A: The original question can be found HERE.
Just use your best judgment at this point. If your teacher is okay with it, if your parents give you permission, if you don't need to go to the class...than all the arrows point to the fact that it's okay.
This is a decision that you need to make, based on the information that you have and have weighed in your mind. I've already given you a general principle with Biblical back up. Whether or not you skip a class is your call. You need to discern this on your own.
[answered by Pastor KJT]
Friday, June 4, 2010
Q: I have recently became a Christian and I feel like my passion towards God has faded away and really want to get it back. But it is so difficult for me because I can't always make it to church weekly considering the rest of my family isn't Christian, it's only me. I became Christian with the guidance of a close friend who helped get to know God better. You can just imagine how much love I had for Jesus and how eager I was to follow him. After awhile, the passion began to fade as I kept sinning. I keep on asking God to forgive me, and now I think he's tired of forgiving me. Please give me some advise.
A: Firstly, I want to address the last part of your question; about God being tired of forgiving you. Trust me...He is NOT tired of forgiving you. As a matter of fact, He wants to and has done so already and has shown this through the death of Jesus Christ. Our God is a God of grace and mercy. In the Bible, it talks how God forgives us and His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). What this verse basically means is that we sin on a daily basis, but we wake up every morning with a clean slate.
His love never fades, His grace will never go away and as long as you seek after Him, He's not going to "revoke" you. Please do remember this foundational truth.
In your situation, with your non-Christian parents and the inability to come to church and be apart of our community, I do realize it's tough. Continue to pray to deepen your walk with Christ and also spend time with some Christian friends at school. I've answered a similar question before, so I will link you to some more practical solutions. Please read my responses HERE and HERE.
Just remember that you are a child of His. And even in times of need and you don't "feel" Him, He is there waiting for us. Have patience and be joyful in this trying time.
[answered by Pastor KJT]
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Q: Angry friend?
My friend who I am working with on a project got really angry at me and called me some rude names. The others in our group tried to diffuse the situation but his anger kept flaring up. What should I do when we work on the project again?
Christian counselors report that 50 percent of people who come in for counseling have problems dealing with anger. Anger can shatter communication and tear apart relationships, and it ruins both the joy and health of many. Sadly, people tend to justify their anger instead of accepting responsibility for it. Everyone struggles, to varying degrees, with anger. Thankfully, God’s Word contains principles regarding how to handle anger in a godly manner, and how to overcome sinful anger.
Anger turns to sin when it is selfishly motivated (James 1:20), when God’s goal is distorted (1 Corinthians 10:31), or when anger is allowed to linger (Ephesians 4:26-27). Instead of using the energy generated by anger to attack the problem at hand, it is the person who is attacked. Ephesians 4:15-19 says we are to speak the truth in love and use our words to build others up, not allow rotten or destructive words to pour from our lips. Unfortunately, this poisonous speech is a common characteristic of fallen man (Romans 3:13-14).
Anger becomes sin when it is allowed to boil over without restraint, resulting in a scenario in which hurt is multiplied (Proverbs 29:11), leaving devastation in its wake, often with irreparable consequences. Anger also becomes sin when the angry one refuses to calm down and seek peace, holds a grudge, or keeps it all inside (Ephesians 4:26-27). This can cause depression and irritability over little things, often things unrelated to the underlying problem.
Our response to difficult people should center around the examples provided by Jesus, for He surely dealt with many difficult people during His time here on earth. Jesus dealings with these people were never out of an attitude of superiority or dominance, but rather as one coming with an attitude to serve. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus was quite specific in Luke 6: 27-31:
Putting all this together, the way to deal with difficult and angry people is to love them, pray for them, expect to give rather than to receive, maintain a humble spirit, and relate to them in patience and kindness. But more important is the need to pray for the Spirit’s power to change our own hearts and minds toward the difficult person and enable us to see them as needing the same love, grace and mercy that God extended toward us. Remember that Jesus even forgave the men who were going to kill him (Luke 23:34-39). The way to deal with difficult people, then, is to imitate Christ’s humility and love. That kind of response helps to build and encourage one another and is pleasing to the Lord.
