Ask the Pastor
The Many Natures of God - In the Old Testament, the nature of God seems radically different than in the New Testament.
Women in Ministry - Can women hold positions of authority over men or teach men in the church?
Significance of Numbers - Is there any significance to the number forty?
Myth, Evil and Poverty - Is Christianity a myth? If God does exist, why is there so much evil and poverty in the world?
Creation - How do we explain the chronological differences between science and religion?
Week of Years? - Questions about the week referred to in Daniel 9:27.
Questions about the terrorist attacks - Was it because of the pagans, the abortionists, the feminists, the gays and the lesbians as asserted by Jerry Falwell?
Comfort in Grieving - What's the best way to feel comforted by God when you are grieving?
The Rapture - What will the timing be?
Eternal Security - Once we receive grace, can it be lost?
Spiritual Warfare - Is it real? How much should we talk about it?
Communicate with the Dead - Are there really people who can communicate with the dead?
Marital Problems - Trying to save a marriage where love is scarce.
Tithing - Is tithing a New Testament teaching?
Question: The Many Natures of God
In the Old Testament, the nature of God seems radically different than in the New Testament. He appears aloof, speaking only to a select few, and is quick to destroy nations without apparent discretion and individuals for seemingly minor offenses. He commands his chosen Israel to take no pity on those nations that are not of the covenant and to stone anyone who violates the law--life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. This theme of righteous judgment is even played out in the psalms, which appear to be requests for God to destroy all of those whom the psalmist considers enemies.
In the New Testament, the character of Jesus seems to possess the opposite characteristics. He reaches out to those who would be considered an offense to God, and calls upon us to pray for our enemies and turn the other cheek. He has mercy on those that have violated the law and seems to, I dread to say, alter the law in many of his sermons. How can we reconcile this apparent dual nature of God? And, what is a Christian supposed to do with the Old Testament literature? Is this assessment completely off-base?
Have a great week!
Response:
I was pointed to a website that has a huge question and answer section. It is helpful for a myriad of questions anyone might have www.nbible.org. It has the following response to your question: http://www.nbible.org/bible/bible_answer.cfm?Q_Number=127&Course_ID=5
Their answer emphasizes that the 2 testaments have a consistent portrait of God. In the Old Testament (OT), you can see many passages that talk of God's love, while in the New Testament (NT), there is a clear message of judgment. I agree with their answer, but I would like to go a bit further than that answer, and admit, as you do, that there does seem to be a dichotomy between the 2 testaments. I would like to think that there is something of a progressive revelation going on. God has not changed, but the way in which he has revealed himself has.
In the OT, God chose to shower his love on the chosen people. Those who were outside of the covenant would draw the Israelites away from God, and from that standpoint were the enemy of faith. The Israelites were to be a light to the nations (Isaiah 60), though they were not very good at fulfilling that purpose. The enemy was a physical enemy. In the NT, we still have an enemy, but we understand that the essential nature of the enemy is spiritual and not physical (Ephesians 6:12). The enemy works through people, but he is essential a spiritual being. This helps me understand the Psalms that pray for negative things to happen to people. We can still pray negative prayers against the enemy - but we understand that he is Satan.
In the OT, God would punish sin both inside and outside of the chosen people. The OT points out clearly what is sin and rebellion. Paul tells us that the OT was a "tutor" to lead us to Christ (Galatians 3:24 - read Galatians chapters 3, 4, and 5 for a discussion about Christ and the Law). With such a clear picture of sin, the need for a Savior becomes more acute. The need for sacrifice is clear. Jesus fulfills the OT sacrificial system. According to the book of Hebrews, he is superior to the Old Covenant.
The incredible grace that God shows us in Christ is a new revelation (though it was in God's plan from eternity - Ephesians 1:3-14). We can not understand the depths of his love and grace and forgiveness without the cross of Jesus. Thus God's revelation to man is more detailed, more intimate in the New Testament. Our understanding of sin and judgment is now an eternal understanding, not based as much in the here and now as the Old Testament.
- Has God changed? No
- Has our understanding of God changed? Yes
- Is God's revelation more complete in the NT? Yes!
