Someone yesterday asked me to push the elevator button for them and briefly explained that they were "shabbos".  I hesitated for a moment and then did so.  I believe that it is complete bunk, and even if we were living under Old Testament Law, this is a total hypocritical loophole to circumvent the "rule".  My question is: was it wrong to push the button and, in my opinion after thinking about it, in essence participate in a religious practice that I do not believe or want to be perceived to believe in or support… or am over thinking this?

Thank you for all your great answers!!

Sincerely,
Going Up

Dear Going Up,

As you are aware, you ran into some Orthodox Jews that believe that it is wrong to work on the Sabbath.  They define ‘work’ in very unique ways.  They believe it is wrong to travel, but if someone else forces them to travel (i.e. you pressed the button, and they just “happened” to be in the elevator) – it doesn’t count as work.  As you said, the rabbinical traditions of Judaism have gone to the point of absurdity and don’t even resemble the Old Testament teachings.

Here is the problem, if you are actively participating in their religious practice, you are wrong… but whether or not you are is an issue of wisdom.  The big issue comes down to perception.  God tells us to avoid all appearance of evil (1 Thess 5:22) and that we should be careful to consider how our actions will be perceived by others.  1 Cor 10:27-29 uses the example of meat sacrificed to idols.  If you are invited to a meal, don’t worry about asking whether or not the meat came from an idol’s temple; just dig in and don’t worry about it.  But if your host mentions that the meat came from Zeus’ temple – stop eating because your host will perceive that you agree with idolatry.

The same concept would apply here.  If you believe your actions communicate that you agree with their religious practices, don’t do it.  But if you think that pressing the button on the elevator simply conveyed courtesy, don’t worry about it.  You aren’t sinning by pushing the button; it is just a matter of how your actions are perceived.

How can I be a good christian?  I want to do the work of God; thank you.

Sincerely,
Ready Worker

Dear Ready Worker,

Christ says that if we love Him, we will keep His commandments (Jhn 14:6).  The Bible is the Word of God, and Jesus is also called the Word (Jhn 1:1-2).  The Bible contains everything that God wants us to know about life and godliness (2 Pet 1:3).  We can have insight into the mind of Christ through the Bible (1 Cor 2:16).  When we take the Bible seriously and allow it to mold our lives, we please God who formed us.  That means attending a congregation that faithfully follows the Bible (Heb 10:24-25), studying the Scriptures to grow (Acts 17:11), doing what the Bible says it takes to become a christian (read “What Must I Do To Be Saved?” for more information on that topic), and continually growing in our lives (2 Pet 3:18, 1 Pet 2:2).

5 minutes a day
5 days a week
1 New Testament in a year

There are 261 weekdays in a year, and there are 260 chapters in the New Testament. By reading one chapter, Monday through Friday, you will read the whole New Testament by the end of the year. The Daily Cup series is to help with that goal.

Happy Studying!

"The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup." -- Psalm 16:5

Click here for a pdf of the study schedule - CLICK HERE

How do I get saved?

Sincerely,
Throw Me A Life Saver

Dear Throw Me A Life Saver,

The Bible outlines five things you must do to become a christian. The question, “What must I do to be saved?” is the most important question any human can ever ask. Plenty of groups will pick and choose what they want to focus on. Many groups say that all you must do is “believe in your heart” and you will be saved – unfortunately, this is cherry-picking out one requirement and leaving the rest behind. We must always remember that the sum of God’s Word provides the truth (Ps 119:160). Belief is obviously an important element to salvation, but it is not the only condition. The Bible outlines five separate requirements for salvation, and all of them are necessary.

1. Hear the Word. Faith comes through hearing, and hearing comes through the Word of God (Rom 10:17). Until someone hears God’s Word, they are incapable of obeying it.
2. Believe the Word. It is impossible for someone to become a christian unless they believe that Jesus is the Savior and Son of God (Jhn 20:31, Acts 16:31, Jhn 3:16).
3. Repent of your sins. ‘Repent’ means to ‘change your mind’. That change of mind always involves a change of action as well. Repentance is when we change our mind about what is important and submit ourselves to Jesus and His Word. Repentance is a necessity of salvation (Mk 6:12, Lk 13:5, Lk 15:7).
4. Confess Jesus to others. If we have sworn our allegiance to Jesus, we must be prepared to publicly confess Him as our Lord. If we won’t confess Jesus before men, He won’t confess us before God (Matt 10:32-33, Lk 12:8-9).
5. Be baptized in the name of Jesus for salvation. Many groups baptize people, but very few baptize people for the right reasons. Baptism isn’t merely an “outward showing of an inward faith” or “for membership”. Baptism is what saves us (1 Pet 3:21). Baptism is the point where someone goes from being lost to saved because they are buried and resurrected with Christ (Rom 6:4-5). Baptism is the final requirement to become a christian (Acts 2:37-38, Mk 16:16, Acts 2:41). There is not a single example of someone becoming a christian without baptism. Baptism is just as necessary as the other four requirements.

After that, there remains nothing else but to find a faithful congregation to assemble with (Heb 10:24) that teaches God’s Word and God’s Word only (see “Finding a Church” for more details) and to continue to grow in knowledge and practice of God’s Word (1 Pet 2:2).  If you would like help finding a faithful church in your area – simply e-mail us at askyourpreacher@mvchurchofchrist.org and we would be happy to help you locate one.

5 minutes a day
5 days a week
1 New Testament in a year

There are 261 weekdays in a year, and there are 260 chapters in the New Testament. By reading one chapter, Monday through Friday, you will read the whole New Testament by the end of the year. The Daily Cup series is to help with that goal.

Happy Studying!

"The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup." -- Psalm 16:5

Click here for a pdf of the study schedule - CLICK HERE