Q: God "only" helps those who help themselves..IS THIS A "TRUE" STATEMENT?
A: No, it is not a true statement. If we could "help ourselves" we wouldn't need to be saved. Jesus broke it down for us quite clearly in His Sermon on the Mount. "For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven (Mat. 5:20)." Then Jesus said, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect (Mat. 5:48)." God demands perfection. No man, or woman, can live up to God's requirements. Jesus said these things not as motivation, but to strip us of our human pride that says we are somehow capable of living perfect, sinless lives or that God would help us do that. We try and "help ourselves" with sayings like "What Would Jesus Do?" Or we repeat churchy sayings like "I want to be more Christlike." And we dedicate ourselves to trying to achieve sinless living. All of it centers around trying to do the impossible. We can't do what Jesus did because He is God. We can't become more Christlike because He is God. We can't eradicate all sin from our lives because only Jesus was sinless and He was God. God doesn't want us to "help ourselves" because that is the attitude that led to the Fall of Man in the first place, trying to be like God through the knowledge of good and evil. We need to stop trying to be like God and start trusting our God who indwells each one of us. Be blessed.
Q: As Christians we can't "earn" our salvation..So what does it mean when Jesus says faith without works is dead?
A: This statement by James has been a sticking point for Christians because it gives the impression that works plays a role in our salvation. Personally, I don't believe James had a complete grasp of grace and the Gospel as his disagreements with Paul attest to. The popular interpretation of this passage is that if you are in Christ you should expect to see works emanate from that starting point. We must be careful that we don't try and figure out what those works are supposed to be. Too many Christians attribute works to the amount of religious activity a person is involved in. Mistakenly, we attribute things like church attendance, bible study and involvement in different ministries as evidence of works. However, the works a Christian bears for the Lord are those things Jesus is doing through us in the power of the Holy Spirit. The works we do are the works "which God prepared in advance for us to do (Eph 2:10)." And we may not know exactly what those works are or when they are performed. Remember, the fruit of the Spirit is exactly that, the fruit of the Spirit. It is not our fruit. And just like any fruit bearing branch, the produce is for others to partake in not us. As long as we are available to God to live His life in and through us those works will be accomplished in His timing and for His glory. Be blessed.
Q: Should Christians entering into a marriage have a "pre nuptial" agreement?
A: This is strictly a decision for each couple to make. There isn't any biblical guide to tell us one way or the other from my understanding. Each relationship carries with it different circumstances where a prenupt could be warranted. For your average couple it may be something not necessary or even considered given whatever assets they are bringing into a marriage. But, with certain people it may make a difference. A prenuptial agreement may be used by God to keep a marriage together in times of trouble because of the impending losses that could arise from separating. For Christians to say it is wrong to have one are only casting judgement on other Christians for whom there is no condemnation. We must remember that "everything is permissible for (Christians), but not everything is beneficial (1 Cor 6:12)." We are free to decide for ourselves if a prenuptial agreement is warranted. We ought to be careful not to elevate our opinions regarding this issue to doctrinal levels and then use them as a rule to judge others by. No matter how much we love the Lord as couples, divorce does happen and circumstances do change. Therefore, we should allow people the freedom to choose for themselves if a prenuptial agreement is warranted as they enter into the marriage. Besides, if a couple are in agreement what business is it of anybody else what they do? Be at peace with each other and do not separate over such a nonessential matter as this. Be blessed.
Q: What is the number 1 thing a Christian needs to conquer in his or her walk with Christ?
A: First and foremost a Christian needs to understand their identity in Christ. Unfortunately, too many new believers and believers in general are misguided into being taught that they must act holy through submission to rules and regulations. When a believer understands that from the moment of salvation they are given an inheritance that includes, but is not limited to, unconditional love, total acceptance, total forgiveness and total holiness (sanctification) then everything else falls into place. As they grow in their understanding of who they are in Christ they will learn to trust and depend on the Lord more with their daily walk. This will help guard them against the burn out that comes with the oppressive demands of religion which focuses the burden of the Christian life on the believers ability to be "obedient" to rules designed to modify ones behavior. Thus, they are doomed to trying to live the impossible life of obtaining, through self effort, what in Christ they already have. When a Christian realizes they have been given everything they need for life and godliness, and blessed with every spiritual blessing, in Christ, they will not turn to the world and sin to find the deepest desires of their heart fulfilled. We were created by God to have our deepest desires met. But, only through a relationship with Him through faith in Christ is this accomplished. He designed us to be indwelt by Him. And when we are allowing Him to guide us He will not lead us into sin, but serve the world in love through us. Be blessed.
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