- Has the way God deals with sin changed? In a general sense, no, there is a need for sacrifice and forgiveness, but in the specific sense that Christ is the sacrificial lamb, given once for all time, yes it has.
- Am I glad I live in the period of the NT? You bet your booties!
Hope this is helpful.
Mac Taylor
Question: Women in Ministry
1 Timothy 2:11-14 seems to suggest that women cannot hold positions of authority over men or teach men in the local church or when the saints of God assemble for worship. Is this true? If so, what does one do if he/she attends a church where this unbiblical practice is accepted and practiced? Thanks for your help.
Response:
Great question.
Evangelical scholars differ on their interpretation of 1 Timothy 2 and other passages about women's roles in the New Testament. Many of them do not believe that 1 Timothy 2 excludes women from teaching in the church today. At first glance, that is indeed what it seems to say! It is important to study the whole New Testament picture on women and to study the passage in context. What did Jesus teach about women? How were women involved in ministry in the early church? Were any of them involved in teaching? How does Paul's teaching challenge the prevailing teaching of Jewish and Greek teachers of his time on the subject? What does the N.T. teach on headship, authority and leadership? Was Paul writing to a specific cultural situation at Ephesus when he wrote 1 Timothy, or is it applicable throughout time and cultures?
Because of my own uncertainty regarding women's roles in the church, I wrote a paper a few years ago on "Women in Ministry". Here is the passage you mention and one quote from the paper about the passage:
1 Timothy 2:9-12 (New International Version)
I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.
A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent.
"How is 1 Timothy 2:11-12 to be seen in the context of vs. 9-12? Verses 9 and 10 clearly teach a culturally relative application regarding women's adornment. How many women are kicked out of church today because of wearing braided hair or a gold wedding ring? If we so easily get around those verses, why is it so hard to see the next two verses as culturally specific as well?[1] Neither do we practice "greet one another with a holy kiss" (Rom 16:16; 1 Cor. 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:12; 1 Thes. 5:26) in North America."
The paper itself goes into much more detail. I encourage you to look at it with an open mind. This may be more information than you were expecting, but I do think it is a fascinating subject worth some deep study.
[1]Scholer, David. in ed. Mickelsen, p. 202
Women in Ministry Paper
A Biblical and Theological Basis for Women in Ministry
Mac Taylor
Question: Significance of Numbers
Is there any significance to the number forty? The number keeps standing out to me and I haven't been able to connect it to anything yet. It is mentioned about 21 times.
Gen 7:4,12; 7:17; 8:6, 50:3
Exo 24:18; 34:28
Num 13:25; 14:34
Deu 9:9,11,18,25; 10:10
1 Sam 17:16
1 Kings 19:8
Jonah 3:4
Matt 4:2
Mark 1:13
Luke 4:2
John 2:20
Acts 1:3
Response:
Yes, numbers in Scripture have more significance than we use numbers in our culture today. The number forty was "one of the favorite numbers of the Israelites, often having symbolical significance. It was frequently used as the approximate time span of a generation and to designate an extended period of testing, repentance, vigil, or punishment. It is associated with important new developments in the unfolding drama of redemption." (The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, Volume D-G, page 602)
Other numbers that have spiritual significance are 1 (one God), 3 (Trinity), 7 (creation - perfection), 12 (disciples, tribes of Israel), 80, 120, and 1000.
Mac Taylor
Question: Myth, Evil and Poverty
Isn't it possible that Christianity is simply real events blown out of proportion and turned into myths because people were afraid of death and the unknown? For example, if God does exist, why is there so much evil and poverty in the world?
Response:
Regarding Christianity as a myth, I think it would be good to consider Luke, the author of the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. He comments on the investigation he underwent to write his accounts:
Most honorable Theophilus:
Many people have written accounts about the events that took place among us. They used as their source material the reports circulating among us from the early disciples and other eyewitnesses of what God has done in fulfillment of his promises. Having carefully investigated all of these accounts from the beginning, I have decided to write a careful summary for you, to reassure you of the truth of all you were taught.
Luke 1:1-4, Holy Bible : New Living Translation. 1997, c1996 (electronic ed.) Wheaton: Tyndale House.
