What does the word ‘for’ mean?  Example: for forgiveness, for remission of sin, etc.

Sincerely,
Looking ‘For’ Answers

Dear Looking ‘For’ Answers,

In English, the word ‘for’ can mean ‘because of’ or ‘in order to receive, acquire, or achieve’… but in the Greek language, it can only mean one of these things (more on this a little later).  For example, if someone said, “I went to the store for my wife”, they probably mean that they went to the store because their wife asked them to.  On the other hand, if I said, “I went to the store for milk”, I probably mean that I went to go and get milk… not that the milk asked me to go to the store!  In the English language, the word ‘for’ can be used with either definition, and context has to decide which is the more appropriate use of the word.

However, the Greek language (the original language of the New Testament) is much more precise.  The word used in the phrase “for forgiveness of sins” in places like Acts 2:38 is a word that specifically means “that you might receive, acquire, go towards, unto”.  The Greek word translated most often as ‘for’ in most modern translations is ‘eis’ (pronounced the same as ‘ace’), and it always means the same as “I went to the store for milk”… never “I went to the store for my wife”.

Is it sinful to watch horror movies?

Sincerely,
Screamer

Dear Screamer,

There is some debate to be had over seeing a movie that is rated for gratuitous violence.  At the very least, christians should be very, very cautious about viewing anything rated ‘R’ (a rating that most horror movies receive).  According to the MPAA, an ‘R’ rating on a movie is received for one (or a combination) of five things:

1. Adult themes and activities.  This is a generic listing, but it is fair to say that this content almost always involves subject matter that is inappropriate for anyone with morals.  ‘Adult themes’ are almost always synonymous with ‘sinful behavior’.
2. Hard language
3. Intense or persistent violence
4. Sexually-oriented nudity
5. Drug Abuse

When a christian looks at that list (and at least one of those things MUST be present to receive an ‘R’ rating), it should explain why ‘R’ rated movies can be such a bad thing.  Christians are to dwell upon things that are pure, wholesome, good, and holy – not worldly filth (Php 4:8).  When we dwell upon evil things, like what is found in ‘R’ rated movies, we set ourselves up for spiritual failure and death.  Jesus Christ wasn’t “culturally relevant” in the sense of being like others.  Jesus abhorred worldliness.  The Bible tells us to flee immorality and, instead, to live soberly and righteously in this present world (Tit 2:12).  Everyone must make their own decisions regarding what movies to watch and what movies to avoid, but before you go to that next horror movie, ask yourself, “What am I putting into my mind?”

My question has to do with being a photographer.  If I work for a company that sends me out on assignment to photodocument an event such as a swimsuit competition, would that be wrong?  And if it is, what about going to the beach?  Should we not do that either?  Thank you.

Sincerely,
Confused Photographer

Dear Confused Photographer,

We live in a fallen world where sin is constantly around us, but that doesn’t mean we should be active participants in it (Eph 5:11).  You are absolutely correct that you will find a lot of sinful behavior and immodest dress at the beach, but existing in the same place as that behavior is a lot different than documenting it for publication in a positive light.  Newspaper photographers are put in a billion different situations that bring up moral questions.  The key is to ask yourself, “Am I in a position where I am participating in or furthering immoral behavior?” (2 Cor 6:14)  Considering the purpose and goal of swimsuit competitions... your answer would probably be, “Yes, I am furthering immoral behavior” in this circumstance.

Are these two Bible quotes referring to zombies, and if not, then what are they referring to?

• “And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. (Matt. 27:51-53)
• And this shall be the plague with which the LORD will strike all the peoples that wage war against Jerusalem: their flesh will rot while they are still standing on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths. (Zechariah 14:12)

Sincerely,
Zombie Hunting

Dear Zombie Hunting,

Thankfully, these verses aren’t referring to zombies, and brains aren’t on the menu.  Matt 27:51-53 is referring to an actual event where, after the crucifixion, God raised the dead as a sign of Christ’s deity.  These people weren’t flesh-eating zombies – they were real people brought back completely whole and healthy.

Zech 14:12 is a little lengthier of an explanation.  The context to that verse is that Zechariah was prophesying that Jerusalem would be attacked, and Israel would be taken into captivity because of their idolatry (Zech 14:1-2).  However, after that captivity, there would be hope when God returned to bless His people again (Zech 14:9)… and with them, the rest of mankind.  This chapter is talking about when Christ would come and bless mankind by creating spiritual Israel (spiritual Israel is the church – Gal 6:16).  All of the language in this chapter is figurative and is discussing the plagues that fall upon those who don’t turn to Christ.  The wasting away and consumption of the flesh discussed in Zech 14:12-15 is a reference to the spiritual demise and desolation that those outside of Christ face.  In short… no zombies.

I recently came across a Christian music station that I have been listening to in my car.  My spouse and I were talking about it, and we both know the reasons not to bring musical instruments in to the worship service (Eph 5:19).  However, we were wondering if there is anything wrong with listening to a Christian radio station where all the music is in concert with musical instruments.

Sincerely,
Just Wondering

Dear Just Wondering,

It isn’t inherently wrong to listen to “Christian Music”, but it is worth considering the effects it will have upon your influence, your behavior, and your conscience. You are right, God asks us to worship Him through singing and making melody in our heart (Eph 5:19). God never asks for any instrument to be plucked but our heart strings. That is the worship He asks for, and that is the worship we should give Him – no more and no less (Rev 22:18-19, Deu 4:2).

If you are going to listen to religious music with instrumental accompaniment, you must understand that they recorded it as a form of worship as well as a form of entertainment… which is wrong. Therefore, by buying and actively listening to such music, you may be sending mixed messages to others and supporting an industry that is built upon a false teaching. We have to consider how our behavior looks to others (Matt 5:16). Just because you know anything but acapella worship is wrong doesn’t mean others would.

You also must consider your behavior – are you singing along with the music? If so, are you worshipping God with the words of the song? It is not always easy to discern the line between singing along as a form of entertainment and singing along as worship. You must decide for yourself if your behavior crosses the line between personal enjoyment and active participation in a form of worship God doesn’t desire.

Which brings us to the last question – does it bother your conscience? If you cannot feel completely convinced in your mind that what you are doing is acceptable before God, you have to refrain. Whatever cannot be done in faith is sin (Rom 14:23). If you consider your conscience, your influence, and your behavior before God, only then will you be able to come to a sound personal decision on whether or not you can listen.