Episode 15: Bringing our Anger to God and culture matters

This month, we take a look into the concept of being angry at God, and Jim answers some matters around the culture of “shipping” and “stirring”.

To check out last episode’s questions click here, and for Jim’s foreword on answering these questions click here.

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QUESTION 1.

ARE WE ALLOWED TO BE ANGRY AT GOD? WE ARE TOLD WE CAN BRING OUR SORROWS TO HIM, BUT IS GETTING ANGRY AT GOD IMPLYING THAT HE IS IN THE WRONG, WHICH IS NEVER THE CASE?

If the question was, “Is it good or right to be angry at God?”, the answer most certainly would be, “No.” As the question already included very wisely, that would imply accusing God of being “in the wrong, which is never the case.” However, in our limited knowledge and in our woefully imperfect state, we are quite familiar with the emotion of anger. Especially when we feel out of options, we often direct our anger against God whom we assume could have done something about the situation for which we find ourselves blaming Him. He is after all, sovereignly responsible for everything!

Interestingly enough, as a patient Heavenly Father, He does often allow it. The fact that we are quite often angry at God and the world still has not yet come to utter destruction is an obvious testimony to His patience. Especially in the Old Testament, the most frustrating and thankless job was that of being a prophet. Jonah was angry that God’s righteous anger did not burn against the Ninevites.   But in [Jonah 4] we find a great discourse on the topic of anger with God. Instead, the Ninevites gladly received Jonah’s prophecy and repented and received mercy and forgiveness of God. Jonah’s generation was not the time for their judgment. Later is another story. Later Zephaniah prophesied their destruction [Zeph.2:4-15]; and then the prophet Nahum describe their complete and final destruction.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28 (ESV)

Elijah, after defeating the prophets of Baal, fled from Jezebel who put a bounty on his head. He was also angry and dejected. But it is God’s patience and tenderness that restores him.

[James 1] is also clear about God’s innocence and sovereign wisdom.

Scriptural evidence shows that God does not invite you to be angry at Him. It is our lack of understanding of the fuller picture that unjustly directs anger and blame towards God of perfection and holiness. However, it is also abundantly clear, that He allows it for a time because He is gentle and merciful. But since it’s not good or right for us to stay in that anger towards Him, He also provides trust and faith for us to understand [Rom.8:28] and overcome [1Cor.10:13] eventually. In the end, we find greater resolution in the deeper and more profound faith based on the character of God.

QUESTION 2.

THE CULTURE OF '“STIRRING” OR “SHIPPING” IS SOMETHING THAT I HAVE FOUND QUITE PROMINENT IN CHURCHES (INCLUDING HCC) AND MINISTRIES. THIS CULTURE CAN BE EXTREMELY UNHELPFUL AND IN SOME CASES MAY DRIVE BROTHERS AND SISTERS AWAY FROM PLATONIC BONDING, SO HOW CAN WE AS A CHURCH AND INDIVIDUALS ADDRESS THIS?

This was a fun question. I wondered with a few others what “stirring” and “shipping” could possibly mean. From the context of the question, and gathering from several contributing opinions, I take it to mean “setting people up for dating and potential marriage.”

Well, you’re right. It does happen in churches, and it can be unhelpful—extremely even. And particularly negative is when heightened mode of these activities drive a wedge between godly, brotherly/sisterly “phileo” relationships. I do agree with you and grieve over this last thing in particular. So, how do we address this? Well, in a few eudaemonistic ways, like much of proverbs. Divine wisdom is needed for when and how we apply several related principles and understandings for maximum happy result. So, pray and seek the Spirit’s guidance as we consider the following.

Setting up young people and providing wisdom, insight, opinions both for and against certain unions is what happens in communities—in any society. After all, we don’t all live in individual islands. Church, where people gather, is a community; and HCC happens to have a lot of young singles. Community input, especially from godly Christian folks is, can be, a good thing. And yes, too much is too much. And yes, sometimes, even “collective wisdom” can get things wrong. But the record shows that sometimes we also get it right, by God’s grace!

“We are collectively responsibly for the culture around us.”

In a bigger picture, while some are annoyed by all the “stirring”, some might actually wonder why there is no stirring around them?? This is a delicate dance that started since the very beginning.

We are collectively responsible for the culture around us. But also, we are not helpless victims. We can speak into it, as well as stand up to it graciously. Sometimes, it’s great fun to consider the exciting prospects; but sometimes we just need to say ‘no’ and ‘not now’ and ‘not for awhile’. At any given point, what you think and feel may not be the same as everybody else’s. If it were, then shifting the collective culture would be a swift process. Because every individual is on a different schedule, one mode does not rule fair for everyone. You individually have a choice and can make a difference. 

