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Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Your Questions...Your Blog...
This is your chance to ask ANY questions, make ANY comments...anonymously!
What does the Bible say about....
I have a friend that thinks...
Is it really true that...
13 comments:
Anonymous
said...
My dad has been "getting out of control" recently. One day, he and my mom had a huge argument in front of me. My mom is convinced that she is supposed to be a completely submissive wife and not try to change anything unless he does. This is ripping me apart and I don't know what to do.
(Because I know so little, this response in quite general. Please let me know if you would like to meet further)
Dear Anonymous, I know how painful a situation like this can feel...and I know how helpless and confused it can leave you. Please rest assured that I will be praying for you. Although I have no idea who you are, it's comforting to know that a Heavenly Father not only knows your name, but knows each detail of the situation better than anyone!
So, what should you do? Very little. Remember that it's not your fault, and it's not your responsibility to fix it.
Obviously pray, pray without ceasing for both Mom and Dad (I Thes. 5:17). Also, be extremely careful to respect and honor both of your parents, no matter what else happens (Eph. 6:1-3).
As a child, I often made the mistake of jumping in the middle of an issue between my parents which always resulted in disrespect and more frustration. Again, I urge you to do little. Show your love, show your obedience, show your respect, and pray that God will intervene in His timing.
Every time I see this boy he wants to talk, he always wants to sit by me, and he even comes and finds me at church when he's supposed to be somewhere else. I do want to be his friend, but how can you tell a guy to give you some space, without being rude? Sometimes guys take your friendliness as liking them. I'm just looking for Christian friends. How can I stop from giving the wrong impression?
Dear Anonymous who needs some space, This actually is very common even later on in your teen years, so be prepared. Depending on your specific situation, there could be a few possibilities. There are extreme circumstances where you MUST be rude. This would be important in a case where the guy is talking disrespectful or derogatory to or about you. He does not deserve "nice-ness" and is better off being told to get lost. Then there are instances probably like this one where you feel a little smothered. I am sure that you would agree with me that honesty is a key factor in a friendship. You would not be rude if you spoke to him privately and explained your intent for friendships at this time and nothing more. Then do not confuse him later by being overly friendly. It is a mistake we girls too often make. We want guys in general to like us and not to think bad of us...but at a distance. A guy will take this niceness as a sign of "like," especially if he already likes you. And if we stop and think about it...we do the same. If we like a guy and he says hi or smiles or teases us, we are more likely to think something more. Am I right? So, sometimes just being truthful and "standoffish" is the best route and no, it is NOT being rude. (Just make sure you keep it between you and him and not all of your other friends, which is another key to being a good friend.) Check out these verses: Eph. 4:32, Pr. 18:24, Pr. 16:20
Dear Tiffster, Have you ever heard the term "a blanket answer?" A "blanket" answer is one that covers everything. So without knowing exactly what TV show you are referring to, I'll have to give you a "blanket" answer.
I have always found that when in doubt over a certain issue to always take the safe road. What I mean is that if you are concerned at all that watching this show is taking up your thought life then get rid of it. Trust your gut on this one!
Also, 1 John 5:21 says "guard yourselves from idols." In the New Living Translation that verse reads, "don't let anything take God's place in your hearts." If you feel that this show is taking up His space then you really have no choice then do you?
OK, you had me hung up there...but after a bit of research I think I'm ready to take a stab at your question...my answer is long and sporadic, so hang on…
From everything I read, Lent is a Catholic-based "ritual." In simple terms, it's a time set apart to "prepare ourselves" for the Resurrection (Easter) season. Sounds like a great idea…right? Well, consider the following. • Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) that was just celebrated this past week is the traditional “live it up” time before Ash Wednesday (the beginning of Lent). The idea here is to sin all you can before you spend the next 40 days repenting. New Orleans officials actually clear the streets on Tuesday (prior to Midnight) to ensure proper respect for the beginning of this “sacred” event we call Lent. • The following is a quote from a City of New Orleans website: “The observance of "Carnival" (aka Mardi Gras)…was a time preceding Lent when participants delivered themselves up to voluntary madness, put on masks, clothed themselves like specters, gave themselves up to Bacchus and Venus and considered all pleasure allowable. The name carnival is derived from the Latin carnis and vale, ‘farewell to the flesh’, because at that time people took leave of flesh. The carnival of the modern world is nothing more or less than the [tradition] of the Christian Romans who could not forget their pagan festivals.” • The Catholic church instituted Lent and often claims that our “Apostolic church fathers” practiced this period of “fasting and repentance.” Most historians disagree with this conclusion.
