Rodney Gage | reThink Life

FAQ-Suicide

June 27, 2011 in FAQ with 0 Comments

If a person commits suicide, does that person automatically go to Hell?

I’m going to try to answer this and I want to do it as compassionately as I can, because there are many of you who have experienced this type of loss with someone that you love. My heart breaks for you. Some of you may be at a place where you feel like the world is so dark, you’ve actually thought about this maybe in the past, or even recently contemplated taking your own life.

As a pastor, to officiate the funeral of a person who has committed suicide is the most gut-wrenching experience you could ever imagine.

What happens to someone when they commit suicide? While the Bible doesn’t say directly, here’s what happens. Those who say unquestionably, if someone commits suicide they go to hell, they’ll often use this verse.

1 John 3:15 Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.

They’ll say taking your own life is obviously murder, so therefore you will not go to heaven. It’s interesting though to remember the Old Testament story of Samson. He took his own life in an attempt to destroy his enemy, the Philistines. But, he’s listed in the Chapter of Faith (Hebrews 11); most likely implying that even though he took his own life, he would spend eternity in heaven.

Here’s my take.

Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.

I see only one sin in the Bible that is unforgivable. That is the unpardonable sin, the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (final rejection of the Holy Spirit working to bring us into a relationship with Jesus Christ).

That is a different sin than taking your own life. I believe that taking your life is unquestionably a sin, and it’s also one of the most selfish things that you can do. It is my belief and hope, that since all other sin is forgivable, this one is as well.

It is my belief that a Christian who takes his life can be forgiven. But, I say that with more caution than you could ever imagine; because I beg you, never, ever use that to justify or rationalize a decision to take your life. Don’t risk your eternal destination based on a dark moment. I believe there are people who can be under severe demonic attack, demonic oppression, or in a very dark place and in one moment of panic thinking life can’t get better, they make a sinful, stupid, and selfish decision. And it is my belief and hope that God has the grace through His Son, to forgive them.

If you ever contemplate suicide, know that it is NEVER the answer. You will leave a wake of more pain than you can possibly comprehend. There is always hope. If you are considering this, tell someone today. Tell Christ, call on Him. There is always help in Christ, there is always healing in Christ, there is always forgiveness in Christ, there is always love in Christ. Call on Christ, and call on your church and let us comfort you in this time.

FAQ – End of the World

June 24, 2011 in FAQ with 0 Comments

Guest Blogger: Kent Van Natta, Lay-Pastor

Are we in “The End Times?”

I will break this one down into three separate questions. Essentially, I think there are two primary questions being asked and one that comes up as a result of the answer.

1. Are we in “The End Times?”

The answer to that question is easily yes. At Jesus’ Ascension we are promised with His imminent return (Acts 1:6-11) and told repeatedly to be on the alert because we do not know at what time He will come (2 Peter 3:1-8; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

Matthew 24:7-8 (NASB) For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.

2. Does Matthew 24:7-8 refer to what is happening in the world today?

The answer to this question is no. Here are several reasons that this passage does not refer to our point in history right now. First, it is important to remember that Jesus never speaks of the Rapture of the Church. All of the events that he mentions begin in the Great Tribulation and culminate in the Great White Throne Judgment. Therefore, the events we see Jesus describe must be those which are mentioned in the descriptions we see in the Great Tribulation (Rev. 6-16). Specifically, you can see fulfillments of the preceding verses in Rev. 6:8, 12-14; 8:7-12; 16:17-21. Second, it is important to remember the question that Jesus is specifically asked, “What will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3) Jesus’ answer then regards that which immediately precedes His Coming (Second, not Rapture) and what precedes the end of the world. Third, it helps to notice Jesus’ own explanation of His comments in Matthew 24:29.

Matthew 24:29 (NASB)But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give us light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

Here He identifies the remarks that He has made in vs. 4-28 as being couched during the Great Tribulation. Those points should specifically clarify Jesus’ remarks as referring to the Great Tribulation and not the current days. However, that does not mean that things such as earthquakes, lawlessness, and other natural disasters will not increase during our days. The Bible makes it clear that all of these things, and even those described in Matthew 24:4-8, will continue to increase as men become more wicked and rebel against God.

3. Are the Rapture of the Church and the Second Coming two separate events?

This third question is often asked after the above questions have been answered and understood. If the Rapture of the Church and the Second Coming of Christ are the same event then it would be a prerequisite to interpret Matthew 24:4-8 as referring to the current days because these would be events preceding His Second Coming and not any type of Church Rapture. I think it is quite easy to show that the Rapture and the Second Coming are separate and distinct events.

First, the terminology is different. The Rapture is derived from the Greek word harpazo, whereas the Second Coming comes from the Greek word parousia.