Sometimes we just need to say, “Let’s just enjoy the godly fellowship of all people regardless of gender, age, and other differences. Let’s celebrate the common union in Christ!” And sometimes we don’t need to say anything at all, and just do it. But sometimes, it’s okay to “stir” as the Spirit leads, as long as the intention is honorable before God, that it isn’t to stir trouble or to get your nose where it does not belong.

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(Questions presented on this page have been edited for length and clarity.)

If you have ever wondered about topics such as these, are curious about the how’s and why’s of Christianity or have any other questions in general ask Pastor Jim anything here.

Episode 14: Imperfect Humans, a Perfect God

A load of information in this episode! This month, we explore how imperfect humans can become part of a perfect God, as well as how we should approach investment decisions as a Christian.

To check out last episode’s questions click here, and for Jim’s foreword on answering these questions click here.

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QUESTION 1.

IN MANY BIBLE VERSES, IT IS SAID THAT HUMANS WILL “BE IN GOD” OR "WILL BE “ONE WITH GOD”. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE FOR IMPERFECT HUMANS TO BECOME PART OF A PERECT BEING? SHOULD THESE VERSES BE TAKEN LITERALLY?

We can take all biblical passages “literally”. But to be fair, we need to apply appropriate literary method for interpretation fitting the context. Again, context is supremely important. “Literally” has often come to mean “simplistically” or “woodenly”, but not all communications are of one type, whether written or verbal. So, rather than hearing the way we are determined to hear, we need to seek to understand both the text and the author’s intent in order to arrive at the meaning.

21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

John 17:21-23 (ESV)

The preposition to be “in” or “with” can mean vastly different things in various different contexts depending on the nature of the object. People can be “in” a box or “in” a relationship with another person, but a pencil probably can’t be in a relationship. The main difference is that people and objects are different, but just as vast is the difference between people and their Maker. We might say that God’s relationship with mankind is condescending, but not have any intent to insult or belittle. God, as a supreme being, has to speak to us on our level, in ways that are common for us to understand; but this does not mean He is equal with us. In the Bible’s redemptive context, Jesus saves us by “hiding” us in His righteousness. He covers our imperfection with His perfection, which is the idea behind “atonement”. Like Noah and the animals in the ark, if we weren’t “in” Jesus, we wouldn’t be spared of God’s judgment. Our “oneness” with Christ is the result of His redemptive mercy.

QUESTION 2.

HAVING RECENTLY BECOME A CHRISTIAN I AM LOST AS TO HOW I SHOULD BE NAVIGATING CERTAIN INVESTING DECISIONS RELATED TO COMPANIES OPERATING IN POTENTIALLY MORALLY PROBLEMATIC INDUSTRIES. ARE THESE INDUSTRIES A COMPLETE NO-GO? IF I ALREADY HAVE FUNDS INVESTED IN THESE INDUSTRIES DO I HAVE TO SELL MY INVESTMENTS?

Very interesting question! I would have a think about the word to “invest” holistically. Etymologically, the word comes from a verb to be “clothed”, or to wear something. In a way it’s to put on a title, a rank or to add to your identity. Of course today, investment is much more about the money and numbers, as in ROI. But it’s not uncommon for investors to be personally involved in the multi-faceted aspects of the company, to make thoughtful selections that uphold their values and vision. After all, profit is only one of the many factors in investing.

Money is a tool, and depending on what you’re really after and the full-scope of your interest, the object of your investment can either support or contradict your vision and value. [Romans 12:1] tells the believers to present their bodies (whole lives) as “as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” So, it makes sense for a believer to be asking what is “holy and acceptable to God” even in your investment choice. Upon creation, we were commissioned to work for the thriving of civilization [Gen.1:28-30] and to propagate life.

28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 29 And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. 30 And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so.

Genesis 1:28-30 (ESV)

After the Fall, the progress of redemption runs parallel to restoration of the original cultural mandate, even though it won’t be perfectly achieved until the glorious return of Christ. For now, we have tremendous freedom in life choices as redeemed people [Rom.14]; but we’re told this liberty is to build-up the Kingdom of God [1Cor.10:23-33]. Lastly, it’s important to protect your own conscience in order to not quench the spirit’s fire. I call it the youth problem when the concern is around “how to avoid getting into trouble” instead of pursuing what is clearly the “best practice”.

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(Questions presented on this page have been edited for length and clarity.)

If you have ever wondered about topics such as these, are curious about the how’s and why’s of Christianity or have any other questions in general ask Pastor Jim anything here.

Episode 13: Godly Anger and Ungodly Death

Happy new year! Thank you to all the submissions so far. We are slowly working through each questions and hope to resolve any burning questions you may have.

