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How do I say, “I’m sorry?”
ANSWER: When you have disagreements and realize you were wrong, don’t just say, “I’m sorry.” That’s a good start, but it’s merely an emotional regret of your being in the wrong, or regret that the other person feels bad. That’s not enough to restore Christian fellowship. A better and biblical way when we believe we are wrong [OR we may have been “right” but handled the matter in a wrong way] is to ask, “Will you forgive me?” In sincerely asking for forgiveness, we admit our responsibility, and we put the ball squarely in the other person’s court to say yes or no. That’s how we restore fellowship with God, and that’s how we should restore fellowship with others. God commands us to forgive, as He has forgiven us. If the other person says “yes”, that put’s the matter into God’s hands, and the issue should not be thrown in the person’s face again. There may be a time/need for feelings to heal, and boundaries may need to be made on how issues are approached in the future. Forgiveness doesn’t mean what hurt you was ok, nor does it mean you were “wrong.” It means you are giving the matter and your right for justice to God. Relationship can now be restored.
How does a touch from God’s Spirit feel?
ANSWER: The Holy Spirit touches people in all kinds of ways; some quietly, some loudly, some in-between. Sometimes, it feels like an impression in one’s mind or heart, maybe a word of encouragement or a picture, or a scripture. Sometimes, people feel tingles, or heat, or breath on their hands and other parts of their body. Some even tremble or shake when God touches them. Some people feel an overwhelming acceptance and love from God permeate them, bringing them to tears. Other times, God’s Spirit may fill some with compassion and mercy to empathize and pray for others. Sometimes, God fills people with joy that leads to a hearty belly laugh. The Bible says the Kingdom of God is about righteousness (being in right relationship with God and other people), joy and peace in the Holy Spirit. Tangible experiences and signs when the Spirit of God touches us are normal and biblical, even if some things seem strange at first. God’s Spirit brings His power, love, presence and healing. CS Lewis once wrote about God: “Is He safe? No, but He is very good.” God is calling you to press into deeper experiences with His Spirit. Take some risks when you worship or pray. Reach out to love on Jesus. Relax, and receive God’s great love for you!
What are some good books to help me grow in faith?
ANSWER: For the basics of the faith: Basic Christianity by John Stott; Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. For developing experiences with the Holy Spirit: Not the Religious Type by Dave Schmelzer; Naturally Supernatural by Gary Best; GodSpeak by Rick Evans. For praying with authority: I Give You Authority by Charles Kraft. For spiritual warfare: The Bondage Breaker by Neil Anderson; Deliverance from Evil Spirits by Francis MacNutt. For healing ministry: Healing and also The Nearly Perfect Crime both by Francis MacNutt; Doing Healing by Alexander Venter. For general growth: Everyone Gets to Play by John Wimber. For devotions: Breakthrough by Vicki & Jim Egli; Passport by Tim Davidson. For youth dating: Finding the One by Christian Dunn. Pastor Rob can help you find any of these books; just ask. Suggested websites: www.reasons.org www.dissentfromdarwin wwww.bethinking.org www.probe.org
Why should I have others pray for me?
ANSWER: Following Jesus in faith was never meant to be done alone. We all have seasons of blessing and seasons when we are wounded in this life; and God created us to help each other. The Bible tells us to pray for each other in both good and challenging times. Prayer is merely listening and talking with God. Prayer can have all kinds of forms: Praise, worship, thanksgiving, confession, requesting help, inviting God’s presence, receiving prophetic words, healing, etc. Since the Holy Spirit lives inside every believer, we each have anointing power from God to receive blessings and pass them to others. When others pray for us, we can receive a tangible touch from the Holy Spirit, healing, encouragement, wisdom, forgiveness—a better life. Praying for each other invites the power and blessings of the Kingdom to come into your life with the full strength of God. Jesus came to bring His Kingdom to you—restoring intimacy with God; healing your sorrows; and giving you a joyful, abundant life. Prayer is the Key to unlocking this great spiritual adventure. Want some? Try it and see. Ask Pastor Rob to arrange a time of prayer for you.