Consider the following steps:
1. Consider Changing Your Behavior That Triggers Their Anger. Sometimes the most practical thing to do is to change whatever it is that triggers the anger in people.
2. Ask Them Directly Why They Are Angry Toward You. The quickest way to find out why someone appears constantly angry with you is to simply ask them. They may not even realize they were communicating angrily toward you, so your inquiry may open up a great dialogue.
3. Communicate Clearly How Their Negativity Affects You. Honestly letting people know how their behavior is affecting you emotionally is often an "eye-opener" to the other person. Start with "I feel" statements rather than "you" or "you should" statements.
4. Suggest Ways To Remedy Anger, If The Other Person Acknowledges He Or She Has An Anger Problem. If the angry person in your life is open to it, suggest talking to a trusted adult, Pastor or doctor to determine what the problem is. There are many underlying problems such as Depression, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Bipolar Disorder, and other conditions which can lead to anger problems.
[Answered by Ray Lee, Summer Intern]
Christian counselors report that 50 percent of people who come in for counseling have problems dealing with anger. Anger can shatter communication and tear apart relationships, and it ruins both the joy and health of many. Sadly, people tend to justify their anger instead of accepting responsibility for it. Everyone struggles, to varying degrees, with anger. Thankfully, God’s Word contains principles regarding how to handle anger in a godly manner, and how to overcome sinful anger.
Anger turns to sin when it is selfishly motivated (James 1:20), when God’s goal is distorted (1 Corinthians 10:31), or when anger is allowed to linger (Ephesians 4:26-27). Instead of using the energy generated by anger to attack the problem at hand, it is the person who is attacked. Ephesians 4:15-19 says we are to speak the truth in love and use our words to build others up, not allow rotten or destructive words to pour from our lips. Unfortunately, this poisonous speech is a common characteristic of fallen man (Romans 3:13-14).
Anger becomes sin when it is allowed to boil over without restraint, resulting in a scenario in which hurt is multiplied (Proverbs 29:11), leaving devastation in its wake, often with irreparable consequences. Anger also becomes sin when the angry one refuses to calm down and seek peace, holds a grudge, or keeps it all inside (Ephesians 4:26-27). This can cause depression and irritability over little things, often things unrelated to the underlying problem.
Our response to difficult people should center around the examples provided by Jesus, for He surely dealt with many difficult people during His time here on earth. Jesus dealings with these people were never out of an attitude of superiority or dominance, but rather as one coming with an attitude to serve. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus was quite specific in Luke 6: 27-31:
But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Putting all this together, the way to deal with difficult and angry people is to love them, pray for them, expect to give rather than to receive, maintain a humble spirit, and relate to them in patience and kindness. But more important is the need to pray for the Spirit’s power to change our own hearts and minds toward the difficult person and enable us to see them as needing the same love, grace and mercy that God extended toward us. Remember that Jesus even forgave the men who were going to kill him (Luke 23:34-39). The way to deal with difficult people, then, is to imitate Christ’s humility and love. That kind of response helps to build and encourage one another and is pleasing to the Lord.
Consider the following steps:
1. Consider Changing Your Behavior That Triggers Their Anger. Sometimes the most practical thing to do is to change whatever it is that triggers the anger in people.
2. Ask Them Directly Why They Are Angry Toward You. The quickest way to find out why someone appears constantly angry with you is to simply ask them. They may not even realize they were communicating angrily toward you, so your inquiry may open up a great dialogue.
3. Communicate Clearly How Their Negativity Affects You. Honestly letting people know how their behavior is affecting you emotionally is often an "eye-opener" to the other person. Start with "I feel" statements rather than "you" or "you should" statements.
