A gracEmail subscriber writes: "My 12-year-old child asked me the other day why she is permitted to say some words but not others, and why some words are 'cuss' words. Can you help?" * * * "Cuss" is a corruption of "curse," and curse words originally were part of a longer sentence in which someone asked God to sentence some person or thing to eternal condemnation. Later, such words as "hell," "damn" and "damnation" came to be used by themselves as expletives, often with the same cursing intent. For Jesus' disciples, casual use of these words is inappropriate, since we ourselves are sinners … [Read more...]
MODEST CLOTHING
A Christian sister writes that she has a friend who is dedicated to the Lord. This friend is a "very beautiful woman" who sometimes wears dresses that reveal more of her beauty than the sister thinks is appropriate for the general public. The sister has pointed this out to her repeatedly to no avail. She asks for my advice. * * * The New Testament urges Christian women to dress in proper clothing ("modest apparel," KJV), which it defines as garb that is neither grandiose nor overly-conspicuous, coupled with hairstyles and jewelry which do not detract from the priceless adornment of good … [Read more...]
EATING BLOOD
A vocational missionary in an Eastern country asks whether the Bible forbids Christians to eat blood. The Jerusalem conference in Acts 15 prohibited it, he notes, but other New Testament texts say that no food is unclean. "This is especially a problem," he writes, "in countries where blood is eaten and then American teachers say it is forbidden." * * * The issue in Acts 15 was whether Gentile believers in Jesus also had to become Jewish proselytes and keep the Law of Moses in order to experience salvation. The answer was a decisive "No." Gentiles are saved by grace, the Spirit-guided … [Read more...]
WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE AND FEAR
Two university students ask: "What is the difference between wisdom and knowledge? How is fear the beginning of knowledge (Prov. 1:7), and what is fear for those under grace?" * * * In Solomon's day, 1,000 years before Jesus Christ, most nations had their own "wisdom" literature -- distilled insights gained from long experience for living the good or happy life. Solomon collected such proverbs and composed his own -- of which a sample is preserved in the biblical Book of Proverbs. By definition, proverbs are generalities, not absolute truths -- someone has called them the "Probablies." … [Read more...]
THE ONLY APPROVAL THAT COUNTS
A dear Methodist couple involved in sacrificial ministry were among several who wrote to say that recent gracEmail thoughts about being "on the shelf" in God's service also expressed their feelings. Perhaps these words to them will also connect with other hearts already joined in human frailty, ambitions and frustration. * * * Never forget that God is using and will use you both, according to his sovereign will. Part of my problem (and perhaps it is more widespread) is in thinking that little or nothing happens in the one-on-one encounters and in the many obscure events, in the … [Read more...]
THE BIBLE AND ‘STRONG DRINK’
A gracEmail subscriber asks, "In Deuteronomy 14:26, the King James Version and American Standard Version use 'strong drink,' while the New King James and other versions say 'similar drink.' Should the English translation say 'strong drink' with all that implies?" * * * This passage describes payment of the annual tithe which the Israelites were required to dedicate to God. It pictures a festive occasion of feasting and gaity. If one lived too far from the Holy Place to bring the actual produce, he was to sell one-tenth of the harvest and bring the money instead. This verse says "You may … [Read more...]
WHEN DRINKING IS WRONG
A gracEmail subscriber asks whether it is wrong for him and his wife to drink a glass of wine. His church flatly condemns drinking, with no exceptions. He wants to know what the Bible actually says. * * * The Bible does not condemn temperate drinking as such. Wine, like food, is God's gift to humankind from the earth (Psalm 104:14-15; 1 Tim. 4:4-5). Used properly, it benefits both health and conviviality (1 Tim. 5:23; Deut. 14:22-26). Jesus himself once miraculously provided wine for a wedding feast (John 1:1-11). By Jesus' day, the Passover Seder involved several cups of wine, one of which … [Read more...]
HANDLING ANXIETY (2)
"Life seems overwhelming," a gracEmail subscriber says. "I don't know how I can handle another day." * * * 3. REST IN GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY (Matt. 11:20-30). Some cities which saw most of Jesus' miracles still did not believe in him. Jesus' response was a joy-filled heart and a prayer to God -- who is always in charge and whose work will never be defeated. When your agenda crashes and your hopes and plans fail, rest in the knowledge that God has an eternal purpose, and that no one will ever thwart his master plan for the salvation of all those who rely on him. 4. SEEK GOD'S PRESENCE (Matt. … [Read more...]
HANDLING ANXIETY (1)
"Life seems overwhelming," a gracEmail subscriber says. "I don't know how I can handle another day." * * * I am very sorry for your troubles and I pray for God's constant presence with you, for his protection around you and for his power within you. You rightly note that we live just one day at a time. For encouragement in living each new day as it comes, let us look to Jesus our Savior -- "a man of sorrows and acquainted with griefs" (Isaiah 53:3). He sympathizes with our weaknesses and he invites us to come to him for grace to help in our times of need (Heb. 4:14-16). Jesus' own example … [Read more...]
OVERCOMING ANXIETY
A friend writes that his business has been down lately, he has been feeling anxious about the future and he has gone through a period of discouragement. He asks if I can offer any encouragement. * * * You are certainly not alone in your feelings. Discouragement swats us all from time to time. When anxiety begins to churn my heart, I have found the only solution is to hand over to God whatever is bothering me or causing me concern, and to ask him to renew my trust in him alone. I do not mean some shallow or pseudo-spiritual prayer. I mean telling God the complete and unvarnished story, … [Read more...]