Second, the descriptions of these two events demand that they be seen as mutually exclusive. The Rapture occurs in the air, the Second Coming on the earth. In the Rapture, Christ snatches up believers; in the Second Coming, angels gather the elect. The Rapture events are meant to comfort believers; the Second Coming events cause mourning. Not everyone will see the Rapture; however, everyone will see the Second Coming. In the Rapture believers go to heaven; whereas, in the Second Coming they stay on earth as Christ establishes His kingdom (see comparison of 1 Thessalonians 4 and Matthew 24). Suffice to say there are a lot of exclusive places and events that make these distinct. Christ can’t be on the earth and in the air at the same time, nor can the same event cause comfort and mourning at the same time.

Kent has a Bachelors Degree in Interpersonal Communications from the University of Central Florida and a Masters Degree in Theological Studies with Biblical Languages from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has been working with evangelism and discipleship ministries for over eleven years on staff, in the pastorate, and as a lay-leader. His areas of study include apologetics, theology, philosophy, and comparative religions. His primary goal in ministry is imparting truth in order to equip and transform believers to have Christ-centered lives.

A note from Rodney: If you would like to hear more on the End Times, listen to one or all of these messages on the subject at http://www.fellowshiporlando.com/media.php?pageID=35.

The End of the World–Get Ready (4/11/10)

The End of the World–Why the Rapture? (4/18/10)

The End of the World–The Coming Judgement (4/25/10)

The End of the World–Heaven (5/2/10)

FAQ – Watching Us?

June 22, 2011 in FAQ with 0 Comments

Can People See Us From Heaven?

Another great question. A lot of folks have lost a loved one and want to know if they are watching our daily lives and activities from Heaven? A lot of people say, “Grandma is my guardian angel,” or “Grandma’s watching over me.” Honestly, because I am not perfect and fall short of others expectations, there are times I hope Grandma is not watching! Those who say that they might be able to see us, will often quote this verse.

Hebrews 12:1 (NLT) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith…

Some believe that the “crowd of witnesses” is actually witnessing what happens here on earth. Personally, I think the “crowd of witnesses” witness the glory of God and cannot see what’s happening here on earth. In Luke 16, again, the story about the rich man and Lazarus indicates that they probably cannot see us, because if they could see us, they would be filled with grief in seeing the wickedness, pain, and suffering that we endure. There is no grief in heaven, so I don’t think people can see us. God is all knowing and thankfully, Grandma is not.

FAQ – ‘Til Death Do Us Part?

June 20, 2011 in FAQ with 0 Comments

Will we be married in Heaven?

Great question. I wish we were, because I love my wife Michelle so much. But, read what Jesus said about this.

Matthew 22:30 (NLT) For when the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage. In this respect they will be like the angels in heaven.

According to this verse of scripture unfortunately, we are not going to be married in heaven. My prayer is that my wife Michelle will at least be my roommate or be my next-door neighbor.

FAQ – Jesus is _____.

June 17, 2011 in FAQ with 0 Comments

Guest Blogger: Kent Van Natta, Lay-Pastor

Is Jesus God?

Let me say that this is one that I have dealt with quite frequently in conversations with Jehovah’s Witnesses. The issue primarily revolves around John 1:1 and the subsequent interpretation of this verse.

John 1:1 (NASB) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Jehovah’s Witnesses (hereafter referred to with the acronym JWs) suggest that John 1:1 should be translated “a god” rather than “God.” They infer that since the word Theos (God) does not have the direct article “the” (which is commonly used in Greek to signify God rather than gods) that it is incorrect to translate John 1:1 as “God.” The reason that this is significant is that it undermines one of Jesus’ claims to divinity. If John 1:1 is referring to “a god” then John 1:14, which identifies the subject of John 1:1 as Jesus, is suggesting that Jesus is not the one true God. This logic would seem to be sound were it not for the fact that the word God (Theos) is used 13 other times in the Gospel of John without the direct article “the.” 12 of the 14 times the phrase is used the New World Translation (JWs bible) renders that phrase as “God,” rather than “a god.” The only exceptions to that rule are found in John 1:1 and 10:33 where JWs render it as “a god” to avoid giving Jesus equality with the one true God. Only in verses where Jesus is not the object of the word “God” is the translation “God” provided. However, even if we assume that John 1:1 is translated correctly by the JWs that would still leave 12 other places in the book of John alone where they did not follow their own rule of translation and thereby created errors through mistranslation. Below is a list of the places in the Gospel of John where the Greek word Theos is translated as “God” by the JWs without the direct article “the”:

John 1:1 “a god”

John 1:6 “of God”

John 1:12 “God’s children”

John 1:13 “from God”

John 1:18 “seen God”

John 3:2 “from God”

John 3:21 “with God”

John 8:54 “your God”

John 9:16 “from God”

John 9:33 “from God”

John 10:33 “a god”

John 13:3 “from God”

John 16:30 “from God”

John 20:17 “your God”

