Questions & Answers

 

 

1) What happens when an infant dies?  Will he/she be saved?

 

This is a tough call.  The Westminster Confession of Faith states that elect infants are saved consistent with the doctrine of election.  But Spurgeon and other reformed theologians taught that all infants who died in infancy are saved.  How do you reconcile the two?  Well, the answer is that could it be possible that God have elected all infants who died in infancy to be saved?  Many reformed theologians believe that God is all righteous, merciful and gracious and will deal with such cases with compassion and lovingkindness as well.

 

A good case for this is found in 2 Samuel 12:21-23, which reads "Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread. And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me."  When David's son with Bathsheba died in infancy, King David replied that he would see him in heaven giving us the assurance of God's pardoning mercy to young infants who died before they reach an age of maturity (although some interpret that this applies to covenant families only, I take the magnanimous view that God could extend this to all infants too by election).  At the end of it all, although we may not know for an absolute certainty, but we can trust in the sovereign goodness and compassion of our Almighty God.

 

Jack Sin

 

 

2) I am dating a great Christian guy now and we kind of like each other and have a good relationship together.  The only thing is that my parents do not know yet because I am afraid that they may ask me to break up with him.  Is that ok to keep it that way for the time being?

 

I can understand that you and your boyfriend have a good relationship together, but to keep our parents in the dark or disobey them on this important matter (i.e. or even lying about it) is really not right at all.  If you really want to please and honour in your relationship, you cannot ignore what Jesus says about honouring your parents (Exodus 20:12) and being truthful (Ephesians 4:25) to them and yourselves.

 

Your parents are God sanctioned guardians over you.  If you do not know what they think, then it is time to ask them.  Have a calm, respectful conversation with your parents where you work together to understand your current concern.  We want to have the peace of mind when we date and that we do not want to delay this because it will be worst one day if they find it out themselves.  Remember God can use them to guide you in this matter and you do not want to regret one day for not telling them and bear the consequences.

 

Why do you think your parents may ask you to break up?  Have a heart-to-heart discussion with your parents who know you well and they will trust you more if you tell them the truth.  If you want them to see you as someone who is responsible enough to date now or one day, then you need to be responsible enough not to date behind their back or against their will, you do not want to jeopardize your relationship with your parents just for this date.

 

So you need to pray and seek God first about your boyfriend and talk to your parents honestly about him and you.  Tell them that you have been dating this guy and how he is and ask, if they approve of it.  They may or may not approve for good reasons or they may see that you are responsible enough and may allow it in the end with some sound advice or rules.  Whatever the case may be, this will restore their trust in you when you abide by their rules and it is a good testimony for God and it augurs well for you in the end.

 

Because you are honest with them, they may (or may not) eventually allow you to continue to date this person (or some other person) now or one day.  But even if they do not, you will be following God's command to respect them and that will be a blessing and joy in itself and a right thing to do and you know that you are following God's will in the end which is the best for us.  Remember that God will honour those who honour Him and their parents, and the opposite is also true.  Something to pray about and act on.  Let us do it.

 

 

Jack Sin

 

 

3) I like your opinion on a certain ritual by a certain Church. They (the leaders) believe that when any of their members is sick, he/she could be healed by taking Holy Communion and even conducted by an ordinary church member (not necessary by an ordained minister). Is this practice biblical? Please let me have your comments.

 

I have preached to warn against this false teaching and practice of healing in the Lord's Supper last year when it was highlighted to me by a member of another BP Church. This is a new fallacious and unbiblical doctrine and practice and there is no scriptural basis or support for it at all (see both 1 Cor 11:23-31 on the meaning and practice of the Lord's Supper and Jas 5:13-16 for biblical practice for the sick and healing).

 

The elements of the (i.e. bread, wine and water) sacraments have no supernatural, salvific or magical powers at all (i.e. Baptism does not and cannot save (Acts 16:31; John 4:2) and the Lord's Supper does not heal either). There are designed as a means of grace for a spiritual function where the covenant of grace is represented, sealed and applied to its adherents.

