Dear Roger, My Christian friends hold a very different set of values than I do. They permit their kids to celebrate Halloween, they engage in social drinking and use recreational drugs. I can’t imagine how we can have fellowship with each other when our convictions are so different. What do you think? “L” Dear “L”, First of all, I am pleased to see that you have used the word, “convictions”. A dramatic difference exists between Biblical truths and personal convictions. Too often we Christians confuse the two. We live and die for Biblical truth. On the other hand, personal convictions are not nearly as foundational to living out the Christian life. Convictions have more to do with our consciences which are trained to respond one way or another to particular situations and issues. Christians have been divided over what Paul referred to as “disputable issues” ever since the first century. Most church fights—from the first century down to the present day—were not over Biblical issues. The fights were over personal convictions regarding personal consciences. The Roman Christians were having great difficulty in deciding just which activities were acceptable and which were not. They were arguing, among other things, about whether or not it was all right for Christians to eat meat which had previously been offered to idols and then sold at a discount in the market places surrounding the pagan temples. Paul gave us specific guidelines for settling “food fights” among brothers and sisters in Christ. In Romans 14:1-15:5 .  Paul taught how to settle disagreements among God-loving Christians who are trying to live out the Christian life in gray areas. In Romans 14:1-3 Paul wrote: “Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. One man’s faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. “Disputable matters” are areas where the Bible doesn’t expressly give direction. Two disputable matters—among many others—were rampant in the church in Rome: 1. Eating meat offered to idols 2. Celebrating pagan holidays Unfortunately disputable issues still divide and hurt Christians today: drinking alcohol, dancing, dress, movies, music, video games, holidays, tattoos, body piercings, bodily augmentations or “upgrades,” worshipping with uplifted hands in prayer and home schooling, etc., etc. and etc. Two extremes must be avoided as we decide what is acceptable behavior and what is not. Legalism: We make a list of rules and conform to the rules. Then, we attempt to impose our personal convictions as normative for others. Libertinism: “Since I’m free in Christ and the Bible forbids none of these things, then I’ll feel free to do any and/or all of them!” One of my close friends, Gary Shrader, synthesized Paul’s teaching regarding disputable issues of conscience into what he identified as four “boxes”. We need to know what box we are in and what box our friends are in as we sort out our relationships in the gray areas of the Christian life. BOX 1: I can’t; and, I struggle if you do. BOX 2: I can’t; but, you can. BOX 3: I can; but, it is a struggle for me. BOX 4: I can; and, you can. By the way, Gary’s boxes are only somewhat of an indicator of personal spiritual growth. Some very young Christians may be able to enter many areas of freedom while those much farther along in the journey may still struggle in some areas. In Romans 14:13-15:5 Paul added three more boxes. The overarching principle of handling issues of conscience is found in Romans 15:1 : “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.” Who are the strong? What are the failings of the weak? Strong Christians eat the meat without any pangs of conscience. Weak Christians can’t eat without feeling that they are violating their consciences. BOX 5: I can; but, I won’t because others might stumble. Paul wrote in Romans 14:13b : “Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.” What is a stumbling block? If you pick any disputable matter and do it in front of weaker brothers offending their consciences, you have become a stumbling block to their faith.  Don’t flaunt your freedom before others ( Romans 14:22 ). Keep your freedom in this area between you and God. BOX 6: I can’t; so I won’t until I can. Paul carefully addressed those gray areas where our engagement in certain activities might violate our consciences. He writes in Romans 14:23 : “But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.” Contrary to popular belief, our consciences don’t necessarily tell us what is right and wrong. They give us behavioral instructions along the lines of what we have been trained to believe is right or wrong. If a certain activity violates our consciences we are not to engage. To do so is to sin. A violated conscience impairs our ability to hear God speak deep in our inner spirit. Paul is clear: we are never to act contrary to the leadings of our consciences. Instead, we strengthen them by retraining them along the lines of Biblical truth so that we can experience the freedom of the Spirit-filled life. By the way, how we behave in these disputable gray areas means that what is sin for some is not sin for others. Think about that! BOX 7: I can; and I’ll help others find freedom. Paul wrote in Romans 14:19 : “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” “Mutual edification” has to do with retraining our consciences along the lines of Biblical freedom. We help “weaker” brothers or sisters whose consciences are more attuned in some areas to personal convictions than to Biblical truth by restricting our liberty—and then coming along side them and helping them understand why we restricted our liberty. Then, we encourage them to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, search the Scriptures and enjoy freedom in those particular areas. Rallying around the indisputables is one of the best ways to enhance relationships, unity and peace. Paul wrote in Romans 15:5-6 : “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” From my perspective the Indisputables are: 1. The Bible is the Word of God. 2. Jesus is 100 % God and 100% man (Jesus was virgin born). 3. Jesus died a substitutionary death on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin. 4. The bodily resurrection guaranteed that Christ’s mission was s fulfilled. 5. Forgiveness of sin and salvation come solely by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. 6. God establishes an eternal relationship with those who personally receive Him as Savior and Lord. When we get these “indisputables” right, our priorities and choices will fall into place. We will live in deeper fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Jesus focused on the essentials as a powerful way to bring in the kingdom. So may we! Well, “L”, I hope this helps. May God bless you as you live wisely and Biblically your Christian life. Love, Roger

Dear Roger, There seems to be much emphasis these days on the role of women in ministry. I like that because when I was young women definitely took a back seat in church affairs. Recently, I’ve began wondering if any of the books of the Bible were written by women. Sincerely, Curious   Dear Curious,   The Bible contains a variety of 66 books written by approximately 45 different writers over a span of about 1200 years. The fascinating thing is that the Holy Spirit carefully inspired all the authors so that their books dovetail together with the same main theme. The first 12 chapters of Genesis tell us that mankind is in trouble because of Sin and the Fall. The rest of the Bible, from Genesis 12 to Revelation 22 , describes how God will fix the problem and eventually restore man to the glorious place and existence that he had before the Fall. A red thread (signifying the shed blood of Jesus to forgive sins) runs through every book in the Bible. A 1,200 year-unified-stream of salvation is nothing less than remarkable!   All the Bible books were definitely written by men—with one possible exception. I’ll say more about that exception in a moment.   Some books have disputed authorship. The first five books of the Bible were written by Moses . Even Jesus says so ( Mark 12:26 ; Luke 24:27 ; et. all.). However, that does not keep from some questioning whether or not Moses was the author. You may read some day of the “JEPD” theory which postulates different compilers (redactors) who wove together the different sections of these books. “J” stands for the author who brought into the mix the Hebrew passages which refer to God as “Jehovah” (YHWH). “E” stands for the author who wove in the Hebrew passages which refer to God as “Elohim.” “P” stands for some unidentified priests who added in their own material. Finally, “D” is the author who wrote the entire book of Deuteronomy. “JEPD” is intriguing food for thought; however, it pales to significance in contrast to the stamp of approval that Jesus placed upon Moses as the author. I will side with Jesus.   We really don’t know any of the authors of the historical books in the Old Testament like Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Nehemiah or Esther. They were all written in the third person.   The authors of the Poetical books are fairly well known—except for the book of Job. Again, writing in the third person, the author tells Job’s story. It is not the author’s story.   David wrote about seventy-five of the 150 Psalms. Asaph wrote some. The Sons of Korah wrote others and even Moses wrote one.   Proverbs was written by King Solomon except for Proverb thirty-one which was composed by King Lemuel—whoever that was.   Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon were both composed by Solomon.   The last seventeen books of the Old Testament are known as the Prophets—major and minor. The author of each book is the man for whom the book is named—like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. By the way, Lamentations was written by Jeremiah as he grieved over the absolute destruction of Jerusalem around 598 B.C. There are two exceptions to prophetical authorship. Parts of the book of Daniel are written in the first person thus automatically identifying Daniel as the author of these sections. The other exception is quite a surprise The pagan Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar wrote Daniel chapter four.   The New Testament is rather straightforward. The gospels were written by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. John also wrote three epistles and the book of Revelation. Dr. Luke wrote the Acts of the Apostles. Paul wrote the books from Romans all the way to Philemon. James wrote James. Peter wrote his two epistles. Jude wrote Jude.   The only book I have yet to mention is Hebrews. The authorship of this book is very much in doubt. Hebrews is a dissertation presenting Jesus as better than the creation, the angels, and all the Old Testament laws and priesthood—both Aaronic and Mosaic. He is the High Priest who made one final sacrifice for sin when He died on the cross. He then entered Heaven with an offering of His own precious blood and sat down at the right hand of God. He is the final sacrifice; there is no need for another. By the way, just a few short years after Hebrews was written the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and there has not been a sacrifice there since.   The book of Hebrews is often called the “fifth” gospel. One thing is certain about the person who wrote Hebrews, he or she certainly did love Jesus. Love for Christ flows forth from every page.   Now, let’s consider who wrote the book. No one has any sort of definitive answer whatsoever as to authorship. I have always thought it hilarious that the King James Bible, translated in 1611, prefixes Hebrews with the identifying moniker, “The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews.” Then the translators closed the book with a footnote that says, “Written to the Hebrews from Italy by Timothy.” They would have done well to leave well enough alone. I would imagine that the translators voted as to who was the author. Since there was no clear consensus, they wrote in the two top contenders—one at the beginning and one at the end. They just guessed.   One of my assignments at Baylor was to translate and parse the entire book of Hebrews. One thing I noticed was that the Greek grammatical constructions, phrases and vocabulary were different from those used in Paul’s epistles. Hebrews just doesn’t sound like Paul’s writing.   One strong contender for authorship is a man named Apollos ( Acts 18:24-26 ) who was a well-educated Jew who powerfully preached Christ. What intrigues me is that a married couple named Priscilla and Aquila took him aside and gave him deeper insight and instruction regarding the glory and nature of Christ Jesus. In Greek culture and writing the man was always mentioned before the female. However, Dr. Luke was careful to consistently reverse the order ( Acts 18:18-19 ) so that Priscilla’s name always precedes her husband’s. Priscilla was quite significant in the early church as a Bible teacher, church leader and preacher—as evidenced by, among things—that Paul left her and her husband to lead the church in Ephesus.   Throughout history, especially in recent history, Priscilla has been suggested as the one who authored the Book of Hebrews. If so, she is the only woman who authored a book of the Bible. I suppose that in this life, we will never know for certain the real name of the author. But this we do know, whoever wrote this book about Jesus, certainly loved Jesus. Roger

