The Super Theologian

Your Question was cut off so I am not sure what the 2nd part of your question is. Of course I don't believe Mohammed was a true prophet of the Lord. I think the major issue is that the earliest writings of Mohammed accredit no miracles to his ministry. From my understanding miracles were added later. can't say this definitively but I'm pretty sure its the case. Despite this, even if he did perform miracles there is a reality that we must understand in scripture. When it comes to the authority of God in a ministry, Miracles to not vindicate it. Read this carefully,

---

"Words test the source of miracles, miracles do not validate source of words"

---

Did you catch it? You knew that the Apostle's miracles were from God because of the words they spoke not the miracles they performed. The miracles they performed backed up their words but without the words the miracles would have been unreliable. Think about I John 2:22, "Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son." This applies to many of the "miracle workers" like Benny Hinn. Their unbiblical words prove that their miracles are unreliable.

---

Regardless of whether or not Mohammed performed miracles, the real issue is whether or not his miracles would testify that he is a reliable voice from God. The sad truth is, his words prove that he was not reliable because he rejected Christ as the messiah and he rejected the Trinity (partially because he misunderstood it insignificantly). I have Muslim friends who I love dearly. However, it is my love for them that compels me to graciously warn them that their prophet is not from God. Islam being more of an "honor religion" than Christianity causes Muslims to generally be more offended when you say something against their Prophet and so when we do it needs to be out of a heart overflowing with love and with as much respect we can have for a man who probably meant well but was mislead.

View more

Recreational Dating is foolish and dangerous. If there is no intention on potentially marrying the individual than it is wiser to guard your heart by not dating them then it is to date. I am an advocate of courtship or intention dating. I think one of the most foolish things a Christian parent can do is let there daughter start "dating" at 16. That is a process practiced by foolish worldly parents, do not give in. You might as well hand your child over to impurity and sin. dating should not be happening unless the man is ready and prepared for marriage and he sees the woman as a potential candidate. A woman should not want to give her time and emotions to a man who is not interested in marrying her. Many times, Christians strive to practice physical purity but completely ignore emotional purity. Too many saints marry as virgins but have been emotionally promiscuous for many years and it as major ramifications in marriage. You do not only want to save your physical purity for your spouse, you should want to share as much as possible, your emotional purity as well. .. Personally, I am married to my high-school sweetheart. I am the only man she has ever known physically and emotionally. Unfortunately, it is not the same case for me but oh how I wish it was! God has redeemed my mistakes though and we have an amazing marriage

View more

Hey bro, thanks for the encouragement! Someone already asked me this so forgive me for just repeated a portion of their answer...

---

""I am personally Amillennial. I think classical Premillennialism is also a viable position given the Biblical data. However, My Biblical Theology (Whole Bible Theology) has led me to conclude that certain aspects of the Millennium that Premills think are literal are in fact figurative. I think there is a strong case for Premill especially for those who want to take the Bible seriously and I don't push against it hard. I just think the Biblical metanarrative of scripture plays out more consistently with an Amill. Understanding of the consummation of all things. Feel free to ask any follow up for greater clarity"

---

Regarding Postmill... Can I be honest with you? I think it is an American elitist eschatology. To believe that there will be no tribulation and that eventually the whole world will be evangelized and the kingdom ushered in sounds great. The problem is for anyone to believe that, they have to completely ignore the persecuted church in the world and live only within their "Western Bubble". Voice of the Martyrs tells us that more Christians have been killed for the faith in the past 100 years than all of church history combined. The average rate of martyrdom is 400 Christians a day. Persecution has gotten significantly worse NOT better! Could you imagine going to one of these countries, China or Saudi Arabia and telling the Christians there;

---

"Don't worry, there is no great persecution or tribulation coming for Christians!"

---

They would look at that person like they are crazy! To them, they are in it right now.
In short, I think there is a reason why virtually no one has held to Postmill outside of Americans and Puritans who came to America to start what they believed would be a new Israel. If your eschatology cannot be universally applied then it is a bad eschatology. My thoughts in short :^)

View more

Hmm... You would have to define your term. There are two kinds of preterism. There is "partial-preterism" which is within the realm of Christian orthodoxy and then there is full or hyper-preterism which has been deemed heretical throughout Christian History. Here is a quick run down.

---

Preter comes from Latin word "praetor" which means past.

---

Partial Preterism- Partial Preterism believes that most but not all eschatological events have already happened. Primarily that the temple destruction in 70 AD was the great judgement and that Nero was THE anti-Christ that is spoken of in Revelation. Amongst other things.

---

Full-Preterism- Believes that all Biblcal prophecies have already happened. Including the 2nd coming! Generally from my experience, Full-preterists believe that we are already in our glorified bodies and have become antinomian (don't believe in any law) and anti-mission (2nd coming has already happened, no need to evangelize).

