I need your help for our next sermon series, Breathe. I’m looking for stories that I may use in one of the sermons. I need people who became believers EVEN THOUGH…
1) you were already living a ‘good, moral life’; OR
2) you grew up believing that God was hard to please; OR
3) you had a difficult life and thought God wasn’t ‘fair’ to you.
Even if you’ve been a believer for a while, post your story in the comments. Thanks!
- Ken
I read a blog from Fast Company, comparing Apple’s iPhone to Google’s Droid. These two companies are going head to head in marketing their latest phones. It’s a heated battle and the blog talks about how Google needs to learn from Apple. You can skip the two videos below, but if you want to fully understand what I’m talking about, watch at least one minute of each video. As you watch these commercials, ask yourself which commercial you connect with the best, and why.
First, here’s an advertising video from Google:
Now, here’s an advertising video from Apple:
Which commercial did you connect with better??? I had the same answer… Apple. It’s obvious, isn’t it? Fast Company’s Blog gives three lessons that Google can learn from Apple. It’s three lessons that WCC can learn from, too.
1. There’s a difference between good usability and a great experience
Even though something is technically correct, people connect to an experience, not to sterile facts. When we greet people during the ‘welcome’ time of a worship service, that’s a Google approach. When we talk to people we don’t know after the service, invite them to our ABS Group, or ask them to join us at Moe’s for lunch… that’s an Apple approach.
2. A tool doesn’t have to be boring
Did you notice that Apple’s video is 2X longer than Google’s??? But I’d choose Apple’s over Google’s any day of the week for one obvious reason. It’s not boring. This is why our church leaders work hard to make the truth engaging. Kids Rock is a great example of leaders who teach truth in engaging and interesting ways. Truth doesn’t have to be boring.
3. No-one needs a screwdriver
People don’t feel they need tools; they need solutions to problems in their life. People never ‘lack a screwdriver’; instead, they need a screwdriver to hang a painting on the wall. Apple gets this. Google doesn’t. Apple taps into what people want… to be connected. We need to remember this, too. People who don’t attend church aren’t waking up in the morning thinking, ‘Wow! I need to find a church!’ Instead, they’re thinking, ‘I’m lonely and need a friend.’ ‘I’m exhausted and my life is way out of balance.’ ‘My sixth grader needs some good influences in his life.’ That’s why I don’t ask unchurched people, ‘Where do you go to church?’ early in a conversation.
So as we think about the 70’s Date Night, for example, remember that people aren’t staying awake at night asking, ‘I wonder where I can find a great place to take my wife (or girlfriend) on a date with some 70’s music?’ They’re wondering, ‘Where can I find a friend?’ Ask a couple to JOIN YOU for a fun night out. Bring them on your arm. They don’t need a screwdriver, but they do need a friend.
Proverbs 17 teaches us, “A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity.” It doesn’t say ‘a friend talks about love.’ It says ‘a friend loves.’
Let’s be a church modeled after the authentic Jesus (Apple), not an inauthentic religion (Google). People don’t need a screwdriver, but they do need a friend.
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts. Join the discussion and post a comment!
Oh… how did you like my parallel between Jesus & Apple? 
Is Masturbation Wrong?
Maybe. If you’re single, Christian leaders like Dr. James Dobson say it’s okay in moderation. Because the Bible is silent on this issue, we have to take our lead from verses like Jesus’ command not to lust. But Dr. Dobson draws a distinction between a generalized fantasy and lust over a specific person. You want to be careful not to let masturbation obsess you and turn you inward. Plus, the desire to masturbate usually doesn’t magically disappear when you get married.
If you’re married, I recommend against masturbation (unless your spouse is physically unable to have sexual relations with you). Masturbation will diminish your sex life with your spouse. When we’re married, our body is not our own sexually, it’s our spouse’s (1 Cor 7). Focus your sexual energy on your spouse, not yourself. It’s not easy, but it is good…
What does the Bible have to say about balancing work/financial obligations with placing higher priority (more of our precious time) on things eternal?
