Description of Hell?

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Question:

I'm sure you may have heard, or have told someone yourself, that hell is best put as "eternal separation from God." Most believing Christians, to my knowledge, do not strictly adhere to the literal interpretation of a fiery dungeon called Hell. 
With that said, what do you think of the condition of being separated from God eternally? Is it possible that this condition (this state of being completely severed from the living God) is not much different from the state of non-existence? After all, what type of life is it that exists separately from God?  Is there a possibility that hell (eternal separation from God) is actually banishment from humanity as well as divinity? Could it be the very diffusion of the conscious soul into the sinful nature? Could hell be the subtraction of that which makes us human, that which makes us more than animals? Could it be the subtraction of the breath of life and the return to dust? 
What is the nature of the second death that is spoken of in scripture?
I am not debating key doctrines here; I am just looking for a different and more educated insight.

My Reply:

You're thinking too much into it.
Hell is described, yes, as eternal separation from God, but it's also described (by Jesus) as a very hot place, filled with eternal torment, no humidity at all, and the gnashing of teeth.
In the parable of Lazarus and the rich man, Jesus describes hell as very hot, even to the point where the rich man begged for Lazarus to even dip his smallest fingertip into some water and place it on his (the rich man's) tongue. Jesus also explained a chasm between heaven & hell that couldn't be crossed (torture to see those you hurt in paradise while you're burning eternally).
C.S. Lewis described the difference by saying that in hell, everybody's sitting at a banquet table with all this great food in front of them. But their arms are locked straight out in front of them, so they can't get the food into their mouths. Then in heaven, it's the same situation with the arms, only there, they're feeding each other.
Either way though, hell is continuously described as a place we shouldn't wish to go. It's not the same as not existing though, for we're beings that were created to live forever...there are 2 places where that could take place, and it's our decision now while we're here to make as to where that place will be.
Also, if you've ever had a run-in with Satan or one of his demons, you've gotta figure that hell is where they're going, and they know it. Anyplace where they are is definitely not a place where anybody should want to spend the rest of eternity.

---Pastor Andy

Faith Alone?

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Question:

Many Christians claim that "faith alone" saves and that there's no need to lead a righteous life.  I just want to ask them all, "are you sure you shall be saved?"  I am more than sure that their case will be worse than that of atheists. They're just using Jesus to promote sin!  They think that a simple faith in Jesus is the greatest thing a person can do on earth; it is by "GRACE" a person is saved and not by "FAITH". If a person is to receive God's grace, he should be righteous and should be following the words of God. By following the words of God alone one can prove his "faith" in God. It is not "knowing" Jesus' sacrifice that saves, but following the path he has shown that leads to salvation by grace of God through Jesus. Unless there is true faith (evidenced by following Jesus' words), no one can attain salvation. God is a righteous God and he loves righteousness.
The criminal who died with Jesus and saved is an example for a person receiving God's grace through repentance. It was his repenting mind that brought him salvation; not his faith. Faith without repentance and obedience means nothing. Hence, do not mislead people by letting them live in sin without fear of God since Jesus has died for them. No one shall be saved that way; the sacrifice of Christ is for those who truly repent and obey God.

My Reply:

My friend, I hear you, but I think you've combined salvation and discipleship into one.  We are saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. But it doesn't stop there, and this is what I believe you're arguing.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer has a book called "The Cost of Discipleship", that I think you'll like, for it talks about this. Many Christians today promote what Bonhoeffer calls "cheap grace". They accept Jesus, but continue in their sinful ways. They figure they're saved, nothing can harm them, back to business. But this isn't what salvation's about.
Salvation in Christ is what Bonhoeffer called "costly grace", for to be called by Christ is to be called to come and die...to follow in His footsteps, even to the cross (if needed). 
I did a Bible study the other day where I learned that the word used for Peter's denial of Jesus is the same word that's used for when Jesus said that in order to be His disciple, one must first deny himself.  Same word, same type of denial, same impact.  Those who practice costly grace understand this.  Those who practice cheap grace might say they do this and agree with you, but obviously don't practice it.