---

The earliest mention of what could be considered partial-preterism is found in the writings of Eusebius in the late 200 AD. However, it has always been a minority view except within Roman Catholic Circles during the Middle Ages where it thrived.

---

Full-preterism is wrong and dangerous and can potentially lead to heretical views of the Gospel and the Christian Life. partial-preterism is within orthodoxy and ironically there are some well-known Presbyterrians who have dabbled with it. I say ironically because partial -preterism was a Roman Catholic Doctrine and the Reformers were adamantly opposed to it. Presbys generally boast in their ties to the Reformers.

---

Here is the main problem with Partial & Full Preterism. It is a poor practice of Biblical Theology. Though I do believe a certain degree of prophecy was fulfilled at the destruction of the Temple, Most eschatological prophecy is yet to be fulfilled. Preterism means well but they do the same thing well-meaning Dispensationalist do. They focus too much on the Land promises being Israel and by doing this they focus too much on Israel. The Land promise Given to Abraham and fulfilled by his off-spring (Christians) is not a new Israel...It is a New Earth given in the Eschaton. In many ways they think too small, not glorious enough! I love Israel but the eschatological fulfillment of NT prophecies will find their fulfillment ultimately in the New Earth and not the small nation of Israel as important as they have been to the redemptive plan. I do believe there will be a major in gathering of Jews before the 2nd coming.

---

Hope this helps!

View more

I'm not sure who you are referring to but I am definitely sorry that feelings were hurt. I do however think I am entitled to change my mind regarding how I choose to run my Twitter account. If anything, that friend should be cool since now I am following him as well. The only thing that would still keep me from following someone or unfollowing someone is if they are profane, blasphemous, or sowing seeds of discord amongst the people of Christ. If this "friend" is truly offended I'd love to speak with them. Have them PM me and I would love to hear their thoughts and if necessary apologize for anything I have done that may be wrong. Though, changing my mind about following back my Twitter followers isn't anything I would apologize about. I think that is perfectly legitimate in the realm of my conscience. Still, love to speak to you or your friend if you or they are offended. Grace and peace!

View more

Now this is an impossible question to answer! :^)
It could be one or the other or both. In order to answer this question there would be a whole lot of "diagnostic" questions I would first need to ask. Hmm... Let me offer a few philosophical & theological thoughts pertaining to your question.

---

Our personalities and characteristics are always made up of a combination of personality and providence. Personality includes the dynamics of whether or not someone is an introvert or extrovert and the various implications that stem from that. Providence deals with the issues of upbringing, experiences (good or bad) and all other external elements that impact you and the way you respond to various things. The short answer to your question is "both God and you (As a Christian I think biology and spirituality are tied together) are responsible." However, there is certainly a longer one that I can't get to in this format.

---

When I am doing Biblical Counseling, the first 2 hours of counseling is generally me just asking tons of questions. Providential circumstances really do play a major role in how we think and act. Many times a person can exhibit certain personality traits that stem more from how they have reacted to events in their life (good or bad) rather than from their actual personality itself as is. I have no idea what is what with you personally because I don't even know your name :^)

---

This is why Romans 12 tells us to "renew our minds". There is nothing wrong with having an introverted personality. I am actually an introvert. I am what sociologists generally call a social introvert. Being around people drains the life out of me but I love being around people. I am an introvert in that crowds drain me and solitude rejuvenates me. Let me define these terms for you, it can be helpful to understand what an introvert & extrovert is because many times these terms are misunderstood.

---

Introvert- A person who is energized or rejuvinated when alone and finds interacting with other people draining. The extrovert feels more re-energizing by being alone. It doesn't mean they don't like being around people, it just means it is effort.
Extrovert- A person who is energized by being with others and who finds being alone draining. The extrovert re-energizes by being around others.

---

These are two of the clearest personality traits and at their most fundamental level they are a part of who you are as you. The goal is not to change this fundamental dynamic of your personality but to grow in maturity in how to operate in it for the glory of God and in a way that loves your neighbor.

---

For me, being around people drains me exponentially! But I love people and I am in ministry and so I am constantly around people and am typically the one who people come to for counsel, encouragement, etc. My wife knows my personality and so after I am done with a social encounter she does everything she can to make sure I have uninterrupted time alone in my study to re-energize.

View more

There are multiple layers to this question, let me try to unfold them

---

First, is it wrong to depict biblical witchcraft? I would answer no as long as the biblical witchcraft is depicted in the same light that the Bible depicts it. With that principle I would say there is Biblical Sorcery in LOTR, Narnia, and even Harry Potter. What I would submit however is that all 3 portray the elements of Biblical witchcraft the same way the Bible does...(as evil).

