Dear Roger,   Why are Christians not more generous? I mean, the Bible is filled with admonitions for us to be generous to the poor. So, we bring a turkey and a few toys to some needy family and feel like we’ve done something special. And I know that is special; but, it just seems like it’s so little— especially in comparison to how much we give ourselves and our families.   Do you know what I mean?   Sincerely, Kayla   Dear Kayla,   I know what it is like to be poor—well, relatively poor. I worked for $1.25 per hour in a metal shop to pay expenses for college. Julie and I had to pool our dimes to afford going to a movie.   After college I worked as a children’s pastor for $100 per week. Julie taught piano lessons to help make ends meet.   Julie and I moved to Tucson for my first-full-time pastoring job. The church promised me a salary of $1,200 per month. After my first sermon the head deacon pulled me aside and told me that they had made a mistake and could only afford $1,100 per month. In addition, I had to pay for my own car expenses and medical insurance. After receiving some donations and using every last dollar, Julie and I paid off our dead daughters medical bills and we were flat broke.   We paid bills every Friday afternoon to see if we had enough money to make it through the upcoming week. Julie cried a lot on Fridays.   Thank God she knew how to give piano lessons.   I suppose that on the socio-economic scale from “1” to “9”, with “9” being those making $1,000,000 per year, and “1” being those in abject poverty, homeless on the street, Julie and I were about a “3”.   By the way, Kayla, you are correct. The Bible is filled with examples of how the more fortunate are to take care of the less fortunate.   Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,¶ and he will reward them for what they have done ( Proverbs 19:17 ). The generous will themselves be blessed,for they share their food with the poor ( Proverbs 22:9 ).   How generous we are with the poor is greatly affected by where we are on the socio-economic ladder. Not everyone uses the same criteria, or behaviors, or number of levels in their research studies. So, understand that I’m using this as an example in general terms.   Besides money and finances, the Nine Levels can also be examined according to education.   LEVEL NINE:    $1,000,000 per year: and/or post-doctoral degree. LEVEL EIGHT:     $500,000 per year: and/or PhD. LEVEL SEVEN:    $125,000 per year: and/or master’s degree LEVEL SIX:          $100,000 per year: and/or college degree LEVEL FIVE:          $75,000 per year: and/or associates degree LEVEL FOUR:        $50,000 per year: and/or high school diploma LEVEL THREE       $30,000 per year: and/or eighth grade graduation LEVEL TWO:         $25,000 per year: and/or Poverty Line: illiterate LEVEL ONE:            $8,000 Homeless: and/or illiterate   It’s important to know who is on the Ladder and where they are?   People who make between $1,000,000 and $500,000 per year are what the president calls the 1%. We might call the people make between $125,000 and $50,000 middle-class People who make $30,000 or less are poor.   We can draw many observations about these different levels.   For example, think about how people congregate at a pro football game. The one percent sit in skyboxes far above the maddening crowd of middle-class people who are drinking beer and having a wonderful time together. The one percent drink champagne out cut fluted glasses.   The one percent don’t trust anyone. They make their own decisions and run their own businesses. Most are entrepreneurs. On the other hand, middle-class working people work in an office building with many other people and trust that somehow the leaders of the company will make it all turn out okay.   It is not the wealthiest who are most generous.   People at the bottom of the ladder tend to give much more generously than people at the top.   “It is the poor who help the poor, because they know what poverty is like.”   The most generous givers are in the $20,000 to $30,000 bracket. They average giving 18% to charity as well as to their friends in need.   The over $100,000 brackets give less than 1.5 % to charity.   Most all of us congregate across no more than four levels. We can associate well with people two levels below us and one level above us. Occasionally, I hear people say, “Everyone is welcome at our church. We have a large generous giver in our church who makes almost $1 million a year!” Yes, you may have one. But, this person is the exception, not the rule. If you look carefully, churches seldom span more than four levels. A level eight individual has little or no chance of ministering successfully to someone on level four.   Yeah THE REASON THAT MOST OF US HAVE DIFFICULTY MINISTERING TO THE POOR IS THAT OVER TIME, WE ALL TEND TO MOVE UP THE LADDER.   We get a job, then a promotion, and then perhaps a raise and we’ve gone up the ladder.   Eventually, we pay off the mortgage on our house. We go up the ladder.   Studies show that Christians are better employees than non-Christians, and as a result, move more quickly up to ladder than those who are not Christians.Julie and I were recently looking at some pictures of the people in our first church in Penelope, Texas, population 212. Julie said to me, “I didn’t realize at the time how poor they were. One marginal farmer raised pigs to help feed his five children. I remembered that Abby, their five-year-old, slept in a room with a two-inch gap between boards. The cold North wind blew strong across the prairie and dad could not even afford a board to plug the wall and keep out the cold. Julie and I no longer view the people in Penelope as “normal.” We’ve gone up the ladder. We don’t look down the ladder very often. We tend to look up the ladder and compare ourselves with those above. This is why we seldom consider ourselves to be rich. Someone is always higher up the ladder. “I’m not rich” we say.” We look up the ladder and say, “He’s rich.” If only we would look down the ladder and see how many are below us. We would see how rich we really are. But it is hard to look down the ladder.   The average American 5-year-old has 250 toys. They’ve only been alive about 250 weeks, which means that the average 5 year old has grown up getting one new toy a week for his or her whole life. And we wonder why, as they get older, then they never seem to appreciate what they have but always want more? We’ve trained them well! We have pushed our children up an artificial ladder.   ONCE WE HAVE CLIMBED UP THE LADDER, IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO CLIMB BACK DOWN.   We say, “I can climb down the ladder. I know what it’s like. I once was down there.” The key words here are, “once was”. It’s easy to go up the ladder; it’s hard to climb back down.   One hot July afternoon my younger daughter, Bronwyn, invited me to go downtown with $25 and help some poor people. She had just returned from The Continentals singing ministry tour and this was one of their exercises.   We stopped at the grocery store to buy mayonnaise, bread, baloney and power bars. We bought paper sacks and had enough lunches for twelve or so people. The park was filled with men and women who were down and out on their luck. I began to hand out the sandwich bags and Bronwyn said, “Aren’t you going to talk with them. Nobody ever takes time to talk with them. Why don’t you slow down and spend some time with them?”   This was not easy for me. I was not having any fun. Finally, it was over and we could go home.   The next Sunday she did it again. I really had no desire to go, but I had to set a good example of my love and concern for people, so I agreed.   I headed for the grocery store and she said, “No, not this time. Let’s do something different.”   We went to the thrift store on Fourth Street. I intended to pay for someone’s purchases. After a while a woman entered the store with two children. I watched her select some clothes and let each child pick out one toy. As she approached the checkout register I introduced myself and told her that I would be pleased to pay for her purchases. She scowled with anger: “I’m a schoolteacher and I have a job. I don’t need your help. Leave me alone!”   Bronwyn said with a grin, “You’re not very good at this, are you.”   No I wasn’t very good at it. I‘d gone up the ladder.   SO HOW DO WE CLIMB BACK DOWN THE LADDER? WE FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF THE MACEDONIANS WHO GAVE SO MUCH WHEN THEY HAD SO LITTLE.   The first Baptist Church in Jerusalem was under intense. Paul was collecting an offering for the brothers and sisters. The Corinthians didn’t do a very good job with the offering. They started well with their giving, but then quit. Paul is encouraging them to finish out their commitment. He used the Macedonians as the motivation for his pep talk.   “And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the lord …. “ ( 2 Corinthians 8:1-4 ) :   The Macedonians experienced the grace of giving as they watched Jesus climb down the ladder. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” ( 2 Corinthians 8:9 ).   “Your attitude should be the same as Christ Jesus” ( Philippians 2:5-11 ).   Think of the richness of Christ: The whole universe was His. He had only to speak one word and a new world would be created. He could put His finger on every star and say, “Mine!” Angels did his bidding. He was God. Yet he became poor.  Can you see Him stripping Himself of His glory as described in Philippians Two? Described by the “kenosis,” he emptied Himself of His glory and Godness. See Him in a dirty stable. See Jesus, who dug the ocean beds, saying to a woman, “Give me to drink.” He saw the foxes and the birds going back to their nests and He had to say, “Foxes have holes, birds have nests; but, I have nowhere to lay My head.” Once He was honored by the “Hallelujahs!” of heaven, and now He is spat upon, struck, and cursed. The very hands that he had made were held still while the creature hammered stakes through the Creators hands. He was put upon a cross to bleed and die. He suffered the burden of the sin of the entire world.   This is how the Macedonians gave so much. They looked down the ladder at Jesus and they saw Him with the people at the bottom.   SO WHAT DO WE DO?   1. LOOK DOWN THE LADDER AND GIVE ACCORDINGLY.   Once upon a time, a man met me after church and said, “I live high on the ladder. I don’t know many people down the ladder anymore.  I want to help someone.  You know who is down the ladder.”  He handed me eight $100 bills.   What if you don’t have very much at all? What if you are at the bottom of the Ladder? You are a single mom; or your husband is not a Christian and doesn’t want you to give to the poor? Then remember 2 Corinthians 8:12 : “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.” God sees the “heart gift” and not the “hand gift”. If the heart wanted to give more, but was unable to do so, God sees it and records it accordingly.   2. BE LIKE JESUS: DON’T JUST LOOK DOWN THE LADDER, CLIMB DOWN.   Take sack lunches to the homeless in the park.   Adopt a family with children. You can give them more than just money.   Join an Open Table Ministry and help a family get back on their feet.   Look at the people right around you. Perhaps it’s time to really befriend your house keeper or lawn man in order to meet some of their real needs.   Skype with an orphanage in the Middle East. Get to know the children. Give a gift and encourage your friends to do so as well. In today’s world it is possible to meet the needs of people far away.   It may be hard to climb down the ladder, but it can be done.   At the Jewish Feast of Purim there is a regulation which says that, however poor a man is, he must find someone poorer than himself and give him a gift.   Make this year like the Feast of Purim: Find someone who is less fortunate and help them. Be like Jesus: climb down the ladder.   Sincerely, Roger

