06.09
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.
I really liked your perspective on the oil spill…namely that even I am to blame in some way or another. We really do all have a part in the problem.
Also, loved the thoughts about tattoos. I really think that many people see them as a sign of sin or troubled past or something; I just see them as the canvas of someone’s life. I’m always intrigued by what’s behind it all. I have friends that have gotten tattoos that help tell the story of the gospel hoping that people will ask. I kinda like that, but even those probably won’t look incredible once my friends hit their 60′s and 70′s
Thanks so much for answering those questions!
That’s funny. I was thinking it was your fault, too. Great minds…