Why Believe Christianity?
by
Rev. Opelton Parker
Why believe? The only reason for believing anything is because it is true. We should not believe because we want to or don’t want to, but we should believe because its true! So the next question is obvious: How do we know that Christianity is true? One decides truth based on evidence that is both physical and logical — i.e., rational. Take the Apostle Paul, for example; the Bible states that Saul/Paul “kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ.” (Acts 9.22) Note this verse tells us that Paul proved that Jesus was the Christ (Messiah/Savior). How does Paul or anyone prove that Jesus is the Christ? He does so by presenting the evidence.
Exhibit A: Psalms 22.1-18 and Isaiah 53. In these passages the crucifixion of Jesus was described many centuries before it happened — in detail; why it happened was related as well.
Exhibit B: No body was found in the tomb. All those who wanted to stop the spread of Christianity had to do was to produce the body, open the tomb and say, “Here is the body of Jesus.” However, on the contrary, they all — both friend and foe— admitted that the tomb of Jesus was empty.
Exhibit C: There were eyewitnesses that saw the resurrected Christ. The Apostle Paul claims to have seen the resurrected Jesus (1st Corinthians 15.8). In fact, Paul tells us that he once was a persecutor of Christians (1st Corinthians 15.9). Only seeing the resurrected Lord Jesus could account for the fact that Saul/Paul became a believer on his way to Damascus to stop the spread of Christianity. He had nothing to gain by lying about this matter. If fact, Christians were at the time persecuted and consequently Paul had a lot to lose; indeed, he suffered much for his belief in Christ. Also, Paul tells his contemporary readers that there were more than 500 other followers who also seen the resurrected Lord Jesus and that most of them were still alive and would be able to tell you/them themselves that they seen the Lord.
Exhibit D: The growth of the Church, only the resurrection could explain why Christianity grew so fast. Peter preached one sermon and in one day the Christians added 3000 people to their number (Acts 2.22-41). The church grew so fast that they became a problem not only for the Jews who saw them as a threat to their tradition, but also to the Romans who saw them as a threat to their religion and culture.
Exhibit E: The prophecies found in the New Testament. Jesus predicts his crucifixion and resurrection (Matthew 20.17-19). Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple thirty or more years before it happened (Mark 13.2). Jesus predicts that his followers would be witnesses to the whole world (Acts 1.8 & Matthew 24.14). Jesus predicts that they will be persecuted (Matthew 14.9). The present persecution of the Church is impossible to explain outside of prophecy (John 15.18-25). When one looks at all that the Church has done — from the founding of orphanages, schools, hospitals, food & clothing pantries, to the acts of loving your neighbor as yourself, forgiving one another, etc. — how is it possible that it would be the most persecuted group of people in the world? How is it that so many people hate the Church? Sin and selfish interest will always conflict with the command to love your neighbor as you would yourself.
Exhibit F: Sin. What does sin prove? Sin proves that we humans are not able to make ourselves righteous. Although we know right from wrong, the desire to do wrong over powers us (Romans 3.23). For thousands of years humanity has try to stop, get rid of sin, to build the perfect world. But as of this day no utopia has ever been built by humans. We have been unable to do it. This proves the need for a Savior (Isaiah 52.4-6).
Exhibit G: The change in a person before and after they became a believer in Christ should be evidence enough that Christ is Lord (1st John 3.4-10).
Exhibit H: “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Psalm 34.8. Pray asking God to give you understanding and read through the New Testament yourself. Try doing some of the things it says and see if you don’t come to the same conclusion as so many others have that Jesus is Lord.
Conclusion: This has been a quick one-page summary on what many others have written books on and therefore is only a guide to those who want to explore the subject on a deeper level. When one is presented evidence, one can accept or reject the evidence, but one cannot say that there is no evidence or proof for the Christian faith (Acts 9.22).
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Why Biblical Christians Believe that Jesus Is God
by
Rev. Opelton Parker
The deity of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ is plainly taught in Holy Scripture: “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” (John 1.1) This belief is a shared belief among all major confessing Christian faith groups: Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestants. The belief that Jesus is God dates back to the days of the Apostles (John 20.28), every true Christian should have this belief in common. However, cultic groups have confused people by rewriting Scripture to read the Word was “a god” (John 1.1, Jehovah Witness’ New World Translation). So sometimes it becomes necessary to go over the basics of Christianity even with believers.
