The nephilim

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 03:34:09 +0000

Who were the nephilim? Were they offspring of fallen angels or fallen human children of God?

Answer:

An article on this same topic appeared some time ago in the Forward in Christ magazine. It is copied below and should offer an adequate answer:

Question: Who were the "sons of God," "daughters of men," and "the Nephilim" mentioned in Genesis 6:1-4? And how did the Nephilim survive the Flood?

Answer: These verses have generated more than their share of imaginative interpretations and have become a breeding ground for fantastic speculation. Thanks for allowing us to review options and offer comments.

More Bizarre but Less Likely Option

The less plausible yet persistently popular idea is that Genesis 6 is talking about fallen angels ("sons of God") who impregnated select beautiful women ("daughters of men") and the demon-human offspring ("the Nephilim") were giants in stature and accomplishment prior to the Flood. Since Nephilim are spoken of after the Flood (Numbers 13:33), this race of giants somehow survived the Flood (or was restarted by another, post-Flood, demonic invasion with sexual unions with humans).

This scenario, of course, is exciting stuff that grabs people's attention. Superhuman giants! Hybrid creatures! And, stated honestly, it is grammatically and linguistically possible to arrive at this conclusion through a reading of Genesis 6:1-4. To say this view is utterly impossible or flagrantly contrary to Scripture is perhaps an overstatement.

Less Bizarre and More Likely Option

The less exotic understanding of this section, but one more compatible with everything else revealed in the Bible, is this: Male descendents of Adam and Eve through Seth (the dominant line of believers, "sons of God") intermarried with attractive female descendents of Cain (the dominant line of unbelievers, "daughters of men") resulting not only in a deterioration of religious principle, but also in aggressive children who became strong in activity and reputation ("the Nephilim").

The term Nephilim is most likely derived from the Hebrew nphl ("to fall" or "fall upon") and refers to "fallen" people (unbelieving rebels against God) or aggressive bullies who "fall on" others (overpowering and tyrannizing them). Nephilim might also derive from the root pl' ("to be awesome, full of wonder"), and the title then stresses they were people who were strong in physical stature, accomplishment, and reputation – including (if ancient traditions are considered) bullying others as gangsters or mobsters.

These early Nephilim perished in the Flood (Genesis 7:21), but other giants in stature developed in later generations and family branches of mankind. The term Nephilim need not refer to a specific race or tribe, but to people who bore the same general characteristics. Included among them were the Anakim, Rephaim, and Emim mentioned in Numbers 13:33, Deuteronomy 3:11, and 2:10. The Philistine warrior Goliath is probably the best known example of an aggressive giant (1 Samuel 17:4), but there is evidence that people of exceptional size lived in various parts of the world through most of history.

The Preferable Option

One could argue that both options outlined above are possible and the relatively obscure references in Genesis 6 should lead us to advocate no preference between them. One reason we list the second scenario as more plausible is that the idea of angels being capable of, interested in, or allowed by God to impregnate humans is simply foreign to the rest of Scripture. The words of Jesus in Mark 12:24-25 lead us to conclude that angels are not sexual beings the same way humans are. Notions of angel/human hybrids stem from later, non-biblical sources.

There's a second reason we may prefer the view about believers compromising religious principle through bad choices (including selection of spouses) that often results in ethically challenged progeny. This reason is more theological than textual or exegetical. It fits the pattern so often warned against yet so often repeated in subsequent generations of mankind. This way of deriving the meaning of a text is not adequate in and of itself – but when the conclusion is fully compatible with everything else the Bible says on a given subject, it may be seen as preferable.

Church bodies in our doctrinal fellowship

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 12:31:22 +0000

What Lutheran synods is WELS in fellowship with?

Answer:

There are 23 church bodies that we share doctrinal or confessional fellowship with. Please go to www.celc.info and click on "member churches" for a complete listing as well as some information on them. This is the site of the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference.

The state of Israel

Sun, 05 May 2013 17:40:38 +0000

Some groups of Christians believe they are required to support the state of Israel as an article of faith because of Genesis 12:3. Some believe the state of Israel is required for the second coming of Christ. What does the Bible teach on the matter?