The Bible says that we should make eternal things a much higher priority. We’re going to talk about this some in our August sermon series, Breathe. This topic can be the subject of an entire sermon series, so I can’t cover everything here. I do have a few thoughts, though…
1. If this is on your mind, then God is probably convicting you on this issue.
2. This is never easy and you’ll need to put some ‘mechanisms’ in place to make this happen. For example, if you’re not tithing already, decide to give 5% to God, then make your budget work around that. If you wait until you have ‘enough money’ to tithe, you never will. Or another example… if you’re having a hard time balancing work and family, decide how many hours you can work in a week and don’t go over. If you have children in the home, that number is probably no more than 45-48 hours a week, maybe even less. Unless you design a mechanism that will force you to live by your priorities, you won’t do it.
3. Try to be in continual motion toward prioritizing eternal things. The key is not to take giant steps in your life, but consistent and regular baby steps. You’ll be amazed where you end up in a year or two, if you take CONSISTENT and REGULAR baby steps.
I’d enjoy hearing any other thoughts on these two subjects….
- Ken
Yesterday, I started a new series that we’re calling, Dumb Stuff that Smart Christians Believe. I don’t have time to cover all the ‘dumb stuff’ that we believe on Sundays, so I’ll cover some in the blog over the next few weeks.
Today’s Dumb Idea??? God is All I Need.
It is true that God and His ways are all I need, but we forget the ‘and His ways’ part of that phrase. God designed us to be relational. That’s His way. In Genesis 1, God created man and said “It is NOT good… for man to be alone.” And yet, because we’re rugged, individualist Americans, we tend to think that we can live life without deep connections to people. Not true. God created us to live in community.
On Sunday, I told about my 4th of July Weekend. We spent it in the Georgia mountain community of Ellijay. We joined the Main Street Scavenger Hunt, laughed at the Parade Floats (they were all cheesy), and watched the fireworks celebration. Now if you don’t know, I’m a city boy. I love the city and all it has to offer. But this past weekend, the country town of Ellijay reminded me that God created us to live in community. Ellijay has one high school, so people grow up together. They stop and talk as they stroll through Ace Hardware. They stay in touch with each other, celebrating the good times and helping in the bad. And as I sat on Main Street, getting ready for the fireworks, their 4th of July celebration felt like being on a movie set… very surreal.
I’m sure Ellijay has many problems, but living in community brings advantages:
1. You’re known. You’re not just a number.
2. You know others. You have relationships at many levels.
3. You contribute. You have a meaningful role in the community.
4. You trust. Because you feel safe, it’s easier to trust (a KEY component of faith).
5. You have accountability. If you try to do something that you shouldn’t, someone will find out… quickly.
We often bristle at #5 – everyone knowing our business – but there’s one distinct advantage to that… natural accountability.
God created us in His image. He is relational (Trinity) and He created us to be relational. It’s His way. We need friends who know us, who serve with us, and who love us – warts and all. The New Testament Church lived in community with each other (Acts 2 & 4) because it’s God’s way. And when we move from community to community, church to church, big city to big city, it makes it hard to be connected. Community happens more naturally in small towns. City boys (and girls) like us have to be more intentional about developing it.
If you’re not opening yourself up to a community of believers, we’ll talk about what holds us back later this week. But how about making a commitment to pray during the month of July for a place to belong? Not just a church to attend, but a group where you know and are known.
Now it’s your turn… Join the Discussion. Post a comment and share how you’ve benefited from Christian community.
Q: There seems to be a new church in every school around here. They all seem similar. How will they all make it? Are they just taking our members?