Dear Roger, Why do churches often ignore the poor, the hurting, the victims of disease and disaster? My son tried to call all the Christian churches of Australia in supporting me., i’m bedridden and asked someone to come visit me in my time of illness such as reading inspirational scriptures to uplift my spirit. Not one of them pastors/elders etc came to see me! Even though I prayed about it constantly. We have no family or friends and are very isolated; yes we have read the bible; having one in one with God but we still need Christians on our side for support in a time of need! Where has Christianity gone today when all Churches do is make money; open Cafés; book shops in their churches; lure people into buying their goods when in reality should be going out to all communities to reach out for the needy when they don’t; are too busy with their own Church Conferences etc!!! I’ve heard they care about hurting people, but why aren’t they there for me? Natalie and Peter Dear Natalie and Peter,  Many letters like yours come to me. I grieve with you. I am sorry that you are struggling without help and support from the church. I will pray for you right now.   Now, in my opinion, in response to your letter, too often church people are seeking after the things of the world and have forgotten one of the basic reasons for their existence: caring for the poor. Materialism, selfishness, greed and high taxes all impair the church’s ability to help the poor as God intended.   Natalie, and Peter, every church has a focus, whether or not it is aware of it. Many have more than one. No one church can do everything. However, it is essential that it cover the main bases. In my mind the most neglected and most often missed base is caring for the poor and down and out.   Throughout His ministry Jesus both told and showed us how Christians are to act and behave toward others. In other words many things are important; but, some things are really essential and cannot be minimized or ignored.   I CALL IT PLAYING “CHURCH BASEBALL.” OUR GOAL IS TO HIT A HOME RUN.   FIRST BASE: He Told Us To Love God And Our Neighbors As We Love Ourselves ( Matthew 22:37-40 And John 13:34-35 ).   In my opinion the church in general is not doing well with this priority. In the first century Christians were known as the people who loved God and loved others Surveys today reveal that 78% of Americans identify evangelical Christians as the most judgmental segment of American society.   SECOND BASE: He Told Us To Evangelize All Nations ( Matthew 28:19-20 ).   God is on the move in massive parts of our world. American churches are doing their part in reaching the nations. Here at home many churches are reinventing themselves in an effort to be more culturally relevant in order to evangelize the lost more effectively and successfully. (Unfortunately, this comes with the cost of alienating many Senior Adults.   Nevertheless, it is critical that the church focus more on the young than on the old. After all, over 85% of all the people who will ever choose to follow Christ will make that decision before the age of twenty-five. After age sixty-five the decision to follow Jesus drops to one in sixty-seven thousand.   Before we pat ourselves on the back about our evangelism, the fact remains that 98% of American Christians have never led a single person to saving faith in Christ.   THIRD BASE: He Told Us To Teach And Disciple All Believers ( Matthew 28:19-20 and John 21:15-17 ).   We must shore up this area dramatically. In my experience, compared to Christians in most other parts of the world, American Christians fall woefully short in Biblical understanding, growth, and obedience. Most American Christians have chosen a comfortable pew and they are not getting up.   We struggle here with two misconceptions. First, sermons can never disciple the flock. Sermons can set the stage for discipleship but they can never, on their own, disciple. Second, most American small groups are inept at discipleship. Spiritual children are not good at leading other children. We need spiritual mothers and fathers to help mature spiritual children and the church is woefully lacking in spiritual mothers and fathers.     HOME RUN: Jesus’ Heart Beats To Care For The Poor And Hurting Wherever And Whenever They May Be Found ( Matthew 25:34-460 ).   Early in my ministry I was sorting out what “ministry market ” God wanted for Casas. What would be our goals and purposes. What would the model look like? As I thought about Casas’ focus I realized that there was one group of people whose need for ministry would never run dry. If we focused our ministry to these people we would never run out of work.   When Jesus read from Isaiah during the Sabbath Synagogue Service I believe that He outlined marching orders both for Himself and for us.   He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. . . . “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” ( Luke 4:16-21 ).   As I reflected on this passage I decided that I could sum it all up in three simple words: “helping hurting people”.   Some churches want only to go after the sheep which are outside the fold. Others are most concerned with caring for the sheep that are safely in the fold. Both are fine. But, it is best to do both.   As I contemplated Casas’ ministry focus I realized that there was a group of people whose need for ministry would never run dry. If we focused our ministry to these people we would never run out of work. Our ministry was to “help hurting people.”   New school years always begin with a series of teacher meetings. One of our church members found herself sitting next to a brand new teacher who had recently moved to Tucson. They got to talking about churches and our church-member teacher mentioned that she attended our church, Casas. Immediately, the new teacher brightened and said, “Oh, I have heard of that church. That ‘s the church that helps people.”   I was so pleased. We were “Helping Hurting People.”   Early in my ministry I was up early and out the door. Three church members were having surgery in two different hospitals and if everything went just right, I had time to pray with all three before they left for surgery. I prayed with two at Tucson Medical Center. I hurriedly got into my car and raced down Speedway to St. Mary’s Hospital. I didn’t make it. It didn’t matter that I had made two calls already, all they wanted to know was why I wasn’t there for their loved one. They knew how to lay on the guilt. I decided then and there to fix this.   I recruited Betty Lefler and asked her to recruit and manage a group of people who would personally set aside time to make one or more hospital visits each week. As we grew, so did her Sunshine Committee. People in the hospital are obviously hurting. So, we guaranteed our people that when they were in the hospital they would get at least two visits every day–one from a pastor and one from the Sunshine Committee.   That committee expanded over time to caring for “shut ins”, fixing cars for single moms and taking communion to people who were unable to attend church for whatever reason (s).   By the way, not all the poor look poor. The man driving a BMW financed fully by the bank can be more than poor. The family may be well-dressed for church; unfortunately, unless they told you, you might never guess that they just lost their home–and car. Of course, as we look under the bridge we see the people we all would agree are poor.   The poor need help. “If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother” ( Deuteronomy 15:7 ).   Every church needs a benevolence committee. Some money needs to be in the budget and the committee is to raise money and protect the pastor. Most pastors are poor at handling panhandlers. I remember Christmas and I was alone in the church office when a man came in and asked for money to feed his children who were hungry. With a pastor’s heart I had often given money, usually mine, to help the poor in need. As I listened to this man’s story my heart ached. I wanted to go out and comfort the children who were waiting in the car. He said that I didn’t need to do that. But, I felt so sorry for them. When we reached the car I said to the ten-year-old, “I am so sorry you don’t have enough to eat. When is the last time you had something to eat?” The fat, little boy stammered, “Uh, about an hour ago.”   I got out of the benevolence business. All needs were referred to wise church people who paid overdue electric bills and made house payments, rented apartments and paid for car repairs.   Natalie and Peter, the Bible is the standard of where and how the church is to focus its ministry on earth. It certainly failed in helping you. I am sorry. How churches operate and minister has to do with resources. There are not enough to help everyone in need. However, if the church were to function properly according to Biblical principles many more hurting people would find help and succor from the church people in their times of need.   Alexander MacLaren used to say, “Be kind to everyone you meet because everyone you meet is fighting a battle.   Love, Roger

Dear Roger, Our Bible study group was discussing how and why God could justify sending good people to hell. We all agree that someone like Adolf Hitler ought to be in hell. But we also agreed that we know many non-Christians who are better people than many Christians. It seems so unfair for God to send some bad people to heaven while some good people end up in hell. How can this be? Thank you, Kelly   Dear Kelly,   We had to stick really closely to the Bible to deal properly with your question. From my perspective I feel that most people believe they will go to heaven or hell based on how good or bad they were on earth. While most people think it will be close, they do believe that they’ll make it to heaven. Unfortunately, this is exactly the opposite will “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him” ( Hebrews 9:27-28 ). In Romans chapters three through seven Paul shows us how all have sinned and are guilty. In Romans chapters one and two Paul shows us why good men and women aren’t good enough for His heaven.   Good people need forgiveness for their sins just like everyone else.   Christians have their sins forgiven at the cross. Because of God’s grace and mercy Christians will never face their sins again. Not so with those who died without a Savior. Revelation 20:11-14 describes the Great White Throne Judgment when and where those who’ve died without a Savior are given the opportunity to convince God why he should let them into heaven unforgiven and without a Savior.   The key to understanding “good people in hell,” revolves around the Book of Life and the Books of Works. The Book of Life contains the names of everyone who has ever born. Those who die without a Savior have their names “blotted out of the Book of Life” and will be evaluated by their behaviors which are recorded in the Books of Works.   I imagine that those awaiting their turns with Jesus to be organizing their speeches to show Him why they are good enough for Heaven.   God will then show them in the Book of Works why they are not good enough. Then, the Lord Jesus Christ will open the Book of Life and discover, as He already knows, that their names are not there. Tragically, they will be tossed into the Lake of Fire and assigned to hell for eternity.   The problem is that no one is good enough for God’s Heaven. If He were to let us into heaven with all of our sin we would wreck the place.   We need the righteousness of Jesus Christ, and our surrender to him as Lord and Savior, to clean our lives of sin and make us fit to live in heaven.   “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” ( Romans 3:23 ).   “For the wages of sin is, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” ( Romans 6:3 3 ).   “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.   For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son” ( John 3:16-17 ).   In Romans Chapter Two the apostle Paul shares with us the seven factors of judgment that Jesus will use when he opens the Books of Works at the Great White Throne Judgment. From these books Jesus will prove why good people are not fit for Heaven.   Romans Two does not show folks how to be saved. This passage shows folks why they are lost! These are not the principles of salvation. These are the principles of evaluation. Here are seven of the reasons why good people are disqualified from entering into God’s Heaven.   1. GOD WILL EVALUATE ACCORDING TO TRUTH AS OUTLINED IN THE BIBLE ( Romans 1-3 ).   God will judge everything according to Truth because we all are in the habit of comparing ourselves with others.   On Judgment Day God will say to those who died without Jesus Christ as their Savior, “Let’s judge you for who and what you really are.”   2. GOD WILL EVALUATE ACCORDING TO HIS KINDNESS ( Romans 2:4 ).   God’s judgment will be in proportion to the amount of kindness that God has poured out to people during their lifetimes.   God expends His kindness to us that He might lead us to repentance.   Christians often wonder why lost people seem to have it so good. The answer is that it’s just God’s kindness to turn them to repentance – the longer they reject His kindness, the more inexcusable they will be when they stand at the Great White Throne Judgment.   3. GOD WILL EVALUATE ACCORDING TO ACCUMULATED WRATH ( Romans 2:5 ).   Hardening of arteries can take us to an early grave – but hardening of the heart, spiritually, will take us ultimately to the Lake of Fire.   