Answer:

The Bible makes no mention of and has no references to the modern nation of Israel. Those who burden consciences about such things that you mention are speaking Dispensational assumptions based on misunderstanding of various Bible statements (Dispensationalism is Dispensational Premillennialism). I would encourage a more thorough examination of biblical End Time theology through a book your pastor can point you to. There are also books that identify dispensational errors and explain how people fell into those errors.

Abuse and Divorce

Wed, 01 May 2013 01:34:37 +0000

What if you are being abused, is divorce okay?

Answer:

Perhaps. Perhaps not. In other words, I cannot answer this question unless I know a lot more about the abuser, the abused, the nature of the abuse, and the attitudes expressed when the abuse is confronted. Self-protection and seeking to end the abuse is one thing; divorce is often something else. It is recommended that you speak with your pastor to receive specific and qualified counseling on this important subject.

Dreams

Fri, 03 May 2013 00:39:44 +0000

Is it a sin if you sin while dreaming?

Answer:

To give a definitive answer to your question that covers every case, we would have to know exactly what is happening when a person dreams, and we don't. There are several accounts in Scripture in which a dreamer receives a special revelation from God. But Scripture is silent on why human beings commonly dream when we sleep. Science also has yet to find a satisfactory explanation.

Some take the position that we can't really sin in our dreams, because to be a "sin" an action must involve a conscious choice. That isn't Scriptural, however. We often sin without choosing to (Romans 7:15) or even being aware of it (Psalm 19:12).

The Lutheran Confessions mention sins committed in sleep (Smalcald Articles III, 3:28) as results of the hereditary sinful nature within each one of us. The point being made in the context is exactly the important one.To receive God's full, free forgiveness, it is not necessary that we name all our sins or even that we understand them. God's forgiveness for all our sins is a free gift, received through faith in Jesus Christ.

Angels - different types?

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 03:00:07 +0000

What are the Cherubim and Seraphim and what are their differences? Is Michael the only archangel? What kind of angel was Lucifer? What happened when he fell?

Answer:

We don't know if there is any difference between cherubim and seraphim. The name seraphim occurs only in Isaiah 6. They seem to serve the same function as attendents of God which cherubim carry out elsewhere, such as in Ezekiel 1. Michael is the only one explicitly named as an archangel. Lucifer is not the name of an angel in the Bible. It is a name given to the king of Babylon in Isaiah 14 because he acts like Satan. Lucifer by tradition has been used as a name for Satan. His fall is described in Jude and 2 Peter 2:4.

Paganism in America today

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 01:24:41 +0000

What is "paganism" in America? Is it different from Wicca?

Answer:

I suppose you could say Wicca is a "denomination" of paganism. Paganism has many gods attached to different aspects of nature. These gods may be seen as more personal or more as forces. God and nature are intermingled. In a loose sense paganism could be used to refer to a generally ungodly life style.

Mary's lineage

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:58:59 +0000

The Bible makes it clear that Mary's husband Joseph was a direct descendant of David. But that alone wouldn't make Jesus a descendant of David, since Joseph was not Jesus' biological father. So Mary has to also be a descendant of David. Where is this addressed in Scripture?

Answer:

It is believed that the genealogy in Matthew 1 is that of Joseph and that the one in Luke 3 is that of Mary, but the text does not specifically tell us that.

Original sin and objective/subjective justification

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 17:16:39 +0000

If God declared me (part of "all people") "not guilty" at the cross (objective justification), what changed (and who changed it) so that I was born with original sin? God does not lie. If God declared me justified (forgiven) at the cross, why does my sinful nature condemn me until I receive the gift of faith through the means of grace?

I know that Jesus' death was sufficient payment (atonement) for all sin of all time, and I know that I am justified by faith alone. But doesn't using "justification" to describe what happened at the cross add unnecessary confusion to the Biblical truth of "justification by faith alone?"