Is dabbling in astrology harmful?
ANSWER: Absolutely! It’s a form of witchcraft or sorcery (using another source than God to guide your life). These things seek to replace the rightful place of Jesus as Lord. Though astrology is often wrong in its predictions, its pronouncements are written in a general way so as to touch on some truths. This is the hook to entice people to believe them and even use astrological charts or mediums as a guide for life decisions. In her emotional distress after the attempted assassination of her husband, former first lady Nancy Reagan used psychics and astrology to guide some of her decisions. This is in direct violation of the Word of God: “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord…” (Deut. 18:10-12). Dabbling in astrology, mediums, psychics, wiccan, white or black magic, séance, etc. opens a door to the demonic realm into your life. The best decision is to have nothing to do with any of these things.
What Does the Bible Say About Sex?
ANSWER: Sexuality is a good gift from God that expresses gender identity and the unique intimacy between a husband and a wife (Genesis 1:27; 2:24-25). The Bible forbids sexual intercourse outside of marriage [one man & one woman] (2 Cor 12:21; Gal 5:19-20; Eph 5:3; Col 3:5). God doesn’t want to spoil our enjoyment; God does want the best for our sexuality. Sex is very powerful; we are sexual beings whether we’re married or not. For singles, abstaining from sex in this culture is difficult. It’s possible with prayer and the support of trusted fellow believers. Be brutally honest with Jesus about how you feel; His Spirit is in you to encourage and strengthen you. Forgiveness and healing are always available, if we make a mistake. Sexual intercourse links us spiritually with anyone with whom we are intimate, and Jesus wants to be Lord over our sexuality (1 Cor 6:13-20). Our culture is very permissive, yet most people find promiscuity to be unfulfilling emotionally, and physically dangerous (e.g. STDs). Secular studies have found the most fulfilling sexual intimacy occurs in monogamous marriage.
Does God love me, even if I’ve done some really bad things?
ANSWER: Absolutely! We ALL have either done or thought about doing all kinds of bad things. The Good News (Gospel) is that Jesus came to rescue ANYONE who gives his/her life to Him. Just look at this list of things Christians had done in the Bible: “Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified [made holy], you were justified [death penalty of sin paid] in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Cor. 6:9b-11). Without God in our lives, we all become enslaved to sin. The promise of God is this: “Yet to all who received him [Jesus], to those who believed in his name, He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12). God is eager to be in relationship with you. His Holy Spirit will come into you and help you resist evil and give you a new and better life. All you need to do is ask Him. Call out to Jesus; invite Him into your life; ask some friends to pray with you. No bad thing should keep you from living in God’s love. In Christ, you absolutely ARE a son or daughter of God—beloved, desired and cherished!
Are angels & demons real?
ANSWER: Yes. In both the Old and New Testaments, angels (created heavenly beings) are mentioned many times. Demons actually are fallen angels—formerly good angels who joined Lucifer or Satan in his rebellion against God, and in so doing they became evil spirits. Their nature changed from good to wicked, and they are condemned to damnation. The Bible speaks of myriad or huge numbers of these beings. Matthew 18:10 says humans are assigned guardian angels as children. Angels are used by God as messengers, representatives, and soldiers of Heaven; they do God’s bidding in spiritual warfare, protect God’s people, and bring the judgment of God upon wickedness. Conversely, demons hate all people, and like their leader the devil, attempt to destroy humanity through temptation, oppression and torment. According to the Bible, demons attack people—even Christians. However, the spiritual authority of every believer in Christ is more than sufficient to command all evil beings to leave in the all powerful Name of Jesus Christ. Every Christian should learn how to pray with authority in Jesus’ Name to command any evil presence to leave and also to pray protection over one’s family and home. Suggested reading: I Give You Authority by Charles Kraft.
