I have a friend who’s religion does not allow alcohol, coffee, or tea. Is it in the Bible that we shouldn’t drink alcohol, coffee, or tea?
Answer:
This is a practice/belief in the Mormon Church. In their official “Doctrines and Covenants” it is stated that, “hot drinks are not for the body or belly… and …strong drinks are not for the body or belly of man.” These writings are found in the book of Mormon and are not found in the Bible as we know it. The Book of Mormon is extra-biblical writings by a man named, Joseph Smith.
Since his writings were/are not inspired by God, I wouldn’t hold much water to such precepts. Some people reserve to not drink said drinks because of the caffeine or alcohol in them. The feeling is that it alters the senses and does not give us a clear head. They would say, this leads to not clearly making Godly choices. The passage referring to alcohol and wine is Ephesians 5:18,
“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”
This passage refers to getting drunk, not the act of drinking itself. What we learn from this excerpt is not that we don’t have a Christian liberty to drink, but that we need to make sure not to be drunk. In the case of coffee, tea, soda, etc- I would challenge people, “Are you addicted to it?” If so, it’s become to take control of you. And in that regard, those who need it are essentially denying the precepts of not letting anything control them, except Christ & the Spirit. Now, these things, like obesity, are more socially acceptable, but still are things we need to be aware of and make the proper choices as we honor God.
Will military or law enforcement members that have killed in their occupation, be forgiven? How do you handle this?
Answer:
Many people have dissected this verse in the light of self-defense, police, and military occupations. It’s a tough one to wrestle with. Thanks for asking this though. Having a large number of military and police force members at Forefront, it’s a big deal. I hear this verse in conversation, and people often use the word “kill” when referring to it.
The correct translation reads, “Thou shalt not murder”, and there is a significant difference in the words “murder” and “kill”. Murder is defined as an unmitigated offensive killing of another human being, whereas “kill” is sometimes defensive, whether it be at a personal level or military level. Some people think that’s “splitting-hairs”, as the old phrase goes, but it’s not. The words and definitions are significantly different. The Hebrew word also covers causing human death through carelessness or negligence. None of these would fall into the category of a police officer or those in the military.
Now, another pressing question would be, “Do you forgive yourself?” I’ve counseled a number of returning service men and their PTSD from things like this is very difficult. I always advise counseling. Everyone should go to counseling anyway, not just if you’re struggling with something. As far as God forgiving you, while your occupation is not sinful, and you are not doing anything wrong in protecting the lives of others- taking a life is never easy or light. God restores us through Christ, and as a follower of Jesus, God forgives us in such cases.
If the world views Christians as hateful hypocrites, then why should we still allow ourselves to be associated/labeled along side these people?
Answer:
I used to not want to be called a Christian because of the negative connotations associated with Christianity. Instead I would insist to be called a “Christ-follower” or a “follower or Jesus.” I think these things are fine, but after a while I noticed myself getting caught on labels and categories and making sure that I wasn’t labeled as something that had negative connotations because I didn’t want to be associated with “those people” because I wasn’t like that – instead I’m like this.
Eventually though I gave up on my crusade to change what I was called and began to focus on how I lived and who I was. Being called a Christian isn’t a bad thing at all. Some in our society view Christianity or the word Christian or Church as a bad thing so we’ve come up with various ways of addressing ourselves so as not to be lumped in with this negative stereotype. Some prefer to be viewed as “spiritual” instead of Christian or we are going to a “gathering” instead of church. I realized that being called a Christian was actually a good thing because it was first in Antioch that the believers – the followers of The Way – were first called Christians (Acts 11:26).
The word Christian means “little Christ.” When these people in Antioch were first called Christian is was meant as a derogatory phrase but they embraced it and redeemed this derogatory label to make it something great; this is just like Christianity to take something that isn’t good and redeem it and make it good. In the same way, rather than dissociating myself from the word “Christian” and fighting against being labeled as that – I embrace the term along with all the baggage it carries and seek to redeem it through how I live and love. Part of being a Christian and being part of The Church is to embrace our flaws and mess ups, embracing even the dysfunction that comes with Christianity and pointing to Jesus as the one who is making all things right.
Will the world end in 2012? Were the Aztecs right all this time?
Answer:
The short answer, no. Well, maybe it could. But, that is completely up to God and no one knows the year, day, time, or hour.