4. Suggest Ways To Remedy Anger, If The Other Person Acknowledges He Or She Has An Anger Problem. If the angry person in your life is open to it, suggest talking to a trusted adult, Pastor or doctor to determine what the problem is. There are many underlying problems such as Depression, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Bipolar Disorder, and other conditions which can lead to anger problems.
[Answered by Ray Lee, Summer Intern]
Q: Is porn a worse sin than normal lust?
If so, how could we stop sinning with lust, we can control what we do, but we can't control our hormones right? Also, what about wet dreams?Great questions! Let me try to answer this in two parts.
1. What Does The Bible Say About Lust and Pornography?
In 1 John 2:16, we are told that the three main categories of sin are the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Pornography definitely causes us to lust after flesh, and it is undeniably a lust of the eyes. According to Philippians 4:8, pornography definitely does not qualify as one of the things we are to think about or take action in order to view it. Pornography is addictive (1 Corinthians 6:12; 2 Peter 2:19), and destructive (Proverbs 6:25-28; Ezekiel 20:30; Ephesians 4:19). Lusting after other people in our minds, which is the essence of pornography, is offensive to God (Matthew 5:28). When habitual devotion to pornography characterizes a person’s life, it demonstrates the person is not saved and will not be part of God’s kingdom (1 Corinthians 6:9).
The dictionary definition of lust is "1) intense or unrestrained sexual craving, or 2) an overwhelming desire or craving." The Bible speaks of lust in several ways. Exodus 20:14, 17 (NLT), "Do not commit adultery. . . Do not covet your neighbor’s house. Do not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else your neighbor owns," or Matthew 5:28, "But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eye has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Job 31:11-12 (NLT) sums up lust quite nicely: "For lust is a shameful sin, a crime that should be punished. It is a devastating fire that destroys to hell. It would wipe out everything I own."
By far, the most searched for terms on the internet are all related to pornography. Pornography is rampant in the world today. Perhaps more than anything else, Satan has succeeded in twisting and perverting sex. He has taken what is good and right (loving sex between a husband and wife) and replaced it with lust, pornography, adultery, rape, and homosexuality. Pornography can be the first step on a very slippery slope of ever-increasing wickedness and immorality (Romans 6:19). The addictive nature of pornography is well documented. Just as a drug user must consume greater and more powerful quantities of drugs to achieve the same “high,” pornography drags a person deeper and deeper into hard-core sexual addictions and ungodly desires.
For those involved in pornography there is hope as God can and will give the victory. Are you involved with pornography and desire freedom from it? Here are some steps to help guide you to victory:
- Confess your sin to God (1 John 1:9).
- Ask God to cleanse, renew, and transform your mind (Romans 12:2).
- Ask God to fill your mind with pure thoughts (Philippians 4:8.
- Learn to possess your body in holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4).
- Understand the proper meaning of sex and rely on your spouse alone to meet that need (1 Corinthians 7:1-5).
- Realize that if you walk in the Spirit, you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).
- Take practical steps to reduce your exposure to graphic images. Install pornography blockers on your computer, limit television and video usage, and find another Christian who will pray for you and help keep you accountable.
Practically speaking, there are numerous tools to combat an addiction to internet pornography. There is a great program available at http://www.x3pure.com . There are several quality internet filtering programs that will completely block your computer from accessing pornography, such as http://www.bsecure.com. Another fantastic tool is available at http://x3watch.com. X3watch is accountability software. It tracks your internet browsing and sends a report of any objectionable websites you have visited to an accountability partner of your choosing. Your temptation to view internet porn would be greatly reduced if you knew your youth pastor, parent or friend would receive a detailed report about it.
Some of us may blame our hormones for our lustful desires by saying, "It’s not my fault … it’s my hormones!” If we accept the lie that we can't control our emotions or desires, we will also believe we can't control how we act when we are feeling emotionally vulnerable or out of control. Not only are we too quick to believe our feelings and desires, we are also at times far too quick to obey them. The problem is, if we cater to our emotions and desires and let them control our actions in life, we will be more vulnerable to be controlled by our emotions in the major transitions and difficult seasons of life in our adolescence years and beyond.
