Kansas.com: Religion

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.

My Answer/Billy Graham

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:07 CST

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I wish I could be friendly and outgoing like other people are, but I've always been a very shy person, and whenever I get in a group I just clam up and don't say anything. Can God change my personality? Or is this the way I'll always be, because it's the way He made me? —D.E.

Dear D.E.: I'm glad God didn't make us all exactly alike, aren't you? Think how boring the world would be if we all had exactly the same abilities and personalities! But we don't — and that's the way God meant it to be. The writer of Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament declared, "He has made everything beautiful in its time" (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

In other words, don't spend all your time wishing you were someone else, or yearning for something God didn't intend you to have. God knows what you're like, and He loves you just as you are. In today's terms we'd probably label the Apostle Peter an extrovert, because he was always taking charge and speaking his mind. Paul's young companion Timothy, on the other hand, was apparently shy, and Paul had to urge him not to let others dominate him (see 1 Timothy 4:12). Yet God used them both.

My Answer/ Billy Graham

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:07 CST

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: Please pray for me. The doctor says I need open-heart surgery, and I'm scared I won't make it. I've never been a religious person, but is it too late to turn to God? If I died right now I know I wouldn't go to Heaven. —D.F.
Dear D.F.: Sometimes it takes a serious crisis like this to wake us up and make us realize our need of God — and I believe this is what is happening to you. After all, would you have ever thought seriously about your eternal salvation and your need for Christ otherwise? Probably not.
No, it isn't too late for you to turn to God. In fact, I believe God has spared your life so you'd have another opportunity to turn to Him. I pray you won't ignore this. The Bible says, "He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). God loves you, and He doesn't want you to die and spend eternity apart from Him.

My Answer/Billy Graham

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:07 CST

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I truly believe God has forgiven me for some bad things I did when I was younger, but I can't forgive myself. I hurt a lot of people by my actions, and nothing can erase that. I'll always feel guilty for the harm I caused. —J.M.
Dear J.M.: Whom did you offend more by your actions — God, or the people you hurt?
You offended them both, of course — but the truth is, you offended God far more than you offended those people. We often fail to see this truth, because God is invisible and we can't see how He reacts, while those we offend are visible and we know exactly how they react. But God is absolutely holy and pure, and every sin we commit is an offense and an abomination to Him. The Bible says, "'Do not plot evil against your neighbor. ... I hate all this,' declares the Lord" (Zechariah 8:17).

My Answer/Billy Graham

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:03 CST

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: Was Jesus really dead when they placed Him in the tomb? I can accept most of what Christianity teaches, but to be honest the idea that someone came back from the dead is a bit hard for me to swallow. Maybe Jesus wasn't really dead, and He just recovered once His body was taken down from the cross. —P.L.
Dear P.L.: The hardened Roman soldiers who crucified Jesus and then took His body down from the cross and placed it in a stone tomb were very familiar with death — and they had no doubt Jesus was truly dead. Nor did anyone else on that tragic day.
Later, after the resurrection, the authorities bribed the soldiers to say that Jesus' disciples had stolen His body (see Matthew 28:11-15). It didn't even occur to them, however, to claim instead that He hadn't really died, but had somehow recovered enough strength to move the huge stone blocking the tomb's entrance and then overcome the armed guards posted outside. They knew no one would believe it — nor should we.

My Answer/Billy Graham

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:05 CST

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: My girlfriend and I are living together, but her parents have let it be known they don't approve "because God doesn't like it." What's the big deal? It's so common today that I don't see why anyone should object. —J.K.
Dear J.K.: Your girlfriend's parents may seem old-fashioned to you, and I realize that may make you dismiss what they say. But they have good reasons for their disapproval, and I hope you'll at least take time to consider them.
What they say is true: God does not approve of sexual relations outside of the vow of marriage. In fact, the Bible teaches us that "The body is not meant for sexual immorality" and commands us to "Flee from sexual immorality" (1 Corinthians 6:13,18). Sexual immorality was even more common in the 1st century than it is today — but that didn't change God's command.