Notice how Luke carefully places the events in his gospel into an historical framework:
It was now the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius, the Roman emperor. Pilate was governor over Judea; Herod Antipas was ruler over Galilee; his brother Philip was ruler over Iturea and Traconitis; Lysanias was ruler over Abilene. Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests. At this time a message from God came to John son of Zechariah, who was living out in the wilderness.
Luke 3:1-2, Holy Bible : New Living Translation. 1997, c1996 (electronic ed.) Wheaton: Tyndale House.
It is interesting that about 150 years ago, scholars questioned the historicity of Luke. Archaeological finds over the last 150 years have shown Luke to be one of the most accurate historians in antiquity. Hardly the setting for "myth" I would think. Almost all scholars would agree that Jesus was a real person who lived in first century Palestine. A very important question for the validity of Christianity is, "Did Jesus rise from the dead?" I would encourage you to investigate the resurrection. What are the alternatives to a resurrection? How did a group of uneducated fisherman turn the world upside down if they knew that Jesus did not really rise from the dead?
Regarding the existence of evil and poverty. Now that is a hard one. If God is all powerful and all loving, why doesn't he wipe our evil and poverty? It seems to me that if God were to wipe out evil in this world, the world as we know it would have to end. The bible talks about the sinful nature of mankind. As long as there is sin in the world, there will be pain and suffering. If God were to wipe out sin, he would take away any free will that he has given mankind. Humans are free to choose to follow Christ or not. If not, we would all be just robots. The other factor regarding evil is that the Scriptures teach that there is a spiritual enemy to God, the Devil. He is a powerful spiritual being (not as powerful as God) who is opposed to all that is good. For me, the existence of evil and poverty actually point more the real existence of the devil and sin than the negation of the existence of God.
I hope this helps. At our church we run a course called Alpha. I find that the first few talks are very helpful for someone asking the kind of questions you do. If you are interested, check out their website at alphausa.org. If you are interested in some more in-depth reading, I could suggest some books as well.
Hope you have a great day
Mac Taylor
Question: Creation
I'm just a regular dude who watches the bible shows and discovery channel shows because of my forever quest on who, where, when and why we are. My main dilemma at this point in thought is the chronological differences between science and religion. When I see shows about the Hubble telescope and pictures of galaxies being born, and them saying that these pictures are of things billions of light years away, and other shows about dinosaurs with fossilized bones they say are millions of years old. Then watch the bible shows about Genesis and from what I gather the earth is dated at around 10,000 years old. What are we supposed to believe? I don't think science is out to disprove religion but they seemed to have open my eyes to make me wonder if we really are significant in this universe. I mean when you think of the size of our planet compared to the size of our galaxy we are just basically atom sized. If there is a god, I don't believe he made all of the universe just for us, I believe his plan is much greater than we want to believe. I think he is the scientist and we are are just a project, nothing more or less.
Response:
There are differing Christian views on the role of Science and Creation. Some Christians hold to an older earth dating, while others hold to what they call a literal interpretation of Genesis (7 24 hour periods of creation) and come up with a much younger dating for the earth. You will find more material on the web and TV for a younger earth from a Christian perspective, because some Christians see that as a cause that they must support and fight for. Personally, I think we need to take a solid look at science and not be scared of it. If God created it, it is fascinating to find out more about what he made. Genesis is not a 20th century scientific textbook. The creation story itself is poetic, written probably 3400 years ago.
Psalm 90:4 "For you, a thousand years are as yesterday! They are like a few hours!" (New Living Translation.)
2 Peter 3:8 "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day."
Galileo and Copernicus were persecuted by the church for their scientific views, which are now accepted by Christians. I wonder if the same won't hold true of our reaction to the views on creation.
Let me point you to a few sites that might be helpful:
www.talkorigins.org/faqs/faq-god.html
www.talkorigins.org/origins/faqs-mustread.html
www.leaderu.com/science/helweg.html
Question: Week of Years
Dear Pastor:
A warm hello in the most worthy and precious name of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus.
What I was wondering about was how do we explain how the week referred to in Daniel 9:27 equals 7 years.
