gospelfaqs

Cork Free Presbyterian Church, 10 Briarscourt (Annex) Shanakiel, Cork, Ireland
Pastor: Colin Maxwell. Email: colin.maxwell@fpcmission.org

1.God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24,).
2.Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? (Job 11:7,).
3.Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou [art] God. (Psalms 90:2,).
4.Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James 1:17,).
5.And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. (Exodus 3:14,).
6.Great [is] our Lord, and of great power: his understanding [is] infinite. (Psalms 147:5,).
7.And the four beasts had each of them six wings about [him]; and [they were] full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. (Revelation 4:8,).
8.Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for [thou] only [art] holy: (Revelation 15:4,).
9.And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear [the guilty]; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth [generation]. (Exodus 34:6-7,).
As you can see…all these attributes or characteristics reveal Him as One to be worshipped and loved.

Why does God allow suffering?
A short answer can easily be viewed as a glib answer and such must be avoided. However it is suffice to say that all suffering in the world is the result of the sinful fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. There was no suffering in the world before this calamity. It is worth pointing out that when there are great disasters in the world with the resulting suffering, we are always anxious to save lives…which shows that, overall, life is well worth holding on to. Also if God was to directly intervene and stop suffering by dealing directly with the root cause, then He would intervene in men's lives in a way that they would vehemently protest against. Men want to sin without the horrible consequences. [Note: Not all suffering flows from personal sin as the case of Job proves and also the question answered in John 9:2-3 proves)

Does God believe in atheists?
Yes…in the sense that He knows that they exist. But he doesn't think very highly of them. Behind those white coats and certificate framed walls, God simply says: The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good. (Psalm 53:1)

JESUS CHRIST
What historical evidence do we have that Jesus Christ ever lived?
Obviously we have the Bible which is a most reliable historical document. Despite all the hype…no one yet has proved the Bible to be wrong. If Christians are accused of starting of on the premise that the Bible is true…then remember that its critics start of on the premise that it is untrue and will always remain so. However, we do have outside evidences which bear testimony to Christ.

Josephus the Jewish Historian records: Now, there was about this time, Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works - a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ; and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men among us, had condemned him to the Cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of the Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day. (Antiquities of the Jews. Book 18 chapter 3) Also, we should remember that every time we look at our calendars and take note of the date…we are bearing silent witness to the fact of His birth.

How do we know that Jesus Christ was really human?
The Bible distinctly asks the question of him "What manner of man is this?" (Luke 8:25) recording the names of his real mother and legal father and the circumstances of His birth (Luke 2:1-11/Luke 3:23) and recording that he had brothers and sisters (Matthew 13:55) He had a soul that was capable of feeling human emotions and suffering (Matthew 26:38) He knew what it was to be wearied (John 4:6) thirsty (John 19:28) hungry (Matthew 21:18) He wept (John 11:35) and was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:3) At other times, He rejoiced in spirit (Luke 10:21) His sufferings on Calvary were human - they pierced His hands and feet etc., (Psalm 22) When the soldier pierced His side - forthwith came there out blood and water (John 19:34) which are consistent with human injuries. Although risen from the dead with a glorified body, he is still known as "the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5)

Was Jesus Christ really born of a Virgin?
Yes…such was prophesied in Isaiah 7:14 and alluded to in Matthew 1:23 and Luke 1:27. Some modern versions render the word "young woman" but this is a perversion. Since all those who are descendants from the first Adam are sinners (Romans 5:12/Psalm 51:5) then it was necessary for the Lord Jesus (who is called the Last Adam in 1 Corinthians 15:45) to be of a different line. The Bible says that Mary was a virgin who conceived of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:31-35) This means that the Lord Jesus could bear away our sins, being free himself from any taint of original (and actual) sin.