Is money the answer?
ANSWER: Jesus taught a lot about money. Money itself is not evil, but the Bible says the love of money is the root of all evil. Money can be used for great blessing, and it can be used by Satan to create false gods. Loving money breeds wicked pride—where you think you’re “better” than others. Two common myths about money: 1) “Money will make me happy.” It will not. Your identity and joy must be as a child of God, period. You are who you are because of Jesus, not because of what you have. The devil tries to make people believe our self-worth is in our things, and then he tries to destroy our marriages, children and lives. Don’t be fooled. We are to love people and use things—not the opposite. 2) “People who are rich have no problems.” In fact, depression, the divorce rate, suicide rate, etc. have no economic boundaries. “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (right relationship with God and other people), and all these things will be added to you.” Bottom line: It’s ok to work hard and make money, but NEVER find your identity in wealth. If you do, God will (and should) discipline you because you have slipped into loving money over Him. “You cannot serve God and Money, for you will come to love one and hate the other.” God blesses us materially to bless our families and others. Use money to bless, and be wise stewards of it.
How do I say, “I’m sorry?”
ANSWER: When you have disagreements and realize you were wrong, don’t just say, “I’m sorry.” That’s a good start, but it’s merely an emotional regret of your being in the wrong, or regret that the other person feels bad. That’s not enough to restore Christian fellowship. A better and biblical way when we believe we are wrong [OR we may have been “right” but handled the matter in a wrong way] is to ask, “Will you forgive me?” In sincerely asking for forgiveness, we admit our responsibility, and we put the ball squarely in the other person’s court to say yes or no. That’s how we restore fellowship with God, and that’s how we should restore fellowship with others. God commands us to forgive, as He has forgiven us. If the other person says “yes”, that put’s the matter into God’s hands, and the issue should not be thrown in the person’s face again. There may be a time/need for feelings to heal, and boundaries may need to be made on how issues are approached in the future. Forgiveness doesn’t mean what hurt you was ok, nor does it mean you were “wrong.” It means you are giving the matter and your right for justice to God. Relationship can now be restored.
What are some good books to help me grow in faith?
ANSWER: For the basics of the faith: Basic Christianity by John Stott; Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. For developing experiences with the Holy Spirit: Not the Religious Type by Dave Schmelzer; Naturally Supernatural by Gary Best; GodSpeak by Rick Evans. For praying with authority: I Give You Authority by Charles Kraft. For spiritual warfare: The Bondage Breaker by Neil Anderson; Deliverance from Evil Spirits by Francis MacNutt. For healing ministry: Healing and also The Nearly Perfect Crime both by Francis MacNutt; Doing Healing by Alexander Venter. For general growth: Everyone Gets to Play by John Wimber. For devotions: Breakthrough by Vicki & Jim Egli; Passport by Tim Davidson. For youth dating: Finding the One by Christian Dunn. Pastor Rob can help you find any of these books; just ask. Suggested websites: www.reasons.org www.dissentfromdarwin wwww.bethinking.org www.probe.org
What does Easter mean to us?
ANSWER: All of Christianity rests on the certainty of the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul said if Christ was not raised, our faith is useless (1 Cor. 15). But, we know that Jesus was indeed raised, and our sins are forgiven. We do have relationship with God, and His Holy Spirit lives in us. Because Jesus (God coming to earth as a man) conquered death, we who put our trust and faith in Jesus also have eternal life. Millions of people over 20 centuries have tested the Gospel accounts of the resurrection and experienced personal relationship with the risen Christ. Many legal experts and skeptics, including lawyers, judges, investigative journalists, scientists, intellectuals, and others, have rigorously tested the evidence for the resurrection and have concluded the Gospel accounts are true and received Jesus as Lord. All the first 12 disciples suffered torture, imprisonment, and most were executed for claiming they had seen the risen Jesus and that He is the Son of God. Not one apostle ever recanted that claim. Because He lives, we also live a new life in Him. Recommended reading: Beyond a Reasonable Doubt by Herbert Casteel ISBN 0-89900-351-6 by College Press; www.alibris.com sells used books at a reasonable price.