We don’t have too many churches in our area. Frankly, we’re losing ground with the growing population. Remember, most churches will have about 200-300 people attending IN THEIR HAY-DAY. My neighborhood has more people in it than that. So I ask myself, ‘Do we have a church for every three neighborhoods in the area (assuming 30% of the population will become believers and go to church)?’ The answer is, No. Frankly, I don’t think we grasp how many unchurched people live in our area.
Also, if some of our members feel called by God to help a church start, PTL! If you’ve ever been a part of a church plant, you know how hard it is to get going. And if our church members aren’t called by God, but are leaving because of sour grapes in their mouths, well… they probably need a fresh start and they may find it there.
Q: What are your thoughts on the Gifts of the Spirit?
Lots of thoughts… I love them. Enjoy them. Believe everyone has a couple of gifts, but there’s not one gift that we all have. I think all the gifts listed in the Bible are active today, but WCC doesn’t practice ‘tongues’ in our church service. If you don’t know your gifts, contact Kim Harris and find out more: kim@westcobbchurch.com
Q: How do people saved through general revelation gain assurance of their salvation?
Not sure that they do, but to find out if they do, you need to ask someone who’s never been exposed to the Bible and see how God does it.
Q: What do you do when you see God move around you but can’t feel Him yourself?
Join what you see Him doing. God wants to use you. Look for where He’s already moving and get involved with it. Feelings come and go, but God remains the same (PTL!).
Q: I find myself at a loss for words when describing WCC other than “home.” What do I tell people about our church and what it’s like?
I usually ask people, ‘when you think of church, what comes to your mind?’ If they describe a dysfunctional church, I then say, “WCC is the opposite of that. It’s hard to believe until you try it.” And btw… I like the term ‘home’.
Q: Will people who die prior to Jesus coming back go to the new earth? Revelation seems like it will only be those raptured?
Yes. All Followers of Jesus Christ will be on the New Earth.
Q: If God has a plan for us but we don’t know what it is, how are we supposed to be his witnesses if we we don’t even have a clue where to start?
Start with prayer and ask for discernment. God has already put people in your life that He wants you to reach out to. After you pray for discernment, look around and stop ruling out the people who rub you the wrong way. Also, look for people who aren’t even on your radar right now. You’ll find your purpose as you reach out to people.
Q: What is a way to answer people who say that music with a beat is evil?
Simple… Ask them where it says that in the Bible.
Also as an fyi, ‘A Mighty Fortress Is Our God’ was written to a popular bar tune of the day and most 20th century hymns would be considered Satanic to people in the Early Church (because of the 7th chords in the them).
Q: Are barefoot running shoes really that comfortable?
Absolutely! They also make you look like a geek, but the results are incredible!
Q: What is wrong with gay marriage?
It is not God’s original plan. When we run from God and/or experience the hurts of life, it damages our soul, including the part that is our sexual identity. Because our sexual identity forms VERY early in life, when it’s damaged, people have a hard time recovering from that hurt. I am sympathetic toward people who struggle with the gay lifestyle and I had several friends in college who were gay. (I was a music major.) My heart goes out to them. There is so much hurt and anger in their lives. I hate it for them. I also don’t believe that they can ‘change’ overnight. That approach is too simplistic. In fact, I have a friend who struggled with the gay lifestyle for years and he spoke at our church several years ago. I may bring him back to talk again. And while they can’t ‘change’ overnight, they can repent of their sinful heart, trust Jesus’ love for them, and be open to the healing that Jesus can provide.
If this doesn’t answer your question, email me. I’d love to talk more…
Q: When scripture appears to be clear that believers will go through persecution why does it appear to be absent from the church in America?
LOL First, if you’re talking about the tribulation, I should say… It’s clear to ME that we will go through the tribulation. But there are many wonderful believers who disagree with me. (In fact, some of them go to our church and wanted equal time at the mic yesterday.) Frankly, this is one time when I hope that they’re right and I’m wrong.
If you’re talking about persecution in general, it’s simple. We don’t like to be persecuted, so we like it when people tell us what “our itching ears want to hear.”
