Wednesday, December 23, 2009

What does the Bible say about Calvinism?

Question from Evan:

Hi Pastor Bob- I've got another question for you!
... I came to believe in the doctrines of grace, or some-what Calvinism. I don't venture to take it as far as some people will when they claim that God will take care of saving people, so we can just take it easy- i believe that is contradictory and ridiculous for many reasons. I also believe that humans have free will. But I also believe God is totally sovereign. The only way I was able to reconcile these 2 beliefs was with the doctrines of Irresistible grace (and total depravity). I came to be pretty convinced of these, but I do want to ask you your thoughts about it in case I discover any irrationalities in my own beliefs (don't want that!).
I don't dare to venture into "hyper-Calvinist" territory, where there is arrogance among the "chosen" but i do believe that God is in control of nature. Just wanted to know your thoughts on the subject.

Answer from Pastor Bob:

Calvinism is often explained with the acrostic TULIP: total depravity, unconditional predestination, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the believer. Evan, I read your website where you posted your beliefs, and you appear to be a four-point Calvinist. From what I gathered on the blog you sent me, you believe in four of these points, but you do not believe in limited atonement.
I believe in total depravity and perseverance of the believer, but I do not believe in two-sided, unconditional predestination, I do not believe in limited atonement, and I do not believe in irresistible grace, so I guess I am a two-point Calvinist. This is a complex subject, and I only have space for a brief explanation here. For more detail, visit our church website at www.fbcrincon.com and listen online to the sermon on predestination preached on 05.03.09.
Predestination in the Bible always refers to those chosen for salvation (Romans 8:29; Ephesians 1:11). The Bible never says anybody is predestined to go to hell. Hell was prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41), because God does not desire any to perish (1 Timothy 2:3-4; 2 Peter 3:9). God's knowledge is beyond time, and He already knows what is going to happen, so He can speak of our salvation as predestined; in fact, in 1 Peter 1:1-2 scripture links these two concepts together, saying the elect are "chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father."
Limited atonement: I agree with you that atonement is not limited to the elect; in other words, Jesus did not only die on the cross for those who will be saved, He died for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2).
Irresistible grace means we cannot resist God's grace if He calls us. Evan, I agree with you that man still has free will-- thus I cannot accept the doctrine of irresistible grace. Also, it contradicts scripture. Luke 7:30 says the Pharisees rejected God's purpose for themselves and 2 Peter 1:10 urges brothers to make their election sure and Romans 1:24 says God gave over the wicked to their will.
If predestination was unconditional and grace was irresistible, I would see no need to send missionaries or preachers, yet Jesus told His disciples to urge people to respond (Luke 14:23) the Apostle Paul said "we try to persuade men" (2 Corinthians 5:11) and he asks how can people believe if preachers aren't sent (Romans 10:13-15).
Again, this subject is too complex for a detailed discussion here. I refer you to my sermon posted at www.fbcrincon.com on 05.03.09.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Is it kings or magi?

Question from Mark:

Is it kings or magi?

Answer from Pastor Bob:

Mark, it was magi. Although the popular Christmas carol says, "We Three Kings Orient Are," Matthew 2:1 says "magi," or "wise men," came from the east, following the star to the newborn Christ child. The term "magi" comes from a Persian word for wise men who studied the stars. The association with kings comes from Messianic passages like Isaiah 60:3, 6: "Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your radiance...They will carry gold and frankincense and proclaim the praises of the Lord."
By the way, although Matthew 2:11 lists three gifts, scripture does not explicitly say there were three magi. I still love the traditional carol. Somehow, "We half dozen wise men from Persia are," just doesn't flow as well.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

To judge or not to judge?

Question from Lianne:

Good afternoon Bro. Bob, or so it is here in Hannover, Germany... I saw your blogspot on facebook and decided I wanted to ask you a question.
One day...I saw on your facebook status that we were not to judge and you listed the verse Matt. 7:1. ok, well, my question is this.
In 1 Corinthians 6 it talks about judging in verse 2 it says: "Do you not know tthat the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?" and then verse 3 says: "Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more things that pertian to this life?"

So are these verses given us permission to judge within the church? because I have been told that this is the case...

Answer from Pastor Bob:
Lianne,
The Bible gives several guidelines for judgments and discipline in the church:
1. Before you judge, examine yourself. Matthew 7:1-5 teaches us not to be judgmental, but after one takes the log out of his own eye, then he can see clearly to remove the speck from his brother's eye.
2. If a Christian sins against you, go to him in private first. If he refuses to listen, take one or two others with you. If he still refuses to listen, you may then bring the matter before the church. Matthew 18:15-17.
3. If a Christian is caught in wrongdoing, the spiritually mature may confront him, but should do so with a gentle spirit and taking care not to also fall into temptation. Galatians 6:1.
4. The goal of any discipline is to help him spiritually, not to hurt him. 1 Corinthians 5:5.
5. If a Christian repents, he should be forgiven and comforted. 2 Corinthians 2:7-8.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Does the Bible say anything about cremation?