James said faith without works is dead, and one of the main frustrations in the early Church was idle Christians. Unfortunately, we still have a similar problem in the Church today.

So yeah, you're on target, but I think you need to reword your question. Check out that book, too (linked below).

---Pastor Andy

Why do you think many people in the world are more threatened by Christianity than Islam?

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Question:

Radical Islam has declared Jihad on the West, Israel and Europe, has enslaved women, beheaded the innocent or infidel, and has declared Honor Killings and Sharia Law as the law of Islam.  Now, many Muslims are wonderful people, yet most of the terrorism in the world we see is a Radical form of the Islamic Faith....YET....the world is more concerned about ridding the Christian faith and the teachings of Jesus Christ (GOD), who came to earth in the flesh of MAN, the SON of GOD to bring Peace, Redemption and Salvation to the world.

The HOLY BIBLE even speaks of Demons on the Earth in the LAST DAYS before Jesus returns, running the world into the Ground of evil and dis-obedience of the one true living GOD, and the only thing that makes them *TREMBLE* is the NAME OF JESUS CHRIST....JAMES 2:19-You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

My Reply:

I think the term you used, "Radical" Islamics, could be a part of it, since then the finger can be pointed to a small group and say, "it's just them, not us." I also think more people are familiar with Christianity than they are with Islam, so being a mystery religion, it's easier for Muslims and others to make Islam look like the victim, or to mislead people into believing it's a pure religion that only focus' on peace and submission to God (even though it's not).

The Bible tells us that false prophets and teachers will come from all around, and their messages will be sweet to the taste, even turning strong Christian believers away from the Lord. And since the flesh is at war with the Spirit, and the Spirit is connected with Christ, it's only natural that anything of the flesh should see anything of the Spirit as a threat.
If you'd like some more resources on Islam, Christianity, and witnessing to Muslims, then I'd suggest "Persecution.com, also known as "Voices of the Martyrs".  Otherwise, please feel free to check out some of the links below.

---Pastor Andy

Some of these resources may be helpful for further study on this topic:

  

Iran: Desperate for God  
("Iran: Desperate for God" is also available through Persecution.com. I read a pre-released portion of the book and loved it...very explanatory, backed up by real events and experiences.)

This Resource May Be Helpful In Witnessing To Muslims About Jesus Christ:   

Jesus in the Koran

Question:

Why does the Koran state that Jesus wasn't really crucified?  I'm Christian and I also respect the Muslim following...I've been developing large respect for the Koran since I've been studying it...my mind is baffled by this disparity though...If Jesus wasn't really crucified, as the Koran states, then that pretty much makes Christianity null and void. But I've had such powerfully undeniable experiences as a Christian, so I'm not about to turn away from that belief system. Sometimes I want to throw religion out the window because there are so many contradictions, but I really do value the depth and intellectual value of it all. Care to contribute some (peaceful, non-inflammatory) insights?

My Reply:You're absolutely correct in saying that if Jesus hadn't died on the cross, then Christianity would be void. I too have done some studies on Islam, and I have also had many discussions with both Sunni and Shiite Muslims on this topic, and I have found that Islam's take on the crucifixion is contradicts itself with their beliefs about who Jesus was/is.

For instance, Muslims say Jesus didn't die on the cross, but instead set up a buddy to take the fall for him. The Muslims even have a name made up for the supposed guy. But there are several problems with saying this:

1) In order to be a "prophet" in the eyes of Muslims, one must be blameless, sinless, and worthy of being in the direct presence of God. Now, though they deny Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, they do acknowledge that Jesus returned later, that Jesus claimed He'd died and was resurrected, and that Jesus later ascended into the clouds, promising to one day return to judge the world. But you see, the problem with this belief is that if Jesus claimed to have died on the cross, but really didn't, then Jesus would be a liar, and thus would disqualify Himself as being a prophet of God. And if Jesus is not a prophet of God, then Islam would also be void, because Muhammad claimed Jesus to be a prophet.

