Michael asks (paraphrase).

I need to write a paper on a false religion or cult and I need to use the gospel of John in the paper. Do you have any suggestions?

Here are two good articles on the texts that first came to mind when we spoke. Either one will probably give you plenty of material for a short paper: John 1:1, John 8:58.

More info:

I consider monergism.com to be the best site on the Internet (I know that is saying a lot, but go dig around ... you could literally spend a lifetime learning what is there). They have a collection on both the JWs and the Mormons (LDS). Those can be found here.

BibleWorks

We spoke briefly about the program BibleWorks. It is amazing and I highly recommend it (costly but worth every cent). If nothing else, they have free Greek and Hebrew fonts for download. They are good to have loaded if your favorite teachers/scholars use these fonts and you load their docs or pages.

Student Question -- "Why don't Jews believe in the New Testament?"

This is a huge question that I can only touch upon here. The short answer is that the physical descendants of Abraham (through Isaac) a.k.a. the Jews are not corporately part of the believing community by God's sovereign decree.

ESV Romans 11:17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. 19 Then you will say, "Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in." 20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but stand in awe.

Notice how it was an act of God, yet due to their unbelief. It's a theological concept known as compatibilism--click the word for more information.

There is no need to despair because God is drawing his elect (fulfilled Israel) from all nations, including the Jews. We will be covering a lot of this as we progress through the book of Romans.

I've written more on this here: Who is the Israel of God?

Here is a great page full of information about Israel and Judaism.

Student Question -- "How is Christianity similar to communism"

CONTEXT: This question was prompted by some discussions during class.

Some early Christians lived communally (no personal/private property):

ESV Acts 4:32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.

This is far from a command for us to do so. A key here is that this was done voluntarily out of changed hearts and the sacrificial love that resulted from these changes.

Governmental communism is much different and seriously flawed. Though it looks good on paper ("from each according to his ability, to each according to his need...") it is based on a false understanding of the nature of man. The Fall. If man were basically good, communism would actually work. Since fallen man is basically greedy and selfish, he will not work unless he gets something out of it for himself. The welfare system reveals this as well... (once people figure out they can get money without working... they are in no hurry to start working again...).

Scott Adams (of Dilbert Comic fame) demonstrates an understanding of fallen man. The Life Will Not Be Like Star Trek appendix to his book The Dilbert Future says this about what he'd do with a transporter:

If I could beam things from one place to another, I'd never leave the house. I'd sit in a big comfy chair and just start beaming groceries, stereo equipment, cheerleaders, and anything else I wanted right into my house. I'm fairly certain I would abuse this power. If anybody came to arrest me, I'd beam them into space. If I wanted some paintings for my walls, I'd beam the contents of the Louvre over to my place, pick out the good stuff, and beam the rest into my neighbor's garage.

If I were watching the news on television and didn't like what I heard, I would beam the anchorman into my living room during the commercial break, give him a vicious wedgie, and beam him back before anybody noticed. I'd never worry about 'keeping up with the Joneses,' because as soon as they got something nice, it would disappear right out of their hands. My neighbors would have to use milk crates for furniture. And that's only after I had all the milk crates I would ever need for the rest of my life. There's only one thing that could keep me from spending all my time wreaking havoc with the transporter: the holodeck.

Student Question -- "Do you think it is wrong for a Christian to gamble for fun and not out of greed (especially if they can budget themselves well)?"

I believe this is another matter of Christian liberty. There are no explicit prohibitions against gambling in Scripture. I do know that gambling can be very addictive, so one must be very careful.

Since you asked my opinion, I have to wonder about the entertainment value of many forms of gambling, and the wisdom of it. Playing the lottery is just plain foolish; staring at a slot machine in a smoke filled casino sounds as fun as root canal. On the other hand, many years ago I used to go to the dog race tracks with my family (with my parents). We would study the dog sheets before each race and put down a whopping $2 bet on the dog we liked "to show" (we won something if he came in first, second, or third... but just a little). We would usually come pretty close to breaking even... and we had a lot of fun.

Student Question -- "What is your opinion on what a Christian should do when he/she runs into someone else who thinks they have the Absolute Truth?"

Good question, and the answer might surprise you.

1) Listen to understand. When the person sees that you have a real interest in what they have to say, you will establish a level of trust and good will that will come in as you start to offer alternatives.

2) Ask questions. The Columbo Tactic (very short but helpful article on it here) gives you the types of questions to ask. The article only covers Columbo type one ("what do you mean by that?") and two ("how did you come to that conclusion?"), the third type is used when you see a flaw in their logic that leads to an absurd conclusion (reductio) and can usually start with something like "have you considered ...?" Keep in mind, you can be very productive with the first two easier types of questions.