Q: Why do some churches use wine and others use grape juice?
Some use wine because Jesus used wine. We use grape juice because we have recovering alcoholics who attend our services and we want them to be able to participate in communion.
Q: Can you address the importance of obeying your parents in God’s eyes?
Children should obey their parents or move out. It’s that simple. If you’re living with your parents and in a difficult situation, email me.
Q: Why does the Catholic church place so much importance on the veneration of Mary?
It all stems from the single biggest difference between the Catholic Church and our church… their view of what is authoritative truth. The Catholic Church believes that the Church leaders can issue edits that are equal in authority with the Bible. We do not believe that any edit of a church or group of churches is equal with the Bible. In an effort to avoid man’s influence into God’s Word, we believe the Canon of Scripture (i.e. the Bible) ‘closed’ at the end of the first century. All of our differences stem from this single issue.
Q: Do u believe people die and their spirit stays here on earth? If they do stay here why?
No. When we die, the spirits of believers go to be with God in a place that Jesus called, “Paradise”. The spirits of unbelievers go to a place that the Bible calls, “Hades”. When Jesus returns, He will reunite our spirits with our re-created bodies. I don’t know where Paradise and Hades are located, but it’s not here.
Q: Does the church believe in the death penalty?
The church takes no position on this issue. Frankly, you can argue either way with good biblical support. Personally, I do not support the death penalty, but MANY godly, loving people in our church do.
Why don’t I support the death penalty? Well, in my OPINION…
1. It’s not effective. The Bible says that punishment should be carried out quickly to be effective (Ecclesiastes). That doesn’t happen with our death penalty.
2. It’s not fair. Our judicial system is biased toward people with money. My heart grieves over people who have been exonerated with DNA evidence after years of incarceration. I know this group of innocent people represents a SMALL minority of those convicted, but if I were one of those wrongfully convicted, I’d want someone to care.
3. It’s too expensive. Our process has become waaaay too expensive. It’s cheaper to incarcerate someone for life.
BTW…. I do think our judicial system is a good system and I support it. It has terrific men and women who work hard to make the system as fair as possible and I really appreciate their efforts. But we are flawed humans, so our system is going to struggle with fairness… for convicts, as well victims. And remember… I’m a softy who ‘errs on the side of grace.’
We had MANY OTHER questions, but I’m tired, so I’m going to stop with this one. Thanks to everyone who participated in this series! We’ll do it again next year.
- Ken
some people have asked for the link to the joel osteen video. here it is…
Here are some questions that I didn’t get answered in the service (or I only answered in one of the services). Yesterday’s topic was a difficult one to communicate clearly, so if you still have questions, email me and I’ll answer them through email or the blog.
Q: What do you do with the verse, “There is no other name given to men by which we must be saved?”
I believe it. We are not saved by the name of Muhammad, Buddha, Abraham, or _________ (insert your name here). We are saved only because of what Jesus did on the cross. Jesus is the “way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to God except through Him.” (John 14:6)
Q: @what point does mercy become enabling…and how do the merciFULL learn to trust the “tough love” of the “merciLESSON”?
I’m not sure that I understand the question, but… Often people with the gift of mercy become enablers. We should always have a merciful attitude toward people, but we enable them when we remove natural consequences from their lives. God tends to teach through natural consequences, but we forget that. If you suspect that you’re an enabler, meet with a wise, mature, older believer and seek their advice.
Q: How do people know that Christianity is the right way while others think that other religions are right to them???
This happens after someone tries life his way (or his religion’s way) and figures out that it doesn’t work. In other words, s/he realizes the s/he can’t become perfect or remove his/her guilt. Once we figure that out, then we can choose (or not choose) to approach God through faith and grace.
Q: Is it wrong to be accepting and tolerant of gay people?
I’ll answer this question on July 4th when I teach on: Dumb Stuff Smart People Believe: ‘Don’t Judge!’