Answer:

Objective justification is the opposite of original sin as inherited guilt (original sin is also inherited corruption). The imputation of original sin is that God charged Adam's sin to everyone. Objective justification is that God credited Christ's righteousness to the world, to everyone. Read Romans 5.

Strictly speaking objective justification did not happen at the cross. It happened as a result of the cross. Christ's payment at the cross is called redemption or atonement. The crediting of that payment to us is called objective justification. Jesus' resurrection at Easter was an announcement of objective justification. It showed that the sin that had been placed on Christ was gone.

Objective justification is the basis of subjective justification. If there was not already on objective crediting of Christ's righteousness to the world, there would be nothing for you to believe in. Your faith does not create the forgiveness. It simply receives it.

the creeds

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 20:52:54 +0000

Is it necessary to include the recitation of one of the creeds in a worship service?

Answer:

The is no law of God that requires any specific creed to be included in a service of worship. Our standard orders of Sunday worship include either the Apostles or the Nicene Creed.

Women as disciples

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:43:20 +0000

Did Jesus have female disciples?

Answer:

By etymology the word "disciple" (in Greek as well as in English) means "student." In the New Testament its connotations aren't quite so academic as our word "student," and so maybe "follower" would be a better translation. Jesus certainly had (and has!) many women among his "disciples" (Matthew 28:19, Acts 6:1, Acts 11:26, etc.).

On the other hand, the word sometimes has the more restricted sense of "The Twelve" in the New Testament (Matthew 10:1 etc.). There was no woman among these.

Methodist religion

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 17:30:24 +0000

What are the differences between WELS and the Methodist Church?

Answer:

There are all kinds of Methodists from traditional to very liberal so we really can't answer your question as it pertains to a specific Methodist church.

Traditional Methodists believe that we cooperate in our conversion, but the Bible says conversion is caused entirely by God's power. They see the sacraments more as symbols of grace than real means of grace. They do not believe in the real presence of Christ's body and blood in the Lord's Supper. They believe Christians can achieve sinless perfection in this lifetime.

Liberal Methodists do not believe many of these teachings to be that crucial. The United Methodists for example have fellowship with the ELCA.

Book of Enoch

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 00:43:42 +0000

Can you tell me anything about the Book of Enoch?

Answer:

There are actually three books of Enoch. The second currently exists only in Old Church Slavonic, and theories about its origin place it anywhere from the 1st century BC to the 10th century AD (Nobody knows, in other words). The third is very late, and seems to have been written in Hebrew in Babylonia in the 6th or 7th century AD. I assume you mean so-called "1st Enoch."

"1st Enoch" dates from the time between the Old and New Testaments (probably no earlier than the fourth century BC). Today the whole thing exists only in a Ge'ez (the language of Ethiopia) translation from Aramaic originals, but many fragments of it were found among the Dead Sea Scrolls.

1st Enoch is a pseudepigraphon--a book attributed to an author who couldn't possibly have written it--and is said to be the work of Enoch, the son of Jared, who the Bible says "walked with God" (Genesis 5:21-24). It is a collection that includes many different kinds of material, but it is mostly known for its dreams and visions, in which Enoch is said to receive revelations about cosmology, wars between heavenly beings, and the last judgment.

The book seems to have been widely known in the last centuries BC and the first centuries AD. It was not, however, accepted by the Jews at the time of Jesus as part of the canon of Scripture.

The law on our hearts

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 06:07:30 +0000

Is our conscience a helpful or reliable guide for our course of action in matters not determined by the Bible? How do we know whether a specific action is right or wrong when the Bible is silent?

Answer:

Conscience is not a guide or norm. Conscience does not tell us what to do. It responds to what we have done or plan to do by either excusing or condemning us. Our conscience may use different norms: Scripture, standards of society, faulty religious training,etc. If conscience is using a faulty guide, its judgments are not valid. If Scripture does not forbid or command an action (adiaphoron), the matter must be left free. It is not in itself right or wrong.

Creation

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 15:01:17 +0000

Why does the Creation process in Genesis always describe the days as "there was evening, and there was morning..."? Why does Moses put evening before morning?