2) If Muhammad claimed Jesus to be a prophet, but it turned out that Jesus wasn't, then that would also void Muhammad's credibility as a prophet of God.

Their point of explaining away Jesus as being the Messiah, and claim Him as being only a prophet, allows Muhammad to claim to be the final prophet, even giving him permission to correct (or change) Jesus' teachings.

In your studies of Islam, you may find it interesting that there are actually a lot of similarities in the practices of Islam when compared with Catholicism. For instance, the prayer beads (or the Catholic Rosary). They also have saints, prominent people in the faith, who they are told to pin to their walls and pray to. And if you go to Mecca during their pilgrimage, I understand there's some holy rock they're told to bow to (as Catholics do to statues).

Notice, most religious cults build off of Christianity in one form or another. They change the faith, alter God and His character (ultimately making their god different from the God of Israel), take away the relationship part of Christianity and make it all about good works and deeds (like taking Jesus out of the equation and turning it back to a law-based religion), is led by somebody who claims the authority to do so, and promotes that their way is the only and/or correct way. Islam is no different in this respect.

---Pastor Andy

A Muslim's Afraid of Death

Dear Pastor Andy, I am a Muslim. I pray five times in day, I read the holy Quran, I listen to hadith, I follow the sunnah of the prophet...but one thing I fear, and that is death. When people talk about death, I get scared. When we die, do we still have thoughts and feelings? I need to know...I need advice.

My Reply:

As Christians, we understand that everybody was made to live eternally...conscious and everything (yes, thoughts and feelings). Only thing is that where we spend the rest of eternity depends on what or whom we choose to follow now.

Your confusion and fear could be due to your image of God. As Christians, we believe that God is a loving God who loves His creation, and INVITES us to spend the rest of eternity WITH Him. Being a Christian also means having a relationship (friendship) with God through Jesus Christ, who we believe was not just a prophet, but God Himself in the flesh, come down to communicate His Word and die (then be risen) in order to reconcile us to Him, We just need to accept His gracious invitation. If we refuse, then we will spend the rest of eternity in the other place, which is in complete isolation from God, and also a good reason to fear death.

It could be that God is trying to communicate Jesus to you in this fear of death. Check out this video for more information on Jesus - the main one I suggest you watch is called "The Jesus Film", but there are other great videos and resources there, also. Scroll down to your chosen language and give it a chance, if not to believe, but then to help answer your question.

Also, feel free to email me if you like.

---Pastor Andy

Proof of Jesus

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Question:

This question has been unanswerable by Christians, do you have the guts to give this one a straight answer?  Their are like (lets say) 1,000 different religions in the world (actually a lot more). Each religion is no more valid than Harry Potter. In other words, each religion is as invalid as any other religion.
Here's the odd thing, Christians believe that if you choose to believe Jesus, you're saved.  But if you choose another religion to believe in, you're doomed, disregarding all your virtuous acts!
It is the exact same thing as putting 1,000 tennis balls in front of you. The only difference is that each ball is marked with a different number. Only one tennis ball is the correct one (suppose ball 24), if you choose the wrong ball, you're doomed! So basically, Christians believe that by blindly choosing the right ball, you are saved! How hilarious!
And don't tell me that there's any proof to your bible. If you really believe there's proof, then Jesus would've just appeared for everyone to see, but he hasn't!  The truth is that you believe that the Bible is true and every other religion is false with no basis at all. You just choose one ball and make up your mind that it's the correct ball with nothing to back it up.