Certainly what happens in our bodies does affect us emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually. We cannot isolate these various dimensions of who we are - they are inseparably intertwined. But we fall into the trap of the devil when we justify our sinful attitudes, desires and responses based on our physical conditions or hormonal changes. All through the Bible, we are called, encouraged and challenged to exhibit self-control in our daily lives (1 Corinthians 7:4-6; Galatians 5:22-24; 1 Thessalonians 5:5-9; 1 Timothy 3:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:2-4; Titus 1:7-9; Titus 2:1-7; Titus 2:11-13; 1 Peter 1:12-14; 1 Peter 4:6-8; 1 Peter 5:7-9; 2 Peter 1:6).
Didn't God make our bodies? Doesn't He understand how they work? The psalmist praises God for His watchful care and His sovereign plan as it relates to the creation of our physical bodies in Psalm 139:13-16. Long before you and I were born, every molecule of your body and every day of your life, from conception to the grave, was carefully thought through and planned by God. He understands exactly what is taking place in your body through every season and change. This wise, loving Creator is aware of the hormone levels at any stage of our maturity and has provided for every season of life. God does not offer an easy or trouble-free process of growth but has promised to meet all our needs and to give us grace to respond to the challenges and difficulties associated with all stages of life.
Paul’s prayer in I Thessalonians 5:23-24 is helpful as a prayer we can expect God to answer, as we exercise faith and allow Him to do so:
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body [including your emotions, desires and hormones] be kept blameless at the coming of out Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
There are quite a few good books on overcoming porn addiction that I’ve recommended to others: Every Young Man's Battle: Winning the War on Sexual Purity One Victory at a Time by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker, Pure Freedom: Breaking the Addiction to Pornography by Mike Cleveland, and The Game Plan by Joe Dallas.
2. What About “Wet Dreams / Nocturnal Emissions”?
Wet dreams / nocturnal emissions are fairly common in the lives of men. The Bible mentions "emission" in a few places (Leviticus 15:16,18,32; 22:4; Deuteronomy 23:10). Deuteronomy 23:10 specifically refers to a nocturnal emission: "If one of your men is unclean because of a nocturnal emission, he is to go outside the camp and stay there."
Ultimately, we cannot control what we dream about or what happens with our bodies while we are asleep. However, if we are filling our minds with lustful or impure things during the day, it will likely show up in our dreams. A nocturnal emission is a natural bodily function that is made more frequent by sexual over-stimulation. A nocturnal emission is not sinful in and of itself, but it can be the result of sinful thoughts, desires, and input. If you have a wet dream / nocturnal emission, examine your thought life. Examine what sort of images you are exposing yourself to. If you find that you have allowed yourself to be "inflamed" by lust, confess that to the Lord and ask for His help in overcoming it. Follow the words of Philippians 4:8, “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.”
[Answered by Ray Lee, Summer Intern]
Q: What should we do if our Christian friend confesses they are no longer a virgin?
How can we continue to support them if we know it is wrong; or what should we tell them to do now (they feel fake coming to church)?
It’s great that your friend trusts you enough to be able to share such an intimate part of their life with you. When we talk about someone being a virgin, we are talking about someone who has who has never experienced sexual intercourse. Let me try to answer your question in three parts.
1. What are Sexual Sins?
As you mention, sex before marriage, sexual immorality but also adultery are considered sexual sins. According to 1 Corinthians 7:2: “But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband.” In this verse, Paul states that marriage is the “cure” for sexual immorality. First Corinthians 7:2 is essentially saying that, because people are not able to control themselves many are having immoral sex both outside of marriage and before marriage - that people should get married. Then they can fulfill their passions in a moral way as husband and wife.
