do so prayerfully- even if he is a Christian. Let the Holy Spirit guide you.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Do all religions lead to God?
Hello John-
What you have asked is a very straight forward question. The answer is that:
Notice the various components of this text.
1. I am
We may over look the simplicity of this if we loose sight of the context. But the verses just preceding these were the ones where Jesus said, "I go and prepare a place for you." (heaven).
Thomas was asking for directions to that place. In essence Jesus said, in reply, there is only one way there and I am that solitary way.
Jesus' statement was very exclusionary.
3. no one
4. comes to the father
5. except through me
C. Partial Conclusion
At this point we see that the New Testament states unequivocally that Jesus is the only way to GOD.
II. Is the Bible the word of GOD and is it the only word of GOD?
A. satan vs. truth
B. How we Know the Bible is GOD'S word
GOD did not leave us in the dark regarding the "provability" of the fact that the scriptures were written under the inspiration of GOD (2 Timothy 3:16).
He proved the inspiration of scripture through predictive prophesy. His challenge to all false religions was essentially this. Anyone can claim to be GOD, Anyone can claim to know who GOD is. But you are only blowing smoke if you can't prove it.
This challenge was found in (Isaiah 41:21-23; 42:8-9; 43:9b +11; 45:20-21; 46:9-10; 48:3-7 +14; )
Predictions proved the Old Testament true. But the New Testament was proved true as well via predictions. Thus the claim of the New Testament supersedes the exclusionary claim of the Jew to having the book of truth.
In this case predictions are a great big neon arrow pointing directly to GOD and the Bible as HIS word and what the Bible says is therefore true truth.
Psalm 119:105
What you have asked is a very straight forward question. The answer is that:
all religions do not lead to GOD,
and more specifically other than Christianity none do.
I. What the New Testament says
a. Jesus said: (John 14:6)" Jesus answered,
I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father
except through me."
except through me."
Notice the various components of this text.
1. I am
We may over look the simplicity of this if we loose sight of the context. But the verses just preceding these were the ones where Jesus said, "I go and prepare a place for you." (heaven).
Following which Thomas said, "How can we know the way? ."
Thomas was asking for directions to that place. In essence Jesus said, in reply, there is only one way there and I am that solitary way.
Jesus' statement was very exclusionary.
2. the way, truth, life
"The" is a singular word not a plural. Thus way, truth and life (as regarding redemptive salvation as the contractual obligation to enter heaven) are totally limited to Christ.
3. no one
There is not one person that will enter any other way.
4. comes to the father
This defines the context of what Christ is talking about. Specifically we are talking about coming to the Father in a righteous standing via salvation by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 4:5)
5. except through me
Redemption is through Christ by his own statement.
b. Acts 4:12
" Salvation is found in no one else,
for there is no other name under heaven
given to men by which
given to men by which
we must be saved."
This text reinforces the one in John. The last four words are worthy of further note. "We must be saved."
They reiterate what Jesus said to the Pharisee Nicodemus,
"In reply Jesus declared
I tell you the truth,
no one can see the Kingdom of GOD
unless he is born again...You must be born again."
---John 3:3 + 7b
C. Partial Conclusion
At this point we see that the New Testament states unequivocally that Jesus is the only way to GOD.
But if we are to be intellectually honest we have to ask ourselves, "How do we know the Bible is the one and only word of GOD? In fact how do we know the Bible is even true at all ?
So with that thought on the table let's see what GOD has to say.
II. Is the Bible the word of GOD and is it the only word of GOD?
This is the crux of the issue really. If the Bible is not verifiable truth than we cannot know with certainty what truth is at all.
A. satan vs. truth
Satan's attack started with an attack on the integrity of GOD'S word. The first attack came regarding GOD'S spoken word. Later it attacked GOD'S written word. Either way it is an attack on the trustworthiness of the word of GOD.
Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD had made.
He said to the woman,
Did GOD really say...
B. How we Know the Bible is GOD'S word
GOD did not leave us in the dark regarding the "provability" of the fact that the scriptures were written under the inspiration of GOD (2 Timothy 3:16).