Signs are evident we are living in a spiritually prophetic age. Many have deep seated questions about our times and are frantically searching for answers wherever they can to find them. Intellectuals are turning to lost civilizations like the Mayans and the ambiguous predictions of Nostradamus to satisfy a need for truth. They’ve even dug up some of old Merlin’s psychic prophesies to learn what he said about the end of the world — we won’t repeat them here. Their conclusion after gathering all the prophetic material: All sources agree, the world will end in 2012. It can’t be a coincidence after all, since so many diviners, psychics from barbaric primitive times agree.
While the Bible does say this world will end… it does not give us a set date. Christ said, in the beginning of the end we would see: Increased deception in the world (includes the New Age deception); the rise of false Christs (or leaders); wars and rumors of wars; nations will rise against nations and kingdoms against kingdoms; famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. Christ said these signs are the beginning of sorrows not the end itself. They have to happen and have been for the past 2000 years. The urgency of the Gospel message is always at hand. But, we do not know the date, time, hour, etc. 2 Peter 3:10 tells us,
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.”
Don’t worry, none of us are going to miss when this takes place. It will be abundantly clear.
Are ghosts real? Like, when it comes to death, heaven, and hell… are people wandering around among us?
Answer:
A lot of what happens after this life is speculation as far as details are concerned but there are some things that we do know from the Bible that shed some light on this question.
Paul is addressing Christians in 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 and talks about living in this body and longing for our heavenly body explaining that when we (our souls) leave this body we inhabit our heavenly body in heaven with God. In the story Jesus tells us in Luke 16:19-31 about the rich man and Lazarus, Jesus tells us that when the rich man dies he goes to Hades (a holding place for people who have died) and when Lazarus dies he is taken to Abraham’s side (a term for “paradise” Jesus refers to while on the cross). Jesus, when he tells this story, never mentions a limbo sort of state where they stay here as disembodied souls. From what I see in the Bible I don’t see a case for ghosts. What I see in the above examples is that when we die our souls go to either Paradise or Hades, with God or away from God, but it doesn’t appear we simply roam the earth as ghosts.
It may very well be that people who have spotted ghosts are actually seeing demons or angels which the bible addresses as very real beings that come into contact with people.
God doesn’t really have a view on tattoos. He discusses idol/pagan worship and the practices that are used. The main scripture that concerns many people with regards to tattooing is this verse from Old Testament book of Leviticus :
“You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the LORD.”
Leviticus 19:28 — New American Standard
At first glance this passage seems to indicate that tattoo is forbidden for Christians. To comprehend the Scripture correctly, we must always examine the whole of Scripture and look at the particular context of a given passage. If we neglect deep study we will never truly understand the intent of the author. We need to look at the word(s) of the above passage in full connection with the surrounding verses, and in context with the historic setting at the time of its writing. When we study below the surface of this text, we then will see more clearly what God says about tattoo. The verse quoted above is part of a larger passage of scripture seen here.
26 ‘You shall not eat anything with the blood, nor practice divination or soothsaying. 27 You shall not round off the side-growth of your heads nor harm the edges of your beard. 28 ‘You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the LORD. 29 ‘Do not profane your daughter by making her a harlot, so that the land will not fall to harlotry and the land become full of lewdness. 30 ‘You shall keep My sabbaths and revere My sanctuary; I am the LORD. 31 ‘Do not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out to be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.
Leviticus 19:26–31 — New American Standard
In this passage God is speaking to his covenant people Israel. He is specifically telling them to stay far from the religious practices of the surrounding people groups. The prohibited religious practices in these verses include eating bloody meat, fortune telling, certain hair cuts related to the priests of false cults, cutting or marking the body for dead relatives, cultic prostitution and consulting psychics. All these practices would lead God’s beloved people away from Him and toward false gods that were not Gods at all. In the midst of this context we find the word translated “tattoo marks” in verse 28. It is important to note here that the context of this passage is not one of body décor but one of marking one’s self in connection with cultic religious worship.
Ever feel like you have too much stuff up in your head?
The lyrics to Tiny Dancer.
All those stupid Geico commercials.
867-5309
Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, B, A, Start.
