Something I have never understood, even prior to my salvation but especially since is why people are so hesitant to state or stand up for their beliefs. People seem terribly afraid to ask others what they think, to share what they themselves think, or to consider what they think. One of the most common responses people seem to have when asked why they do something is "I don't know" or some variant like it, such as "that's just always what I have done" "my parents told me that" or "that's just what you do".
As Christians this is not acceptable. Our lives are to be devoted to the Lord, our existence is given to us by God and owed to Him. We are twice bought, created by our sovereign creator and then bought again by the blood of Christ. Inside of us dwells the Holy Spirit and so there is no excuse for us to believe in owning our own flesh, mind or heart. When we take this seriously, when we consider what this means how can we out of humility and devoting our selves, in submitting to the Lord NOT have a reason for all that we do.
I would dare to go as far as to say that if we can not give a biblical reason for what we do in any aspect of our lives, specific or general, that it is sin.
Romans 14:23 "But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin."
1 Cor 10:31 "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
This leads me to think that we should do all that we do fully and with love. There is precedence and biblical reasons, many verses, to be careful with what we say. The tongue is a dangerous beast and we should value the wisdom of others. However this does not justify our apathy, this in no way calls us to be pushovers or to be passive in our spreading the gospel, holding brothers accountable, or seeking growth ourselves.
There is simply no reason to be so scared of letting others see us. If we are wrong and they help us see that then praise the Lord. If we are correct by the grace of God then let others question us and further test our faith, all the long hearing the gospel themselves. Though it need not be as pointed as one side trying to change another. Rejoice in our differences, rejoice in the wisdom that God has given each of us. We each has various gifts, various aspects of the word and the truth that has been revealed to us that our brothers may not know, and there are things they know that we do not.
I must say that I am not talking about special revelation or new prophecy's, but simply that there is not a 1 2 3 guide to spiritual growth, we do not have wisdom revealed to us in the same manner and same degrees as every other brother, but we are given differences in these aspects so that we can encourage one another.
Anyways! Here are some questions that I wrote to ask a man who asked me to support his ministry. I'd love to have your opinions on questions you would add or what you think about the list!
"Prayer
How often do you pray?
How often do you pray with your wife?
What do you pray about the most?
Does God listen to a lost persons prayers?
How often do you confess/repent your sins to God? Do you need to?
Christ/Scripture
Was Jesus a man? was He God?
How often do you read your bible?
How often do you read your bible with your wife?
Is the scripture infalliable?
Is the scripture sufficent? what does this mean?
Does psychology help? Does economics help? Does methodology help?
Does sociology help?
Salvation
Do you believe in the second baptism/anoiting of the Holy Spirit?
Can we lose our salvation?
Do we have to do anything to complete/maintain our salvation?
If we are saved is there anything that will happen for sure to us?
Do we have free will?
Special
What was in the cup that Christ mentions in Luke 22:42
"saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me.
Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”"
What is revival?
Is the country Israel the spiritual Israel?
Miscalenous
What denomination would you consider yourself?
What is the prime focus/belief of your denomination?
What is sin? (Anything that does not glorify God? Anything apart from faith?
A list?)
What part does the Holy Spirit play in revealing sin?
How much sin is acceptable in the life of a saved person?
Are there any greter sins? Do you truly believe this? Do you live this?
Do you strive to live this?
Do you break any laws? Drugs (pot)? Driving? Piriting? Stealing?
Is homosexuality ok? (Active relationship, just state of attraction?)
How do you determine what entertainment is ok to watch/read/play?
Can we have complete victory over sin in this lifetime?
Violence/War
Is war ever an acceptable response? When?
Is violence ever an acceptable response? When?
Is lethal force ever an acceptable response? When?
Priorities
Do you put your relationship with God above your Wife?
Do you put your relationship with your Wife above your Children?
Do you put your relationship with your Family above your Church?
Where does your priority to your Job stand?
Family
Is your wife Christian?
Are you planning on raising your child Christian? Are there any other
options?
Does she believe in headmanship? Do you?
What aspects of faith do you and your wife defer on? Agree on?
How would you approach your wife if she was in sin? Your children?
Is divorce an option? (Ever?)
Is remarriage an option? (Ever?
Why did you marry your wife? (Do you feel that is the proper way
to marry/find a wife?)
Interesting
What is your favorite book in the bible?
Least favorite?
Who is your favorite Prophet? Apostle?
What is your favorite story in the bible?
What are some hard stories/concepts for you in the bible?
What is your greatest struggle(s)?
How do you feel about diffrent translations of the bible?"
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