Question: Why are so many of today’s Christians willing to support those who push positions that go against God’s Word?

Answer:  The bottom line is simply this: too many Christians are not willing to put God first in their lives.  While most are quick to say that they only worship God and that they love and trust Jesus Christ, their actions say otherwise!  They get into the habit of choosing to support the lies of Satan and rejecting the truth of God’s Holy Word!

For example, one of the ways Christians show that they have been deceived by Satan is when they support the world’s teachings that are opposite to God’s Word. One of these teachings is that there are multiple ways to Heaven.  To support the lie that there are multiple ways to Heaven is to reject the truth that there is only one way to Heaven.  That way is to accept Jesus Christ as your only Lord and Savior.  Jesus said this Himself in John 14:6 when He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (NKJV)  If you reject this truth then you call Jesus a liar.  But Jesus never lied!

Another way some Christians show that they are rejecting God’s truth is when they support the world’s teachings that we are not showing love if we don’t accept, for example,  the sexual lifestyles and reproductive choices of other people.  They will accuse you of being hateful and intolerant.  Since Christians will usually admit that “God is love,” then it stands to reason that the teachings from God’s Word must only be given out of love and not hate.  Romans 1:18-32 tells us that every kind of behavior is not “tolerated ” by God.  In fact the Bible clearly spells out that these behaviors listed are, indeed, sins against God.  And unless those committing these sins — and those who “approve of those who practice them” — accept Jesus as their Savior, ask forgiveness of their sins and repent, they will not go to heaven!  And, that IS the truth!

One more thing to note on this subject relates again to those last words found in Romans 1 verse 32 about those who “approve of those who practice them (sins).”  Some Christians think they are exempt from facing God’s righteous judgment if they themselves don’t commit certain sins.  But this verse reminds us that if you give your support to those who promote these sins, you will still face the judgment of God.

Therefore, make sure that you are not supporting the lie and rejecting the truth.  Read God’s Holy Word to know what He says is the truth. Pray for wisdom and discernment to avoid falling for Satan’s lies. And remember 2 John 6, which reminds Believers  that “This is love, that we walk according to His commandments.” In other words, make sure you are putting God first in your life so that in every situation, you”talk the walk, AND walk the talk!”

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Question: Wouldn’t more people believe in Jesus if they could witness a miracle themselves?

Answer: You need look no further than the Bible itself to get your answer.  Jesus performed many miracles in front of multitudes of people while He was on earth.  The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John vividly describe many of them.  For example, Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding (John, Ch. 2). Jesus fed the five thousand from five loaves and two fish (Luke, Ch. 9).  He restored sight to the blind (Matthew, Ch. 9).  He healed the sick. (Mark, Ch. 1) He even raised Lazarus from the dead (John, Ch.11).  These and many other miracles people witnessed Him perform.  Yet when they were given a choice, the people chose to save the life of a murderer and have Jesus crucified instead.  Even having seen His miracles, they refused to believe in Jesus.

In Luke chapter 16:19 – 31, Jesus told the story of two men who died.  One went to Heaven and one went to Hell. Concerned about his brothers, the man in Hell asked if the man in Heaven could be sent back to earth to warn them. He said, “…if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.”(NKJV)  But, the man was told that if the brothers didn’t believe the Scriptures, they wouldn’t believe even if someone came back from the dead.  Clearly, Jesus is teaching here that some seeing evidence will still not believe.

There are many people today who give their testimonies of the miracles God has worked in their lives. One current example of a miracle has been made into a movie called “Miracles from Heaven.” See the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CldGTG6iVrU.  This is the real-life story of a little girl diagnosed with a terminal illness being instantly healed after falling while climbing a tree.  She hit her head when she fell and was pronounced cured by her doctors – even though the doctors couldn’t explain why.  Will seeing her story lead people to believe?  We’ll see.

So, Christians, the next time you try to tell unbelievers why they need to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, repent of their sins, and live their lives to please Him, be patient.  Explain that Jesus died on the cross to take the punishment we all deserve for our sins — sins that separate us from a Holy God in Heaven.  They may convince you that they will believe this when they see more proof.  Know that they may not be telling you the truth.  But, still tell them.  Pray.  And know that God’s Holy Spirit will always be able to change their hearts and help them to truly believe!

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Question:  I think Jesus was a good moral teacher.  But I disagree with some of the things He said.  What should I do?

Answer:   You should simply remember that Jesus is God and you are not! The Bible is the Word of God! In 2 Timothy 3:16, we read that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (NKJV)  So, debating with other people about how we should live is not going to be the same as debating with God.  Because there is really no debating with God.  He is God!  He’s almighty, all-knowing, all-powerful…. We are not.  So, He’s definitely going to be wiser than all of us.  Period.

However, if you listen to the politically correct teachings in the world today, you will hear many ideas that man calls right but that Jesus says is wrong.  For example, the world will call it narrow-minded and intolerant to say there’s only one path to Heaven.  But Jesus says in John 14:6, ” I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me.”  You can’t be much clearer than that.  So, on the question, How many ways to Heaven? — who are you going to believe?  A human who will always be imperfect, or our perfect Lord and Savior, Jesus?