Where am I going with all of these random facts? Hopefully you see the connection between a man-made “holy” event and the fleshly outworking of its Pharisaical observance. Does this mean holidays are bad? Certainly not. However, when any day is mandated by humans (no Scriptural support) as sacred with strict rules and guidelines, have we not reverted back to the days of the Pharisees? What we see happening at Mardi Gras is exactly what happens every time legalistic ritual becomes the focus in place of the sufficient Scriptures themselves.
Have I answered your question? Probably not. Is it unbiblical to practice fasting and repentance? Obviously not. Is the time before Resurrection Sunday a great time to prepare yourself and examine the heart? Absolutely.
BUT, please be careful to not just “go through the motions” because it’s Lent. That’s like saying “I’m going to pray today because it’s the National Day of Prayer.” The special time may be a reminder, but it’s not the reason! Be careful to avoid following the teachings of an apostate church and the “traditions of men.” Be careful not to violate Jesus’ guidelines of fasting and worship (Matt. 6:16-18). Be careful not to judge someone too harshly based on their decision on Lent (Romans 14:1-6).
If it sounds like I'm avoiding a definite answer to your question, rest assured that it is my intention to do so. Now, you tell me…should we practice Lent?
hey, i was riding home with my dad today and we got to talking about in genesis 6 where it talks about the sons of God and the daughters of man and they had kids that were giants. well, my dad thinks sons of God is talking about demons, but im not quite sure where to stand, it just doesnt seem right that a demon could have kids with a human. i did some studying up and from what i understand, angels are sexless (matthew 22:30 is a good reference for that) so im pretty confused.
You're right to think that it isn't right for demons (or angels) could have children with human women. This passage has always been one that causes debates among Christians. Let me try to give you some clarity on this subject.
First, if these "sons of God" are demons, how did they get their body? We know angels are spirit beings and that they possess no fleshly form. They are not able to create a body (only God can do that) and if they were to possess a human body then that offspring would be purely human rather than a mix of angel and human.
Second, what would be the purpose behind this act? Why would a demon do this? The Bible is clear that Satan's goal is not to invade the human race by physical means. Rather, his goal is to make attempts to frustrate the plan of God in redeeming mankind. To begin a race of "demon-humans" would serve no purpose.
Finally, the alternative view on this passage makes better "Biblical" sense. Adam's first sons, Cain and Abel, were examples of the two kinds of people in life. Cain served himself while Abel chose to serve God. When Cain murdered his brother, that Godly line died with him.
Therefore, God gave Adam and Eve another son, Seth. It was through Seth that this heritage of serving God would continue. While Cain's descendents became notorious for their self-serving lifestyles, the children and grandchildren of Seth were known as God-worshippers.
So, these "daughters of men" refer to the descendants of Cain while the "sons of God" refer to Seth's line of children. All we find here is intermarriage between the two.
IN our English class, we are debating topics that students picked presentations on. The talk of Gay Marriage came up and the person for it used an argument that in the Bible we aren't supposed to judge people for who they are. I know gay marriage is wrong because of what the Bible says. How do you come up with a counterargument for that?
First of all, the phrase that we "aren't supposed to judge people for who they are," is a typical post-modern response to any attempt to apply an absolute truth to a situation. What this person is missing is the fact that no one's making a "judgment call" in this debate, but merely stating God's perfect precept as it applies to this matter.
The various "do not judge" passages in God's Word (John 7, Romans 14, etc.) never forbid us from calling a sin a sin. Doesn’t the Bible say something about confronting someone who’s in sin? Read Matthew 18.