3) Don't be afraid to say "that's a good point" and "I never thought of that" (truthfully... not patronizing). Don't even be afraid to say "I don't know."

Get in a bind? Ask a question. Columbo rocks.

... so, do you consider yourself to be a good person? On what standard? ...

WARNING: Never ever ever allow this person to isolate you. Don't accept their word alone on the issue; you will encounter people who are very persuasive, manipulative, etc. You should also ask people more mature in the faith, do your research ... prepare for the next round.

Don't be afraid to learn something.

Student Question--"When speaking to a non-Christian, what's a good way to inform them about Christianity without making it sound like you are forcing it on them, or changing their beliefs?"

This is a great question that I believe many people have. I'll start and the end and work our way back.

First, it is important to be honest. You are trying to change their beliefs, so we shouldn't be trying to make it sound like you aren't. It doesn't mean you have to be rude about it, but I'd rather be seen as too frank than as trying to trick someone.

The "forcing it on them" perception can often be avoided by drawing lines in the right place. The person you are speaking to is a sinner, but so are you. If you come across as anything other than a humble recipient of God's saving grace who is offering the same good news to others, your witness will be hindered. It's also important to remember that even if you are humble and faithfully proclaim the gospel, conviction or rebellion in the sinner is still a possibility. The great news is that you are not responsible for this. You don't save anyone; you are just a faithful mouthpiece, God changes the heart. Scripture says people are saved through preaching the gospel, not tricks, entertainment, flattery, etc.:

ESV 1 Corinthians 1:21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.

How? The Objective Gospel that we covered in class is helpful here. Of course you don't always have time/opportunity to do them in order, it's just a tool. It is easy to turn a conversation with a question like "... so, do you consider yourself to be a good person?"



I hope this is helpful.

Student Question--"Isn't everyone else chosen too?"

No. Actually, Scripture teaches that not only some, but most, are not chosen.

ESV Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

ESV Matthew 7:13 "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Unless one believes that all people are ultimately saved (contrary to what the previous verses teach), the following verses also limit those who are called (elect/chosen) to those who are eventually saved. Obviously the election/predestination precedes the faith, it is realized at regeneration/conversion. Many attempt to claim that God looks through the corridors of time to see who will believe, then elects them. This is just another case of attempting to define out of existence a concept they are uncomfortable with (renders election/predestination, taught throughout the New Testament, meaningless).

ESV Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

Here is an excellent page of mp3 audio, articles, sermons, etc. on the topic of election. We'll be talking much more about these issues as we progress through Romans... Chapter 9 here we come! (eventually).

Student Question--"Why Does God let Satan take over people's lives?"

Even though the answer is fundamentally the same, let me answer this question in two parts. First I'll address the believer in Christ, then a brief comment on unbelievers.

As for believers Satan is not able or allowed to take over a believer's life. Scripture teaches:

ESV 1 John 4:4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

As you read your New Testament you will see the reaction of demons when they come in contact with Jesus (...He who is in you!):

ESV Luke 8:28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me."

That said, Satan and his kind do have power to influence us from the outside. Notice when we are encouraged to put on the full armor of God:

ESV Ephesians 6:16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;

What are those "flaming darts"? They are ideas, suggestions, thoughts, etc. Spiritual warfare is the battle for your mind.

ESV 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

For the unbeliever, all bets are off. Of course, the devil has little interest in the unbeliever as he is already spiritually dead or blind, but can and does possess people on occasion. Why?--I don't know... other than to say it is for the opposite reason God allows them temporary (and limited) activity. God allows it to His ultimate Glory (yes, even in the life of Job). Light is most beautiful when contrasted with darkness; Grace is sweetest when contrasted with Law's required judgment...

One last statement on devils and demons... As C.S. Lewis said in the preface to The Screwtape Letters,

There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors ...

Student Question - "What is Wrong With [various religions]?"

What is wrong with the Mormon faith and what do they believe?

Same question about Jehovah's Witnesses & Catholics & Baptists/Presbyterians.

These are good and important questions. I appreciate you asking because we all know nice people in other faith groups and wish or hope that they have a saving faith.

Since your question covers such a broad spectrum, I'll kind of group them together as best I can.

Non-Christian Faiths (Often referred to as cults--but that is an inflamitory word)

The Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses each claim to believe in the Bible and be God's true Christian followers. Scripture warns clearly about false teachers preaching "another Jesus" and "another Gospel" and this is the case for both of these groups. If you click on the names of these groups above, you will be taken to web sites with extensive materials on them and what they teach. People in these groups do not believe in the gospel once for all delivered to the saints. If you know people in these groups and are compelled to share the gospel with them, we can equip you to that end (but only the Spirit can empower you!)