"And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate." (Daniel 9:27)
How can I explain this to someone in detail without having to say it just means 7 years, trust me (I don't want them to trust me, I want them to trust God's Word). I guess I have always understood it to be 7 years but have never really been able to logically explain it when a person could look at it and figure it means 7 days.
Also, the he being referred to is the antichrist. Correct?
Thank you so much for your help!
Response:
The interpretation of the references in Daniel Chapter 9:24-27 is a matter of debate. Those of a dispensational persuasion have figured out that the 7's = years and have a very detailed view of how things will work out: rapture, time of tribulation, second coming, millennium. Not all biblical scholars are of the dispensational view in regards to the end times. Intervarsity publishes a book called "The Meaning of the Millennium: Four views", edited by Robert G. Clouse. If you are interested, I suggest you take a look. The 4 major views are Historic Premillennialism, Dispensational Premillennialism, Postmillennialism, and Amillennialism.
After carefully reviewing the options, I can strongly say that I am "pro-millinialist" (tongue in cheek) - i.e. I am for the millennium because it is in the bible, but I don't find the scriptures clear on the details. The one option that to me clearly does not convince me is Dispensational Premillennialism. It connects too many obtuse ideas together and claim that they make a coherent picture. There is so little said about the Millennium, that I hesitate to make such a detailed theology around it. I am more attracted to Amillennialism or Historic Premillennnialism.
Daniel Chapter 9 is just one of the pieces of the puzzle, that in my mind will not be fully clarified until Christ comes again. Jesus himself said, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Matthew 24:26).
I am sorry, but perhaps we know less about what Daniel 7 is talking about than some would like to think. I think what the New Testament emphasizes it that we should always be ready for Christ's return, even if we don't know exactly when that will be.
Hope this helps,
Mac Taylor
Question: About the terrorist attacks
Do you have a response to the Falwell/Robertson broadcast Thursday September 13, 2001?
On Thursday's broadcast of the Christian television program "The 700 Club," Jerry Falwell, in a discussion with host Pat Robertson about the terrorist attacks in the United States said:
"I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People for the American Way - all of them who have tried to secularize America - I point the finger in their face and say, 'You helped this happen.'"
During another part of the show, Falwell asserted that, because of the groups named above, God allowed "the enemies of America to give us probably what we deserve." Robertson agreed.
Response:
Great question. I will attempt to hit some thoughts, sorry I don't have time to refine them - I feel like they are disjointed.
I hope you realize that the Falwell/Robertson Statements are not mainstream Christian thinking. They represent the Christian Fundamentalist Right Wing. I believe that a more balanced view would hold more a mystery attached to why things happen. Bad things happen to good people. Good things happen to bad people.
People asked Jesus about assessing blame on a tragedy in his day in Luke 13.
About this time Jesus was informed that Pilate had murdered some people from Galilee as they were sacrificing at the Temple in Jerusalem. "Do you think those Galileans were worse sinners than other people from Galilee?" he asked. "Is that why they suffered? Not at all! And you will also perish unless you turn from your evil ways and turn to God. And what about the eighteen men who died when the Tower of Siloam fell on them? Were they the worst sinners in Jerusalem? No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will also perish."
Also, in John 9, the disciples tried to attach blame to a man's blindness. Jesus does not attach such blame. I think Jesus message is that we live in a fallen world, and evil will befall us, sometimes seemingly at random. Our response should not be to attach blame, but it should be to examine ourselves before God and be prepared for whatever tragedy may come our way.
God is in control of the universe. In the Old Testament, the sin of the nation is directly related to punishment from God. In the NT, we no longer live as a nation chosen by God. I do not see the USA as different from any other nation. We are not the chosen nation among all the nations. Now, God can do whatever he wants, whenever he wants, or even allow evil to triumph. Yet I see no precedent for using tragedy as a means to pushing an agenda of moral crusade. Actually Jesus' interaction with those who were the morally questionable of his day - the prostitutes and "sinners" as they are referred to in the gospels, was quite different from what Falwell describes. The outcasts of society seemed to really latch onto Jesus. Here was one religious person who really loved them, understood them, wanted to reach out to them in their world. Jesus is full of compassion and mercy. See John 4 and John 8. I do believe if Jesus was to walk the streets today, he would be fast friends with prostitutes, street people, drug addicts, mentally depressed, pornographers, people without work, AID's victims, alcoholics, hospitalized individuals, etc. He won the right to be heard from hurting and rejected people. He loved them, he gave them hope. Jesus desires to be a comfort right now to a nation in pain and despair. He wants to reach out to us.