He proved the inspiration of scripture through predictive prophesy. His challenge to all false religions was essentially this. Anyone can claim to be GOD, Anyone can claim to know who GOD is. But you are only blowing smoke if you can't prove it.
This challenge was found in (Isaiah 41:21-23; 42:8-9; 43:9b +11; 45:20-21; 46:9-10; 48:3-7 +14; )
"Tell us what the future holds
so that we may know
that ye are god's"
----Isaiah 41:23
----Isaiah 41:23
No other religion has done this. The religion of the Bible is the only one.
But this leaves us with two possibilities. The Jewish faith or the Christian faith. Can we know which one? Yes we can!
Predictions proved the Old Testament true. But the New Testament was proved true as well via predictions. Thus the claim of the New Testament supersedes the exclusionary claim of the Jew to having the book of truth.
The Christian claims both books and the claim that the Messiah has come are validated by the myriad prophesies He fulfilled.
They number more than one hundred. The significance of the number of predictions is that according to the laws of probabilities the chances of that many predictions happening sequentially without one mistake is beyond billions, trillions, 100 billion trillions, 100 trillion trillions or any number.
In others words it is impossible to have that many predictions happen by chance. They can only happen if someone knows ahead of time what is going to happen.
In this case predictions are a great big neon arrow pointing directly to GOD and the Bible as HIS word and what the Bible says is therefore true truth.
III. Conclusion
We have seen from the testimony of scripture that only one religion leads to GOD and that truth is validated by the provable fact that the Bible (both Old and New Testaments) is a supernatural Book written by GOD.
The religion that leads to GOD is Christianity and no other!
Don
Psalm 119:105
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Is it wrong of me to want money I donate to the church to go specifically towards ministries that I feel get easily over looked like...
Is it wrong of me to want money I donate to the church to go specifically towards ministries that I feel get easily over looked like Children & Youth or Pastor’s Retirement? Carmen
Hi Carmen,
I work with financial and business matters here at Christ Fellowship and would love to share with you on the topic of giving.
First, we must recognize that everything belongs to God (1 Chronicles 29:11-12) and that we are his stewards, or managers. Giving back serves as an external, material testimony of our attitude and willingness to trust Him.
Malachi 3:10 says, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”
In the Old Testament the storehouse was a place where people would bring their offerings of grain and animals. Today, the church is the storehouse and when we obey Him and give our tithe to the church, God holds the leaders responsible for the distribution of the tithes. (Nehemiah 12:44-45, 13).
Your question concerning how you will give is called “designated” giving. Designated giving is given over and above the tithe and is encouraged for ongoing projects such as building programs or missions. Beyond that, we encourage people to give to the general fund so that the leaders can use it to fund the Vision God gives them.
For the believer, Stewardship extends even beyond life. When we give either in this life or when we pass away, we are dependant on the integrity and leading of those God makes responsible.
At Christ Fellowship, each Pastor and Director plans ahead and participates very closely in the budgeting process, submitting their plans for the year with a request for what they will need to fund their ministries. The Stewardship Committee reviews the big picture and presents the budget to the church for a vote on how much is needed and how the money will be spent each year.
Thank you for your commitment to trust God by giving back to him a portion of his blessings.
Deborah Sutton
Hi Carmen,
I work with financial and business matters here at Christ Fellowship and would love to share with you on the topic of giving.
First, we must recognize that everything belongs to God (1 Chronicles 29:11-12) and that we are his stewards, or managers. Giving back serves as an external, material testimony of our attitude and willingness to trust Him.
Malachi 3:10 says, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”
In the Old Testament the storehouse was a place where people would bring their offerings of grain and animals. Today, the church is the storehouse and when we obey Him and give our tithe to the church, God holds the leaders responsible for the distribution of the tithes. (Nehemiah 12:44-45, 13).
Your question concerning how you will give is called “designated” giving. Designated giving is given over and above the tithe and is encouraged for ongoing projects such as building programs or missions. Beyond that, we encourage people to give to the general fund so that the leaders can use it to fund the Vision God gives them.
For the believer, Stewardship extends even beyond life. When we give either in this life or when we pass away, we are dependant on the integrity and leading of those God makes responsible.