Q: I’ve heard my entire life that God is waiting, until the last person hears the gospel, to return…true or false?
This teaching comes from Matthew 24:14 and 2 Peter 3:8-9. These verses definitely teach that God is slow in returning because He wants to give us more time to repent and come to Him. Have you ever been frustrated with God and asked, ‘What’s taking you so long???’ The answer is: He wants others to come to Him.
Q: What about babies that die? Does the Bible teach anything on an ”age of accountability?”
We are innocent before God until we “know enough to reject the wrong and choose the right” – which in Old Testament times was about 12 years old. We take this teaching from Jewish tradition, Deut 1:39, and Isaiah 7:16.
Q: Can someone who has ONLY experienced general revelation go to heaven?
Yes.
Q: What’s the link to the Billy Graham video?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNCnxA91fHE
Q: Since God has made himself known to all, does this minimize the importance of missionaries?
Absolutely not! It’s MUCH easier to understand salvation through specific revelation (the Bible). Otherwise, God would not give us the Bible. Faith comes from hearing the message and the message is heard through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17). So when we hear the full message, it helps people have faith in God through Jesus Christ.
Q: Is it possible for a believer to intentionally choose “big” sin (i.e. divorce or unfaithfulness) and ultimately have peace, even if not in same marriage?
Yes, but s/he has to work through a TON of guilt and regret – and most people never do.
Q: Why can’t I embrace Jesus and Oprah?
I’ve always felt that Oprah gave fairly good advice, but (for me) she ‘jumped the shark’ when she started talking about The Secret. When she entered the world of spiritual adviser, I turned her off.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and questions from yesterday. Join the discussion and post them in the comments.
Q: Does God forgive big sins different that little ones?
I’ll answer this one on Sunday.
Q: Was the story of Adam and Eve literal or figurative?
I believe the first chapter of Genesis is a song, a figurative account of creation. (I also believe that chapter two supports this view.) I believe that Adam and Eve are literal figures of history, but some intelligent, conservative scholars believe that they are figurative. Do you know when we’ll be 100% sure about this? (You’ll get that joke if you were in yesterday’s service.)
Q: How do I balance child-like faith with being able to give an account for the faith that I have? How do I keep from dishonoring God with distrust??
My follow up question to this one is, ‘Who are you trying to fool?’ Think about it. God knows our hearts better than we do. He already knows our doubts. So start by being honest. But like I said yesterday, Make sure your faith rules your doubts, instead of your doubts ruling your faith.
Q: What does God say about tattoos?
Read the blog from June 9th… last question.
Q: I don’t doubt but I get impatient w God because of His apparent lack of interest in destroying the evil in this world.
It’s easy to feel this way, but you’re making a critical mistake… you believe you know and understand everything that’s going on right now. We don’t have a clue. We even misinterpret current events. Don’t let yourself get into that trap. I promise you. God is your champion and thwarts Satan more than we ever know.
Q: I trusted God, let him in my life, and accepted him but now I just go with the flow… What can I do to feel that way again?
God doesn’t want you to feel ‘that way’ again. That’s like us saying, ‘How can I feel giddy and care free like a baby.’ That said, I understand what you’re saying. There are times I feel close to God and times I don’t. It’s a normal pattern of life. Try praying daily and buy the devotional, Jesus Calling. It will help you understand how God works in the world and you’ll be encouraged by it. If you want a link to the book, CLICK HERE
Q: Does God really intervene on our behalf? Does He really want us to be happy on this Earth with all of this evil surrounding us?
Yes to #1. No to #2, but He does want us to live with love, joy, and peace… even with all the evil going on around us. God leaves us here to join His mission in redeeming this world. Come next week and you’ll learn more about what I mean. In the meantime, as you learn to trust God more, you’ll develop more love, joy, and peace… even with all the evil in the world.
Q: Doesn’t God have an obligation to make Himself know in order to help me know He is real?