Much of his condemnation in the gospels is actually directed at the religious leaders. Jesus is a life-changer. He doesn't leave anyone unchanged who commits their life to him. He always wants us to reflect on our lives, for us to confess all of our sins to him. I am finding that in this tragedy it is a time for me to confess my own sins and the sins of us as a nation. Yet it is not a time to blame. As Christians, we are to bring light and hope and truth into the world.
Blessings,
Mac Taylor
Question: Comfort in Grieving
What's the best way to feel comforted by God when you are grieving? Are there passages you might suggest? My grandfather died and I'm grieving and searching for answers to questions that have no answers except "trust God".
Response:
Death almost always catches us by surprise. Even when we expect it, it is an unwelcome intruder. Our life is turned upside down. What seemed urgent yesterday seems trivial today. The questions of life and death haunt us. Scripture is a great place to go in times of grief. Not because words comfort, but because the words point us to the comforter, to a reality beyond the pages. That is the beauty of Scripture itself, for through the pages of the Bible we see a glimpse of the author of all comfort, and are drawn into a relationship with the one who gives life itself.
In the case of death of a Christian, the sting is taken away. In fact, death for the Christian is the final victory, the great celebration, the passageway between life on this earth and life that goes on forever. Eternal life is not just life that goes on and on, but life like we have always longed for, love in its complete form. Heaven is a place of unparalleled beauty and perfection, filled with the opportunity to worship God in a way more intimate and fulfilling than we have ever dreamed about on this earth.
We who are left behind, none-the-less, are filled with a great sense of loss, whether or not our loved one was a believer. The one who loved us, and we loved in return, is no longer there. There is a sense of emptiness, loss, uncertainty, and pain.
Let me share with you some scriptures that I have found a comfort in times of grief (New Living Translation).
2 Corinthians 1:3-5: "All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ."
John 14:15-18: "If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you do, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans-I will come to you."
John 14:1-4: "Don't be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father's home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know where I am going and how to get there."
John 16:33: "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
Revelation 21 A description of heaven
Isaiah 40-66 (27 chapters!) This is a passage of scripture I read the night my sister died – and received great comfort from.
There is also a very good book on grief that I would recommend, A Grace Disguised (Description below). It is especially geared toward the sudden death brought on by a tragic accident, but I think you would find helpful as well.
I pray that God is indeed comforting you at this time. Let me know how you are doing.
Mac Taylor
Question: The Rapture
I've been struggling with the "timing" of the rapture vs. what it means to die and go to heaven. For example, if I die tomorrow, do I immediately go to heaven? Or am I in some kind of limbo until the rapture takes place? One theory I've heard about this is that time disappears when you die and your ascension to heaven is experienced at the same "time" as those that are still around when the rapture takes place. Don't know why, my engineering mind has been curious about this for a long time, recognizing of course that we won't really know until it happens. Is there anything in Revelation or other books that gives some clues? I like what CS Lewis says about God existing outside of our concept of linear time with respect to how he can possibly listen to everyone's prayers simultaneously; does a similar idea apply? Thanks.
Response:
The question of the "timing" of the rapture is a good one. 1 Corinthians 15:50-53 speaks to the issue (New Living Translation):
What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These perishable bodies of ours are not able to live forever. But let me tell you a wonderful secret God has revealed to us. Not all of us will die, but we will all be transformed. It will happen in a moment, in the blinking of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, the Christians who have died will be raised with transformed bodies. And then we who are living will be transformed so that we will never die. For our perishable earthly bodies must be transformed into heavenly bodies that will never die.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 also is relevant:
The Hope of the Resurrection
And now, brothers and sisters, I want you to know what will happen to the Christians who have died so you will not be full of sorrow like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus comes, God will bring back with Jesus all the Christians who have died.