My Reply:

Interesting analogy with the tennis balls. You're right to say that one would have to be the right one, and all the others would be wrong...at least you acknowledge the existence of A truth. That's further than most critics.
But now, in the case of the balls, let's say #24 is the right ball. Christians aren't the ones blindly choosing the balls, everybody else who believes that all the balls are also true are the ones choosing blindly. We Christians believe the right ball has been revealed to us, and so go to pick that ball.
 Now, as for Jesus appearing before tons of people for them all to see: Jesus actually did, only you weren't there to see it. After His resurrection, He appeared to over 500 people at a time (I don't know if they were all clustered in one place or because He's omni present, He appeared in different places). But the point is, we can say, "Oh, well that's what the Bible says." Yeah, but when the apostles preached and wrote their letters about Jesus' resurrection, those 500+ people were still living, and could've disproved their story at any time. But they didn't. In fact, nobody was able to disprove their message, or even prove them wrong. They could only argue with them to confuse their listeners, which they did.
And it's not only Gospel writers who talk about this, but even secular writers of and just after their time have written about the resurrection, the faith, the followers, the beliefs, and the events that go with them.
Basically, if you don't want to believe in anything about Jesus, then base it on the evidence, not personal disbelief. But the evidence all points to Jesus' resurrection.

Check out Josh McDowell's book: "Evidence of Christianity". It's a long read, but no doubt has some of the answers to your questions explained.  Or if you want a shorter book, then check out Lee Strobel’s book, “The Evidence for Christ”.

---Pastor Andy

Mother needs advice

Question:

I have a 21 Year old son, and he wants his 18 year old girlfriend to move in my house.  As Christians, what should we do when something like this comes along? I feel like sometimes I am too harsh, but at the same time, I feel like I am doing the right thing since they are not married but want to live together.  HE says that her mother doesn't want her living at her house and she has no place to go.  I have put my foot down and we have gotten into many arguments, but still he has gotten me to give in a few times and I've let her spend the night a couple of times.  And now he says that if I don't let her stay here (live here), he is leaving with her and tells me they have no place to go…should I let him go even if he makes it seem like they have no place to go?

My Reply:

I suggest that first you pray.  I'd also like to suggest talking with the girl's parents. See if the girlfriend's really telling it like it is. It's possible that either she or your son's feelings are clouding their judgment and they're saying this to be together. Maybe her parents really did kick her out, or maybe they didn't. You should find this out before taking her in. And if you do decide to let her in, then talking with her parents may help you learn if there's anything you need to know about her first.
As for your son leaving, I really doubt he'll leave, or if so then not for too long. He's probably bluffing a threat (guilt-trip) to get you to give in.
Remember too, if you should let her in, be sure they understand the rules of the house (you're in charge, what you say goes, separate rooms, not permission for sex, etc.). You should also talk with them about what should happen if they break up. Is she out on the streets, or does she continue to live there? You may also suggest she pay rent for the room and help with costs around the house, since technically speaking, she's not your daughter, she is 18, and she is another mouth to feed…just a thought.
Either way though, pray about it first. And if the Lord suggests these things, then ask Him to go before you in the conversations, preparing for the right time and all.

---Pastor Andy

Accepting Jesus in the 11th Hour?

Question: If Jesus will forgive all your sins, why not wait until the end of your life to accept him as you lord?

My Reply:

So wait until the end and wipe away all your sin at once? Unfortunately, some people do that. But they don't get the gist of it all.
In other words, if you accept Jesus as fire insurance, then it's really for the wrong reasons.
Christianity is all about a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. So as Christians, we're living life not alone, but with the Lord as friends (also). Waiting until the last minute doesn't allow you to experience this friendship during your life.  Sure salvation is still available and attainable if you wait, but I guess my question is, why would you want to?  Also, what happens if you wait, and get into an accident where you die instantly? It all went so fast that you missed out your chance to accept Him. Oops?

---Pastor Andy

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Why did Abraham make Judaism so hard?

If Abraham had made it a little easier to become Jewish, would Judaism be a great world-wide religion?

For example, if he had omitted the circumcision thing.

My Reply:

It wasn't Judaism back in the days of Abraham, but I know what you mean.