My Answer/Billy Graham

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:02 CST

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: Our three grandchildren live in a different part of the country and we almost never get to see them (maybe once or twice a year, at most). We'd like to be a good influence on them (especially spiritually), but how can we when they're so far away? —N.G.
Dear N.G.: Unfortunately this is a common problem today — one that would have been almost unknown a few generations ago. But times change, and increasingly families find themselves separated by great distances. This means they must make a special effort to keep in touch — which is what I hope you'll do.
Although you seldom see your grandchildren, go out of your way to keep in contact with them, to let them know you love them and care what's happening in their lives. Call them as often as you can; send them e-mails; remember special occasions like holidays and birthdays. Write them letters also from time to time; getting mail is still a special treat for most children. You may not hear back — but that's not the point; the point is to let them know you love them.

My Answer/Billy Graham

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:03 CDT

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: Why do you think there is so much violence n our communities today? We've had several shocking cases in our schools recently, and no one seems to know what to do about it. My husband thinks it's because of all the violence that kids see on TV, but I wonder if it's something deeper. —T.L.
Dear T.L.: Almost from infancy our children are assaulted by images of violence that would have shocked previous generations — and this can't help but have a negative impact on them. The Bible says it is dangerous to "eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence" (Proverbs 4:17).
Parents too must take responsibility for many of the problems we see in our schools (and elsewhere) today. Many become so wrapped up in their own pleasures and pursuits that they pay little attention to what is happening to their children. Instead they take the path of least resistance — which is to let them do whatever they want to do. But this is a recipe for disaster.

New England seen as 'mission field'

JAY LINDSAY — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:03 CDT

WATERTOWN, Mass. —It's hard to tell in the quiet of a color-splashed autumn morning, but Redeemer Fellowship Church is trying to set roots in a rough neighborhood. For churches, anyway.
Until this new church opened last month, its 19th-century Congregational church building in suburban Watertown was empty for nearly two years. Just across the street, a closed Baptist church is filled with condos. So is a former Catholic church a half mile away.
Dead churches are a familiar story in New England, which recent surveys indicate is now the least religious region in the country. But some see opportunity in a place where America's Christian faith laid its roots.

Religion Calendar

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 08:37 CDT

Concerts
Celebration of Freedom Concert, organist David Josefiak and pianist Teresa Kirkendoll, 7 p.m. Thursday, Trinity Episcopal Church, 400 W. Ash, El Dorado. Free.
Ain'a That Good News Concert, presented by the Singing Quakers Alumni Choir, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7, Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 1958 N. Webb Road. Tickets $12; $10 for students and seniors over 60. Call 316-295-5537.

My Answer/Billy Graham

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:09 CDT

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I don't believe we go to Heaven when we die. Instead I believe that we come back to earth (or perhaps go to another planet) and live another life, and we keep coming back until we finally reach perfection. You're free to believe what you want to, but this is what I believe. —B.K.
Dear B.K.: I don't doubt your sincerity — but have you ever asked yourself exactly why you believe in this idea (which is called reincarnation)?
Perhaps you'd reply that it's because of the influence of some friends of yours, or because of some celebrity who accepts it. Or perhaps you have been attracted to one of the non-Christian religions or philosophies that believe in reincarnation. But I suspect there is a deeper reason why you believe in reincarnation: Down inside you know you aren't perfect, and you fear what might happen to you after death if you aren't perfect. Reincarnation seems to you to provide an answer to this dilemma.

My Answer/Billy Graham

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:05 CDT

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: Two years after our mother died our father remarried (someone he'd known in high school). But he never discussed it with us, and he just can't seem to understand why my sisters and I are having such a hard time accepting her as part of our families. Are we wrong to feel this way? —J.H.
Dear J.H.: Over the years I've received many letters like yours — and one reason I wanted to reprint your letter is because I hope it will encourage others not to make the same mistake your father did.
No doubt your father was wrapped up in his own emotions and plans at the time — but he should have been considerate of yours as well. By not discussing his plans with you, he not only ignored your feelings but also set the stage for much resentment and hurt later on.

My Answer/Billy Graham

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:05 CDT

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I fear God (which is what the Bible says we ought to do, doesn't it?). But I can't say that I love God. After all, how can you love someone if you're afraid of what they might do to you? —J.D.
Dear J.D.: Yes, the Bible does tell us both to fear God and also to love Him. I know this sounds like a contradiction, because you're right: On a human level it's very hard to love someone if you're afraid they're going to hurt or even kill you.
The key, however, is to realize who God is and what He is like. On one hand, He is the awesome, holy, all-powerful God who created the heavens and the earth. He is far greater than anything (or anyone) we can ever imagine; the Bible calls Him "the high and lofty One ... who lives forever, whose name is holy" (Isaiah 57:15). This is why God is worthy of our respect — and even our wonder and awe.