I can tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not rise to meet him ahead of those who are in their graves. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the call of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, all the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and remain with him forever. So comfort and encourage each other with these words.
Beyond these two passages, we don't have a lot of information on "the rapture". Complex theories have been proposed surrounding the end times and the Lord's return. I think it is helpful not to read any more into the text that is given to us. The Thessalonian believers were anxious for Christ to return, so much so that some of them were stopped working (2 Thessalonians 3). They were also concerned that those who died would somehow not be rewarded in the same way as those who remained alive when Christ returns. Paul comforts them - we will all meet Jesus together.
How if fits together chronologically is at best conjecture. One theory is referred to as "soul sleep". The soul of the one who dies sleeps until the end comes. From his/her perspective, no time has elapsed. Others would envision a sort of heavenly waiting room, where the dead are waiting around for the final judgment. The theory that makes most sense to me is the one you refer to as described by C.S. Lewis. God exists outside of time - he created time. We are time-bound creatures and want to describe everything in terms of chronology. If God is the creator, he is the creator of time itself. So from our perspective there is a time gap between someone's death and Christ's return, but from God's perspective (and the perspective we will gain at death), it would be the next thing that happens to us. There is no interim. Christ told the thief on the cross, "Today you will be with me in paradise". From our perspective, that event has not happened yet. From his perspective it happened the day he died on the cross next to Jesus.
Paul's main thrust when he talks about Christ's return seems to be: "Be prepared - he may come like a thief in the night". We don't know too many details. Jesus himself said he did not know the time (Matthew 24:36). But we can live our lives each day in readiness for when he will return.
Hope this helps. Be ready!
Mac Taylor
Question: Eternal Security
My wife and I, having spent time in both the Baptist and Lutheran systems, have continually raised the question in our studies of eternal security. Once we receive grace, can it be lost? How do works factor in with faith? I realize this is a lengthy topic, but we were just curious about your general views.
Response:
I see that you are asking one of the age old theological questions. It could be restated, "is my name written in pencil or permanent ink in God's book of Life?"
One thing that would be helpful to know is why you are asking the question. There might be several reasons for asking such a question. 1. Am I in danger of losing my salvation? 2. Would it be possible to die in a moment when sin was unconfessed and lose my salvation? 3. Do I have a loved one who seems to have lost their faith that they once held strongly? 4. Am I just interested because it is one of those hard to understand areas. 5. Am I using it as a litmus test to figure out where a certain church stands to see if they pass my personal theological test?
Without knowing what your particular question is, I will address the general issue.
First, I would say that this is one of those issues which Christians hold differing views on. At Creekside, we see this issue as a non-essential in regards to our commitment to fellowshipping with other believers. Generally, the Reformed line of thinking follows that once you are saved, you are always saved, while the Armenian view is that it is possible to deny the Lord you once served.
My particular view is that God and man both play a part in the equation of salvation and in relationship. We are called to be in a covenant relationship with him. Much as with the people of Israel - God called them to be his children. He placed stipulations on them. If they obeyed, they would receive the blessing. If they disobeyed, they would be cursed. Yet God also acts out of his own authority and can act in spite of what mankind does. As I have struggled with this issue, the passages that in the end carry the weight for me are:
Hebrews 6:4-6 Talks of someone who "has been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, what has shared in the Holy Spirit" etc., as someone who can fall away and not be brought back to repentance. The book of Hebrews is written to Jewish Christians who are in danger of apostasy - giving up their faith.
2 Peter 2:20-22 talks of "those who have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" being worse off in the end than in the beginning. See also 2 Peter 3:17 and Ezekiel 33:12-20
When we put these passages together with the passages that speak of Jesus as being the good shepherd, "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand" (John 1:28), we are faced with a mystery. How can one who does not allow me to be snatched away allow me to fall away?
Personally, it is a non-issue for my own life. I have no fear or not entering into the kingdom. 1 John 5:13 says, "I write these thing to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life." I have been saved, I am being saved, and I will be saved." Yet God requires me to live out the faith. I am not except from responsibility.