Dear Roger,   Everyone gets so excited about Easter. I don’t understand why. All they talk about is Jesus coming back from the dead. How does that change my life right now? Sincerely, Dana Dear Dana. Let’s consider some things personally. If you are a follower of Christ, think about the next few statements in terms of your life. If you are contemplating following Christ, then see here some helpful insights into Christianity and the benefits it provides.   ·If all Christ did when He died on the cross was to forgive my sins and thus assure me a home in Heaven, then He made me fit for Heaven while leaving me unfit for earth. But the good news of the gospel is that the One who died for my sins rose from the dead to re-inhabit my body so that He in me might be all I need for every possible situation.   ·What makes the greatest impact in my life right now is not what He did, or will do, but what He is doing for me right now.   ·For me to live is Christ. The Christian life is the enjoyment of all that Christ is. He lives out his life in me.   ·The normal Christian life is Christ. It is not our doing our best for Christ. What God wants is Christ—living our His life in me.   What Difference Does The Resurrected Christ Mean To Me? Two things at least!   ·I Am Fit To Live In Heaven: The Certainty Of Everlasting Life Means That I Am Fearless In The Face Of Death:   John 3:16 : “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.”   2 Corinthians 5:6-8 : “Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”   ·I Am Fit To Live On Earth: The Indwelling Of Jesus Christ Means That I Am No Longer Powerless And Alone.   Colossians 1:27 : “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”   John 14:16-18 - 16  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—  17  the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be [ a ]  in you.  18  I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.   Acts 2:4 , 17 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues [ a ] as the Spirit enabled them. “‘In the last days, God says,    I will pour out my Spirit on all people.Your sons and daughters will prophesy,    your young men will see visions,    your old men will dream dreams.   Here in no particular order are some of the benefits that come to those indwelt by the resurrected Jesus Christ.   New birth into the family of God: John 3:1-16   Adoption into the family of God: Romans 8:15   A new nature: Colossians 1:27   Guidance into all truth: John 16:13 ; Romans 8:14 ; Acts 8:29 ; 10:19-20 ; 13:2-4 ; 16:6-7 ; 20:22-23   The Fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23   Power for victorious living: Ephesians 3:20 ; Romans 15:13 ; Acts 1:8   An intimate relationship with God Himself: John 14:16-17 ; 16:7 ; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 ; 6:19 ; 2 Corinthians 13:5   Supernatural, always available comfort: John 14:26   A personal prayer Intercessor at the throne of God: Romans 8:26   Spiritual gifts: 1 Corinthians 12   Enjoyment of a unified community: 1 Corinthians 12:13 ; Ephesians 4:3-6   An indwelling, personal Teacher of the Bible: John 14:26   Direction regarding conviction of sin: John 16:8   Increasingly sensitive conscience: Romans 9:1   Assurance of inclusion in God’s family: Ephesians 1:13-14 ; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22   Filling with the Spirit: Ephesians 5:18   Ongoing improvement in behavior: Romans 15:16 ; 1 Corinthians 6:11   Following Christ is worth it. The benefits are everlasting.

J&G: J scrolling  G: You’ve experienced it, haven’t you? In the car. At dinner. The device that comes between you and someone else?   Huge impact. 2007 iphone. 2010 (50%+). Negative thoughts: comparison, fear, envy. J: Ps. 42:1-2: Our deepest thirst is for God.   Yearning for water: deer come down in the dry season.  Do you know what you are thirsty for?   Hiking: brackish, contaminated water.   How are you trying to quench your thirst? Don’t accept the salt water of the world.   We are drowning in the shallow end. Your deepest longings will only be satisfied by God.   G: 42:3-4: My tears are all I’m eating. Anxiety taking away appetite. Anxiety is speaking to you. Capture the language of the whirlwind. “Where is your God” –his experience.   42:5-6: 3x! (5, 11, 43:5). Speak to yourself. Get to the root issues.   Push back to your relationship with God. Do you remember a time when you were good with God? Gratitude journaling.   North of the Sea of Galilee. Hermon: source of the Jordan river.   J: David (Ps 103): bless the Lord, forget not his benefits!  42:7: You are calling me deeper. Press in. Don’t give up. The carving out of a waterfall. Self- reliance is a trap.   Sea Doo v. scuba diving. To-do list. Work. Hobbies.   42:8: The Lord commands his love. It won’t leave. His song hasn’t stopped. Arthur C. Brooks: “Happiness is not a feeling; it’s a direction.” 80 years earlier: D. Martyn Lloyd Jones: “Feelings are not the test. Truth is the test.”   G: What is more true? Right hand of God v. 4900 W Cortaro? 42:9: Fear still persists. Questions still come.   42:10: Bullies. Sometimes the adversaries are internal.  42:11: Speaking truth to yourself.   Return to the gospel again and again.   Who are you in Christ?   J: When anxiety comes, go deep by speaking truth over yourself.  Fight the scroll. Fasting? Create space for God’s voice.   Speak truth to yourself. Pray out loud. Journaling. Scripture.   G: What God says about who you are.

#1: “Mental Health and the Bible, Part One” J: M&M update: 64% commitments. $1.67M.   Campus is a go. Discernment around next steps. Infrastructure/canvas. Commit. Give. Pray.  A: Last year 60 million Americans suffered from mental health issues. One in five. Maybe it’s you. Maybe a friend.   What do we do? Does the Bible have anything to say about mental health? Yes.   For some, the church has stigmatized mental health.   The church should be the most transparent place on earth. We should be the place it’s safest to answer, “How are you doing?” with “I’m not okay.” “It’s okay to not be okay.”   J: Sermon series: What is mental health? The state of a person’s emotional, social, and behavioral well-being. Anxiety, depression, despair, intrusive thoughts, joy, peace, wholeness. Topics: The heart and the brain, depression, anxiety, self-harm, and relationships.  Ps. 34:18: the Lord is near to the broken hearted.  1 Kings background: Elijah standing up to Ahab and Jezebel: Showdown against the prophets: 450 prophets of Baal. Fire. People respond and worship. Kill the prophets of Baal. Rain comes! Isn’t he on cloud 9? No. The threat of the post-sermon.   Walk through the passages: four truths, two promises  A: Mental health issues distort our view of God.  1 Kings 19:1-3: why is he afraid now? We often can’t make rational sense out of mental health challenges. We can’t rationalize our way out of it.  Two trees: Three roots to mental health issues: fear, grief, and pride. Healthy: trust, grief, humility.  J: Romans 8:22-23. The world groans for redemption. Sin distorts our feelings. The impact of the fall on mental health.   Secular perspective: none of it is your fault. Fundamentalist perspective: it’s all your fault. Biblical perspective: complicated.  Mental health and physical health are connected.  1 Kings 19:4: Elijah is exhausted, suicidal, and hiding. Fear and compounded grief.   1 Kings 19:5-6: God doesn’t rebuke him. He meets him with grace, rest, food, and his presence. There isn’t a divide between the spiritual life and the physical life. DA Carson: “Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap.” We are finite. Don’t negate the physical. Recognize your limits. You need rest. You need sabbath.   Take stock of your diet, exercise, sunshine, and sleep. You need 8 hours of sleep.   A: Mental health issues distort our view of self and others.  1 Kings 19:7-8: God doesn’t withdraw. Takes to Mt. Horeb- Mt. Sinai—where God met with Moses.   1 Kings 19:9: God meets Elijah. Lets him speak. Are you sharing your heart with God? God already knows your thoughts.  1 Kings 19:10: A rehearsed speech that exaggerates Elijah’s importance and misses God’s presence. Pride!  His self-perception is twisted.   1 Kings 19:11-12: God doesn’t rebuke Elijah. Don’t miss my presence in the quietness. Your problems aren’t going to be solved in the fireworks.   Sometimes we need to preach to our feelings. We need to take hold of our mental loops.   Speak God’s truth over yourself. Anchor yourself in the truth of who he is and the truth of who you are in him.   1 Kings 19:13-14: God asks the same question. Elijah gives the same answer. He’s the hero of the story, not God. Take your thoughts captive. Feelings are okay, but they aren’t necessarily facts. Elijah’s thoughts have taken him captive.  J: God doesn’t leave us alone  Is. 53:3: Jesus was full of sorrows and acquainted with grief.  1 Kings 19:15-16: God still doesn’t rebuke Elijah. He gives him a final mission: anoint a new king and a new prophet. Take the weight of responsibility off your shoulders, Elijah.   1 Kings 19:18: God gently corrects Elijah’s distorted view: there are a lot more than you, Elijah.   God has a community.   Resources: pray with us. Counseling. Booklet.   A: One call: Listen for God’s voice  -Word: preach God’s truth to yourself. Invite God’s Word into your life every day and have it speak to you.  -Prayer: Ps. 34:18. He is pursuing you. He already knows your thoughts and wants you to give it to him.  -People: Don’t isolate. Be a community that is safe. You don’t have to have the answer. Ask for help.