How does God speak to us today?
ANSWER: First and foremost, God speaks to us through His inspired written Word, the Bible. The Bible is God’s primary message to all humanity, and it is the standard by which we evaluate all other words from God. The Bible says that God’s Spirit also speaks to people through His voice (John 10:27), and the Holy Spirit communicates to us through words of knowledge (impressions, words, phrases, etc.) and prophetic words (1 Cor. 12:7-11)—especially in very specific areas of our lives that may not be addressed in the Bible (e.g. Who should I marry? Where should I work? How should I pray for this person?). To help us, God often sends messages through impressions, words, visions, pictures and even dreams (Acts 2:16-21). Every message must be tested against the Bible; the Holy Spirit never contradicts the Bible. God tells us to read His Word and earnestly seek to hear His voice through all His spiritual gifts. It’s wise to ask a fellow believer who is more experienced in hearing God’s voice to help you, especially if you’re just starting out at hearing God or uncertain if a message is from God.
What does the Bible say about sex?
ANSWER: Sexuality is a good gift from God that expresses gender identity and the unique intimacy between a husband and a wife (Genesis 1:27; 2:24-25). The Bible forbids sexual intercourse outside of marriage [one man & one woman] (2 Cor 12:21; Gal 5:19-20; Eph 5:3; Col 3:5). God doesn’t want to spoil our enjoyment; God does want the best for our sexuality. Sex is very powerful; we are sexual beings whether we’re married or not. For singles, abstaining from sex in this culture is difficult. It’s possible with prayer and the support of trusted fellow believers. Be brutally honest with Jesus about how you feel; His Spirit is in you to encourage and strengthen you. Forgiveness and healing are always available, if we make a mistake. Sexual intercourse links us spiritually with anyone with whom we are intimate, and Jesus wants to be Lord over our sexuality (1 Cor 6:13-20). Our culture is very permissive, yet most people find promiscuity to be unfulfilling emotionally, and physically dangerous (e.g. STDs). Secular studies have found the most fulfilling sexual intimacy occurs in monogamous marriage.
What are spiritual gifts
ANSWER: When you receive Jesus as Lord, the Holy Spirit comes to live in you. The Bible also calls the Holy Spirit the Spirit of Jesus and the Spirit of God; He is God’s literal presence in us, and He helps us become more like Jesus. The Holy Spirit also endows believers with spiritual gifts—supernaturally empowered abilities to become more like Christ and to do the ministries Jesus calls us to do. Some of the spiritual gifts include: word of wisdom; word of knowledge; faith; healing; miraculous powers; prophecy; distinguishing the spirits; tongues; interpretation of tongues (1 Cor. 12:8-10); serving; teaching; encouraging; giving; leadership; mercy (Romans 12:6-8). There are other gifts the Holy Spirit gives to help bring people to deeper relationship with Jesus. The Bible says we should eagerly seek spiritual gifts to bless people and bring glory to God.
Why should I read the Bible?
ANSWER:
To know what Jesus is really like; to get to know God’s personality. To overcome worry and fear. To have victory and power over bad things and evil that will come to harm you. To change your thinking, your heart and feelings, and your actions for the better. To discover God’s will for your life. To know Truth from lies. Like good food feeds your body; reading the Bible feeds and heals your spirit.
What about people who never hear about Jesus? Are they lost?
ANSWER: The Bible says that salvation only comes through Jesus Christ. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12). Only the blood of Jesus cleanses sin and saves people (whether people realize it or not); and we MUST receive Jesus through faith to be saved. However, God who gives us a sense of justice is more just that we are. The Bible says God gave all persons a conscience that either condemns or defends them, even if they have never heard the law of God (Romans 2:12-16).