My Answer/Billy Graham

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:06 CDT

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I'm in high school, and my family isn't a very happy one (divorce, unemployment, etc.). Whenever I get depressed I start eating, and now I'm quite a bit overweight. This makes me even more unhappy, so I eat even more. I need to get out of this, but how? —L.J.
Dear L.J.: You have already taken the first step by realizing you have a problem and wanting to do something about it. That may not seem like much — but it is, because without it nothing is going to change in your life.
But you've also taken another important step: You understand why you've gotten into this situation. This too is important. Unfortunately, it's easier to blame others for our problems than to face our own responsibility.

My Answer/Billy Graham

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:09 CDT

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I'm a student from a country that has only a few Christians. I'd like to learn more about Christianity, but I'm confused because you have so many different churches here. Someone said to write you for suggestions. —V.Z.
Dear V.Z.: I'm thankful for your interest in Christianity — and I hope you won't lose your interest, because it could become very important to you — even more important than your studies.
I can appreciate your confusion, also, because you're right — we do have many churches. One reason is because most of our ancestors came from other countries and brought their own church traditions with them. But this shouldn't disturb you; in spite of some minor differences all Christians share certain basic beliefs.

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:09 CDT

Concerts
The Todd Allen Ministries, gospel concert, 7:30 p.m. today, Spring Lake RV Resort, 1308 S. Spring Lake Road, Halstead. Offering. Information, 316-835-3443.
Evening of Praise, 7 p.m. Thursday, Central Christian Church, 2900 N. Rock Road. Featuring the choirs and orchestras of Central Christian Church, Central Community Church, First Nazarene Church and Tabernacle Baptist Church. Free.

My Answer/Billy Graham

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:09 CDT

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I grew up as a "P.K." (a "Preacher's Kid"), but when I reached my teens I got tired of all that and went in a much different direction. That was over 40 years ago, and now I'm wondering if I went too far. How can I find a faith that's right for me, and isn't just my parents' faith? —W.R.
Dear W.R.: Have you ever asked yourself why you rebelled against being a "P.K." as you grew older and decided you didn't want anything more to do with Jesus?
Only you can answer this, of course — but I suspect that most of your reasons didn't really have very much to do with Jesus Christ. For example, some people leave their faith behind as they grow older simply because they want to run their own lives. Was this true of you?

My Answer/Billy Graham

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:09 CDT

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: Where do evil thoughts come from? Does Satan put them there? Sometimes I think he must, because they just seem to pop into my head without any effort on my part. In any case, how are we supposed to deal with them? —K.S.
Dear K.S.: At times, the devil apparently does put evil thoughts in our head, or even directly incites us to do evil. I think of Judas, for example, who made a secret arrangement to betray Jesus to His enemies. When Judas went to inform them where they could find Jesus, the Bible says that "Satan entered into him" (John 13:27).
But the ground was already prepared (so to speak) for Satan to work in Judas' heart and mind. Although he was part of Jesus' band of twelve disciples, Judas did not really believe that Jesus was the Savior sent from God to save us from our sins. In fact, the Bible says that Judas "was a thief; as keeper of the money bag (for the disciples), he used to help himself to what was put into it" (John 12:6). The lesson is clear: The farther we are from God, the more vulnerable we will be to Satan's attacks.

Vatican welcomes Anglican converts

NICOLE WINFIELD — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:09 CDT

VATICAN CITY — The Vatican is making it easier for Anglicans to convert to Roman Catholicism — a surprise move designed to entice traditionalists opposed to women priests, openly gay clergy and the blessing of same-sex unions.
The decision, reached in secret by a small cadre of Vatican officials, was sure to add to the problems of the 77-million-strong Anglican Communion as it seeks to deal with deep doctrinal divisions that threaten a permanent schism among its faithful.
The change means conservative Anglicans from around the world will be able to join the Catholic Church while retaining aspects of their Anglican liturgy and identity, including married priests. Until now, disaffected Anglicans had joined the church primarily on a case-by-case basis.