Ask The Pastor

February 18, 2004

> Question:
>
> First I would like to say that I am so happy to have found this
> website. Ever since this new movie came about, "The Passion of the
> Christ", I have been struggling with some questions. I am very
> interested in seeing this movie but I don't want to become
> "brainwashed" after seeing it because there is so much controversy
> over the movie.

Hi Karen,

Glad that you wrote. As for the movie, go see it. Most folk do not realize how very real the sufferings of the cross were.

> I will just list a few of my questions and I will be so greatful if
> you could email me some answers.
>
> 1. What is a Jew?

This question is not without its difficulties. One of the leaders in Israel simply said that a Jew is anyone who says he is a Jew. However, in a general sense a Jew is someone who follows Judaism as a religion. But even this is not entirely accurate. A great many people who call themselves Jews are not religious at all. Many are secular. Others are atheists. For them being a Jew is a way of identifying with a culture.

See the problem? It gets even more complicated. The Orthodox branch of Judaism consider a person a Jew only if their mother was a Jew, or if the person had converted to Judaism.

> 2. What is the difference between a Jew and a Christian.

The primary difference centers on Jesus Christ. As a religion, Judaism does not accept Jesus as the Messiah. Yet this does not speak for all Jews. There are a many Jews who truly believe that Jesus is the Savior of the world and that He is the true Messiah of Israel. These are called Messianic Jews. They have their own synagogues.

> 3. What is meant by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? I realize
> that they are one unity but why do we pray to all three? Could you
> explain the three individual identities?

The problem comes from perspective. Trinitarians believe there is only one God, but that He reveals eternally as three persons. Other Christians believe that Father, Son and Holy Spirit are simply manifestations of the one true God. You will find a variety of beliefs in this regard.

As for praying to all three, this is not what the Bible teaches. We are to pray to the Father in the name of Jesus. The Holy Spirit is the presence of God in our lives, to guide us in a proper walk with Him.

> 4. I believe that our lives are planned out before we are even born
> and that every single circumstance was planned and happens for a
> reason. How does prayer change the circumstances or does it?

Another awesome question. David did say that all the days that are allotted for us are determined beforehand. But to say that every single circumstances is planned may is not a healthy view. We would be saying that God planned for us to sin, that He lead us into sin, and thus He is responsible for our sins. All this is contrary to the Scriptures.

I personally believe that the Lord sets perimeters for our walk with Him, and that we have free will within those perimeters. It is sort of like the Lord saying, 'You can make choices within the scope of my desire and plan for you.'

> For instance, if a person is dying of cancer and many people are
> praying for him, does the power of prayer change his fate?

Christianity does not teach a concept of fate in itself. To answer your question, Christians are instructed to pray by and under the influence of the Holy Spirit. It is in this way that our prayers can be directed or ordered correctly.

Do many prayers change the situation with cancer? Sometimes yes. Perhaps no. There are often variables that we aren't aware of. This is why it is so important for a child of God to trust the Lord completely, even when things go differently that what we wish.

> These are only a few questions that I have and I would be so
> greatful of you if you could answer them.

You have asked very good questions. Hopefully I've helped a bit.

> I was raised a Christian and have always practiced my faith but
> after a recent life altering experience, my faith has become so much
> stronger and I think about God with every breath I take.

Sounds like you are taking on the attitude of a disciple. There is a great difference between a believer and a disciple. Both are saved people, but the disciple learns to walk according to the ways of the Lord, whereas a believer may not be at that place, yet.

> If it wasn't for my faith and my strong relationship with God, I
> would have given up on life a long time ago. I pray daily for this
> world and wish that more people would accept God into their lives so
> we would all be more loving and at peace.

No question that the world needs to turn to the Lord. We have a message to share. The message is that God gave His only Son for our sins, and that all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, will not come into judgment. Jesus said that believers have 'passed out of death into life."

> God Bless and thank you for your help.

You are most welcome.

The Lord bless you,

Buddy

Bro. Buddy Martin - Ask the Pastor

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Lawrence "Buddy" Martin
email: Bro.Buddy@ChristianChallenge.org
Web: http://www.ChristianChallenge.org

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