If Abe had omitted anything that God had commanded him to do, then he wouldn't be following God. Actually, Judaism as we know it today isn't anything like "it" was in the days of Abe.
For example, if you'll look at the Patriarchs, their connection with God was based on their relationship with God and faith in Him. The Apostle Paul tells us that God considered Abe righteous through the faith that he had in God, not in keeping with the Law. Granted, they didn't have the Law yet, but God did still require certain behaviors from them, and certain ones, such as circumcision, were more than requirements, they were covenants between God, Abe, and Abe's future children.
Today as Christians, many of us (me in particular) believe that Jesus brought it all around back to how it was in the days of the Patriarchs. We still have standards and expectations that we need to follow, but instead of trying to follow all the laws of Moses, we realize that when in a close relationship with God (through Jesus), we tend to take on (and WANT to take on) God's character and what it means to be His people (and His friends, as the Patriarchs were). 
Most of Judaism today focuses on works, deeds, and tradition. In fact, many get so caught up in all this and their heritage that they don't even believe in God. Orthodox Jews are so caught up in making sure they keep with the law's requirements that they often take God out of the equation, making righteousness fully on their own efforts. 

Heck, if anything, I'd say that "Judaism" in the days of Abe was a whole lot easier than the Judaism that we know today.

---Pastor Andy

Why do atheists attack Christians without merit?

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Question: 

This was actually an answer to a post in Philosophy that surprised me: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;…

Atheists, not scientists, believe its time to end religion. Science never proves or disproves religious origin and all unbiased scientists will cop to that. Only the hard-core atheists use science as evidence for their claims, but they are irrational about it.
The above was a great lead in for:
http://www.deism.com/dogmatic%20atheism.…
Then, a leading atheist, based on science, changes his position.
http://www.biola.edu/antonyflew/flew-int…
There is room for a creator!

My Reply:
I honestly find it odd that Atheists want to get rid of religions altogether, for Atheism seems to have turned into a religion of its own.  Anyway, here's how I understand it all:

It's not that Atheists don't believe, but that they REFUSE to believe in the existence of God...they CHOOSE not to  believe, even when the evidences are staring them right in the face.  (Agnostics are those who just don't know).
But at the same time, we both (Christians and atheists) are out on a mission.
I heard a guy on the radio the other day who said, "When asked if there's anything better than going to heaven, most people say 'no'. But I say 'yes. The one thing that's better than going to heaven is bringing somebody there with you'."  So you see, we Christians are out to introduce people to Jesus, the only one who can save them from death, sin, hell, etc., while atheists are out trying to save them from...(foolishness?) believing in a God that they refuse to believe exists.
I guess you could also look at it in the way that we each witness to people of other faiths. We tell them not of our own opinions, but of Truth, thus trying to persuade them to realize their need to turn  to God and repent.  Atheism, on the other hand, has become a faith that witnesses to people of God-believing faiths with their own opinions about God, trying to persuade them to NOT believe in God at all.
So in the same way that we believe in the urgency of getting the Word out about Jesus, atheists believe in the urgency to "save" people from what they consider as the "foolishness" of believing that God exists.
And so this, I believe, is why they attack us so much...we're “competing” for souls.
In terms of science, I agree that it's mostly about theories. But in trying to prove or disprove God's existence, many scientists have actually become Christians due to the results of their research, especially archaeologists.  So as more and more discoveries are made about the evidences of God's existence, as well as events mentioned in the Bible, atheists may soon have to begin looking for a new source to back up their opinions.

---Pastor Andy

A Bible-Thumped Witch

Question:
Why haven't any Christians tried to kill me yet?
It states in the King James bible very clearly "Thall shalt not suffer a witch to live."
Well, I'm a witch. I make no attempt to hide the fact that I'm a witch and I proudly proclaim this fact about myself to Christians and non-Christians alike.
If the entire bible is the infallible Word of God, and a true Christian is supposed to do everything it says, then why has no Christian tried to kill me? Are you worried about legal troubles? Your God is supposed to reward you in heaven for being faithful, so why would you worry about going to jail or anything?
I ask this because I'm sick of people saying that the entire Bible should be taken literally and that none of it should be left out. Also, there is no possible way I'm taking this out of context. This is a direct quote straight from Deuteronomy. That's the verse word for word so it is not out of context.
If Christians are not under old testament Law, then why do Christians always quote Deuteronomy when they tell me I'm a sinner for being a lesbian? You can't have it both ways.