Catholicism
I don't have the space or expertise to explain the history of the protestant Reformation here. Clicking here can give you some information on Rome. Some of the major differences we have with Rome include the authority of the Church and tradition(the Pope is called "the Holy Father" and is considered infallible... we believe in Sola Scriptura--Scripture Alone), the veneration of Mary (they believe she was immaculately conceived), prayers to Mary and the saints, trans-substantiation (the bread/wine actually becomes Jesus' body and blood during mass --communion or Lord's Supper), and others. It is also a matter of debate whether Catholics are really Christians--the good news on this is that our opinions on this don't matter. If a Catholic receives Jesus Christ in the pardon of their sin, they are saved.

Christian Brothers--Baptists and Presbyterians

Within each of these groups is a wide variety of beliefs as well. There are some under each umbrella that are faithful to the Word of God, and with whom we have only minor differences (Reformed Baptists, many Southern Baptists, Presbyterian Church in America [PCA], Orthodox Presbyterian [OPC], also Lutheran-Missouri Synod... and others--not intended to be a complete list). I found myself listing groups that agree with us on Reformed doctrine, but it is also important to remember there are fine Christian brothers and sisters that are not Reformed, but are seeking to be faithful to the Word of God (the Calvary Chapels, Willow Creeks, ... many main-line denominations, etc.) with whom we have a higher level of disagreement, particularly on the Reformed theology and the doctrines of grace. Many of my dearest friends are in this camp and I do not doubt their salvation at all. Finally and unfortunately, under each major heading (Baptist & Presbyterian) there are denominations that have given in to liberal, even apostate theology.

I know it gets complicated. The thing to remember is to be faithful to Christ and His revealed Word. Where you differ with people, graciously present your case and listen to theirs (you might learn something!), but always bring it back to Scripture. As a young believer, be careful how easily you can become convinced by someone's argument. If what you hear is very different from what you've known, at least take it to someone who is more mature in the faith and see if they can help you discern. This could save you a lot of heartache.

Students Discussion--"Evangelism--Why Bother...?"

I'm glad this was a topic of discussion after I left. It is very important that we settle this issue once and for all.

While it is true that God is sovereign in His electing grace, it is also true that he has ordained the method of drawing His people to Himself. We are never called upon to make inferences on God's sovereignty in election ("if God is sovereign in election,.. then we needn't bother"). When people do this they step into the dangerous heresy of hyper-Calvinism. Here is a helpful chart comparing Calvinism to Arminianism and hyper-Calvinism.

Scripture clearly teaches that God has chosen to use people as his instruments of the Great Commission:

And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation --Mark 16:15 ESV

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit... --Matthew 28:19 ESV

But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? --Romans 10:14 ESV

For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. --1 Corinthians 1:21 ESV

So what difference does God's sovereignty in election make? Tons! Because we know that God is in total control:

• We know that we are called to be faithful rather than successful (no guilt if the person doesn't believe). We don't have to resort to gimmicks, trickery, or worldly salesmanship!
  
• We can know that we are merely instruments in the hand of God and can just watch in awe as He uses us.
  
• We can know that it isn't a waste of time to pray for people's salvation (non-Calvinists are asking God to do what they claim He would never do... impose His saving will on people)
  

Why bother? --It is the most amazing privilege you can imagine. It is active love motivated by gratitude for God's grace. It is active obedience motivated by a reverent fear of the Holy God who holds all things in his hands!

"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. Jesus Christ, quoted by John in his gospel, Ch.14:15 ESV

Remember the Great Commission quoted above? In terms of the commandments of God -- It's a biggy!

The question isn't "why bother?" it's "what are you waiting for?"

-------------------------------

Another related error goes this way "if God is only going to save the elect, then how can/do we know who..."

We don't and we are never told to even try! We are told to faithfully preach the gospel to all. God will take care of the rest.

Rule of Thumb: Don't make inferences (if ... then...) based on God's sovereignty (unless it is: if God is sovereign, then I can take comfort/stand in awe ...). Making wrong inferences like these are easy to recognize because they violate the clear teachings of our call to obedience and faithfulness to God.

Student Questions on Music- Is it a sin to listen to non-Christian music?

No. There is a lot of fine music and art that doesn't have a religious message. It is a matter of Christian liberty and discernment as to the music one listens to.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. --Philippians 4:8 ESV

Does the music you listen to dishonor God or glorify immorality? If so, then your discernment needs to mature and you might be confusing liberty with license.

Is Listening to Music With Profanity Bad?