---

Biblical Sorcery can be defined simply as: "Seeking to use or manipulate the powers & principalities in the heavenly places." In all honesty I'm too tired to go through all the passages but throughout the Old Testament, God repeatedly states that he does not want his people fooling around with the Spiritual realm. He commanded that all those who did be kicked out Israel and in the Old Testament you do not even see any examples of exorcism. In the New Testament you do see Christian interaction with the power & Principalities but only in the context of exorcism. Even when a young girl who was a Psychic told true things about them... They exorcised her.

---

When we look at all three of these examples given above, each one depicts Biblical sorcery as dark magic. The Witch in Narnia is evil. The Wizard that messes with the Evil Eye is referred to as a Dark Wizard and Necromancer. Even in Harry Potter Voldemort is depicted as evil and a person who was dabbling with dark powers and even killing people trying to gain power over death amongst other things. In all three movies, you see good wizards, witches, or creatures who practice magic seeking to use their gifts to re-establish order and peace amongst the dark magic or evil. Sorcery in the Bible is seen as an affront on God's order. In these movies one of the groups of people who are practicing magic or "witchcraft" are morally upright people who are seeking peace, love, and to reconcile peace. While the other group is depicting as evil and using their powers for evil gain. Much more could be said but I think this is the biggest distinction.

---

Where to get more info. The Bible really is key of course. There are also several books that have come out recently dealing with Christianity and the Arts. Don't deal w/ issue specifically but help the xian develop a theology of Art

---

Echoes of Eden: Reflections on Christianity, Literature, and the Arts
http://www.amazon.com/Echoes-Eden-Reflections-Christianity-Literature/dp/1433535971/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1406598632&sr=8-6&keywords=echoes+from+eden

---

Art for God's Sake: A Call to Recover the Arts
http://www.amazon.com/Art-Gods-Sake-Call-Recover/dp/1596380071/ref=pd_sim_b_15?ie=UTF8&refRID=15A26MSARKZJVMRKP8V6

---

Imagine: A Vision for Christians in the Arts
http://www.amazon.com/Imagine-A-Vision-Christians-Arts/dp/0830822917/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_z

---

Art and the Bible
http://www.amazon.com/Art-Bible-Classics-Francis-Schaeffer/dp/083083401X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1406598781&sr=1-1&keywords=francis+schaeffer+art

View more

There are so many Questions I would have to know to give a full answer. 1. What kind of addiction 2. How long 3. How serious 4. How scandalous 5. Physically Harmful? etc.

---

But in generalities... First, I would strive to bring them away from the concept of "addiction". It's a secular concept which seeks to make the indulger a victim rather than a guilty party in need of repentance. The Bible speaks of sin, besetting sin, being given over to sin, loving sin, hard/stone heart, a seared conscience, and many other things. Notice however that all of these descriptions make the actual indulger guilty of indulging rather than the victim of some habit or "disease". Listen, as long as a person holds onto the ideology of addiction THEY WILL NOT SEE VICTORY. They may stop doing that "thing" they are "addicted" to but they will never get to the point of true confession and repentance (hating and turning away from sin) because they will never deal with root issues of the heart. The language itself is self defeating. "I'm an addict" the language itself implies that change is not possible or that you are in a position of slavery. So these are the two dynamics

---

Unbeliever: They are enslaved to sin and therefore must have Christ or they will die in their sin as a slave to it.

---

Believer: They are united with Christ and have been given the righteousness of Christ and never have to give into a particular sin again.

---

There is no hope but Christ for the unbeliever but for the Christian, you really can say on the authority of God's word, "you do not have to give into this temptation" "You never have to give into this temptation again"
The problem for the believer who has an "addiction" is that they have flirted with a particular sinful habit so long that they now naturally default towards it and their desires are most inclined towards it. The goal of the "addict" is to change their habits or patterns of living to reflect holiness and as they practice those things consistently they will begin to naturally default towards them (Ephesians 4:17-32). Also, they must pursue through scripture and secondary sources a beholding of the beauty of Christ and His Gospel. As they behold him they will grow in hatred for sin. EXCELLENT BOOK ON THIS~~>
Addictions: A Banquet In The Grave: Finding Hope in the Power of the Gospel
http://www.amazon.com/Addictions-Banquet-Finding-Resources-Changing/dp/0875526063/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406595477&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=addictions+bankquet