Come Sunday and I’ll answer this question.
Q: Are Catholics Christians?
If they trust Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins, yes. I quoted one of my mentors in the 9:30 am service. He said, “If Mother Teresa isn’t in heaven, we’re all in trouble.”
Q: How do we respond when a unbelieving friend has a bad experience with a crazy “sidewalk preacher” or a Christian who is not preaching grace?
I always say that Jesus would be turned off by these people, too. Here’s a good life principle (one that WE should embrace FAR more than we do)… Don’t Ever Judge a Group by the Fringe Elements of That Group.
Q: What do you think about the missing books of the Bible and the Dead Sea Scrolls?
See my sermon on May 3, 2009. It’s a podcast on the website. If you haven’t heard that sermon, it’s the second most important sermon you could listen to. The most important sermon was last Sunday’s.
Q: Do you think the Lakers will win?
No. Boston will wrap up the series tomorrow night.
I sat down with Dima Lazouta yesterday and he answered some of the questions that you texted me on Sunday. We didn’t have room to answer all the questions, so I tried to chose a sampling of the different subjects…
Q: I hear negative comments all the time regarding mission work and financial support to other countries when we have so many homeless and and hungry here in the United States. Can you give me your opinion?
Dema – We’re suppose to do both. Take care of our ‘Jerusalem,’ as well as the ‘ends of the earth.
Ken – Jesus said that the poor will always be with us (Matthew 26). We should address poverty and I’m proud of how our church does this – through GENEROUS benevolence gifts (which continue to amaze me), as well as projects like Street Reach. But we should also spread the good news of Jesus Christ throughout the world.
Q: How do you keep the government from influencing your message in Belarus?
This problem is only difficult if you are connected with the government. We are separate from the government and don’t help the State or any political party. When the church was closely connected to the government, the government would use the church for its own purpose. We are aware of this danger, so we stay disconnected. Because of this, we say what we want.
Q: What is your favorite country to visit?
The United States, but we like it best because we have more friends here than in other countries (other than Belarus, of course).
Q: What is the population of Belarus and what percentage go to church and/or are Believers?
Ten million people live in Belarus. Two million of them live in Minsk, the capital, where we also live. About 2% of the population are Believers. Also, our country is ranked as the eleventh most difficult country in the world to become a Believer. 70 years of Soviet propaganda have hardened hearts toward Christ.
Q: How is it sitting in worship here compared to back home in Belarus?
The message is the same, but the worship style is different. Also, it’s very exciting to see so many people in a worship service. We don’t have large churches like WCC in Belarus.
Q: Does socialism generally de-emphasize the role of the church?
In Russia, yes, but that’s because the socialists are atheistic communists. In Europe, no. In fact, Christians are very content with a socialistic government because they see socialism’s goals aligning with biblical principles.
Q: Does (the socialistic) talk about redistribution of wealth violate the commandment of not to covet your neighbors’ property?
This is a deep question with no easy answer. In Europe, socialism is more balanced (than Russia) because European’s seek social justice. There may be some coveting involved, but socialism helps fulfill the Bible’s command to care for the poor and eliminate overwhelming debt. I personally believe that socialism focuses people on caring for others – especially the poor and sick – better than capitalism. Socialism does not have all the answers, though. Probably something between socialism and capitalism is best.
Q: Other than money and mission trips, how can we support your work in Belarus?
Dema – Prayer. Paul all the time is asking for prayer. You share so many resources with us (sending Ken and other leaders to train us, buying books for our training, sending people on mission trips for English school and the Orphanage, and also giving money), but prayer is the most important thing. We take prayer seriously. Please pray for wisdom and boldness for us. Pray for open hearts among unbelievers. Pray that God will raise business leaders who will fund our ministry.
Ken - the American Church has some strengths over the Belorussian Church. But, we could learn from their devotion to prayer. They depend on prayer and take it very seriously.
