Should churches be concerned with taking attendance? Does it matter? David’s Census King David was now king over all Israel and the nation reached the zenith of its power and territory under his reign, so this might be why David decided to take a census. Perhaps he saw the enormity of the nation as an indication of his own power and not God’s sovereignty. Whatever the reason, we know that “Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel.... Read more
Should churches work together in doing work for the kingdom of God? Having all things in Common The primitive church in the first century shared all that they had with the rest of the church, the body of Christ. And by their benevolence and unity, God gave increase to the church. Luke writes about the very first gathering of the saints of God and writes, “And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were... Read more
Do you think Christians or churches should invest money in the stock market? Investing Christians Nearly everyone that has a 401K, Christian or not, may actually be investing in the stock market and not even know it. Years ago when I worked for the government, I had a 401K that I had spread out over certain areas in the market, but it was a fairly conservative investment. Most of my retirement (now gone to buy a house) was put into... Read more
Do you think churches should disclose to the church what a pastor makes in his salary? Confidentiality I have counseled hundreds of people over the years and one thing that I promised them and take very seriously is that what they say to me is kept in strict confidence. I don’t share with anyone what someone has told me in private. If they want to share it, that’s fine, but I won’t. I always assume what anyone tells me is... Read more
Do you think Christians should use real wine during the Lord’s Supper or Communion? A New Covenant Just prior to Jesus’ giving His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45), He instituted a New Covenant and said; “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks... Read more
Should churches accept lottery winnings or winnings from gambling as offerings? Gambling is Coveting If gambling is not a sinful activity, why does it ruin the lives of thousands of families? We have a nearby casino that has wrecked the lives of dozens, sending them into bankruptcy, causing divorces, and creating gambling addictions that are nearly impossible to break. The Bible doesn’t expressly say, “You shall not gamble” but the concept is there in Scripture. Solomon understood the risks of... Read more
Do churches discriminate based upon race? What does the Bible say about this? Salvation through the Jews When Jesus encountered the woman at the well and she told Him, “Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship” (John 4:20), Jesus tells her “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not... Read more
Can churches donate to political campaigns or are they not allowed under the current tax laws? Churches and the Culture Christianity has always had a positive influence on the community, in the culture, and on the nations. They were always the first to build colleges and hospitals, as well as public schools, orphanages, charities, and convalescence homes. That is crystal clear from history, so why can’t a church play a major role in politics in addressing the moral issues of... Read more
Should Churches endorse political candidates? The Salt of the Earth Jesus told His disciples that they were to go into all the world to make disciples of all nations (Matt 28:19-20), but He didn’t say, “You will remake the nations.” That’s not our job. God is sovereign even over those who don’t know Him (Prov 21:1). Never are we to force people to be His disciples. Jesus never forced Himself on anyone. That’s not the way salt and light work.... Read more
Can women serve as deacons in the church? What does the Bible say about this? Paul’s Instructions for Titus An elder can be a pastor or preacher but also an elder in the church but this office apparently is only for men as the Apostle Paul writes to Titus in how to select elders in the church. Paul writes that Titus is to “appoint elders in every town as I directed you” (Titus 1:5) and that it is for those... Read more
Christian Crier
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In