QUESTIONS FROM OUR READERS
Dear Don,
If Christ is the end of the law for those who believe, then are we to ignore the Torah? (commandments of Jehovah) If we no longer trust our works to bring us salvation, then do we not even THINK about those things that were commanded for our blessings? Understand, I know that I am saved through FAITH, and the Blood of Jesus, but are these not separate issues? Have our bible translators not given us the whole story of our spiritual responsibilities and privelages? I am really searching for some answers; if you have some insights, please share them with me. C.W.
Many times in the New Testament the law of Moses is quoted and applied as if it was binding upon the New Covenant believer. Examples: Rom. 13:8-10; etc. I live in Colorado. If I broke the speed limit in Colorado and was caught, I would not be judged by the laws of Idaho. But the point is that probably the speed limit in Idaho is the same as the speed limit in Colorado.
I am now accountable under the Law of Christ (1 Cor. 9:20-21; Gal. 6:2), not the law of Moses, but the point is that the law of Christ engulfs the law of Moses as far as righteousness is concerned. It's wrong to commit adultery under Christ and under Moses. Romans 8:4 states that the righteousness of the law is to be fulfilled in the New Covenant believer as they walk after the Spirit and not after the flesh. If it's a violation of Jesus' great command of Love it is not to be done by the New Covenant believer. But does wearing a garment of mixed material violate this command? I doubt it! (Lev. 19:19) Does failing to love your neighbor as yourself violate Jesus command? Yes! And it's in the same chapter, Lev. 19:18. The righteous of the law is still valid for today, ceremonial laws are not. But the righteousness of the law is only valid because it is engulfed within the law of Christ and the spirit of that law is the principle of love. I hope this has helped answer your questions.
Don,
I need to know if you have to be baptised to go to Heaven. I love God and was Baptised when I was 7 years old. I am now 18 and someone from a nondenominational church told me that no one can be saved and baptised at such a young age. They also said that you had to be baptised to go to Heaven, but my baptist family said that you don't. I just want to go to Heaven and I am living for God in every way that I can, but I need to know if I need to be baptised again, now that I am supposedly of age to be baptised. Please help me asap. God bless and thanx. H.D.
Salvation and the forgiveness of sins come freely as a gift through faith in Jesus Christ. Acts 10:43 states, "All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His Name" (NIV). Salvation comes through faith, that is, trust and reliance upon Jesus and His shed blood to give you a right standing before God. In Acts 10:44-48 the Holy Ghost was given to the believers (confirming their salvation) before they were baptized.
Even though this is true, at other times it seems that the forgiveness of sins happened at the time of baptism (See Acts 2:38). This is because baptism is an expression or act of faith that was expressed at the time that a person turned to Jesus in repentance and faith (Mk. 16:16).
If you truly from your heart turned to Jesus at the age of 7 and were baptized, God accepts your child like faith.
Baptism does have requirements through. (1) Repentance. Did you have a change of heart, a change of mind, that resulted in turning from sin to Jesus and His forgiveness? (Acts 2:38; Acts 20:21; Acts 17:30). Did you exercise faith in Jesus as your Lord and Saviour? (Mk. 16:16; Jn. 3:16; Rom. 10:9-10) If not then turn to Jesus now, repent from your sins, turn to His grace to forgive you and seal that decision to follow Him through water baptism that expresses in a physical way that I am now dead to sin through the blood of Jesus and alive to God to walk in newness of life.
Baptism is an act that expresses one's faith in Jesus, without the faith the act means nothing. People who turned to Jesus as Lord and Saviour were willing to express that faith and openly confess Jesus in this public way. People who say no to Jesus' command are showing to some extent a dead faith. Faith is dead when people are unwilling to express it (Jas. 2:18-19). Faith alone saves, but saving faith is never alone, it is always willing to express itself. Baptism was a way of expressing that faith. I hope this has helped and not confused you. You are the only one who can answer the questions that I asked. The Lord will show you what to do. Baptism is not what saves, it is Jesus. Water doesn't wash away sins, it is the blood of Jesus. But faith applies His blood to you and sometimes that faith was expressed at the time a person was baptized (Acts 22:16).