View more

I think we have to be careful regarding the extent we seek to exclude ourselves from the world. We also must be careful in how we classify paganism. One of my concerns that some Christians have had with...Let's start with Harry Potter is that they think that film is a depiction of witch craft. This generally happens by American Christians who in all honesty have no idea what witchcraft is. Yes, the story of Harry Potter uses a world of magic to tell its story and it calls its main characters witches but what is depicted in the films and novels is not witchcraft as described in scripture nor is it the kind of witchcraft that takes place in the world. A Wiccan (someone who by faith is a witch) would look at Harry Potter just as mythologically as anyone else. This is an important point because I think too many Christians have gotten hung up on this. In addition, the author is a professing Christians and if you follow the story, The film is much more grounded in a Christian framework than a pagan one. Harry Potter is a crystal clear Christ-Figure who is fighting against dark magic/evil, even paganism and is operating not only out of Christian morals but by the end of the series as a messiah who must die in order that others may live! I think these are more important as one seeks to weigh the benefit of the books. In short, I think they are good literature (very well written) and there are tremendous lessons that can be gleaned from the books. I also believe that the books make for great dialogue and evangelism if handled well.

---

Ninja Turtles is kind of in the same camp. Everything we interact with in this world will have been touched by fallenness. If we seek to shield ourselves or our children from everything that has pagan influence we will have to put them in a padded room. In addition, the prayer of Jesus in John 17 was that we would not do this. I think within reason, there is a benefit to exposing ourselves for the sake of mission and our children to the various ideologies and narratives of the world. We should do it cautiously and we should also engage with our children about these things so we help them understand how they are to see things in light of a Biblical Worldview. I will most definitely let my children read Harry Potter when they're older. Its a major cultural phenomenon and it simply good literature as well. I will definitely read it along with them and ask questions to help them filter through the bad stuff but also glean the good aspects that are presented in the work through the means of common grace. I think Americans have been so sheltered that we are really over sensitive when it comes to these things. Folk Bhuddism (largest branch of Bhuddism in the world) is demonic to the core and when we start over analyzing Ninja Turtles we completely miss the real threats and we isolate ourselves from the world and put a barrier up between us and them that is "other" than the Gospel. Great Question!

View more

I am aware of that argument but in all honesty I think it is more based off of creative conjecture than actual historical data. Yes, Corinth was like the modern day Vegas and was awash in sexual immorality. That is one of the reasons why so many in the church struggled in this area. However, as far as we know, prostitution was legal in the Roman Empire. In fact, Roman culture didn't even consider a married man sleeping with another woman adultery. The only time they considered a man to be an adulterer is if he slept with a married woman. For women and sexual infidelity was considered adulteress. Also, An actual lady was generally not permitted to walk the streets without a male escort. Women who were on the street alone would have automatically been assumed to be prostitutes. Prostitution was most likely legal (who would cut their hair)? I seriously doubt that theory.

---

Either way, even if that theory did apply which I don't think it does, the larger issue behind the text is not what cultural phenomenon led the women to have head covering but rather what the head coverings symbolized in the context of the church. From the text, we see that the head covering symbolized femininity as well as submission. We also see that men were told not to wear them because it would jeopardize their masculinity and role as leaders in THEIR home.

View more

Hmm.. This is one of those Qs where I can't help but give an incomplete answer. Proverbs 18:13 states, "If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame" With that in mind, I want to be very careful with what I advise. Since I am not a medical professional I will not speak on the medicinal dynamics pertaining to the medications you are taking it. Let me deal with some general theological realities instead.

---

Though psychological, there is also a strong physiological dynamic behind what you are experiencing (post-brain surgery). Given the physiological nature of your issue, it is not surprising to me that certain medications may assist you in having a more "lucid mind". Here is the real issue that is very important as it relates to your nightmares & frequent panic attacks.

---

Physiology can never make an individual sin. The Bible always speaks about sin as a spiritual reality. It also speaks in numerous places about the body working against us in temptation. This is how it works. When a person is hungry or tired there body is in a weak state. B/c their body's are in a weaker state the guards or walls that person has to assist them in protecting their tongue, thoughts, & actions also become weaker. When we are physically/mentally weak, we are generally also more spiritually weak. This doesn't have to be the case but many times it is. The human body is such a unique dichotomy that the Body and Spirit always have an affect on 1 another. What this means for you is that there is most certainly a physiological aspect to your panic attacks which is not sin but there may also be a spiritual aspect that is. What your goal should be is to make sure you are glorifying God within your panic attacks. Though your attacks come without your control, you must strive to practice Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things". The root of your panic attacks may be physiological but you want to strive to make sure that the experience of them is not sinful in the sense of doubting God, the Gospel, Grace, hope or any of these things. As you grow in this, your attacks may be less intense tho still present due to the physiological nature behind them. YOU CAN beloved, glorify God in the midst of uncontrolable panic attacks! Feel free to ask me follow up. As far as the nightmares go. You can control what happens before & after you go to sleep. Follow Philipp. 4:8 here too. B4 bed think on those things, when U wake up, maybe even terrified, think upon the grace of Christ, love of God & his comfort found in Jeremiah 32:40, "I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them" God is there with you in the night, during your dreams and there to comfort after. Hope this helps, feel free to ask follow up!!!