Answer:

Because Day One began with God's creation of light, which God named "day." Darkness, which God named "night," then followed (Genesis 1:5). "There was evening, and there was morning" means that the day in question and the creating that God had done on it came to an end. Then the "clock" circled back to where it had started, and a new "day" (in its second sense, i.e., a 24-hour cycle) was ready to begin.

Some argue that this phraseology shows that the Israelites viewed a "day" as beginning in the evening. It is true that a Sabbath or a festival day was seen as starting the evening before. But there are also verses that suggest that in the Old Testament, a "day" began in the morning, just as it does for us (Genesis 19:33-34, Judges 6:38, etc.).

The New Testament as the Inspired Word of God

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 16:57:37 +0000

How do we know that the New Testament is the inspired Word of God?

Answer:

Because the Bible says it is. For example, in 2 Peter 3:16 Paul's letters are connected with all the other Scriptures. In 1 Timothy 5:18 Luke's gospel and Moses' writings are placed on the same level. We also know that Jesus promised to bless the authors with the gift of inspiration (John 14:26). Another reason, of course, is that it produces faith in our hearts.

The Holy Ministry

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 04:05:53 +0000

How is the office of a school teacher a part of the Holy Ministry?

Answer:

Because the teacher is called by the congregation to teach the Word of God to a portion of the congregation, teachers are required to have a level of training in the Word, and teachers are subject to the discipline of the church. This is also the historical belief and practice of the Lutheran church as taught both by Luther and by C. F. W. Walther, both of whom taught that teachers are part of the ministry of the church.

Double Predestination

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 21:07:01 +0000

I've been taught that God only elected those who would be saved and not those who would be damned. I believe this is true. But what about verses such as Jude 4, Romans 9:18, 21, & 22? Those who teach double predestination use these verses to show that God chose those who would be damned.

Answer:

Those verses are about hardening of the heart. This is a judgment on disobedience. Compare the example of Pharaoh. He was hard against God and so God hardened him. The hardening from God starts half-way through the plagues (Exodus 9:12). This is not PRE-destination, but POST-destination. It is the result of man's rejection of God. God does destine (that is, sentence and send) some to damnation but it is a result of their rejection of him.

Christian beliefs

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 22:01:37 +0000

What is the difference between Lutheran and Pentecostal beliefs?

Answer:

There is not a simple answer to your question because there are many different kinds of Pentecostals. The common denominator is the role of speaking in tongues. Your question is addressed in this book from Northwestern Publishing House.

The Pentecostals And Charismatics

A Confessional Lutheran Evaluation

Series: Impact Series

Author: Arthur J Clement

Speaking in tongues. Healing the sick. Seeing the future. They are all part of the Pentecostal / charismatic movement. The history, teachings, practices, claims, strengths, and weaknesses of this popular phenomenon should be evaluated in the light of God's Word. In this book you will get a better understanding of the history of these groups and the practices that distinguish them from other Christian groups. Pastor Clement also paints a clear image of the ways the tongues movement has departed from Scripture, and he shows the proper theology of the Holy Spirit.

Judging

Sun, 09 Dec 2012 17:26:46 +0000

I know that the Bible says that we should not judge (Luke 6:37-42), but is it still a sin if we judge a person based on scripture?

Answer:

Here is a question previously submitted that is quite similar to yours. Here also is the answer provided. I believe it may serve you well.

Question: The Bible says, “Judge not, lest you be judged.” But I’ve also heard that Christians are supposed to judge people and teachings. Does the Bible contradict itself?

Answer:

We live in a culture where unrestrained tolerance prevails, in which everyone’s beliefs, lifestyle, and values are basically considered equal and equally valid. No wonder, then, that Christians are increasingly told not to judge and the Bible passage you mention is used to disallow all forms of judging. Sometimes we are faulted not so much because we actually say something to them, but because our values are different than theirs. Some feel they are being judged whenever professing Christians refuse to take part in things they consider to be acceptable (for example, misusing drugs or alcohol, cursing, gossiping). Those seeking validation of their chosen lifestyle and those who favor unbridled tolerance are often quick to say Christians should never judge others. And they often quote the Bible: “Judge not!”

