For those of you who might be interested, the video of my appearance on Ask the Pastor is now online. Ask the Pastor is a local show with area pastors who answer questions from callers in a panel format.
"Ask the Pastor" (3/8) Online
Thoughts and Resources for Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
MAGNIFY CHRIST 
In the book of Ephesians Chpt 4 verse 11., the Word says “And he Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers.” Having read this and studying and praying, I do not understand why some people say there are no such thing as Aposltes today. Please comment.
It’s a good question, Connie. It depends on how you define apostle compared with how Paul is thinking of it in Ephesians 4. If you take Paul to mean something of what Acts 2 and other places are getting at, saying an apostle is one commissioned by the Risen Christ to serve as foundational leaders for his Church, then we have no apostles today. However, if you see apostle as simply cone who takes an initiative in church-planting and providing leadership to some churches, then yes, there are people like that.
I tend to believe that “as the Church was built on the foundation of the prophets and apostles” (Ephesians 2:20), these were unique callings and offices that no longer exist. Only pastors should have authority in local churches, not outside leaders (cf. Matt 18; 1 Cor 5).
good evening
i have avery complex question to ask it has to do with a beautiful young lady i met over the internet we started out just chatting for hours then i went and meet her in ur home country antugua , i am a christain and she also is, i am now trying to find my way back to god because i backslide years ago, on my first visit to her island we had sex which we know is wrong our bodies are the temples of god and we commit a serious sin by doing that , after we talk about it an the duration my stay we kept from the sex ,after that incident she came to my country to spend some time with me and we did it again i know right from wrong i know it should not happen i love this girl we can talk about anything we enjoy each other company but or downfall is when we get to close we start to do stuff we know thats ungodly, today she went church and when she came back she told me that if i was to be her husband i wound not have defile her body she say god told her so i need your insight on this matter as soon as possible thank you
If right now, every time you’re together, you sin with her, then I would stop seeing her.
Second, I would seek a good local church to come under the direction of a pastor and the encouragement of God’s people.
Then, I would talk to her more about what God told her. The Bible is pretty clear that all that we need to know has been given in the final revelation of Jesus Christ (Heb 1:1-3; 2 Pet 1:3-4). God doesn’t speak directly to us, but he speaks to us through his word.
If it would be appropriate to marry her, and you desire to marry her, then marry her. But marry her because you desire to love her the way Christ loved the church (Eph 5:25-32), not just because you want to have sex without sinning. If it wouldn’t be appropriate to marry, then pull back and build the relationship on a common pursuit of God, rather than physical intimacy.
you took my question on 4/28 stating where in the BIBLE does it say…if you commet sucide you will go to hell….one answer is that some do and some do not…please specify…if commiting sucide meant you do not go to hell…then whats to say that all christians will not do such just to get to HEAVEN quicker………………….also another question if you please……..what is purgertory and is there such a thing…….love to hear you pastors review the BIBLE and look forward to the discussions…thank you ..stephanie of magnolia, texas…..but reall an oklahoman
Stephanie,
Thanks for the follow-up question. Let me come at it sideways, laying a foundation, then draw it together at the end.
First of all, God (and the Bible) is incredibly pro-life. Read passages like Genesis 2 which talks about humanity being made in God’s image. Psalm 8 picks this theme up and talks about how exalted humanity is above the rest of creation. Because humanity bears God’s image, life is precious. So precious, in fact, that one who takes a life forfeits their own. This is seen in Genesis 9, and again in Romans 13, where Paul talks about the death penalty being a means God has given to earthly governments to restrain evil.
Despite humanity’s inherent worth, however, we have all been tainted by sin (Genesis 3; Romans 3:1-20). People are sinful, and as a result of that sin, the wrath of God will be revealed which causes people to experience death and hell for sin (Romans 1:18-32; Romans 6:23).
The only way to escape this penalty of sin and death is by faith in Jesus Christ–his life, death, and resurrection for sinners (Romans 3:21-26; Romans 10:5-17). Those that put their faith in Christ, find their sins forgiven. They also given new desires for godliness, which they also pursue by faith (Romans 8:1-13).
Okay, now the topic of suicide. Suicide is the destruction of human life–self-murder–and is therefore a sinful act. Although Christians have their sins forgiven, and are given new desires for godliness, they still sin (1 John 1:5-2:2). This sin doesn’t send them to hell because it’s already been forgiven by the death of Christ. So, if a Christian who is so depressed that they commit suicide, they die sinning, but that sin is still forgiven.