 

Isa 53 which speaks of spiritual healing of our sins through the atonement of Christ, the Suffering Servant, is often taken out of its context to give a new twist of physical healing today. The most important thing about the vicarious and particular atonement of Christ is the eternal and spiritual redemption of lost souls and not the physical recovery of the temporal body for we will get a new resurrection body one day, i.e. Christ need not die on the cross if the physical healing is the purpose (see 2 Cor 5:21, Matt 1:21, Rom 5:1-12, Heb 9:11-14). The gift of healing that belonged to some of the OT prophets, Christ and the apostles (Acts 5:12, 1 Cor 13:8) in the First Century to authenticate their work and the Word of God) had ceased and God can heal in answers to prayers and medication today according to His Will. The Lord's Supper is never designed for the purpose of physical healing of the body but for a spiritual commemoration of the death of Christ till He comes. We would have changed the whole meaning and biblical significance of the Lord's Supper if we do that which is potentially deceptive and absolutely erroneous.

 

Finally, the Lord's Supper was administered by Christ and by the apostles and ordained ministers of the gospel who are called of God should continue to administer it with reverence and fear of God properly to prevent the abuse of it in the churches as practiced generally in most orthodox Protestant churches today.

 

We are living in the last days of confusion and strange teachings coming from some quarters of the church. Beware and be alert always and search the Word to see if things taught or practiced are consistent with scriptures (Acts 17:11). Hope this helps.

 

 

Jack Sin

 

 

4) What is the meaning of "leaving our parents and cleaving to each other" in the context of marriage. Does it mean dumping my parents to have a healthy marriage? I am quite close to my mom and it is going to be difficult.

 

A.        That is a good question. We need to fully understand one of the keys for a successful marriage first. Healthy marriages are those in which two people allow God to help them become one (Genesis 2:24-25 which says, "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed."). God has designed leaving and cleaving as two keys in realizing this.

 

Leaving does not mean dumping your parents. You can still have rich relationships with them, spend time together, share your joys and concerns, and pray with and for one another. Leaving does mean that your spouse now becomes your primary focus, commitment, and concern. It means that your primary dependence and loyalty are no longer to your family (although you still love them) but to your spouse. Although your family is still an important part of your life, your spouse now becomes your chief source of support and encouragement, emotionally, physically, relationally, financially, and spiritually in the Lord and what a honour it is!

 

To cleave means to cling on tenaciously, stick fast, and be faithful. Marriage means that we have made a lifetime commitment and it is till death us do part. Cleave means to resolve to stick together and when we have an argument or when problems arise, we do not run back to Mommy or Daddy. We may talk with them and ask them to pray for us, but we stick with our spouse first and seek his or her opinion, and seek the Lord and talk things out, pray, seek wise counsel from a variety of people (which may include your pastor or family members), ask God for patience, forgive when appropriate, and trust God to use this problem to help knit our hearts even more tightly together. 1 Peter 3:7 says, "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered."

 

We have witnessed some instances when after an argument, one spouse (normally the wife) runs home to Mom or Dad and stay there rather than face the problem and deal with it. This behaviour can have a disastrous effect on the marriage. The spouse who does this will not learn to work out conflicts in ways that lead to deeper trust, bonding, healthy attachment, and an increased sense of safety and intimacy with his or her spouse but will undermine the very foundation of the covenant home.

 

Psalm 127:1 says, "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." Leaving and cleaving is not about forsaking your family. It is about following God's covenant plan for marriage and to be able to put the right persons first. Remember your marriage vows and honour it joyfully and God will bless your marriage. It is about embracing your spouse in the Lord in ways that help you achieve a vital and vibrant marriage relationship and with your family as well. That is a healthy manner to develop a God honouring Christian family together. Hope this helps.

 

Jack & Angie Sin

 

5) My wife puts me down all the time, especially in front of our children and even in the extended family. I have asked her to stop it because it hurts but she will not. What should I do?

 

A.        That is a tough one. It is important that we fear God and respect each other. The Bible has a lot to say about love, honour, and respect, for God first and also for each other and in a covenant marriage to set a good example for our children. There is no biblical basis for man or woman to put down our spouses to discourage them publicly. Colossians 3:18-19 says, "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.”

 

The best starting place is not with confronting your spouse first. Sometimes just stepping back and asking God to help you better understand your spouse can lead to an edifying next step to reconciliation.

 

Some People who put down others through sarcasm or blatant criticism may be overcompensating for a deep sense of personal inadequacy. They protect themselves by attacking others, and may not be aware of how discouraging and even destructive their words or behaviour can be for the spouse and the children as well.

 

Others use this kind of behaviour to reflect bitterness or resentment that is resulted from a spouse's inattention and insensitivity in the relationship or to the children.

