QUESTION ANSWERED - What are Questions a Deacon Candidate Should Be Asked?

                                    QUESTION RECEIVED:

What are some questions a deacon candidate should be asked?

 MY ANSWER:

Here are questions I would want answered by a deacon candidate.

1)    When were you saved?

2)    Can you explain the gospel and do you believe in Christ alone through grace as the only way for a person’s salvation?

3)    What is the percentage of your income you give to the church?

4)    Do you conduct home worship?

5)    Do you regularly pray?

6)    How often do you read the Bible?

7)    What are the biblical qualifications for a deacon?

8)    Do you  understand how the service job of a deacon is carried out?

9)    Do you understand you are not a ruling board member but a servant of the church?

10)  D o you support the pastor’s vision for the church? 

Question on Bible Reading -Says What It Means Mean What it Says

QUESTION RECEIVED:

What does this verse mean..?

This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence:  If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. (1 John 3:19, 20 NIV)

MY ANSWER: 

Here is a lesson on Bible study we all need to heed to when examining Scripture–

1)      Who is the author writing to? (God ordained the human author with an eternal message.)

(Here it is John writing to new Christians.)

2)      Why is he writing?

(At the beginning in chapter 1:3-4 says “3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our joy complete.”)

3)      What is the whole theme of the message of that paragraph or chapter.  Check the proceeding and following chapters to see if they affect the understanding of the authors message.

The message is

1)      Christians have the love of Christ in there heart.

2)      Humans have evil naturally in their heart.

3)      There is conflict with the love of Christ and our natural evil heart.

4)       Do not trust our emotions of the heart as it is fickle.  

5)      When we are saved, the text is talking to Christians, we dwell in Christ and he dwells in us through the Holy Spirit.

When we repent of our sins and call on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation he sends the Holy Spirit to dwell in us.  We Christians have now a helper or counselor to turn to examine our disturbed heart.   We can know our emotions need to be checked with the loving Holy Spirit’s witness and respond to God humbly and correctly.

Below is the entire passage from 1 John 3: 11-24

11 For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. 12 Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous. 13 Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. 15 Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.

 16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

 19 This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: 20 If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. 21 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22 and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. 23 And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. 24 The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.

Question Answered about >The Wold's Confusion With Jesus

The world is perplexed and confused with the problem of who Jesus is. 







QUESTION RECEIVED:

Christians are overwhelmed by the world wide Islam community.

They reject the Trinity, crucifixion and the 3rd day resurrection accounts of Jesus, and that Jesus was God’s only son.

Was Muhammad a false prophet?

                                                                                              

MY ANSWER:

Yes we Christians, and God, claim that Jesus Christ is God’s only son, the second person of the Trinity.

This makes atheist mad.

John 3:16 New King James Version (NKJV)

16 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.

We, along with Jesus Christ say He is King of the Jews.

This makes Jews mad.

Matthew 27:11 New King James Version (NKJV)

11 Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.”

Jesus Christ and Christians believe in Jesus is God in the flesh.

This makes Islamist, Jews and everyone else mad.

John 14:6-9 New King James Version (NKJV)

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

7 “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.”

8 Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.”

9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

Jesus Christ and Christians believe in the Trinity(Father , Son and Holy Spirit in the Godhead), and this makes Islamist, Jews and all non-Christians mad.

 Matthew 28:18-19 New King James Version (NKJV)

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 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,

The Bible bears witness from the empty tomb after the crucifixion that those who are enemies of the gospel will distort the gospel and crucifixion and resurrection.

Matthew 28:11-15 New King James Version (NKJV)

11 Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened. 12 When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, 13 saying, “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

God believed in the Trinity, crucifixion, resurrection and His only Son, God in the flesh to be the only plan, and thank God for that plan, to save a sinful humanity from the beginning of time.  This infuriates a lost world.

Ephesians 1:4 New King James Version (NKJV)

4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,

Islam was created by Muhammad over 600 years after Christianity.  Yes he was a false prophet that corrupted the Old Testament and New as well as the crucifixion account.

Again, non-Christians are naturally enemies of the gospel.

But so was the Apostle Paul once. 

All Christians were enemies of the gospel until they were saved.

A Christian is not called to get in nit-picky arguments with people of other faiths or no faiths.  Christ died for them.

Christians are called to be holy and follow the Great commission and witness.

(Matthew 28:18-19)   19 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, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.  

Check your salvation and follow Jesus.

In Christ Alone!

Fletcher Law

http://fletcherlawandgrace.blogspot.com/

Question received on>Christian Men and Sex Outside of Marriage

QUESTION RECEIVED:

 So what does this mean when a guy unites himself with his girlfriend

?(1 Corinthinans 6:16 "Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For “the two,” He says, “shall become one flesh.”)