Why do Christians believe that Jesus Christ was God?
Because the Bible distinctly proclaims him to be so: (John 1:1/14) calling Him by that name and also identifying Him as "our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13) He freely took the title of Deity in John 8:58 saying "Before Abraham was, I am" (and not "I was" but eternally present and above time) He is accredited with all the attributes and actions of Deity i.e. Creation etc., (John 1:3) When Thomas saw Him after His resurrection, he proclaimed Christ in John 21:28 to be "My Lord and my God" (Literally: "the Lord of me and the God of me") Christ commended him for his faith (John 20:29)

Is Jesus not just another prophet?
No. Certainly He was a prophet like unto Moses (Acts 3:20-23) but He was much more than a prophet. He is the one of whom the prophets testified (Luke 24:25-27/John 1:45/Acts 10:43) There were no more revelatory prophets after Him (Hebrews 1:1-3)
Is Jesus Christ not just one way to God among many?
No. He claimed Himself to be the "way, the truth and the life" distinctly proclaiming, "No man cometh unto the Father but by me" (John 14:6) Then use of the singular is significant as it is in John 10:9 where He claimed: "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved…" John 10 commences with the dire warning that He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. (John 10:1) To teach otherwise is to render Jesus Christ either a knave or a fool and such a Christ would automatically be ruled out of contention. Peter proclaimed the name of Christ in Acts 4, adding "...neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (v12)

Why did Jesus Christ die on the Cross?
He died as God's appointed Substitute for guilty sinners. He Himself knew no sin, yet He willingly took the sinner's place and died in his room and stead. God was willing to pour out the punishment which the sinner is due to bear on His own dear Son. This is what He did and so satisfied the angry though righteous demands of Divine justice which demanded that blood be shed (Leviticus 17:11/Hebrews 9:22) He did not die for righteous people, but for sinners (Romans 5:6-8) He was not forced to die, but willingly gave Himself (John 10:18)

Did Jesus Christ really rise again from the dead?
Yes! Paul recounts the many witnesses to the fact in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 The resurrection is evidence that God accepted the work of the Cross. Death could not contain Him no longer as He paid the debt.

Where is Jesus Christ now?
Having risen again from the dead, He ascended up into Heaven and is there now at God's right hand, exalted to be a Prince and a Saviour (Acts 5:31) He is praying for His believing people which makes Him able to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by Him (Hebrews 7:25) He has gone to prepare a place for us and said that He will come again and receive us unto Himself (John 14:1-3) and so shall we ever be with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

Is Jesus Christ coming again and when?
Yes. Matthew 24 tells of some the events which will precede His return. We cannot set times and dates (Acts 1:7) It is enough for us to know that we need to be also ready, for in an hour that we think not the Son of man will come (Matthew 24:44)

THE BIBLE
How many books are there in the Bible?
There are 66 books in the Bible. While we might refer to it as "the Book" it is really a collection or library of books.

How do we know the Bible is the word of God?
There are a number of evidences. [1] The majesty of its language: There is nothing coarse about the Bible, but it's the language is fitting for the high lofty claims it makes. [2] The Holiness and Purity of the Bible: It constitutes the definition of sin (1 John 3:4/Psalm 119:128) It urges men unto holiness, not only in deed but in attitude. [3] The Consent and Harmony of its writers: Over 40 different men, writing over a period of 1500 years and yet it all dovetails together without one single contradiction or error. [4] The High Mysteries of the Bible: It speaks of things no man could even dream of speaking about. It speaks of the creation of the world as a witness who was there. It reveals what happens when men dies. It gives us an insight into the ways and thoughts of God and even our own selves. [5] The Antiquity of the Bible: In its oral form (preceding its transfer to writing) it dates right back to the very first man and woman. [6] Its power to change men's lives. It makes bad men good. [7] It Grand Design: To lead men to glorify God and enjoy Him forever - a more godly and happy design could not be imagined. [8] It was vindicated by great miracles (Hebrews 2: 1-4) [9] It has been preserved despite every possible attempt to discredit it and destroy it. [10] Men have willingly laid down their lives to defend it and/or propagate it.