View more

there is a lot that could be said, much of it would depend on knowing more about you and your friend. However, one of the clearest things you can do while having conversations with him is to let him know you can relate. Sure, you can't relate with his homosexual desires but you do know what it is like to struggle to submit your sexuality under the word of God. We all do! Here is the key, as a Biblical/Nouthetic Counselor we frequently say this as we are counseling homosexuals or those who are seeking to engage with homosexuals.

---

"The goal of the person struggling with homosexuality is NOT hetersexuality. The goal for the person struggling with homosexuality is holiness."

---

A person who struggles with same sex attraction may never lose the attraction. They may fight with it their whole lives! However, them having complete victory over their temptations is not the goal. The goal is for them to practice holiness. God has ordained for human sexuality to ONLY find it's fulfillment within covenantal marriage between one man and one woman. Sexual fulfillment outside of this is unholy, it's practicing sexuality outside of the sphere in which God has ordained for it to be practiced. This applies to gays, porn addicts, those who masturbate, lust and every other pursuit of sexual fulfillment or even enticement outside of marriage. Therefore, Like him, you can identify with him, the struggle to submit your sexuality whole heartedly and completely within the realm of Covenantal Marriage. You may not have struggled with any serious or scandalous sexual sin but we all struggle and must fight for holiness in the realm of our sexuality. If you approach your conversations with your friend recognizing that you too are a "sexual sinner" and that you both share the same goal of submitting your sexuality to the word of God. Then you will be witnessing to him not as a pharisee but as a fellow sinner in need of grace and spirit empowerment in your pursuit for sexual holiness. I believe this is the best way to engage with your homesexual friend in a way that is not accusatory. Great Question!

View more

Great Question! Let me begin by saying that I think this is an issue that is not spoken about enough in the Church. You don't have to do counseling too long to realize that a lot more people, women specifically, are abused than the average person thinks. I would estimate about 1 in 4 of the women I have joint counseled with my wife have a past of physical abuse. This breaks my heart beyond words. I have a little daughter. I truly weep with these women for what has happened in their lives.

---

2 issues in the post worth dealing with. One, the danger of ever attributing sin to a Biblical Belief system. The reality is that the majority of people who hold to a Complementarian belief system are having successful and grace-filled marriages. Husbands are sacrificially loving their wives and are seeking to lead their families in service. They cherish their wives and are servers not takers in every facet of marriage including sexual intimacy and communication. The massive majority of abuse happens within the realm of egalitarian marriages (The position the majority of the west holds) and Domineering marriages as is represented in the Middle East and most of Africa. The simple truth is the day-to day life of a complementarian marriage is one that doesn't see the issue of abuse. The very nature of Biblical Complementarianism allows no room for it. It would be the equivalent of Christ assaulting his Bride and degrading his mother, or taking advantage of his sisters. It is unthinkable! The issue of abuse happens within Egalitarian contexts and most predominately in Domineering Contexts. Sadly, there are certain Christian cults and churches that claim complementarianism but operate out of a more muslim domineering system. The devil ioves 2 pervert biblical truth

---

A woman under my care who is being abused would in my mind have one option, get out of there. Notice I didn't say divorce yet but rather she needs to get out of her harmful situation. Other women in the church would be expected to step up and offer her and her children a place to stay and if none are available then the church will use their mercy funds to get her one. If abuse is truly happening (women gets benefit of the doubt but it is only loving to the man to verify). Even if the man refuses to admit to abuse, the very fact that the women feels it, is enough to have a serious issue. First, the man would be called to repent or face excommunication. He has committed a crime and so the wife may be encouraged to call the police. Even if the Husband repents, there would be a season of counseling b4 we would feel comfortable allowing that women to go back into the home. If there is no repentance or change than we would ultimately classify that as abandonment (one of the 2 grounds for divorce). Abuse situations are never cut & dry & the dynamics are always different in how these things unfold. The primary thing I would say is that the first primary goal is to protect wife, rest I'm speaking in generalities

View more

Hey Dora! Great Question! Kinda complex but I will answer it broadly & ask follow up if you like (Space limited by ask.fm).

---

When we think about head coverings, I Corinthian 11:2-16 is the text that most clearly comes to mind. It is one of the most difficult texts in the Bible (exegetically) but I believe it's principles are clear if understood in its theological and cultural context.

