West Cobb Church / Ken Williams Blog

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.