Pastor Ho-Ming said "Believing in Jesus is believing EVERYTHING is true." Does it mean we do not fully believe in Jesus if we question and have doubts about his superhuman miracles?
Thanks for asking this question. Let me begin with some clarification. What I meant to say was this: "Believing in Jesus means believing that what Jesus actually said, commanded and did is true, and to live according to His words." For instance, when Jesus says that we must be spiritually reborn to enter the Kingdom of God (John 3:1-21), we better trust Him and find out how we can be spiritually reborn.
As for your question, it is perfectly okay to have doubts and questions about Jesus. We are finite human beings so there are many things we don't understand. Naturally, we will have many questions as well. There is a difference however between unbelief and questions.
For example, you can have questions such "How did Jesus walk on water?" and still believe that Jesus actually did those things. That's not unbelief. Unbelief is when your heart is hardened and you simply shut out the possibility that Jesus could have done any of those supernatural things he did.
Friend, if you're really serious about your questions, then ask questions and seek the answers (like you're doing right now on this blog). Compile research, listen attentively to scholars, do whatever it takes to get some answers.
Now, you will probably get to a point where no matter what historical evidence is presented, you still have some doubts. But that's when you have to have faith. However, this is not blind faith. When you have faith in Jesus, it doesn't mean you have all the answers (that will never happen!); it means you have enough evidence to believe. I believe there is enough evidence is in the Bible. Christianity has stood the test of time for over 2000 years and it is still standing because the events recorded in the Gospels are accurate and true. These events include the supernatural miracles of the Son of God, Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
If you have some extra time, watch (1) Dr. John Ortberg's videos on "Faith and Doubt."
(2) Lee Stroebel's video on "Why Don't People Believe in Miracles?" or read his chapter on miracles in his book, The Case for Christ.
[Answered by Pastor HM, who has doubts, will continue to have doubts, but believes that Jesus will answere those doubts in his time]
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Q: Is it possible to be demon possessed or dead locked?
If so, what is the reason behind it and how does it occur? Is there a possibility that anyone can be possessed at any time? To answer your 3 questions, I've consulted other authors (click on the links to read their full articles) who are well-versed in this massive subject.Q1: Is it possible to be demon possessed or dead locked?
According to Scripture, since the Holy Spirit lives in a Christian (Romans 8:9-11, 1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19), it would seem unlikely that the Holy Spirit would allow a demon to possess the same person. GotQuestions writes this:
This is sometimes a controversial issue; however, we strongly hold to the belief that a Christian cannot be possessed by a demon. We believe there is a distinct difference between being possessed by a demon and being oppressed or 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 or 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). Notice that in all the New Testament passages dealing with spiritual warfare, we are never told to cast a demon out of a believer (Ephesians 6:10-18). Believers are told to resist the devil (1 Peter 5:8-9; James 4:7), not to cast him out.On the other hand, "we know from the Bible that demons can and do possess those who do not belong to Christ, and Scripture gives some examples of people being possessed by demons."
Q2: If so, what is the reason behind it and how does it occur?
Pastor Driscoll says it is Satan's influence:
In his war against God, the Serpent not only has the fallen angels who are now known as demons, but also has people who are allies in his army either by demonic possession, demonic influence, or simply living according to their sinful nature and flesh (2 Pet. 2:4; Rev. 9:1; 12:3–4). Such people include false prophets who speak for the Serpent (2 Pet. 2:1), false apostles who begin ministries for the Serpent (2 Cor. 11:13), false Christians who divide churches (Gal. 2:4), and false teachers who teach heretical doctrine for the Serpent (2 Pet. 2:1).
Q3: Is there a possibility that anyone can be possessed at any time?
Again, there is a different answer depending on whether you are a Christian or not. While Christians can be influenced by a demon (e.g. Peter was influenced by one in Matthew 16:23), "most theologians believe that a Christian cannot be possessed because he has the Holy Spirit abiding within (2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5; 1 Corinthians 6:19), and the Spirit of God would not share residence with a demon." Conversely, those who do not belong to Christ can be influenced AND possessed by demons at any time.
What are some possible symptoms of demon possession? GotQuestions says this:
There is a wide variety of possible symptoms of demon possession, such as a physical impairment that cannot be attributed to an actual physiological problem, a personality change such as depression or aggression, supernatural strength, immodesty, antisocial behavior, and perhaps the ability to share information that one has no natural way of knowing. It is important to note that nearly all, if not all, of these characteristics may have other explanations, so it is important not to label every depressed person or epileptic individual as demon-possessed. On the other hand, western cultures probably do not take satanic involvement in people’s lives seriously enough.
[Answered by Pastor HM]
Q: If someone is trying to impersonate God, should I follow along?
"...They aren't insulting Him, but it just doesn't feel right."Scripture that tells us to "not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain" (Exodus 20:7). This is the 3rd of the Ten Commandments, and it tells us not to take a deceptive oath in God's name; swear using his name or use his name disrespectfully. While your friends may not be explicitly using God's name, when they impersonate God, they are most likely doing so in a disrespectful manner. God's name represents his holy character and attributes, and for this reason, it should never be taken lightly.
So what now? If someone is trying to impersonate God and it doesn't feel right to you, that's a good sign. That's the Holy Spirit at work in your heart, guiding you toward right and away from wrong. I'd recommend that you pray for courage to tell your friends as kindly but firmly as possible that what they are doing is offensive to you and your faith, and for those reasons, they should stop altogether.
For a bit more information on this subject, visit this website.
This is an excerpt from the article you'll find there.
There is a larger sense in which people today take the Lord’s name in vain. Those who name the name of Christ, who pray in His name, and who take His name as part of their identity, but who deliberately and continually disobey His commands, are taking His name in vain. Jesus Christ has been given the name above all names, at which every knee shall bow (Philippians 2:9-10), and when we take the name “Christian” upon ourselves, we must do so with an understanding of all that signifies. If we profess to be Christians, but act, think, and speak in a worldly or profane manner, we take His name in vain. When we misrepresent Christ, either intentionally or through ignorance of the Christian faith as proclaimed in Scripture, we take the Lord’s name in vain. When we say we love Him, but do not do what He commands (Luke 6:46), we take His name in vain and are in danger of hearing Him say to us “I never knew you. Away from me” in the day of judgment (Matthew 7:21-23).[Answered by Pastor HM]
Friday, November 20, 2009
Q: Faith, Repentance & Discipleship?
Question:
1) Is repentance necessary for salvation?
My understanding is that it is “to change one's mind.”
The Book of Acts seems to especially focus on repentance in regards to salvation (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 11:18; 17:30; 20:21; 26:20).
I am asking this question because we always say that faith and faith alone in Jesus Christ will save us and nothing else.
Can repentance and faith be understood as “two sides of the same coin.”?
2) Even though faith is a free gift, when we preach to people should we tell them to "count the cost" of being a disciple and talk about the narrow road vs the wide road? or should we just tell them to believe and then they can go to heaven?
Answer:
1) Repentance is defined like you said, as “changing one's mind”, about sin. I will try to explain why salvation does not make sense without repentance, and maybe along the way explain how repentance is different from just feeling sorry for some bad things you do.
The notion that faith alone saves us is something we commonly hear. Eph 2:8 says we're saved not by our works so that no one can boast, but rather by grace. So why repentance?
Well, the Bible makes clear that repentance is of critical importance, and is a mark of our faith. There's no such thing as “faith by itself” that is not coupled with a change of action and attitude toward sin. Read these verses to see how repentance is related to salvation: Acts 3:19, 11:18, 20:21. John the Baptist says this in Luke 3:8-14:
“You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
Though people came to him claiming to have a relationship with God (through God's covenant with Abraham), they were filled with trembling at John's words. John goes on to tell them specifically what they ought to do to repent:
“The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.” … “Don't collect any more than you are required to.”
