Kansas.com: Religion

My Answer/Billy Graham

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:05 CST

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I was very active in a cult for several years, but eventually I became very disturbed over their demands, and last year I got out. But down inside, I've always had a hunger for God, and it's still there. Where do I turn? —A.L.

Dear A.L.: You've discovered a very important truth through this experience: Cults will never deliver what they promise. Some promise inner peace; others promise to connect you with God — but all will fail because they aren't based on God's Word.

This is why I urge you to turn to Jesus Christ and put your faith and trust in Him. God loves you and wants you to know Him personally — and He has made this possible by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world. Our greatest need is to have our sins forgiven — which we can't do by ourselves. Only God can do it — and He made this possible in Jesus Christ. The Bible says, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

Fascination with the end of the world increases during bad times

RON OROZCO — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:03 CST

Are we doomed?
Prophecies about the end of the world have been debated by scholars, theologians and religious leaders for a long time. But it's not just them.
Pop culture also has a fascination with end times. Sociologists say the interest in books, movies and lectures on the subject increases with bad times, such as those scarred by hurricanes, famines, tsunamis, war and economic collapse.

My Answer/Billy Graham

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:03 CST

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: A friend keeps telling me that God loves me, but how do I know it's true? My parents divorced when I was 9 and I was raised (reluctantly) by my grandparents, so all my life I've felt that no one loves me. Why is God any different? —L.R.
Dear L.R.: The reason God is different from all those who failed you — is because He is God! Human beings are imperfect (and sometimes worse than imperfect) —but God is perfect, and so is His love for you.
Let me ask you a question: How would you know if someone really loved you? Words alone wouldn't be enough (although they're important and have their place). But what would prove it to you most of all would be their actions — the way they took care of you, the way they sacrificed for you, the way they demonstrated their concern for you and your future.

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:03 CST

Concerts
Sarah Draget and Family Concert, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 28, Three Angels Seventh Day Adventist Church, 4558 N. Hydraulic. Free. Call 316-831-0030.
Andrew Ironside and "His High Name," 7 p.m. Dec. 2, Life Church, 7070 S.W. 60th, Augusta. Offering. Call 316-253-0541.

My Answer/ Billy Graham

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:03 CST

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: Does God ever give up on a nation, because it keeps shutting Him out of its life? I can't help but wonder if that's happening to us, with all our evil ways. —E.M.
Dear E.M.: Yes, God can withdraw His protection from any nation that continually turns its back on Him. It happened with ancient Israel, and it can happen to us. The Bible says, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil. ... (the Lord's) hand is raised and he strikes them down" (Isaiah 5:20, 25).
But that doesn't mean we should stop praying for our nation, or quit standing up for what is right and opposing what is wrong. After all, we don't know the future — and God may intervene in unexpected ways and bring spiritual revival in our midst. How different would our nation be if God's people prayed for it every day? We also need to pray for our leaders, because they bear a very heavy burden.

Islamic nations plan to petition U.N. to block religious mockery

FRANK JORDANS — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:03 CST

GENEVA — Four years after cartoons of the prophet Muhammad set off violent protests across the Muslim world, Islamic nations are mounting a campaign for an international treaty to protect religious symbols and beliefs from mockery — essentially a ban on blasphemy that would put them on a collision course with free speech laws in the West.
Documents obtained by the Associated Press show that Algeria and Pakistan have taken the lead in lobbying to eventually bring the proposal to a vote in the U.N. General Assembly.
If ratified in countries that enshrine freedom of expression as a fundamental right, such a treaty would require them to limit free speech if it risks seriously offending religious believers. The process, though, will take years and no showdown is imminent.

My Answer/Billy Graham

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:05 CST

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: The hard economic times haven't hit me like they have most people, but I'm getting tired of churches and organizations begging me for money because they say their income is way down. After all, I've got to think of my own future in case things get worse. Am I just being selfish? —Z.A.
Dear Z.A.: Only you can answer that question — but I hope you'll face it honestly, because your answer will say much about what's really important to you. It also may point you to an even deeper (and more serious) question: What place does God really have in your life?
You see, our pocketbooks are somewhat like a thermometer that registers just how selfish or unselfish we really are. If we're selfish, it means we're putting ourselves and our desires ahead of the needs of others — even those who are suffering. If we're generous, however, it indicates we care about others and their needs, and we want to help them. The Bible says, "A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor" (Proverbs 22:9). The Bible also commands us "to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share" (1 Timothy 6:18).