Hi Roger,   How can I impact someone else’s life without harassing them with religion? I have many friends that don’t believe in God and many of them find it ridiculous. They know that I am a Christian, and I want to help them since I noticed that most of them are missing the joy of having Jesus Christ in their life.   As a teenager, in a school where religion does not matter, it is somewhat of a difficulty for me to talk to my fellow peers about the wonders of God.   I know most of them are going through situations that are difficult to surpass without God’s help and presence. I want to help them and show them God’s glory, but I don’t know how to since they don’t like to talk openly about God or anything. I want to know how I can show them God’s will for their lives without irritating them about what their religious views should be.   Sincerely, Rebeca   Dear Rebeca, I am thrilled with your passion for your friends to know Christ. Jesus’ parting instructions to us as He ascended to heaven were, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”   May God bless you greatly as you fulfill His wishes.   FIRST, RELATIONSHIPS OPEN THE DOOR TO SHARING THE GOSPEL. THE DEEPER THE RELATIONSHIP, THE DEEPER THE SHARING.   You mention that they “don’t want to talk about these things.” We know that relationships open the door to sharing. The more time you invest getting to know them, the more likely they are to open up, listen to your ideas and give credence to what you say.   Building relationships takes time and energy. We cannot sit in the comfortable pews of our church and shoot “gospel bullets” over the walls and expect our friends out there to come to Christ. Jesus ate with tax collectors, sinners, prostitutes and social outcasts. Of course, one meeting was all it took for them to build a relationship with Jesus. With the rest of us, it will usually take a little longer.   SECOND, MINISTERING TO PEOPLE’S HURTS OFTEN OPENS THE DOOR FOR THE GOSPEL TO GO THROUGH.   Alexander McLaren used to say, “Be kind to everyone you meet because everyone you meet is fighting a battle.”   I use an evangelism model, based on healing hurts, which works as well with brand-new acquaintances as it does with folks I’ve known for years.   My model is based on Romans 12:15 : “Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn.”   So, I meet someone, and after chatting for a short time, I’ll grin and ask them,” What is the best day you ever had?”   People never hesitate to tell me. I rejoice with them. I reflect back how wonderful that day must have been. I get excited about their experience. This is rejoicing with those who rejoice.   After a while I’ll I ask, “What was the worst day you ever had?” The better I know a person the more likely he or she is to answer. I mourn with them. I say things like, “I am so sorry. How did you feel as you were going through that difficult experience? What an awful time for you. I am so sad you had to experience that. Did you have people around the support you; or did you handle things alone? I’m so sorry that you were hurt so deeply.   This is called comforting. Jesus says in Matthew 5:4 : “Blessed are they who mourn for they shall be comforted.”   At this point, I let him or her know that I understand their pain by sharing something like this, “I’ve been through some difficult times, too; and one of the things that helped me was when Jesus Christ gave me the grace and strength to handle it.”   Then, I share one of my hurts and relate how Jesus helped me.   The door is now open. People may criticize the Bible, point at the hypocrites or believe that Jesus was a myth. However, the one thing they cannot reject is your experience with Jesus.   Zacchaeus ( Luke 19:1-8 ) was a hated, crooked tax collector for the Roman government. He used his position to line his own pockets. He was a traitor to his neighbors and they hated him for it. He was a wicked, lying, stealing, cheating, selfish man.   Could you imagine that a man like Zacchaeus might have some feelings? Certainly! Just for starters you know that he was feeling lonely, rejected, despised, hated and guilty.   Could you imagine that a tax collector behaving like he was and feeling like he did, might have some needs? Certainly! Like all of us, he needed love, acceptance, companionship, forgiveness and affirmation.   When Jesus arrived in town He walked immediately to Zacchaeus’ tree and called out, “You sneaky, thieving, selfish little man! Stop it!” No, that’s not what He said. Only a beginner starts like that. Christ gently said, “Zacchaeus, come down. I’m going to lunch with you today.” Good things happened during lunch. Jesus ministered to his needs and comforted his hurts Three hours later the front door flew open and Zacchaeus shouted: “Half of all I have I give to the poor; and whatever I have stolen from any of you I will restore four times over!” Jesus declared, “Today, salvation has come to your house!”   Zacchaeus found faith in Christ—not because Jesus yelled, “Stop it,” but because Jesus took the time to build a relationship and then ministered to his deepest needs and hurts.   This model makes things so naturally an easy.   I met a golfer on the first tee on the golf course. We introduced ourselves and begin sharing a little as we walked together down the first fairway.   On the fourth tee I casually asked him, “What was the best day of your life?”   He replied, “I guess it was the day my son was born. We had anticipated with growing delight his arrival. It was such an exciting time. I guess that was the best day of my life.”   So I rejoiced with him about how good it is to have a baby, and to watch all our dreams come true, and to hold a little child that we had made.   Walking down the sixth fairway I asked him what was the worst day in his life? He replied, “Well, I guess it was the day my son was born. My wife wanted to have a natural childbirth so we hired a midwife to help us. Unfortunately, there were problems and his legs were injured and not repairable. It might have been different had we been in the hospital.”   I really touched a nerve. He was tearing up He was mourning. I know what to do when I see mourning, I comfort it. We walked into the trees off the left side of the fairway. I comforted through the emotions and feelings that I knew he had. We talked about grief and anger and depression as a number of groups played on through us.   Finally, it was my turn. “Our first baby died in our arms, “I said. “We went through all the sorrow and grief and loss and depression. We had a number of folks for support. Nevertheless, the greatest help we received came from our faith in the strength and grace of Jesus Christ. May I share with you what a difference He’s made in our lives?   The opportunity was there. The door was open and the gospel walked right in.   THIRD, WHILE RELATIONSHIP BUILDING TAKES TIME, TIME IS NOT ALWAYS ESSENTIAL.   As I approached my gate at LAX I noticed a woman quietly crying. Several minutes later, I could stand it no longer, I sat down beside her and asked, “I’m so sorry you’re hurting; can I help you?   She was a Las Vegas showgirl who had just missed her flight to Mexico where she had a job as a cruise ship dancer. No later flights existed that could get her there before sailing. She didn’t know what to do next.   So, I told her how sorry I was for her loss and I told her how Jesus helped a woman caught in adultery pick up the pieces of her life and start over.   “Jesus helped her, and he can surely help you. Would you like to hear how Jesus helps people like you and me through every difficulty in life?   I must admit that I was quite surprised when she answered, “Yes”. So I shared the gospel and she prayed to receive Christ as her Lord and Savior. I gave her my pocket New Testament. I wrote down a reading list beginning with the gospel of John.   FOURTH, WE MUST BE PREPARED AT A MOMENT’S NOTICE TO SHARE OUR FAITH.   Paul advised his friend, Timothy, “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season. Always be ready to give testimony to the hope that lives within you” ( 2 Timothy 4:2 ).   Fifth, We No Longer Live In A “Churched” Society. We Live In A “Post-Christian” Age. It Makes A Difference.   Once upon a time the Bible was entrenched in the fabric of our culture. You could start with the Bible and show people how they were sinful and needed a Savior–right out of the pages of Scripture.   Today, instead of beginning with biblical teachings regarding Christ and salvation, we must first deal with questions concerning atheism, agnosticism, suffering, God’s existence, evolution or comparative religions—among a myriad of other questionings. These are chasms which must first be traversed before we can even get to the truths of the Bible.   Learn about these hurdles so that you can answer their questions with at least some degree of understanding. But, remember, you don’t have to have all the answers. Your personal story of what Christ has done in your life is the most compelling truth you can share.   FINALLY, FOLLOW THE PROMPTINGS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.   Opportunities to share the gospel may seem few and far between with your friends right now; nevertheless, when the Holy Spirit prompts you to speak, don’t flinch. Pray for the Holy Spirit to let you know when it’s time to speak and when it’s time to be quiet.   Remember, we cannot convince our friends of their need for a personal relationship with Jesus without working closely with the Holy Spirit.   Convicting our friends of their sin and subsequent need for a Savior is never our job. Convicting of sin is always the job of the Holy Spirit ( John 16:7-11 ).   What we can do is explain the benefits we have in Christ, and perhaps answer their questions, and perhaps share our own faith in Christ—and why we believe. Then, pray for the Holy Spirit to break down the unbelief in their hearts by convicting them of the beauty and reality of Christ.   I hope this helps. God bless you, Rebeca, as you love your friends and find open doors deep into their hearts.    Love, Roger

