Is it inconsistent to quote from the book of Psalms concerning praise and yet not use musical instruments in formal worship services?

King David, in spite of his many sins, was a man of worship and praise. The Psalms are full of his declarations of praise to God. He often inspired others to praise with not only song but to accompany it with instruments of music and even dance as in Psalm 150. David lived under the law of Moses and not under the truth of Jesus Christ. There are attributes and characteristics of David which are still commendable and inspirational even in this dispensation of grace.Read more

Does 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 teach that the resurrection of the righteous will be at a different time and occasion than the unrighteous? It appears there may be two separate physical resurrections.

There will be only one physical resurrection from the grave. John 5:28-29 teaches this clearly. “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which ALL that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” Regardless of the teaching of many false prophets, Jesus said that the righteous and the unrighteous will be resurrected within the same hour, or within the same period. This is contrary to the millennial reign doctrine.

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According to Hebrews 6:4-6 and Hebrews 10:26-29, is it possible for an individual who has been saved and then departs from his faith in a life of sin to be restored to salvation?

A resounding YES! It is possible for a backslider to be saved. Foundational to the gospel is the message of God’s great love for mankind and the hope of restoration through the blood of Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:9 tells us that God is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” The Lord does not will that anyone lose his eternal soul; hence, He works through the convicting power of His Spirit to draw all men to Himself. The invitation given in Revelation 22:17, “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely,” extends even to the backslider. The Old Testament repeatedly reveals God’s nature of forgiveness and willingness for the restoration of fallen Israel. While there is grace to live a victorious Christian life, if someone loses his salvation because of sin, hope is not gone if there is a willingness to repent and obey the Lord. Restoration is offered to ALL people.

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How supportive can a Christian be of law enforcement and the military?

As good, Christian citizens it is not hypocritical to appreciate the role and function of law enforcement and the military while not engaging ourselves in combat-type situations where we would have to take someone’s life. Without local and national keepers of the peace, there would be chaos and very little freedom. We experience the freedoms we do because of the sacrifice of people who daily place their lives at stake for our benefit. There are supportive and even spiritual functions that Christians can fill for law enforcement and military personnel. It is important to remember that Christians are citizens of two countries. Our primary service and code of conduct is founded in the spiritual, but that does not preclude appreciation for the other.Read more

How frequently should one fast?

The New Testament does not give guidelines for how frequently one should fast. The Pharisee in Luke 18:11-12 fasted twice a week. By the time of Christ, the Pharisees had turned fasts into legal bondage. The best advice is found in Galatians 5:18: “But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.” We need to be led by the Spirit in how often we fast. There is a danger that a spiritual observance done regularly can become a form or ritual without true spirituality. Fasting, whether regular or occasional, is a personal decision between an individual and God. Some people have broken their health because they fasted too frequently and too long. This is not temperate and is not caring for the body as the temple of God.Read more