 

Before you attempt confrontation, try focusing on what you might be able to do differently. One of the lessons God has taught us in our more than 17 years of marriage is the Psalm 139:23-24 principle, which says: "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

 

This means asking God what your part of the problem might be, especially if her comments are stemming from some bitterness in your previous relationship. Is there anything you could do that God might use to soften her heart and increase her receptivity to you? Are there wounds that came from past events that you need to mindful of or even apologize for and seek forgiveness?

 

How much time do you spend praying for and thinking about ways you can encourage your spouse? Do you ever just listen to her without trying to correct her opinions or attempt to solve her problem? When was the last time you complimented your wife or husband or vice versa for something he or she did?

 

Pray for him / her and ask God to help you give your spouse specific compliments each day meaningfully. Some men may find it helpful to write them down and to DIN (Do It Now) and not postpone until tomorrow. Amazing things happen in our lives and in the lives of others when we intentionally encourage, honour, love, respect, nourish, and cherish each other in the Lord.

 

With some prayerful reflection and a "servant" attitude, you will need to re-address this issue with your spouse. The next time she puts you down, pray to the Lord and wait until you two are alone and then let her know what she said was hurtful and that, you feel dishonoured, disrespected and embarrassed by what happened in front of the children or family. Let her know that it had a negative impact on you, on your ability to be effective with the children as a care giver and a disciplinarian as well and diminish your credibility before your family members and those who heard it. Ask her to tell you in private the next time she wants to communicate something negative and that you will attempt to be responsive to her concerns by God's grace. Ephesians 4:29 says, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."

 

Tell her that you appreciate her recognizing you as the head of the house and that you want to have a part in this God honouring and edifying marriage and that there is a proper time and place to share our concerns together and that need not necessarily be in front of family and friends. Solomon says that Love covers a multitude of sins, do not get even with him but forge ahead together and honour each other, and build a blessed covenant home in the love and fear of God. A couple / family that prays together stays together. Ephesians 4:32 says, "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Hope this helps.

 

 

Jack & Angie Sin

 

 

6) Is it okay for a man and woman, who are good friends, to live together if they are not married; or, to travel together and stay in the same room in a hotel to cut cost?

 

That is a good question. There is a common practice of cohabiting among the unmarried in the West and has come to Asia as well. If the man and woman are brother and sister and are living under the same roof, it would be permissible, provided there is nothing illicit in their relationship. 1 Cor 6:18, "Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body." If the situation is that a man and woman who are not married to each other and are living together and having intimate physical relations, that would be unacceptable to God and considered sinful (Heb 13:5). If the unmarried man and woman are living together and are not related, and though they are not having physical relations, then we still need to be very careful here for conscience and testimony sake (1 Corinthians 8:9). First of all, the Bible says that we are to avoid even the appearance of evil. Eph 5:3, "But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints".

 

Non-married couples living together is unacceptable to a thrice holy God and may stumble others morally and can be a potential temptation as well (1 John 2:15-17; Genesis 39:9). This warrants a different living arrangement, then that should be done immediately. 1 Thess 4:2-5, "For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: hat every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God".

 

Basically, an unmarried man and woman living together in the same roof and sharing the same bed is displeasing before God, and is a bad testimony to others. We do not want to do anything that will be dishonouring to Christ and a bad testimony of our calling as a Christian. This applies to unmarried friends of the opposite sex travelling together. It is advisable to stay in different rooms (and this principle applies to the tertiary institution students living in hostels as well). Paul advised us in Col 3:5, "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry".

 

Hope this clarifies the matter.

 

 

Jack Sin

 

7) Can a Christian continue with ancestor worship and the worship of God as well?

 

That is a good question. Ancestor worship is the adoration and worship of deceased kinsmen. This is different from the general rites for the burial of the dead and beliefs about the dead in general. The reference to worship of dead kinship is very important in ancestor worship.

 

When I was a boy, my mother used to offer food, pray and burn joss sticks in honour of the dead forefathers. She would often offer them cooked rice, vegetables, meat like chicken, joss papers and incense and bowed to the ancestral tablet. This was done at least once a year and the forefathers were generally forgotten until the following year. (Now that my parents are saved by God’s grace and mercy, she has since stopped this practice.)

 

Ancestor worship, which is a common practice in eastern religions, is the superstitious worship of the dead parents and grandparents, and it is then extended to a group of ancestors. It is required that rituals (ie offering of food and chanting) be offered to these ancestors so that they are satisfied and will live in peace in the world beyond, which is a superstition and is unfounded in the Word of God (Luke 16:19-31).