To check out last episode’s questions click here, and for Jim’s foreword on answering these questions click here.

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QUESTION 1.

WHY DOES IT SOMETIMES SEEM LIKE GOD CANNOT CONTROL HIS ANGER? WE READ IN PSALM 78 THAT HE FED THE PEOPLE, BUT HE ALSO KILLED THE STRONGEST OF THEM BECAUSE HE WAS ANGRY.

Psalm 78 is a brief summary that chronicles the patience of God in Israel’s history. But also, [vv.32-34] mentions the judgement. Of course, what summary lacks by the nature of its brevity is the long and detailed accounts of God’s long-suffering and long-patience. If, however, we actually read through the actual accounts, and if we can dare to imagine the full scope of the actual events from God’s perspective and experience, we are likely to be convinced that God is more patient than any human can ever be. Moreover, as the Creator, He is certainly justified to take those actions. Especially when we read on the never-ending repetitive cycle of sin, betrayal, and the sheer evil, we find that we quickly lose patience over humanity long before God ever does, and wonder why He puts up with the people the way He does.

The perception that God is quick to anger is discounting the context of human unfaithfulness and sinfulness. It’s like being a blind and foolish judge who completely ignores the crimes of the perpetrator. Instead, the faithful observers will testify (as in Psalm 86:15), “You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth, and others like it [Exo.34:6; Num.14:18; 2Pet.3:15].

The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but he will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, to the third and the fourth generation.

Numbers 14:18 (ESV)

As sentient beings, we are prone to wonder about our own value, as the psalmist asks, “What is man that you are mindful of him?” [Psa.8:4a]. But to our pleasant surprise, we discover throughout the Scriptures that God values us far more than we imagine or deserve. In spite of constant rebellion and betrayal, God continue to pursue His people, and ultimately sacrifices His own Son to save us [John 3:11-21].

QUESTION 2.

IN ROMANS 5:6, IT SAYS CHRIST DIED FOR THE ‘UNGODLY’. WITH THE THEORY OF PREDESTINATION IN MIND, AM I CORRECT TO ASSUME THAT THIS WORD' ‘UNGODLY’ DOES NOT INCLUDE THE PEOPLE THAT GOD HAS NOT ELECTED?

In this context, the description of “ungodly” is, on one hand, referring specifically to the elect for whom Christ died for, but also as a way to compare their equal “ungodly” status as compared to all fallen people.

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

Romans 5:6 (ESV)

Rather than highlighting the difference, it highlights the equal undeserved and fallen status prior to justification. It emphasises the point of “unconditional election,” more so than “limited atonement” in the scheme of 5-points of TULIP associated with Calvinism.

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(Questions have been edited for length and clarity.)

If you have ever wondered about topics such as these, are curious about the how’s and why’s of Christianity or have any other questions in general ask Pastor Jim anything here.

Episode 10: Revelation and Temptations

We’re back from our short break! This episode, we’ll be looking at how to interpret the book of Revelation and end times, as well as how God tests us.

To check out last episode’s questions click here, and for Jim’s foreword on answering these questions click here.

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QUESTION 1.

HOW DO WE INTERPRET THE BOOK OF REVELATION AND ALL THE CONSPIRACIES WE HEAR ABOUT THE END TIMES? I FEEL HESITANT ABOUT BRUSHING THINGS OFF AS SIMPLY A SYMBOL AS I WANT TO TAKE GOD’S WORD SERIOUSLY.

The Book of Revelation is a unique genre among the New Testament books. But there are also 17 other prophetic books in the Old Testament (Isaiah through Malachi) that shares the similar characteristics and interpretive challenges. Having this precedence means that Revelation isn’t entirely odd, and that we can utilize much of what we learn about interpreting O.T. prophetic literatures plus the added hindsight of much of the O.T. Prophesies having been fulfilled in history, such as the plight of the nation of Israel, and the first coming of the Messiah-Saviour, Jesus Christ. We even see the recurrence of similar expressions and characters reintroduced in the N.T. prophesy. However, we must pay close attention to the continuity and discontinuity along the spectrum of history since Revelation is certainly a latter revelation. Most importantly, we must understand the clear teachings of the gospel in the whole of the New Testament. 

One of the most important principles in interpreting the Bible is that “scriptures interpret scriptures”. This means that on any given topic or subject, the clearer passages help to interpret the less clear passages, while the latter adds or fill-in things that the prior may lack. In other words, we should not single-out curious or obscure passages, then let that be the central enquiry by which all other passages stand or fall. 

Revelation affirms what the rest of the N.T. teaches. In fact, they all affirm one another.