However, if someone who isn’t saved, who hasn’t been forgiven because they’ve never put their trust in Christ, commits suicide, then like anyone who dies apart from Christ, they would die in their sins and go to hell.
Suicide then is not a desirable option for two reasons: 1) it’s a sin and Christians should desire not to sin as much as possible because they love God for saving them.
2) Christians are saved for a life with God that begins now, not just in eternity. God saves people to be a part of his church in this world, to bring glory to his name through missions, evangelism, mercy ministries, person growth in godliness, and partnership in ministry with other Christians (Matt 28:18-20; 1 Peter 2:4-12; James 1:27; Phil 1:3-11; etc). So, even Paul can say that his suffering in this life bring God glory and build up the church–he would like to be done and go to heaven, but he knows it’s better to remain in this life (Phil 1:12-26).
I hope that helps! Feel free to follow up if I need to clarify anything!
Blessings
Previously recorded / viewed on sept-1-2010 I would to a DVD copy of this show.
Would like to know what the Bible means rightly dividing the word of truth?
Hi Lois,
“Rightly dividing” can also be translated “rightly handling.” Paul’s point to Timothy is that he will be unashamed before God if he handles well the word of God–teaching it’s true meaning, as opposed to vain and worthless instruction of false teachers which leads to ungodliness (2 Tim 2:15-18).
So, Paul is interested in Timothy (and every other pastor!) treating the Scriptures as the Word of God–seeking to understand and proclaim his truth, not something of their own.
Hope that helps!
Blessings
I have heard from different people,that in the book of Revalations the word Pharmacia (SP) or Pharmacy would be used in the last days, almost as a curise to overcome the brains and thinking of many people. Could you please help me to locate this and also if I am in the correct book?
Thank You
Fathful Watcher
Fred Grand Rapids, Mi. 49301
Hi Fred,
I’ve never heard before but I’ll check it out. Also, when interpreting Revelation (or any book of the Bible), remember that the original audience would have understood it. So, if an interpretation can only be understood by someone living today, it’s wrong. Keep reading, keep thinking, keep looking to Jesus, brother!
Blessings!
I was wanting too see if the Pastor’s here could tell me thier feeling’s Mark 13 31’s-Heaven & Earth shall pass away,but my word’s shall not pass away.That leaves me questioninbg where all those LKive’s & Spirt’s will be without either of those 2 Location’s existing.I’d be very greatful for a Pastor’s thoughts here,God Bless everybody here,bye.
Jesus is speaking of this world. The Bible uses “heaven” to speak of our sky sometimes. Jesus is saying that everything in this world will pass away, even as God brings about a new heaven and a new earth on the last day (Revelation 21). Yet, even if this world passes away, his word will not. So, yes souls will exists for eternity, either in heaven or hell and they will always do so. Hope that helps.
Luke10:15 who or what is capernaum
Capernaum was a city during Jesus’ day. Here he is using the name of the city to represent the people of the city. So Capernaum will receive the severest judgment because they witnessed Jesus’ ministry and miracles to such a great extent (4:23; 7:1–10; cf. Matt. 4:13; on the city, see note on Mark 1:21). Due to having witnessed and rejected Jesus’ ministry, they will be brought down to Hades, the place of the unrighteous dead (Luke 16:22–26).
my name is sheila i would like know if im on a fixed income recieving disability from the government which is already been taxed and i am concidered the poor should i be paying tithes when the bible states in some form that the church should be taking care of the poor
the bible states that we should give 10% of your earning but imnot earning anything if im recieving disability
Sheila,
It’s a tough question because I don’t know your situation. Please don’t take offense, but many abuse the government assistance systems. So, I would begin by asking, ‘Why are you on disability? Can you work and just choose not to, or do you really have a condition that prevents you from working?’ Now, if you shouldn’t be on disability, then you should go get a job–that’s what Paul says (2 Thess 2:6-12).
But if you really can’t work, then you should still find ways to serve God through his church, even with the disability. Part of that could be giving money. So, I would ask, ‘How much do you need to live on–not want to live on, but NEED to live on?’ And then, ‘How much can you give beyond that?’ Just because you’re not earning your check, you are still receiving income for you disability. There’s no reason not to give a portion of that back to God who gave it to you in the first place.
But the, finally, if you are on disability, but it’s not enough to cover your living expenses, I would sit down with a deacon or pastor of your church and explain your situation and ask for help.
Praying for you and your situation!