If the grace and kindness of God have not led us to repentance, then every day, moment by moment, hour by hour, we are storing up drops of the terrible treasure of God’s wrath which will break forth at the Great White Throne.   *God is allowing us to live and He is holding back punishment – giving us kindness – so that we might turn to Him in repentance. *Our judgment for eternity will be in direct proportion to the amount of kindness that God has given to us to which we ignored as coming from God.   4. GOD WILL EVALUATE ACCORDING TO DEEDS ( Romans 2:6-10 ) .   Standing before God now is the person who says, “Look, God, judge me according to my deeds. I’ve lived a good life. Take my good works and put them beside my bads and certainly the good will outweigh the bad!”   But the problem with the moral man is that he thought that his good deeds will be weighed against his bad deeds or at least be compared against the deeds of others.   That will not be the case.   God will take the best works of the moral man or woman and compare them with Jesus’ deeds. Jesus raises the lame, gives sight to the blind, and heals the sick. He takes on the sins of the entire world and by his death and sacrifice brings salvation to those who commit to him as Savior and Lord.   No person in his or her right mind wants to be judged on works. He or she wants mercy.   5. GOD WILL EVALUATE WITHOUT PLAYING FAVORITES ( Romans 2:11 ).   God offers salvation to everyone because everyone needs it. God is no respecter of persons. He shows no favoritism. Regarding the issue of sin, no one is better than anyone else from God’s perspective. I remember as a child when dad took me to the top of the 10 story Braniff building in Dallas. I looked down, and all the cars look like toys.   Dad said, “Look at the people.” “They all look small to me.” “Can you tell the difference,” he asked, “between the five- foot- tall people and he six- foot- tall people?” “No.” Several minutes later we were down on the sidewalk and dad asked, “Now, can you tell the difference between a tall man and a short man?” It was easy.   So it is in our human judgments. On the human level we see all sorts of variations in wealth, culture, education, character, goodness, and badness. But, from God’s point of view from the “10 th story, everyone looks alike!   Without being irreverent I can almost hear God saying to some individuals, “You dummy. Do you really figure that you have calculated some shifty plan that will let you go up against Me and get away with it? You don’t have a ghost of a chance.”   God doesn’t like to judge. He definitely says that judgment is His “strange work” ( Isaiah 28:21 ).   Nevertheless, He will judge: “He who spared not His own Son but delivered him up” will certainly not hesitate to judge those who reject His free offer of grace in Jesus Christ ( Romans 8:3 2 ).   6. GOD WILL EVALUATE ACCORDING TO HOW WELL WE’VE LIVED UP TO THE “LIGHT THAT WE’VE RECEIVED” ( Romans 2:12-15 ).   There are two types of people: Those who have heard the gospel and those who have not.   Both are judged according to how they respond to what they know. In other words they will be judged on the amount of “light” which they have received.   Those who have heard the gospel have seen the “Light” and by receiving Christ are living up to the level of the light they have received.   But there are many people who hear the gospel and reject it. They have not lived up to the light and therefore stand condemned for God.   Of course, this begs the question regarding the natives in Africa who will never be exposed to, or hear, the gospel during their lifetimes. This is certainly unfair to send people to hell and have never had the chance, and most likely never will have the chance, to hear the gospel and respond positively to Christ.   Paul teaches us that these folks will be judged according to how well they live up to what they know and they know much more than we realize. They have an internal conscience which guides him as to what is right and wrong behavior. They can look at the stars at night and see the universe and know that there must be a God who created all.   In a Startling Way, Paul seems to be teaching us that salvation is available to those who never heard the gospel if they live up to the light they’ve received.   “To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger” ( Romans 2:7-8 ).   This idea of living up to the light brings up some intriguing thoughts. Do you know anyone who’s lived up to the light they have received? Is it possible that God accepts for salvation those who have lived up to the light received, then, perhaps, it’s best that we not share the gospel because those who hear it may reject it and be lost. They might have a better chance to live up to the light that you have received.   I’m sharing these thoughts above with you because people have asked me questions like these many times over the years. I’m not declaring any sort of theological statement. I’m just illustrating some of the things with which people wrestle.   People who have greater “Light” have more responsibility to live up to the “Light” ( Matthew 11:23-24 ). . The key is – are we living up to what we know? The answer is a resounding “No!” No person performs up to the level of what they know. We all fall short.   7. GOD WILL EVALUATE ACCORDING TO THE INNER SECRETS OF THE HEART ( Romans 2:16 ).   At the Great White Throne God will open the closet doors and reveal the secrets of the people who stand there. Jesus spoke of this often ( Matthew 10:26-27 ).   Skeletons will come out of closets then. Deeds long buried in the depths of memory will be brought up. Unsolved crimes will find their solutions. These are the secrets of men.   As a Christian I know with absolute assurance that I will never stand before this Judgment Bar. “There is no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus” ( Romans 8:1 .   ANYWAY, I’VE ALREADY SETTLED MY CASE OUT OF COURT. The way to avoid The Judgment Seat of Christ is to settle your case before it comes to trial.   Christ said, “If you meet your adversary in the road way, you had better settle with him, lest he drag you into court and you have to pay to the uttermost penny!” ( Matthew 5:25-26 ).   In this passage, the adversary will be God. He will be Judge, Jury, and Prosecuting Attorney.   Christ died on the cross to offer us a chance to accept Him now and settle our sin issue before Judgment Day comes. If we die without Christ our case will come to trial and God has enough evidence to condemn every person to Hell – and He will. There is mercy now – settle out of court. The days of mercy are not without end. When we die, our choice is sealed for eternity.   Well Kelly, I hope that my answer is helpful to you and your friends. As far as I’m concerned, this subject is hard to swallow. But it shows us very clearly how devastating is sin and how much God loved us to let his son died to save us.   Sincerely, Roger

Dear Roger, My Dad is disrespectful to my mom almost every day, and it upsets me. He often tells her to stop talking because he’s tired of hearing her talk. She’s not nagging or anything. She is just sharing her thoughts or about her day. He complains to her about her being overweight and questions her portion sizes while they are eating… and most people consider her a slim woman, as she exercises often, but he thinks she should be as slim as she was when they got married, but that was nearly 40 years ago. He also belittles her when he thinks anything she says is stupid, and he tells her she sounds stupid. A college graduate who formerly lived away from home, I am currently living at home while working to pay off debt, and I notice these things, and they make me feel sad and tempted to resent my dad. My mom doesn’t like it either but she just figures that this is the way it is. We are all Christians and involved in church. Do you have any thoughts/advice that could help? Tiffany Dear Tiffany,   I feel quite sorry for your mother and what she has to endure. No one should have to endure abuse from a spouse. I know that her heart is breaking. I’m sure that on her wedding day she never imagined that her husband might turn out like he has. I am sorry for your mom. I’m also feeling sorry for you. I’m sorry that you have to watch what’s going on. I hope that I can give you some thoughts and ideas that might help the situation.   Understanding Why Your Father Is Behaving This Way Could Be Helpful.   As I read your email my initial thought is that he is struggling with depression. You might look at his life and see if he’s unhappy in areas besides your mother. If he’s bored with life in general he may be demonstrating the symptoms of depression.   Depression can be both situational as well as chemical. Either way, it might be helpful to encourage him to find a good doctor ( if he is receptive ) and see if he needs any medical help. Sometimes a doctor recommends utilizing an anti-depressant to overcome depression’s stranglehold on emotions.   He may have a Christian friend (or pastor) he respects who could also encourage and help him. Sometimes wise counsel is better received from a peer than a family member. Counseling is obviously recommended!   He may not admit he has a problem!   So what, as his daughter, can you do?   As you read my words, remember to be lovingly respectful when dealing with your Dad. If you respond in kind, it could make things worse. Your gentleness in handling this is important.   That being said, this is what I might suggest:   Your father is obviously an angry man. This tells us that he’s been hurt. When you get hurt the following emotion is always anger. It’s good to consider where your father might be hurting.   Consider that your mother has become the lightning rod for your father’s anger. He may be transferring his anger onto her. Consider that he may be struggling with disappointment. Life hasn’t turned out the way he imagined. Most of us come to a time in life when we must face the fact that many of our dreams will not come true. How we handle broken dreams makes all the difference in the world.   Recognize that your father’s complaining is really mourning. Mourning can manifest itself in a number of ways. Criticizing, passive-aggressive behavior, giving others the silent treatment, or just being miserable in general can all be signs of mourning. Mourning and hurting are joined together at the hip.   Fortunately, Jesus has given us a model to use in healing someone’s hurts. If we can heal hurts, we can dissipate the anger. Then, there’s a good chance that your father will be a happier person and cease criticizing your mother as much–or hopefully not at all. You and your mother can work together to bring healing.   HOW DO WE HEAL HURTS?   Matthew 5:4 : “Blessed are they who mourn for they shall receive comfort.”   Hurts are healed by mourning and comforting. Notice that it takes two people to complete this process—one to mourn and one to comfort.   David Ferguson from Great Commandment Ministries has developed a list of our top 10 emotional needs. We can use these as guides to help heal the hurts of your father and of others as well.   When you see your dad HURTING, COMFORT him. Comfort uses emotional words of sympathy and empathy. For example, “I’m so sorry you’re hurting. Life is not supposed to be this way.” Or, “You must have felt awful when he did that to you.” Or, “My heart aches for you when I see you hurting like this. I’m so sorry.”   If you sense that your father is feeling NEGLECTED, IGNORED or ALONE, give him some ATTENTION.   When you sense that your father is experiencing REJECTION, do some things or say some words that let him know that he is ACCEPTED.   When your father has been ABUSED at work or elsewhere, show him some AFFECTION.   When you notice that your father has been CRITICIZED by others, show him some APPRECIATION.   If your father is struggling with CONDEMNATION, give him some APPROVAL.   Perhaps he’s DISAPPOINTED about something, he needs ENCOURAGEMENT.   Has he recently been RIDICULED, he would probably enjoy some words of RESPECT.   This proactive behavior is healing hurts by meeting needs.   By the way, your mother needs this sort of healing as much as does your father. The truth is, you need it, too.   If your father feels put off or awkward by your meeting these needs, then don’t stop. Take your time and go slowly. Your father, like many hurting people, may well have become a rock of emotional pain. Remember, comfort “tenderizes” rocks. Your Dad might also observe your empathy and respond to his wife differently.   Remember, Jesus didn’t say, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be told how to fix it.” Jesus didn’t say, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be given reasons and logic. He also didn’t say, “Blessed are those who mourn for they’ll be told why they shouldn’t feel that way.” Neither did he say, “Blessed are those mourn for they’ll be told that others have it much worse.” Finally, he didn’t say “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be told it’s not nearly as bad as you think.”   He said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall receive comfort.” Best I can tell, you’ll get a lot of practice and become quite skilled at healing hurts as you work on your father. Hopefully, your efforts and your prayers will impact your father and he’ll stop hurting your mother so deeply.   Tiffany, again let me express my sorrow regarding what’s occurring in your family. As I think about your plight, I find myself hurting for you. It just shouldn’t be this way. I know that your pain cuts deeply into your heart. I’m so sorry.   Let me know how things are coming along.  Love, Roger

