Central Church - Who We Are

Question: : Why do we as Christians celebrate Christmas and Easter when we do? Aren't these pagan holidays and not the actual days they propose to celebrate? Birth (succoth), Resurrection (firstfruits)? Last Sunday we had visitors from a messianic synagogue at Central and I'm worried why Christians don't feel lead to practice more Scripturally sound things such as Passover and shabbat?

Answer: I do not believe you need to worry. With the advent of the Holy Spirit and the inclusion of Gentiles (all non-Jews) into the Body of Christ without becoming Jews first, God signaled that relationship to Him was now open to all and the Law of Moses was not required. This is the new wine skin Jesus talked about (Matthew 9:14-17). The dietary laws of the Old Testament are no longer required (Mark 7:1-23; Acts 10:9-23; 1 Timothy 4:1-5), circumcision of males is no longer prescribed (Acts 15; Romans 2:25-29; 4:9-12; Galatians 2), and even the Sabbath is no longer a requirement (Romans 14, and particularly verses 5-6).

Just as Jesus' resurrection on a Sunday moved the church to celebrate and worship him on the first day of the week instead of the seventh (Saturday, the Sabbath), so the Lord's Supper celebration took the place of the Passover. The Passover is a commemoration of the deliverance God gave Israel from Egypt. The Lord's Supper is the fulfillment of this deliverance in the Lord's death on the cross that delivers us from sin's penalty. Since we do not know the exact date of the birth of Jesus we have converted a pagan ritual into a Christian celebration of Jesus' birth and so redeemed a pagan foreshadowing of the coming of Messiah. There has been a longstanding controversy between the western and eastern churches about how to calculate Passover/Easter to celebrate the resurrection. But the important thing is not the exact date, but that we celebrate His resurrection.

This does not mean that Jews and anyone else who chooses, may not observe Jewish customs. Paul was accused of telling Jews not to observe the customs (Acts 21:17-26) and yet he himself often kept them (Acts 18:18). But for Paul this did not mean that he was bound by the Law to do so. Rather, he became all things to all men in order to win some (1 Corinthians 9:19-23), at one time adopting the Law's customs in order not to offend Jews (Acts 16:1-3), at another time demonstrating his freedom and challenging fellow Jews, like Peter, to do so also for the sake of the gospel (Galatians 2:11-14). If the customs of the Jews are practiced as requirements, then the gospel has been lost. Salvation would then be by works and basically a Jewish provincial gospel not suited for the whole world. But that is not what Jesus meant the gospel to be. He said, "But I, when I am lifted up, will draw all men to myself" (John 12:32).

Randall Johnson

Question: : Recently I have heard a lot in the media about the issue of so-called "Global Warming" and it makes me afraid for my children's future here on earth. I don't think this issue is mentioned in the Bible directly, but I feel like in some ways we are stewards of God's creation. Should I be worried about the issue of "Global Warming" and if so what if anything should we do?

Answer: We are not, of course, to be consumed by worry (Philippians 4:6), but we are to pay attention to the issues of concern in our world, if for no other reason than that they are a concern to other people and could affect our families as well.

No, the problem of global warming ("climate change" is a more generally descriptive term) is not specifically mentioned in the Bible. Some of the anticipated effects from this condition, if it is true (floods, extremely hot temperatures), could be what is referenced in the book of Revelation (chapters 6-19) as part of the outpouring of God's judgment on the unbelieving earth.

As you seem to be aware, the issue of global warming, though accepted as a fact by much of the scientific and political community, has not been without its opponents. However, few, if any, would argue that it is a good thing to pollute our atmosphere, even if the dire prophecies of global warming are not coming true. We do have a responsibility to take care of our earth. God created humans to have dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:28; Psalm 8:6-8). We are to rule as God's co-regents over His creation. We must rule as He would rule, take care of it as He would take care of it.