May we never compromise or sit silently while the world suppresses us under their pitiful hand of humanism. It’s not our job to argue, fight, and behave like a Pharisee; but it is our job to proclaim, without apology, the truths of God’s Word and His perfect plan of redemption. The world will never see a need for redemption as long as Satan has them convinced that what’s “right in their own eyes” is the only standard that applies.
Allow me to borrow an illustration from Mr. Clinard...
What do you think a post-modern humanist would say if you stole his car? Would he not label you a thief and even report you to the authorities? But isn’t that “judging you for who you are?” How does he know that you didn’t have a strong personal conviction to have that car for yourself? How does he know that you don’t feel like it was right for you to do?
Here’s the point…stealing is wrong, no matter what the thief feels inside. Homosexuality is wrong, no matter what one feels or how he/she was treated as a child. So what verses can you come up with to show that homosexuality is wrong?
I have this friend who believes once your saved, you don't need to confess any of your other sins because you're already going to heaven. I know that's not right about confessing sins. Can you give me some verses and advice to back it up?
1 John is clear in regards to the idea of confessing current sins. This book was written to those who had already been saved. This is important in that within chapter 1 verse 8-10, John describes the confession life that should be lived by every believer. He writes:
"If we say, 'We have no sin,' we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say, "We have not sinned," we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us."
Essentially, John says that if we aren't regularly practicing confession to God for current sins we commit, we are calling God a liar and only fooling ourselves.
While the confession mentioned here is not for salvation, it has everything to do with fellowship. We cannot be in fellowship with God while still holding on to unconfessed sin.
Psalm 66:18 says, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear." This states that the effectiveness of my prayers is in direct relation to the sin I have left unchecked and unconfessed.
A parallel verse is James 5:16 "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." My righteousness as a believer (which affects my prayer life)is only as good as my confession of sin both to God and those whom have sinned against.
While your friend is right when he says that he's on his way to heaven, he's also missing an important truth. I have found that it is not the destination of a journey that matters, it is the way you travel. And if I take this journey with a clear concience before God, it makes the journey that much more sweet.
This is your chance to ask ANY questions, make ANY comments...anonymously! 
13 comments:
My dad has been "getting out of control" recently. One day, he and my mom had a huge argument in front of me. My mom is convinced that she is supposed to be a completely submissive wife and not try to change anything unless he does. This is ripping me apart and I don't know what to do.
(Because I know so little, this response in quite general. Please let me know if you would like to meet further)
Dear Anonymous,
I know how painful a situation like this can feel...and I know how helpless and confused it can leave you. Please rest assured that I will be praying for you. Although I have no idea who you are, it's comforting to know that a Heavenly Father not only knows your name, but knows each detail of the situation better than anyone!
So, what should you do? Very little. Remember that it's not your fault, and it's not your responsibility to fix it.
Obviously pray, pray without ceasing for both Mom and Dad (I Thes. 5:17). Also, be extremely careful to respect and honor both of your parents, no matter what else happens (Eph. 6:1-3).
As a child, I often made the mistake of jumping in the middle of an issue between my parents which always resulted in disrespect and more frustration. Again, I urge you to do little. Show your love, show your obedience, show your respect, and pray that God will intervene in His timing.
I'll wait to hear back from you...
Every time I see this boy he wants to talk, he always wants to sit by me, and he even comes and finds me at church when he's supposed to be somewhere else. I do want to be his friend, but how can you tell a guy to give you some space, without being rude? Sometimes guys take your friendliness as liking them. I'm just looking for Christian friends. How can I stop from giving the wrong impression?
Dear Anonymous who needs some space,
This actually is very common even later on in your teen years, so be prepared. Depending on your specific situation, there could be a few possibilities. There are extreme circumstances where you MUST be rude. This would be important in a case where the guy is talking disrespectful or derogatory to or about you. He does not deserve "nice-ness" and is better off being told to get lost.