Dear Roger, What is the quickest way to improve my prayer life? Sincerely, Carrie Dear Carrie, Perhaps you’ve seen the acrostic “ACTS” which is a simple outline for effective prayer. It stands for “Adoration,” “Confession,” “Thanksgiving,” and “Supplication” (which means, “asking for things”). I personally have used this simple outline in my prayer life often. By the way, the order of these four is important. Most prayers that I’ve heard start off with the person asking for things and failing even to touch on the other three. Regarding confession, I consider this to be the lost art of the evangelical Christian church. The purpose of confession is to keep sin from dirtying up our ability to hear and see God ( Matthew 5:8 ). Of course, when God provides for our needs, it’s critical that we show our gratitude. Praising God for his stellar character opens in avenue to effective praying. Praising God for his actions in history, as seen in the Bible, gives us confidence that just as he has brought victory to others he can bring victory to us. Praise is thanking him for both. There are eight Hebrew words for praise used in the Old Testament. Incorporating their meanings into our praying is perhaps the quickest way to improve our prayer lives. Praying best begins with “A”— adoration, which is praise. 1. “HALLAL” is the most common term for praise in the Bible. It simply means bragging on God even to the point of appearing foolish. “You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise (Hallal) the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you” ( Joel 2:26 ). You and I might say that it’s easy to identify those who earnestly love the Lord. They praise him lavishly with a joy filled heart. We go to a football game and scream and holler and no one thinks it’s abnormally foolish. But, if we scream and holler about God then we are called fanatics! There’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, that’s probably a good thing. 2. “YADAH” means “to throw out the hands, to worship with extended hands.” “Lift up your hands to the holy place, and bless the Lord” ( Psalm 134:2 ”. Our hands are an inevitable part of any response pattern. They are an extension of our personalities. We use them when we walk, work and communicate. When we are embarrassed we don’t know what to do with our hands. Should we stuff them in our pockets or hide them behind our backs? An angry man clenches his hands into fists and threatens to do damage with them. A worried man wrings his hands together. A terrified man clenches his hands in fear. A desperate man tends to throw up his hands in resignation. A puzzled man holds out his hands with palms up in wonderment and dismay. We use our hands to welcome and invite. An accusing man points a finger.. The raising of the hands is an international symbol of surrender. Unfortunately, that really doesn’t capture the essence of the meaning of this kind of praise. When my children were younger they ran often to me with hands outstretched. Outstretched hands are the age-old gesture which everyone recognizes as a cry for help–or expressive joy. The word “Yadah” is used over 90 times in the Old Testament. The root word for “Yadah” is, “yad”, which means, “hand”. The lengthened form means “to cast” or “throw out”. Many of us today are greatly in need of help. It’s time to lift our hands in submission to God. After all, God only response to those who are willing to admit that they are in need of help. 3. “BARAK” means to kneel, bless or salute. It suggests the transcendent privilege of blessing the Lord. “And Job said,’ naked I came from my mother’s worm, and naked I shall return; the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord’” ( Job 1:21 ). 4. “TEHILLAH” is used over 50 times in the Bible. Its accepted meaning is the singing of “Hallals”. Tehillah involves music and especially singing. Singing is vital to the worship of God. There are over 300 biblical mandates to say. “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to grant comfort to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise (Tehillah) instead of a faint spirit” ( Isaiah 61:3 ). God is your praise (Tehillah) suggests that God himself is a song of praise. This corresponds with Exodus 15:2 and the song that Moses sang. God is our song. Incidentally, it appears that atomic particles are vibrating “strings”. Different frequencies produce different particles. 5. “ZAMAR” is used almost exclusively in poetry. It literally means to pluck the strings of an instrument, to sing or praise. Zamar speaks of using every available instrument to make music and harmony before the Lord! It is God’s will for us to be filled with joy! Nehemiah (8:10) declares that: “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” Use Zamar when you are rejoicing after God has done something great for you. Zamar is our basic New Testament word for singing. It is translated into the New Testament as Psalms (“psallo”). Paul mentioned in Ephesians 5:19 that when we gather to worship we are to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Psalms, of course, are the Psalms in our Bibles. Hymns are songs that are based on Scripture. Spiritual songs are based on personal testimony or on singing from the innermost human spirit. Each winter we had an influx of Northerners who left the bad weather to come and enjoy the delightful Tucson winter climate. We call them Snow-Birds. One Snow-Bird, leaving to go back home in the North, shared with me about the music wars going on in her church back home. Organs and pianos were in. Drums, guitars and horns were not. She told me how she intended to work on the leadership to help them make the music more appealing to those who were younger. The next January she returned to Tucson and she was so excited: “the church leaders finally let us put an electric guitar on the stage,” then she paused and said, “and maybe someday they’ll let us plug it in!” 6. “TODAH” also refers to throwing our hands; but it goes a step further. It includes an attitude of gratitude for God’s promised salvation and deliverance. Todah praise is given while we are still in danger. It is a Thanksgiving offering that is given to God as we give him thanks even before he’s helped us. Todah is the type of praise which is yet to see victory, but feels confident enough to thank God before victory has even come In Psalm 56 while David was trapped by the Philistines in Gath, he gave thanksgiving and offered Todah praise fully expecting Gods deliverance. An interesting combination of the Hebrew words for praise is seen in Psalm 100:4 : “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving (Todah) and into his courts with praise (Tehillah); give thanks to him and praise (Barak) his name.” Notice the parallel with our “ACTS” acrostic. We must come into God’s presence with praise and thanksgiving if we intend to make our prayers effective. Once we are in the courts we humble ourselves with confession and may then proceed to lay out our needs before God. 7. “SHABACH” means , “to shout or to address in a loud voice.” King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon was struck insane by God for his wicked pride and arrogance. He became like an animal, living outside the city, eating bugs and surviving as a madman. After seven years God brought him back to his senses. He recognized his antagonism toward the Lord God Almighty. He repented, and God restored his sanity. Nebuchadnezzar used the term “Shabach” in the following soliloquy. He shouted out to his subjects: “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise (Shabach) and extol and honor the King of heaven; for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to abase” ( Daniel 4:37 ). 8. “HALLELUJAH” is the premier biblical word for praise. Hallelujah is the spontaneous outcry of one upon whom the consciousness of the Majesty of God has just dawned. “Hallal” is the word for praise while “Jah” is the shortened form of the name for God. The word “hallelujah” is used only 24 times in the Old Testament— all between Psalm 104 and 150 . It’s used seems to be reserved for times of extreme exultation. “Let sinners be consumed from the earth, and let the wicked be no more! Bless (Barak) the Lord, O my soul! Praise (Hallelujah) the Lord” ( Psalm 104:35 ). In the New Testament the word, “Hallelujah,” is used even more sparingly. All the “Hallelujahs” of the New Testament are found in Revelation 19 . Against the background of God’s victory over the forces of evil as described in the book of Revelation, John recorded how God’s glory is manifest in his salvation work. We win because he wins! Hallelujah!!! The final hallelujah of the Bible is reserved for the Second Coming when Jesus’ enemies are completely defeated and he reigns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Carrie, I hope that you find some thoughts in my answer which will help you as your prayer life continues to grow and mature. Sincerely, Roger

Roger, During my freshman year of college I was raped. I have had this fear inside of me that it’s going to happen again. Each day I feel scared and wonder why God would let that happen to me. Just last week I was grabbed at night by an unknown man. Luckily this time, I broke free. It’s like my worst fear came true. l I have a strong faith in God, but this all makes me wonder about that question “Why me?” I know that God loves me and is there for me, but this makes me wonder where He was during that time. Thank you, Unknown Dear Unknown, My heart grieves as I hear your story. One of my daughters was sexually abused in high school and we have worked hard to help her overcome the trauma and residual effects. My first advice is to find a Christian counselor who specializes in healing sexual abuse victims. There are three things that we have a hard time fixing without some skilled help: Abandonment; Neglect; and Sexual Abuse. Most other more common problems can be healed with the comfort and care of close friends and/or good counselors. I am going to answer your question by first sharing a recent letter from another rape victim who thanked me for a previous answer I wrote on handling sexual abuse. I will follow her comments with a copy of my earlier response which I think will answer your question. Again, I am sorry for the trauma you’ve experienced. No one should have to endure such pain. Sincerely, Roger A recent thank you: “Thank you. I have asked so many times ‘where was God, where was Jesus?’ Your answer that he was reliving his crucifixion, made me want to cry. I could see him in the pain I was in. I can see him in the pain I feel over my abuse. I’ve felt so alone, even when with fellow survivors. Because I was so little and because I was alone in the abuse. Now I know I was not. God bless you and thank you Roger. I’m going to share this with a fellow survivor you are a blessing. The Holy Spirit truly worked through you in this piece and spoke to my soul.” My previous column on healing sexual abuse: Dear Roger, From the time I was about 7 until I was a teenager my step dad (who married my mom when I was 6 months old) sexually abused me. He also, at times, was verbally abusive. Even though I grew up abused I felt I was in a normal childhood. I never knew anything else. My mom was incredible but I sometimes feel she should have known want was happening. My mom passed away several years ago, and left a note to my sister and I and asked us to be good to our dad because he loved us. How could he? I tried to forgive, I can’t. I know the Bible says we need to forgive, but how? Anonymous Dear Anonymous, My heart aches as I read your tale of navigating the horrors sexual and verbal abuse. You are articulate about your experience, almost sounding detached, until the pain of betrayal—by both mom and step dad leaked out—and then I knew otherwise. My guess is that you haven’t sought counseling; but, even if you have, complete healing has not yet occurred as evidenced by the continuing bitterness and lack of forgiveness that still haunts you. In my experience sexual abuse, childhood abandonment and/or neglect are the “big three” that need special counseling attention. Most life issues can be addressed by a competent counselor—except these three. Only an expert with much wisdom, experience, and spiritual sensitivity can help you navigate the treacherous water to safety. Several year ago one of our counselors and I surveyed a women’s Bible class of over 100 women of our church and were shocked by the results of our informal survey. Fully 42% of the women in the room reported some form of sexual abuse before the age of 18. Unfortunately, your experience is not unusual. Some leading authorities believe 1 in 10 families is involved in incestuous abuse (Personally, I find that number rather high. But whatever it is, it is way too high—especially if you are the one being abused.). Researchers estimate that for every case of incest that is reported, at least 25 cases remain hidden. 9% of American men were sexually abused as children. This trend is increasing. 