And, when those who consider themselves wise in their own eyes tell you there is no such thing as being “born” a second time, refer them to Jesus. For Jesus says in John 3:3, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” And, He goes on to tell us how to be born again in verse 16 saying, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

The bottom line is, the Bible tells us that man will often only want to believe what is right in his own eyes. (See Proverbs 14:12)  But God’s Word already tells us the way He wants us to live.  He tells us what is right and what is wrong.  Many will want to reject His teachings and define their own ways of right and wrong. Don’t be intimidated into following after them. Instead, listen to Jesus. Don’t think you can argue with Him and win. Accept that the popular saying is true:   “Your arms ARE too short to box with God!”

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Question: Why is it that so many people call themselves Christians, yet they take opposite stands on many of today’s social issues?

Answer:  Many of these people are Christians in name only.  If you question them about their beliefs, you’ll find that they don’t actually believe God’s Holy Word.  They simply pick and choose the parts of the Bible they like and dismiss the rest.  They believe that Jesus was a good religious leader.  However, they don’t understand that they need to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. They may not want to live their lives the way God commands us to live in order to please Him.

Therefore, when it comes to taking a stand on today’s social issues, true Bible believing Christians will desire to follow God’s Word. In John 14:15, Jesus says, “If you love Me,  keep my commandments.” ( NKJV)  Believers will agree that if God calls a behavior sin, it is sin. Period.  No matter how many laws are passed or how many people vote for it, if God says it’s wrong, then it is wrong.  Each one of us will stand before God one day and answer for our sins.  If we haven’t accepted Jesus as the only One who died on the Cross to take the punishment we deserve for our sins, we will not go to Heaven.  (Read John 3:16).

If you are calling yourself a Christian, you need to start reading the Bible to find out if you are living as God wants you to live.  Feeding the poor, helping needy children, and doing other good works are wonderful things.  But they do not make you a Christian.  Jesus says in Matthew 7:22-23, “Many will say to me in that day ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’  And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!”

Romans 1:18-32 details why we all should feel guilty when we disobey God and embrace sin.  It also tells us of the destructive results that come from embracing sin.  So if you see someone who is calling themselves a Christian while also being unrepentant in approving of things that God calls sin, take notice.  You should pray for the discernment of God’s Holy Spirit to know if they are really Believers. In Matthew 7:20, Jesus says, “Therefore by their fruits you will know them.”

So make sure you’re not a Christian in name only.  As the common saying goes: if you were on trial accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict?  Be sure, by accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.  Understand that Jesus took the punishment we all deserve when He was put to death on the cross.  Ask Him to forgive you of your sins.  Praise God that Jesus rose from the dead on the third day and lives with our Father God in Heaven!  Commit to living your life to please Him while we’re on this earth.  And, rejoice in knowing that as true Christians, we’ll be able to join Jesus in Heaven one day!

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Question:  How can I help my child maintain Christian values when challenged at school?

Answer:  Those who want to change long-standing moral beliefs in our society know that the easiest place to start is with those easiest to influence.   The old saying, “the hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world,” can be true.   Any parent, teacher, or child care worker will tell you that children are like little sponges ready to “soak up” whatever they are exposed to.  That’s why children can be quicker than some adults to learn the latest dance craze or  technology  device.  So whoever becomes the first ones to teach them what to believe will possess a great deal of influence in these young lives.  As Christian parents, we are the ones who should make sure our children know what they are to believe.  We cannot afford to leave this teaching to others who may not share our faith.

Unlike in decades past, American schools no longer reinforce traditional Judeo-Christian values.  Today, they teach such things as sex outside of marriage is fine as long as you use birth control.  At some schools, they’ll even tell you how to get the birth control or actually provide it for you.  Also, they might teach students that if they believe the biblical values taught them by their parents, they are being naive and old-fashioned.  Since most young people spend a great deal of their lives in school, the values these “institutions of learning” teach really do matter.  Christian parents must stay aware of what values their children are being taught in school and discuss these issues at home.

There are many examples of schools trying to force Christian students to hide or change their beliefs.  For example, a Christian student at the University of Wisconsin was told by her professor to remove all religious references from her class project.  (See the story:  http://www.christianheadlines.com/blog/college-student-told-to-remove-religious-references-from-project.html) Legal Counsel representing this student had to remind school officials that students still have their First Amendment right to religious freedom even while they are attending public schools and universities.

High school Christian class valedictorian have also faced instances of push back when they wanted to include their faith in their speeches.  Several have been threatened with having their microphones cut off and worse if they gave credit to God in their speeches.  Jeremy G. Dys writes about this in his article titled, “When ‘God’ is a bad word at graduation.” (Read it here:   http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2015/06/11/when-god-is-bad-word-at-graduation.html?intcmp=obinsite.)

Of course, plenty of Christian students make it through school with little or no real problems expressing their beliefs in school.  For example, students are still allowed to have student-led Bible Clubs alongside other clubs at school.  A school in California even welcomed Bible clubs held at their school, attracting even some gang members who attended and wanted to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior.  They no longer wanted to be in the gangs.  (Read:   http://www.christianheadlines.com/blog/gang-members-being-converted-through-california-schools-bible-classes.html.)

