Got a Question, or Questions
I'll take a shot at having answers
My answers tend to be from scripture as I am no Theologian
I generally start with the Gospels as the foundation, and build on that using the applications of Jesus' teaching as shown in the various letters in the rest of the New Testament, and referring to the Old Testament for context and examples of God's interaction with Peoplekind (P.C. for "mankind"?)
I seldom discuss or speculate on the interpretion of Prophecy. I figure we are no better at that than the Rabbi's of old... and most of THEM totally missed the Messiah, ya know?
I have doctrinal statements, and a statement of belief on my website: pastor.markelliott.org, so feel free to check them out as well
So... within these parameters.. ask away!
:-)
"Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." (from Paul's 2nd letter to Timothy)
About Me
- Pastor Mark
- I do what The One True God tells me to do; I say what HE tells me to say
35 comments:
Can you talk about divorce? I have friends who tell me they weren't really Christians when they first married, so it's OK that they divorced and remarried -- it's not adultery. (Some of them married in Christian churches both times!) Assuming someone did divorce and remarry, are they supposed to divorce again, once they are saved, in order to end adultery?
In Matthew 5:32 and 19:9 it seems there's an "out" for unfaithfulness. But Mark 10:6-12 and Luke 16:16-18 don't seem to include that.
It's very confusing to me and tragic for all the kids involved.
Read my "Divorce" Blog following;
http://pastormark.blogspot.com/2004/10/divorce.html
Thanks, Pastor Mark. The divorce blog was very enlightening and I appreciate your taking the time to write it.
When you're up to it, you maybe want to tackle the death penalty? I've heard some say that the commandment is properly translated "thou shalt not murder," not "thou shalt not kill," thus allowing for capital punishment.
BTW, you ever consider using a more modern translation of the Bible? I find "causeth" and "committeth" and the like get in the way of my understanding. Actually, it is more that some phrases have changed meaning that I find problematic. For example, when I first came across "awful God," I thought "extremely disagreeable or objectionable," but later realized awful in this case meant "inspiring awe." Whew! What a relief!
I must admit my use of the KJV is simple laziness, it's the version I know best. (I use the NCV on the streets where I minister)
As far as the Death Penalty question... The Law God gave to Moses to govern the nation of Israel (for which the 10 Commandments is a sort of introduction) clearly requires the death penalty for various offenses (including MY personal favorite: Teenage Incorrigiblty)
The death penalty for teenage incorrigiblty? Wow! I need the scriptural reference for that! (Can you tell I've got a teen in the house?)
If someone has a son who is stubborn, who turns against his father and mother and doesn't obey them or listen when they correct him, his parents must take him to the older leaders at the city gate. They will say to the leaders, "Our son is stubborn and turns against us. He will not obey us. He eats too much, and he is always drunk." Then all the men in his town must throw stones at him until he dies. Get rid of the evil among you, because then all the people of Israel will hear about this and be afraid. (Deuteronomy 21:18-21 NCV)
Will you take on the highly charged issue of abortion? I can't believe how many christians I know who support the "right to choose." I've even read of women saying they were sending their baby back to God! Is there really a difference between "thou shalt not kill" and abortion?
Also, can you tell me how come we can't "impose" our beliefs when it comes to abortion, but can when it comes to smoking?
Trying to weigh how OUR SOCIETY deals with smoking against how it deals with abortion is beyond me. And since I do not make the laws, I have no answer, except to say there is no “Thou shalt not smoke” commandment.
Oh...
and by the way..
I have NO problem with imposing God's Word on society
If the Government would stick to governing and let the Body of Christ minister freely, this society, this country, this World would be a better place
Regarding "The Law God gave to Moses to govern the nation of Israel ... clearly requires the death penalty for various offenses" My question is: did Jesus override those laws? In Matthew 5:21-22 :: (NIV) it says:
21"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' 22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.
This translation uses "murder" rather than "kill." I think the context still allows for capital punishment in that it is done for justice or to keep the innocent safe from a murderer, rather than in anger. I think a Christian can, in good conscience, vote for the death penalty at a murder trial, but I must admit I'm not completely sure...
About Abortion Hard to discuse... but I lost a few at first I thought it was the right thing to do. Ya know for sacrifies. Then I for some reason I felt guilty. Through brain washing I guess thats why it was ok at first. Than I had one taken from me while in Russia and i never had a say about that they just took it. I have ended up all in all to have an empty feeling of guilt and shame and I has of yet need to deal with I guess. Family planing people make it so easy to just have an abortion. In Russia this is the way it is for birth control and they think nothing of it. It is a piece of Tissue. But there is not much help after wards for those "I hate Me Day" I dont agree with the partial birth abortion. I mean you you go through a natural birth and get the baby half way out and shove a pair of sharp sissors or knife into the back of its head and listen to it scream in pain. This is out and out murder. And I dont think G-d Approves. What next they wont let mental handicape people live too? Where will it end. M.H.
...as far as the Old Law, I said before Jesus BROADENED the definitions, then took the curse/death upon himself.
My Russian sister, Thank you for being open to sharing the truth from your life concerning this very difficult issue
~peace~
Pastor Mark, when I am depressed, I have a hard time praying. I feel so rotten, and all I can think of is apologizing to God. Then, I think of more bad stuff and then I'm really down. So, I start pulling back because I don't want to start the confess/depress cycle all over again. Sometimes I just plan to ask for stuff, like protection for our country against terrorists, but then that leads to thinking about all the other things and people that need praying for, and the cycle starts again.