It is important to know that these are not works. It's not penance as though we can make it up to God with our actions. Because back to Eph 2:8, it really is faith in Jesus that saves us, and not sorrow or guilt. But our attitude and our actions tell it all. Our faith is an open book before God, which he judges by our attitude and actions. And when we sin, we need to loathe our sin (and sinful attitudes) the way God does, and come to him humbly.
“We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, 'I know him,' but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” - 1 John 2:3-6
Ultimately, salvation is not just a free ticket to heaven and eternal life. In fact, abundant eternal life is something that starts the moment you come to faith in Jesus Christ! Fortunately, God is not only concerned with our final destination; he cares about changing us now on this journey. You can not separate the two, just like you can't separate repentance and salvation.
2) Jesus himself uses the harsh language of counting the cost in Luke 14:25-33.
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.”
God's Word tells us that the journey of a Christian is not easy. For several reasons, people find this truth hard to take. Today, it's not uncommon to hear preachers and churches that glorify the Christian life, and make it sound like it is only pleasant. However, like the message of Paul and Peter in their day, the Gospel of the Bible was not received well most of the time. Preaching the Gospel results in persecution (Matt 5:11), rejection (Luke 4:14-30), and maybe even our martyr (Acts 7).
But what's the big deal about watering down the message a bit to make it more appealing? Is suffering part of the central message anyways?
Emphatically I say, yes. Living out the Bible is like swimming upstream in the prevailing culture of our world, and will certainly result in great suffering for God. The Gospel never promises a healthy life, a popular life, or a money-rich life. It does not say repentance and obedience are easy. Likewise, we need to honor the truth in our message, and in our witness. It's not wrong to show non-Christians that our lives are not easy or picture-perfect as Christians. We don't need to put on a fake face to be an effective witness.
I want us to remember the familiar Great Commission, where Jesus says:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Notice that we are to make “disciples”. Contrast this to “converts.” Disciples in Jesus' language are people who have counted the cost and decided to follow. Second, notice that Jesus says “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded.” That means we do not only emphasize the things that are easy to say, and eliminate the not-so-pleasant parts. We present God's word as it is.
For further learning, look into what John Piper says about the prosperity Gospel. Though 'prosperity Gospel' usually refers to the popular deception that all God-trusting Christians will get rich in this life, a Christian life without suffering is found on the same principles: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLRue4nwJaA.
[Answered by Mark Cheng, Agape Counselor]
1) Is repentance necessary for salvation?
My understanding is that it is “to change one's mind.”
The Book of Acts seems to especially focus on repentance in regards to salvation (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 11:18; 17:30; 20:21; 26:20).
I am asking this question because we always say that faith and faith alone in Jesus Christ will save us and nothing else.
Can repentance and faith be understood as “two sides of the same coin.”?
2) Even though faith is a free gift, when we preach to people should we tell them to "count the cost" of being a disciple and talk about the narrow road vs the wide road? or should we just tell them to believe and then they can go to heaven?
Answer:
1) Repentance is defined like you said, as “changing one's mind”, about sin. I will try to explain why salvation does not make sense without repentance, and maybe along the way explain how repentance is different from just feeling sorry for some bad things you do.
The notion that faith alone saves us is something we commonly hear. Eph 2:8 says we're saved not by our works so that no one can boast, but rather by grace. So why repentance?
Well, the Bible makes clear that repentance is of critical importance, and is a mark of our faith. There's no such thing as “faith by itself” that is not coupled with a change of action and attitude toward sin. Read these verses to see how repentance is related to salvation: Acts 3:19, 11:18, 20:21. John the Baptist says this in Luke 3:8-14:
“You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
Though people came to him claiming to have a relationship with God (through God's covenant with Abraham), they were filled with trembling at John's words. John goes on to tell them specifically what they ought to do to repent:
“The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.” … “Don't collect any more than you are required to.”
It is important to know that these are not works. It's not penance as though we can make it up to God with our actions. Because back to Eph 2:8, it really is faith in Jesus that saves us, and not sorrow or guilt. But our attitude and our actions tell it all. Our faith is an open book before God, which he judges by our attitude and actions. And when we sin, we need to loathe our sin (and sinful attitudes) the way God does, and come to him humbly.
“We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, 'I know him,' but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” - 1 John 2:3-6
Ultimately, salvation is not just a free ticket to heaven and eternal life. In fact, abundant eternal life is something that starts the moment you come to faith in Jesus Christ! Fortunately, God is not only concerned with our final destination; he cares about changing us now on this journey. You can not separate the two, just like you can't separate repentance and salvation.
2) Jesus himself uses the harsh language of counting the cost in Luke 14:25-33.
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.”
God's Word tells us that the journey of a Christian is not easy. For several reasons, people find this truth hard to take. Today, it's not uncommon to hear preachers and churches that glorify the Christian life, and make it sound like it is only pleasant. However, like the message of Paul and Peter in their day, the Gospel of the Bible was not received well most of the time. Preaching the Gospel results in persecution (Matt 5:11), rejection (Luke 4:14-30), and maybe even our martyr (Acts 7).
But what's the big deal about watering down the message a bit to make it more appealing? Is suffering part of the central message anyways?
Emphatically I say, yes. Living out the Bible is like swimming upstream in the prevailing culture of our world, and will certainly result in great suffering for God. The Gospel never promises a healthy life, a popular life, or a money-rich life. It does not say repentance and obedience are easy. Likewise, we need to honor the truth in our message, and in our witness. It's not wrong to show non-Christians that our lives are not easy or picture-perfect as Christians. We don't need to put on a fake face to be an effective witness.
I want us to remember the familiar Great Commission, where Jesus says:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Notice that we are to make “disciples”. Contrast this to “converts.” Disciples in Jesus' language are people who have counted the cost and decided to follow. Second, notice that Jesus says “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded.” That means we do not only emphasize the things that are easy to say, and eliminate the not-so-pleasant parts. We present God's word as it is.
For further learning, look into what John Piper says about the prosperity Gospel. Though 'prosperity Gospel' usually refers to the popular deception that all God-trusting Christians will get rich in this life, a Christian life without suffering is found on the same principles: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLRue4nwJaA.
[Answered by Mark Cheng, Agape Counselor]
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Q: If you are a different religion and you want to become a Christian, what do you have to do to make it offical?
A: You may be surprised to learn that the answer to "how to become a Christian" is far easier than you think it is.
Let's look at the most famous verse of the Bible (and one that Pastor HM preached on 2 weeks ago). John 3:16 says this, "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." This verse says that if we believe in God's Son, Jesus Christ as the saviour our sins, we are granted eternal life and the privilege of going to heaven.
The question is...how do we do that. Well, I have a "3 step guideline" that may help you gather your thoughts and work out where you're at.
Repent - Repentance means to acknowledge that we are sinners and that in order to be saved from our sins (which would otherwise result in death), we need a Saviour. Part of this process is to understand that we cannot save ourselves from sin, but to look ahead to Christ who did that for us on the cross.
Recognize - Recognize the fact that Christ is in fact the one that saves us from our sins. Scripture tells us that the wages of sin is death...but it also tells us that Christ took that death penalty for us. So that when we believe in Him, we can have eternal life and a relationship with Christ. By His death, we are saved.
Accept the Gift - Accepting the gift means simply to put your faith in Christ and accept what He has done for you by His death. Salvation is not earned, it's not purchased...it's given freely and can be accepted freely by you. All you have to do is believe.
