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

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

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.

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. 

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…

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.

Q:  How are we suppose to answer God’s prompting to speak to someone?

Whatever way is natural for you.  We all do it differently.  It will take some boldness, but I wouldn’t start with, “God told me to come over here and talk to you.” 

I do think it’s important for us to know how to move a conversation toward spiritual things.  I have a few suggestions:

1.  Be interested in the person. Jesus was interested in ALL aspects of the person.  He talked about more than just spiritual things.

2.  ASK QUESTIONS. People love to talk about themselves – and few people have someone in their life who is genuinely interested in them.  Be one of those people who genuinely cares about others.

Oh… and good questions begin with ‘WHAT’ or ‘HOW’, not ‘Why’. So, ‘What do you believe about the Bible?’ is MUCH better than, ‘Why don’t you believe the Bible.’

3.  Let the person guide the conversation, not you. We usually have a preset agenda for the conversation.  Ask the Holy Spirit to guide the conversation through the other person (not you) and see where it goes.

4.  Ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom in the conversation. You’ll be amazed what He’ll show you if you let HIM guide the conversation.  Don’t feel obligated to bring God in the conversation. God may just want you to encourage someone.  At the same time, don’t be afraid to mention Jesus. He’s a central part of your life.

5.  Practice turning the conversation toward a person’s journey with God. We often talk about everything EXCEPT the spiritual.  Don’t be afraid to ask about someone’s journey with God, just like you ask about their kids, job, trials, and joys.  AND… first try this with your friends. If you can’t turn the conversation toward God with friends, you’ll never do it with strangers.

Remember, QUESTIONS are the key!  You don’t need a speech, or wise words, or a preset agenda.  Just ask questions and trust the Holy Spirit to do the rest…

Q: I have friends from India who are polytheistic and friends from China who are largely atheistic. How do I approach these two groups of people about Christianity?

Be interested in them and spend time with them.  Eat with them, play with them, talk with them.  You must earn some credibility first.   It’s important to know why people become atheists.  Every true atheist I’ve met has experienced disappointment with God or a Follower of Jesus.  You won’t bridge that gap overnight.  (I use the term “true atheist” because many ‘atheists’ from communist countries aren’t true atheists.  They’re just agnostics who use the term atheist.)

As you spend time with people, talk about your faith – AND be genuinely interested in their beliefs.  ASK them about their beliefs.  You don’t have to give an answer to their objections, either.  And if you ask them questions like “What do you believe about the Bible?”  As you get their answers, you may discover that they haven’t researched it themselves.  They just believe what someone else told them to be true.

Last, PRAY!  Pray.  And don’t forget to pray.  You can’t change someone, but God can – and He’ll use you in that process if you’re open to it.

Q: What does it mean to be salt and light?

This question references Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5.  Jesus is teaching his followers that we are to leverage our relationships and influence for God’s Kingdom. (BTW… that’s a great definition of evangelism.  I didn’t come up with it, but I really like it.)  It’s interesting to notice Jesus’ words: we ARE the salt and light.  If believers choose not to be salt and light, then there is no plan B.

I’ll post some more questions tomorrow.  In the meantime, I’d love to see some discussion going about these topics, as well as Dima’s responses on Sunday.  What did you think about his answer for miracles in the United States?