Then there are instances probably like this one where you feel a little smothered. I am sure that you would agree with me that honesty is a key factor in a friendship. You would not be rude if you spoke to him privately and explained your intent for friendships at this time and nothing more. Then do not confuse him later by being overly friendly. It is a mistake we girls too often make. We want guys in general to like us and not to think bad of us...but at a distance. A guy will take this niceness as a sign of "like," especially if he already likes you. And if we stop and think about it...we do the same. If we like a guy and he says hi or smiles or teases us, we are more likely to think something more. Am I right? So, sometimes just being truthful and "standoffish" is the best route and no, it is NOT being rude. (Just make sure you keep it between you and him and not all of your other friends, which is another key to being a good friend.) Check out these verses: Eph. 4:32, Pr. 18:24, Pr. 16:20
Dear Tiffster,
Have you ever heard the term "a blanket answer?" A "blanket" answer is one that covers everything. So without knowing exactly what TV show you are referring to, I'll have to give you a "blanket" answer.
I have always found that when in doubt over a certain issue to always take the safe road. What I mean is that if you are concerned at all that watching this show is taking up your thought life then get rid of it. Trust your gut on this one!
Also, 1 John 5:21 says "guard yourselves from idols." In the New Living Translation that verse reads, "don't let anything take God's place in your hearts." If you feel that this show is taking up His space then you really have no choice then do you?
I hope this helps!
Is there anything biblical about lent? I don't believe there is anything wrong about it, but why do we continue practicing it?
OK, you had me hung up there...but after a bit of research I think I'm ready to take a stab at your question...my answer is long and sporadic, so hang on…
From everything I read, Lent is a Catholic-based "ritual." In simple terms, it's a time set apart to "prepare ourselves" for the Resurrection (Easter) season. Sounds like a great idea…right? Well, consider the following.
• Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) that was just celebrated this past week is the traditional “live it up” time before Ash Wednesday (the beginning of Lent). The idea here is to sin all you can before you spend the next 40 days repenting. New Orleans officials actually clear the streets on Tuesday (prior to Midnight) to ensure proper respect for the beginning of this “sacred” event we call Lent.
• The following is a quote from a City of New Orleans website: “The observance of "Carnival" (aka Mardi Gras)…was a time preceding Lent when participants delivered themselves up to voluntary madness, put on masks, clothed themselves like specters, gave themselves up to Bacchus and Venus and considered all pleasure allowable. The name carnival is derived from the Latin carnis and vale, ‘farewell to the flesh’, because at that time people took leave of flesh. The carnival of the modern world is nothing more or less than the [tradition] of the Christian Romans who could not forget their pagan festivals.”
• The Catholic church instituted Lent and often claims that our “Apostolic church fathers” practiced this period of “fasting and repentance.” Most historians disagree with this conclusion.
Where am I going with all of these random facts? Hopefully you see the connection between a man-made “holy” event and the fleshly outworking of its Pharisaical observance. Does this mean holidays are bad? Certainly not. However, when any day is mandated by humans (no Scriptural support) as sacred with strict rules and guidelines, have we not reverted back to the days of the Pharisees? What we see happening at Mardi Gras is exactly what happens every time legalistic ritual becomes the focus in place of the sufficient Scriptures themselves.
Have I answered your question? Probably not. Is it unbiblical to practice fasting and repentance? Obviously not. Is the time before Resurrection Sunday a great time to prepare yourself and examine the heart? Absolutely.
BUT, please be careful to not just “go through the motions” because it’s Lent. That’s like saying “I’m going to pray today because it’s the National Day of Prayer.” The special time may be a reminder, but it’s not the reason! Be careful to avoid following the teachings of an apostate church and the “traditions of men.” Be careful not to violate Jesus’ guidelines of fasting and worship (Matt. 6:16-18). Be careful not to judge someone too harshly based on their decision on Lent (Romans 14:1-6).
If it sounds like I'm avoiding a definite answer to your question, rest assured that it is my intention to do so. Now, you tell me…should we practice Lent?
hey, i was riding home with my dad today and we got to talking about in genesis 6 where it talks about the sons of God and the daughters of man and they had kids that were giants. well, my dad thinks sons of God is talking about demons, but im not quite sure where to stand, it just doesnt seem right that a demon could have kids with a human. i did some studying up and from what i understand, angels are sexless (matthew 22:30 is a good reference for that) so im pretty confused.