Dear Roger, I am a member of your church. 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 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,T (Name Withheld) Dear Name Withheld, I think that the best way for me to answer your question is to simply lay out for you the Biblical teachings regarding the gift of tongues. My answer will be rather pedantic; but, be patient; I believe this is the best format for helping you understand the gift. I will finish answering your question with a description of how we integrate the gift of tongues into our own Casas church. The gift of speaking in tongues is described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 , 28-30 ; and 14:1-28 , 39 . It is one of many spiritual gifts which God gives to Christians to fulfill His Kingdom work. The spiritual gifts are: Apostleship; Evangelism; Administration; Leadership; Pastor-Teacher; Miracles; Healing; Mercy; Prophecy; Teaching; Wisdom; Knowledge; Encouragement; Giving; Helps; Distinguishing Between Spirits; Faith; Interpreting Tongues; and Tongues. At Pentecost ( Acts 2 ) tongues was the ability to speak fluently in a previously unlearned language so that people from sixteen different nations who had come to Jerusalem for Pentecost could hear the gospel in their own language. At Corinth ( 1 Cor. 12-14 ) tongues were ecstatic utterances which were understood only through one who had the God-given gift of interpretation. Tongues is described in1 Corinthians 14:2 by the words, “he utters mysteries with his spirit”). Most people who speak (or pray) in tongues describe these “utterances” as an angelic prayer language that touches the very heart of God. The gift of tongues was a “problem” gift in the Corinthian church. It was divisive and provided a strong temptation of falling into the insidiousness of spiritual pride. Because of this problem Paul wrote an entire chapter on how to handle this gift. While all spiritual gifts are important, Paul is careful to identify tongues as the least important of all the gifts. Tongues have sometimes been a divisive gift in contemporary Christendom. It breaks my heart that any spiritual gift would cause conflict in the church. I choose not to get in the fight over the validity of tongues for today. I will try to answer your question by simply stating and explaining the Biblical teachings on tongues. I hope, “T”, that this gives you a better understanding of the gift as you develop and mature in your own spiritual gifts. One of the questions often asked is, “Are tongues still for today or did the gift die out early in church history?” Some maintain that the gift was temporary to meet the special conditions of the early church and was withdrawn after the written New Testament. First Corinthians 13:8 appears to teach that tongues will cease of themselves while knowledge and prophecy will go on to cease at a later time. The verb referring to prophecy and knowledge is in the Greek passive voice and connotes the idea that prophecy and knowledge will be stopped by an outside source, ie God, when He is finished with them. Surprisingly, the verb referring to tongues is in the Greek middle voice and connotes the idea that tongues will “automatically” cease of themselves. Those with this view use several verses to affirm that the gift ceased once the church was established because it was no longer needed. First Corinthians 14:39 asserts: “Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.” My opinion is that it would take a bold man or woman to say that the Holy Spirit cannot or will not bestow the gift today. The Christian and Missionary Alliance Denomination has twice faced the tongues question in official capacity, in 1907 and again in 1963. Its position, put forth by A.W. Tozer, wisely and succinctly summarized Paul’s instructions about the gift of tongues, “Seek not, forbid not”. In my experience some try to teach people to pray for the gift of tongues and even attempt to lead people into obtaining the gift of tongues. I believe that this is false and unbiblical practice. The Holy Spirit is not the only source of tongues? On a famous and influential Christian television program a Muslim convert said to the host: “Praise God, I got the gift of tongues before I even became a Christian!” The host was so excited! However, according to the Bible, spiritual gifts are given at the moment of conversion (additional gifts may well come later) and never before a salvation experience. Tongues are not the exclusive domain of Christianity. Tongues-speaking has been reported from the days of Plato, known among the Zulus, and practiced in Hinduism. Tongues-speaking has been heard among Muslims, Mormons, and spiritualist mediums. Unitarian Pentecostals, who reject the deity of Christ, are known to talk in tongues. It appears that there are generally three categories of sources for tongues. First, the Holy Spirit can give the gift. Second, Satan can counterfeit it. Third, it can be a psychologically self-induced experience. According to the Bible tongues had several purposes. First, tongues were used at Pentecost to authenticate the addition of non-Jewish people into God’s church ( Acts 2 , 10 , 19 ) and thus show that God’s church was to be universal. Second, at Pentecost tongues-speaking attracted a crowd and provided a springboard for Peter’s first gospel sermon, and helped win 3,000 souls. Third, tongues were used to convince skeptical Jewish believers that the Gospel was for Gentiles too. God needed to teach Simon Peter this lesson at Cornelius’ house in Acts 10 . Fourth, at Ephesus when the gospel was declared to the followers of John the Baptist, tongues offered evidence to the Jews living there of the reality of Paul’s new message of the gospel of Christ. Fifth, interpreted tongues were used for edification in the gathered church ( 1 Corinthians 14:5 , 22 , 26 , 27 ). Coupled with one who has the spiritual gift of interpretation, tongues relayed a message directly from the Throne of God to the church on earth. In this sense it edifies the church: 1 nickel (tongues) + 1 nickel (interpretation of that tongue) = 1 dime (prophesy). Sixth, tongues promote personal-spiritual edification ( 1 Corinthians 14:4 , 14-16a ). Seventh, tongues are useful in prayer to express ideas and concepts which are deep in the human spirit ( 1 Corinthians 14:2 , 14-15 ). Eighth, tongues are a tool for praising God ( 1 Corinthians 14:16a ). By the way, praying in tongues is not the Biblical method of Christian growth nor necessarily a part of it. In all the explanations of the spiritual life in the New Testament epistles, tongues-speaking is completely ignored. Also, sanctification is not a sudden acquisition of spiritual maturity by receiving the gift of tongues. Spiritual growth is a long-term process by which likeness to Jesus Christ is produced by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. Paul lays down a number of rules for using the gift of tongues in 1 Corinthians 14 . First, Uninterpreted tongues are a negative, often misunderstood, sign to unbelievers in attendance at a worship service of judgment ( 1 Corinthians 14:20-25 ). In the middle of Paul’s instructions about the use of prophecy and tongues he includes a six-verse admonition to the Corinthians in which he says that they should not think in childish ways but should be mature. He then concludes by saying that they should seek to prophesy, because unbelievers will be driven away by tongues (without interpretation), but they will be convicted and convinced by prophecy. The context of Paul’s quotation from Isaiah 28:11-12 is one of judgment on unbelievers in Israel. The Lord repeatedly warned His people; but, they had refused to listen. So, God relayed to them that he would send on them foreign invaders (the Assyrians) whose speech they would not understand. Uninterpreted tongues leads to judgment for unbelievers because if unbelievers come to a church service and people speak in a language they cannot understand, they will simply turn away in disbelief and confusion from ever hearing the truth. Thus, they will continue to stand in God’s judgment because of their sin. So when you come together (v.26), if anyone speaks in a tongue, be sure someone interprets (v. 27); otherwise, the tongue-speaker should be quiet in the church (v.29). Second, tongues in public worship are to be used only in the presence of an interpreter. Otherwise, the tongue speaker is to be silent ( 1 Corinthians 14:5 , 16 , 27-28 ). The Scripture is clear that one who knows he or she has the gift of tongues should determine in advance of a public meeting whether or not one with the gift of interpretation will be present. Third, no more than two or three are to speak in tongues during any one gathering ( 1 Corinthians 14:27 ). Fourth, the entire church is never to erupt in tongue speaking simultaneously ( 1 Corinthians 14:23 ). This is confusion and not order; and God is the author of order not confusion. Any unbeliever there will think that all are mad. Fifth, those with the gift of tongues should pray to also receive the gift of interpretation ( 1 Corinthians 14:13 ). Sixth, do not forbid speaking in tongues ( 1 Corinthians 14:31 ). Seventh, all spiritual gifts are to promote peace and harmony and maintain the unity of the Spirit—whatever has a divisive tendency is open to suspicion ( Ephesians 4:1-8 ). Eighth, God does God intend for every Christian to speak in tongues? The gift of tongues is definitely not given to all. This truth is made unmistakably clear by the Greek grammatical construction of 1 Corinthians 12:30 . Ninth, an overview of the Biblical teachings about tongues seems to indicate that the gift of tongues is not a gift which can be developed. It is given spontaneously. You either have it or you don’t. Tenth, an entire congregation which is dependent on only one interpreter to receive a message from God through the gift of tongues, is in quite a dangerous position. Truths from God must be verified by two or three witnesses. A pastors preaching and teaching may be checked by comparing them with Scripture. But in a tongues message the congregation is at the mercy of the interpreter. The message needs two or more interpreters to verify the truth of the what is spoken by the one using tongues. Since interpretation is the key to meaning, interpreting tongues stands in a place of even greater importance than does the gift of tongues itself. Nevertheless, one without the other is meaningless toward the goal of edification. Well, “T”, I hope this gives you a basic Biblical understanding of the gift of tongues. You answered correctly on the application form. If you don’t know you have the gift, you don’t. The Holy Spirit is well able to reveal your spiritual gifts. Pray for discernment and to be filled daily with the Holy Spirit. Love, Roger

Dear Roger, If a person were a Christian and served God faithfully before getting Dementia will God condemn them for sins committed after getting Dementia? That is if they do not remember to ask for His forgiveness. Sincerely, Debra   Dear Debra,   Dementia is a terrible thing. We all know someone, or, of someone, who is mentally degenerating. Also, we all know of one or more families who are facing years of long-term debilitating care for a loved one who is losing his/her mind.   One of the pastors in our church, we’ll call him Paul, had a dementia-ridden mother-in-law who was under his and his wife’s care. She was living with him, his wife and their children. The tension at home was increasing with each passing day.   One morning at work he was telling us about an incident the night before when mother-in-law had a headache. Paul came into the kitchen to find her taking aspirin to remove her headache pain. How many doses had she taken? Fortunately, not enough to warrant stomach pumping. The aspirin bottle was rather full. So, Paul took the bottle of aspirin away and hid it from mother-in-law.   Paul proceeded to make a light-hearted joke about how tempting it was to leave the aspirin bottle open on the counter. Their problem would be solved by morning! We all chuckled. It was funny.   Then, Paul began to cry,   Debra, about the only passage in the Bible that has to do directly with dementia is found in Ecclesiastes 12:1-8 . Solomon painted a poetical picture of what it’s like to grow old and die. It is not a pretty picture. Every part of the body is slowing down and declining—including the brain and the mind—until finally the “golden bowl” is broken.   You ask, can some one with dementia sin? Of course they can! In the early stages of dementia people are still cognizant of their actions and responsible for what they do. They are able to repent, confess and ask for forgiveness. However, I believe that there comes a time in the latter stages when they have little concept of where they are and what they are doing. Suppose that one in the last stages of dementia picks up a knife in anger and stabs someone—and within minutes the act is entirely forgotten. Their behavior is certainly sinful. However, it is not possible for that demented one to deal appropriately with the consequences—including confession and repentance in order to receive forgiveness.   In this case I can’t imagine that God would hold this sin against the demented one. God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness will surely be forthcoming.   