In addition, the parable in Luke 12:42-48 talks of the servant who did not know his master’s will, and did things deserving punishment but instead was given grace, based on what he knew (Luke 12:47-48). The God of justice who knows every person’s heart will judge everyone fairly. God is love and desires all people to be saved though His Son Jesus Christ.
Why is there so much evil in the world?
ANSWER: God originally created everything, and it was good. In the beginning, there was no evil and no death. When Adam & Eve (the first humans) chose to rebel against God, evil permeated creation, and with it came death, sickness and alienation from God. Humanity’s core nature changed, and we carried evil in our hearts and passed our sinful nature onto our descendents. God is the only source of goodness; when humanity rejects God, the inevitable result is evil.
C.S. Lewis once said: “Pride is what made the devil the devil.” Lewis didn’t mean pride in doing your best, but the source of all evil is the ugly pride that believes one is superior to God and other persons. Jesus, God coming to earth as a man, rescued us from evil by paying the penalty for all sins on the cross. The way to overcome evil is to trust in Jesus and invite Him to be God of every part of your life.
What is worship?
ANSWER: Worship is a response to an encounter with the presence of God, the Creator and Savior of all. The primary emphasis of every part of our worship is to magnify, bless, and adore God as an end in itself. But as a natural result of worship, God in His love, comes through the Holy Spirit and ministers to us. As we worship, we come into the presence of God. In God’s presence, we are touched by His compassion and love; we are cleansed through repentance by Jesus’ blood; we are blessed and empowered; we are released from bondage and pressures; we are made whole. Through the tangible presence of God, these supernatural things occur. Through His presence, the Word of God may be internalized and effective ministry to one another may also occur. Worship is a corporate and individual experience where we touch the Lord and are touched by Him.
Where’s God in the tough times?
ANSWER: Even though it may not feel like it, God is with you. The Bible says Jesus will never leave you, nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5-6). God’s Spirit literally lives in followers of Jesus (1 Cor. 6:19). Whatever battle you’re facing, engage the power of God through prayer with others. Invite the Holy Spirit to come; give the trial to Jesus and ask Him to lead you in what to do next. “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Rom 8:26-28)
“I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jer. 29:11-13)
What’s unique about Christianity?
ANSWER: Only in Christianity does God come to earth to rescue us from sin and death. In all other major religions, humanity is forced to earn favor with a deity by following rules or laws. In some religions, one seeks to earn a higher consciousness by following procedures or methods to achieve oneness with the universe—again, earning favor based on following rules. In all other religions, people must earn their way to “heaven” by doing good deeds.
Alternatively, Christianity is about God restoring our relationship with Him through what Jesus His Son has done. Our wrongdoing (sin) separates us from God and results in our death. Jesus (God coming to earth as a man) took on Himself the penalty (death on a cross) for every sin ever committed. God raised Jesus from the dead as the final victory over death. We access this gift of God by trusting in Jesus and what He did for us personally—A faith relationship with Jesus. Having faith is surrendering your life to Jesus as God and accepting His rescue on your behalf. We are saved by grace (God’s gift) through faith (trusting in Jesus as Lord) for works of service (sharing the blessings God has given us).
Why pray?
ANSWER: Prayer is just talking and listening to God with unguarded honesty (e.g. the Psalms). God wants to hear from you; He loves you! God wants to hear all about your feelings, relationships, work — the good and bad things you’re going through—and He wants to speak with you. God wants an authentic, life-giving relationship with you, and we can connect with God through prayer. Signs, wonders, and miracles of all kinds really happen when you pray.
Prayer brings the power of God into your life and releases the blessings Jesus (God the Son) came to give us: Restoration of relationship with God the Father; spiritual, emotional, & physical healing; deliverance from things that hold us down. As you listen for the Lord’s voice, test everything with the Bible; if something contradicts the Scriptures, it is not from God. Jesus said this: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)
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