Dear Don,
I wonder whether the use of threats (painful judgment) is of very much use in this day and age of ever increasing violence. Even though the... words are true and well taken, I do not believe they are very useful....the threats of eternal punishment, doesn't mean very much... The modern mind, in all of its technological awareness will not respond positively to a message of judgment... R.B.
Thank you for your comments about my article "The Pardon." I also wrestled with this subject of "judgment." By studying Jesus' methods of evangelism I discovered that true evangelism uses all the scripture, the whole counsel of God, in reaching people. The reason why one set of scriptures or one approach to evangelism does not work with everyone is that men's hearts are in different spiritual conditions (Mk. 4:12-20; Lk. 8:9-15). Jesus' approach to the woman caught in adultery was pure grace (Jn. 12:8). Jesus' approach to the woman at the well required a word of knowledge (Jn. 4:16-18). To Zaccheus it took a dinner invitation (Lk. 19:1-10). To the rich young ruler Jesus ministered the law (Mt. 19:16-22) to show him his need of the Saviour. Discernment of the Holy Spirit is much needed. I realize that the tract "the pardon" is not to be used with everyone. God bless you as you continue to study His Word.
Dear Wendy,
I feel very much related with your experience on feeling something was missing in you life. Luckily, you found God. Let me tell you something about me. First of all, I'm a Peruvian girl and my mother tongue is Spanish, so I would appreciate your excusing my English mistakes :) I believe there's a God, a supreme "supernatural" force somewhere out there. My parents are both Catholic. I've been baptised and had communion, but I haven't been confirmed yet because I am not conviced enough of my faith towards God.. and I do not know why. I rarely go to masses. Sorry to say this, but I find them boring. When I go to church my mind starts wandering, and I glance at my watch waiting for the mass to finish. I guess it's me and not the priest.. oh well.. the point is that I don't know what to do to increase my faith in God. I've heard many experiences, like yours, saying that their lives have a better meaning now that they've found God. They've got the so-called and wanted "inner peace" ...
I would appreciate any comments or suggestions you may have.
Best regards,
E.L.
Dear E.L.,
It was so nice to hear from you, it is not often that we get e-mail from your part of the world. This type of communication has made the distance between us seem not as great. Thank you for taking the time to share with us some of your thoughts regarding God and your search for Him.
There are many voices today in religion. How shall we know and find the truth? Is there something that can guide us in finding the truth? I believe it is the Bible, God's Word, that can guide us into the truth we are all searching for. But really it is more than just reading the Bible, it is in discovering the God behind the words of the Bible. The God who shows Himself to be real and alive and who is manifested in and through His Word, the Bible. However this discovery is of the heart and must be sought for sincerely and with the whole heart. Jesus said, One must seek to find, must knock in order to have it opened (Mt. 7:7-8). In the words of Jesus...
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."
I think that your letter is expressing the beginning of that search. You know that you have a need and you have freely acknowledged that need. That is a good place to start. When we can come to God and express these kinds of feelings just as we would express them to a friend and share our heart, at that moment we are giving God the permission He needs to reveal Himself to us. It is also called prayer, but more simply put it is talking to and sharing your heart and life with Him. It is a step of faith to do this. Trusting that you will find a loving Father who understands you and wants to help you and give you His peace. No one can do this for you, you must be the one who believes. He is waiting.
We would like to help you in your search but ultimately it begins with you as you turn your whole heart to Him.
Dear Don,
My Girlfriend was possessed by evil spirits and she did so many stupid things that she did not know. It took almost 7 days to cast-out all the spirits that possessed her. After the final deliverance wherein the strongman came out the deliverance team of our Church told us that she was already set free from demonic possession. After two months of her deliverance we had an altar call in the church and she was standing at the altar and when the they lay hands on her suddenly evil spirits began to manifest and she was set free again. Before that night she was having condemnation thoughts about her past, she just keep on praying this "Greater is He who is in me" and the thoughts will be gone. I believe she was doing her best to keep on the right track with Jesus. My question is even if you are speaking in tounges, praying everyday and during praise & worship you can feel the presence of the Lord. Can you still be possessed? E.J.