Let’s be clear that no one goes to Heaven based on whether or not they have unforgiven sin when they die. When we received Christ all of our sins were forever forgiven. Nothing we can do in the future can take away salvation—whether we lose our minds or not (Read Romans 8:28-39 .).   Those in the final stages can certainly commit sinful acts. But, it matters little whether or not they ask for forgiveness. According to the Bible, the blood Jesus shed on the cross covers all of our sin.   The purpose of confession, repentance and forgiveness for Christians is to restore the intimate relationship that we have with Christ which was impaired by our sin.   Debra, before I finish, I want to share a related question that may throw additional light on your question. Here is my friend’s question and my response.   Dear Roger, If you have never accepted Jesus and then something happens to you and you become a “vegetable” (ie. brain damage), can you ever get a chance to accept Christ again? Sincerely, Questioner from Casas’ “What’s Next” Class   Dear Questioner,   According to Hebrews 9:27 , the answer is a resounding, “No! There is no second chance. The writer to the Hebrews declared: “. . . man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment …” I know of no other way to interpret t his verse than at face value. It matters not whether we die without Christ in a car accident or lose our thinking capacities through a stroke. If we die without having received Christ as our personal Savior then we have no second chance. Our eternal destiny is forever fixed the moment we die. The time to receive Christ is while we are still alive, in our right minds and can make a choice. The writer to the Hebrews repeats again and again, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”   In Romans chapter two Paul puts to rest the question of what happens to the religious person who never hears of Christ but who lives a moral and upright life to the level of the “Light” they have received from their inner conscience and the hand of God in the creation. Paul’s response is, “Show me one! There is not one. No one lives up to the light they have received.   In 1 Peter 3:18-2 0 Peter described a time between Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection when He went to Hades and gave all the Old Testament people who had rejected God’s offer of salvation before the Flood a second chance to receive Christ: Peter wrote: “He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.” Some feel that if these people got a second chance then God may give others second chances as well. The truth is that this passage is rather problematic and we should not build our theology on disputed passages.   In an argument from silence, some reason that God will, of course, give brain-damaged humans another chance because God is a God of love and it is only fair for these folks not be to penalized just because of an unfortunate incident leading to their brain damage.   Finally, your questions begs the question regarding the many babies who are born brain damaged and/or who never reach a level of consciousness where they could accept or reject Christ! Children with “Downs Syndrome.” are some of the happiest people that l know. However, depending on the severity of their afflictions, many can never comprehend the theological dynamics of Christ’s work on the cross or of our need for a personal reception of Him into our lives. I believe that in Matthew 19:14 Jesus assures us that we will one day see these folks in Heaven’s glory: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”   When all is said and done, I think that the final answer must come from Hebrews 9:27 : We die once, then comes judgment. We must assume that people who die or become incapacitated without Christ will be judged according to whether or not they received Christ before they died.   Love, Roger   Now Debra, I thank you for asking such a relevant and intriguing question. I would suspect that many others were thinking the same thing.   May God grant you and me clear-cut thinking with no signs of dementia until finally we head off into Glory.   Love, Roger

Dear Roger, My husband and I are planning to buy a house. Are there biblical guidelines for house buying? If so, could you please share them with us?We would also appreciate any advice you could give. Sincerely, Kimberly and Don. Dear Kimberly and Don, When I began studying the subject of the Bible and houses I was surprised to see that the Bible has a lot to say about the subject.I attended my first biblical finances seminar when I was twenty-years old. Forty-five years later Julie and I are still living by those financial principles. I long ago forgot the name of the man who set forth for us these principles; but, Julie and I owe him a tremendous debt. He changed our lives for the better, forever. I hope that these guidelines are helpful for you, too. Let me give you an example. By following good biblical economics God has kept his financial promises to us and we have never lacked for anything.Our first daughter, Jesse, was born to die. Her chromosome confusion doomed her to an early grave. Forty days in the neonatal section of the hospital plus all the attending doctors, tests and medicines produced an astronomical financial bill. Fortunately, we had medical insurance which paid for everything except for $11,000. We didn’t have $11,000. We didn’t have anything. It was my first year pastoring in Tucson and finances were tight. In fact, the church agreed to pay me a salary of $1,000 per month. However, when we arrived the head deacon told me that they had changed their minds and could only afford $900 per month. I got a $100 cut in salary before I ever preached my first sermon.) The night Jesse was born, our obstetrician, out of the goodness of his heart, cut his bill in half.The church took up an offering and other friends and neighbors donated to help us reduce the debt. Then, Merle invited me to lunch at the local Village Inn Restaurant. After we were seated he asked me how much more money we needed to completely pay off the debt. Frankly, I was embarrassed by his request. But he insisted. Finally I said, “We are still $1800 short.”He reached in his coat pocket, pulled out his checkbook and wrote a check to me for $1800. I protested; I felt very uncomfortable taking his money; but, he kept on insisting. Finally, with great gratitude of heart and many “thank yous,” I reached out and took the check. Then, he held open his checkbook and put it right to my face while saying, “If you have any more bills come in, they are mine.”I knew then, and still believe, that because Julie and I were following God’s financial plan, He met our needs to the very dollar.Several very practical ministries have grown up around the idea of how to handle our money in a Christian way. One of the best resources is Larry Burkett’s “Crown Ministries”. Check out some of the terrific Internet resources on how to handle God’s money effectively. Let me share with you some things to keep in mind from a biblical perspective when you are thinking about purchasing a house. 1. BIBLICAL ECONOMICS BEGINS WITH GOD’S PROMISE THAT IF WE GIVE HIM THE TOP PORTION OF OUR INCOME, HE WILL MEET OUR FINANCIAL NEEDS. The first portion of our income is called the “ tithe ” (10%) which is validated by Jesus in Luke 11:42 .I’m convinced that the reason many Christians struggle in financial bondage is because they refuse to follow this first step in a godly financial plan.“Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me.“But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’“In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house,” says the Lord Almighty, “trust me in this and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it” ( Malachi 3:8-10 ). This is the only verse in the Bible where God invites us to trust Him. This is really important. 2. REFUSE TO BE SEDUCED BY MATERIALISM AND STATUS SYMBOLS. Psalm 49 is the Psalm of the rich materialist. God is warning us that if we’re overawed by someone else’s house, envious of it, or attracted to it, we are in danger of falling into the trap of materialism . The most universal, time-tested, status symbol in human history is the house. The house is not the only status symbol in society. Cars, clothes, jewelry, club memberships, and suntans would be a partial list of others.It ’s no surprise that when God wants to teach us the danger of seeking after status symbols in Psalm 49 , He would use the house as an illustration.God never teaches that a big house is proof that the occupants are materialists. After all, there are many very rich and righteous people in the Bible – like Abraham and Joseph.The result of materialism and status seeking is often misery and despair ( Ecclesiastes 2:4-11 ). This is especially true when we buy more house than we can afford. “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” ( 1 Timothy 6: 6-10 ). 3. HOUSES AREN’T THE PRIORITY THAT WE THINK THEY ARE. Paul defined contentment in 1 Timothy 6:8 : “If we have food and clothes we will be content with that.” There is no mention of houses.There are entire cultures in our world where practically no one owns a house. In many countries four or five families live in a house smaller than one American house. I’ve seen it. 4. BEGIN YOUR FINANCIAL PLANNING ON THE BASIS OF YOUR FINANCIAL RESOURCES, NOT YOUR DESIRES. Don’t ask: “What do I want? What does the world say that I should have? What does my peer group say that I should have? What is fashionable?”Instead, ask questions: “What resources do we have? What can I do with the resources that I have? What buying power do I have? What earning power do I have? How does God want me to use it?” “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content withwhat you have, because God has said,“Never will I leave you;never will I forsake you” ( Hebrews 13:5 ). “Keep your lives free from the love of money…” These are our desires. Stop thinking materialistically.“And be content with what you have…” These are our resources.“Because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you’.” God says, “I will give to you the right amount of resources; you will use these according to my will. It is that simple. You be content with what I have given to you.” When we take this approach we allocate our resources rather than attempt to pay for our desires. If we go through life attempting to pay for our desires, we will ultimately crash and burn. 5. HOW MUCH MONEY CAN I SPEND ON A HOUSE? “Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house” ( Proverbs 24:27 ). The context here is a farming society; however, this principle is just as applicable to our society today as it was to theirs then. Let me give to you a rule of thumb used by most financial planners to give you an idea of an approximate amount that you can afford to spend on your house. The average realtor will examine your annual salary and say that you can safely spend 30 to 35% of your annual income on a mortgage for your house. In some cases it’s possible to go as high as 40%. But that’s pushing it. The only problem is that your realtor has not factored in God. Getting our fields ready means that we take a closer look at how much we are really going to need.Let me share with you some of the things to keep in mind from a biblical perspective when you are thinking about purchasing a house.Oh, by the way, recognize that the realtor is really working for the seller and not for the buyer. This means that the more money that you spend to buy a house the more money the realtor will make. Don’t forget to check the tax rolls to get some sort of an idea of what your prospective house might really be worth. Most Christian financial planners work with a term called “ Net Spendable Income .” Take your gross income per