 

Ancestor Worship Forbidden in the Word of God

 

Is there any specific reference to ancestor worship in the Bible? There is a clear indication that the giving of offerings to the ancestors was practiced by the Canaanites and strongly forbidden in the Bible for God's people. In Deuteronomy 26:14, the tithe-giver was commanded to assure and say, "I have not eaten thereof in my mourning, neither have I taken away ought thereof for any unclean use, nor given ought thereof for the dead".

 

There is reference to the burning of incense for the dead in Jeremiah 34:5, "But thou shalt die in peace: and with the burnings of thy fathers, the former kings which were before thee, so shall they burn odours for thee; and they will lament thee, saying, Ah lord! for I have pronounced the word, saith the LORD."

 

In Ezekiel 43:7-9 we read a strong condemnation of the practice of worshipping the dead (kings):

 

"And he said unto me, Son of man, the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever, and my holy name, shall the house of Israel no more defile, neither they, nor their kings, by their whoredom, nor by the carcases of their kings in their high places. In their setting of their threshold by my thresholds, and their post by my posts, and the wall between me and them, they have even defiled my holy name by their abominations that they have committed: wherefore I have consumed them in mine anger. Now let them put away their whoredom, and the carcases of their kings, far from me, and I will dwell in the midst of them for ever."

 

The prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 65:1-4 gave a powerful rebuke of the practice of rendering worship to the graves of dead family members:

 

"I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name. I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts; A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick; Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels".

 

The living is to have no communication with the dead (ie necromancy) at all (Luke 16:27-31, Deuteronomy 18:9-14). Consider once again Isaiah 8:19, "And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?"

 

A Christian Response to Ancestor Worship

 

How do we as Christians respond to ancestor worship? Note that ancestor worship is not based solely upon respect and deference for dead family members. This is not rejected in Christian thought: The Bible commands us to honour and obey our parents and elders. It is not wrong to remember the dead in a meaningful way without worship. However, going beyond showing respect to veneration in worship of them is against the Word of God. Honouring the dead in an excessive manner by setting up images, candles, performing rituals, and making offerings of various kinds of sacrifices to them indicate that some kind of idol worship is involved and gives a false understanding of the afterlife. As Christians, we should make a stand against this (ie in funeral rites) and not indulge in it, for God does not approve of this in His Word.

 

This applies also to non-Christian funerals where religious rites require bowing to the deceased in worship or carrying of joss sticks or burning of incense or chanting rituals.

 

Ancestor worship and biblical Christianity are incompatible. 1 Thessalonians 1:9 speaks of turning away from idols to serve the living and true God. Those who are saved by the Lord, need to prayerfully stop their ancestor worship and worship only Christ the true and living God instead in obedience to His Word.

 

Hope this helps.

 

 

Jack Sin

 

 

8) I have regular arguments with my spouse and now there seem to be a strain in our relationship and is less than fulfilling. How should we address or mend this?

 

It is not uncommon to have disagreements between couples from time to time. Anger, excessive work, frustration with each other and the problems with children, school, home, and even leisure can cause conflict and tension between couples and may affect your marriage. You need to take notice of it and do something about it before it is too late! The fact is, any marriage can be threatened, no matter how fabulous it was when you started out and Satan will try to destroy it if possible. If you do not care for and nurture your marital relationship, then your marriage can be in potential danger.

 

Many will probably gave their relationship more time and attention when it was new, and now, after being married for several years and that newness has worn off, and so has the excitement and that has to be checked.

 

Marriages can be in trouble when we stop spending time and energy on our relationship with God and our mate and substitute it for work, friends, leisure, the children or even some legitimate hobbies or interest. Some couples seldom even eat meals together, or share the same room (due to overseas travelling or other reasons) and rarely talk about or show their love to each other. There is a possibility that it can become a weakened relationship! (An average American couple speaks to each other about 12 minutes a day as revealed in a survey done the US a few years ago.)

 

To get that joy back in marriage from the Lord and the joy and blessed fulfillment back in your marriage, you need to work on it in the Lord. The fact is, fulfilling, happy marriages do not just happen, they have to be pursued and realised with conscious effort and love by God's enabling grace and mercies.

 

Here are five pointers to help you get back on track into your marriage:

 

1.         Put God first and then each other at the second (Matthew 6:33). Move each other to the second of your to-do lists, just below your love and devotion to and for Jesus. Make spending time together a priority, just as you did when you were first dating. We are amazed at how many spouses and children spent time at home with one another for a few hours a week and thought it is sufficient. You need quantity time as well as real quality time together to build up something meaningful.

