Ask Your Preacher - Archives
Etymological Enlightenment
Friday, August 12, 2016I have often wondered: is sex before marriage adultery?Sincerely,
Term Specific
Dear Term Specific,
Sex before marriage is fornication, but it isn’t adultery. Adultery is the act of polluting a marriage (Heb 13:4). All adultery is fornication, but not all fornication is adultery. It is possible to be sexually immoral (‘fornication’ means ‘sexual immorality’) without being married, but it is impossible to commit adultery without having a spouse.
Day 162 - Psalm 102
Thursday, August 11, 20165 minutes a day 5 days a week - a year of Bible Wisdom
Feeding The Ducks?
Thursday, August 11, 2016What does the writer mean in Ecclesiastes 11:1, "Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days."?Sincerely,
Gone Fishin’
Dear Gone Fishin’,
Eccl 11:1-2 is dealing with charity and benevolent behavior. Give generously to all, and your good deeds will come back to you. This is very similar to the New Testament statement that “we reap what we sow” (Gal 6:7-8). Pr 14:31 says that we honor God when we care for the needy, and Pr 19:17 says that God repays those who care for the impoverished. Give your bread bountifully to the poor, and you will be blessed (Pr 22:9). Cast your bread upon the waters – it may seem like you are throwing your money away – but it will be the right decision.
Day 161 - Psalm 101
Wednesday, August 10, 20165 minutes a day 5 days a week - a year of Bible Wisdom
Legal Counsel
Wednesday, August 10, 2016What are your thoughts on a Christian taking a non-christian to court and suing them? Is there ever an appropriate time?Sincerely,
Plaintiff
Dear Plaintiff,
The Bible doesn’t forbid Christians from taking non-christians to court. The only prohibition is against Christians suing other Christians (1 Cor 6:5-8). However, Jesus cautioned Christians against being litigious people that try and take vengeance themselves (Matt 5:40, Rom 12:19-21). In short, if at all possible, try and reconcile with people outside of court, and avoid the judicial system as much as you can (Matt 5:25-26).