It's really that simple in becoming a Christian. Many people think that you have to wait a certain period of time or do special tasks in order to attain this "title", but that is far from the truth. God doesn't ask us to jump through hoops or complete a check list before allowing us to be called children of His.
However, in re-reading this question, I think your specific situation may be more difficult than the average student in our fellowship. You specify that you are a different religion and ask how to become a Christian. I'm going to venture out and guess that this other religion that you speak of is not exactly your own, but that of your family's. As in, your family may be Buddhist and you were raised Buddhist...but after attending our services/fellowship for awhile, you would like to make the choice in becoming a Christian.
If your family is open and accepting, then this should only be a slight hurdle. However, if they are not and are adamantly against you joining our church...it could be a bigger battle. The "3 steps" on how to become a Christian still stands, regardless of religious affiliation. But I would encourage you to talk to your counselor or Pastor about this. They could help you on a more personal level (rather than on the Internet through this blog). It may be difficult for your family to understand, but the decision on Christ is a personal one and one that only you can make.
Please talk to your counselor or Pastor about this, they could really give you more personal advice.
[answered by Pastor KJT, who stood firm in her decision with Christ and has never looked back]
Let's look at the most famous verse of the Bible (and one that Pastor HM preached on 2 weeks ago). John 3:16 says this, "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." This verse says that if we believe in God's Son, Jesus Christ as the saviour our sins, we are granted eternal life and the privilege of going to heaven.
The question is...how do we do that. Well, I have a "3 step guideline" that may help you gather your thoughts and work out where you're at.
Repent - Repentance means to acknowledge that we are sinners and that in order to be saved from our sins (which would otherwise result in death), we need a Saviour. Part of this process is to understand that we cannot save ourselves from sin, but to look ahead to Christ who did that for us on the cross.
Recognize - Recognize the fact that Christ is in fact the one that saves us from our sins. Scripture tells us that the wages of sin is death...but it also tells us that Christ took that death penalty for us. So that when we believe in Him, we can have eternal life and a relationship with Christ. By His death, we are saved.
Accept the Gift - Accepting the gift means simply to put your faith in Christ and accept what He has done for you by His death. Salvation is not earned, it's not purchased...it's given freely and can be accepted freely by you. All you have to do is believe.
It's really that simple in becoming a Christian. Many people think that you have to wait a certain period of time or do special tasks in order to attain this "title", but that is far from the truth. God doesn't ask us to jump through hoops or complete a check list before allowing us to be called children of His.
However, in re-reading this question, I think your specific situation may be more difficult than the average student in our fellowship. You specify that you are a different religion and ask how to become a Christian. I'm going to venture out and guess that this other religion that you speak of is not exactly your own, but that of your family's. As in, your family may be Buddhist and you were raised Buddhist...but after attending our services/fellowship for awhile, you would like to make the choice in becoming a Christian.
If your family is open and accepting, then this should only be a slight hurdle. However, if they are not and are adamantly against you joining our church...it could be a bigger battle. The "3 steps" on how to become a Christian still stands, regardless of religious affiliation. But I would encourage you to talk to your counselor or Pastor about this. They could help you on a more personal level (rather than on the Internet through this blog). It may be difficult for your family to understand, but the decision on Christ is a personal one and one that only you can make.
Please talk to your counselor or Pastor about this, they could really give you more personal advice.
[answered by Pastor KJT, who stood firm in her decision with Christ and has never looked back]
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Sabbath?
Agape Fall Retreat 09
Muskoka Woods
Great question. This question is especially relevant if you live within an Asian household, which often emphasizes the value of hard work, sacrifice and determination.
To sabbath means to rest from one's work. Why should we do take a sabbath? For one, our bodies physically need a break. We are not machines that are built to work 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If we try to work like a machine, we'll burn out. Someone once told me that unless we take a sabbath, a sabbath will be imposed upon you. That means you can try to go without rest, but eventually the consequences will catch up with you. Either your body will break down, or the relationships around you. Even your career can be in jeopardy if you don't rest. Worst of all, your relationship with God will suffer because you have failed to rely upon Him.
Taking a sabbath break is an act of trusting in God. When we rest from our work (assuming we have worked hard on the last six days - no an excuse to be lazy!), we have to remember that God is still working while we are not. And we have to trust in that. Pastor Mark Driscoll wrote an article that I think you should read concerning this matter. It's found HERE. Here's an excerpt:
Legalistic attempts have been made to rob the Sabbath of its worship and joy by carefully mandating what can and cannot be done. However, Jesus seemed to have intentionally lived in public view to serve as a contrary model of the Sabbath than that given by other legalistic teachers. For example, Jesus healed on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1–14, John 9:1–17), taught on the Sabbath (Mark 6:1–2), and promoted evangelism on the Sabbath (John 7:21–24). Jesus demonstrated that the Sabbath is not to be enforced legalistically, but that it exists for worshipful fun and rest. Furthermore, our true Sabbath is not in a day but ultimately in a saving relationship with Jesus where we can rest from trying to earn our salvation and rest in His finished work (Matthew 11:28–30; Romans 4:5; Colossians 2:16–17). Therefore, the Sabbath is not a law for believers to obey, but instead a grace to enjoy.
In conclusion, by setting aside a day, we are showing that we are a people who are set aside (holy) and who rest in Jesus. Worshiping is our primary objective and our weeks are purposefully ordered around worship. Then, our worshipful work can be rightly undertaken.
Summarily, what activities you do or don't do on the Sabbath is not the main issue. Remember, Jesus attended worship, taught and applied the Scriptures, performed acts of mercy and encouraged others to do the same, AND He rested from some of His usual labor. The issue if whether you trust in God, and devote the time we would have spent working on worshipping Him. If we don't trust in Him and devote time to worship Him, that is sin. So I'll end with a question for you: Have you taken a break from your work or school during this week to rest and trust in God?
[Answered by Pastor HM, who takes the sabbath on Monday, since he technically works on Sunday]
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Q: Even though the Bible states that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, can we say that all sins are equal?
...According to the Bible, it seems that they are not. Can you shed some light into this? If it is true, can we justify "smaller" sins?
A: Thanks for asking this question! It's so applicable to our post-modern world right now as our society has somehow developed their own idea of morality and the varying degrees of this.
From the stories in the Bible, it may seem that God views some sins more serious than others...but that in fact is not the underlying truth. Romans 6:23 tells us: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. ALL sin is looked upon as defiance to God and the punishment for those sins are death. No matter if it's a little lie to get out of trouble or covering up the tracks of a serial killer. They are all the same to God. A sin, is a sin...is a sin. There is no varying degree of them.
However, we have to take into the account of the death of Christ and what it ultimately gives us...grace. Grace comes into the picture because it is by grace which we are forgiven of those sins. By accepting Christ as our Saviour...we are believing in the pardon that His death gives us for us and our sins. We don't have to die, because He has died for us already.
Having said that, just because God gives us grace and pardon for our sins, does not mean that some are more evil than others. It's the complete opposite, as a matter of fact. Those sins are exactly the same, He just gives us Christ instead.
To further your last point about the justification of smaller sins...you are treading on very deep waters if you start to do that. As soon as we begin to justify the sins in our lives, we are playing God. It's very plain and clear...any sin is a sin. DO NOT look upon God's mercy and grace to mistake it for His weakness. You are intentionally defying Him and for lack of betters words...He'll show you who's boss.
Check out this short article by John Piper, he supplements my answer well. Click HERE.