And it I choose to deny Christ, as Judas did, God will also deny us. If we are faithless, he remains faithful. (1 Timothy 2:12-13) If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself. My own conclusion: Can you lose your salvation? Yes, but it is not very easy. God is faithful and holds us up even as we stumble along. But it is possible to cross the line and completely deny our Lord. Even the word "deny" is tricky. Peter denied Christ and came through it. Judas denied Christ and was considered a devil.
I have seen people who have without a doubt been true believers come to a point of rejecting their faith. What will happen when they see God face to face? I am thankful I am not the one who will have to make that decision.
I welcome your thoughts.
In Christ,
Mac Taylor
Question: Spiritual Warfare
It seems that we don't talk specifically about Spiritual Warfare much in many of the churches I have gone to in my life. Does it depend on the type of church where this is brought up? Maybe more Pentecostal? I mean if you believe in God then you must believe in the Devil. If you believe in Heaven then you must believe in Hell. If you believe in Angels then you must believe in Demons. I have read one of the Frank Peretti books. I know it is fiction but it does make you think. Thoughts?
Response:
Good question. I am with CS Lewis in his comment that there are two dangers when it comes to dealing with evil and the devil.
1. Paying too little attention
2. Paying too much attention
I am not a big fan of Peretti, not sure that I believe that his stories are rooted in a biblical theology. I prefer to honestly and realistically acknowledge the presence of evil, all the while putting my attention on that which is good - Jesus. I guess it falls into the category of "playing to win" rather than playing not to lose.
Make sense?
In a way - we are always talking about spiritual warfare. We tend to do it in practical terms...
Hope this helps,
Randy Phillips
Question: Communicate with the Dead
Dear Friend in Christ,
Greetings from Canada! I have a question for you. Do you believe that people like JAMES VAN PRAAGH and others similar to him who claim to be able to communicate with the dead are genuine and believable or are they some of the "false prophets" that the Bible warns about. Thank you in advance for your answer, God Bless and have a great day!
Response:
I am not personally familiar with James Van Praagh, but there are some interesting articles I found, not necessarily from a Christian Viewpoint, but debunking some of the stuff he does.
skepdic.com/vanpraagh.html
www.holysmoke.org/praagh2.htm
The Bible teaches that we are not to communicate with the dead. I have no doubt that Satan could use some instances to seem very real in communicating with the dead. He will use anything to keep us away from keeping our eyes on Jesus. God teaches us to stay away from such practices.
Leviticus 20:27 (NIV) "'A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist among you must be put to death. You are to stone them; their blood will be on their own heads.'"
Deuteronomy 18:9-13 (NIV) When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you. You must be blameless before the LORD your God.
There is the case of King Saul consulting the dead in 1 Samuel 28. He actually talks to Samuel, but this is not an example we are to follow. Saul was not following the LORD at that time and is known to have had an evil Spirit.
I hope this helps.
Mac Taylor
Question: Marital Problems
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. I am in a tough situation. I am a Christian. My husband is not. We have been married for a few years and they have been the worst years of my life. My husband does not love me. In fact, he admits he doesn't even care about me. He says he might care for me if I looked and acted a certain way, but won't guarantee it. Well, I've been trying to put the checks on his checklist for years now. As soon as I've got one area checked, he finds something else wrong with me.
He is telling me we should have never gotten married and that he's made the biggest mistake of his life. I care for him and want to try to work things out. But, I'm starved in all marital ways. The only thing he contributes to this marriage is money in our bank account. There are no hugs, kisses, "I love you's", interest in me or how my day was or attention. He spends all of his time away from me. When we do see each other, we scream and argue about whatever it is he's upset about that day. It's something new each day. And, I admit, I yell and scream at him, too. I'm a poor example of Christ's love. I feel hurt and abandoned. He justifies his actions by saying he can't manufacture loving feelings for me if he doesn't have them to give.
...
I feel if I stay with my husband and there is no conflict, he won't want to divorce. Thus, if I can resist retaliation when wronged, be an example of Jesus. But right now, I don't feel Jesus and am even starting to doubt my faith. I haven't been to church, prayed or read my bible in months.