Yeah, I wish all that stuff was out of my head. But, because it’s so full, many times we don’t allow scripture to consume us. Or we’ve made up our minds from all we have stored up there, that what we’re hearing is a load of bull. In this series, “The Konami Code” our goal is to parse through what the true meaning or the Bible is. So we’ll be discussing:
03.06.11, God’s Word Brings Revolution, Matthew 10
03.13.11 God’s Word Combats Sin, Matthew 4
03.20.11 God’s Word Provides Guidance, Isaiah 58
03.27.11 God’s Word Brings Life Change, Acts 8
Invite a friend, come on out, and for more information on Forefront Church, check out http://www.forefront.org
Is Heaven real?
Would a good God really send people to Hell?
Who gets a ticket into the “big show” for eternity?
These questions are not new. Theologians, philosophers, pub crawlers, and the average Joe & Jane have been prompting this discussion for hundreds of years. It’s part of our design to wonder, dialogue, and discuss these questions. Fear of opening Pandora’s Box on these issues seems to stem from people’s fear of hurting feelings, leaving someone out, and/or misinterpreting the scriptures. There are all sorts of reasons to bring the topic up. It’s good for the soul. We begin to think on eternity. It raises our awareness to share our faith with everyone we come into contact with.
Recently, the web has been in a sort of “upheaval” with the soon coming release of Rob Bell’s newest literary piece “Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived.” I’ve received numerous emails from friends and people at Forefront asking, “What do you think about all of this? Is Heaven real? Is everyone going to be there?” The video that publisher’s Harper Collins released, has many Christians waiting with eyebrows raised. Here is the video (embedded below):
It’s Not New: First off, Rob Bell isn’t asking anything new. Remember- this dialogue has been going on for hundreds of years. There isn’t anything He can ask, say, do, or teach that someone hasn’t come up with already this side of Heaven.
The Bible As The Authority: The Bible is the final authority, not Mr. Bell, or any other author for that matter. When we begin to raise up the the early theologians like Calvin, Stone, & Lewis or well-known church leaders such as Warren, Driscoll, Piper, Chandler, Chan, Noble, Hybels, etc… above God, Jesus, and His word- we’re headed in a dreadful direction. God holds the power and eternity, let’s keep it in perspective.
Questions Are Good: Our faith is challenged, provoked, and stimulated by questions. You learn about God and decide if you believe it’s true based on…? Questions. Study. Searching through His word and deciphering what it means and how to apply it. When we stop asking questions, we’re also hitting a dangerous slope. It’s a sign we’ve arrived (or we at least believe we have). We’re told in scripture that some things are a mystery. Deuteronomy 29:29 states “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever…” If anyone claims to know everything about God and have it all figured out, be aware and keep a distance.
What Does Forefront Believe?: It’s always the question that comes up. What does the church believe about Heaven, Hell, and Who’s Going? Well, here is what we’ve come to know, understand, and believe (based on our study and research as a leadership)…
Heaven is real. Heaven is for eternity. And followers of Jesus have a hope that they will spend eternity there with Him. Heaven is a place where those who have followed Jesus will share community with Him for eternity worshiping the one and only Creator, God of the Universe. On the day of judgment, Heaven will come to earth for God to create a New Heaven and a New Earth. (on *Heaven: Matt. 5:12, Luke 6:23, Deut. 26:15, Matt. 10:22-23, Rev. 21:1-27, Rev. 22:1-21, Luke 23:43, Acts 7:59, 2 Cor. 5:8, Phil. 1;23, Rev 6:9-11, John 14:3, 17:24, 1 Thess. 4:14 & 17, Isa. 65:17-25, 66:22, Rom. 8:19-22, 2 Pet. 3:10-13, Gen. 1-14-16, 26:4, Pss. 33:6, 19:1, Gen. 1_20-22, Pss. 2:4, 11:4, 103,:19, 110:1-2, Dan. 7:9, Acts 2:34, 3:21, 7:56, Heb. 8:1, 9:24, 1 Pet. 3:22, Rev. 4-5, 2 Cor. 12:2, 1 Thess. 1:10, 4:16, 2 Thess. 1:7, Matt 24:29-31, 26:64, Acts 1:11, Acts, 7:55-56, 2 Cor. 12:1-4, 1 Cor. 2:9)