Check Text and Context!

When an apparent Bible inconsistency or contradiction surfaces, many people not only assume one of the Bible verses cannot be right, but then proceed to quote the one they like and ignore (or ridicule) the one they dislike. What they forget is that the context (the speaker, the people being spoken to, the circumstances – all drawn from words and verses immediately surrounding the one in question) is usually necessary for properly understanding each verse. When context is considered, alleged contradictions and much confusion usually disappear.

The same is true of non-Bible statements. In different contexts, for example, referring to someone as “yellow” might be an offensive reference to Asian descent, an accusation of cowardice, or a helpful observation of jaundice. Knowing the speaker, circumstances, and topic being discussed – that is, the context – is very important.

With that in mind, open your Bible and ponder the contexts of Matthew 7:1 and Luke 6:37, where we are instructed not to judge or we ourselves will be judged.

Don’t Judge!

Using the verses that follow (see Matthew 7:2-5) we quickly learn that Jesus warns against a critical spirit that stems from pride, a self-righteous attitude, or some form of hypocrisy. We are to judge ourselves (take the plank from our own eye) prior to judging our brother (take the sawdust speck from his eye). We dare not be in the business of criticizing others without cause, with a holier-than-thou attitude, or with intent to harm rather than help. If we ignore healthy and honest self-judgment, we too easily pass judgment on people or things of which we ourselves may be guilty. With that understanding in mind, Jesus says, “Don’t judge!”

Judge!

As you also mention, however, there are plenty of places in the Bible that do call us to judge people and teachings. Return to the same context of Matthew 7. Verse 6 instructs us not to waste what is holy or valuable on “dogs” or “pigs.” To do this necessitates determining or judging whether another person fits that category. Verses 16 and 20 assure us that by their fruit (lifestyle including teaching) we will recognize false prophets, and this involves forming judgments. The context, then, tells us that Jesus is not condemning or forbidding all judging, only a certain kind of judging.

Beyond this immediate context there are many additional Bible commands for us to admonish and discipline others, identify and expose deeds of darkness, discipline and restore others caught in a sin, and make personal effort to win back the erring, and “snatch them from the fire” or rescue them from destruction. (See Matthew 18:15-16, Galatians 6:1, Ephesians 5:11, Colossians 3:16, and Jude 23, in their contexts). A wholesome judging is a part of all this. Note well we are called to judge with discernment and especially in a gentle spirit of humility that seeks to help, not hurt.

Judgment

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 16:32:59 +0000

When we die, are we immediately judged, or do we wait till THE Judgment day to go to heaven? What does the Bible say about this?

Answer:

The Bible speaks clearly to indicate that we are granted access to glory at the time of our death. Consider what Jesus said to the repentant, believing criminal who was crucified alongside him: "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43) This is also the way the Apostle Paul spoke, for example, in Philippians 1:21-23 -- "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. . . . I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far."

The Bible also speaks clearly that we will stand before Christ to be judged on the Last Day. Consider the detailed description of that event in Matthew 25:31-46 or these words from 2 Corinthians 5:10 -- "We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ."

So our answer to your question is not an either-or answer but a both-and answer. We are apparently judged privately or individually at the time of our death as our souls are received into glory to be with our Savior. And we will be judged publicly on Judgment Day with all mankind, as our resurrected bodies with the soul are received into glory as well.

And the best news, of course, is that we already know the verdict as we rely on Jesus Christ and rejoice in the salvation he earned for us. We are forgiven! Our sins are not counted against us since they were counted against Jesus and fully dealt with, that is, paid for in full.

Coptic Christians

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 00:55:21 +0000

I read that maybe 10% of Coptic Christians reside in Egypt. As I understand, they feel that they are the true remnant of early Christians that resided in Egypt. What are their origins? Do they believe in the Triune God?

Answer:

"Coptic" is really the same word as "Egyptian." Both are said to derive from the Greek pronunciation of an ancient name for the city of Memphis.