 I'm hoping that she would mean more to him than a prostitute? And what about the law of the land that have common law marriage in some states?

MY ANSWER: 

Marriage was given to humanity by God.  This is the Godly pattern that humanity has often ignored is “man for one woman”.

They are joined by covenant.  

Most times it is registered with a government.

Christians take vows before God.

Genesis 2:24 New King James Version (NKJV)

24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

When a man unites himself with a “girlfriend” he greatly dishonors the opinion of God, the woman and disregard for salvation,  the institution of marriage and Christian sanctification.

This “Christian” person deceives himself if he thinks he is better than the “Christian” who has sex with a harlot.

1 Corinthians 6:16 New King James Version (NKJV)

16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For “the two,” He says, “shall become one flesh.”

The honor of God, women and future and present families has been assaulted by the lustful “Christian”.

Great harm has happened and it cannot be trivialized.

This man must ask for forgiveness and check to see if he has really been converted. 

Christians have an obligation to not live like the world - for the sake of God and others.

Matthew 5:13-14 New King James Version (NKJV)

13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

No, fornication, adultery, or paying a prostitute is not in any way acceptable.

Philippians 2:15 New King James Version (NKJV)

15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,

Philippians 2

Philippians 2

1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

(Be humble you were a sinner that needed saving –think of others-a well known saying “I am a former beggar telling telling other beggars where to get bread.”)

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

(Christ first-if your testimony is not about the gospel of Jesus Christ –it is wrong!!!)

\12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.

      (Our goal is to be a drink offering- poured out in service for others in Christ}

19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. 20 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. 23 Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. 24 But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.

25 Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; 26 since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27 For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; 30 because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.

                   (Genuinely encourage folks-I need it –you need it.)

Riddle - What Kills and Points to Life?

QUESTION RECEIVED:

What is the law? What is the Mosaic Law?

MY ANSWER:

The Bible describes what the law is.

Galatians 3:24 New King James Version (NKJV)

“24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.”

There were civil and ceremonial laws given by Moses that were for Old Testament times.

The Mosaic Law is what we simply know as the Ten Commandments. 

The law still has a function despite what some well-meaning Christians might think.

The law shows humanity’s total inability to be righteous and holy in order to see God.

The law points humanity to the cross as our only hope for salvation.

By his perfect life Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, was the perfect unblemished sacrifice for our sin..

He received the wrath of God on the cross intended for sinners to pay the sin debt of us law breakers who repent and trust in Christ as Lord and Savior.   

2 Corinthians 5:21  New King James Version (NKJV)

21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Matthew 5:17-18  New King James Version (NKJV)

17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.”

Praise God for the use and the function of the law for salvation.

Are you still under the impression that the law is evil?

When Jesus Christ was  raised from the grave we who believe could rise above the condemnation through faith and the grace of our Savior.

My question to you is are you under condemnation or grace?

Question Answered: Disciplining a Romeo Reverend

QUESTION RECEIVED FROM ASIA:

What does the Bible say about a pastor having a mistress? 

What should be done if a pastor commits adultery?

 MY ANSWER:

Exodus 20:14 “You shall not commit adultery”

Applies to pastors also.

First when you know the pastor’s adultery really happened you need to witness to him.

Why?

The man is probably not saved and in danger of hell fire.

Losing his job and or position is the least of the man's worries.

He is living a deviant and damning lifestyle.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 New King James Version (NKJV)

9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.

The Word in the New Testament says adulterers will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Here is the good news for fornicators, idolaters, adulterers,  homosexuals, sodomites,  thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers and extortioners.

1Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

God can save a sinning pastor.

You might ask “He is saved and just messing up.”

Scripture says the adulterer is doomed.

He must repent as the great evangelist Sam Jones said

“David was a great sinner, but he was a first-class repenter.”

God loves the sinner and really hates the damning sin no matter who does not like it.

Matthew 18:15-17 tells us how to deal with a sinning brother.

“15 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.”

Your pastor, if he is an adulterer, has put his soul in jeopardy and has caused chaos in the house of the Lord, his own household and damaged his conspirators soul.

Go to him now!!!

Do not let his title keep you from being true to Scripture and helping him.

He is in great jeopardy.

Gain your brother.

QUESTION ANSWERED - Did Jesus Ever Sin or Break The Sabbath?

QUESTION RECEIVED:

I heard a famous Reformed teacher say that Jesus `ignored` certain OT regulations.

So did Jesus sin or break the Sabbath?

To prove his point he mentioned the instances when Jesus touched a leper and when He declared all foods clean. Is this a Biblical idea?

MY ANSWER:

My second grade Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church Sunday School, Mrs. Bush, asked my class once “Did Jesus ever sin? “

In my childish ignorance I answered “Yes”.

She asked “When?”