Obviously, so much more could be said about the book of Revelation, but I would summarize it as a “triumphant capitulation of the gospel reality.” In fact, there are cycles of various gospel elements told and retold through series of visions as given to Apostle John. But visions are similar to dreams in that they are dynamic in expression even though the reality they portray are quite straight forward. We see symbolic themes of imageries, numbers and characters, much like in the O.T. prophesies, but they have real life counterpart in the repeated teachings of the gospel, which is the life-death-resurrection-ascension-return of Jesus Christ. Therefore, we need to remember that the straight teachings of the gospel inform Revelation and not the other way around. Revelation affirms what the rest of the N.T. teaches. In fact, they all affirm one another.

As for the sensationalism incited by fictions and movies, they are merely capitalizing on the highly evocative nature of the vision imageries in Revelation, plus the gravity associated with the biblical scriptures. Most often they only amount to cheap entertainment that has very little to do with the actual biblical-gospel message.

For more detailed studies, I would recommend the following three commentaries and monograms: “More than a Conquerors” by William Hendriksen; “Triumph of the Lamb” by Dennis Johnson; and a much more technical and scholarly commentary on Revelation by Greg Beale in the New International Greek Testament Commentary (NIGTC) series .

QUESTION 2.

GOD DOESN’T TEMPT US, BUT IS IT RIGHT TO SAY THAT GOD TESTS OUR FAITH? WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BEING TESTED AND BEING TEMPTED?

Yes, there certain is a distinction between testing and tempting. The difference lies in the intention. Testing merely proves what is or isn’t there, whereas temptation is laid on for a desire to see someone fall as victim to the temptation. Testing is neutral, but tempting is sinister.

The bible clearly states that God does not tempt [James 1:13-15], but that He does test [Psalm 26:2; Jer.17:10; 1Thess.2:4; 1Peter 1:6-7; etc.] our faith and faithfulness. However, the ultimate test is reserved for the final judgement where all things will be laid bare and accounted for [1Cor.3:13-15].

Each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

1 Corinthians 3:13-15 (ESV)

As for us, we should not test God [Matthew 4:7] as if we are above Him; but instead, we should test ourselves [2Cor.13:5] to see where we stand in the faith or not.

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(Questions have been edited for length and clarity.)

If you have ever wondered about topics such as these, are curious about the how’s and why’s of Christianity or have any other questions in general ask Pastor Jim anything here.

Episode 2: Reading and Re-Reading the Word

Thank you to everyone who has submitted questions so far. We’ve had an enjoyable time reading through these and are excited to share with you the answers throughout the next coming weeks. In this episode, Pastor Jim will be sharing his advice concerning reading & understanding the Word.

To check out last episode’s questions, as well as Jim’s foreword on answering these, click here.

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Question 1.

How am I to read and study bible books that contain chapters of just listing names, like chronicles? I find it hard to see what God is trying to show me during these chapters.

You must be referring to genealogies and censuses.  And there are quite a few places where we find them. Each are for their own particular reasons and context, and therefore arranged accordingly.  Some seeming contradictions are actually different editorial emphases, and some individuals having multiple names to name a couple of challenges.  Some lists are used for credentialing, and some are for arguing a point.  There are many reasons and just as many ways to extract benefit in studying them.

But the most important “thread” is the line that connects to Jesus Christ, the Son of Abraham, Judah, King David, etc.

Still there are many “nuggets” to be gained along the way to Jesus as various characters within the list, and each editorial context of listing have unique Gospel points.

The initial reading will seem like a pile of foreign names, interesting sounding but irrelevant.  But upon multiple subsequent passing through the Bible, from time to time, you’ll come across certain names that you hadn’t expected to see outside those lists, and suddenly, they are more than just a name.

The point is, everything, anything in life, is hard at first.  And instead of asking a massive general questions like, “How do I understand the whole thing at once?”  Try asking a specific question, and go after the answer, one concrete question at a time.  Also, see how many names from a particular list show up in other narrative passages, and highlight them on the list.  Sometimes the highlights will fill up the list, or they will show a pattern, or something else.  How exciting!

Also click here for more information on this topic.

Question 2.

What does "edifying" mean?

This word is often interchangeably used with “build-up” (Gk. oikodomei) [Rom.14:19; 15:2; 2Cor.13:10; etc.], and it literally means to raise up a structure necessary for a building, such as walls and supporting beams and roof.  And the word “edify” shares the root-meaning with edifice or building.

As you can see the importance of a building to be standing firm and built up, the idea of edifying a person is also to raise up the inner person to be strong and fortified through various means, most importantly spiritually.

Here’s an article that highlights various ways to “edify” another brother or sister in Christ. 

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If you have ever wondered about topics such as these, are curious about the how’s and why’s of Christianity or have any other questions in general ask Pastor Jim anything here.