Coptic Christians trace their origin to St. Mark, who, tradition says, brought Christianity to Egypt after Jesus' resurrection and ascension. Yes, the "Christian Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt" is Trinitarian and confesses the Nicene Creed. After the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD, which decided many important questions about christology (the teaching of union of two natures in the one person of Christ), the Coptic Church was accused of Monophysitism - the false teaching that there is only one nature in Christ, which is a blend of the divine and the human. Coptic Christians vigorously deny this charge. They say the difference from Western "orthodoxy" boils down to a difference in terminology that was exploited by the Western Church for political reasons.

Coptic Christians represent the largest Christian church in the Middle East. They have a long and fascinating history during which they have suffered greatly from persecution by Islam. Numbers I have seen suggest that 10% of the population of Egypt was Coptic Christian in recent times. Those numbers, however, antedate the current unrest in that country.

Baptism's Origins

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 09:00:21 +0000

What are the origins of baptism? When did it start? Why did it start? When did baptism change from a baptism of repentance to a baptism for forgiveness?

Answer:

The sacrament of Holy Baptism was formally instituted by Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20). It is one of two ways mentioned in the passage by which the Church carries out Jesus' command to "make disciples" (the other being "teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you"). Disciples of Jesus are made by baptizing and by teaching.

There is no handier or better summary of the purpose and blessings of baptism than the explanation in Luther's Small Catechism, which I'd encourage you to re-read. Baptism unites us with Jesus in his death and resurrection (1 Peter 3:21, etc.). It washes away our sins and brings us the gift of the Holy Spirit, and it gives us a new birth into a glorious new life with God (Titus 3:5-6). It both empowers and symbolizes the daily repentance that characterizes the whole life of a Christian (Romans 6:1-7).

The Christian sacrament of Baptism had precursors in various Jewish ceremonial washings and, most of all, in the baptism of John the Baptist. We don't normally speak of a "change," however, from John's baptism to that of Jesus. Both can be called a "baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins" (Compare Mark 1:4 and Acts 22:16). Although John's baptism was temporary in nature (Acts 19:4) - and there is much about John's baptism that we'd like to know and don't know - in essence, it gave the same blessings that our baptism gives to us.

Symbolism of Advent wreath

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 22:39:15 +0000

I was just wondering if you could tell me about the symbolism of the candles on the Advent wreath, and of the wreath itself if it applies. I've searched the site, but I can't find it. I'm looking for this information for my church's website, as I am making an Advent page.

Answer:

As with many long-standing customs, the origins of the Advent wreath are somewhat debated. Some histories of the advent wreath say that Christians simply adapted an even earlier custom from pre-Christian Germanic tribes. Supposedly, then, these pagan people tried to break the darkness of winter with candles and invoke the sun god to return with the warmth and light of spring. In addition, the evergreen wreath would remind them that there is still life and the circle of time would again come back to spring.

According to this viewpoint, Christians later placed new and Biblical meaning to the old customs. Now the candles pointed to Jesus, the Light of the world (John 3:17-21.) The evergreen wreath now reminded believers that our Savior God grants new and everlasting life in Jesus. The wreath was also a symbol of victory, for a garland wreath was often placed on victors in contests or conquests. So naturally, a Christian can think of the crown of life that Jesus has won for us. The four candles in an Advent wreath would then emphasize the four week period of penitance and preparation during Advent, as we eagerly await the coming of the Light of the world to bring new life and hope.

The advent wreath became quite popular in homes in post-Reformation Germany. It seems pretty certain that in many German homes families had a custom of lighting four candles during advent, candles placed in a wreath of evergreens. When these candles were lit, Scripture and prayer was part of the custom and the family devotion time was a time of instructing the children about Christ's coming. Later, the custom crossed over different denominational lines and other faith traditions adapted its use. Today, you can find Advent wreathes in many Protestant and Roman churches.

