The Leadership Team answers your questions.

Q1 (2:35). This question was prompted by the “Jesus is” sermon series on other religions. I would like some thoughts, experiences, advice, and resources to help me think through evangelism as it relates to culture. Specifically, how can we deal with the problem that, when we evangelize people from other cultures and religions, we are not only asking them to accept or reject propositional truths, but we are also asking them to abandon much of their culture, heritage, and family? What can we do to overcome this strong obstacle to the gospel? (I know truth is not culturally relative, but humans comprehend it as such. I’m asking about to overcome these irrational and emotional barriers, not those which can be countered by rational argumentation).

Q2 (21:20). Ok, I’m not sure if I can articulate all aspects of this question well enough, since it’s been churning in my brain for over a week, but I’m going to do my best! I was walking with my friend the other week and it came up in the conversation that when you’re saved the Devil can’t fight against you as he can when you’re not a Christian because we, as Christians, are protected in Christ. Christians only sin when distracted by their own desires, which when pursued, give birth to sin. My friend stated that so many Christians blame the devil for tempting them when, in reality, it’s their fault since they’re the ones that took the detour by following the wants of their earthly flesh. I had never thoroughly thought about this before because I had always believed that the Devil has the ability to tempt (or fight against or whatever) whomever he chooses – examples being Job, Jesus, etc. and that all sin is ultimately caused by the Devil. I know that we already have victory over sin, but I’m confused how this fits into our new life as Christians when we’re tempted or fall into sin.

Since marriage, I feel like my walk has greatly suffered. It’s been suffocated by a greater demand on my time from my ever growing to-do list, my husband, my daughter, my job, etc. My quiet times, no matter how dedicated, are becoming just another thing to cross off. Is Satan actively fighting against me, or is this my sinful nature/desires that have led me off course and I just missed the point when I detoured?

Q3 (to be discussed on the blogs). No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father (Mark 13:32). I struggle with this verse, and many opponents of Christianity use this verse. The basic is problem is how can Jesus not know? He is God. If he is not all knowing he can’t be God.

Q4 (to be discussed on the blogs). How can Mark or any of the gospel writers so accurately record what Jesus said? Was someone writing it down as Jesus said it?

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