Do you have experience with this? I know when depression gets really bad, treatment is needed. But sometimes it's a cyclic thing (hormones?) and it's hard to be motivated to take meds with side effects until the depression gets to be daily or really awful.
Meanwhile, how to pray?
Another question: some preachers say America will lose God's blessing if we continue on the path of sin (abortion, adultery, gay marriage, etc.). Do you think that is true? Would God punish the entire country for the sins of some or most? Does He still punish in this life, as in the Old Testament, or only after this life?
Will America will lose God's blessing if we continue on the path of sin?
(I’m not sure I agree with the assumption here that America ever HAD God’s blessing.)
However, conceding that for a moment; You must realize that when anyone or any group walks in pathways that are not in God’s will; they walk in danger. If you tell a child; “Don’t play in the street” and they do so, getting hurt. Is the injury incurred due to your lack of protection? or their own disobedience?
Would God punish the entire country for the sins of some or most?
God has not changed. Forgiveness thru Jesus Christ is for Individuals not nations. Jesus did not die for the sins of America.
Does He still punish in this life, as in the Old Testament, or only after this life?
Sin has natural CONSEQUENCES, with no regard to judgment (ask any over-40 Drug addict). So, “Yes” if you sin you may well “pay for it” in this life.
Jesus died to pay the penalty for your ULTIMATE judgment, a fate that all men for all time must face (Old Testament, or New)
Please see my Blog concerning "Depression”
Can you write about gossip? I know it is wrong and specifically mentioned in scripture, but how can we stop ourselves? When do we cross the line between sharing information among friends (e.g., what's Ron up to these days?) vs. spreading gossip? What about sharing a story anonymously (e.g., I know someone who... ) in order to help a friend in the same situation find a solution? When does it cross the line? And, if we find this is our problem, how do we stop BEFORE we cross the line? Thanks for any help on this topic. - VA
Gossip?
I think there’s actually a very simple minimum standard to apply; “Say only what you would say in the PRESENCE of the subject.”
‘Course, I realize there are some people who are simply rude, and would say terrible hurtful things in front of anyone, but you seem a fairly pleasant person, concerned with doing Good, so I think this minimum standard will serve you well.
(I may expand this at a later date, but for now, this is my thought)
Thanks. In reflecting on the problem, I think part of the reason for gossip is to boost myself. That is, I know something you don't and by telling you, I feel superior. Perhaps this is compensating for feeling that I have nothing of my own to offer. My life is pretty boring. Still, this is no excuse. Gossip has become a habit and sometimes I want to smack myself when I don't catch myself BEFORE I open my mouth. Very hard work. - VA
I've heard that the word "brother" was loosely used to mean any male relative (cousin, etc.) and that it is not necessarily true that Jesus had blood brothers (i.e., other sons of Mary and Joseph). While you're on the topic of biblical words, perhaps you can shed some light on the use of the word brother in the Gospels? Thanks. - VA
Oops. Not that Jesus was the son of Mary and Joseph. That was a slip. - VA
The word Paul uses in
Galatians 1:19; “But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother” “adelphos” is also used in Matthew 10 listing the apostles who were siblings.
It was also used to indicate one we have some close association with (brethren), just as we use the term today.. there is NO example in scripture where it indicates a cousin.
In fact “suggenes” which is translated “cousin” and “kinsman” in the KJV more closely fits the definition you refer to as being any sort of blood relative, not given any other title.
I find no lexigon providing reference to literature of the day that uses “adelphos” to mean “cousin”
IMO; the only reason this is taught is to get around the clear word of scripture that Mary and Joseph went on to raise a family as a good Jewish couple of their day was expected to.
Is is OK to pray in my head and not out loud? I like this best, but is it just thinking and not praying? I think it as prayer or sometimes just a chat with God, but often everyone is asleep and I want to be quiet.
Are Mormons (LDS) Christians?
NO....
IMO, Mormonism is a deception of satan particular designed for the Aemrican mindset, just as Islam is a deception uniquely designed for the Mideastern mind (and yes, I know niether is limited to those particular people groups)
For a more complete answer read this book: Kingdom of the Cults
"Is it OK to pray in my head ..."
YOU pray in the spirit, whether your voice is used or not.
"But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him." (John 4:23)
Matthew 7:7 and Luke 11:9 say "Ask and it will be given to you" yet sometimes I beg God and I do not receive. This has always been difficult for me. I could not understand as a child how God could not rescue me from my private hell, and I still have difficulty understanding and accepting.
If we don't get what we ask for from God, should we keep asking? At what point do we give up? Should I have faith that I'll get what I ask for or accept that the answer may be "no"?
Merry Christmas!
Happy New Year!
If someone commits adultry, will God forgive them? Will he forgive them even if the person doesn't feel they did anything wrong, in their heart it was the right thing to do at that time? Thanks...
Adultery is not the unforgivable sin. However; if one feels they have not sinned, why concern oneself with forgiveness?
I am a bit confussed. Adultry is NOT the unforgivable sin? Does that mean he will not forgive? I guess I do understand that is was wrong, i just took it as a learning experience. So, will I be forgiven?
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
a time of war, and a time of peace."
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
"Adultry is NOT the unforgivable sin?"
It's a double negative, Divorce is forgivable.
Please read my "Divorce" BLOG,
Thank you
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