Since 1 Corinthians 7:2 clearly includes sex before marriage as part of the definition of sexual immorality, all of the Bible verses that condemn sexual immorality as being sinful also condemn sex before marriage as sinful. There are numerous Scriptures that declare sex before marriage to be a sin (Acts 15:20; 1 Corinthians 5:1;6:13, 18; 10:8; 2 Corinthians 12:21; Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 5:3; Colossians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Jude 7). The Bible teaches that we remain sexually pure and abstain from sex before marriage. Sex between a husband and his wife is the only form of sexual relations of which God approves (Hebrews 13:4).
Far too often we focus on the “recreational” aspect of sex without recognizing that there is another aspect—procreation. Sex within marriage is pleasurable, and God designed it that way. God wants men and women to enjoy sexual activity within the confines of marriage only. Song of Solomon and several other Bible passages (such as Proverbs 5:19) clearly describe the pleasure of sex. However each couple as believers must understand that God’s intent for sex includes producing children. Thus, for a couple to engage in sex before marriage is doubly wrong—they are enjoying pleasures not intended for them, and they are taking a chance of creating a human life outside of the family structure God intended for every child.
Please remember that if the Bible's message on sex before marriage were obeyed, there would be far fewer sexually transmitted diseases, far fewer abortions, far fewer unwed mothers and unwanted pregnancies, and far fewer children growing up without both parents in their lives. Abstinence is God’s only policy when it comes to sex before marriage. Abstinence saves lives, protects babies, gives sexual relations the proper value, and, most importantly, honors God.
A book that I’ve recommend to others on this topic and one that I’ve found very helpful is called, “The DIRT on SEX” by Justin Lookadoo. You can get it at your local bookstore or Chapters at a reasonable price. As well, feel free to come and see me if you like and I’ll lend you my copy!
2. What Is True Friendship According To The Bible?
Trust is essential to true friendship. We all need someone with whom we can share our lives, thoughts, feelings, and frustrations. We need to be able to share our deepest secrets with someone, without worrying that those secrets will end up on the Internet the next day! Failing to be trustworthy with those intimate secrets can destroy a friendship in a hurry. Faithfulness and loyalty are key to true friendship. Without them, we often feel betrayed, left out, and lonely. In true friendship, there is no backbiting, no negative thoughts, no turning away. True friendship requires certain accountability factors. Real friends encourage one another and forgive one another where there has been an offense. Genuine friendship supports during times of struggle. Friends are dependable. In true friendship, unconditional love develops. We love our friends no matter what and we always want the best for our friends.
The Lord Jesus Christ gave us the definition of a true friend: "Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you" (John 15:13-15). Jesus is the pure example of a true friend, for He laid down His life for His "friends." What is more, anyone may become His friend by trusting in Him as his personal savior, being born again and receiving new life in Him.
3. How Can I Help And Support My Friend?
The Bible presents several different resources to help all of us overcome sin and to support others who are caught in its grip. In this lifetime, we need to continuously seek to be victorious over sin (1 John 1:8). With God’s help, the power of the Holy Spirit and His Word, we can progressively overcome sin and become more and more like Christ. Many Christians find that Christian fellowship like having an accountability partner … like you can be a huge benefit in overcoming stubborn sins. Having another person who can talk with you, pray with you, encourage you, and even challenge you is of great value. Temptation is common to us all (1 Corinthians 10:13). Having an accountability partner or an accountability group can give us the final dose of encouragement and motivation we need to overcome even the most stubborn of sins. Is this what your friend is seeking to do?
Great question! Consider if you or your friend need to talk to a trusted adult friend, Pastor or Counselor about this issue as well.
[Answered by Ray Lee, Summer Intern]
It’s great that your friend trusts you enough to be able to share such an intimate part of their life with you. When we talk about someone being a virgin, we are talking about someone who has who has never experienced sexual intercourse. Let me try to answer your question in three parts.