Question from Amy:

My husband and I think that the funeral home business is far too expensive and a sham. So we discussed cremation, but certain members of my husband's family say that this is against the Bible. Does the Bible say anything about this?

Answer from Pastor Bob:

Amy, the Bible does not prohibit cremation, but it does seem to show a preference for burial.
In defense of cremation, the apostle Paul speaks positively about death by fire in 1 Corinthians 13:3 with the phrase, "if I give my body to be burned..." While Paul was referring to martyrdom, not cremation, the apostle certainly did not think death by burning would prevent him from being in heaven. God can reassemble the molecules of your body at the resurrection, whether they are burned to ashes or decay to ashes.
I have done funerals for people who chose cremation, and I have no objection to it. It certainly is a less expensive option.
Nevertheless, the Bible shows a preference for burial. In the Old Testament, passages such as Genesis 50 show great concern for the proper burial of the remains of Jacob and Joseph. In the New Testament, the Christian belief in resurrection is vividly shown as Lazarus and Jesus were buried and bodily raised from a grave. In Romans 6:4, baptism is depicted as a burial and resurrection: "We were therefore buried with Him through baptism..." Mark Coppenger says, "I would hate to think what sort of ceremony cremation would suggest."
So while cremation is not prohibited and may be understandable for financial reasons, burial has a stronger basis in the Bible and is a clearer testimony to our faith.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Why were James and John called "Sons of Thunder"?

Question from Daniel:

What did Jesus mean when he called James and John "Sons of Thunder"?

Answer from Pastor Bob:

Mark 3:17 says that when Jesus chose the twelve disciples, he chose two hot-heads named James and John, whom he nicknamed the “Sons of Thunder.”

According to Mark 10:35-45, James and John asked Jesus to let them have the greatest position and sit at his right and left side, and the other disciples were jealous when they heard about it.
According to Mark 9:49, John stopped a man who was driving out demons because "he is not one of us."
So basically, James and John were way too outspoken and opinionated. Jesus had to teach them to adjust their attitude and learn a spirit of humility and cooperation.

Why wasn't Daniel in the fiery furnace?

Question from Lauren:

I was reading in the book of Daniel yesterday and came across something I wanted to ask you about. In Chapter 1 it tells the story of how Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were being taught in King Nebuchadnezzar's palace. It tells of how they didn't eat the king's meat or wine, but instead drank water and ate vegetables. Then, in Chapter 2 Daniel interprets the king's dream and is promoted to a high position and at Daniel's request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as administrators over the province of Babylon. Chapter 3 is the story of the fiery furnace, where Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to bow to the king's idol and are thrown into the furnace. Of course, the Lord saves them and they are not even singed, but where was Daniel when all this was going on in Babylon? I am certain that he would not bow down to the idol, but where was he?

Answer from Pastor Bob:

Lauren, it is uncertain why Daniel was not present. Here are three possible reasons:
1. Perhaps Daniel was in a different location at the time. Daniel 2:49 mentions that Daniel remained at the king's court, but 3:1 says the idol was set up on "the plain of Dura." Perhaps this was in a different area. Or perhaps Daniel had been sent on a mission and was away at the time.
2. Perhaps as one of the highest administrators, Daniel was immune from the requirement to bow down, whereas Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were lower officials who were not immune.
3. Perhaps Daniel also refused to bow down, but the "certain Chaldeans" (Daniel 3:8) who accused the three men were afraid to accuse Daniel because of Daniel's high position.
I think reason #1 makes the most sense to me, but any of these explanations are possible.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Should I avoid a church that teaches predestination?

Question from Kris:

Our [former] preacher... told us to stay away from a church that believes in predestination (too new of a Christain to ask questions).
Now that my husband and I have moved, I want to find a church and get involved. Help me with some information on predestination if that is an important reason to visit or not to visit a church.