Proverbs 12:10 says, "A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal," and surely this is not limited to just his animals but extends to all of God's creation. In light of this Christians ought to be more "green" and for more of the right reasons than anyone else. We should be looking for ways to preserve the good gifts God has given us. We should be encouraging alternative fuel sources and conserving energy, and protecting water sources, and be for controlling air pollution. Here are some links to websites that will give you some practical ways to join in on helping to protect our natural resources. We are indeed stewards of all God has given us and will have to answer to Him for how we have taken care of His world.

http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/
http://www.environmentaldefense.org/home.cfm
http://www.climatehotmap.org/
http://www.nrdc.org/globalWarming/
http://www.globalwarming.org/

Randall Johnson

Question: There are four words used in the Bible for the place of the dead, Sheol, the Hebrew term for the grave and also for the place of departed spirits, Hades, the Greek version of Sheol, the Abyss (used for the place of the dead in Romans 10:7, but usually reserved for place of judgment for demons, Luke 8:31; Rev. 9:1,2, 20:1) and Gehenna, the term taken from the Valley of Hinnom just south of Jerusalem where trash was perpetually burned. This last word refers specifically to the final place of torment, most properly translated "hell" (Matthew 5:22,29,30; 10:28; 18:9, etc.)

Answer: Matthew 25 is instructive in that it tells us that the eternal fire (the word Gehenna is not used here) was prepared by God originally for Satan and his angels (Matthew 25:41-46), but that unbelievers will end up there as well. In verse 46 it says they will "go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life" (emphasis added). The same word describes the character of the punishment as the life of the righteous. This would argue that it means the punishment of hell is eternal, and that the soul will exist in this place of punishment forever.

In Mark 9:43 Jesus describes hell as the place where "the fire never goes out" (He calls it "eternal fire" in Matthew 18:8). There would be no need for the fire to be perpetual if at some point there was no one there to suffer its flames. By the way, it is supposed that the flames are not literal flames that require oxygen and fuel (material) to burn, since the souls of the unbelieving dead are not material (Luke 16:22-24 depicts the rich man in torment in Hades). Even their resurrected bodies will be theirs forever in the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:11-15) and not be fuel to burn up. This suggests that the fire is more psychological in nature, but nonetheless punishing. Jude mentions the punishment of eternal fire" (v.7). Paul says unbelievers "will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power" (2 Thessalonians 1:9). How can the punishment be everlasting destruction if the destruction is completed?

Of course, it is hard for us to fathom the justice of this at this point in our lives. We don't see as clearly as God sees yet and do not appreciate His just retribution, because we are often unable to fathom the heinousness of our own rebellion. One day we will feel the justice of God's pronouncements of judgment.

Randall Johnson

Question: How should we respond to people who have seen the movie, The Golden Compass, and read the trilogy of books (The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, The Amber Spyglass) by Philip Pullman

Answer: We should be ready to ask some questions about the books and movie that will help people think about the philosophy being espoused. We may start by asking (and these questions are adapted from Jeffrey Overstreet in an interview with Christianity Today):

1. Is it true that the books tend to look down on authority as our source of guidance? If so, what do you think would be the result of letting everyone's free will be the ultimate source of guidance and authority in our world?
2. Does it feel to you that the human heart has proved itself trustworthy as a compass to give us direction?
3. Does it seem that free will always leads us to the right choice?
4. If, as I've been led to understand, the golden compass or alethiometer is the source of truth and guidance in this story, isn't that just substituting another source of truth in the place of Authority, making it the new Authority? Why are we supposed to believe that it is a better source of truth?
5. If there are many truths out there, each equally valid, then aren't the characters in these stories being as intolerant and self-righteous as the oppressors are by demanding that their version of the truth is better than others? If we say oppression is wrong, on what source of truth do we base that assessment?
6. I understand that there is a battle between the bears in this story that is supposed to be an inspiring moment. But isn't this just leading us to a place where it is "survival of the fittest" that rules the day? Do we really want those who are strongest fighters to be the winners at the end of the day, or do we want those who genuinely love people to be the winners?