1. What are Sexual Sins?
As you mention, sex before marriage, sexual immorality but also adultery are considered sexual sins. According to 1 Corinthians 7:2: “But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband.” In this verse, Paul states that marriage is the “cure” for sexual immorality. First Corinthians 7:2 is essentially saying that, because people are not able to control themselves many are having immoral sex both outside of marriage and before marriage - that people should get married. Then they can fulfill their passions in a moral way as husband and wife.
Since 1 Corinthians 7:2 clearly includes sex before marriage as part of the definition of sexual immorality, all of the Bible verses that condemn sexual immorality as being sinful also condemn sex before marriage as sinful. There are numerous Scriptures that declare sex before marriage to be a sin (Acts 15:20; 1 Corinthians 5:1;6:13, 18; 10:8; 2 Corinthians 12:21; Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 5:3; Colossians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Jude 7). The Bible teaches that we remain sexually pure and abstain from sex before marriage. Sex between a husband and his wife is the only form of sexual relations of which God approves (Hebrews 13:4).
Far too often we focus on the “recreational” aspect of sex without recognizing that there is another aspect—procreation. Sex within marriage is pleasurable, and God designed it that way. God wants men and women to enjoy sexual activity within the confines of marriage only. Song of Solomon and several other Bible passages (such as Proverbs 5:19) clearly describe the pleasure of sex. However each couple as believers must understand that God’s intent for sex includes producing children. Thus, for a couple to engage in sex before marriage is doubly wrong—they are enjoying pleasures not intended for them, and they are taking a chance of creating a human life outside of the family structure God intended for every child.
Please remember that if the Bible's message on sex before marriage were obeyed, there would be far fewer sexually transmitted diseases, far fewer abortions, far fewer unwed mothers and unwanted pregnancies, and far fewer children growing up without both parents in their lives. Abstinence is God’s only policy when it comes to sex before marriage. Abstinence saves lives, protects babies, gives sexual relations the proper value, and, most importantly, honors God.
A book that I’ve recommend to others on this topic and one that I’ve found very helpful is called, “The DIRT on SEX” by Justin Lookadoo. You can get it at your local bookstore or Chapters at a reasonable price. As well, feel free to come and see me if you like and I’ll lend you my copy!
2. What Is True Friendship According To The Bible?
Trust is essential to true friendship. We all need someone with whom we can share our lives, thoughts, feelings, and frustrations. We need to be able to share our deepest secrets with someone, without worrying that those secrets will end up on the Internet the next day! Failing to be trustworthy with those intimate secrets can destroy a friendship in a hurry. Faithfulness and loyalty are key to true friendship. Without them, we often feel betrayed, left out, and lonely. In true friendship, there is no backbiting, no negative thoughts, no turning away. True friendship requires certain accountability factors. Real friends encourage one another and forgive one another where there has been an offense. Genuine friendship supports during times of struggle. Friends are dependable. In true friendship, unconditional love develops. We love our friends no matter what and we always want the best for our friends.
The Lord Jesus Christ gave us the definition of a true friend: "Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you" (John 15:13-15). Jesus is the pure example of a true friend, for He laid down His life for His "friends." What is more, anyone may become His friend by trusting in Him as his personal savior, being born again and receiving new life in Him.
3. How Can I Help And Support My Friend?
The Bible presents several different resources to help all of us overcome sin and to support others who are caught in its grip. In this lifetime, we need to continuously seek to be victorious over sin (1 John 1:8). With God’s help, the power of the Holy Spirit and His Word, we can progressively overcome sin and become more and more like Christ. Many Christians find that Christian fellowship like having an accountability partner … like you can be a huge benefit in overcoming stubborn sins. Having another person who can talk with you, pray with you, encourage you, and even challenge you is of great value. Temptation is common to us all (1 Corinthians 10:13). Having an accountability partner or an accountability group can give us the final dose of encouragement and motivation we need to overcome even the most stubborn of sins. Is this what your friend is seeking to do?