How were the Bible writers inspired?
We are not told the actual method of inspiration…just that the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter 1:21)

How do you reconcile the Bible with science?
There is no contradiction between science and the Bible. The great battle is between the Bible and what often masquerades as science e.g. evolution. Whilst the Bible is not primarily a science book…yet any scientific statement it makes is scientifically correct. It is the word of Him who knoweth all things (1 John 3:20) and who cannot lie (Titus 1:2) When scientists(!) believed that the world was flat…the Bible declared that it was circular in format (Proverbs 8:27) Eventually the scientists caught up. There are thousands of respectable scientists who can harmonise the two without compromising their faith. Any so called scientific theory which opposes the Bible is defined as science falsely so called (1 Timothy 6:20)

Are there not contradictions in the Bible?
No…not one. There are plenty of apparent contradictions, but carefully study shows that there is complete harmony within itself. This is another testimony to the fact that it is indeed the word of God. A book invented by mere men would eventually fail at some given point.

Is the Old Testament relevant for today?
Yes. It is as much inspired as the New Testament. The Old Testament is incomplete without the New which interprets it for us. Likewise the New Testament builds on the foundation of the old. It is a complete Book.

Can we not just pick and choose what parts we want to believe?
No. Such editing/judgement/censorship would imply that we are greater and wiser than God. It is all or nothing.

What is the best way to study the Bible?
We are to study the Bible prayerfully, crying out to God like the Psalmist: "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." (Psalm 119:18) We should study it with due reverence and care, being careful not to put an imbalanced interpretation upon any part. We cannot interpret one passage right if we contradict another. We should interpret the harder sections by the easier. We should ever look for Christ who is the key to the Bible. We should study it with a heart that is ever ready to obey it. It will not yield anything to mere curiosity seekers.

What is the best translation of the Bible to use?
The Authorised (King James) Version. Although translated in 1611 and its spellings and punctuation etc., improved upon around 1789, it is still the most faithful translation in the English language available today. It enjoys the support of the vast majority of the ancient manuscripts available.

Do you worship the Bible?
No. The accusation that we are guilty of bibliolatry is false. We do not worship the paper and ink of the book. But we revere the message it contains remembering that the Lord has magnified His word above all His name (Psalm 138:2)

SIN
What exactly is sin?
Sin literally means to miss the mark i.e. to fall short of the glory or the standard of God (Romans 3:23) as revealed in His word. Therefore we read that "sin is the transgression of the law of God (1 John 3:4) David rightly declared: Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way. (Psalm 119:128)

Why can I not set my own definition of sin?
Because your heart is desperately wicked and deceitful above all things (Jeremiah 17:9) and this bias will undoubtedly influence the standard you set. Besides, if everyone did that, you would have anarchy on a scale scarcely witnessed before. There is One Lawgiver(James 4:12) and that is God Himself (Isaiah 33:22)

What are "situational ethics"?
Where men try to do what was suggested above - set their own definition of sin. It leads to that most despicable and hellish of practices that the end always justifies the means. What is right today in one situation might be wrong tomorrow in another and vice versa.

Is the mention of sin not "politically incorrect"?
Probably. Don't let that worry you. "Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:28)

What does sin lead to?
Misery and shame. Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard. (Proverbs 13:15)

Where does sin lead to?
Separation from God (Isaiah 59:2) both in this life (Ephesians 2:12) and in the burning blackness of hell to come (Matthew 25:41/Psalm 9:17)

SALVATION
What do preachers mean when they speak about being "saved?"
Because it is taught in the Bible. The Philippian jailer asked the question: "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" To which Paul and Silas replied, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." (Acts 16:30-31) God saves or delivers us from [1] the penalty of sin which is death. This is our justification which is a one off declaration that we are innocent of all charges against us. It can neither be diminished or increased: Romans 8:32-33 [2] the power of sin in our daily lives (an ongoing life time work) and [3] the very presence of sin. This part of the one salvation takes place either at death or when Jesus Christ returns.

Can you be sure that you are saved?
Yes. The Apostle John could write: "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." (1 John 5:13) The Apostle Paul made some strong statements as well: "For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." (2 Timothy 1:12)

Is it presumptuous to say that you are saved?
It can be. There are many who are self deluded who think that they are saved when they are not. Jesus talked about some of these in Matthew 7:22-23 22 "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." These were people who were never actually saved. He never knew them…not that He had known them but knew them no longer. But the mistaken notions of the false should not prevent the true confession of the genuine.