[answered by Pastor KJT, who is saved by grace cause God knows that she's sinful]
A: Thanks for asking this question! It's so applicable to our post-modern world right now as our society has somehow developed their own idea of morality and the varying degrees of this.
From the stories in the Bible, it may seem that God views some sins more serious than others...but that in fact is not the underlying truth. Romans 6:23 tells us: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. ALL sin is looked upon as defiance to God and the punishment for those sins are death. No matter if it's a little lie to get out of trouble or covering up the tracks of a serial killer. They are all the same to God. A sin, is a sin...is a sin. There is no varying degree of them.
However, we have to take into the account of the death of Christ and what it ultimately gives us...grace. Grace comes into the picture because it is by grace which we are forgiven of those sins. By accepting Christ as our Saviour...we are believing in the pardon that His death gives us for us and our sins. We don't have to die, because He has died for us already.
Having said that, just because God gives us grace and pardon for our sins, does not mean that some are more evil than others. It's the complete opposite, as a matter of fact. Those sins are exactly the same, He just gives us Christ instead.
To further your last point about the justification of smaller sins...you are treading on very deep waters if you start to do that. As soon as we begin to justify the sins in our lives, we are playing God. It's very plain and clear...any sin is a sin. DO NOT look upon God's mercy and grace to mistake it for His weakness. You are intentionally defying Him and for lack of betters words...He'll show you who's boss.
Check out this short article by John Piper, he supplements my answer well. Click HERE.
[answered by Pastor KJT, who is saved by grace cause God knows that she's sinful]
Q: In the Book of John, what can be derived from it to be used as guidelines for differentiating good and evil in modern times?
...As in what are the rules laid out for the people of God? And how does it apply to our daily live? If possible, how do we stay focused on this goal?A: The answer to this question looks far beyond the Book of John, but the the whole of the New Testament.
Firstly, you have to know this. That Christ came to die on the cross, not only to give us new life, but to deliver us from the present evil age. John 17:15, it says this: Father don't take them out of the world, but keep them from evil. What this means is that although we are Christian, we live in a world that is full of evil. Christ's prayer for us, is not for God to remove us from this, but for Him to keep us away from the evil that surrounds us. Through the death of Christ, we have been given a way out...to choose good over evil.
To differentiate between good and evil is a hard one. It presents the idea of discernment and conviction. John Piper in this article, gives a great explanation as to how to make decisions when God's will isn't necessarily obvious (as in written in the Bible). I think it would give great insight to your dilemma. Please click on the link and read the article as it eloquently addresses all you are asking about.
[in case you don't have time to read it, I'll summarize. Basically, in order to tell the difference between good and evil, we have to have a "renewal of our minds". Look at this world through the eyes of God, ask Him for guidance and seek Him in all that you do. I love this passage from the Psalmist "delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart" [37:4]. When we align ourselves with God...when our heart beats for the things that God wants...He'll grant us the desires that we want to see. The idea here is that those desires are not the selfish ones (material goods, fake happiness, etc). But that those desires are ones that honour and glorify God (abolishing slavery and poverty, helping the widows and orphans). When our hearts are aligned with God, it helps us to understand and see the world through His eyes, and allows us ultimately to discern between that which is good and that which is evil. Read the article!]
Staying focused on this goal means commitment and sacrifice. We are called to be the light in this world...the good in the evil (Matthew 5:13-16). It means that we do the opposite with what the world is telling us to do...that being love ourselves only, work for ourselves only, satisfy ourselves only. Christ instead, does the exact opposite...He tells us to love others, to work for Him, and to help the poor and widowed that our outside of our community.
In order to do this, you have to establish yourself in Christ, yearn and develop a deep relationship with Him. Love the things that He loves, hate the things that He hates. And be willing to JUMP in with both feet and fully give your life as a living sacrifice to Him.
[answered by Pastor KJT]
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Q: Should I still ask God for help for something even though I know I don't deserve it?
This question has lots of layers to it. On the one hand, if you're asking for something that is immoral or sinful (i.e. the Bible speaks against it), then I don't think you should be asking God at all. Whether you deserve it or not is not the issue in this case.On the other hand, if the help you require is not against the Bible's direct teachings, then you can ask God. Theologically, I want to point out that we do not deserve anything anyway. Listen to what the Apostle Paul says in Romans 11:33-36:
Oh, the depth of the riches and s wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
“For u who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?”
“Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?”
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
God created us and everything in our universe (John 1) meaning we don't deserve anything. We are not entitled to anything. God does not "owe" us anything. We owe it all to God! Therefore, asking for God's help (providing you are not asking anything that constitutes as sin) is something we ought to do! And when we ask, God will hear us and answer according to his own perfect timing. There are many examples in the Bible of individuals who asked God for help, calling upon his name. Consider King David's example (2 Sam. 22:7):
“In my distress I called upon the Lord;
to my God I called.
From his temple he heard my voice,
and my cry came to his ears."
I'd also recommend you read this article/blog, which I found helpful on this matter. Here is what Michael Lane, the author, writes:
[Answered by Pastor HM, who - like all people - owes everything to God]
Suppose you're having trouble making ends meet and you're not sure how you will pay this month's bills. You may ask God to send you some extra money. You may ask God to help you find a better paying job. In all likelihood, God is not going to do either of those things, though it's certainly possible. The point is that it really doesn't matter how God decides to solve the problem. By asking God for help, you have admitted that you need Him, and that is what really matters. How God decides to deal with the issue is immaterial, but rest assured He will intervene in the best way possible.
God does not want you to depend on a particular solution; He wants you to depend on Him.
Asking for God's help in all situations is a very important part of our relationship with Him. When you ask for God to help, you are indirectly saying that you trust Him and that you need Him. You are admitting your weakness and acknowledging His strength. You are submitting and surrendering to Him.
But what are we saying to God if we never ask for His help? We are saying we don't need Him. We are sending the message that we have no need of His blessing or protection and we want to go it alone.
Another reason to ask for God's help is not to seek a specific outcome, but rather to receive His comfort, support and peace. God may not provide a direct resolution to every difficulty in our lives, but He will comfort us. When you seek God during times of trouble, large or small, you are saying, "God, be with me during this time. Let my thoughts be with you and let me feel your presence."
[Answered by Pastor HM, who - like all people - owes everything to God]
Q: Is capital punishment justified?
This article from the fine folks at Got Questions is worth the read.
There are three traditional views regarding Capital Punishment (CP). In order to keep this article brief, we will examine the last one: Retribution.
1. Rehabilitate – No CP for any crime
2. Reconstruct – (reconstruction OT laws) CP for all serious crimes
3. Retribution – CP for some capital crimes
In the "retribution" view (#3), CP is legitimate for some crimes, namely capital ones. The primary purpose of CP is to punish. Unlike view 2, this one does not believe that civil governments today are bound by the Mosaic law. While it also protects innocent people from repeated violent crimes or acts as a deterrent, this is not its primary purpose.
Examples of CP in the Bible include:
1. It was given to Noah (Gen 9:5-6).
2. It was given to Moses as a penalty for capital crimes including murder (Ex 21:12), avenging a death, causing a miscarriage (Ex 21:22-23), false testimony in a capital case (Deut 19:16-19), and owning an ox that killed people (Ex 21:29). In each case the person who received CP was responsible for the death of an innocent person or persons.
3. In the NT, it is also given in the context of capital crimes. Government has the sword for capital crimes (Romans 13:4). Jesus acknowledged Rome’s authority over his life (John 19:11) where alleged crime was a capital crime namely, treason (Luke 23:2). Paul’s alleged crime for which he was willing to receive capital punishment if guilty was treason (Acts 25:11; 17:7).