month and subtract three things from it. God’s part… the government’s part… savings… What is left we can define as our Net Spendable Income. .For simplicity’s sake, let’s illustrate and use 33%. Let’s say your gross income is $36,000 per year, or $3,000 per month. God’s part =10% or $300. Leaving $2700.Government’s part = 20% or $600 . Leaving $2100.Savings = $300. Leaving $1800. $1800 x 33% = $600 per month to spend on housing if you make $36,000 per year.Let’s not forget that too many families struggle by with an income of $36,000 per year or less. Now, let’s go to a higher figure and say that your gross income per year is $120,000, or $10,000 per month. God’s part = 10% or $1,000. Leaving $9,000.Government’s part = 30% or $3,000. Leaving $6,000.Savings = 10% or $1,000. Leaving $5,000. $5,000 x 33% = $1,650 per month to spend on housing if you make $120,000 per year. Of course, we recognize that we may not have much of a house by following this rule. But by following this rule, we remain faithful to the principle of allocating resources rather than trying to pay for our desires. In this way, we have a financial plan that is designed by God for solid success. If we go out and find the house we desire and then try to pay for it, we are going to fail. We have to allocate resources. Remember that 95% of divorcees say that finances were a major cause in their divorce. Is it all right to have a mortgage? The Bible teaches that it is all right to borrow money on an appreciating asset. It is not all right to go into debt for depreciating items like cars and refrigerators. A house can be a great asset and a marvelous investment. But remember, houses can go up and down in value. There are many scenarios in today’s economy where renting a house is a much wiser decision than buying a house. And we are not throwing our money away by renting. We are getting value received when we rent. We are getting a place to live and we get the total flexibility to walk out of it clean at any time without a mortgage hanging around our necks. We are free of the worry of maintenance, insurance, and taxes. And, we have gotten rid of the risk that the property will go down in value.Biblical economics helps us to reach healthy financial goals. One goal is to own our house debt-free before we retire. When Julie and I first married we lived in a rented, one-bedroom, apartment with a grand piano in the living room. Julie taught over 50 piano students each week to help us survive financially. From that inauspicious beginning, as we move into our retirement years, Julie and I now own our house debt-free. The feeling is great; the security is even greater. Paying off the house mortgage is a major step in good biblical economics. 6. PROVERBS 24:27 PROVIDES THE GUIDELINE WHICH PREPARES US TO BUY A HOUSE: “FINISH YOUR OUTDOOR WORK AND GET YOUR FIELDS READY; AFTER THAT, BUILD YOUR HOUSE.” Let me show you what, “finishing our outdoor work and getting our fields ready,” involves. Only when the work is done and the fields are ready is it time to buy a house Number One: We Are Paying The Lord His Proper Share Of Our Income. Number Two: We Are Paying The Government Taxes According To The Law. Number Three: We Are Out Of Debt For All Depreciating Items. Number Four: We Are Saving A Portion Of Our Income For The Future. This includes an Emergency Fund that is set aside to cover our unpredictable (as well as predictable) future needs. Many economists say that our emergency fund should be somewhere between three to six times our monthly gross income. Number Five: We Have A Positive Cash Flow. A positive cash flow means that we are taking in every month more money than we are spending. Every month we pay all our bills and there is something left. If we will follow these principles, then we will discover that we are Biblically allocating our resources rather than having to pay for our desires. I am convinced that if we begin to commit ourselves to follow God’s Biblical principles we will be delighted to see that God just might start doing some things that we could never do with the resources that we have. May God bless you, Kimberly and Don, with great wisdom as you make one of the biggest financial decisions of your lives. May God make His will so clear to you that you can’t miss it. Sincerely, Ask Roger

Dear Roger, I need to know why I can’t seem to sense God is with me. Have I been rejected for some reason? Romans 8:35-39 states several things that cannot separate me from the love of Christ.  Sin is not mentioned.  Can sin separate a person from the love of Christ? Can you comment on this? Thanks, Eric,   Dear Eric,   Formidable is Paul’s list of things that could potentially separate us from the love of Christ: “trouble; hardship; persecution; famine; nakedness; danger; sword; death; life; angels; demons, the present; the future; powers;   height; death; nor anything else in all creation.” Fortunately, Paul makes it clear in his next statement that none of these things are “able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” ( Romans 8:35-39 ).   In answer to your question let me begin by explaining the term, “love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The Greek language in the first century had four basic words for love. Only two appear in the New Testament. The word “Eros” is a type of sexual, romantic love which forms the basis of our English word “erotic”. “Eros” does not appear in the Scriptures. “Storge” refers to the love of a parent for a child, or for a good friend. Neither is this word utilized in the New Testament. “Philos” was the preeminent word for love during the first century. Once again, this word has more to do with friendship, brotherhood, parenting and marriage. The word “agape” was not often used in the Greek world during the time of Christ. When the biblical writers tried to express the depth of Christ’s love, their words were just inadequate. So they infused new meaning into agape. Agape came to mean divine-like, selfless love which loves the unlovable and never stops loving.   Christ’s Agape love is our salvation security. No matter how severe the attack, or what we do, or what sins we commit, the loving Christ will never take away our salvation because his love is “agape”.   “Agape” firmly withstands every onslaught that we may face.   The reason that sin is not listed in Paul’s list of potential attackers is quite simple. The answer has to do the concepts of relationship and fellowship.   While our closeness, intimacy, and fellowship with God will suffer at times, our relationship with him can never change. When we receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior we become God’s children ( 1 John 3:1 ) and he becomes our father. We cannot change our relationship with God any more than we can change our relationship to our earthly father. Our earthly father will be our father no matter what may come between us. Our heavenly father will always be our father (relationship) no matter what may come between us (fellowship).   Sin is a matter of fellowship, not relationship While sin is not mentioned in Paul’s list, sin may do more harm than anything else to stifle and impair the loving fellowship we have with God our father. For example, Paul says that when we grieve the Holy Spirit by our sin ( 1 John 4:30 ), or when we quench the Holy Spirit ( 1 Thessalonians 4:13 ) by living our way instead of God’s way, we impair our fellowship with him. The way to restore this estrangement is 1 John 1:9 : “If we confess our sin, he is faithful and just to forgive our sin, and cleanse us of all unrighteousness.” Remember that the first step to experiencing the love of God is to confess your sin, invite Jesus to forgive your sin and to come into your life and be your Savior. “For God loved the world so much, He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16 .   I hope, Eric, that my thoughts are helpful. May God bless you with good days ahead.   Love, Roger

Hi Roger,  Here’s one I thought of after your series on the Book of Daniel and the End Times:  You said that ‘discerning Christians’ will recognize the signs that the end is near… How can I be sure I am a discerning Christian?  (And, will you, as our leader, help us to recognize these signs?) Sincerely, Susanna Dear Susanna, Of course, you are referring to  Daniel 12:4 : “But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.” The prophecies do seem to be opening up for us to see and understand. And of course, knowledge is doubling every year or so; as result, I’m getting rather excited, too. The book of Daniel provides an overview of world events from the days of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon all the way to Christ’s crucifixion, resurrection and subsequent millennial reign. Daniel forms the framework for the book of Revelation and for the understanding of biblical prophecy. Daniel’s overview begins with Nebuchadnezzar’s dream-vision in Daniel 2 . Nebuchadnezzar dreamed of a huge multi-metallic man with a golden head, chest and arms of bronze, belly and thighs of brass, and feet and toes made out of iron mixed with clay. He then saw a mountain coming out of the sky which hit the man on the toes and feet. The mountain crushed the man into powder, and the mountain grew to fill the earth. Daniel explained to Nebuchadnezzar that the different metals represented different kingdoms. Babylon was gold; Media-Persia was silver; Greece was bronze; and Rome was iron. The iron mixed with clay represented a future conglomeration of loosely federated governments united around one man whom Daniel identifies as the antichrist. The nations were in chronological order from top to bottom. We see here the devolution of human governments. The value of these kingdoms begins with gold and ends with iron. Also, notice that the nations increase in power over time. Babylon was a terrible foe; however, its wickedness and power were nothing to match the wickedness, strength, and power of the Roman Empire. I suppose that the lesson here is that all governments degenerate over time and that God is ultimately in control of each of them. As explained in the book of Revelation, the 10 toes represent 10 nations, occupying the area of the old Roman Empire. These nations will come together in the last days in an attempt to destroy Israel and take over the world. The nations don’t get along very well just as iron doesn’t mix well with clay. Revelation describes these nations, along with several others, that will all be led in a loose coalition by the antichrist. The mountain which destroyed the multi-metallic man is a picture of the resurrected Jesus Christ at His Second Coming destroying the wickedness of the Gentile nations on earth. The mountain which grew to fill the earth is a picture of the millennial reign of Christ on earth. Daniel’s 70 “sevens” prophecy encompasses the chronological framework for the history of the Jews from now until eternity. Again, the book of Revelation fits into this framework. It’s really impossible to understand what’s going on in Revelation without understanding the book of Daniel. Daniel’s generalized overview occurs in Daniel chapter 9. Daniel was reading the book of Jeremiah when he realized that the 70 years of Jewish Babylonian captivity was coming to an end. Daniel wondered what would happen next–exactly what many Christians today are also wondering about our own times. Understanding these prophecies can help us understand what God has revealed to us about His plan for the End of the Age.  