Dear E.J.,
I would like to answer your question in the 4 following ways: (1) I would like to give some general information. (2) How does demon possession occur? (3) A personal experience. (4) I would like to recommended some resources to help you and your girlfriend.
(1) General information: "Many battles have been fought over whether or not a Christian can be demon possessed. The Greek word for "possessed" is "daimonizomai" and literally means "to be demonized." The Bible makes no clear distinction between degrees of demon activity (such as oppressed, depressed, possessed, etc.), but simply refers to people as being "demonized." All Christians are fighting against spiritual powers (Eph. 6:12), and if we don't take unto us the whole armor of God, Satan can certainly affect us or even control us." (Life for Today Bible Study Commentary, Andrew Wommack Min., p. 121)
"When a person has allowed a demon to gain entrance into his life to the point that the demon is controlling him, he oftentimes needs the aid of a Spirit-filled believer who knows his authority (power) in Jesus in order to take authority over the demon and cast it out. The person receiving the deliverance must be resisting the demon also. Failure of the person receiving deliverance to sincerely want to be set free will either stop the deliverance or produce the sad situation Jesus described in Matthew 12:43-45" (Ibid.).
"The best way to administer deliverance is through God's Word (Ps. 107:20; Mt. 8:16; Jn. 8:31-33; 15:3; 17:17). As a person receives the Word, it will set him free and also help guard against this situation where the demon tries to come back in with seven other spirits. In severe cases of being demonized though, the individual clearly needs the help of a believer, and that's the reason for Jesus equipping all believers with authority over evil spirits (Mt. 10:1; Mk. 16:17)" (Ibid.).
"Anointed praise and worship will also drive off evil spirits. For a person who knows God and is unmovable in his relationship with Him, there is no problem casting out devils. However, as illustrated in Acts 19:13-17, a person who doesn't really "know" Jesus should not attempt a deliverance" (Ibid.).
(2) How does demon possession occur? Howard O. Pittman a Baptist minister for 35 years on Aug.3, 1979 ruptured his main body trunk artery and suffered physical death. At this point He appeared before the Lord and was revealed some interesting things that I would like to share with you.
"My escort (an angel) informed me that he wanted me to see a demon in the process of actually possessing a human being ... we were in the same hospital with my body but in a different room. The room appeared to be an employee's lounge. I saw tables, chairs, dishes with food, and in the room were a young man and a young lady facing each other while laughing and talking. It was obvious that they could not see me nor the angels, yet I was so close to them I could almost reach out and touch them. I could hear and understand every word they said. They thought they were alone and as they laughed and talked, they were unaware of the horrible creature standing between them. This demon was so horrible in appearance of his shape and form that I recognized him immediately to be from the lower group (of demons), the perverted group. The angels, the demons, and I were in the spirit in that room and were aware of everything that was happening. Those in the flesh were only aware of themselves for they could not see or hear us even though we were back in this physical world. Since we were in the spirit, we still communicated with our minds" (Placebo, by Howard Pittman, pgs. 22-23).
"I was not really paying close attention to the words the two were speaking. My entire attention was focused upon the demon. He was a most horrible looking thing, reminding me of an over-grown, stuffed, slimy, green frog all out of shape and proportion. He moved slowly up into the face of the man then, suddenly, like a puff of smoke, he seemed to disappear into the face of the man just as if he went right through the pores of his skin. When the demon had entered the man, the angel said, "Now it's done." The angel then proceeded to tell me how it was that this particular man was possessed. He stated, "The demon made himself desirable and attractive to the human." The angel then pointed out to me that mankind has a sovereign will, all his own, beyond which the demons cannot come. He also pointed out to me that the angels could not come beyond that sovereign will of man. God, Himself, will not violate that will. We are made in the image of God, therefore, we were given, like God, a sovereign will, the right to choose our destiny" (Ibid., p. 23).
"Because of this, ...demons have developed great skills in deception. The basic principle of their operations is to make something evil as desirable, beautiful, and non-threatening as possible so that the person being tempted will lower his guard and accept whatever it is that is being used to cause sin. Once someone is deceived, it becomes easier for the deception to remain. In the case of possession, it becomes easier for the demon to maintain his control" (Ibid. p. 26).
