Q & A's
Postscript

Human Responsibility & The Will of God

How do you reconcile Romans 14:23 which basically says that if we do anything when we have doubt about whether we should do it or not than it's a sin, when you said in your sermon that "If our goal and attitude is correct then we should choose as we please when scripture is silent". It seems scripture is not silent if we have any doubt at all. Read More...

Abortion

Question:

Concerning last Sunday's sermon about abortion, how would you respond to an athiest's rhetorical question:  "Given the starvation in developing countries and high infant mortality in overpopulated areas, isn't it far more practical to abort the fetuses than to bring babies into the world where the majority of them will die within the first year anyway?  The question sounds severe, but I have encountered it and would like to hear how you would answer it. Read More...

If Jesus is Lord, why are Christians persecuted?

Since Jesus is Lord, not Nero, why didn't he exercise His authority and stop Nero from persecuting His people? Read More...

How can Jesus be more exalted than He was before the Incarnation?

Since Jesus was fully God when He left heaven, how is it a reward to Him when the Father exalted Him after his ascension since He is just getting back the same status as God that He already had? Read More...

Should I Act Humble When I Don't Feel Like It?

How do I respond in humility to help someone if I do not feel like doing so? Isn’t my own purity of motives important? If I act humble when I am not, isn't that hypocrisy?

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Humility - or Enabling Sin?

How do I know what is being selfish, and what is simply expressing my own opinions and desires? Do I always do what the other person wants, even if they consistently are selfish?

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Rejoice at Their Preaching

I have a question about your recent sermon (Jan 13, 2008). Paul wrote that he rejoices even when Christ is preached out of selfish ambition. You mentioned, however that Paul is the first to point out heresy. In modern day TV evangelism, the majority are preaching out of selfish ambition (greed, fame, self gratification, recognition, etc.), some actually proclaim the gospel, and a few hold to orthodox Christian doctrine. Are we to rejoice that Christ is being preached, or are we to point out the heresy of modern day false doctrine? In other words, do I need to rejoice that Joel Osteen is on television? Read More...

Philippians 1:18 Question


Bret,

You recently preached quoting this verse from Phillipians 1:18. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Can Paul's rationale be applied to other Christian endeavors as well? For instance, in my political science courses, I learned that foreign aid is given as a tool of diplomacy so that favors/paybacks can be obtained later on. Obviously, the important thing is that aid is given (i.e. to impoverished people). But Paul seems to excuse the false motives behind the act, which, in this case of foreign aid, might mean that the giver is merely buying power/influence.


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