Along with asking God to tell him what came next for Israel, Daniel spent time in prayer, confessing the sins of Israel and pleading God’s forgiveness for those sins. God sent the angel Gabriel to give Daniel an answer to his prayer concerning what God had planned for Israel. Gabriel shared that God had another program for Israel when the 70 years were concluded. This plan was for 490 years. As you read the verses below you will see how the book of Revelation fits into this passage. Daniel 9:24 gives us an overview. Daniel 9:25-27 fills in the details. Daniel 9:24 is the overview: Seventy “sevens” are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the Most Holy Place.” Daniel 9:25 -27 gives the details: “Know and understand this: From the time the word goes out to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven ‘sevens,’ and sixty-two ‘sevens.’ It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble. 26 After the sixty-two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed One will be put to death and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed. 27 He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven. In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.” Remarkably, this passage looks 560 years into the future to predict the very day when Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, April 6, 30 A.D. In Daniel 9:24 we learn three facts regarding God’s plan for Israel. First, God’s program for Israel extends for 70 “Sevens” (70 x 7 = 490 Sevens). “Seven” is the Hebrew word “Heptad.” This is a generic word which can mean seven of anything. It is similar to our word, “Dozen” which can mean twelve of virtually anything: twelve bananas, twelve pencils, twelve years. The context of this passage helps us to determine that here the word “Heptad” is referring to seven years. One “Seven” equals 7 years. (70 X 7 years = 490 years.) Second, this program applies to Israel. “Your people and your holy city.” Third, this program will continue until Christ establishes His Messianic Kingdom. Gabriel shared six characteristics of the Messianic Kingdom of Christ’s l000-year reign on earth. To finish transgression: refers to Israel’s national transgression of rejecting the Messiah.  At the Second Coming, transgression will be ended because they will accept Him as Savior. To put an end to sin: the national sin of Israel will end. To atone for wickedness: refers to the reconciliation for all in the Cross of Christ.  At the Second Coming Jew and Gentile alike will recognize and believe in the atoning work of Christ. To bring in everlasting righteousness: Christ’s Kingdom is set up on earth for a millennium. To seal up vision and prophecy: After 70th week all prophetic announcement and visions will be confirmed and fulfilled. To anoint the Most Holy: refers to the Millennial Temple which will function during that time. God reassured Daniel that He still has a plan for Israel. After 490 years Israel will be restored to their land and will prosper in a glorious future. The first sixty-nine “sevens” (483 years) ( Daniel 9:25 ) began at the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem. This decree is described in Nehemiah 1:1 and 2:5-8 . Historically, the “20th year of Artaxerxes” was 444 B.C. Using the Jewish calendar of 360 days per year and the fact that the prophecies began on the first day of the month, we know for certain that this period began on March 4, 444 B.C.  The 69 “sevens” are broken down into two phases: One seven and sixty-two “sevens.” Seven “sevens” tells of the time during which the temple was rebuilt. It took 49 years. Ezra and Nehemiah both helped in the rebuilding and spoke often of the troubled times occurring during this process. The 69 “sevens” concludes when the Anointed One, the Ruler comes.” From 444 B.C. until the coming of Christ on Palm Sunday is 483 years or 69 “sevens.”   483 prophetic years (360 days adjusted to 365.25 days =5.25 days difference between the Jewish calendar and our present-day calendar. 483 X 5.25 = 2535.75 days or about 6 years and 11 months. Subtract adjustment… and…483 Jewish years from March 4, 444 B.C. to Palm Sunday is April 6, 30 A.D. (see Robert Anderson’s book,  The Coming Prince ). This is one way that Anna and Simeon knew that it was about time for the Messiah to be born so that they could carry out their planned worship of Jesus as a baby. To a believer in Christ, Daniel’s 490 year prophecy is a tremendous confirmation of the Word of God! We live in a day in which the Word of God is under attack on every hand. Many mock it, and thousands ignore it; yet, here is a tremendous confirmation for all of us to see this prophecy fulfilled in absolute detail to the very day. Of course, most of Israel was blinded to it all, as many are blinded to how God is working today as well.  Several things occur between the end of the 69th seven at the beginning of the 70th ( Daniel 9:26 ). First, “the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing.” This is one of the prophecies in the  Bible  of the death of Jesus Christ. “Cut off” describes his death. Isaiah 53:8 describes Jesus as “cut off from the land of the living.” Jesus mentioned often that he must go to Jerusalem and die (e.g. Matthew 16:21 ). One of Holman Hunt’s most famous paintings of Jesus hangs in the Birmingham City Museum and Art Gallery, and is called “The Shadow of Death.”  Christ is pictured as a young man in Joseph’s workshop. The sun is setting.  Christ stretches out his hands after a hard day’s work.  At that moment, the artist catches Jesus’ image. The shadow on the wall shows a man with arms outstretched like He’s dying on a cross. Jesus Christ lived his entire life in the Shadow of the Cross.  He came to die on that cross for the sins of Israel and for the sins of the entire world. After 69 “sevens” – 483 years, Jesus was “cut off”. Second, Jerusalem is destroyed. “The People of the Ruler who will come” refers to the Romans who destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 A.D.  More than three million Jews were killed. Masada occurred. When you are in Rome be sure to see the huge arch of Titus standing at the entrance to the Roman forum which commemorates Titus’ his victory over Israel. Seeing the coming Holocaust, Jesus wept for Jerusalem as described in Matthew 23 . “The Ruler who is to come” is the Antichrist. He’s the little horn of Daniel 7:8 and the Beast of Revelation l3. Third, a time gap occurs after the end of the sixty-ninth “seven” and before the beginning of the seventieth “seven”. At the Triumphal Entry of Christ into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, 30 A.D., God’s prophetic time clock stopped.  The hands stand poised at 69, indicating that there is still one seven-year period left. We have no indication giving insight into how long until the 70th “seven” commences. After all, long gaps of forty years occurred between the crucifixion and the destruction. Today we are in the gap, waiting for the last seven years to commence, but in His Word, God has revealed much information concerning his plan for this “seven,” so that we can understand the times in which we live.  You can read more about the gap in  Luke 4:18-21 , as Christ quotes from Isaiah 61:12 . Fourth, The Seventieth “Seven” ( Daniel 9:27 ) Begins When The Antichrist Makes A Peace Treaty With The Nation Of Israel For Seven Years. “He” is “The Ruler of People Who Will Come”. The Romans came in 70 A.D. The Antichrist will be descended from them.  “Many” refers to the Jews and the nation of Israel. Daniel sketches the outline of 70th seven; Jesus roughs in the picture with the Olivet Discourse; John fills in details with the Book of Revelation. This is why we don’t have to be baffled or surprised by what we see in Europe and the Middle East. I believe that God is preparing to restart the clock.  The teams are lined up and the ball is about to be snapped. Amazingly, Israel has never been assimilated into another nation.  In 1948 Jews came home from all over the world.  Sociologically, this has never happened with any people.  When’s the last time you saw a Babylonian walking around?  They’re all gone. But not the Jews. We’re told elsewhere that the Jews will accept the Peace Treaty with the Antichrist who rules Europe because they are fearful of the threat of the “King of the North.” When a Bible student sees Israel aligned with the West, and not the North or South or East, he or she is not surprised! This is simply a sign of the times.  The teams are lining up.  We may one day witness the Antichrist taking control of a ten-nation confederacy in Europe by subduing three nations. Incidentally, the Jews will mistake the Antichrist for their coming Messiah and the beginning of peace for the initiation of the Millennium. Notice that the  Rapture  does not restart God’s prophetic clock. No one knows exactly when the Rapture may occur.  It could come at any moment. In the middle of the 70th “seven” (3 l/2 years, 42 months, l260 days) Satan falls from Heaven and indwells the Antichrist ( Revelation 12:912 ; 13:4 ). Then, the Antichrist breaks the peace treaty and does two things: 1. He forbids the pffering of sacrifices in the Temple ( Daniel 9:27 ). This indicates that Israel will have a Temple during this time. 2. He sets up the Abomination of Desolation on the altar in the Holy Place in the Temple. The Abomination of Desolation is mentioned by Christ in Matthew 24:15-16 .  The Abomination of Desolation as described in the Old Testament refers to anything which desecrates the Temple of God. Three and a half years of Great Tribulation will then begin as the Antichrist tries to wipe the Jews off of the face of the earth. The Abomination of Desolation is a resurrected image of the Antichrist that the Antichrist forces people to worship as God or face death ( Revelation13 ). Jesus said that this is a sign for the godly to flee. The Antichrist will then launch the greatest wave of Anti-Semitism that the world has ever seen. As the time of great tribulation comes to an end, Jesus returns with the Armies of Heaven and defeats the Antichrist ( Revelation 19 ). The Messianic Kingdom begins and the six characteristics of Daniel 9:24 will occur. Baffled? Never, thanks to Daniel 9 . Today, we see the rise of Israel as a state, its alignment with the West, its possession of Jerusalem, its plans to rebuild the Temple, soon to be deployed Iranian nuclear missiles, and the beginnings of worldwide anti-Semitism: all of which are preparing the way for the Beast. Watch closely the rise of the European Union. We see it all as God preparing the scene for His program with Israel. We don’t look for 70th seven. We look for our deliverance ( 1 Thessalonians 1:10 ). We look for our blessed hope ( Titus 2:13 ) . Here is a good way to think about the Second Coming: “We plan as though Jesus isn’t coming for 1,000 years, but we live as if He is coming in the next 10 minutes.” Israel’s immediate future is desperate, but she will repent and turn to God, trust in the blood of Christ, and have a glorious future with the Lord. By the way, the same future is available to all who apply the blood of Christ to themselves.   Susanna, I know that I answered a lot more than you asked, but hopefully this overview will help you to make sense of Bible prophecy and how it applies to what is going on in the world today, as well as to remind you that God is in control of our future, and has been since the beginning of time. Sincerely, Roger