Since the custom has seen so many different adaptations, you will also find numerous explanations of the four candles. (If there is a fifth, a white candle in the center, it is called the Christ Candle, and is lit on Christmas.) Some call the first candle the Prophecy Candle, or the Hope Candle, or the Expectation Candle. It reminded believers that God had promised throughout the Old Testament that he would send a Messiah, the Shepherd King, to save his people. The second candle is called the Bethlehem candle, or sometimes the Peace Candle. (Others call it the Preparation candle.) The third candle is sometimes called the shepherds' candle or the joy candle. It was often a pink color. The fourth candle is called the angel candle or the love candle. Naturally, for all of these themes, appropriate Scripture references could be used to help hearers and worshippers consider the various Advent themes of preparation, repentance, fulfillment of promises, the joy of Christ's coming.

The colors of the advent candles also vary. The oldest tradition had three purple candles, for purple was the color of royalty and repentance. How else would God's people prepare for the coming of the King of kings? On the third Sunday in Advent the rose or pink candle was lit. This is the candle that emphasized the joy of the shepherds as they heard the news. More recently, one sees all four candles in a deep blue color, reflecting the liturgical color of Advent that is quite common now. Blue is the color that reminds us of heaven and the expectation we have that Jesus is coming again. Blue is quite common in Lutheran churches since Lutheran Christians often emphasize the meaning of Advent as the season of coming. The readings then remind us of Christ's first coming in all humility. We remember also his promise that he will come again in glory. And we also pray that he come into our hearts through the Spirit's gracious working with the Gospel, so that with the gift of faith we now are heirs of that heavenly glory through Christ. Notice how often Advent hymns interweave these three "comings" of Christ!

If you want more history on the Advent wreath, you can simply do a internet search using the Google search engine and you will find numerous sites with various histories. Be ready for many different variations and ideas connected with the Advent wreath, reflecting the numerous ways this tradition has been assimilated by many different peoples in many different lands.

If you are going to try to explain the reasons why the custom of the wreath is being used in your church, talk with your pastor and agree how you would emphasize the basic Biblical truths found in Advent. The four candles remind us that in the four weeks of Advent we are preparing for the coming of the Christ Child, who is the light of the world. The wreath of evergreen could also help a person think of the victory and the new and everlasting life we have in Jesus. Blessings on your Advent prepation to welcome the King, our Savior Jesus.

Tithing

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 14:58:48 +0000

I have a co-worker who says that when we don't tithe, we are bringing a curse on ourselves. How do I respond to that?

Answer:

If you think it best to give a fairly brief answer, then you may simply say that all tithing laws or rules in the Bible were part of the Sinaitic (or Mosiaic) Covenant that God established with the Old Testament nation of Israel. But that covenant has been terminated and applies to no one anymore since Christ came to earth to accomplish our salvation. The New Testament Church is not bound to any such laws, and no curses apply to us. Our firstfruit giving with generosity is now a matter of expressing faith in love whether we use the 10% as a guideline or not.

If you think or learn that a longer answer is needed to help your co-worker see this truth, then you might need to do some homework on the distinction between the old and new covenant, the freedom we possess in Christ, the New Testament principles of firstfruit giving, and the dangers of imposing laws or rules with "curses" on people for whom Christ died. Your pastor likely has books or materials that will help you study these issues.

Either way, let your main message always be centered in Jesus Christ and his work of redemption and our forgiveness and freedom in him. This is what will ultimately make the greatest difference for your co-worker. It sounds as if the co-worker is involved in a legalistic kind of church or religious organization that fails to distinguish between Old Testament (temporary) regulations and New Testament (eternal) truths that guide us forgiven sinners. The unconditional gospel is usually the best antidote to accompany additional information.

Recent Questions

The nephilim

Church bodies in our doctrinal fellowship

The state of Israel

Abuse and Divorce

Dreams

Angels - different types?

Paganism in America today

Mary's lineage

Original sin and objective/subjective justification

the creeds

Women as disciples

Methodist religion

Book of Enoch

The law on our hearts

Creation

The New Testament as the Inspired Word of God

The Holy Ministry

Double Predestination

Christian beliefs

Judging

Judgment

Coptic Christians

Baptism's Origins

Symbolism of Advent wreath

Tithing