West Cobb Church / Ken Williams Blog

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.

We didn’t have time to get to all the questions that you texted on Sunday, so I’m going to answer some of them here.  I hope everyone reads the answer to the first question.  It’s a key one for us! I’ll answer more questions tomorrow and I’ll get Dima and Alona to answer a few, too.

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?