Q: I don't consider myself a Christian anymore, does that make me a bad person?

I go to church but find that I don't relate to any of my friends that I used to have from Sunday school. I think they try to distance themselves from someone who just isn't the typical 'rhccc stereoype' (haha) as in I never attended BASIC/Agape, my parents are not involved with the church, I smoke and occasionally other things. I am nearly failing school (for real, none of the Asian fail crap). I don't consider myself a Christian anymore, does that make me a bad person?  I just don't care about a lot of things anymore, but I know I should, for the sake of my friends and family.

Since are you are so bold to point out the things that you do, I will also be so bold as to say that your choices in life are taking you down the wrong path. I think you know this already, so I won't touch on it further.

You said that you don't consider yourself a Christian anymore and you ask if this makes you a bad person. The key thing you must realize is that Christianity is not about being a good or bad person; it's not about what you do or what you don't do. We are all sinners ("bad people"). Believe it or not, this is the beauty of Christianity. Unlike all other faith systems, Christianity says that everyone is bad. There is no one good, righteous or better than anyone else (Romans 3). This means that nothing you do determines whether you are a good or bad person. The fact that you smoke, fail at school or swear has nothing to do with your salvation because you cannot EARN it. Similarly, the fact that you do NOT smoke, do well in school and never swear has nothing to do with your salvation as well.

The only way you can be saved ("be a good person") is by trusting in Jesus. If you think about it this way, Christianity is actually the most inclusive religion because it teaches us that all those who know they are "bad" can be saved by asking Jesus to forgive their sin, while those who think they are good enough are not saved precisely because they do not feel they need forgiveness.

You've admitted you've walked away from Christ. With this new understanding of what Christianity is all about, I hope you'll turn back to Him. I don't know why you don't care about a lot of things in your life (there could be a thousand reasons), but it seems you are unhappy. If you are, turn back to Jesus. In the Gospel of John, Jesus compares himself with everlasting bread (John 6). What's Jesus talking about? He's talking about spiritual emptiness: An unsatisfied longing for the meaning of life. A spiritual empty person needs a sense of destiny and reassurance. Furthermore, he desperately looks for answers (e.g. different religions; astrology; splurge on shopping we can’t afford; new sexual experiences; do crazy things with your life). But nothing satisfies. Finally the spiritual empty person becomes spiritually weak; he becomes tired, bored and depressed. There is an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness. Friend, perhaps I am describing you. If I am, turn back to Jesus. If you really want to be satisfied deep down in your soul, believe in Jesus. Don't do it for the sake of your family; do it for your sake.

God offers hope and restoration, whenever you are ready and willing.  Just because you don't feel connected with God right now, does not mean that He's not there. Just like the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) who walked away from His Father but returned to him, God is waiting for you to walk down that path.  By asking this question, it means that you're thinking about your life and faith. Please feel free to talk to me in person or one of your counselors about this.  We'd love to be able to walk with you through this and help answer any more questions you may have.

[Answered by Pastor KJT and Pastor HM]

Q: Does it mean we do not fully believe in Jesus if we question and have doubts about his superhuman miracles?

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]