16% of American boys will be sexually misused before high school. Who can begin to count the buckets of tears shed by children (and adults) who were abused by those who should have loved them the most? Only God knows how many are mired today in emotional distress because of the traumas of their childhoods. Fortunately, all is not lost. With the proper care I believe you can find complete healing—and peace. I have heard abuse victims relate many different strategies they utilized to handle the conflicting emotions, mental onslaughts, and pains of childhood abuse . Most try to escape reality. Some invent imaginary worlds where all is well. Many begin to neglect personal looks and hygiene, often subconsciously, to make themselves unattractive to boys (men) because of their fear of ever again trusting a male or having a relationship with one. Acting out is common. I counseled one girl who was abused during her high school years. In college she became quite accomplished at the sport of fencing. She told me that one of the ways she stuck back at men was to occasionally aim low at a male opponent’s private parts. Unfortunately, most of the abused eventually begin to feel guilty about what happened to them. Of course, this is false guilt. In reality, the sexually abused are the victims of crimes. Whenever I preach on this subject the church building is eerily silent. Not only because sexual abuse is such a “heavy” subject; but because some fathers and step-fathers are seated beside their victims. Unfortunately, I know dads who are in prison and others who’ve committed suicide rather than face their own pain and shame. They leave behind a trail of emotionally cut and bleeding people. By the way, the Bible is overrun by examples of sexual abuse. Abel was murdered by the physical abusing of his brother, Cain ( Genesis 4 ). Jacob abused his wife, Leah ( Genesis 29-30 ) Lot and his daughters engaged in incest ( Genesis 19:6-8 ; 19:30-38 ). Jephthah committed premeditated murder by slaying his daughter ( Judges 11:30-40 ). David was the victim of emotional, verbal, and physical abuse at the hands of King Saul ( 1 Samuel 18-26 ). David’s family was filled with rape and incest ( 2 Samuel 13 ) and massive neglect ( 1 Samuel 13-18 ). Sexual abuse is by far and away the most severe type of abuse. It goes to the psyche. I have always felt that if someone wanted to scar a child for life then sexual abuse is the way to do it. In many ways, the scars of sexual abuse never go away. A life has been sacrificed on the altar of another’s sinful motives and nasty behaviors. However, as we acknowledge the dastardliness of the crime, we find hope that through Jesus Christ, good counseling, and supporting friends and family, supernatural healing can occur. Healing is elusive but can be found. Sexual abuse victims struggle in multiple areas. First, simmering anger and bitterness are hard to cool down. The hurt to an abuse victim is merciless. Somebody has stolen their happiness; part of their lives is missing. They are angry because emotional paralysis does not allow them to function in a healthy manner. Many seethe because their abuser likely got away with it. Many are angry with God: Once I was counseling a young woman who spit out the question: “Where was Jesus Christ when I was being raped at 17?” I looked at her with compassion and said, “He was reliving His crucifixion. We live in a fallen world and you were betrayed by the very persons Jesus brought into your life to care for and protect your. In a fallen world people do dastardly things. Fortunately, Jesus is in the business of helping us pick up the pieces, get healed, and get on with our lives. Second, almost all victims feel responsible and guilty for the abuse. These feelings often result in tremendous shame. Children often believe that the abuse was their fault—because they did nothing to try to stop the abuse; because the abuse was sometimes pleasurable, because they feel special favors were received; or because they are so bad that they deserved the abuse. A child who has been sexually abused feels dirty, unworthy and ashamed—like damaged goods for life. Third, most grow up with damaged emotions and distorted self-images. They feel worthless, rejected, and insignificant. Fourth, trust in men is eroded way or nonexistent. Either consciously or subconsciously, all men are potential threats. Victims of incest perceive that their parents are not trustworthy. If other adults further abuse them, they may conclude that there are no adults who are trustworthy. If this cycle of abuse continues, the adult victim may become unable to develop trust in anyone. Fifth, they struggle with relationships especially if a relationship becomes too personal and intimate. It is common for victims to sabotage the relationships they desperately need. Their behavior, emanating from a rejection perspective, often insures even more rejection. Those married to abuse victims often feel that they are “walking on eggshells” around their spouse. I call these triggers. The triggers are often unknown to either partner; but when one is stepped on, the resulting explosion hurts everyone. I have dealt with women who have so buried their pain that it is not until their thirty’s or forty’s that the symptoms or pain finally ooze out to allow  the partners look inside and understand what is really happening and hopefully find spiritual and emotional healing. At the end of your letter, Anonymous, you spoke of your struggle to find healing and forgiveness. Jesus’ model for forgiveness worked well for Him. It will work just as well for us. First, Jesus mourned and received comfort: Matthew 26:37-38 : “He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’” Notice the pain and grief in His heart as He poured out anguish and sorrow. The reason He took the three disciples is because He needed their comfort in His hours of greatest need. Unfortunately, they fell asleep. Fortunately, angels came and comforted Him. The best healing comes when the people around us grieve with us and bring comfort to our souls. Thank God that when no one else is around, He has angels available to meet our deepest needs. Second, He understood the truth of what was happening. Luke 23:34 : “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Often we are the victims of people who just “don’t know what they are doing.” That does not mean that they are not responsible for their actions. However, sexual abuse at the hands of a step father means that the perpetrator is obviously “screwed up” mentally somehow. No one in his right mind would ruin a child’s life by a conscious choice if he or she had any sense whatsoever. Parents often hurt children with no idea of the pain inflicted. Often they are simply acting out their own pain and rejection—and sin. Remember, hurting people hurt people. While this in no way excuses them for their sin, at least it helps us put in perspective that those who abuse us are often sick—mentally, emotionally, and sinfully. Abusers are sick people. Third, Jesus forgave those who were abusing Him: Luke 23:34 : “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Notice all three steps are important; and the order is important. While these three steps often occur in a linear fashion, they more often occur concurrently until final healing is accomplished. The fact that you have not yet reached the point of forgiveness tells me that you have yet to complete the process of healing. Let me recommend that you spend time with your closest friends and ask them to mourn with you and grieve your hurt. Then, have them comfort you. Comfort is not encouragement, advice, explanations or reasons. If all they can do is reach out and hold you and say with truth and meaning, “I am so sorry,” you are on the way of healing. Next, spend some time rationally sorting out what really happened to you—including the sins and sinful motives of those who hurt you. It is easier to do this now that you are an adult. How we view things as adults is often quite different from how we perceived them as children. Finally, by a choice of your will, forgive them. This will not be hard if you have successfully completed the first two steps mentioned above. Forgiving is a process which may take months or years to properly mourn the loss and be comforted until the pain no longer hurts. It may take a long time to sort out the issues; but, the day will come. You will finally be free from the clutches of your abuser. By the way, forgiveness does not mean that what happened was okay. It does not mean that what happened is forgotten. It especially does not mean that family members should excuse the wrong behavior because they are “family”. It does not mean that we should hide, or not talk about the abuse or shy away from conflict by not talking about the abuse. Forgiveness does not mean that if we “truly” forgive, we will “trust” each other implicitly. A sacred trust is broken, it takes time (often years) to rebuild trust with your abuser. Frankly, my experience is that such trust seldom is restored. In Romans 12 Paul encouraged us, “as much as it is possible, to be at peace with all people.” The implication here is that it is not always right or healthy to have a relationship with some people. Sometimes, relationships cannot be restored and that is OK. Should your abuser be exposed and held accountable for his or her actions? Most certainly, “Yes!” Every research available shows that an abuser will continue to repeat until the roots of their problems are uncovered and healed. If the abuser is the father or the stepfather of the abused, he must be separated from the home until he has been declared “safe” by those who are qualified to discern. Sometimes it may be necessary to confront the abuser. Unfortunately, this confrontation often results in more rejection and hurt because 80% of those confronted deny they did anything wrong. If he (or she) denies it, you might say, “You may deny it, but God and I both know you are guilty. I transfer to you all responsibility for what happened.” In this case, reconciliation in this life is impossible. If he (or she) admits it, healing and reconciliation can perhaps occur. Sometimes it is not worth it to confront the abuser. Again, consider whether or not he or she would admit and take responsibility for what had happened? Would he or she stand the emotional pain that would come with a confession? Would he or she admit anything with the possibility of criminal charges and prison? If not, leave them with their guilt, shame, pain and seared conscience. You are not responsible for their healing or forgiveness before God. I wholeheartedly agree with the advice of many counselors to further healing by writing a letter to the one who victimized you, and then not send it. Another healing tactic is to pretend that your abuser is seated in an empty chair while you say everything you would like to if he or she were actually present. By the way, I often counsel those who choose this option to imagine that the abuser is chained tightly and silenced by a big piece of carpet tape so they no longer are a threat in any form or fashion. Some of you who are reading my answer to Anonymous are even now being sexually abused. To you I will make the following observations. The truth has to be exposed. We’re dealing with a terrible sin and Satan wants to keep it hidden. Stopping the abuse and finding help only comes with exposure. There is no way to make exposing the sin comfortable. By the way, when a sexual abuser has been identified, he or she must be reported to the proper authorities. This is a requirement of law. All too often those being abused are in a Love-Hate situation. They “love their dad” and would hate to see him go to jail; but, he is responsible for his actions—and being a dad gives no right to abuse a child and scar them forever. We have talked long about you as the abused; but, what about your abuser? Jesus offers forgiveness if your abuser seeks it. If you are now sexually abusing some one, STOP IT and get help. You are a sick person. Get help now. Don’t ruin their life anymore. You have already done enough. One of the greatest obstacles to our emotional wholeness is the unfairness that the one who ruined our lives goes free. God promises that justice will eventually be done ( ISAIAH 61:2 ). This is why you can forgive without surrendering justice. God will deal with him or her accordingly. Whether your abuser receives Christ or dies in sin, Almighty God will have the last word. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the all-time best healer of broken hearts. He healed the broken heart of the woman at the well who was on her sixth live-relationship in John 4 . He forgave and restored the woman who was caught in the act of adultery in John 8 . He so restored the prostitute Mary Magdalene that God granted her the privilege of being the first individual to see the open tomb and the resurrected Christ. In John 8 Jesus teaches that He is forever in the business of picking up our pieces and helping us to start over again. In Joel 2 God says that He can supernaturally restore again the years the “grasshoppers have eaten away.” None of us need be shacked in bondage any longer. In Isaiah 61:3 God comforts us by “replacing the ashes of our mourning with a crown of beauty”. During times of mourning, those in Biblical times often threw ashes on their heads as symbols of their pain and grief. You may have been sexually violated by a brother, father, friend, or someone you never saw before and will never see again. My heart grieves for you. I am so sorry for what happened. Life is not supposed to work our like that. But, we thank God for healing and restoration. Symbolically, you have ashes on your head; but Jesus Christ makes you beautiful. There is hope and good days ahead, even after abuse. Well, Anonymous, I hope that my answer is helpful to you. You are not alone; so many others have been injured like you. Many have found healing and I trust you will, too. Love, Roger