The Biblical Basis for CP:
1. The need for CP is implied in man’s nature
2. Human beings are created in God’s image (Gen 1:27). They both resemble and represent God on earth. Killing them is an attack on the God who made them. It is a rejection of his sovereignty over human life (Deut 32:39). For this capital crime God explicitly declared that he demanded a CP (Gen 9:6).
3. Such a punishment is also implied in the very nature of the crime (as in the case of Cain when he killed Abel).
4. Cain deserved and expected capital punishment. Gen 4:10 “Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.” This cry for blood vengeance is a clear indication that justice demanded a life in return.
5. God gave the power of CP to human government. There was CP before the time of Noah, but it was left to relatives to avenge the murderer (Gen 4:14). By instituting CP in Noah’s time Gen 9:6, God took justice out of the hands of the families of the deceased and placed the sword in the hands of human government. In this way justice could be more objectively exercised by eliminating the personal revenge factor and the emotional anger.
6. CP was incorporated into the Mosaic Law. It was given before. But in Ex 21, what Mosaic law did was to incorporate it and extend it to many other noncapital crimes, including religious and ceremonial ones. These reasons for CP were not intended for other nations but only Israel. God through Moses extended CP to noncapital crimes for Israel, his chosen nation, not to all the nations. CP was already prescribed for capital crimes. Therefore, if CP for capital crimes was not given with the law of Moses, then it did not pass away with the Mosaic law. Mosaic law passed away.
7. CP is reaffirmed in the NT. CP was given to the whole human race through Noah (Gen 9:6, 9-10). This is not abolished so is still in effect. CP was given to Israel through Moses for noncapital crimes (Deut 4:9, Ps 147:19-20). This has been abolished. The sword that was divinely given to human government for CP (Gen 9:6) is explicitly reaffirmed in the NT (Romans 13: 4, John 19:11, Acts 25:11)
Summary
1. CP for capital crimes is stated before the law of Moses. Gen 9:6 says: "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man."
2. Additions were given for noncapital crimes in Mosaic law. These have been abolished.
3. It is stated in the NT (Romans 13:4).
[Answered by Pastor Quang, with a little help from Pastor HM]
There are three traditional views regarding Capital Punishment (CP). In order to keep this article brief, we will examine the last one: Retribution.
1. Rehabilitate – No CP for any crime
2. Reconstruct – (reconstruction OT laws) CP for all serious crimes
3. Retribution – CP for some capital crimes
In the "retribution" view (#3), CP is legitimate for some crimes, namely capital ones. The primary purpose of CP is to punish. Unlike view 2, this one does not believe that civil governments today are bound by the Mosaic law. While it also protects innocent people from repeated violent crimes or acts as a deterrent, this is not its primary purpose.
Examples of CP in the Bible include:
1. It was given to Noah (Gen 9:5-6).
2. It was given to Moses as a penalty for capital crimes including murder (Ex 21:12), avenging a death, causing a miscarriage (Ex 21:22-23), false testimony in a capital case (Deut 19:16-19), and owning an ox that killed people (Ex 21:29). In each case the person who received CP was responsible for the death of an innocent person or persons.
3. In the NT, it is also given in the context of capital crimes. Government has the sword for capital crimes (Romans 13:4). Jesus acknowledged Rome’s authority over his life (John 19:11) where alleged crime was a capital crime namely, treason (Luke 23:2). Paul’s alleged crime for which he was willing to receive capital punishment if guilty was treason (Acts 25:11; 17:7).
The Biblical Basis for CP:
1. The need for CP is implied in man’s nature
2. Human beings are created in God’s image (Gen 1:27). They both resemble and represent God on earth. Killing them is an attack on the God who made them. It is a rejection of his sovereignty over human life (Deut 32:39). For this capital crime God explicitly declared that he demanded a CP (Gen 9:6).
3. Such a punishment is also implied in the very nature of the crime (as in the case of Cain when he killed Abel).
4. Cain deserved and expected capital punishment. Gen 4:10 “Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.” This cry for blood vengeance is a clear indication that justice demanded a life in return.
5. God gave the power of CP to human government. There was CP before the time of Noah, but it was left to relatives to avenge the murderer (Gen 4:14). By instituting CP in Noah’s time Gen 9:6, God took justice out of the hands of the families of the deceased and placed the sword in the hands of human government. In this way justice could be more objectively exercised by eliminating the personal revenge factor and the emotional anger.
6. CP was incorporated into the Mosaic Law. It was given before. But in Ex 21, what Mosaic law did was to incorporate it and extend it to many other noncapital crimes, including religious and ceremonial ones. These reasons for CP were not intended for other nations but only Israel. God through Moses extended CP to noncapital crimes for Israel, his chosen nation, not to all the nations. CP was already prescribed for capital crimes. Therefore, if CP for capital crimes was not given with the law of Moses, then it did not pass away with the Mosaic law. Mosaic law passed away.
7. CP is reaffirmed in the NT. CP was given to the whole human race through Noah (Gen 9:6, 9-10). This is not abolished so is still in effect. CP was given to Israel through Moses for noncapital crimes (Deut 4:9, Ps 147:19-20). This has been abolished. The sword that was divinely given to human government for CP (Gen 9:6) is explicitly reaffirmed in the NT (Romans 13: 4, John 19:11, Acts 25:11)
Summary
1. CP for capital crimes is stated before the law of Moses. Gen 9:6 says: "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man."
2. Additions were given for noncapital crimes in Mosaic law. These have been abolished.
3. It is stated in the NT (Romans 13:4).
[Answered by Pastor Quang, with a little help from Pastor HM]
Q: Is war ever justified?
Many people misquote the ten commandments and say that killings is wrong when it actually says murder is wrong. Also, the ten commandments refer to human relationships and not government. Based on that understanding, is war ever justified? Is it justified to defeat evil? Does a government have that right? Examples: The American invasion of Afghanistan to defeat terrorism, World War II.
Though war is a terrible thing, and innocent lives are lost, sometimes war is required to restrain evil. Sometimes the only way to keep sinful people from doing great harm is by going to war with them. If Hitler had not been defeated in World War II, how many more millions of Jews would have been killed? If the Civil War had not been fought, how much longer would African Americans have had to suffer as slaves? Therefore for the Christian, going to war would be a valid option, and a part of submitting to the ruling authorities as required in Romans 13.
However, the most important thing we can be doing in a time of war is to be praying for godly wisdom for our leaders, praying for the safety of our military, praying for quick resolution to the conflict, and praying for minimum casualties – on both sides of the conflict.
Also read this article concerning your very question.
[Answered by Pastor Quang and Pastor HM]
Though war is a terrible thing, and innocent lives are lost, sometimes war is required to restrain evil. Sometimes the only way to keep sinful people from doing great harm is by going to war with them. If Hitler had not been defeated in World War II, how many more millions of Jews would have been killed? If the Civil War had not been fought, how much longer would African Americans have had to suffer as slaves? Therefore for the Christian, going to war would be a valid option, and a part of submitting to the ruling authorities as required in Romans 13.
However, the most important thing we can be doing in a time of war is to be praying for godly wisdom for our leaders, praying for the safety of our military, praying for quick resolution to the conflict, and praying for minimum casualties – on both sides of the conflict.
Also read this article concerning your very question.
[Answered by Pastor Quang and Pastor HM]
Q: Is it okay for a Christian to be a soldier in the army or be a police officer?
Examples of military service are found in the Bible. The first example of military service is found in the Old Testament (Genesis 14), when Abraham's nephew Lot was kidnapped by king of Elam, and his allies. Abraham rallied to Lot's aid by gathering 318 trained men of his household and defeating the foreign forces.King David was in the army and led his forces into battle. Although Solomon's reign was peaceful, he further expanded the army, adding chariots and horsemen (1 Kings 10:26).