Christian students should be taught to not be surprised or feel defeated when faced with opposition to their faith in school.  Jesus warned in Luke 21:17, “And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake.” (NKJV)  And, when challenged concerning your faith, pray to God for wisdom to know what to do.  For Jesus promised in Luke 21:15 that He “will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist.”  Amen!

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Question:  Why won’t more Christians speak out about what God’s Word says concerning today’s social issues?

Answer:  Many times they don’t want to speak out because they are afraid of the backlash they might receive.  Stories of Believers receiving harsh consequences for speaking out about social issues are spreading quickly through the Christian community.  Believers are seeing the punishment be even more severe when they not only speak up about their beliefs but live out their faith by refusing to follow the anti-Christian demands of others.

Take the case of U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Monifa Sterling. While stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina,  Sterling was convicted at a court-martial for disrespecting an officer.  She had refused to remove a plaque from her desk that said, “No weapon formed against me shall prosper.”  This popular scripture comes from the verse in Isaiah 54:17.  Sterling believes she has a Constitutional right to keep these words on her desk.  She is appealing her conviction under the protection of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.  (Read her story http://www.christianpost.com/news/marine-convicted-for-failing-to-remove-bible-verse-that-says-no-weapon-formed-against-me-shall-prosper-139626/ )

There’s also the case of the Christian bakers who decided to speak up and take a stand for their biblical beliefs. Even though they had been serving gay customers, they refused to make a wedding cake specifically for a gay marriage. They refused because of their religious beliefs since the Bible clearly teaches that God created marriage to be between one man and one woman only.  But recently the Colorado Court of Appeals ruled that this family-owned bakery cannot refuse to make wedding cakes for same-sex marriages.  (See the story here: http://www.christianheadlines.com/blog/colorado-court-rules-against-christian-cake-maker.htm )

Retaliation can also come in the form of bad grades in school.  A student at Polk State College in Florida was given zeroes by her professor for not writing her essays to agree with his beliefs on her religion.  For example, he would ask questions such as: “Why does Christianity and its male gods seek to silence these women (in this case, nuns)?”  He expected the student essays to reflect his belief that Christianity is false, violent, and oppressive to women.  (See story http://www.wnd.com/2015/05/christian-girl-given-zero-grades-for-her-beliefs/ )

These cases represent just a few of the ways Bible-believing Christians who speak out and stand firm for their beliefs may encounter negative responses.  These Christians may have avoided their problems by just obeying when they were told to “just be quiet and get with the program”.  But they were right to follow the commands of God and not those of sinful man. Like them, all Believers must stand strong for God’s Word.  We must remember that Jesus warned in Matthew 24:9,  “Then they will deliver you up for tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.” (NKJV)   And, the Apostle Paul says in 2 Timothy 3:12, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecutions.”  Famed Pastor Greg Laurie does a great job of teaching about this in his writing:  Christians: Stand your Ground. (See http://www.wnd.com/2015/06/christians-stand-your-ground/ )

So, the next time you feel afraid to speak up about what you believe, remember that God is our protector. Pray for the guidance of His Holy Spirit to know when to speak up.  Make sure that your words and actions reflect the love of God to others.  Show kindness, stand strong, and know that the only real program Believers need to “get with” is God’s!

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Question: Are today’s Christians being too judgmental?

Answer:  What some call unfair judging is often just Christians following God’s command.  In Matthew 28:19 – 20, Jesus says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…” (NKJV)  The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16 that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…”  In other words,  teaching others about the way God wants us to live our lives, in order to please Him, is part of what God wants us to do.

But those who choose not to live by God’s Word often don’t even want you to speak the Word to them.  They don’t want to hear the truth.  In fact, 2 Timothy 4:3-4 says “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”

Fighting against the truth is a constant pursuit of those who choose not to live for the Lord.  One very common tactic they use against Believers is to actually attempt to quote Scripture they think will intimidate the Believer.  The most common verse they use is Matthew 7:1:  “Judge not, that you be not judged.”  But what they don’t do is include the next few verses.  Jesus warns Believers about being hypocrites for judging others when they haven’t considered their own sins. And He goes on to say in verse 5: “…First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye.”  In other words, Christians need to admit, ask forgiveness for, and turn away from our own sins in order to be ready to help others turn away from their sins.

In the end, Christians know that the ultimate judgment will come from God.  The Bible tells us in Romans 14 :10, “…For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.”  Verse 12 says, “…each of us shall  give account of himself to God.” And, as the Apostle Paul says in Acts 17: 30-31, “(God) commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man (Jesus) whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”

Our sins make us all unworthy of spending eternal life in Heaven, and instead condemn us all to Hell.  The Good News is that by asking God to forgive you of your sins, turning away from your sins, and accepting that only Jesus Christ willingly died on the Cross to take the punishment we deserved for our sins, you will be saved.  Only with Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, will you be ready to stand before Almighty God at the time of His final judgment!

Judgment Day is coming.  Will you be ready?

Follow me on Twitter: @valclarksplace