My Answer/Billy Graham

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:05 CST

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I suppose it's wrong to be angry at God but I can't help it. I had a stroke a few months back, and now the doctor says I'll never walk as well as I once did. I've always been very active, and I don't understand why God did this to me. Do you have any answer? —G.K.
Dear G.K.: I don't know why God allows things like this to happen to us — not fully. Some day, when we get to heaven, we will know — but until then, we simply have to accept them and adjust to them as best we can — with God's help.
After all, life isn't always the way we wish it were. I'm an old man now; by the time you read this, I will have passed my 91st birthday. I can't do everything I once did, and occasionally that frustrates me. But then I remember how good God has been to me, and His promise to be with me every day of my life. His Word is true: "Be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you'" (Hebrews 13:5).

My Answer/Billy Graham

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:06 CST

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I believe in God, but where does Jesus fit into the picture? Why do I have to believe in Him, in addition to believing in God? —C.L.
Dear C.L.: If nothing else, one reason we need to believe in Jesus is because God's Word, the Bible, tells us to believe in Him. Jesus said, "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me" (John 14:1, NKJV).
But why does the Bible tell us to believe in Jesus as well as in God? One reason is because of who Jesus was: He was God in human flesh. In a few weeks, we'll be celebrating Christmas — and the reason we celebrate it is because on that first Christmas night God took on human flesh and became a man. Think of it: God became a man! This is why Jesus could say, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father" (John 14:9).

My Answer/Billy Graham

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:06 CST

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: My brother and sisters don't have much to do with me because they're all real religious and I'm not. You'll probably tell me I need God, and maybe I do, but aren't Christians supposed to be kind and loving? They sure aren't that way with me, so why should I be like them? —R.M.
Dear R.M.: The answer is — you shouldn't be like them! I don't know if they have truly trusted Christ for their salvation and are sincerely seeking to serve Him; only God knows their hearts. But even then, they've forgotten Jesus' commandment to love others. Jesus said, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35).
But what then should you be like? To put it another way, what place should God have in your life? I don't know why you've chosen to turn your back on God — but why continue down that road any longer, when it only leads to unhappiness in this life and eternal separation from God in the next? The Bible warns, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death" (Proverbs 14:12).

Calvary Baptist to mark 131st anniversary

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:06 CST

Julius Scruggs, president of the National Baptist Convention USA, will be the speaker for a special service Sunday to mark the 131st anniversary of Calvary Baptist Church in Wichita.
Scruggs will speak at 10:45 a.m. Sunday at the church, 2653 N. Hillside.
The original 1917 church building at 601 N. Water houses the Kansas African American Museum.

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:06 CST

Concerts
Concert in the Barn, 6 p.m. today, 9221 N. 143rd St. East, Benton. Featured bands include The Boogie Brothers Band, The Good Guys and Isaiah. Free. Call 316-744-2148.
Fundraisers

Churches reach outward using Upward

ANDY MEAD — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:06 CST

LEXINGTON, Ky. —It's a cool, damp fall afternoon, and a group of 6- and 7-year-olds are practicing soccer in a grassy field in Lexington, Ky.
Eric and Kim Lake sit on the sidelines in folding chairs, watching their son T.J. kick the ball. A visitor asks what they think of this league.
"I like it quite a bit," Eric says. "It teaches the modified rules of the game, and every kid gets to play the exact same amount of time."

My Answer/Billy Graham

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:04 CST

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: Does God ever give up on some people? I have a cousin who just laughs whenever anyone starts talking about God, and he says he'll just take his chances when it comes time to die. Several of us in our family pray for him regularly but he looks like a hopeless case to me. —S.Y.
Dear S.Y.: I hope you won't stop praying for your cousin, because only God can break through the hard shell he has built up around his heart. Remember Jesus' words: "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God" (Mark 10:27).
Remember, too, that God is willing to forgive anyone who truly turns to Him in faith and trusts Christ for his or her salvation. The Bible tells us that there is "rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents" (Luke 15:7).