Dear Reader, I receive a number of letters regarding Christians and politics. I hope my answers to several of them are helpful.   First, Is God a Republican or a Democrat?   Hi Pastor Barrier, Many of my Christian friends are convinced that God is a Republican. They think that the liberal leanings of the Democrats are contrary to the teachings of the Bible and that we should use the political system to ensure that God’s teachings are the law of the land. What do you think? Sincerely, G   Dear G,   Is God a Conservative Republican? No. Is He a liberal Democrat? Certainly not. Is God a third party Libertarian? I think not.   Every society struggles with the conflict of liberals versus conservatives. These two political viewpoints seem to be built into the very essence of human nature.   I love what Winston Churchill said about this issue, “If you are not a liberal when you are young then you have no heart. If you are not a conservative when you are old then you have no brains.”   Of, course, many others despise the essential values of both.   Israeli politics of the first century closely match what we see in America today.   The Pharisees (Republicans) were the religious and the more fiscal conservative party. They were deeply entrenched in money making and profiteering as evidenced from their business adventures in the Temple. They were for big business—especially when it lined their pockets. They were not particularly known as the party which championed the “down and outs” of society.   The Sadducees (Democrats) tended to be the upper social and economic echelon of Judean society. They were viewed as the more liberal party who were against big business and for more governmental involvement in public affairs. While they were often viewed as the less religious party. They embodied more humanistic leanings in contrast to religious ones. Their “big tent” included the “sinners and prostitutes”.   The Essenes (minor-third parties like the Libertine, Green Parties and independents) were a party of desert dwelling separatists who had their own personal agendas and who seldom agreed with anyone.   Do you see the parallels with today? In broad sweeping terms the Republican Party looks a lot like the Pharisees and the Democrats look a lot like the Sadducees.   Of course, God is not a member of any party. As a Christian I am not so concerned with whether I am on the Republican or Democratic side. I am really concerned with whether or not I am on God’s side.   In Joshua 5:13-15 , as he moved through the battle lines near Jericho, Joshua encountered a mighty soldier with a drawn sword. Joshua asked whether the soldier was on the side of Israel or on the side of Israel’s enemies. The soldier responded, “Neither. I am on the Lord’s side, on whose side are you?” Joshua fell on face and worshipped. May we never forget the God who transcends all human politics.   Second, How Much Should Religion Influence Who I Vote For?   Dear Roger, When voting for a politician, how much weight should the candidate’s religious background play in my decision on who to vote for? Is it ok to vote for a politician whose religious views are vastly different than my own? Should I consider their religion at all? Does the Bible have any insight as to what to look for when deciding who I should cast my vote for? Sincerely, Joy Dear Joy,   There is an old proverb about good leadership: “It is better to be ruled by a good Turk than by a Christian who doesn’t know what he is doing.” However, Proverbs teaches us that a nation will flourish under godly leadership.   A president must not be an amateur. He must be able to work with Congress, he cannot bring America to the brink of financial disaster by incurring more and more debt. He must take courageous stands and make the hard choices. He must be a man of integrity. He must have a firm grasp on global affairs and diplomacy. He must have a conscience and compassion. A president’s leadership and values must give security that America is stable, safe and sound.   Yes, religion matters but is not the deciding factor. Sometimes there are few options. It is more important to vote for someone whose values are like yours and who is able to govern well.   Since every Christian is responsible to vote, the Presidential Prayer Ministry has published a list of seven values that may well guide our votes at the polling place. http://www.presidentialprayerteam.com/ You may also find this information HERE on Preach It, Teach It.   The Sanctity of Life, The Sanctity of the Family, The National Debt, Education and Revisionism, Immigration, Unemployment and the Economy.   I hope this helps. Love, Roger   Third, How Involved Should Christians Be In The Political Process?   I am astounded that Jesus stayed completely out of politics. Think about it. Slavery was one of the top moral issues of His day. Some think that as many as 30% of the people in the ancient world were enslaved. He had many opportunities to address slave owners about this. He never said a word (by the way, Paul mentioned slavery but only to encourage Christians slaves to be the best slaves they could possibly be.)   The tax system was rotten, unfair and full of theft and bribery. It was a Roman tool of social engineering. Jesus could have denounced it but He never said a word against. Instead He astounded all when He said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”   Jesus failed to address issues like abortion, usury and war. He could have—but, He had a more significant mission: He was here to bring in the Kingdom of Love and social politics dimmed in light of more important matters.   We Christians might do well to remember that Jesus said to Pilate, “My Kingdom is not of this world.” Neither is ours.   I am not saying that we Christians should ignore these critical social practices. After all, Jesus said to “give to Caesar what was Caesar’s and to God what was God’s. I believe that Christians ought to be heavily involved in politics. We have a responsibility to influence our culture with Christian morals and values. However, I wonder if maybe we are going about it all wrong.   We have “shot ourselves in the foot” by the WAY we’ve entered the political arena. Studies of the first and early second-century-Christian church indicate that the early Christians were known as the people who loved God and others. They turned the world upside down for Christ.   One recent study revealed that 78% of Americans view the evangelical Christian church as the most judgmental segment in America.   Instead of drawing people to Christ through love and acceptance and then allowing Jesus to transform their behaviors, we’re attempting to force Christian behaviors through the legal system. We should speak for Christian values, but clearly demonstrate Christlike behavior in the process. Unfortunately, if we only force behavior, we never change hearts—it just builds anger and resentment.   We have utilized the Old Testament Prophetical Model of yelling judgment at the people instead of Jesus New Testament Model of loving the people.   Jesus never preached judgmental sermons to the down and out. Jesus spoke lovingly and compassionately with the “sinners and tax collectors,” and they loved Him for it–and many flowed into the Kingdom of love with changed hearts and new behaviors. Fourth, should pastors talk about politics from the pulpit? Dear Roger, How much should pastors talk about politics from the pulpit? Sincerely, Janice   Dear Janice, My opinion is that talking about politics from the pulpit must be carefully done. Whenever the pastor takes up one side of a political issue to the exclusion of others he or she will alienate the others in the church who hold a different opinion and the purpose of a church is unity not division.   Some issues, like the sanctity of life seem so obvious that we wonder how any Christian can argue in favor of abortion. The pastor must handle these issues clearly and carefully. After all, a pastor is not a politician. Nevertheless, he or she is one commissioned to declare the Word of God with integrity and truth. This  responsibility is primary.   Well, Janice, I hope you find my answers helpful.   Love, Roger

Dear Roger, My family is falling apart. I have lost my job, my son is on drugs, and I lost my retirement fund when my company went bankrupt. Has God forgotten me? Why am I suffering so? How do I survive this crisis? Sincerely, BH Dear BH, I have noticed that intense suffering has a myriad of effects on people—but two results predominate. Some rise above it. Their lives are literally deepened and “made” by the experience. Others wallow in it and never get over it. Let me share a few thoughts on the biblical view of suffering. A good theology of suffering begins with our world-view. This is not a perfect world. It is a good world. It is filled with many good things—after all, God made it. But, it is broken. It is bent. The fall of some angels and the fall of man have left our world full of suffering and evil and pain. In fact, God tells us that Satan is the god of this world. There are some things that we will just have to live with—we are not entitled to know all the answers now. We will learn all the answers later ( 1 Corinthians 13:12 ). Remember that God is willing to give you understanding when you are walking through hard times. James writes in James 1:2-5 : “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” NIV Here are a few questions you can ask when you are experiencing suffering: 1. Am I paying a price for following Christ? ( Acts 5:41 ; Philippians 1:29 )2. Am I suffering for doing good? ( 1 Peter 3:17 ; 4:12-19 )3. Is this discipline (punishment) for a sin I’ve committed? ( Joshua 7:10-12 ; John 5:14 ; 1 Corinthians 11:31-32 ; James 5:13-16 )4. Is this intended to keep me from future sin? ( 2 Corinthians 12:7 )5. Is God using this so that His glory may be on display in my life? ( John 9:1-3 ; 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 ).6. Is this an instructive experience (discipline) designed for my personal growth and/or spiritual maturity? ( Job 23:10 ; Romans 5:3-5 ; Hebrews 12:4-11 )7. Is this designed to increase my faith and God-dependence? ( Matthew 8:23-27 )8. Is God using this to mold me into the image of Christ? ( Romans 8:28-29 )9. Is it time to die? ( Psalm 90:10 ; John 11:4 ) It is hard to know what to say to a person who has been struck by tragedy, but it is easier to know what not to say:1. Don’t say anything critical of the mourner (“don’t take it so hard,” “try to hold back your tears, you’re upsetting people”).2. Don’t say anything which tries to minimize the mourner’s pain, (“it’s probably for the best,” “it could be a lot worse”). Minimizing the mourners pain is likely to be misguided and unappreciated.3. Don’t say anything which asks the mourner to disguise or reject his or her feelings, (“we have no right to question God,” “God must love you to have selected you for this burden”). Once we are well into mourning and comforting, it is time to move on with the healing. However we answer (or are unable to answer) the Why question, there comes the time to move on by asking the question, “Now that this has happened to me, how am I going to respond?” This answer to this How question is best lived out in relationships. God never intended for us to handle our sufferings alone. 1. Turn to God Remember Psalm 23:4 : “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Learn to “pray from the inside out.” As we mature in Christ we transition from the temporal to the eternal. God is much more concerned that we are praying for our spirit which is eternal than for our body which is decaying and will soon perish ( Ephesians 1:15-19 ; 3:14-19 ; Philippians 1:9-11 ; Colossians 1:9-12 ). God will answer prayers for the maturity of our inside spirit 1000 times out of 1000. God will sacrifice the body every time if that is what is needed to mature our inner, eternal spirit. God gives us the grace when we need it—often not a minute earlier: “My grace is sufficient for you” ( 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ). Notice the growth in maturity and understanding in Jacob’s life from when he first prayed in the midst of suffering near the beginning of his walk with God ( Genesis 28 ) to how he prayed twenty years later ( Genesis 32 ). 2. Turn to others Don’t go through suffering alone. Now is the time for encouragement, advice, lessons, logic and reasons, understanding, dealing responsibly with guilt—and more comfort ( 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ). 3. “And it came to pass…” This means that all of our sufferings will one day come to an end, whether during our lifetime, or when we reach heaven. The world is not our home. Seasons of life come and go. Hope this helps. Love, Roger