Some music is pure filth, and yes, it is bad. Note that I didn't say "music that your parents don't like," but you know full well that some very popular music today is full of profanity, disrespect of women, calls to violence, etc. Yes, I know they are just "trying to get attention," but if they were gifted musically, they wouldn't need to get attention that way. A child of God has no business wallowing in filth.

Student Question--What Does "Reformed" Mean?

The word "Reformed" comes from the protestant reformation. It means we believe in the solas of the reformation and the doctrines of grace as codified in the historic reformed creeds and confessions. Among these are the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, the Canons of Dort, the Westminster Confession and Catechism (for our Presbyterian brothers), the London Baptist Confession (for our Reformed Baptist Brothers). The creeds and confessions are only descriptions of our understanding of Scripture and are in no way authoritative the way Scripture is.
 
What's different about Reformed Christians? We are often called Calvinists (after John Calvin, one of the reformers, who held to these doctrines). We hold to both the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man. Since these truths are difficult to reconcile (seem to contradict at times) many compromise one or the other. To compromise the responsibility of man to obey God is to become a hyper-Calvinist—a fatalist who believes God will do what he's going to do so what we do is meaningless. To compromise the sovereignty of God is to be an Arminian or Pelagian (I'm not equating these--Pelagians take it much farther) and believe that man has the ultimate power to decide his own salvation. Unfortunately, since others cannot understand how we can believe in [both] the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man, Calvinists are often accused of believing what hyper-Calvinists believe.

We'll also talk a lot more about this when we discuss the Reformed distinctives of our faith.

Student Question--Do We Have Freedom in Christ?

If we were talking, I'd ask you what you mean by freedom. If you mean freedom to do anything you want (sin…), the answer is no. It's good not to confuse freedom with license. Scripture definitely teaches freedom in Christ, but that freedom is from sin and the condemnation we deserve for it. If you read Paul in his letter to the Romans, chapter 7, you'll see a man who knows what it is struggle with sin. Then you'll see the great declaration at the beginning of chapter 8:
 

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. --Romans 8:1 ESV

 
This is so cool because it is grace! (Grace being God's favor to someone who doesn't deserve it).
 
All of that said, you will find many who will try to heap on you man-made commandments and claim to violate them is sin. To prohibit dancing is an absurd example of this.

A good thing to remember on this is that we have freedom from sin, not to sin.

Student Question--Do We Have Free Will?

This one is related to the Freedom in Christ question. Again, I'd ask what you meant by free will. The Bible teaches two concepts that are often difficult to reconcile, the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man. It is important that we believe both completely rather than believe only one at the expense of the other when we have difficulty reconciling them.
 
Since the Fall of man, our wills have been bound by sin. It's not that a Sovereign God is obsessing over which pair of socks you will pick to put on or whether you will choose "red or green" for your chile sauce—but understand that your choices are subject to His sovereignty.  We definitely have a level of freedom in our everyday lives, but God is absolutely sovereign over His creation… including the will of man.  
This question is often asked in the context of salvation. Much of it comes down to who makes the ultimate decision on a person's salvation. Did God intend to save everyone and fail? Does the almighty free will of man frustrate the will of God? We'll talk a lot about this later in the class when we get into the Reformed distinctives of our faith. There are fine Christian brothers and sisters who will disagree on these issues—it's not worth breaking fellowship over.

Student Question--Can We Lose Our Salvation?

You'll find a lot of disagreement on this among Christians and it, again, is not worth breaking fellowship over. That said, the answer is absolutely NOT.
 

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. --John 10:27-29 ESV

 
Those who disagree will always have a story of person X who was this great Christian, etc. who turned their back on Christ and no longer walks with Him. The answer to this is that either this person was never a Christian (see Matt. 7:21-23 for people, who did things in Christ's name, had themselves fooled--and no doubt others-- and were not of him) or this person is a Christian on a prodigal son journey. 
 
We'll also talk a lot more about this when we discuss the Reformed distinctives of our faith.

Student Question--How Can You Prove God is Real?

This is a great question. There are a couple of things to remember about this question (and all tough questions):
1) Questions like this require some work on the part of the seeker. The answer won't fit on a bumper sticker.

2) Some people will not be convinced because they refuse to even consider the evidence. Remember that our job is to be faithful and present the truth (and that requires knowing some...), it is the Holy Spirit's job to convince people/change their hearts.

When we talk about proving something, it's about building a case for something. Whether or not something has been proved will be in the mind of the person hearing the case.

I've done a lot of study in this area and have started putting some of it in the Objective Gospel  page under Point 1. This page has some pretty good stuff on Intelligent Design. The Point 2  page then takes you to consider the claims of Christianity as the revelation of "The Designer." Wade through some of this, watch the "Unlocking the Mystery of Life" DVD and let's see where we stand.