 

2.         Confess our sins to God and be forgiving and kind to each other (1 John 1:9). Unresolved offenses and an unforgiving spirit block all kinds of intimacy - emotional, physical and spiritual. We know this from our own experience and from talking to many couples over the past one and half decade where marital love has grown cold. Trying to get close while the hurts remain is like trying to hurdle over a 100-metre fence. It will not happen easily without a serious commitment and sacrifice and self surrender something has to go first? Is it pride, indifference, self-righteousness, anger, immoral practices, covetousness or your anger or jealousy or a negative stumbling block that has to go? Something to think about.

 

3.         Make an effort to deepen relationships by purposeful interaction (Mark 3:13,14). Most men tell us they were far more successful at connecting with their wives before marriage or before children. And many women report to us that as family responsibilities and challenges mount, they lose track of their husbands' most heartfelt needs. Recapturing the joy in your relationship requires that you get to deeply know your spouse all over again with intensive opportunities to pray, share and mulls over things together. Get away on a holiday once a while and leave the job and kids alone for a while. Remember to turn off the handphone for a season and do not bring the laptop, the IPod or MP3 (and turn off the TV as well).

 

4.         Manage your thinking with godly discipline (Philippians 4:8). Are you always negative, who always in your work, church, or spouses, and react angrily and retaliate? What are you playing over and over in your mind about your spouse? Can you change the way you think about him or her? You may have to do two things: (1) Be willing to want to love again with your spouse. (2) Manage and discipline your thoughts against unedifying notions. Focus your mind or thoughts on the qualities or events that caused you to love your spouse whom God gave to you in the first place.

 

5.         Rekindle your love for God and each other and have special times together (Ephesians 5:2). Show your love to your spouse often and but even more important is making sure your spouse feels cherished. The need for just plain "good times" is very important. Decide with each other what fun time is like for the two of you. Then plan it and get away. Sit down with your calendar and be serious about setting time for not being so serious. This is not a time to deal with work, and other heavy issues. Let your spouse rediscover you with contentment and associate you with God's given joy and blessing again. It is a great thing to be married to someone you love in the Lord and love is the lubricant that takes away the friction in life.

 

We can rekindle the joy of being married again by deliberately honouring Christ in worship, service and prayer together and spending time with each other. As you do that, pray that God will revive and restore you and your marriage and nothing is impossible with God.

 

 

Jack Sin

 

 

9) How can I lead a Bible study in my home or office?

 

A good Bible study has five main sections which can be summarised in the acronym (ABIDES).

 

   A - Aim / Attitude

Write down the Aim (desired objective) for your study (eg: "to help my members to understand the book of Genesis or roles in married life or work related lessons from a biblical perspective").

 

Have the right perspective as you prepare and why you want the Bible study to be designed for (ie evangelistic). Pray and ask God for wisdom and strength, and determine the place and frequency and gather the people. Psalm 119:105 says, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

 

   B - Background / Bible

Gather necessary Background data (ie. note, map, historical facts, etc.) that your members do not have in the text. Keep it simple and usable and read the text of the Bible and observe details. Read from the KJV and later explain from it clearly.

 

Here you need to do some homework as you determine the subject and text for your Bible study. Read a commentary, concordance Bible dictionary or books to enhance your understanding. Give a basic introduction to the content and develop it further with each lesson.

 

   I - Instruction / Insight

The purpose of your introduction is to interest your listeners convincing them that what you are about to say is worthwhile listening to. Be imaginative (you may use a quote, a story, a anecdote or historical incident … whatever you use must be relevant to your text).

 

This is the 3rd stage where you actually organise your lessons with careful observation, proper interpretation of the grammatical historical content and application points (ie. what does Jesus meant by "ye must be born again?"). Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

 

   D - Discussion / Didactic / Demeanour / Deliberation

Develop or ask relevant thought provoking questions which are relevant to the text and to the context of your members. Aim your discussion to stimulate your members to think and then discuss and to apply the lessons (ie. what should we do with Matthew 6:21 or Philippians 4:8?).

 

Let the participants share and give their thoughts before summarising the lessons learn. Participation breeds commitment and in turn affects behaviour. Isaiah 1:8 says, "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."