Dear Roger, You said in today’s post that you will post your answer to the meaning of “666” when somebody asks you. May I please be considered a “somebody” so that you will do so? I, too, believe in “types and shadows” and do believe that the Bible is to be read both historically and predictively.  We are certainly living in some very frightening, scary times, aren’t we?  The antichrist knows his days are numbered . . . and so do we.   Thanks to Jesus of Nazareth . . . we know! May you be greatly blessed. Mary Kay   666 literally means a name.  The number “666” is the number of the name of the coming Antichrist.  Giving a number to a name is called “gematria,” which is the Greek practice of adding up the letters in someone’s name. In Latin this practice is called “isopsephism.” Each letter in the Greek language has a numeral equivalent. Add up the letters and you get the number of the name. When Julie and I were dating I often wrote the initials, “RB + JT” in my notebook or in the wet cement of a newly poured sidewalk. Of course, the Initials stand for, “Roger Barrier plus Julie Tacker.” Young lovers in Greece and Rome used gematria to express their relationships. For example, one inscription on a wall in Pompei reads, “I love the girl whose number is 545. Of course, it is quite easy to take a name and turn it into a number. It is much harder to take a number and turn it back into a name. Turning the number into a name is the key to unlocking the name of the Antichrist.  Revelation 13:18  is the applicable verse: “This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man’s number. His number is 666.” According to John, those who are wise can get an insight into the Antichrist’s identity by knowing the number of his name.  In ancient Greek, Hebrew and Latin letters represented numerals according to their order in the alphabet. For example, in Greek,  Alpha  is one,  Bata  is two and so on. The letters in Greek for “Nero”  (Neron)  add up to 1005. However, if the Greek letters for Nero Caesar ( Neron Kaisar ) are transliterated into Hebrew ( nrwn qsr ), the letter numbers add up to 666 (50 + 200 + 6 + 50 + 100 + 60 + 200 =666). By the way, the “the number of the beast” was not written as a figure like “666.” Rather, the letters of the alphabet were written out in full. Many interpreters consider the Roman Emperor Nero to be the “antichrist” of  Revelation 13  because the number of his name is 666 and because he inflicted “Antichrist-like” horror upon the first century Christians. Some consider Nero to be a historical Antichrist and we that we are not to expect a future Antichrist. Yet, for the number to have any significance for a first century AD reader, it would have to refer to a contemporary historical figure. Other interpreters, myself included, view the Book of Revelation as being both historical and predictive of coming future events (This is the double fulfillment principle of prophecy.) According to this view, Nero was indeed an “antichrist” as well as a type or picture of the coming future Antichrist—whose number-name will also add up to 666. Nero was a despicable man who murdered his own mother. Nero fiddled the night Rome burned. By blaming Christians for the fire, he justified his tortuous murdering of uncounted hundreds of those who proclaimed Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. He proclaimed his supposed divinity on coins, identifying him as the “Savior of the World.” Since Christians have only one Lord, refusing to burn incense and declare Caesar Nero as Lord was like signing your own death warrant. As an aside, since Nero ruled from A.D. 54-68 he would have been the emperor to whom Paul appealed his case as recorded in  Acts 25:10-12 . For those who may be interested, I quote below a passage from Tacitus, the Greek historian (c. A.D. 60-120), who preserved in his Annals (XV.44) the viciousness of the Neronian persecutions which give us some idea of the horror the coming Antichrist will inflict on both Jews and Christians. Nero falsely accused as the culprits [who started the fire] and punished with the utmost refinement of cruelty a class … who are commonly called Christians. “Christus,” from whom their name is derived, was executed at the hands of the procurator Pontius Pilate in the reign of Tiberius.… Accordingly, arrest was first made of those who confessed [to being Christians]; then, on their evidence [refusing to worship Nero as Lord], an immense multitude was convicted … Besides being put to death they were made to serve as objects of amusement; they were clothed in the hides of beasts and torn to death by dogs; others were crucified, others set on fire to serve to illuminate the night when daylight failed…. All this gave rise to a feeling of pity, even towards men whose guilt merited the most exemplary punishment; for it was felt that they were being destroyed not for the public good but to gratify the cruelty of an individual. The number “6” in the Bible is often associated with man; just as the number “7” is the perfect number and “3” often correlates to the Trinity. 666 is thus a number that consistently falls short of triple perfection: 777. The number also refers to the “unholy trinity,” Satan, the Beast and the False Prophet. One day I got to wondering what Jesus’ number might happen to be. So I added up the Greek letter-numbers in Jesus name ( 10 + 7 + 200 + 70 + 400 + 200 =887). What a shame. 887 is only one digit short of “888” which would symbolize Jesus as consistently one better than perfection. As I am writing my answer I wonder what “Christ” adds up to? Let’s find out ( –600 + 100 + 10 + 200 + 300 + 70 + 200 =1480). Well, I don’t find any symbolism in 1480, but it was worth a try. By the way, some early manuscripts identify the number-name of the Antichrist as 616 (instead of 666). By omitting the final “n” in Nero’s name in Greek, transliterating that name into Hebrew, and then adding up the letters, the number of Nero and of the coming Antichrist both add up to 616. Regardless of the number, Nero is the only name that can account for both 666 and 616. But, 616 is a story for another time. I hope my answer to what 666 means is both interesting and informative. Thanks for the question. Love Roger

Dear Roger,   I got emotionally involved with a man at work. One thing led to another and before I knew it, our relationship became physical. It didn’t last very long. After several months of guilt and misery, I extricated myself from the relationship. I love my husband and as a Christian, I want to make it right. I feel so guilty and ashamed. My conscience is killing me. I’d like to confess to my husband and get it off my chest; but, unfortunately, I’m afraid that if I tell him our marriage would be decimated and our children devastated. Is it best to keep it secret or confess and hope for the best? Sincerely, Susan   Dear Susan, Let’s begin with the obvious. Don’t have an affair in the first place. I know that sounds trite; however, if you’ll saturate your mind with three chapters in the book of Proverbs your chances of falling into an affair are greatly diminished. Proverbs chapters 5-7 clearly illustrate the stupidity and the consequences of committing adultery. Constantly saturate your mind with these chapters and having an affair will scare the living daylights out of you.   Let me illustrate with a few passages: Stay away from your neighbor’s wife,from the smooth talk of a wayward woman. Do not lust in your heart after her beautyor let her captivate you with her eyes. For a prostitute can be had for a loaf of bread,but another man’s wife preys on your very life. My son, keep my wordsThey will keep you from the adulterous womanwith her seductive words. “Come, let’s drink deeply of love till morning;let’s enjoy ourselves with love!My husband is not at home;he has gone on a long journey.” With persuasive words she led him astray;she seduced him with her smooth talk.All at once he followed herlike an ox going to the slaughter,like a deer stepping into a noose at last night,like a bird darting into a snare,little knowing it will cost him his life. There are numerous reasons why I’ve never been even close to having an affair, not the least of which was saturating my mind with Proverbs 5-7 on a regular basis. Well, should I tell my spouse or not? In my experience, the people that I’ve counseled or queried split about 50/50 on the issue. REASONS TO TELL MY SPOUSE THAT I’VE HAD AN AFFAIR 1. Pray and ask God for guidance before doing anything.   2. Consider seeking the advice of a trusted friend or trusted spiritual leader to gain insight as to how to best proceed.   3. Hiding my adultery may scorch my soul and sear my conscience.   David wrote Psalm 32 after Nathan confronted him with his unconfessed sin of adultery with Bathsheba:   “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.”   Despite popular belief, people who’ve had an affair are not more likely to have another. With all the pain, shame and devastation involved, most are loath to put their hands in the fire again.   4. Confessed sin allows me to restore my relationships with God and with my spouse. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” ( 1 John 1:9 ). “Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed” ( James 5:16 ).   5. Bringing things out into the open allows me to mitigate the possibility that my spouse will find out anyway with a more devastating result than if I had told my spouse in the first place.   6. If I tell my spouse what I’ve done, I can minimize the damage and hopefully we can proceed with healing our marriage as soon as possible.   Let Me Share Some Thoughts About How To Heal The Marriage:   Apologize to the level of the hurt. A simple “Will you forgive me” is woefully inadequate. You’ve dumped on your spouse ten gallons worth of pain. Asking for a pints worth of forgiveness is ludicrous. You must allow her to tell you all the ways that you hurt her. When you get a sense for how much pain you have caused, only then can you ask for forgiveness and really mean it to the level at which your spouse can really forgive you.   Get help. Restoring a marriage is not for the faint of heart. Your marriage is crumbling. Get to a counselor ASAP. Hopefully, you have some wise and trusted friends who can give you much needed support.   Go to church. A lot.   Don’t tell the children. They don’t need to see mom and dad fighting—too much resulting insecurity. If the marriage fails, strongly consider remaining together for the sake of the children. We’ve been told, “If you get a divorce, don’t worry about the children. Children are resilient. They’ll bounce back.” But, that’s a lie. Children never get over it.   REASONS TO NOT TELL MY SPOUSE THAT I’VE HAD AN AFFAIR   Frankly, as far as I can tell, there are no specific Bible verses that gives us permission to withhold from our spouse our sin of adultery. Nevertheless, from an overarching perspective, telling your spouse that you’ve had an affair is risky, but several things are worth considering.   1. I believe that it’s fair to say that the Bible places emphasis upon not hurting people. If I don’t tell, I may save my spouse, children and extended family untold heart ache (as long as they never find out).   2. We are to confess our sins to God and to one another; but the Bible does not say that one of these “anothers” must be our spouse.   “Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed” ( James 5:16 ).   3. If I do confess my sin, I may feel better; however, my spouse and family certainly will not.   4. Not telling my spouse is incredibly risky. The success of choosing to remain silent hinges on the hope that my spouse and family never find out. If they do find out, the devastation will be worse than if I’d told my spouse in the first place.   By the way, it’s my experience, and the experience of our church counselors, that most men keep the affair secret. A significant portion of women eventually tell someone who then can’t keep the secret.   Susan, I hope that I’ve clarified some of the issues for you. You have a choice to make and risks are associated with either choice.   But that’s the point. Having to make this choice is one of the consequences of having an affair. By the way, which way will you go?   Sincerely, Roger