Of course, if you haven't read the books you will profit first by asking your questioner to explain the story to you before you make judgments on it. It is also notable that in the books and movie there is much of a spiritual/supernatural nature that according to Pullman should not be a part of explaining our world or our decisions. But is it fair for Pullman to represent his worldview with the spiritual/supernatural when this is only possible if there is a God or other supernatural forces beyond ourselves?

The last thing we need to do is pass judgment on those who have seen the movie or read the books. Simply ask your questions and let them know that you are open to discussing truth and philosophies of life and that you believe that Christianity stands up to the test of truth and that you would like an opportunity to demonstrate that. You don't have to have all the answers, just be ready to humbly say when you don't know something and seek answers when you don't.

Randall Johnson

Question: If Lucifer was one of the most beautiful angels in Heaven, and Heaven is a perfect place without sin, how did he sin against God in Heaven and become a fallen angel with many angels following him?

Answer: The short answer is, "I don't know." You have made some assumptions here, which I mostly hold to myself. Satan (the term "Lucifer" may not be the correct translation of Isaiah 14:12; most modern translations translate "morning star") is probably not the one being openly described in either Isaiah 14 or Ezekiel 27, but is apparently a created angel who somehow chose to rebel against God. Remember, earth was not in a state of sin either, and Adam and Eve did not have sin natures, and yet they both rebelled. The how of this is a mystery that the Bible does not address, either in terms of Satan or our first parents.

And why did many other angels choose to follow him? We don't know. But the original temptation he made to our original parents was that they might have the right of self-determination and not need God's guidance. There is something in us that still struggles to trust God with everything He determines for our lives. Something in us still wants to have the control, thinking that we would make better decisions about our lives than He would. This is the lie that has led the world into chaos and tragedy for all these millennia.

Randall Johnson

Question: I am very strong in my faith and walk with Jesus. I was talking with a lady here at work and I said something like, "Well, there is only one way and that is through Jesus." She said, "Oh, no, if it makes you feel happy or makes you smile that is what counts." We got interrupted before I could say more. Then a man saw this little candy thing I had with a green hand pointing and he said, "That is a Harry Potter peace sign." "I had no idea," I said. "Oh, well, I will throw it away." He said, "Why?" I said, "That is a cult to me," and he laughed right in my face and said "You've got to be kidding." My question is where in the Bible can I back up what I believe is wrong with Harry Potter?

Answer: I don't know of a specific passage that would say it is wrong to have anything to do with the Harry Potter books or movies or paraphernalia. Of course, anything that suggests that there is life other than in Jesus Christ is wrong, but that covers most everything we listen to, read or view (the nightly news, for example).

May I suggest that a better way to witness to unbelievers is to pick up on the ideas they focus on and that might speak to their hearts. For example, with the guy who pointed out that you had a Harry Potter peace sign, you might have said, "Peace is a pretty important thing to have these days, isn't it?" If he engaged you or made a remark about that, it might lead you to say, "I have found peace for my life in the most extraordinary place. I'd love to talk to you about it sometime." Then let him make a decision about whether he will take you up on that. This will be an indication whether the Holy Spirit is drawing him or not. Unfortunately, when we point out to people how things they have enjoyed are devilish or wrong, they have no basis for understanding that and will only think we're heartless, joyless prigs. They won't be able to see that we care about them and their eternal destinies. They will only be repulsed and less willing to hear what we have to say about Jesus. I guess what I'm suggesting is to focus on the positive in the unbeliever's passions or interests instead of the negative. Once they come to Christ there will be opportunities to sort out more minor issues about what they read or watch or wear.