   E - Epitome / Example

An Epitome is a kind of a "summary" of your study. The purpose of your summary is to focus your membaers on the key biblical ideas you intended for the group to know. Close with specific steps of action and give some concrete examples for them to take note (ie. memory verses, action steps in the home or work place, like ethics or avoiding certain moral compromises). James 1:22 says, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."

 

   S - Self-Examination / Supplications

This is the part for reflection and prayer together before God. It is also good to end with intercession for one another before the throne of grace (Psalm 139:23, 24).

 

Remember 2 Timothy 2:15, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

 

 

Jack Sin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10) How can a person who is dabbling with the occult be adversely affected and how can we as Christians help them?

 

Introduction

 

The word "occult" simply means "hidden," implying hidden forces or knowledge. It becomes used generally to mean practices that include spiritism, psychism, cabbalism (ie the Bible Code of Michael Drosnin), horror movies, occultic books (ie Harry Potter) freemasonry, channelling,  yoga, witchcraft, sorcery, telling the future from tarot cards, voodoo dolls, crystals, palmistry, astrology and others.

 

Groups like the freemasons, the mormons and the wiccan advocates dabbling with occultic activities in their beliefs and practices as well, sometimes unknowingly. Recently, an article in Computer Times (21 April 99) has a whole section on computer games and one of them is Advanced Dungeons and Dragons, Warcraft, Diablos, Resident Evil, some of which has a segment on how to cast spells and combat wizards and demons. These games are quite easily accessible from most computer shops today. Let parents and their children be forewarned of this before it is too late. Restraint, godly counsel and correction may be needed here for some.

 

Most people are either just inquisitive or are seeking for something that God has not allowed us (e.g., consulting the dead) for this is dangerous and can have disastrous results. The Word of God is not silent on this subject. Leviticus 19:26, 31 say,

 

"Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times . . . Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God."

 

The practice of the occult is strongly condemned in the Bible. It is an abomination to God and God will not leave any unpunished, who indulged in these forbidden activities (Hebrews 12:6-11). Saul consulted a witch of Endor, and he was severely dealt with. Remember Deuteronomy 29:29,

 

"The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law."

 

The New Age practice of channelling and yoga, hypnotic music, non-traditional alternative forms of treatment and meditation have mesmerised many who are in search of spiritual healing and contentment. Instead of seeking the living and true God, many are misled into trusting the spiritual counterfeit, and thought that it will satisfy them. The Word of God warns believers not to have anything to do with these abominable practices. In Deuteronomy 18:9-12, our Lord says,

 

"When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee."

The NT has the same emphasis on total separation from the occult. One of the things that is clearly condemned in Galatians 5:20 is witchcraft or sorcery. Ephesians 6:12 warns of "the rulers of the darkness of this world" and "spiritual wickedness in high places". Simon Magnus who was dabbling with the occult was severely admonished by the Apostle Peter (Acts 8:9-11), and Elymas the magician (Acts 13:8) and the medium of Philippi (Acts 16:16-18) as well. This is an age of deception and delusion. The power of darkness is so influential that it can deceive the people with signs and wonders (Matthew 24:24) today. Certain gurus in India (e.g., Sai Baba) can literally perform supernatural acts (ie getting fruits from the air and having some "advance knowledge") to impress their followers, and can know their thoughts in advance. We should not be alarmed at all because we are already forewarned by our Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:12-25).

 

Involvement in the occult can only lead to spiritual bondage and fear of hearing voices or seeing things in the night or mental depression, and open gullible people to demonic obsession and possession. We see this in the account of the young woman in Philippi (Acts 16:16-18). The ultimate end for those who persist in these abominable practices is eternal condemnation in hell, as the Apostle John says, in Revelation 22:15, that among those outside heaven were sorcerers as well.

 

The Forms of Occultism / Witchcraft in the Old Testament / New Testament

 

Moses warned by inspiration of God, "There shall not be found among you any one ... that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord ..." (Deuteronomy 18:10-12)

 

I.          All forms of the occult like divination, necromancy, astrology, hypnotism, tarot cards, yoga, wizardy, spell casting, fortune-telling, magic, etc, are forbidden by God. Consider Leviticus 19:26-28, 31; 20:6, 27; Deuteronomy 18:9-14; 2 Kings 23:24; Jeremiah 10:2.

 

II.          The interest in the occult is not a recent development. It is as old as the biblical times.

 

            A.        Witchcraft was openly and widely practiced in Old Testament times. Read Isaiah 8:19; 19:3; 29:4; Ezekiel 21:21; Hosea 4:12; Micah 3:6-7; 5:12.