---

Overview:
This text is 1 of the clearest passages that speaks directly to what has been called "Complementarianism". There are a lot of misunderstandings, caricatures, and just flat out lies about what complementarianism is... Especially in social media (I've recently noticed). follow me...

---

I Corinth 11:3 states the principle that is being expounded regarding head coverings,
"But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ."

---

This text clearly teaches headship. The Question than becomes how is the one person (Christ, man, God) head over the the other person (man, woman, Christ). The headship is presented in 2 ways in Scripture, The first way is leadership. Christ leads the man, the man leads the woman, and God leads Christ (My food is to do the will of the father). However, this leadership looks radically different than anything in the world. Christ leads through giving himself & forever interceding for. The man responds by finding his utmost delight in following Christ in self-denial (Philippians 3:8). The man leads the woman but it is through service and considering her interests as more significant than his own (Eph 5:25-33, Philippians 2). The response of the woman is delight in following (Song of Songs, Eph 5:22-24). God leads Christ by doing all things to glorify Christ and Christ responds by doing all things to please the father.

---

All of this undergirds context of I Corinth 11. Paul's point in this passage is that Men most glorify God by fulfilling their role as men (masculine, servant-leader, etc.). Women most glorify God when they are operating in the way God designed them (feminine, follower, etc.). In Corinth, the people had a certain way of dress that signified femininity & it was a head-covering. Paul is telling the saints that men should not be wearing anything that challenges the Glory of God in designed masculinity. Similarly, women shouldn't do anything that jeopardizes their femininity which God has given them to glorify him. This text is teaching that women should seek to distinguish themselves from men in femininity and vice versa. It teaches that though in Corinth, head coverings were a cultural identity maker of this, God has given women a natural covering...Their hair. Men's hair grows significantly slower than women and women generally have longer hair. Women have a natural covering & so veils aren't necessary. Of course there are exceptions (women w/ cancer). But goal is that women embrace their femininity and not undermine it. Sorry out of room :^(

View more

The simple answer is yes. a person can believe in Evolutionary Theory and be converted. Is the Evolutionary Theory compatible with Christianity or the Gospel? Absolutely not! We have to understand that conversion is a work of the heart. Growing in the knowledge of Christ takes place over time. There are many true genuine Christians who believe in evolution. The reasons why they believe it are either they don’t fully understand Evolutionary Theory and its implications or that they have bought into cultural pressure without recognizing the effect it will have. Let me explain…

---

There is a game called “Jenga” you may have heard of it (if not look it up). The object of the game is to remove wooden pegs and yet keep The tower of blocks from falling. You do this by removing pegs that are loose and don’t appear to be necessary for the towers foundation. Sometimes however, you remove what appears to be a useless peg and the entire tower falls! Theology works much the same way. You can think an issue is loose but when you remove it, Christianity & the Gospel come tumbling down. So many doctrines fall into this.

---

The job of the discerning Theologian is to be able to see in advance what will happen when the peg is removed… Consider Evolutionarry Theory. The Gospel says sin came into the world thru death. Therefore sin and death are unnatural (Romans 5:12). Evolution says that Death is natural and good as it is the means in which the most viable species thrive. Not only does evolution by nature reject sin but by necessity it then rejects the need for a new Adam! Christianity says that human beings are made in the image of God. Evolution says that we are just evolved ape like creatures with advanced intelligence. What does this say about the incarnation?

---

These are just a few examples as to why Evolution and Christianity are incompatible. They are two completely opposite worldviews. Can a person be a Christian and hold to it, yes. Can they do so consistently and without compromising the very Gospel…No. We must understand that Evolution is modern man’s way of explaining away the reality and accountability of a personal God.

---

It puzzles me that many Christians are giving into it so easily. Saints have died for the Gospel and many Christians have embraced Evolution out of fear of being laughed at. Praise God most do it out of ignorance, I fear for those who do it with complete awareness of what they are doing. Consider “Biologos” They recognized that in order to embrace evolution they have to throw out Biblical Christianity. So they now reject Revelation and cal Paul ignorant.

---

Side Note: By evolution I am not referring to Micro-Evolution which states that animals adapt over time. I believe Animals to adapt and change within a specifies. Macro-Evolution (Darwinian Evolution) holds than creatures evolve into entirely new specials. Life began as a single cell organism, fish, lizard, bird, mammal, people. That kind of evolution is wrong, illogical, and unbiblical.

View more

Good question. There is much speculation that can be offered pertaining to this issue but ultimately that would be unhelpful. What we know from the Bible clearly is that Lucifer was cast out and that 1/3 of angels were cast out too. The Bible does not specifically say Satan himself deceived these fallen angels himself. It is quite possible that they didn’t need deceiving but rebelled Fully conscious of what they were doing.