Great question! Consider if you or your friend need to talk to a trusted adult friend, Pastor or Counselor about this issue as well.
[Answered by Ray Lee, Summer Intern]
Q: Jesus coming back and the signs when it happens?
I heard that Jesus said that he would come back again (when the world ends) when everyone in the world have known about him and when the Jews turn back to God. Is it true? Either way, what signs are there when the time comes?
Those are good questions that deserve way more time to explicate, but nonetheless, here are some thoughts scripturally:
Those are good questions that deserve way more time to explicate, but nonetheless, here are some thoughts scripturally:
We do not know when Christ will return.
Passages such as Matt 24:44, Matt 25:13, and Mark 13:32-33 actually state that Jesus will come back “at an hour you do not expect”. “Hour” or [hõra] is best understood as time in a more general sense. The point of these passages is Jesus telling us that we CANNOT know when He is coming back and since He is coming back at an unexpected time, we should be ready at all times for His return. There have been many attempts at making predictions of a future date and time of Christ’s return, which has in turn misled many Christians. Therefore, we need to reject those predict specific dates and times in that regard.
The Apostle Peter reminds us that God has a different perspective on time, “But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise as some count slowness.” So although there are numerous passages talking about the return of Christ being near, we should also consider that it does not necessary mean chronologically close by human time standards.
Lastly, there are definitely some passages that describe the signs of Christ returning. Here are some:
• The Preaching of the Gospel to All Nations (Mark 13:10, cf. Matt. 24:14)
• The Great Tribulation (Mark 13:7-8, Luke 21:20-24)
• False Prophets Working Signs and Wonders (Mark 13:22, cf. Matt. 24:23-24)
• Signs in the Heavens (Mark 13:22; Luke 21:15-27)
• The Coming of the Man of Sin and Rebellion (Rev. 13, 2 Thess. 2:1-10, etc)
• The Salvation of Israel (Romans 11)
Very honestly, there has been much scholarly dispute to how all these things will pan out, but I think more importantly than trying to discern the “end time” is to consider this:
“No matter what the differences on the details, all Christians who take the Bible as their final authority agree that the final and ultimate result of Christ’s return will be the judgment of unbelievers and the final reward of believers, and that believers will live with Christ in a new heaven and a new earth for all eternity. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit will reign and will be worshiped in a never-ending kingdom with no more sin or sorrow or suffering.”
Wayne Grudem (Systematic Theology)
[Answered by Pastor Shu-Ling]
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Q: My friend (who goes to church) says she wants to change before she goes to high school, since she can "re-create" herself because not many people will know her there. She wants to change because she believes she's not likable and some of her friends at her school were excluding her. I want to help her, and I don't want her to become something she's not. What should I do?
A: The transition between Elementary School to High School is tough. I can certainly understand why your friend would choose this time to "re-invent" herself.
Firstly, it is important to understand and accept our identity in Christ. Meaning, we are God's children and we are accepted and loved by Him. I know that sounds like the cliche thing to say, but it's true. Once we have this concept down pact, it gives us amazing confidence that we are set apart from the world. It also enhances our relationship with God by knowing that we are created in His image (Genesis 1:27).
Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." We are created for a purpose. Each of us have been intricately crafted by our Father and our identity must rest in the One who has saved us: Jesus Christ. This passage says that we are created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God has prepared us to do. This means that our purpose in life is not to please others or make sure that our friends don't exclude us.
Having said that, I would warn your friend that being likable does not mean that we conform ourselves to other people just so that they will like us an include us in activities. If those friends are doing something that goes against my faith, I would refrain from doing it, even if it makes me "unlikable". On the other hand, if her attitude has been negative and that is the cause of her friends excluding her, than she should reflect on it and see if it is something she should change.
Whatever the case, please do continue to encourage her to stay true to herself and rooted in Christ. Whatever she does in her life it must have the foundation of God.
[answered by Pastor KJT]
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