 

            B.        Occultism and sorcery was rampant in the early church and the apostles had to deal with them. Consider, Simon the magician - Acts 8:9, 11; Elymas the sorcerer - Acts 13:8; The girl at Philippi - Acts 16:16; The city of Ephesus - Acts 19:19.

 

            C.        The Word of God testifies that there will be an increased activity in false teachings and the occult in the latter days (Matthew 24:3, 4, 24).

 

III.         The power behind these supernatural manifestations of the occult.

 

            A.        The teachings of spiritism and occultic activity are doctrines of demons! (1 Timothy 4:1).

 

            B.        Not all miracles are of God. Satan can also perform lying signs and wonders to deceive many. Consider, Exodus 7:9-12; 8:7, 17-19; Deuteronomy 13:1-5; Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22; 2 Thessalonians 2:9; Revelation 13:13-14,16:14; 19:20.

 

            C.        Occult involvement may lead to demon possession, obsession and other forms of depression.

                      Acts 13:8, 10 (Paul called the magician a "child of the devil!")

                   Acts 16:16-18

 

            D.        Scripture says that they "sold their souls" to the devil by their occult practices which they allow the evil one to possess or obsess them! (2 Kings 17:17).

 

IV.        The Bible clearly states that these diabolical workers of iniquity operate to deceive and enslave many. Read Jeremiah 14:14; 27:9-10; 29:8-9; Zechariah 10:2; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12; Revelation 18:23b.

 

            A.        It is possibly true that fortune-tellers possessed by the evil one can reveal something (see Exodus 7:9-12; 8:7; Daniel 1:20); but their power is limited (Exodus 8:17-19; Daniel 2:2, 10, 27; 4:7; 5:7-8, 15) and we are not to seek them at all.

 

            B.        God challenged the people to see if the power of their astrologers was greater than that of God and condemned their spiritual compromise. (Isaiah 47:12-14).

 

V.        Consequences for involvement in the occult.

 

            A.        Under the Law (Old Testament), the punishment was death by stoning as this is a great affront to God. Read Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 20:27; Deuteronomy 13:5.

 

            B.        Saul died because he participated in a seance (1 Samuel chapter 28),

              and the kingdom was taken from him (1 Chronicles 10:13-14).

 

            C.        Those guilty of practicing witchcraft shall have no peace (2 Kings 9:22; Isaiah 57:20-21), and they shall not escape judgment (Malachi 3:5).

 

            D.        Their souls shall be rejected by God and suffer eternal consequences. Read Leviticus 20:6; 2 Kings 17:17; Isaiah 2:6.

 

            E.        They shall be refused entrance into the kingdom (Galatians 5:19-21), and their end shall be the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8; 22:14-15).

 

VI.        Is occultism a serious offense? Yes, consider the following,

 

            A.        In scripture, witchcraft is paralleled to rebellion (disobedience) against God (ie Harry Potter, Wiccan Clubs, etc). Read 1 Samuel 15:23.

 

            B.        God says it is an abomination in His sight and He strongly abhors and forbids us to seek occultic means (Deuteronomy 18:9-14).

 

            C.        God says they "sold their souls" to the devil by their divination (2 Kings 17:17).

 

            D.        It is not only spiritually defiling (Leviticus 19:31); but it has a bad spiritual influence on others as well (Nahum 3:4-7, 19).

 

            E.        It greatly displeases and angers God. Read 2 Kings 21:5-6; 2 Chronicles 33:6.

 

VII.       Christians must separate themselves from all forms of magic (ie voodoo dolls, spells, occultic books and games), and they must renounce and destroy all associations of their former involvement in the occult (Acts 19:19).

 

            A.        In faithfulness to God, during biblical times the land was often ridded of all mediums and spiritists. Read 1 Samuel 28:3, 9; 2 Kings 23:24.

 

            B.        Those who "repented not" of their sorceries will be subjected to eternal torment in judgment. Read Revelation 9:20; 16:9.

 

Conclusion

 

A genuine child of God cannot be demon-possessed but that does not mean we can dabble with it. We have the Holy Spirit indwelling within us. Remember 1 John 4:4, "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." It is possible, however, they can be negatively influenced by demons. To guard against these attacks of the evil one, we are told to submit to God first and resist the devil and he will flee from us (1 Peter 4:7; James 4:7). We are also to put on the full armour of God, to withstand the wiles of the devil, as mentioned in Ephesians 6:10-18. If a believer persists in the occultic activities, God will discipline us as He does to all sons (Hebrews 12:5-11), and there would be temporal consequences of sin, that we may have to bear up with if we have crossed the line.