Many Centurions mentioned in the New Testament are praised as Christians, God-fearers, and men of good character (Matthew 8:5-13, 27:54, Acts 10:1-2, 22). The titles and places may have changed, but the armed forces should be favourably valued as the Centurions in the NT.
[Answered by Pastor Quang Nguyen]
Q: Christians versus the Beast of Revelation?
"I have been studying a lot about the Beast of Revelations and I was wondering, what will God do to those people who are Christian but don't know about the Beast of Revelations? Will they be punished?"
There are actually TWO beasts of Revelation, which I described in THIS POST. Here's an excerpt that is related to your question:
The only thing Scripture tells us is that though the beasts of Revelation (i.e. Satan and his demon minions) continue to influence and dominant the world, he can never dominate the Christian, even if he takes away our earthly lives:
[Answered by Pastor HM]
There are actually TWO beasts of Revelation, which I described in THIS POST. Here's an excerpt that is related to your question:
The only thing Scripture tells us is that though the beasts of Revelation (i.e. Satan and his demon minions) continue to influence and dominant the world, he can never dominate the Christian, even if he takes away our earthly lives:
In other words, Christians may or may not be aware of the Beasts of Revelation (after all, there are many, many interpretations as to who exactly the Beasts really are), but they need not be afraid of them. God will not punish Christians, but rather ensures that they will conquer Satan and his forces:
Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain (Rev. 13:7-8).
And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death (Rev. 12:11).
[Answered by Pastor HM]
Friday, November 6, 2009
Q: Singing out loud in worship?
Q: One of my close friends doesn't sing during Sunday worship. They find it awkward to listen to their own voice out loud and have people listen in. Since singing is a form of worship, does that mean that God will look down upon these kinds of people? Is it bad that I have stopped myself from encouraging my friend to sing out loud? Is that not their personal choice, and are there not other ways to worship that does not directly involve your vocal chords?
This is quite an interesting question… with 2 more questions added into it! Haha! Anyways, to answer your question(s), I think it’s important to first look at what “worship” is. In short, Singing out loud on Sunday morning does not necessarily equate to worship. As you said yourself, it is a form of worshipping, but does represent it as a whole. Check out this verse.
Romans 12:1-2 says:
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
To God, our Spiritual service of worship, is what He’s looking for. Sometimes we get caught up just looking at people’s “outer expressions” we do not know what is going on the INSIDE. God does not look at our outer expressions, but to our inner expressions of worship. So to answer the 2nd part of the question, God doesn’t look down on people who don’t sing, but He does look at whether their heart is set towards Him in repentance, praise and thankfulness.
I’ve been leading worship for Sunday worship services for 13 years and I’ve also had similar questions as to why some people simply choose not to sing out. I’ve realized that some people may not be ready to outwardly express their worship to God or prefer to sing “in their hearts”. I know that sounds like a cop-out answer, but it is true for some people. Learning to worship can be understood in parallel to learning to read your bible!
Anyways, I think the main idea of worshipping together as the Gathered people of God is to remember one part of that verse, “to present your BODIES
[Pastor Shu-Ling, English Congregation Worship]
Q: How can Christians be labelled "chosen" and how can non-Christians not fall under that category?
Someone once told me that Christians are God's "chosen people". Does that mean that non-Christians are destined to go to hell and that there is no chance for them to become believers? Doesn't God want everyone to be His children? How can Christians be labelled "chosen" and how can non-Christians not fall under that category? Can they not be saved as well?
Answer:
As background, not all Christians would agree on the same answer to your question; the two groups, Arminians and Calvinists, as they are called, diverge on the topic of election/predestination/free will. Pretty much, do we determine our own fate by the choices we make, or is everything already chosen for us by God? Both camps have several Bible passages that support their stances. After years of my own personal seeking, I have found that I align with the Calvinist view, which claims that God has predestined or elected Christians and will himself save them, seems to have a more Christ-centered perspective on the Bible and God’s grace. Contrastingly, the Arminians tend to focus on human choice, and what actions we take to seek God; they focus on certain verses or instances in the Bible where it seems God is very clearly saying that we have a choice and need to choose righteously (Deut 30:19-20). Despite my own convictions, I can’t say that any of us will ever be certain in this lifetime. I would encourage you all to read this article by John Piper, a Calvinist, who explains how God can have “two wills”: http://theresurgence.com/john_piper_2000_are_there_two_wills_in_god.
“Affirming the will of God to save all, while also affirming the unconditional election of some, implies that there are at least ‘two wills’ in God, or two ways of willing. It implies that God decrees one state of affairs while also willing and teaching that a different state of affairs should come to pass.” – John Piper
In other words, when we say God’s will, we can be talking about two different things: what God would like to see happen, and what he actually wills to happen. That means that God wants all people to be saved and become his children, but what he ordains is actually that only some will be saved; the rest will never know him. There is great evidence to support what John Piper and the Calvinists say. However, in my experience we also need to be careful in our understanding, even if we have what we think to be the “right” view on this big topic of God’s election. A simple indoctrination on the topic can do us more harm than good in our view of God. First off, we have to agree that we don’t know all the answers. I really want you to read Romans 9:1-26, and see if you can connect with Paul’s argument on the topic of God’s election (which really answers your question). I’ll summarize/paraphrase what Paul’s logic is (though you should just read it yourself):
- In the OT Bible stories, God clearly elected some, like Jacob; he also didn’t elect others, like Esau
- God chose Jacob before he was born; to emphasize that he wasn’t chosen because of anything he did (his own righteousness, or how smart/good-looking/nice he was)
- What shall we say? Is God unjust for choosing like this? Not at all! God can be merciful or unmerciful to whomever he chooses.
- I hear you asking, “Then why does God blame us? For who can resist his will?”
- But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, “Why did you make me like this?” God can do what he wants. Maybe God chose this way of doing things so that he could make his power and wrath better known, and so that we who are elected as Christians could truly appreciate what’s been given.
This probably isn’t a comforting passage if you were looking for clear understanding on God’s election, yet this is one of the clearest passages in the Bible about election. We might be screaming “that’s not the answer I want.” But God has given us that answer, and he can use even our lack of knowledge and control to teach us a lesson on humility and realizing our place under God. We’re not God, and there are some things we need to accept that we’ll never know in this lifetime. We can instead take the attitude of David, who writes: “My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.” (Psalm 131) This is a mysterious topic, and we need to accept to a certain extent that free will and predestination are two parallel lines that only meet in eternity, and that some questions just won’t ever receive the clear logical answers we want in this lifetime.
1) We need to live in the present as only God knows who has been chosen and who hasn’t. The Biblical idea of God’s election should be freeing, and give us greater motivation in evangelism. Oftentimes on this topic, people say, “Well then, what’s the point of telling my friends about Christ? God’s gonna save them or not, and I can’t change that.” But the point is that we’ll never know, and God has commanded us regardless to go share the Gospel (Matt 28:19-20). And knowing that the conversion process is not up to us and “how good we are at presenting the Gospel” is a very liberating understanding that should compel us to tell more people about this glorious God. In history, many of the greatest missionaries have strongly believed in God’s predestined election. For ourselves, we’re also sure in times of hardship and doubt that God has chosen us, and nothing in this world can steal us away.
2) God is love. It’s easy to see God as being heartless and unfair. But we need to understand he is God, and we are men. And the fact that he even chooses to save some (when he could have saved none) is a testament to his love. And the way he did it, namely through giving his only begotten son into the hands of fallen men that he sovereignty knew would slaughter him, is a testament to that love he has for the whole world.