I believe even though I disobeyed God and married an unbeliever that I have asked for God's forgiveness and he has given it.. I have read of similar situations in which the husband is emotionally gone but "brought back in" by a kind and loving wife. Right now, I am anything but kind and loving. I'm angry, hurt, emotionally abused and abandoned. I believe, however, that God wants me to stay and let him transform me to help transform my marriage. Am I right to think this way or should I just pack my things and leave, making the right decision when my husband won't? Thank you for your reply. In Christ's Love , L.W. (not real initials)
Response:
Dear L.W.
Sounds like you are in a very difficult situation. I would encourage you to try to take a step back and consider some of the things that you could do to make a difference in your relationship right now. You can't necessarily change your husband, but you can work on yourself, your attitudes, and your relationship with God.
I would like to recommend 3 books that would be very helpful to you (and have included links to a place you can buy them on the web).
"Winning Your Husband Back Before It's Too Late" by Gary Smalley
"Hope For The Separated" by Gary Chapman
"When Love Dies - How To Save A Hopeless Marriage" by Judy Bodmer
There is so much more that these books can tell you than I can in a short piece here. I would like to suggest steps recommended by Gary Smalley in his book (above) with some of my thoughts added.
- Develop and overall plan. Don't just jump at one one idea, think of the big picture.
- Find Fulfillment in Life. As long as you do not enjoy life, you will not be able to draw your husband to yourself, and you will enjoy life more yourself.
- Look in the mirror ... Seek to become a whole person yourself.
- Work on your own relationship with God. Use this time to go deeper than ever before in your relationship with Christ. Learn to worship, sing, read the Scriptures, pray, etc. The Book by Gary Chapman is helpful here.
- Get Support! You can't do this on your own. You need to be involved in a body of believers to encourage you in your faith at this time. Get involved in a church that can help you grow in Christ.
- Energize Yourself.
- Honor Your Husband. He knows whether he feels respected and honored by you.
- Open Your Husband's Closed Spirit
- Forgive
- Establish Healthy Boundaries.
- Communicate
- Become a Student of Your Husband.
I would encourage you and your husband to go to a counselor or pastor together to talk about the issues in your relationship, after you have begun to work on some of the issues above. I pray some of these suggestions will be helpful to you. God's plan is to bring healing into our marriages. Don't give up hope.
Blessings,
Mac Taylor
Question: Is tithing a New Testament teaching?
Is Tithing a New Testament Teaching?
Nowhere in the New Testament is it taught to give tithes? But we are to present our bodies unto God?
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1
In the New Testament under the New Covenant the money that is to be collected on the first day of the week according to the bible is not to go to the church organization or structure but is for the needy saints?
For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. Romans 15:26
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. 1 Corinthians 16:1-3
They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do. Galatians 2:10
How come pastors always talking Malachi 3:10 but not the reality of Malachi 2:
"And now, O priests, this commandment is for you. If you will not hear, and if you will not take it to heart, To give glory to My name," Says the LORD of hosts, "I will send a curse upon you, And I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have cursed them already, Because you do not take it to heart. Behold, I will rebuke your descendants And spread refuse on your faces, The refuse of your solemn feasts; And one will take you away with it." Malachi 2:1-3
Response:
Yes, I think that Jesus does instruct the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees to tithe (Matthew 23:23-24).
"How terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest part of your income, but you ignore the important things of the law-justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but you should not leave undone the more important things. Blind guides! You strain your water so you won’t accidentally swallow a gnat; then you swallow a camel! (NLT)
My take on it is that the NT usually goes beyond the law in its directions as we receive the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Jesus teaches on the sermon on the mount to go beyond not committing adultery to not looking at a woman with lust, beyond killing to not calling someone a fool. I assume we should go beyond tithing to giving abundantly, generously. A tithe is a good place to start, but we should move beyond 10% as people filled with the Spirit of God, though at the same time we live under grace and not under the law.
We are instructed to be generous in our giving - especially those with wealth. For me, that applies to most people who live in the United States.
1 Timothy 6:17-19: Tell those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone. But their trust should be in the living God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give generously to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may take hold of real life. (NLT)
A great book on the subject is called The Treasure Principle by Randy Acorn.
I would encourage you to be a generous and joyful giver. Hope this helps.
Mac Taylor
