Unanswered Prayer

Clarinda Herald Journal publication date: 02/11/2010

"If God 'answers prayer,' why does so much prayer go unanswered?"

Our starting point takes us back to our fundamental understanding of God, as revealed in the Bible. God is all-knowing, all-loving, and all-powerful. God's answers to prayer are always in accord with His wisdom—the loving use of His knowledge. Christ promises to answer all prayer offered in His "name," that is, according to His will and character (John 14:13-14).

On the other hand, our knowledge is biased and limited, and therefore, lacks sufficient wisdom to understand how, when, and in what way that God will answer (James 4:3). We do get some of this right, but we're not God!

So, when our prayer comes before our Heavenly Father, His response will be one of wisdom. It will be in harmony with His eternal purpose, future outcomes, its effect upon others, and His love for us.

Consider the story in John chapter 11, where Jesus' friend, Lazarus, dies. Word had come earlier that Lazarus was very sick. Jesus was asked to come quickly. Everyone knew of Jesus' miracle working power—power that could heal him. However, Jesus delays his arrival and waits until his friend had died. Finally, amidst the hurt and disappointed of those gathered, He shows up at the funeral.

Lazarus' sisters are full of troubling questions as to why He did not heed their urgent request. Others wondered why Jesus—the miracle worker—hadn't prevented this tragedy. But Jesus knew something they did not know. Jesus knew that he would raise Lazarus back to life in a fashion that would simultaneously show his love for Lazarus and his family; as well as bring Him glory.

What appears to us to be an unanswered prayer is, in reality, a delayed answer. Now, this answer may not have come in the way or at the time we desired, but our God has, nonetheless, answered our prayer.

It has been said that God always answers prayer in one of three ways: "Yes, No, and Wait." So you see, God does answer prayer. Christians often hear God answer "yes" in marvelous ways. They also hear God answer "no" to selfish or misguided requests. And sometimes, of course, Christians hear God say "wait" for delayed answers. We might wish things always went according to our plans, but God is a good and wise parent, and He gives His children what they need, just when they need it.

--Pastor Scott (www.askpastorscott.com)

Deathbed Convert

Clarinda Herald Journal publication date: 02/04/2010

"Do you believe in death-bed conversions?"

In my history as a pastor, I know of very many people who have "gotten right with God" on the eve of their immanent death. These circumstances are a testimony to God's infinite patience and boundless mercy. In their final hours, enemies of God, once hardened by sin, become forgiven friends of God; bound for the promise land of heaven.

One example from the Scriptures, is of Christ on the cross, forgiving a fellow crucifant. To him Jesus assures: "Today, you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:42-43). This last-minute convert did not have time to be baptized, nor learn the tenants of the faith, but his elementary belief in the Savior was enough to secure his salvation.

To our meritorious ears, it doesn't seem fair that last minute converts be forgiven and granted the reward of heaven--equal to that of the long-term believer. You're right, it isn't fair according to human standards, but then none deserve salvation. Our very best efforts are of little worth towards making us righteous in God's eyes (Rom 3:20-28). That's why all salvation is a gracious gift of God to those who believe!

Matthew Chapter 20 addresses this apparent inequity of reward. Jesus tells a parable of day-laborers who are hired at various times throughout the day. Some begin early and work all day while others work only the last hour of the day. At day's end, those who worked the least are paid the same as those who worked the longest. Protest ensues as to the unfairness of the pay, but the point is that they are forgiven equally before God, regardless of time served.

So yes, I believe in deathbed conversions; however, I must offer a word of warning. Far too many allude to a future desire to follow God, while "sowing their oats" in their youth. They think that faith is a killjoy, and so want to "live it up" before consigning themselves to the pews. Well, that's quite a gamble, for these reasons:

First, we should respond to Christ when the Father draws us (John 6:44). If we resist His call, our hearts can become "hardened by the deceitfulness of sin" (Heb 3:13), and we may end up condemned forever. Secondly, some people die suddenly in accidents or from medical trauma. Any future plan to believe in Christ is cutoff along with any hope of salvation. Finally, today is always the best time to believe! "Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Cor 6:2). "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts" (Heb 3:7-8). God is generous but it's too risky to risk wait until the last moment. Today is your day.

--Pastor Scott (www.askpastorscott.com)

The Socratic Method

Clarinda Herald Journal publication date: 01/28/2010

"What is the Christian view on Socrates?"

Socrates (469-399 BC), a Classical Greek philosopher, is recognized as one of the founders of Western philosophy. The Socratic Method—named for him—uses a series of questions to reason towards a logical conclusion on any given matter. This methodology is a fundamental component of the Western intellectual tradition, and it is a useful tool to help formulate a Christian worldview.