[Answered by Counselor Mark Cheng]
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Q: How do I answer my 5 year old cousin who asked me what God is?
My little cousin (around 5 years old) recently asked me what "God" is, expecting me to have an answer, and I didn't know how to answer a question like that. How do I answer something like that next time?
I [Pastor HM] asked our children's pastor, Pastor Teresa, for her guidance and here's what she suggests. Say something like this:
God is the creator of the whole wide world. God is powerful and all-knowing. God created the world and everything in it because he enjoys making things and he wanted to be with us. God created people because he can have men and women, boys and girls, with whom he could share his love. He crated the world for them to live in and enjoy.
[Answered by Pastor Teresa, Children's Pastor]
Q: For English, there was this essay that I had to read and it states: Can a robot find God?...
...I was wondering if robots, or any kind of machinery, can go to heaven or hell? And even, can it have thoughts and doubts on its own creation? Because machines are man made creation, I'm stuck. Do you have any advice for me?A: Well, this is a rather interesting one. Never did I think that I'd get to answer something to do with robots. This person may be asking me because my youth often call me "Megatron" due to a poorly explained nickname from fellow Pastor HM. (He subsequently gave me a Bumble bee figurine when our families went to watch Transformers together and told me that at least I had the heart of this fearless dude...thanks.). But I will try my hardest to tap into my inner philosophical side and answer with objectivity.
Now, this was not a question that derived an unanimous answer. Why don't you start by reading this article first. Click HERE.
Firstly, it is important to define what a robot is. According to How Stuff Works (www.howstuffworks.com), a typical robot "has a movable physical structure, a motor of some sort, a sensor system, a power supply and a computer "brain" that controls all of these elements. Essentially, robots are man-made versions of animal life -- they are machines that replicate human and animal behavior." (http://science.howstuffworks.com/robot.htm).
Basically means that unlike my Blackberry which is simply a machine, a robot has a programmable brain that moves a body.
Secondly, I think we need to identify what it means by finding God. Anyone (or any technologically advanced robot in this case), can have the sense of a higher being. You can see this in the case of humans as they struggle to find God or a God. However, there is a difference between finding God and knowing Him through having a relationship with Him.
You are right to point out the fact that humans are created by God and robots are created by humans. Our creator wishes for us to know Him by communing with Him through prayer and community. We have the capacity to do this as it is God ordained. Robots on the other hand, even if they are programmed to have this relationship, cannot have an authentic relationship with God simply because it is not in His will. Through their technology, they can understand God, they can know that there is a God out there, they can even have a sense of closeness to God...but those "feelings" are not real as they are pre-set by their human inventor.
To address the issue of heaven or hell for robots, we need to understand the WAY in which someone gets into heaven or hell. Insert Jesus Christ here. Christ came to die on the cross for the sins of humans. He is the ultimate and final sacrifice in the sacrificial system in atonement of our sin (atonement means forgiveness). Christ came to die for humanity...and not for the creation from humanity.
To further that point...our eternal life (salvation) comes after we have finished living this one. As in, when we die, we'll go to heaven. However, robots don't have the capacity to die because they don't live. Either they are retired because of mechanical problems, or they are fixed so that they can continue on.
I think the article above gives a good philosophical answer on how, when and why robots can have a relationship with God. They may be programmed to feel like a human, act like a human, and even have a conscience like a human. But ultimately, they are just imitations of humanity. They don't possess a soul, they don't possess a true sense of right and wrong (because those just programmed into their being). Robots are unable to truly have a relationship with God through the understanding and salvation of Jesus Christ.
[answered by Pastor KJT]
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Q: On December the 25th an ancient civilization that worshiped the sun celebrated their God so why would we celebrate Christmas on the same day?
Good question. Dr. Alvin Schmidt has written about this very topic in his book, How Christianity Changed the World (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2005), 377-378. I can't copy the text here due to copyright, but HERE is the link. Just scroll to pages 377-378. Basically, Dr. Schmidt argues that Christmas was celebrated by the early Christians decades before the worship of the sun god began. In fact, these ancient religions tried to paganize and discredit Christianity. Thus, we do not celebrate Christmas on the same day because we are following other pagan traditions.
[Answered by Pastor HM]
Q: In any situation, can lying be acceptable?
"For example, if you're holding a surprise birthday party for a friend and s/he ask if you guys are planning to throw her/him a surprise party and say no?"
Christians have dealt with this issue of lying in 1 of 3 ways:
(a) Never lie. No exceptions.
(b) Doing the lesser evil.
(c) Doing the greater good.
The last two options (b and c) can be a bit confusing, so please read carefully (these are actually notes adapted from a class I taught).
1st View: No Exceptions
i. What does it say
1. God gives us moral laws (not lying, no adultery) to follow
2. His moral laws flow from his unchanging nature
3. Since he never changes his laws never changes
4. Therefore one should never lie.
5. No exceptions even to save someone’s life. Trust God.
6. There are no real moral conflicts we face ie lying vs saving a life (they are just apparent not real)
ii. What is good about it
1. A belief in absolute moral laws or else we are left with moral relativism.
2. It shows trust in God’s providence. God made the rules. We follow them and leave the results in God’s hand.
a. Dan 3:17-18
3. It holds there is a third way to avoid sinning
a. Dan 1 – eat the royal food and wine or face the consequences. The third way was not a or b, but to eat vegetables.
iii. What problems it has
1. God blessed the midwives and Rahab because of their deception. One cannot separate the lie from the act of mercy. The lie was an act of mercy.
2. By believing this we are guilty of the sin of omission. (James 4:1). Some believe by telling the truth, it is the offender who is threatening to do the killing who is sinning. But there is also a duty to save innocent lives, or to show mercy. If we know the right we have to do and do not do it, that too is sin.
3. God does not always save us from moral dilemmas or give us a 3rd alternative. Many have died or have persecuted throughout history (for not recanting their faith).
4. There is a basic inconsistency. Some people might condemn others for lying to save a person, but they may intentionally deceive to save their property (eg leaving the lights on while away to deceive potential thieves.)
5. Tendency to legalism. We miss the spirit of the law to avoid breaking the letter of the law. When lying and lives are weighed, what is more important?
2nd View: Doing the Lesser Evil
i. What does it say
1. We live in a fallen world. In such a world, real moral conflicts do occur.
2. When they occur, we are morally responsible to do both duties but since we cannot we have to break one.
3. In such cases we should do the lesser evil.
4. God’s law cannot be broken without guilt. Hence it is still a sin that we’ve committed so we need to confess and ask for God’s forgiveness.
ii. What is good about it
1. It preserves moral absolutes
2. There’s a realism (not found in option 1). We do face real conflicts not apparent ones.
iii. What problems it has
1. It seems strange that to say we have a moral obligation to do what is wrong. Does God command us to sin?
2. Can you be guilty for doing what is unavoidable?
3. This view holds that Jesus must have sinned. If Jesus was tempted in all ways as we are (Heb 4:15), then when he faced conflicting moral laws, he must have sinned. But this can’t be! (2 Cor 5:21). Jesus did face moral dilemmas in which 2 or more commands of God came into conflict. How did he respond?
• At age 12, he faced a conflict between his earthly parents and his heavenly Father (Luke 2)
• Matt 10:37 – he says to love God more than parents
• He chose mercy (healing a man) over the Sabbath
• So what does this mean for us?