My Answer/Billy Graham

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:07 CST

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I know Christmas is still some weeks away, but I'm already getting uptight about it. It's always such a hectic time and we always end up spending far more than we planned to. To be honest, I don't really enjoy Christmas any more, although I know I ought to. Any suggestions? —C.M.
Dear C.M.: Instead of feeling overwhelmed before you even start the Christmas season this year, why not ask God to help you and your family make this the happiest, most meaningful Christmas ever? I believe He'd answer that prayer if you were sincere — and were willing to put it into action.
What can you do? First, plan ahead. Look at your calendar; what activities do you normally do every year? Perhaps you need to say "No" to some of them; it's far better to enjoy a few things than to be stressed out and exhausted because you've tried to do too much. Plan your shopping also, and be realistic about your gift-giving. Don't leave everything to the last minute, either, and make a budget in advance — and stick to it.

My Answer/Billy Graham

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:03 CST

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: What did Jesus mean when He said somewhere that He came to bring a sword to the earth? This seems to be the opposite of what He said elsewhere, about bringing us peace if we'll follow Him. —K.T.
Dear K.T.: You're probably thinking of what Jesus said on one occasion, when He was sending His disciples out on a special mission of healing and teaching: "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword" (Matthew 10:34).
What did Jesus mean by this? He was warning them that their task would not be easy, because they would encounter very strong opposition from those who did not believe in Him. In fact, He told them, some people would hate them because of their loyalty to Christ, and they might even be arrested and condemned to death. A world that loved its sins more than it loved God would not welcome them, and they should be prepared for it.

My Answer/Billy Graham

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:04 CST

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: What do angels look like? Do they really have wings, and can they fly through the air? My 8-year-old son has been asking me lots of questions about angels and I haven't known how to reply. —A.K.
Dear A.K.: The Bible tells us that angels are spiritual beings — that is, they don't have physical bodies like you and I do. The Bible calls them "ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation" (Hebrews 1:14).
But at times they are able to take on physical bodies, or appear to us in physical form. Admittedly, this is hard for us to understand — but the angels are God's servants, and He enables them to take on physical bodies if it becomes necessary. The angels who appeared to the shepherds to announce Jesus' birth filled the heavens with their presence (see Luke 2:13-14). When the women came to Jesus' tomb on that first Easter morning an angel met them to announce His resurrection, and the Bible says, "His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow" (Matthew 28:3).

My Answer/Billy Graham

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:07 CST

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I used to think that some day we'd live in peace and harmony with each other, once we learned to be friends and accept each other. But now I'm beginning to have my doubts. Does the Bible say anything about this? Will we ever see a better world? —E.P.
Dear E.P.: Yes, some day we will see a better world — and not only a better world, but a perfect world — one that will be free of all the evils and injustices that plague us now. But the Bible says this will only happen when Jesus Christ comes again to set up His kingdom of righteousness and peace.
Why can't we seem to make any progress toward world peace? It isn't for lack of trying; governments and diplomats work for it all the time. And sometimes their efforts meet with a degree of success — at least for a time. This is one reason why the Bible tells us to pray for our leaders, because God's will is for us to live in peace (see 1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:07 CST

Concerts
Ain-a That Good News Concert, presented by the Singing Quakers Alumni Choir, 7:30 p.m. today, Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 1958 N. Webb Road. Tickets $12; $10 for students and seniors over age 60. Call 316-295-5537.
"Still Standing" concert, 10 p.m. (doors open at 9 p.m.) Friday, Bibleway Community of Faith Church, 2105 Jackson.

Generations of Pentecostals are divided on speaking in tongues

TIM TOWNSEND — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:07 CST

STEELE, Mo. —At the beginning of an evening worship service at the First Assembly of God church, the Rev. Ryan Harris pitted teens against adults in a trivia game called Battle of the Generations.
Wednesday Night Alive is the church's outreach service to a swath of the city's troubled teenagers here in the southernmost tip of Missouri's bootheel. After a few more games, worship began in a style typical of evangelical churches.
Harris, a husky 26-year-old wearing a sweater, untucked shirt and baggy jeans, led 20 teenagers and 20 adults in a few upbeat, contemporary praise songs, and then delivered the night's message.