---

Secondly, heaven itself is a place and in so being is not in and of itself perfect light. If heaven was perfect light than no rebellion ever would have happened. God who resides in heaven is perfect light. Angels themselves are not perfect light. Only God is perfect lgiht. In theology nuance is important. In this case, we want to affirm God as perfect light and that heaven is a place in which the fulness of his glory dwells. However, the habitants of heaven all angelic creatures who are not perfect like God.

---

The reality that God is “Perfect light” is actually what makes him Holy. So holy that even Seraphim must cover their eyes in his presence (Isaiah 6). Angels are beings with personalities and a will of their own. Clearly, though not in a fallen state, Angels are capable of having their wills bended towards sinful desire. I would argue that the will of fallen mankind naturally bends Towards what is evil. However, the will of angels naturally bends towards the will of God. Though it can be inclined towards sin, it is not their default. In tother words, angels are not sinful by nature like fallen man. We don’t know what happened specifically with Angels but something occured that led them to incline towards rebellion. It could’ve been pride like Lucifer or it could’ve been deception by Lucipher which led to pride, the Bible isn’t clear on that. It is clear however that there is a boundary where too much speculation on the angelic realm can become dangerous. We must recognize what the Scirptures do say and strive to avoid speculation… Great question!

View more

Well, first off, unless you're a Universalist, you have to agree that the “savior of all” must mean something different and less unique than the salvation for “those who believe”. the Text itself makes a clear distinction. the Question then becomes , “Who is the all and in what way is God savior of them.”

---

I would assert that the “all” in this text must refer to all people but I would also emphasize the distinction the text makes between the salvation experienced by all people & salvation specifically of “those who believe”. Using Biblical Theology (whole Bible Theology). i would assert that God is savior of all in that he preserves sinners from immediate death after sin and corporately in not destroying the Earth

---

the term “savior” must be referring to God’s preservation of human life on earth despite rebellion as exemplified in the covenant of Noah. it must mean this b/c the text refers to God as Savior of all and not Christ as savior of all. who received Christ as savior? this text tells you, its “those who believe”. how do you know the belief of “those who believe” is Christ? I Timothy 4:1-9 tells you (look back).

---

This text actually hurts the Arminian view. Arminians believe Christ died for everyone but its benefit is only efficacious (effective) to those who believe. this text teaches that the salvation of Christ is specifically for believers and only the general salvation of God in not destroying the earth is experienced by “all” people. again the text makes a distinction between God as saviour and Christ as savior.

---

this text supports Particular redemption in Christ. of course this is just a quick summary. im sure this explanation will receive push back but I believe it will hold up under the closest scrutiny :^)

View more

Well, The short answer is I am a Super Theologian. The Super Powers kind of give me an edge.

---

Praise God you have found my thoughts thoughts edifying (I hope). I am an "Arm Chair Theologian" in the sense that I enjoy reading Theology from my arm chair. However, I am involved in the realm of scholarship and academia. My Area of specialty is Historical Theology. Historical theology is some what of a double, maybe even triple field of Study. It focuses on Church History, Systematic/Biblical Theology, and then seeks to understand how theological systems and beliefs have developed over the History of the church. To put it another way. An Historical Theologian must have a solid Grasp of History, Theology, Philosphy, and Bible and be able to draw correlations between how they all come together throughout History. People do not just follow certain theological camps on a whim, there are reasons to why people belong to one theological distinctive as oppose to the other. The Historical Theologian seeks to discern those reasons based on the Historical development of Theological trends. This requires a grasp of a broad range of theological systems from Presbyterianism, Baptist, Anglican, Dispensational, Catholic, Cults, as even world religions. It is a very difficult field to study extensively but I praise God for the benefits of it. After awhile, you begin to see Christianity as a broad universal church with various theological distinctives on secondary issues. It allows you to be more compassionate towards those with opposing views. It helps to have an understanding of how they have come to them and choose theological battles/debates wisely. It allows you to have former personal convictions as you have sifted through all the vast theological distinctives the church has held and settled your own in light of then rather than in a box. Hope that's helpful!

View more

I would take them to John 17 and share with them specifically verse 3, "And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." Jesus equates eternal life with "knowing". The term "knowing" in this text is referring to the deepest level of intimacy. Christians are called and expected to spend there lives going deeper into the things of God. There are two realities concerning professing Christians who aren't interested in this.

---

1. They are very Spiritually immature and maybe lack confidence that they can grow in their knowledge of the Lord. Remind them of the New Covenant promise, "And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord, ’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more" (Jeremiah 31:33b-34).