My Reply:
Yes, Christians are under the Law in terms of discipline, but we're not bound by it like the Israelites were in the Old Testament, since Jesus fulfilled it.
When reading God's Law, we need to remember who the target audience was...God's people.  Moses didn't read this to the surrounding nations, He read it to God's people who were in direct lineage of His Covenant and blessings. See, there's a special holiness that's demanded of God's people, and these laws and commandments were in place to train and form the Israelites into this demanded transformation, and away from what they were. The lesbian, witch, animality, certain foods, etc. on the other hand, were all things that the surrounding nations were engulfed in.  God's people were to be different...Holy as God is Holy.
Also, in terms of witches, y'all don't worship God (as I'm sure you fully know), and God's people were not only commanded to worship the Lord only, but several generations also vowed to.  Therefore, anybody who worshipped something other than the Lord was to be put to death, for they had rejected the Lord, as well as broken their vow with Him and the nation Israel.  [This may also account for what Jesus said in Matthew 5:30: “And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” If one member of the Body sins, throw him out of the congregation, for keeping him in would cause the whole body to become guilty of sin (leavening). Therefore, cut it off, for it’s better to lose one part of the body than for your whole Body (the whole nation Israel) to go into hell…Also where Paul tells the Corinthians to expel the sinner, casting him out to Satan…for the rest of the church was accepting it and thus fueling the fires of hell to consume them all…so cast out the one part that sins, for it’s better to lose part than all.]
In the sense of judgment, we Christians are not to judge those outside the Church...that's God's job. Those whom we ARE to judge is one another (other Christians), but in the sense of accountability, not condemnation. You are not of God's people (you've even admitted this in your question). Therefore, we are not called to condemn you, but witness to you and represent God with hopes and prayers that you may come to know Jesus Christ with the love that He has for you.  If anything, we're to condemn what you're doing and the spirit behind it, but not you personally.
Now, in the sense of witchcraft (yes, even "white" witchcraft), such is not of God, but of God's enemy. Jesus also said that "those who are not with Me are against Me." This may explain the aggressiveness of those coming after you with Deuteronomy, for they recognize the spirit from which your witchcraft originates.  But as you've noticed, we have not tried to kill you because it is not with you whom we battle, but with the one whom you serve. (And though we battle him every day, Jesus already won the war).
There's a saying that "those who are against Bible thumpers are usually those who have been thumped by Bibles." If you've been thumped, I can only assume it was by those who either fear you, or the spirit behind your witchcraft, or by people who deep down really care about you yet still need to learn how to show you this in love and compassion, versus the harsh swinging of their swords.

---Pastor Andy  :}>+-

Peace Talks?

Question: 

When world leaders talk of "Peace and security" what should we expect?

My Reply:

World leaders don't often look to the Lord for peace and security. Possibly because they're so much in the public eye and feel the need to please the unbelievers, so they often side with them in taking precautions. For example: Bush claimed to be a Christian, yet his talks of peace and security meant going to war with Iraq, killing Saddam, and trying to destroy "Terror". Notice that his way of doing this also included putting fear into people here and around the world...strengthen your home defenses in order to hinder the offenders who want to kill you.

In Thessalonians, Paul explains that while people are still talking about worldly peace and security (much like I mentioned above), we Christians should remember to look to Christ for our peace and security.  Praying for our leaders will also help.

---Pastor Andy

(Picture courtesy of me...I drew this of my own hand while in college.)