Answer from Pastor Bob:

I agree with your former pastor that you do NOT want to go to a church that teaches predestination, unless they clarify that they also believe in free will.
Predestination is the doctrine that God has chosen people to salvation. The Bible teaches predestination in passages like Romans 8:29, but that passage and others clarify that it means because God already knows everything in advance, He can speak of the saved as "chosen." The Bible does NOT teach that we have no free will to choose. John 3:16 says "whosoever believeth." We choose to receive or reject the gospel. However, many churches that stress predestination will teach an extreme version of this, saying that God has already chosen who will be saved, so you have no choice in the matter.
If a church says they are "Calvinist" or "Reformed" or the use the term "doctrines of grace" then they are probably a church teaching predestination. Some Southern Baptist churches teach this, although it is only about 10%.
I preached a sermon on this subject back in the summer of 2009, if you want to know more. Go to www.fbcrincon.com and click on "Listen Online" and then find the sermon on 05.03.09 about predestination.

Who was Melchizedek?

Question from Becca:

Hey Brother Bob. A friend and I were talking today about [Melchizedek] in Hebrews 7. I looked up a little about him and read the comments in my Bible but we're still a little confused. Is he supposed to symbolize Christ -- like a representation of what is to come? And why is he mentioned here? Just wondering if you could clear that up. Thanks so much!

Answer from Pastor Bob:


Yes, Melchizedek was a "type," or foreshadowing, of Christ.

It refers back to an event in the life of Abraham, recorded Genesis 14:18-19, when Abraham and his band of men rescued his nephew Lot when he was a prisoner of a small-scale war. Not only did Abraham rescue Lot, but he also rescued everything taken in the raid. So Melchizedek, king of Salem was a priest of the Most High God, who came out and blessed Abraham for it.

Who was this priest, Melchizedek? The writer of Hebrews in the New Testament dedicates an entire chapter to answering this question: Hebrews 7. He explains that Melchizedek blessed Abraham long before the time of Moses and Aaron and the Levite priests, thus Melchizedek is a greater priest. Then he points out that Jesus is a greater priest than the Levites, for Jesus is a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 7:26-27 says, “Such a high priest meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners… He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.”

Jesus is that perfect priest, the sacrifice for our sins. He is not like the Jewish Levitical priests who had to offer sacrifices for sin again and again. Jesus was like Melchizedek, a priest forever, because Jesus offered his sacrifice one time for all time on the cross.


How do I deal with doubt?

Question from Evan:

Hi Pastor Bob, my name is Evan. ...I've been to your church a few times before and you are an awesome pastor! I've got a question to ask you concerning doubt-

I've been experiencing an incredibly close relationship with Christ, salted by sufferings and everything. I've even felt an very deep calling to be a missionary for the rest of my life. But recently i've been experiencing a huge amount of unbelief and doubt. I'm not sure where it came from- or what it concerns, because it doesn't seem to come from any specific objection to Christianity- it's almost as if my heart totally believes in Christianity, but my mind won't accept it. (as of the past few weeks) It may possibly be the other way around- I'm not totally sure. Just wanted to ask you though- how would you recommend dealing with doubt on such a large scale? I've experienced some small bouts of it, but never so heavy as the doubt I feel now. Thank you!

Answer from Pastor Bob:

Evan, thanks for writing.
Doubt is a normal thing. Great men of God like Elijah had their doubts (right after his triumph in 1 Kings 18, he fled and doubted God in 1 Kings 19).
Here's a great prayer to pray when you have doubts. When a man doubted Jesus, he said, "I do believe! Help my unbelief." (Mark 9:24). If you think that's not a prayer, read Mark 9:29 and you will see that Jesus called it a prayer.
Let me recommend a book to you: The Reason for God by Timothy Keller. Keller is a Presbyterian pastor in Manhattan who has successfully grown his church to 6,000 people in the middle of a liberal city full of skeptics. His book is based on numerous conversations with intellectuals and doubters in New York City. He stands by his faith, but does so in a winsome and attractive way. His reasons are solid and believable.
I would also recommend to you The Apologetics Study Bible. It has comments throughout the Bible anywhere that skeptics doubt things or false religions have twisted things, and gives a good, reasonable explanation for difficult Bible passages, plus lots of articles defending the faith.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Who wrote Genesis?

Question from Missy:

Question for you. Who do you believe wrote the book of Genesis? I always thought it was Moses but am doubting myself now.

Answer from Pastor Bob:

I believe Moses wrote it, using collections of genealogies and preserved stories (notice the phrase "these are the records" in Genesis 2:4; 5:1), under the inspiration of God. Although the Book of Genesis does not identify its author, it has a unity with Exodus- Deuteronomy, books which were written by Moses for the most part (Exodus 24:4; Numbers 33:2). Social and religious practices in Genesis reflect a time prior to Moses, which indicates he had authentic preserved stories that were not changed, even though things like Abraham's marriage to his half sister would have been offensive later (Genesis 20:12; Leviticus 18:9).