At Christ Fellowship, each Pastor and Director plans ahead and participates very closely in the budgeting process, submitting their plans for the year with a request for what they will need to fund their ministries. The Stewardship Committee reviews the big picture and presents the budget to the church for a vote on how much is needed and how the money will be spent each year.
Thank you for your commitment to trust God by giving back to him a portion of his blessings.
Deborah Sutton
What does the Bible say about tattoos and piercings?
Dear Katy,
Thank you for your question. This is Dean. Here are a few verses in the Bible that refer to tattoos and body piercings. Please keep in mind that they are treated separately for different reasons.
26 'You shall not eat anything with the blood, nor practice divination or soothsaying. 27 'You shall not round off the side-growth of your heads, nor harm the edges of your beard. 28 'You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead, nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the LORD. Lev 19:26-28
5 "But if the slave plainly says, 'I love my master, my wife and my children; I will not go out as a free man,' 6 then his master shall bring him to God, then he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost. And his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him permanently. Ex 21:5-6
In today’s modern society, body piercings and tattoos are a fashion statement. Only they are not clothing which covers the body but rather modifications of the body. They can be viewed as cosmetic modification to the body such as: implants, plastic surgery and more.
Some of the questions that you may ask yourself are: What’s my reason for getting a tattoo? Are you trying to be like society? Do I want this image when I get older? What will others think (will I be unfairly judged)? Does your cosmetics honor the Lord in word and deed? Did Jesus have a tattoo and would he want a tattoo or body piercing?
Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are. 1 Cor 3:16-17
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 1 Cor 6:19
Remember, the believer is to be a peacemaker (Mt 5:9). Will your cosmetically altered body offend others in a social setting and prevent you from glorifying the Lord, or will your body be a positive influence in bringing about peace in a situation where there was chaos and iniquity? In other words, will you glorify the Lord?
Okay. Let’s take a look at what God states. In reference to tattoos, Leviticus plainly states that you shall not have a tattoo. However, with that said, many scholars view this statement in context of the surrounding verses, which deal with sorcery, cults, mystery religions, idol worship, and acts of sacrifice to those false religions. Therefore, many believe that this statement about tattoos is another form of displaying allegiance to a particular cultic religion.
In reference to piercings, the Bible speaks of piercings the ears of slaves when agreeing to serve their owner permanently. So it is basically a display of ownership, like a wedding band on your finger.
Now, as we discussed above, both tattoos and piercings are forms of bodily decorations in today’s culture, and most times not usually tied into any type of cultic worship. As with any art form or fashion statement, what does the tattoo say or the piercings stand for? What is the reason for getting the tattoo/piercing?
Many believers today have tattoos or piercings before they came to know Jesus. Other believers today get tattoos as a fashion icon statement stating that they are a believer in Christ Jesus. This is a very powerful statement for the Lord.
On the flip side, many believe that we (as believers) should stay away from anything that is cultic or may be perceived as idol worship as stated in Leviticus. Therefore, one should abstain from tattoos, piercings, and modifying the body that the Lord has given to you.
This is a personal question that only you can answer? Now the final question: are these tattoos and piercings a pleasing aroma to the Lord and do these decorations that adorn your body glorify your Father in Heaven?
I hope that I have answered your question. Peace and Blessings to you in Christ Jesus. Dean.
Thank you for your question. This is Dean. Here are a few verses in the Bible that refer to tattoos and body piercings. Please keep in mind that they are treated separately for different reasons.
26 'You shall not eat anything with the blood, nor practice divination or soothsaying. 27 'You shall not round off the side-growth of your heads, nor harm the edges of your beard. 28 'You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead, nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the LORD. Lev 19:26-28
5 "But if the slave plainly says, 'I love my master, my wife and my children; I will not go out as a free man,' 6 then his master shall bring him to God, then he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost. And his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him permanently. Ex 21:5-6
In today’s modern society, body piercings and tattoos are a fashion statement. Only they are not clothing which covers the body but rather modifications of the body. They can be viewed as cosmetic modification to the body such as: implants, plastic surgery and more.
Some of the questions that you may ask yourself are: What’s my reason for getting a tattoo? Are you trying to be like society? Do I want this image when I get older? What will others think (will I be unfairly judged)? Does your cosmetics honor the Lord in word and deed? Did Jesus have a tattoo and would he want a tattoo or body piercing?
Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are. 1 Cor 3:16-17
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 1 Cor 6:19
Remember, the believer is to be a peacemaker (Mt 5:9). Will your cosmetically altered body offend others in a social setting and prevent you from glorifying the Lord, or will your body be a positive influence in bringing about peace in a situation where there was chaos and iniquity? In other words, will you glorify the Lord?
Okay. Let’s take a look at what God states. In reference to tattoos, Leviticus plainly states that you shall not have a tattoo. However, with that said, many scholars view this statement in context of the surrounding verses, which deal with sorcery, cults, mystery religions, idol worship, and acts of sacrifice to those false religions. Therefore, many believe that this statement about tattoos is another form of displaying allegiance to a particular cultic religion.
In reference to piercings, the Bible speaks of piercings the ears of slaves when agreeing to serve their owner permanently. So it is basically a display of ownership, like a wedding band on your finger.
Now, as we discussed above, both tattoos and piercings are forms of bodily decorations in today’s culture, and most times not usually tied into any type of cultic worship. As with any art form or fashion statement, what does the tattoo say or the piercings stand for? What is the reason for getting the tattoo/piercing?
Many believers today have tattoos or piercings before they came to know Jesus. Other believers today get tattoos as a fashion icon statement stating that they are a believer in Christ Jesus. This is a very powerful statement for the Lord.
On the flip side, many believe that we (as believers) should stay away from anything that is cultic or may be perceived as idol worship as stated in Leviticus. Therefore, one should abstain from tattoos, piercings, and modifying the body that the Lord has given to you.
This is a personal question that only you can answer? Now the final question: are these tattoos and piercings a pleasing aroma to the Lord and do these decorations that adorn your body glorify your Father in Heaven?
I hope that I have answered your question. Peace and Blessings to you in Christ Jesus. Dean.
On the new earth will our children be perfect?
Hi Gabby, Kinsey, Elle and Ana...
You guys are deep thinkers. Great question.
The new earth will occur after a series of events have already taken place. The Church will have been raptured, the Tribulation will be over and the battle of Armageddon will have been won. These things will happen and precede the new earth. With this chronology in mind, we know that a Christian (Christ follower) will be with Christ on the new earth.
So...you asked if "our kids" will be perfect on the new earth. There doesn't seem to be any evidence that believers that are alive now will be having children on the new earth. We will be in changed, glorified bodies.
Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. I Corinthians 15:52
You guys are deep thinkers. Great question.
The new earth will occur after a series of events have already taken place. The Church will have been raptured, the Tribulation will be over and the battle of Armageddon will have been won. These things will happen and precede the new earth. With this chronology in mind, we know that a Christian (Christ follower) will be with Christ on the new earth.
So...you asked if "our kids" will be perfect on the new earth. There doesn't seem to be any evidence that believers that are alive now will be having children on the new earth. We will be in changed, glorified bodies.
Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. I Corinthians 15:52
But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 2 Peter 3:13
However, Wayne Grudem makes some good observations about what we will be doing on the new earth which includes a variety of physical activity.
"In the new heavens and new earth, there will be a place and activities for our resurrection bodies, which will never grow old or become weak or ill. Therefore we can expect that in the new heavens and new earth there will be a fully perfect earth that is once again "very good." And we can expect that we will have physical bodies that will once again be "very good" in God’s sight, and that will function to fulfill the purposes for which he originally placed man on the earth. "
"While we may have some uncertainty about the understanding of certain details, it does not seem inconsistent with this picture to say that we will eat and drink in the new heavens and new earth, and carry on other physical activities as well. Music certainly is prominent in the descriptions of heaven in Revelation, and we might imagine that both musical and artistic activities would be done to the glory of God" Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology
What does all of this mean? The Bible is silent on whether or not we will be having children during this time. There are probably some guesses that go both ways, but truthfully, we don't know. What we do know is that we'll be awestruck by God and his Holiness. We'll be in the presence of Jesus. We'll be in different, glorified bodies with no pain or sorrow.
Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. Psalm 145:3
Pastor Jeff
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