Christians' Lack Of Discerning Good from Evil

Question: Why don't Christians have discernment of good and evil any longer?  In the end, to the churchgoer, will Jesus say; ''depart from me you sinners, I never got a chance to know you?" Will it be a complete surprise?

My Answer:

I’m a little confused by your question.

In the Old Testament, we often read about God calling His people back to Him. Why? Because though God wanted them to be Holy, or set apart from the other nations, they wanted to mix in and be like the other nations. This soon corrupted their thoughts, behaviors, and even worship.

In Paul's first letter to the Corinthians (as well as all the other churches he wrote to), the outside world's culture was leaking into the Church. They were nobodies before entering the Church, and once they began gaining status, they began behaving as those outside the church.

I have come to notice many Christians today making the same mistakes as both groups mentioned. We're called to be Holy, but so many "Christians" today want to fit in with the world...they don't want to offend anybody with their faith, or exclude anybody, even though the scriptures say that many will be; they begin believing only the parts they want in the Bible; and they no longer see the urgency (or even importance) of the Gospel.  And so therefore, they fall away from the Truth, causing them to have difficulties discerning good from evil.

Will Jesus say "depart from me, evildoers, for I never knew you."? Maybe, for Christianity is all about the relationship we have with God through Jesus Christ. If they lost sight of Him and put their focus onto a false god or a false image of Christ, then such is a possibility. (Just because somebody looks like your best friend, doesn't mean they even know who you are).

---Pastor Andy

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Can Christians forgive the dead past?

Question:  Can Christians forgive the dead past, and if they will not, are they really Christians in the ethical and spiritual sense?  For example, I forgive all the persecutors and murderers and enslavers of my Irish Catholic ancestors who did all these wonderful "Sermon on the Mount" things (sarcasm) in the name of Bible-Believing Protestantism.  

I renounce and condemn all the persecution, murder, enslaving, etc that Catholics have done in the name of the Prince of Peace to Protestants, Jews, Orthodox, Pagans, etc. and I ask all the spiritual descendants of the persecuted in the name of Catholic Christianity.  

I also ask all atheists, etc. to join in condemning the mass murders and persecutions done in our lifetimes in the name of antitheist "human progress" and persecution of religious people.

Aren't you tired of the same old bigotries repeated over and over?  Can people say something positive about "those people'?  If not, then why expect "those people" to say or believe anything good about you and your "kind"?  Let's all join together to agree that we will not spread slanders about other groups, races, religions or theologies or options but "Do to others what you will others to do to you."  Check out your sources before condemning other groups and find out if "they" really teach that error or do that evil thing; use primary sources and not 'hate-mongers".  

I join Jesus in spiritually washing the feet of all.

My Reply:

Dude, I totally hear you. Too many negative and worldly people (past and present) have infiltrated the Church (the Body of Christ), spreading poison with their bitterness and divisions, justifying their actions as righteous. We need to remember not only to treat others as we wish others to treat us, but as Christians, we're to remember that Jesus COMMANDED us to love one another as He's loved us, as well as the importance He laid on unity in Him among one another.

Here's a thought on your question:
Jesus said that oaths and vows are considered void at the time of death, so therefore I think held grudges should be also.  But now, technically speaking, when we recite the Lord's prayer, we ask God to forgive us in the exact same way that we forgive others. So wouldn't holding onto unforgiveness for somebody, whether dead or alive be ethically (and theologically) incorrect anyway?

---Pastor Andy

The Meaning of "Begotten" in John 3:16

Question:  For those Christians who believe that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are the same, what does "begotten" mean?  I promise I'm not trying to be antagonistic, I really want to understand your point of view. I come from an LDS/Mormon background, and while I don't believe in a lot of what I believe in, the idea of the Trinity still confuses me. It doesn't make sense to me that God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are really one personage...What does in mean in John 3:16.."begotten?" If Jesus is God, then doesn't that mean He wasn't watching over the rest of the earth when He was man? Please take me seriously, I'm not a troll, I really want to understand your point of view.  Also, I know how to look thinks up in dictionaries, I'm not stupid. I want to know what it means for you in the concept of trinity. Anyone could look up a definition of something, what I'm looking for is how you INTERPRET it.