Dear Roger, My friends and I were discussing the recent terrorist attacks on civilians here and abroad. The topic of whether or not a Christian can hate terrorists arose. Is it OK to hate a terrorist? Sincerely, Trisha   Dear Trisha,   As I peruse the Bible, based upon what it says about God’s character, I’d have to say that it is permissible to hate terrorists for what they do, but not assume they are out of the reach of God’s love and forgiveness. I also would want to emphasize that those who follow Islam should not be immediately categorized as terrorists. That being said: A number of passages refer to actions that God hates. Not only does He hate these detestable activities, the Bible records that He also hates the ones who perpetrate them.  Proverb 6:16-19 is one example:   There are six things the Lord hates , seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.   Proverb 11:5 is another example:   The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion.   Let me include Malachi 2:14-16 . God talks about the treacherous ill treatment that a husband gives to the wife of his youth, his companion and the wife of his covenant.   God says, “I hate divorce and I hate a man covering his wife with violence” (this is the alternative translation in the KJV). While not stating here specifically that He hates the man who physically abuses his wife, it is certainly implied by the context as we read the behaviors that God hates throughout the entire Book of Malachi.   “The man who hates and divorces his wife,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “does violence to the one he should protect,” says the Lord Almighty.   By the way, consider that hitting and abusing a wife is justification for her getting a divorce. A husband like this has violated his marriage covenant to care for, protect his wife and to love her as Jesus loves His church according to Ephesians 5:20-33 .   Notice that all of these passages are from the Old Testament . The focus in the New Testament is more on God’s love for sinners than His hating the unrighteous. This is a paradox. We will attempt to unravel the contorted thread in a moment.   Do you realize that there are over 100 different definitions for “Who is a terrorist”? and/or “What is terrorism?” Neither the international community or the United Nations can agree on a proper definition. Definitions run the gamut from car bombings, civilian shootings, to “ethnic cleansing” and to totalitarian governments, just to name a few.   The concept of terrorism may be practiced by state authorities to delegitimize political or other opponents, and to potentially legitimize the state’s own use of armed force against opponents (such use of force may be described as “terror” by opponents of the state).   Terrorism is often practiced by political organizations to further their objectives. It is practiced by both right-wing and left-wing political parties, nationalistic groups, religious groups, revolutionaries, and ruling governments.   Consider that one person’s freedom fighter might well be another person’s terrorist. Soldiers in the American revolutionary war were considered to be heroes for American liberty while concurrently considered to be terrorists by the British government.   Allow me to share some personal thoughts about the potential use of terrorism in America. I’ve felt somewhat threatened by recent developments that scare me. I will use these only for illustrations to show that terrorism has many definitions–some strike closer to home than others.   Some recent revelations are disquieting to me. They make me afraid (terror). When I read that Home Land Security has bought up over 2.5 BILLION bullets, I wonder why? Who needs that many bullets? Police officers don’t have enough bullets to train. Police departments are bartering with each other for bullets. The reason given for the purchases is to be prepared for “civil unrest.” We are talking here about the US government possibly targeting citizens who potentially disagree with official government policies. By the way, what good is it to win the “gun control issue” when there are no bullets to be had–perhaps a sneaky way to negate the gun control issue.  Just as current issues with political leaders and cover-ups fill the news, there are many examples throughout our past of corruption in our government. Indeed, if we knew the politics of other countries around the world, we would be astonished to know how far government corruption extends. Consider the implications for our Constitution and Bill of Rights (the first ten amendments to the Constitution). In my personal view three of our Bill of Rights are currently under fire. The trends are frightening to me. First Amendment: Freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to petition the U.S. government for redress of grievances. Second Amendment: The right to keep and bear arms. Tenth Amendment: Powers not granted to the Federal Government by the constitution, nor prohibited to the States are reserved to the States or the people.   I’ve tried to show that terrorism takes many forms from individual acts to nations with nasty agendas. But, let’s deal with terrorism in what we might consider its most common form. The one which most of us have little trouble recognizing.   For our purposes, we will define terrorism as the use of violence and/or coercion, intended to create fear (terror); for the purpose of gaining publicity for a group, cause, or an individual, which are often perpetrated for religious, political or ideological goals; and that deliberately target or disregard the safety of non-combatants.   We are talking about the bombers of the Boston Marathon, Timothy McVey and the federal office building in Oklahoma, the KKK, and the 9-11 airplane bombers, and so forth. These all are acts of violence for political purposes. Let’s also include those who walk into kindergarten classes and kill twenty preschoolers at a time or who enter a crowded movie theater and mow down eighteen innocent people with an AK-47.   Shall we also include those who terrorize with threats or actions of murder? These individuals certainly are terrorists to the individuals who are being harmed–physically or emotionally.   I certainly did not hate one man in particular who threatened to kill me and others and who was on the way my house the night he was caught by the police. I can’t say that I hated him; but I sure was glad when he was dead.   Now, let’s get to our initial question: “Is it OK to hate a terrorist?”   The answer seems to depend on whether we are reading the Old Testament or the New Testament. How do we reconcile God hating people who sin in the Old Testament while loving and not hating those who sin in the New Testament?   The truth is, I don’t know. Nor have I never read or found any one who satisfactorily unravels the thread of this mystery to my satisfaction. I suppose we will have to have God unscramble the puzzle of the paradox in eternity.   But we do know this: We have no trouble recognizing from the New Testament that we are to love the unlovable and show kindness, mercy and compassion to those who hurt us. We are to love and never to hate anyone.   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 ( John 3:16 ).   Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends ( John 15:13 ).   Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen ( 1 John 4:20 ).   The conclusion that I draw is that we are to passionately hate the actions of those who sin, while still maintaining agape love for those we really want to hate.   Let me illustrate with my imaginings on the day 9-11 occurred. I imagined that God deeply loved the terrorists who brought down the Trade Centers. After all, they were His creation. He never intended for them to do what they did or to end up like they did.   Milliseconds after the smash they were in the presence of God. I imagined God saying to them, “What were you thinking!!?? I am so disappointed in you and what you’ve done. I love you; but I am just and holy. It breaks My heart to tell you that where you’re going there aren’t seventy-two virgins waiting your arrival–only the fires of Hell. And God wept as these murderous children that He’d created were ushered into the fire. He loved these He’d made, but He hated what they had done–and they suffered the consequences.   Well, Trisha, I hope you and your friends find my answer helpful. Thanks for asking.   Love, Roger

Dear Roger, I am a member of your church and I work for (company name withheld). We take the girls to various Assembly of God Churches, but I am allowed to bring some of them to Casas on Sunday mornings and they love it. The Church we go to on Saturday night is offering Bible classes that I thought about taking…. The application is very detailed and asks if I have been filled with the Holy Spirit with evidence of tongues, and (do I use) tongues in my current prayer life? This was the only question on the application that I did not know how to answer… except (to say) “no”.  🙂 I welcome any advice and suggestions. Thank you, (Name Withheld)   Dear Name Withheld,   The Bible makes a clear distinction between the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the Filling of the Holy Spirit. They are not the same. In direct reference to your question, some believe that the Bible teaches that speaking in tongues is the manifestation that occurs when a person receives Christ. They also teach that speaking in tongues is the sign of being baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit.   When Peter preached to Cornelius in Acts 10 he and his family received Christ before Peter’s sermon was even finished! They simultaneously spoke in tongues. Peter took this as a sign that even Gentiles could receive Christ. He thought previously that only Jews were welcomed into the family of God.   When Paul arrived in Ephesus he encountered some Jewish disciples of John the Baptist. After hearing about Jesus they believed in Him and became followers of Christ. When Paul laid hands on them they spoke in tongues as the “Holy Spirit came on them” ( Acts 19:1-7 ).   Those who believe in speaking in tongues and simultaneously being baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit derive their understanding and practice from the two passages above as well as several other like them in the early passages of the Gospels.   One example is when John the Baptist declares that when Jesus comes, He will “baptize them with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” Frankly, there is a wide variety of interpretations of the meaning of John’s words.   The other extreme view regarding this issue is held by those that teach that the spiritual gift of tongues no longer exists today. They base this on 1 Corinthians 13 where Paul teaches (as I shared with you in my last answer to you) that tongues will “cease by themselves”.   They teach that tongues is a “sign” gift that was needed in the first century to help the early Christians understand that Christianity was for Gentiles, too, since Gentiles coming to Christ had the same experience as the disciples had on Pentecost. These folks teach that since we have the Bible we no longer need this sign, so the gift stopped.   Now, “Name Withheld,” let me draw what I think are solid principles that may be of help to you as you make your own decisions concerning your beliefs and practices.   First, it seems to me that it is impossible to hold the position that tongues are the sign of conversion and/or the baptism or the filling of the Holy Spirit! Paul explicitly declares that not all shall speak in tongues, but that all are baptized of the Holy Spirit (compare 1 Corinthians 12: 30 with 1 Corinthians 12:13 ) Thus, Paul clearly makes a distinction between speaking in tongues and being baptized in the Holy Spirit. The corollary teaching is that it is dangerous to elevate any spiritual gift and make it be a sign of the filling of the Holy Spirit—or to make the possession of any gift normative for a spiritual experience.   The Baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs at conversion ( 1 Corinthians 12:13 ; 6:19 ). It is not necessarily accompanied by the gift of speaking in tongues. It would be fair to say that most Christians do not speak in tongues when they receive Christ.   The word, “baptism” means to “dip in” or to “immerse” For example, in the “Odyssey”, Odysseus escaped from the Cyclops by sticking (the Greek word is “baptized”) a stake into his eye. Odysseus did not sprinkle it in. He immersed it deeply. In the Bible “baptize” never means “to sprinkle” as some teach today. When we receive Christ, we are immersed (“baptized”) fully by the Holy Spirit into Christ and into the family of God (for example, read Romans 6:1-10 ).   The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is received by simple faith in Christ. The Baptism follows automatically, positionizing us in Christ and cementing us securely into the family of God. Paul taught these “position in Christ” concepts in Colossians 2:12 .   Peter also enunciated them in 1 John 4:15 . The baptism of the Spirit refers to the new Believer’s incorporation into the body of Christ by a spiritual-organic union effected by the Holy Spirit. Peter declared the same in his sermon in Acts 2:28 . The new Christian is now “in Christ”.   The Baptism in the Spirit is permanent and is bestowed at conversion. It is not to be repeated ( Acts 2:38 ). There is no Scripture text urging believers today to seek for the Spirit’s Baptism.   The point is that it is not possible to receive what we already have!   On the other hand, what the Bible does urge us to seek and receive is the filling of the Holy Spirit. The key verse here is Ephesians 5:18 : “Do not get drunk on wine, … Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” The term, “be filled”, is often translated in Greek as “keep on being filled” with the Spirit. It is a continual present tense.   