Can salvation be lost?
No. We may lose the joy of salvation and its peace and comforts etc., but the salvation of God itself can never be lost. Eternal life, by its very nature, cannot be extinguished: John 10:28-29 Nothing can separate the true child of God from God's love (Romans 8:35-39)

Who can be saved?
Salvation is to be preached to every single creature (Mark 16:15) The offer is as wide as it can get: "Whosoever will…let him take of the water of life freely" (Revelation 22:17) No man is excluded on the grounds of race, colour, religion or background from hearing the gospel. Jesus promised: Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out. (John 6:37)

How can I be saved?
Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9) It is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. (Romans 9:16) If you have a desire to be saved, then you should
[1] Acknowledge that you personally as an individual are a guilty sinner in the sight of a holy God. Christ only came to save sinners and bring them to repentance (Luke 5:31)
[2] You should recognise that God has provided a Saviour for you and that this Saviour is Christ alone. Not a church. Not a sacrament. Not a priest or a minister. Not a pilgrimage or some religious duty or observance. Christ's work alone. His righteous life and atoning death is sufficient to satisfy the Divine requirements and reconcile us to God.
[3] In a simple act of faith - put your full trust upon that finished work, making it the sole grounds of acceptance with God. [4] Although listed separately, yet such faith in the Bible always includes repentance for sin. Repentance is to confess, hate and forsake sin and embrace righteousness.
These "steps" (if I can use that word) will bring you into acceptance with God. Jesus said: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24)

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
What do you mean the "Christian life"?
I refer to the post conversion period i.e. after you personally receive Christ as your Lord and Saviour. Salvation is not the end - but the beginning. The Bible says: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

What place does the Bible play in the Christian life?
It is to be central in the Christian life. Especially at the beginning: "As new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:" (1 Peter 2:2) Read the Bible every day. Get a good Bible reading plan which will take you through the Bible in a year of daily readings. In the Bible, God talks to you. Have a listening ear. Test all doctrine/practices by the Bible…rejecting that which has no scriptural basis. read the Bible and obey it.

What place does prayer play in the Christian life?
Another important feature. Pray daily to God in your own language. God is not looking for oratory but sincerity. "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17) does not mean that we are always on our knees, but it means that we should always be in the attitude of prayer. If God talks to us through the Bible, then we talk to Him through prayer. We are to pray to God only through Jesus Christ. There is no scriptural exhortation to pray to or through Mary or any of the saints or in front of any images or pictures.

Should I meet with other Christians?
Yes. Birds of a feather flock together. The early Christians gathered together for to worship God and for mutual encouragement, to learn more about the Lord Jesus. Paul said that we are not to be forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25)

What kind of church should I meet in?
Where the Bible is unashamedly believed and preached. Where the doctrine is found in the Bible alone and not traced back to man's tradition. Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers is our guiding star here. Make sure your church is outside the Ecumenical Movement. This movement has seriously compromised the word of God. A Bible based evangelical church will best suit the needs of your soul.

Am I obliged to tell others that I am a Christian?
Jesus said that we are to confess him before men (Mark 8:38) This can often prove difficult at first…but the child of God will always betray himself one way or another. It is best to nail your colours to the mast early. Others will only be won by your telling them of their need. Just as someone told you.

What about persecution?
It is true that some persecution may arise because you are a Christian - even and sometimes more so in homes where religion holds sway. Religion is not Christianity. Many times this opposition subsides when it is seen that you are determined to confess Christ. Underneath the harsh words is often a kind of respect for your convictions. Soon there might even be a sympathy for you and an interest born in the gospel. Also - it must be said that sometimes persecution is more imaginary than real. Don't cross bridges that might not be there!

What are the rewards of living a faithful Christian life?
Not salvation…because it is a gift and not of works. We do not work to become a Christian, neither do we work to stay a Christian or earn favour with God. We work out of sheer gratitude to Christ who stopped so low to save so little. After a faithful Christian life, we may expect to hear Christ Himself say: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21)