Dear Jacob,
You're right to think that it isn't right for demons (or angels) could have children with human women. This passage has always been one that causes debates among Christians. Let me try to give you some clarity on this subject.
First, if these "sons of God" are demons, how did they get their body? We know angels are spirit beings and that they possess no fleshly form. They are not able to create a body (only God can do that) and if they were to possess a human body then that offspring would be purely human rather than a mix of angel and human.
Second, what would be the purpose behind this act? Why would a demon do this? The Bible is clear that Satan's goal is not to invade the human race by physical means. Rather, his goal is to make attempts to frustrate the plan of God in redeeming mankind. To begin a race of "demon-humans" would serve no purpose.
Finally, the alternative view on this passage makes better "Biblical" sense. Adam's first sons, Cain and Abel, were examples of the two kinds of people in life. Cain served himself while Abel chose to serve God. When Cain murdered his brother, that Godly line died with him.
Therefore, God gave Adam and Eve another son, Seth. It was through Seth that this heritage of serving God would continue. While Cain's descendents became notorious for their self-serving lifestyles, the children and grandchildren of Seth were known as God-worshippers.
So, these "daughters of men" refer to the descendants of Cain while the "sons of God" refer to Seth's line of children. All we find here is intermarriage between the two.
I hope this helps clear up any confusion.
Keep studying!
IN our English class, we are debating topics that students picked presentations on. The talk of Gay Marriage came up and the person for it used an argument that in the Bible we aren't supposed to judge people for who they are. I know gay marriage is wrong because of what the Bible says. How do you come up with a counterargument for that?
First of all, the phrase that we "aren't supposed to judge people for who they are," is a typical post-modern response to any attempt to apply an absolute truth to a situation. What this person is missing is the fact that no one's making a "judgment call" in this debate, but merely stating God's perfect precept as it applies to this matter.
The various "do not judge" passages in God's Word (John 7, Romans 14, etc.) never forbid us from calling a sin a sin. Doesn’t the Bible say something about confronting someone who’s in sin? Read Matthew 18.
May we never compromise or sit silently while the world suppresses us under their pitiful hand of humanism. It’s not our job to argue, fight, and behave like a Pharisee; but it is our job to proclaim, without apology, the truths of God’s Word and His perfect plan of redemption. The world will never see a need for redemption as long as Satan has them convinced that what’s “right in their own eyes” is the only standard that applies.
Allow me to borrow an illustration from Mr. Clinard...
What do you think a post-modern humanist would say if you stole his car? Would he not label you a thief and even report you to the authorities? But isn’t that “judging you for who you are?” How does he know that you didn’t have a strong personal conviction to have that car for yourself? How does he know that you don’t feel like it was right for you to do?
Here’s the point…stealing is wrong, no matter what the thief feels inside. Homosexuality is wrong, no matter what one feels or how he/she was treated as a child. So what verses can you come up with to show that homosexuality is wrong?
I have this friend who believes once your saved, you don't need to confess any of your other sins because you're already going to heaven. I know that's not right about confessing sins. Can you give me some verses and advice to back it up?
1 John is clear in regards to the idea of confessing current sins. This book was written to those who had already been saved. This is important in that within chapter 1 verse 8-10, John describes the confession life that should be lived by every believer. He writes:
"If we say, 'We have no sin,' we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say, "We have not sinned," we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us."
Essentially, John says that if we aren't regularly practicing confession to God for current sins we commit, we are calling God a liar and only fooling ourselves.
While the confession mentioned here is not for salvation, it has everything to do with fellowship. We cannot be in fellowship with God while still holding on to unconfessed sin.
Psalm 66:18 says, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear." This states that the effectiveness of my prayers is in direct relation to the sin I have left unchecked and unconfessed.
A parallel verse is James 5:16 "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." My righteousness as a believer (which affects my prayer life)is only as good as my confession of sin both to God and those whom have sinned against.
While your friend is right when he says that he's on his way to heaven, he's also missing an important truth. I have found that it is not the destination of a journey that matters, it is the way you travel. And if I take this journey with a clear concience before God, it makes the journey that much more sweet.
Hope this helps!
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