3rd View: Doing the Greater Good
i. What does it say
1. Moral duties sometimes do come into conflict.
2. In such cases we are obligated to do the greater good not the lesser evil. This is not a word game.
3. When 2 moral duties clash, the believer is exempt from his duty to do the lower law by obeying the higher.
ii. What is good about it
1. There are higher and lower moral laws.
a. Matthew 23:23 – tithing vs justice, mercy and faithfulness (more important)
b. Matthew 23:36 – the greatest commandment
c. Matt 10:37 – love God above parents
d. Matt 5:19 – anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments
e. Some sins call for excommunication (1Cor5) some for death (Gen 9:6, Ro 13).
f. 1 Sam 15:22 -Obeying vs sacrifice
g. There is one sin so great as to be unforgivable (Mark 3:29)
h. There are levels of reward in heaven (1 Cor 3:1-12)
2. There are unavoidable moral conflicts we face
a. Gen 22 – Abraham & Isaac – do not murder vs obeying God (Love of God over Love of man)
b. Ex 1 & Josh 2 – lying vs saving lives (mercy over truth)
c. Dan 3, 6 – obeying government vs obeying God (Obey God over government)
3. People are not held guilty for doing the unavoidable. We are following the example of Jesus by doing the greater good and we are not sinning.
a. In lying to save a life, it is not the lie that is good, but it is the act of mercy to save a life that is good. (despite the fact that lying was necessary to accomplish this good.)
b. Mercy is an attribute of God Even though lying to save a life cannot be based in God as truth, it can be based in God as merciful. When truth and mercy conflict, then the necessary act of mercy (in this case lying) finds its basis in God’s nature as merciful.
c. God looks at the whole picture not the parts by themselves. (Cutting off a human leg by itself is wicked – it is called mutilation. But cutting off a leg because it is gangrous and to save a life is right – it is called amputation).
Summary: We argue that the 3rd view is the best. There are times when there is moral conflict. In those times, we must do the greater, moral good (not the lesser evil). A good example is when we lie in order to save a life (i.e. the greater good is another person's life).
Thus, to answer your question directly: "lying" about your friend's birthday party is not sinful b/c you are doing the greater good. You are lying because you are doing the greater good of loving another person. However, to be clear, this does not mean you should use this excuse to lie as frequently as you want. Lying because you were lazy or because you want to gain something easily is NOT the greater good.
Christians have dealt with this issue of lying in 1 of 3 ways:
(a) Never lie. No exceptions.
(b) Doing the lesser evil.
(c) Doing the greater good.
The last two options (b and c) can be a bit confusing, so please read carefully (these are actually notes adapted from a class I taught).
1st View: No Exceptions
i. What does it say
1. God gives us moral laws (not lying, no adultery) to follow
2. His moral laws flow from his unchanging nature
3. Since he never changes his laws never changes
4. Therefore one should never lie.
5. No exceptions even to save someone’s life. Trust God.
6. There are no real moral conflicts we face ie lying vs saving a life (they are just apparent not real)
ii. What is good about it
1. A belief in absolute moral laws or else we are left with moral relativism.
2. It shows trust in God’s providence. God made the rules. We follow them and leave the results in God’s hand.
a. Dan 3:17-18
3. It holds there is a third way to avoid sinning
a. Dan 1 – eat the royal food and wine or face the consequences. The third way was not a or b, but to eat vegetables.
iii. What problems it has
1. God blessed the midwives and Rahab because of their deception. One cannot separate the lie from the act of mercy. The lie was an act of mercy.
2. By believing this we are guilty of the sin of omission. (James 4:1). Some believe by telling the truth, it is the offender who is threatening to do the killing who is sinning. But there is also a duty to save innocent lives, or to show mercy. If we know the right we have to do and do not do it, that too is sin.
3. God does not always save us from moral dilemmas or give us a 3rd alternative. Many have died or have persecuted throughout history (for not recanting their faith).
4. There is a basic inconsistency. Some people might condemn others for lying to save a person, but they may intentionally deceive to save their property (eg leaving the lights on while away to deceive potential thieves.)
5. Tendency to legalism. We miss the spirit of the law to avoid breaking the letter of the law. When lying and lives are weighed, what is more important?
2nd View: Doing the Lesser Evil
i. What does it say
1. We live in a fallen world. In such a world, real moral conflicts do occur.
2. When they occur, we are morally responsible to do both duties but since we cannot we have to break one.
3. In such cases we should do the lesser evil.
4. God’s law cannot be broken without guilt. Hence it is still a sin that we’ve committed so we need to confess and ask for God’s forgiveness.
ii. What is good about it
1. It preserves moral absolutes
2. There’s a realism (not found in option 1). We do face real conflicts not apparent ones.
iii. What problems it has
1. It seems strange that to say we have a moral obligation to do what is wrong. Does God command us to sin?
2. Can you be guilty for doing what is unavoidable?
3. This view holds that Jesus must have sinned. If Jesus was tempted in all ways as we are (Heb 4:15), then when he faced conflicting moral laws, he must have sinned. But this can’t be! (2 Cor 5:21). Jesus did face moral dilemmas in which 2 or more commands of God came into conflict. How did he respond?
• At age 12, he faced a conflict between his earthly parents and his heavenly Father (Luke 2)
• Matt 10:37 – he says to love God more than parents
• He chose mercy (healing a man) over the Sabbath
• So what does this mean for us?
3rd View: Doing the Greater Good
i. What does it say
1. Moral duties sometimes do come into conflict.
2. In such cases we are obligated to do the greater good not the lesser evil. This is not a word game.
3. When 2 moral duties clash, the believer is exempt from his duty to do the lower law by obeying the higher.
ii. What is good about it
1. There are higher and lower moral laws.
a. Matthew 23:23 – tithing vs justice, mercy and faithfulness (more important)
b. Matthew 23:36 – the greatest commandment
c. Matt 10:37 – love God above parents
d. Matt 5:19 – anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments
e. Some sins call for excommunication (1Cor5) some for death (Gen 9:6, Ro 13).
f. 1 Sam 15:22 -Obeying vs sacrifice
g. There is one sin so great as to be unforgivable (Mark 3:29)
h. There are levels of reward in heaven (1 Cor 3:1-12)
2. There are unavoidable moral conflicts we face
a. Gen 22 – Abraham & Isaac – do not murder vs obeying God (Love of God over Love of man)
b. Ex 1 & Josh 2 – lying vs saving lives (mercy over truth)
c. Dan 3, 6 – obeying government vs obeying God (Obey God over government)
3. People are not held guilty for doing the unavoidable. We are following the example of Jesus by doing the greater good and we are not sinning.
a. In lying to save a life, it is not the lie that is good, but it is the act of mercy to save a life that is good. (despite the fact that lying was necessary to accomplish this good.)
b. Mercy is an attribute of God Even though lying to save a life cannot be based in God as truth, it can be based in God as merciful. When truth and mercy conflict, then the necessary act of mercy (in this case lying) finds its basis in God’s nature as merciful.
c. God looks at the whole picture not the parts by themselves. (Cutting off a human leg by itself is wicked – it is called mutilation. But cutting off a leg because it is gangrous and to save a life is right – it is called amputation).
Summary: We argue that the 3rd view is the best. There are times when there is moral conflict. In those times, we must do the greater, moral good (not the lesser evil). A good example is when we lie in order to save a life (i.e. the greater good is another person's life).
Thus, to answer your question directly: "lying" about your friend's birthday party is not sinful b/c you are doing the greater good. You are lying because you are doing the greater good of loving another person. However, to be clear, this does not mean you should use this excuse to lie as frequently as you want. Lying because you were lazy or because you want to gain something easily is NOT the greater good.
[Answered by Pastor Quang, from the English Congregation, with a little help from Pastor HM]
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