That’s all for this week. We’ll be answering your questions about how we know Christianity is right this Sunday. See you then…
If you haven’t read the first question from yesterday’s post, start there. Then you can continue here.
More questions from Sunday…
Q: There is a growing movement of people identifying themselves as spiritual rather than a specific religion. How do we combat that and show Christ?
One word… Conversation. When we shared a witness in the 20th century, we talked to people whose knowledge of God centered around the God of the Bible. Even 20th century American atheists chose NOT to believe the God of the Bible. And since most people knew about the God of the Bible, that made sharing our faith much easier. A simple presentation of the gospel (Roman Road, Four Spiritual Laws) was all that was necessary. The 20 century was similar to the time when Peter preached after Pentecost (Acts 2) and 3,000 people were saved. He was preaching to God-fearing Jews. That’s why so many came to Christ that day. They knew and followed the God of the Bible. They just needed to take one step forward… toward Christ.
We now live in a polytheistic culture. When modern missionaries first enter a polytheistic culture, they RARELY share the gospel message because the people are likely to accept Jesus as ONE of their gods, not THE God. The missionaries start with relationships and teaching about the God of the Bible, the one true God. Once people gain a concept of God, sin, Jesus, and forgiveness, they invite them to become Christ Followers. This is the approach we need to take. The results come slower, but they are more thorough in a polytheistic culture.
Q: Is government an idol?
Probably not – especially these days. People have to like their idols and most people aren’t trusting of the government.
Q: How old do you think someone should be to go on a mission trip?
Old enough to endure the schedule (including the plane flight and jet lag) and the trip needs to have activities which the child/student can lead in. We’ve had several high school students go to South Africa. It was very cool to see God use them. If you’re thinking about taking a child on a mission trip, start with local service… like Street Reach. It’s a GREAT mission opportunity that’s not as rigorous or as expensive as an oversees trip.
Q: What is God doing with oil spill? Do you think he is trying to tell us something?
We can’t know the answer to the first question because we’re not God. We can know the answer to the second question because God is always trying to teach us through events. The oil spill is a example of excess. Sin always moves us to excess – and our lifestyles demand more than the earth is designed to handle. Also, even with the best laid plans of men, sin abounds. We are flawed and we struggle when we come face to face with our flawed, sinful flesh. (Do you see how everyone’s trying to point blame at someone else? It’s because we don’t like to see how WE contributed to this problem. It’s always someone else’s fault.)
Q: Is it against God’s word to have a tattoo?
I have several thoughts about tattoos. So, here we go…
1. The Bible says in Lev 19:28: “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.” Of course, if you believe this verse still applies today, then you also must not “cut the hair at the sides of your head or trim…your beard” (Leviticus 19:27) Also, in the time of Leviticus, tattoos were a way to show that you followed a god. So, I don’t think this verse applies today.
2. I’d still advise you to stay clear of tattoos. The Bible says that there’s wisdom in the counsel of the Godly – especially older people. Here’s what older people with tattoos tell me… “I wish I had never gotten it.” Tattoos are the most popular during times of war. (Don’t ask me why, but it’s true.) Once we exit this period of war (or get used to it), their popularity will fade. Promise. Make marriage – not tattoos – your life-long commitment. (And… if you say, ‘those older people don’t understand today’s times,’ you’re arrogant. They understand FAR MORE than you give them credit for.)
3. Tattoos are the early 21st century version of stained-glass windows. They actually give you a peek into someone’s soul. There’s ALWAYS a story behind a tattoo’s meaning – and it’s a GREAT opportunity to strike up a conversation with people. I often say (even to strangers), “That’s a cool tattoo! Can you tell me the meaning behind it?” You’ll be amazed at how it starts a conversation…
That’s all for today. I’m meeting with Dima and Alona later. I’ll ask them some of the questions that you sent (that were for him) and post them tomorrow. In the meantime… continue the conversation with your comments.