From this we deduce that the filling of the Spirit is not permanent, but is to be repeated again and again. As a drunk is saturated and under the direct influence of alcohol, so we are to live saturated and under the direct influence of the Holy Spirit.   I see a direct parallel between being filled with the Holy Spirit and enjoying the living waters ( John 7 ) and to experiencing the abundant life ( John 10:10 ) that can be ours in Jesus Christ.   Unfortunately, sin and personal choices can soil and stymie the filling, the living waters, and the abundant life. However, our sins and poor choices never threaten our relationship with God. They may affect our fellowship with God but never our relationship with Him. We are born into the family of God. He is our Father and we are His children and that can never be undone.   While none of us can demand or make God pour out the Spirit-filled life upon us, the Bible gives definite guidance on being filled with the Spirit.   First, stop sinning. Do not grieve the Spirit by sin ( Ephesians 4:30 ).   Second, when you do sin, confess your sin to God ( 1 John 1:9 ). We must be empty and clean in order to be filled).   Third, seek to live every moment in the Kingdom of God ( Matthew 5:6 and 6:33 ). A.W. Tozer said, “Every man is just as spiritual as he wants to be.”   Fourth, make every effort to respond positively to the guidance and speaking of the Spirit deep within. As far as possible, never quench His voice or refuse to do what He says ( 1 Thessalonians 5:19 ). We must unreservedly yield our lives to Christ ( Luke 14:33 ; 9:24 ).   Fifth, pray to become a spiritual man or woman at any price ( 1 John 2:12-14 ).   Sixth, ask God to pour His Spirit into your life so that you might receive the filling of the Spirit. You are now in a great position to experience the filling, abundant life, and living waters of the Spirit.   Seventh, leave the results to Him and soon you will enjoy the experience of walking hand in hand with Jesus ( 1 John 1:7 ).   Well, Name Withheld , I know you well enough to know that you are baptized in Christ because you received immersion into the family of God the moment you received Jesus. I know that you did not speak in tongues at that moment. I don’t know whether or not you do so today. You are well along in your journey. I know that you’ve experienced the filling of the Spirit on numerous occasions—perhaps not knowing or understanding the Biblical terms for what you were experiencing.   I hope my answer is helpful for you and gives some clarity about the three distinct experiences of tongues, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and the Filling of the Holy Spirit.   Love, Roger

Dear Roger,   I’m finding that believing in the validity of Christianity is becoming more difficult.   How could a loving God allow so much suffering? With thousands of religions spanning the globe who are we to say, or for Jesus to say, that he is the only one who can help us find God? It just doesn’t make sense. How could God send people to hell who’ve never had a chance to hear about Christ? How can we believe that the six-day creation as recorded in Genesis One could ever be literally true? How are we supposed to trust in the Bible when it has demonstrable conflicts and errors? I see some reasons why the fight surrounding gay marriage is worth the struggle. But what bothers me is that gays and lesbians actually have anatomic, structural brain differences from heterosexuals.   I’m asking questions that I’ve never asked before and the answers and non-answers are really bothering me. I’m not even sure exactly what I’m asking from you except that I’m really struggling with my doubts and miserable in the process. My anchor is slipping and the boat is drifting, do you see what I mean?   Please help me, Randy   Dear Randy,   Move over; I need a seat in your boat. We are fellow travelers looking for security and answers.   My faith struggles began in my early 20s. I’ll be vulnerable and say that I’ve struggled with doubts ever since.   I’ll not take time to reiterate my struggles with doubts — but I will share with you the truths that I turn to for peace when my faith is shaking. By the way, in Psalm 73 Asaph had his doubts about the goodness of God. Far from disqualifying him to lead worship, God gave him lots of grace. He told him to keep his own doubts quiet so as not to disturb the congregation. Then, God gave him the understanding and the time to work through his issues.   I continued sharing the Word of God even while I was doubting because the Word of God is powerful and life-changing. I continued pastoring because God gave me the grace and time that I needed to seek insight for answers to my questions.   1. DOUBTS CONCERNING JESUS CHRIST ARE NORMAL.   I once asked a pastor friend, “Do you ever have doubts?” He cocked his head and said, “Well, of course.  Doesn’t everybody?”   We don’t talk much about our doubts in the Christian church.  We talk about faith. Doubt is an “off-limits” subject.  It is like we are stained, or a traitor to the cause, if we admit to doubt.   Think about John the Baptist. He was the forerunner of Jesus. But when depressed and imprisoned his faith wavered. He sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you really the one, or should we look for another?” ( Luke 7:18-23 ).   Jesus did not say, “Yes,” and settle the issue for John once and for all.  He told him to look at His works: “Tell John that blind eyes see; paralyzed limbs are restored; deaf ears here; and demons are exorcised.”   The opposite of faith is not doubt. The opposite of faith is no faith. A faith-doubt crisis is not the same as “no faith at all.”   I do know some who claim never to have had a single doubt about the Bible and the Lord Jesus Christ. In some ways that’s an easy faith.   I know many who have struggled to believe — and in the solution to their struggle they found their faith stronger than ever.   Struggles with face and doubts are normal Christianity. We come out the other side stronger than ever   2. DOUBTS OFTEN ARISE WHEN WE ARE DISAPPOINTED WITH JESUS.   Why Did John the Baptist Begin To Doubt? Because Jesus did not live up to his expectations.’”   Judas was disappointed with Jesus and look where it got him.   Many people have expectations for Jesus that He has no intentions of meeting. Their prayers are not in line with his will. Or, secret sins impair their requests.   Some people are disappointed about: children, jobs, sickness, finances, marriage etc.— He’s not providing the love and care they expected, and so they turn somewhere else to find help.   3. JESUS NEVER CRITICIZES US OR SCOLDS US FOR STRUGGLING WITH DOUBT. HE’S PULLING FOR US TO FIND VICTORY.   When the storm increased and the sea was entering the boat, Jesus was asleep back aft. The disciples awoke him and pleaded with him to save them. Jesus responded, “Oh, little faiths, where’s your faith?” This was not a rebuke. The term,” “little faiths”, is viewed in the Greek language as a term of endearment.   Jesus has a vested interest in helping those who doubt to find faith.   That is what He did with me. Jesus did not brand me a heretic.  He did not take away my ministry. He refused to punish me for having doubts; instead, He took steps gently to increase my faith.  He was kind to me.  I never once had the impression that He was angry with my unbelief—disappointed perhaps—but not irate. Never once did I feel betrayed or deserted.   I’LL SHARE WITH YOU WHAT I CALL MY “FAITH ANCHORS.”   FIRST, I DECIDED THAT GOD MAY WELL BE DOING THINGS ABOUT WHICH I KNEW NOTHING. THIS IS A MATTER OF HUMILITY AND GOOD SENSE.   The Bible makes it clear that God has mysteries that he has no intention of sharing with us in this life.   This makes me think of Job. For 42 chapters Job tried to get answers from God about what was going on in his life. Near the end of the book God seemed to get tired with Job for asking the same questions again and again. He rebukes him harshly: “Who in the world do you think you are that you dare to question me!?”   God then proceeds to challenge Job: “If you think you’re so smart then answer these questions.” God then asks Job questions about everything from the stars in the sky to the sea monsters in the ocean. Job scores “zero” on his tests.   I decided that it takes a lot of pride and arrogance to falter in faith when God does not acquiesce to answer our questions. By the way, when the book of Job ends God has not answered a single one of Job’s questions.   SECOND, GOD ACTUALLY GAVE ME A SIGN TO VALIDATE HIS REALITY.   I often prayed to see God’s glory which in revealed as light. I prayed that someday in church I would be like Isaiah and see God high and mighty and lifted up in glory.   One Sunday morning as I was preaching, God answered that prayer. A teenage boy shined a powerful flashlight in my eyes–so powerful that the light shut down my irises and I couldn’t see my notes. I told him to turn off the light, and he did.   Ten minutes later he shined it again. “Turn off the light!” And he did. Ten minutes later he shined it once more. I remember pointing him and saying with anger, “Turn it off, I can’t see.” And he did.   Immediately after the service I hurry down the aisle and confronted him about the flashlight, and he said, “I don’t have a flashlight.” I asked to frisk him and he lifted his arms. There was no flashlight. I looked under the pew and around his seat but there was no flashlight. I was so embarrassed.   It took me six months to realize that God had answered my prayers. He had given me a glimpse of his glory and all I could think of was a flashlight.   On the same weekend, six months later, God also answered some the salvation prayers of that young man which tied in with the flashlight. But that’s another story.   Jesus says that He seldom sends signs to bolster belief. Don’t expect one; however, if God gives one then be humbled, don’t doubt, and never get over it.   THIRD, I CHOSE TO PLACE MY FAITH IN THE RESURRECTION.   I was taking a gamble but I liked the odds.   I could not figure out all of my questions regarding the cosmos and quantum mechanics; however, I figured that by using the gospel stories, I could prove the facts of the resurrection.   With the precautions the Romans took with the size of the stone, with the seal, and with the Roman guard there is no doubt that Jesus was placed in a sealed tomb.   Because of the way the grave clothes were laying when Peter and John looked in the tomb, I conclude that Christ no doubt was resurrected and transitioned in spiritual form to depart his grave. He resurrected right out of his burial clothes. I decided to put my face in his promise that he cheated death and that by believing in him, I could one day cheat death, too.   FOURTH, I MISSED THE TIMES WE SPENT TOGETHER.   Over the years I felt that Jesus and I had developed a relationship of close intimacy. My doubts were trashing our relationship and cutting Him out of my life. After a while I simply missed him and the times we’d had together.   I missed the strength and the comfort that I received from him. “Let not your heart be troubled.” “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” “My grace is sufficient for you.” “Consider the lilies”. I was tired of being stymied by my doubts and unanswered questions.   I decided to forgo the questions and uncertainties and return to the delight of experiencing life with him. This was a conscious choice. Spending time in his presence meant more to me than solving a host of unanswered questions.   FIFTH, AT SOME POINT, EVERY DOUBTER MUST MAKE A PERSONAL DECISION TO HAVE FAITH–OR NOT.   Faith is a cold-blooded decision to say “yes” to the things of our Lord Jesus Christ. No one else can make this decision for us. No one ever had faith without making this decision.   SIXTH, I DECIDED THAT IT WAS TIME TO STOP FIGHTING.   Fighting for answers was making me miserable. The closer you get to mortality and realize that time is running out, the more you realize that it’s stupid to throw away a lifetime of living with Christ.   When I was younger I couldn’t bring myself to stop looking for answers to the unanswerable. But there comes a time to stop fighting enjoy the cruise.   Polycarp was a pupil of the apostle John who lived from 70 to 155 A.D. He bridged the gap between the Biblical apostles and the early church fathers. Polycarp wrote numerous letters to the church at Philippi encouraging the members to remain strong in their faith and to flee materialism. Polycarp served as the bishop of the church at Smyrna.   Polycarp’s greatest contribution to Christianity may be his well-documented martyrdom. During a time of intense persecution Polycarp was arrested on the charge of being a Christian. Christianity was viewed as a politically dangerous cult whose rapid growth needed to be stopped. Amidst an angry mob, the Roman proconsul took pity on the gentle old man and urged Polycarp to proclaim, “Caesar is Lord”. Then, he would let him go free. Polycarp responded, “Eighty-six years I have served Christ, and He never did me any wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?” He was burned alive at the stake.   Personally, I committed my life to Christ when I was seven. I love Him and He loves me. Frankly, all of my questions and doubts don’t come close to topping the investment that I have in him–and that he has made in me. I have too much at stake to turn my back on Him now.   Sincerely, Roger