(3) A personal experience: One evening I was riding in a automobile with a woman when suddenly she began to shake uncontrollably and lose control of her driving ability. I immediately reach over, laid my hand on her and bound the demonic spirits in Jesus' Name.
I asked her if she could get to our friend's apartment. She said she thought she could. By the time we got there she was manifesting demons of a violent nature. We took authority over them in Jesus Name and asked God to give us discerning of spirits (a gift of the Holy Spirit) so that we could deal with this situation. As the Lord gave us discernment we commanded each demon by name to go from her. It was a mighty victory over the kingdom of darkness that night.
The next morning she began to manifest the same demons again. It was at this point that I learned a spiritual lesson. Instead of saying, "I thought we cast these demons out, they must be back!" I stood my ground and said, "I commanded you spirits out last night and as far as I am concerned your out!" The manifestations ceased. And the girl was delivered. What satan wanted was for me to deal with him in the physical realm. By what I could see, hear, taste, and feel, but instead I used the shield of faith and quenched the fiery darts of the wicked (Eph. 6:16).
If satan can get you to follow manifestations he will beat you in the physical realm by putting on a show instead of standing on God's Word.
Satan can do nothing about your position in Christ, but if he can deceive you into believing his lies about you or God, he will defeat you. You don't have to out-muscle him to be free of his influence, you just have to out-truth him. Believe, declare and act upon truth, that is, God's Word.
(4) Recommended Resources: "Nothing is more foundational to your freedom from satan's bondage than understanding and affirming what God has done for you in Christ and who you are as a result. We all live in accordance with our perceived identity" (The Bondage Breaker, by Neil Anderson, p. 42). E.J., you said your girlfriend was having condemnation thoughts before her last attack by demons. If she sees herself as a "helpless victim of satan and his schemes, she will live like his victim and be in bondage to his lies. But if she sees herself as the dearly loved and accepted child that she really is, she will live like a child of God" (Ibid.).
I highly recommend for you and your girlfriend the book "The Bondage Breaker" by Neil T. Anderson. In it he gives a chapter on the steps to Freedom and the prayers that need to be prayer in order to see the freedom that your girlfriend is seeking. It is a well balanced book that puts the subject of demonology in its proper place. It's a how to book, instead of just an informational book. You may obtain a copy at your local Christian bookstore or order it from http://www.freedominchrist.com/resource.htm on the worldwide web. There is much more that needs to be said but our limited time and space does not permit it. Please order these materials from the "Freedom in Christ" ministry to obtain the additional information that you both need on this subject. God bless you as you seek to walk in His truth!
Don and Wendy Krow
Dear Don,
I stunble across your story about talking with the dead......And then I started reading it....right now I don't know if there is a god or not...for you see in the past year has not been kind to me....I believed in God at one time........
My mother was diagnosed with brain cancer.....Everynight I prayed to God to give a miracle.....She didn't deserve it.......I have never asked God for anything in my life...But for this one thing...I moved in with her to take care of her....Watched her die a slowly....Then towards the end I was bvegging hin to take her.......That's the only thing He did do at the time...I have found no peace as of yet...Then a month later my sas srops dead of a heart attack....And don't say it was because he couldn't handle the pain of losing my mother...because they were divorced.....
I want to talk to my mother so badly.......I try every night to...But she doesn't hear me...Then amonth ago I tried to committ suicide...So I don't think there is a god because he wouldn't of put me through all I have been through in the last year.... Thank you, L.
Hi L.,
Thanks for visiting our website. My name is Don Krow and I live in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I believe from reading your letter that you were reading my friend Joe Rose's testimony. He has 3 stories on my website.