Hell is a real. Hell is for eternity. Jesus taught many people will see it first hand because the road leading to it is broad and our selfish nature (sinful nature) draws us to the wide road. It’s easy, self-fulfilling, and makes us feel good- for a moment. We have every opportunity this side of life to accept God’s grace (a gift we don’t deserve), and come into a saving relationship with Him. (on *Hell: 1 Tim 2:24, 2 Pet. 3:9, Matt. 13:42 & 50,, 18:8-9, Rev. 19:20, 20:14-15, Matt. 25:30, Jude 13, Rev. 14:10-11, Matt. 7:23, 25:41, Luke 16:19, 2 Thess. 1:9, Rev. 14:11, Rev. 2:11, 20:6 & 14, 21:8, Matt. 13:42 & 50, 22:12-13, 24:51, 25:30, Luke 13:28, Matt. 25:41. Rev. 14:10-11, Rev. 20:10, Dan. 12:2, Matt. 25:41 & 46, 2 Thess. 1:6-9, 2 Kings 16:3, 21:6, 2 Chron. 28:3, 33:6, Jer. 19:56, 32:35, Matt. 5:22, 10:28, 18:9, Mark 9:43, Matt. 13:42 & 50, Matt. 23:15 & 33, Matt. 25:41, Rev. 19:20, 20:10, 14, 15, Isa. 66:24, Mark 9:47-48)
Salvation is real. Salvation comes through Christ Jesus and Him alone. It’s by grace, through faith, at baptism, for good works. My prayer is that you hear it, seek it, find it, and thank God for it. God’s gift of grace (a gift we don’t deserve) is open to everyone, but the Bible parses out through the teachings of Jesus and Paul that not everyone will decide to follow, obey, and live according to His will and precepts. (on *Salvation: John 3:16, Acts 2:38-39, Eph. 2:8-10, Col. 2:12, Acts 16:30-31, Rom. 11:6, Gal. 3:27, 1 Pet. 3:21-23, John 3:5, Titus 3:5, Acts 22:16, Romans 6:3-4, Mark 16:16, 2 Cor. 5:17, Rom. 3:20,24,28, 4:5, 5:9, 10:17, John 6:45, 12:32, 20:31, Rom. 1:16, Heb. 4:12, Jam. 1:18, John 12:32, Matt. 23:37, Acts 7:51, 2:41, John 1:12, John 6:44,65, Eph. 1:5, Rom. 8:29-30, 2 Thes. 2:13, 1 Peter 1:1-2)
Let’s not be afraid to ask questions. Also, let’s no be quick to throw stones at people who don’t feel the same way as we do. Lay off the Rob Bell’s of the world for a moment. If you feel someone does or does not believe the same as you on God’s word: pray w/ them, talk w/ them, and allow yourselves to have an honest discussion free from social networking. Just because technology has given you and I a platform, doesn’t mean every discussion needs to stay there. Some are better left face to face in our homes, pubs, and meeting places. We’re forever learning, coming into new understandings, and allowing God to teach us.
What I understood about God’s love at age 13, is much different than what I understand about God’s love at 31. Let God’s word marinate in your system, cover you, and transform your heart. As you do that, share it with others. Because eternity is at stake and the road is broad. Chances are, unless you’ve been living under a rock, you have friends on the broad road. It leads to destruction and eternal separation from God. Let’s share our faith. People are dying without Him.
Jason
(Comments on this post have been turned off. We all have better things to do than to have virtual discussion here. I hang out on occasion for lunch during the week. Wanna talk about this stuff? Let’s get together for lunch. Amen.)
It won’t be every week, but on a semi-regular basis, we’re gonna take a look at the message from the previous week and “After The Message” give a little insight for further study, etc. This week, we’re taking a look at “Remaining Balance, Week 3″ (preached by James Davis, Student Pastor).
So this weekend we’re heading on a Men’s Retreat with 40+ guys to a 10 bedroom house to focus on God. Our purpose is to focus on God’s story, how we are involved, and what are we doing with our story… I’m not good in large groups (anxiety), but I do my best. Many of the guys aren’t into large groups either, but they’re coming. I’m glad God is pushing them (and me) to gather together and talk about our faith. We need it.
As I’ve been studying, learning, and praying over the retreat, here are some of the things, concepts, and ideas that have been weighing on me. If you’re going, I’m praying God moves your heart like He’s been moving mine… Enjoy the preview.
