Published a new article on “When can music be considered ‘Christian music’?”

Excerpt:

Unfortunately, there is no universal definition of what specific qualities a song must have to be considered a “Christian” song. Here are some opinions:

- The song lyrics must reflect biblical truth.
- The song lyrics must directly praise God/Jesus.
- The song must mention God/Jesus.
- The song must be written for Christians and not as an evangelical tool.
- The lyrics must directly address God, not other people.
- The song must be completely new, not a cover of a secular song.
- The song is designed to be played in church, not outside of church.
- The melody must be paramount, and the rhythm subdued.
- The song must be written and performed by mature Christians only.
- The men who sing the song must have short hair, and the women must have long hair.

There are several aspects of a song that may influence its categorization as “Christian music,” but these qualifiers suggest almost as many problems as solutions. And many of them focus on everything except the message of the song.

Read more - http://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-music.html

Why does God allow natural disasters?

Excerpt:

Why does God allow earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes, tsunamis, typhoons, cyclones, mudslides, and other natural disasters? Tragedies cause many people to question God’s goodness. It is distressing that natural disasters are often termed “acts of God” while no “credit” is given to God for years, decades, or even centuries of peaceful weather. God created the whole universe and the laws of nature (Genesis 1:1). Most natural disasters are a result of these laws at work. Hurricanes, typhoons, and tornados are the results of divergent weather patterns colliding. Earthquakes are the result of the earth’s plate structure shifting. A tsunami is caused by an underwater earthquake.

Read more - http://www.gotquestions.org/natural-disasters.html

This week’s Question of the Week: “What are Christian saints according to the Bible?”

Excerpt:

The word “saint” comes from the Greek word hagios, which means “consecrated to God, holy, sacred, pious.” It is almost always used in the plural, “saints.” “…Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints at Jerusalem” (Acts 9:13). “Now as Peter was traveling through all those regions, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda” (Acts 9:32). “And this is just what I did in Jerusalem; not only did I lock up many of the saints in prisons …“ (Acts 26:10). There is only one instance of the singular use, and that is “Greet every saint in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:21). In Scripture there are 67 uses of the plural “saints” compared to only one use of the singular word “saint.” Even in that one instance, a plurality of saints is in view: “…every saint…” (Philippians 4:21).

Read more - http://www.gotquestions.org/saints-Christian.html

Published a new article on “Should Christians boycott companies that support anti-Christian policies?”

Excerpt:

Some Christian organizations have declared boycotts of companies with anti-Christian policies. Starbucks, Amazon, Nike, and other corporations have been the target of such boycotts. Those calling for the boycotts want to get the attention of business executives and decision-makers to communicate the fact that Christians will not support an ungodly agenda. Many who are involved in boycotts are also trying to be good stewards of their money: “Why should I feed a company and help it stay in business,” they reason, “knowing that it is going to use some of my money to support an anti-Christian agenda?”

Read more - http://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-boycott.html

Published a new article on “Did Jesus have a tattoo (Revelation 19:16)?”

Excerpt:

In John’s vision of the Battle of Armageddon, he sees Jesus riding from heaven on a white horse, waging war against the beast’s evil forces. Revelation 19:16 includes this description of Jesus: “On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords.” Some people have read this verse and concluded that Jesus has a tattoo on His thigh—and, therefore, tattoos are good and proper for all followers of Christ today.

Read more - http://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-tattoo.html

Published a new article on “What does it mean to love Jesus?”

Excerpt:

To understand what it means to love Jesus, we must first define what is meant by the word love. Since we are discussing Jesus, we will limit our definitions to the two primary Greek words used for “love” in the New Testament. The first is philia. This refers to a brotherly love or to a close association with another person. To demonstrate this type of love would not require any substantial sacrifice on the part of the lover. This love is shown through a cordial attitude and an allotment of time. Anyone from a mild acquaintance to a close colleague can be loved with philia. This type of love will easily fade, however, if the loved one moves away or is not often encountered. Thus, this is not the type of love that would be adequate for the kind of love Jesus wants from His followers.

Read more - http://www.gotquestions.org/love-Jesus.html

This week’s Question of the Week: “What does it mean to honor my father and mother?”

Excerpt:

Honoring your father and mother is being respectful in word and action and having an inward attitude of esteem for their position. The Greek word for honor means “to revere, prize, and value.” Honor is giving respect not only for merit but also for rank. For example, some Americans may disagree with the President’s decisions, but they should still respect his position as leader of their country. Similarly, children of all ages should honor their parents, regardless of whether or not their parents “deserve” honor.

Read more - http://www.gotquestions.org/honor-father-mother.html

Published a new article on “Why did God make salvation such a narrow path?”

Excerpt:

In Matthew 7:13–14, Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” This passage causes some to question the goodness of God. After all, if He really wants to save everyone, why didn’t He make it easier to be saved? Why doesn’t He simply let everyone into heaven?

When we read the word narrow, we tend to associate it with prejudicial selection. It sounds as though God has rated us all on some scale of acceptability and only allows a select few to enter His presence. However, few verses earlier, Jesus had told the same audience, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Jesus made it clear: the path to eternal life is open to everyone who asks.

Read more - http://www.gotquestions.org/narrow-path.html

Published a new article on “What does the Bible say about burnout?”

Excerpt:

Anyone who has experienced burnout knows it is not something he ever wants to experience again. Burnout is commonly described as an exhausted state in which a person loses interest in a particular activity and even in life in general. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, social, and spiritual exhaustion. Many times, burnout is the result of an extended period of exertion at a particular task (generally with no obvious payoff or end in sight) or the carrying of too many burdens (such as borne by those in the helping professions). Unfortunately, burnout can be common among those in vocational Christian ministry and those highly involved in their churches.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30). The solution for those currently experiencing burnout is to find refreshment in Christ. And the prevention plan for burnout is to rest in Jesus and follow His direction for life.

Read more - http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-burnout.html

This week’s Question of the Week: “What is general revelation and special revelation?”

Excerpt:

General revelation and special revelation are the two ways God has chosen to reveal Himself to humanity. General revelation refers to the general truths that can be known about God through nature. Special revelation refers to the more specific truths that can be known about God through the supernatural.

Read more - http://www.gotquestions.org/general-special-revelation.html