From the JW Bible, www.watchtower.org/e/bible

The issue at stake between JWs and Evangelical Christians is whether or not Jesus is the one true God. JWs see him as a prophet rather than one with the Father. However, this kind of view does not align with the words of Jesus. Jesus Himself claimed to be God in John 4:25-26, Matthew 16:15-17, Mark 14:61-62, and John 10:30. The Pharisees clearly believed that He was claiming to be God as they condemned Him to death for blasphemy (Mark 16:63-64) and picked up stones to stone Him for blasphemy (John 10:31-33). JWs can say they don’t believe He is God, but they can’t honestly say that He didn’t claim to be God or that others in the Bible didn’t see Him as claiming divinity. Calling him a prophet does not resolve this issue because a prophet must be honest in all that he says or he is not a messenger from God. JWs cannot maintain that he is a prophet; disregard some of his claims, and still maintain that he spoke the truth from God. If his claims to be God are wrong then he is not a prophet (which creates a problem as they see him as a central prophet). If his claims to divinity are accurate then he is more than a prophet; he is the one true God. Jesus is God.

FAQ – Friends in High Places

June 15, 2011 in FAQ with 0 Comments

Will we recognize each other in Heaven?

Unfortunately, the Bible doesn’t speak directly to this anywhere. There is evidence that we are going to have some sort of a memory of what took place on earth, because we’ll give an account for our actions.

Hebrews 9:27 (NLT) And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment…

There’s also a great story in Luke 16, where a rich man in a place called Hades looks up and sees Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. If you read this story, you’ll see that the rich man in Hades was concerned about his brothers that were still left behind on earth, giving us some indication of memory after death. In my opinion, I believe that people will recognize each other in heaven.

FAQ – Cremation

June 13, 2011 in FAQ with 0 Comments

Is it okay to be cremated?

This is a good question. Many people question this process because of what the Bible says in…

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (NLT) For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.

Many people question if cremation is dishonoring to the body or how cremation affects the body when the Bible says “those who have died will rise from their graves.” Some wonder, will cremated bodies come back together?

Genesis 3:19 (NLT) …For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return.

If you are buried in a box, eventually you will become dust, if you are cremated you will become dust, you will just become dust sooner.

Since God created from nothing, my guess is that God can put you back together from nothing. In my opinion, cremation is probably okay.

FAQ – Horoscopes

June 9, 2011 in FAQ with 0 Comments

Is it okay for Christians to read their horoscopes?

Some people feel like it’s just a harmless form of entertainment. No big deal, when you are a kid you get the magic eight ball out; magic eight ball, magic eight ball, will she go to the dance with me if I ask her? Or maybe It’s like a fortune cookie, you’re looking at it for fun and don’t really take it seriously. Is it real? Is it dangerous? Is it something that is the first step to Satanism and a week later you’re going to be sacrificing chickens on your front lawn?

What should you believe about horoscopes? In my opinion, the big danger is that so many people are putting their faith in something besides the one true God. And we’ll let the Bible speak, because it does speak very clearly to this question.

Isaiah 47:13-15 Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month…Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up…Each of them goes on in his error…

This was written centuries ago and yet it applies to what’s going on today. You may say, “What about ouija boards, séances, spell casting, ghost hunting, etc.?” But you must remember that the spirit world is very, very real and there are several examples in scripture regarding this. In fact, we read in Acts 16, there was a young slave girl who was telling fortunes and predicting the future for money. Paul came along and cast out the demon that was possessing her. The spirit world is very real and demonic things are not something to mess with.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 Let no one be found among you who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD…

The Bible speaks clearly. I would not mess around with this kind of stuff at all.

FAQ Series

June 2, 2011 in FAQ with 1 Comment

Our FAQ series over the past 5 weeks has been a unique series for us here at Fellowship. We gave everyone an opportunity to ask any question and remain anonymous at the same time. Needless to say, the response was great. Over 150 questions were submitted. Many of the same questions were asked in different ways so we put them into different categories in order to hopefully address the most commonly asked questions. During the 5 weeks of this series we addressed a total of 24 questions. Visit our website fellowshiporlando.com to listen or watch those worship experiences.

We used two key verses as a foundation for this series.

1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT) All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

With this in mind, I believe the Bible is the Word of God, so whenever the Bible speaks clearly, I will take a stand. If it hurts your feelings, I am sorry, but I will stay true to my convictions and true to what the Bible says. If the Bible does not speak clearly toward a subject, then we will look for principles to apply and I will tell you when I am doing that. If the Bible doesn’t speak clearly, I may just say, “I don’t know,” or I may say, “Here’s my opinion…” When I give you my opinion, I will tell you I’m giving you my opinion. You do have the right to disagree, because you always have the right to be wrong! Just joking! Okay? We don’t have to agree on everything, but we will be friendly and do this in love. So, if you are ready, let’s dive in!