First of all I would like to say that I follow the Scriptures in order to get understanding concerning the things we experience in this life. The Bible tells us in Genesis 3 that there was a fall of mankind, that is, sin at that time came into mankind's world and has affected everything since. We must not attribute everything that we see and experience to Almighty God. The Bible tells us that there is a god of this world and his name is Satan. He comes to kill, steal and destroy (Jn. 10). Jesus came to reverse these works of the devil and give us eternal life with Him. Cancer is not of God. It is a work of the devil (See Acts 10:38). Death is not of God, it is unnatural to man and is also not the will of God (See 1 Cor. 15:25-26). God has allowed Satan a certain amount of freedom at this time. All of these enemies of man will someday be destroyed (1 Jn. 3:8). God is calling people (individuals) away from Satan's rule and unto His rule. Man has a free will and must choose but Satan has confused the issue and blinded the minds of people (2 Cor. 4:4). God is asking people to repent, that is, to have a change of mind and heart and turn fully unto Him. L., nothing will make sense until you see these facts and turn completely unto Him. There is a spiritual world that is as real as the physical world. Three of my true stories on the web will help you understand this fact: "My Experience with a Demon Possessed Girl," "The Death of My Daughter," and "Looking Into Death, Its True Facts." You can read all of these true short stories at index.html
L., God is wanting to help you at this time. He does love you and He wants you to understand. We have to follow His manual (the Bible). It can give us direction to our lives. We are here to help you. God bless you in your search. Contact us again. We will pray for you.
Don and Wendy Krow
Dear Don,
I have been looking up my family tree for the past 1-1/2 years. I keep coming up to a brick wall when ever I try to find out more about my dad's side of the family because his father died about 42 years ago. I know how he died but don't know why. How can I reach him to find out what was going on that led up to his death and to find out more about him, his military service in the Navy, etc.? L.
Dear L.,
According to Deuteronomy 18:9-12 , God says we are not to try to contact the dead. I don't know why God said that but I believe it is true for whatever reason. There may be someone who could research your family tree for you. I know that some people have that kind of service, but I don't have any contacts. God bless you! Don Krow
Don,
... I beleive in Jesus I think. Im not really religious. And Im not even sure if Im Christian, because I believe there is other ways to God than Jesus. But the reason Im writing to you is I have asked many religious people questions about jesus and they didn't know the simple facts about his life even though they claim him as theyre savior.Like how many brothers and sisters did he have? What was his middle name? What kind of things did he build if he was a carpenter? How did Mary get pregnant if she was a Virgin? Did she know about Jesus or was she just thinking she was having a baby? Why is he referred to as Emmanuel? Was Josephs last name Christ. Anyway I wrote you in hopes that you could direct me to a place to find the answer to these questions without a bunch of thee and thou's and just give me some factual answers without trying to sell me Christianity. If you can help me thank you if not Thank you. S.M.
S.,
Thank you for your email and questions. As a Christian the foundation of our faith is found in the Scriptures themselves (Which we believe to be God's Word).
I will try to deal with each of your questions, one at a time.
(1) "How many brothers and sisters did Jesus have?"
In Mark 6:3 four of Jesus brothers are mentioned - James, Joseph, Judas and Simon. The reference is also made to his sisters who are not named.
(2) "What was his (Jesus') middle name?"
The name Jesus is a transliteration of the Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua. The meaning of the Hebrew name is "Yahweh is salvation." The name was chosen by God and communicated to Joseph and Mary by an angel. The child was to be named Jesus because he was to "save his people from their sins" (Mt. 1:21; cf. Lk. 1:31 - Exp. dict. of Bible words, p. 360).
It is not recorded in the Scriptures that He had a middle name.
(3) "What kind of things did He build if He was a carpenter?"
Matthew 13:55 reports that Jesus was called "the carpenter's son." In Mark 6:3 Jesus Himself was referred to as a carpenter. The Greek word can also apply to a mason or smith, but it seems to have its usual meaning in Mark 6:3 as a "carpenter." I could only asume the things that He built.
(4) "How did Mary get pregnant if she was a Virgin?"
Mary asked the angel "How can this be since I am a virgin?" The angel answered. "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God (Luke 1:34-35). Human intercourse was not involved in this.
(5) "Did she know about Jesus or was she just thinking she was having a baby?"
She had a real baby as was told to her by the angel (Matt. 1:18-25).
(6) "Why is He referred to as Emmanuel?"
"Emmanuel" means "God with us." Jesus is the fulfillment of this prophecy found in Isaiah 9:6-7.