In general, most Christians—especially those of the Western world—find that this philosophical method has been a useful ally in the formulation of Christian thought. No doubt, a more critical examination would reveal areas of disagreement; but in principle, philosophy encourages good Christian thinking.

The prophet Isaiah writes: "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD" (Isa 1:18). Christian faith is not a blind leap, but a reasonable appeal, based upon "evidence" (Hebrews 11:1). The Socratic Method promotes a healthy Christian intellectual life by demonstrating that the claims of Scripture may be logically analyzed and clear conclusions reached.

Ironically, some use the Socratic Method to undermine faith, while others use it to bolster Christian faith. Therefore, I would say that much of the Socratic Method is "amoral," with much potential for good or ill, depending how one uses it.

Some use philosophy to avoid their moral obligation to God. As Jesus stands before Pilate, he says: "I have come into the world to bear witness to the truth" (John 18:37-38). In response, Pilate replies: "What is truth?" You see, Pilate was not a humble seeker, pursuing the "truth," so he uses a philosophical ruse to avoid the implications of the most important encounter of his life.

Others, doubting, yet desiring truth, come to the Scriptures and find answers to their questions. Those, once skeptical, discover in the Bible, the rational appeal of an all-wise and all-loving God; inviting all to truly know Him. No one comes to Christ "unless the Father draws them" (John 6:44), but God always draws, at least in part, by a reasonable appeal to the intellect. "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD"

--Pastor Scott (www.askpastorscott.com)

The Value of Human Life

Clarinda Herald Journal publication date: 01/21/2010

"In light of the abortion issue, what does the Bible say about the value of human life?"

The Bible teaches that human life is a gift from God, and that from the womb, it is of incomparable worth (Psalm 139:13). This value is rooted in mankind's creation in the likeness and image of God. This fact sets human life apart from all other life and gives it unrivaled value (Gen 1:26, Psa 8:4-6).

Because we bear God's image and likeness, the unjust destruction of human life has terrible consequences. God says: "I created humans to be like me, and I will punish any animal or person that takes a human life… that animal [or] person must be put to death" (Gen 9:5-6 CEV). God's invocation of the death penalty emphasizes the value of life.

Furthermore, God's Law in Exodus 21:22-23, provides protection for human life in the womb and punishment for its violation. Whatever the prevailing view of our culture, whatever the findings of the courts, those who choose or promote abortion must give an account to God. Nevertheless, God's forgiveness extends to all who turn to Him in faith and repentance.

The Bible teaches that human life may only be taken by combatants in war (Deut 2:24), by judicial decree (Deut 17:6), or in self-defense (Ex 22:2). In my opinion, when—in rare circumstance—the pregnancy could take the life of the mother, then abortion is permissible as an act of self-defense.

Say what you want, according to God, abortion is a grievous offense. When belief in God is undermined, when His decrees are ignored, then the conscience is inevitably compromised and respect for life diminished. However, if there IS a God—and there is!—and His Laws are just—and they are!—then He expects us to respect and protect all human life.

If we are to promote a culture of life, then we should faithfully practice Christian love and consistently model a high value for all human beings, no matter what age or condition—old or infirmed, physically or mentally disabled, or unborn. We should love and value every human being, becoming a positive force for good—and for God—in a world that desperately needs more of both.

--Pastor Scott (www.askpastorscott.com)

Destined for Wrath

Clarinda Herald Journal publication date: 01/14/2010

"Can someone who has come to the conclusion that they are an object of God's wrath still ask for and receive mercy?"

The question references Romans 9:21-22, which some understand to mean that some cannot, under any circumstances, be saved. However, in the same letter Paul writes: "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Rom 10:13).

John 3:16 further supports this generous truth that "whoever believes" will be saved from God's judgment. 2 Peter 3:9 adds that God: "is not wishing that any should perish but that all should reach repentance."

Therefore, it is God's desire that all come to salvation. However, not all will be saved. Many will ignore God's offer of salvation (Heb 2:3) or reject "the narrow way" of salvation and choose "the broad way that leads to destruction" (Matt 7:13). In spite of God's offer of mercy, God will not force people to love and follow Him. Truly, our free agency entails a dreadful responsibility.

My pastoral experience suggests that you are facing one of two possibilities. Either you are a Christian who is discouraged by personal sin and spiritual failure, or you are not yet a Christian but are feeling the convicting power of the Holy Spirit. He's drawing you to Christ, but at present, you are resisting.

If you're a believer, you should not excuse your sin, but you should repent of it. You should also, in turn, embrace God in faith, love, and fellowship. You need to "go deep," exploring and discovering the mercy that is yours through Christ's cross, the power of the Spirit made available for a victorious Christian life, and the grace of your Heavenly Father, who loves you as a precious child (Rom 8:15).