 

The only way of deliverance from the occult is through repentance, belief and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:16 says,

 

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."

 

Christ came to break the bondage of sin and stronghold of the evil one through His victory at the Cross. Only the repentance from sin and a saving relationship with Christ our Lord can protect us. Obey His Word and submit to His will constantly. Flee from these things and follow after righteousness, godliness, truth, with those who call on God out of a pure heart (2 Timothy 2:22; 1 Timothy 6:11-12). Jesus Christ is the only way (John 14:6).

 

 

Jack Sin

 

11) I used to cheat during the exam. Now, I have repented of my sin. But when the exam is held, I am tempted to cheat again. What can I do?

 

Cheating at exams or assignments or tests is a serious sin that is commonly committed by many students, (but many are probably not caught) and need to be confessed and repented of. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Although we confess and repent, the temptation can be present and one has to take extra measures like:-

 

1.    Pray that God will help you to be honest. Jesus in Matthew 26:41 said, "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

 

2.    Be well prepared for the exam. If you have studied hard, you will be confident and not be so easily tempted. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 says, "Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle." Diligence will enable you to know most of the answers and be humble to accept that there may be some that you are unable to answer fully. Remember to cheat is to be dishonest before God and men and has its consequences, but if you are honest and hardworking, you will not only pass but be able to also do well.

 

3.    Physically, make sure that you are seated far from your friends so that there is no chance of cheating. Also remember to keep your eyes on your own paper and not look around at other people's paper. That is something you must consciously avoid.

 

4.    Remember that your Christian testimony is at stake. To try hard in exams and then to be disappointed with not so good results is better than to cheat and do well. There is always another chance to do better. But to be caught cheating (even if we are not) is a shameful thing and destroys your good testimony, (A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches - Proverbs 22:1). Worst still, it tarnishes the name of the Lord that you worship and you are cheating God and yourself in the end. The next time you are tempted to cheat again, pray and ask God for strength to fight against it and He will honour you. Remember to study hard (so you do not need to cheat) and glorify the Lord in all that you do (1 Corinthians 10:31). Diligence, not just Intelligence, and Perspiration, not just Inspiration, is the key to academic success.

 

 

Jack Sin

 

 

12) How do I ensure that I maintain a good testimony during my National Service?

 

2 Timothy 2:3, 4 says, "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier." It is good that you are keen to maintain a good testimony for the Lord and uphold His name. The first thing to do is not to hide the fact that you are a Christian. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16). Therefore do not give in to bad language, drinking, smoking, moral compromise or dishonesty. When you witness to your friends at the camp, they will listen as they may have a good impression of you. If you at times suffer, despised or ridiculed for the stand you take, be like Paul who rejoiced that he was worthy to "suffer shame for his name" (Acts 5:41).

 

Remember to say grace before your meals, maintain a regular QT (this is where the discipline regarding time will come in), keep away from the suggestive magazines or videos or questionable internet portals, be nice to all, respect authority, do not murmur or pick up swear words, maintain temperance and patience, stay away from alcohol, cigarettes and gambling. Be disciplined in the use of your time. Lead a godly life and be competent in your field of expertise. This is not easy but pray without ceasing and ask God for His mercies and help.

 

The physical and mental challenge is also great. Being mentally prepared is half the battle won. Keep fit by doing some physical training and remember to respect authority. This will help also to have the stamina and strength you need for your military exercise and IPPT. Get those who have completed their NS to show you some of the drills or tips that you need to know. Constantly look to the Lord for wisdom, strength and understanding. Pray before, during and after every activity and God will certainly guide you when you seek Him first (Proverbs 3:5-7).

 

Another tip is always to find good Christian friends who are in the same platoon or battalion working with you and who are willing to aid you in any way they can, offering godly advice and sharing your problems and praying together and reading His Word.

 

Manage your emotional and spiritual life too by committing every thing to the Lord in prayer. Do not be caught in a web of discontent with bad company or idleness. Ecclesiastes says, "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1). There is a time to serve the country and there will be a time when you would have discharged your duty with honour when you ORD and have a good legacy behind as a faithful soldier of Christ in the Lord’s army as well.

 

 

Jack Sin

 

 

13) What is the correct dressing when we go to worship God on Sunday if any?

 

Our demeanour and decorum is important before God and men. An important guideline to dressing well is to dre