(7) "Was Josephs last name Christ?"
We tend to think of "Christ" as a name, just as "Jesus" is a name. In fact "Christ" is not a name, but a title (Ibid. p. 162).
The Greek word is christos ("anointed"). In the NT, christos is intimately linked with OT anointing and with the thread of OT teaching that hints that a special Anointed One would come and set the world right (Ibid).
Where the Gospels read "Christ," or speak of the Christ, they give Jesus the title of God's Anointed One. The word "Christ" affirms that Jesus has been specially commissioned by the Father to an important office. (ibid)
In the OT the word "anointed" is closely linked with two offices--that of king and that of high priest. It was prophesied that Jesus, from David's kingly line, would one day hold ultimate authority in our world. As high priest, Jesus offered himself up for us and lives today to make intercession for us. (ibid)
S., I hope this has helped you. Please visit our website again. If you haven't read the testimony about the miracle that took place with my daughters then please visit the homepage and read the testimony under the tract section. Thanks.
Dear Don,
...I would like to know do people go to heaven right after they die? As far as I can tell reading the Bible, the resurrection of the dead doesn't occur until Yeshua comes again. I Corinthians 15:20-26 and the entire chapter discusses the resurrection. It seems everybody thinks when we die, we go to heaven. The Bible doesn't appear to support this.
Michael
Dear Michael,
The Old Testament does not speak of "heaven" as a place to which the believing dead go, but it does look forward to eternity. In the end, God will restructure the universe, earth and heavens alike, for righteousness: "The heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies" (Isa. 51:6). But, as God goes on to say in the same verse, the spiritual universe is stable: "My salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail."
The Old Testament message of hope is found in God's hints about resurrection and in his plans for the future. "Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind" (Isa. 65:17). "As the new heavens and the new earth that I will make endure before me, says the LORD, so will your name and descendants endure" (Isa. 66:22). God's plan for humanity extends beyond the end of time as we know it. But the Old Testament is almost silent concerning the destiny of the individual who dies before history's end.
So while the Old Testament does indicate a resurrection for the blessed dead, it has little to say of the destiny of the lost or of what happens to the human personality when the body dies and goes to the grave.
In the New Testament, heaven is that supernatural realm in which God dwells and over which he exercises direct control. Both Testaments view God as sovereign and as "Lord of heaven and earth" (Mt. 11:25). But it is in heaven where his will in done perfectly, that is, without sin (Mt. 6:10). On earth his control is indirect, and the wills of lost men and demons vigorously oppose him. In heaven, every will is joyfully subject to God's own will.
While "heaven" in the New Testament is a timeless, locationless concept representing the breakthrough in Christ of the spiritual realm into the material, "heaven" is more than this. The spiritual realm is the location of our true life and our hope. We maintain our citizenship in heaven (Php. 3:20). It is not in the material realm of earth but in the spiritual realm of heaven that our treasures lie (Mt. 6:20). It is there we will receive our rewards (Mt. 5:12; Lk. 6:23); it is there that our names are inscribed (Lk. 10:20; Heb. 12:23). Our true home is not on earth but in heaven (Gal. 4:26; Heb. 12:22; Rev. 21:2). So we look forward eagerly to that time when Jesus will come again from heaven (Acts 1:11; 1 Th. 1:10; 4:16; 2 Th. 1:7). Then and only then will the material realm be remolded to be in perfect harmony with the spiritual, when after final judgment God will create new heavens and a new earth.
Very little in these uses of "heaven" suggest the common notion of the place we go while we await the resurrection or after the resurrection. But it is clear from the New Testament that the blessed dead do enter the presence of God, existing with him until the time of the resurrection (2 Co. 5:1; 1 Th. 4:14). It is also clear that, whatever "heaven" is like, after the final apocalyptic battle between God and the forces of evil, there will be a new creation and the enjoyment of eternal life in God's presence (Rev. 21-22).
However, by our use of "heaven" in the limited sense in which we use it, we lose much of the rich meaning the New Testament invests in this term (Adapted from Exp. Dict. of Bible Words, Richard O. Lawrence).
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