If you're a non-Christian, it's time for you to give up the fight and surrender to the God who is drawing you to Himself. He loves you so much that He will not give up on you. He will not abandon His pursuit of you, until you close your eyes in death's sleep. The guilt you are experiencing is a sign of God's mercy, Who seeks to free you from the bondage of sin to the glorious freedom of believing.

--Pastor Scott (www.askpastorscott.com)

Beauty

Clarinda Herald Journal publication date: 01/07/2010

“What is the role of the arts in Christian spirituality?”

Last week, my answer to the above question was a hearty affirmation of the arts that find their source in a creative God, and promote the enjoyment of life. God's image, stamped upon all humanity, fosters all that is art. That some use their God-given ability towards selfish or immoral ends, does not diminish this wonderful gift. Furthermore, the quality that makes art, art, is beauty.

Now, when I say "beauty," I mean it in its highest sense. The Merriam Webster dictionary says that beauty is "the quality or aggregate of qualities in a person or thing that gives pleasure to the senses or pleasurably exalts the mind or spirit." The ability to perceive and to appreciate beauty is common to all people, and it is central to all that is art.

Beauty is evident throughout life. As a friend writes: Beauty is manifest "when a computer programmer writes a bit of particularly elegant code, when a potter makes a particularly beautiful (and useful) bit of dishware, when Eric Clapton plays a heart-rending, soulful riff on the guitar."
 
I believe that beauty is so important that, without it, life is meaningless, pleasure is wanting, and happiness unattainable. Yes, beauty is that vital! However, the one who gazes upon creation's beauty must ultimately seek to gaze also on beauty's author (Psa 27:4).

Anything, whether nature, music, philosophy, theology, etc., that causes us to lift our eyes from the commonplace and to perceive above it the handiwork of our vastly creative, and infinitely wise, God, is beautiful. Beauty is not meant to be an end in itself, but a means to its master artisan!

So, let us welcome God's gift of the arts, appreciating their beauty and encouraging their advancement as that which ennobles all human experience. Secondly, Christians should pursue every means of creativity to promote all that is beauty. We must be careful not to throw out those arts that are tainted by the corrupting works of others. Finally, it is my hope, that through beauty, all would see that attractiveness of God our Savior (Tit 2:10).

--Pastor Scott (www.askpastorscott.com)

The Arts

Clarinda Herald Journal publication date: 12-31-09

“What is the role of the arts in Christian spirituality?”

First, a definition. The arts—music, painting, literature, dancing, film, etc.—are skilled presentations intended to portray beauty, inspire devotion, stir emotion, address issues and, in general, foster transcendent thought.

Any discussion of art must begin with the understanding that God is the ultimate artist. Consider the creativity and awe-inspiring beauty of God’s universe, evident in everything, from protons to quasars. Every element of creation is beautifully intricate, wonderfully crafted, and purposefully designed.

The human race, made in God’s image, has a unique capacity for creative activity. In the construction of the Tabernacle, God filled His chief artisan, Bezalel, “with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship” (Ex 35:31). The Tabernacle, built according to God’s blueprint by Spirit-inspired workers, yields a rich array of color, fragrance, sights, sounds—truly a multi-sensory atmosphere for encountering God.

Consider the role of music in the worship of God. King David brought worship music to its pinnacle, organizing musicians, singers, and worship teams in a continual offering of praise to God. David writes: “Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts” (Psa 33:3). Music and singing, offered in worship to God, directs the worshiper toward transcendent spiritual realities.

In the history of the church, its artisans, fueled by a passion to exalt the Lord, applied their  skills to the creation of cathedrals, musical compositions, paintings, sculpture, literature, the sciences—and every other form of art. In fact, Christians have made significant contributions to virtually every arena of human creativity. Just visit any art museum and you will see that Christian art dominates the centuries of western culture.

Today, there is no denying that the arts play an important role in the ministry of the church. Churches use drama, video, music, dancing, and the like, to promote the worship of God and the communication of truth. Because art is universal, missionaries utilize the arts to preach the gospel. Since 1979, for example, the "JESUS" film has been viewed by several billion people all across the globe, resulting in more than 225 million people believing upon Christ.

Outside of the church, art permeates every aspect of culture, enhancing beauty, fostering enjoyment, and promoting high thought. Add to this, an increasing prosperity and leisure time (in most countries) and the arts are ever reaching towards new heights. The desire for art is innately and distinctly human.

For the non-Christian artist, “art for art’s sake” may often be the goal, or they may may view art as the means to popularity and wealth. However, for the Christian, the arts are, above all, the means to  display the glory of God! (1 Cor 10:31).

--Pastor Scott (www.askpastorscott.com)