My Reply:

I was reading the beliefs of a Messianic Jewish site the other day, and I believe their translation of the Trinity makes the best sense to somebody who's confused about it:
They said that God revealed Himself throughout the Gospel in 3 ways, "Father, Son, and Holy Spirit".

God the Father: Jesus continued to point to Him...remember, Christianity is about a relationship with God through His Son (God the Son), Jesus Christ. And when we enter into this relationship, we receive the Holy Spirit.

God the Son, which is Jesus, which is God in the flesh. But John also tells us in his first chapter that Jesus was the one who created everything that exists. This isn't to say that the other 2 parts didn't create, but insists that Jesus is God.

We know that the Holy Spirit dwells in God's people, both in the New and Old Testaments. Genesis also tells us that the Spirit of the Lord hovered over the waters. And Jesus talks of the Holy Spirit as being the mediator that's needed in order for us to communicate with God, who also supplies us with spiritual gifts.

John 3:16, "begotten": When Jesus is called God's "only begotten Son", the actual translation from the Greek is "God's one and only Son." John made this point because some off-religions (cults) and false teachers at the time said that God had other children, and that Jesus was just one of them. Being from the LDS, I'm sure you're familiar with such teaching that Jesus and Satan were brothers. But John tells us that this isn't true, and that Jesus is the ONLY Son of God.

---Pastor Andy

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Closed-minded vs. Open-minded

Question: Who's more closed-minded, atheists or theists, and why? (And yes, this is a generalization).

My Reply:
Well, first I think we need to define "closed-minded".
Christians are accused of being closed-minded because instead of accepting many theories and beliefs as true, we choose to keep to one Truth.

Many who claim to be "open-minded" believe that Truth is relative. Actually, I'm not even sure they believe in any truth at all, for unless it's inclusive, they're not willing to believe it.  But in everything, there has to be an absolute Truth. So technically speaking, those who aren't willing to believe in the One Absolute Truth, those who claim to be "open-minded", are actually closed-minded, for they refuse to believe that which is true.

To say something is true means that something has to be false (or untrue). But to say that there's no truth is to say that everything is actually untrue, or false.  So those who claim to be "open-minded", who say they believe everything, can't be "open-minded", for they refuse to believe that one Truth exists.

Also, to say that something is false or a matter of opinion means that something has to be true or fact.  That one thing that's true and fact is what we Christians stand on.  Does that mean we Christians are more closed-minded?

---Pastor Andy

Non-Christians in Hell?

Question:
Christians: Why do you say that anyone who isn’t Christian or doesn’t believe in Jesus is going to hell? You also say "love thy neighbor" and "be civil" or something along those lines. Saying anyone who doesn’t believe in Jesus is going to hell is not loving and not civil.  Explain yourselves!

My Reply:
Here's the thing:
God loves you...He really does. In fact, God loves you so much that He died (as Jesus) for you, and He died for you not to lay a guilt trip on you, but so that you could be with Him for all eternity. All you have to do is accept God now (during your lifetime) through Jesus Christ, and you will spend eternity with Him. This place where God is, is Heaven.
God REALLY wants you to join Him there, and He's opened the door. But if you don't walk through the door, which is Jesus (John 14:6), then you obviously won't go join Him there. And since there are only 2 places to go when you die, you'll go to the other place (Hell).

You say it's not loving? God doesn't force you to love Him back. He gives you the choice to believe in Him, have faith in Him, accept Him, get to know Him, love Him...He says that if you truly seek Him, you'll find Him. But if you choose not to seek God, then He won't force you...that's love. If God forced you, then that wouldn't be love.

God gave you the choice...ball's in your court. Will you choose God who's in Heaven, or not God, which leads to the other place (Hell). But either way, it's your choice, and that's love, and it's also fair.