---

2. They are not truly converted. They see salvation as a "Get out of hell free card" but have not really experienced the New Birth which leads to to pronouncement of David in Psalm 42:1-2,
"As a deer pants for flowing streams,
so pants my soul for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God,
for the living God"
It may very well be that you need to see your relationship towards these people as more evangelistic. They may very well not truly be converted but walking in false assurance. I'll pray for you brother, I know that's hard to hear.

View more

Let me break your question down into two parts. An apologetic answer and an Evangelistic answer.

---

Apologetic Answer: There are a few things to keep in mind when reading Genesis three. First, the serpent that is referred to to is described as being "the most cunning beast in the field." What this means is that whatever the species of serpent this is it was extremely intelligent. It wasn't like modern serpents or snakes we have now but was very much different. For one, it had legs as part of its curse what that it would crawl on its belly going forward. Secondly, Eve was not surprised when the serpent spoke to her. Chimps are known to be very intelligent creatures. They can learn sign language and even learn to play musical interments. Parrots can learn to speak. Yet, the serpent in this text is referred to as being more cunning then both of them. Obviously, modern snakes have descended from the serpent in Genesis 3 but it is completely reasonable to assume that the creature in Genesis 3 was not a typical snake. Legs, intelligence, ancient its possible that is was a beast that looked more like a dragon than a serpent. All of this is secondary to the fact that whatever the creature was, it was also possessed by Satan himself. His speech could have also been Supernatural like Balam's Donkey. Of course God caused Balam's donkey to speak but nothing says that this possessed creature could not have been led to speak by Satan himself.

---

Evangelism Answer: It is completely expected that an unbeliever would seek to nullify the Gospel by criticizing a non-critical issue like how did an ancient serpent creature speak. The reality is, the truth of the serpent encounter in genesis 3 will only be grasped and accepted by a person who has the Spirit which bears witness to truth. As I evangelize I seek to keep the focus on the Gospel which is the power of God unto salvation. Romans 1 tells us that unbelievers suppress the truth in unrighteousness, one of the means in which they do this is thru emphasizing the most supernatural aspects of the Bible to discredit the Bible's most specific realities. I don't even share the serpent story in my evangelism. I speak of Adams rebellion and the fact that he sought to be like God and in so doing rebelled against the Lord. Its not deceit but rather recognizing that it is not necessary for me to deal in certain nuances which unbelievers do not have the Spirit to comprehend or accept.

---

Apologetics are primarily for believers and not unbelievers. No unbeliever comes to Christ by being convinced. People come by hearing the Gospel and God regenerating their hearts and opening their eyes.

View more

This is another question that requires speculation. As a Super Hero Theologian I do not like Speculating where the Bible is silent. However, we do have information available about David’s mother that we can look at. Though not inerrant Revelation, The Jewish Talmud does speak about David’s mother. The Talmud was a commentary on the Tanakh (Jewish Bible). In it, the lineage of David’s mother is mentioned.

---

Jewish Tradition tells us that David’s mother was a holy and faithful wife. She is not mentioned in the Bible simply because God did not see a need to include her in His revelation. There are numerous people who we know little about who we would think we should know more. Consider Jospeh. He was the Spiritual Head of Jesus’ household until he died. Jesus’ growth in Wisdom…Would’ve been under Joseph!

---

Yet, God did not see fit to have more written about such a phenominal man & father. In conclusion, here is the data from the Talmud. Book name: Bava Basra 91a, “The mother of David was named Nizbeth the daughter of Adael”

View more

Yes, Love them! There is a serious danger with being preoccupied with a sinners sin when they are going to church. You know they are a sinner, God knows it and only the Spirit can convict them of it themselves. Of course if they are a practicing homosexual they will not be joining membership but the reality is- Them being sexually perverse is not something foreign to you. You are sexually perverse too! We are all! We are all called to submit our sexual perversions before the word of God. For me it is heterosexual lust for that individual it is homosexual. They are a person made in the image of God. And recognizing that you actually do have commonality with them (lust) you have more of a connecting point than you may think. It just takes humility to recognize it.

---

Many times, the church can become so preoccupied with the "scandalous" sin in a person's life that they forget the fact that no person just has one sin. I guarantee that this gay person has sins of various kinds in his life and not just the one that appears most notorious. The best thing you can do is minister to them holistically. Have them in your home, befriend them and if they have a partner befriend them too. Do not be afraid of investing into his life. Considering his struggle I would say you should seek to invest in group settings and not one on one (if you are the same sex as him). Naturally a practicing homosexual cannot claim Christ. and so your meetings will be one of befriending him and bringing the Gospel into his life. Is there specific dynamics you are asking about or just in general? I am answering in general on how to engage with a person who is gay but visiting your church.

View more