Randall Johnson

Question: What are graven images when it pertains to pictures or statues of Christ? Is it wrong to hang them in our homes or have them in our churches? Is it wrong for us to paint them or sculpt them? I had a friend share an awesome video that prompted someone to attack them and tell them how sinful they were for worshiping a graven image, even if that image was of Christ. He said we are not to try and capture the image of Jesus.

Answer: I do not believe that this is what the commandment refers to. The commandment in Exodus 20:4,5 reads, "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them." The problem was trying to represent the invisible God with some image that enabled the worshiper to capture the essence of who God was and so manipulate Him into giving the worshiper what the worshiper wanted. Many times the image of a bull (representing strength and virility) or a cat (representing wisdom) or some other animal was represented. This is the sin of idolatry.

Jesus came as a human being and we do not know what he looked like, but we know he looked like a man. There is no "graven image" we could make of him to represent him in a way that "captures" his essence in a way that we can use to manipulate Him. If we resort to worshiping such a representation then we have crossed over into idolatry. We are investing the image with some spiritual power to get God to act on our behalf.

Interestingly, this issue was one of the sources of conflict and separation between the western church (represented by Rome) and the eastern church (represented by Constantinople). They are known today as the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church. The Orthodox congregations made a lot of use of "icons" or paintings of Jesus and Biblical scenes. The Roman church accused them of idolatry. This was also an issue of whose authority the churches would obey. The western church insisted that the Pope was the leader of all the churches, but the Orthodox churches obviously disagreed. It led to the great schism between the two around 1,000 A.D. and the solidification of variant views of what constituted Christian orthodoxy. Protestants have historically shied away from any use of images or statues, though they have utilized stained-glass images quite frequently. Most Protestants have no problem with a picture of Jesus in their homes or churches. I would suggest that your friend's attacker is a bit on the fringe of things with his belief.

Randall Johnson

Question: How were all the books in the Bible collected to make the Bible? Who decided which books would make up the Bible and how did they decide which ones to include?

Answer: I found this site (bible-researcher.com) to be quite acceptable as an explanation of the development of what we call the canon of Scripture. There may be more than you want to read here, but I would suggest that you at least read the Introduction to the Canon and Ancient Versions article. There are a number of helpful charts. There is an article further down by F. F. Bruce, who is considered a giant in New Testament studies.

Randall Johnson

Question: What does God do with the sins that you have not confessed and repented of in the event of your untimely death? I know 1John 1:9 says that if we confess, but what if you don't, or have committed sins out of ignorance or unintentional?

Answer: All our sins have been paid for and are forgiven (even the ones we haven't committed yet). If even one sin were not atoned for by Christ's death we would still have to pay for it ourselves in an eternity of separation from God. But praise His name they are all covered. The confession and forgiveness that John is talking about is the restoration of relationship in a family way. When I sin I don't get thrown out of God's family. God remains my loving Father and my place in His heart is secure. But just as in a human family when we hurt each other, there needs to be reconciliation through acknowledging our transgression against the other and getting forgiveness expressed. In the same way we need to acknowledge what we have done to hurt our relationship with the Father and hear His forgiveness, but our eternal relationship is never in danger. Unconfessed sins will continue to prevent more intimacy with God. Sins done in ignorance or unintentionally will be brought to our attention if God feels we need to deal with them.

Randall Johnson

Question: I don't think it specifically tells. I don't see how the same woman could have all those children at the beginning of the book and then have 10 more in her later years. I tend to think it's another wife. I think she is even more tragic than Job. It's very discouraging to me.

Answer: I don't know what happened to Job's wife. Since all their children who died were apparently grown ups, it does seem odd to think of her having 7 more. Perhaps it was through another wife, but we just don't have enough information to know one way or the other. It is discouraging to see the pain his wife went through and not get to see if she too came out strong in her faith as Job did in the end. We might presume, however, that she did have a change of heart in that it isn't said that she was no longer married to Job. If she is the one who bore these new children then presumably she had a different frame of mind about God and the events of her children's deaths.

Randall Johnson