Theological speaking it is impossible for Christ to be “a god” and not the God. The Bible teaches that there is only one God: “I am the first and the last; besides me there is no god.” (Isaiah 44.6), “I am the Lord, and there is no other besides me there is no God” (Isaiah 45.5). Christianity is monotheistic not polytheistic. Scripture references that refer to there being other gods are talking about false gods: “You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20.3), “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4.4), “their god is their belly” (Philippians 3.19), etc. Some have referred to angels as being gods, but this is not a Biblical possibility for demons who are fallen angels are said not to be gods: “They sacrificed to demons that were no gods” (Deuteronomy 32.17). If you think Moses thought or taught that there were gods in Exodus 20.3 read what he wrote about what the Lord God said to him: “See now that I, even, I am He, and there is no god beside me.” (Deuteronomy 32.39) As for Paul’s use of the “god of this world” read what Paul has to say in 1st Corinthians 8.4: “…there is no God but one. For although there may be so called gods in heaven and many lords —yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.” Therefore, Jesus is not “a god” according to Scripture, but “God”: “The Word was God” (John 1.1)
The Holy Scripture/Bible clearly teaches that Jesus is God. Old Testament passages that speak of God are used to describe Christ: “I am the Lord (YHWH) who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself,” (Isaiah 44.24) compare this with John 1.3: “All things where made through him(Christ Jesus) and without him was not anything made that was made.” Compare Isaiah 43.11 “I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior” with Luke 2.11 “For unto you is born this day in the city of David the Savior who is Christ the Lord.” The word “LORD” in the Old Testament is used in place of the divine name YHWH because the name is said to be too holy to pronounce and in the New Testament the word Lord is used of Christ Jesus numerous times. So commonly used is the term “Lord” for Christ Jesus that only in 1st & 3rd John can you read a New Testament Book without coming across a reference to Jesus as being Lord. In 1st John although “Lord” is not used Jesus is referred to as God by John (1st John 5.20). Jesus is not only called Lord, but also God in passages such as John 1.1, John 20.28, Romans 9.5, etc. (English Standard Version)
Can God become man and yet still be God? If one believes that God can do all things the logical answer to this question is yes. Did God become man and is Jesus God? Yes, Jesus was fully human and also God. The Father and the Son are the same (John 14.9). This brings us to the concept of the Trinity: God in three Persons/Father, Son and Holy Spirit. A concept for some that’s hard to understand. I have not mention the Holy Spirit, because my Subject is Why Christian believe Christ is God. However, since there is a relationship between the topics I will briefly mention the Trinity.
I often use water when illustrating the concept of the triune God to children. On a hot humid Trinity Sunday I take a cool cold glass of water with ice in it. Then I say that the reason it humid is that there is water in the air and that water is everywhere like God the Father. When water gets hard you handle it you can see and feel it like Jesus among the people of the 1st century. Last, this is my favorite part I drink the cold water and say this water is in me now like the Holy Spirit who refreshes me and helps me thru my day. Though water is a solid, liquid, and vapor it is still water. Can God exist in three persons? Again, if one believe that God can do all things the logical answer to this question is yes. This is my belief what do you think?
Tithing
“Why Christian Should Give at Least a Tithe.”
By Rev. Opelton Parker
Tithing is a controversial subject. People take their money seriously and the issue can divide Christians. From a pastoral perspective one has to be very sensitive in advising whether or not a person should tithe. I find that there are people who will say that you are robbing God if you don’t tithe (Malachi 3.8), and others who will say that if you teach tithing you are a false teacher, a heretic and that you are going after folk’s money rather than teaching the gospel. In regards to the later let God judge the heart or motive of the preachers! We all know that there are some who have gone into ministry for the money and use tithing and other gimmicks to get people’s money, but that is not the question for us. We are more concern with the message than the motive (Phil 1.15-18).
The question is should a Christian teach tithing is it scriptural? In asking this question lets assume that the ministry or church is legit in God’s eyes. They are ministering to the needy, visiting the poor, the pastor doesn’t have an extravagant salary, etc. because the majority of churches in the USA have 100 members or less and the preacher usually dose not have an extravagant salary. Should a Christian person tithe to such a ministry? Should a minister teach tithing in such a ministry? Is it scriptural?
The reason why I think that Christians should at least tithe is as follows: if one is not sure and is convicted by one’s conscience. He or she should tithe. For God knows the heart. In your heart if you feel you are not supporting the ministry as God would have you support His ministry then repentance is needed. This principle can be found in Roman 14:22-23. I would rather stand before God having told people to tithe when they didn’t have to then to stand before Him having told them to not tithe when they should. Knowing of my own personal experience and testimony of others about tithing and the blessings that come from obedience to the God’s word I support tithing. Tithing is a grey area. There are arguments for and against tithing by top theologians (See my recommended link tithing debate at opelton.com).
First, let us list reasons people say that you should not tithe.
- Israel was a theocracy and the tithe was for the Levites and we have no more Levites or theocracy.
- Jews today do not tithe.
- We are under grace and no longer under the Law.
- Tithing is not mention in any of the writing of the early church fathers.
- The Old Testament tithe was more than a tenth, because Moses’ law required them to give not only a tenth for the Levites, but also a tenth every three years for the widows, orphans, and sojourners, and also a tenth to support the festivals.
Now, let’s examine those above reasons people give for not tithing.
- Israel was a theocracy and tithe was for the Levites and we have no more Levites. This is true, but tithing dates before the law (Genesis 14:19-20 and Genesis 28:20-22). Some would argue that Abraham giving a tenth was not a tithe and that this was not a continuous donation and the tenth that Jacob gave was also not a tithe also nor a continuous donation. The problem here is logically a tenth is a tithe, and a tithe is a tenth. Therefore, it is impossible for a tenth not to be a tenth, and a tenth not to be a tithe. The word tithe means tenth. It doesn’t matter how often it is given it is still a tithe/tenth. Note also that the writer of Hebrews calls this a tithe (Hebrews 7:9). So the Bible itself calls this a tithe.
Next one has to ask the question why did they give this amount and why is it mention twice? Is this because the father passed this along to the son and the son to his son or is it purely coincidental? Why not a ninth, eleventh, or twelfth? Abraham had plenty he could have given more or less? Why do both Abraham and his grandson both give a tenth/tithe? Note this is not just a tenth of a slice of pie, but of all that they had. There is no need for a weekly donation after such giving. For it covered all their possession: Camels/cars, food, sheep/clothing, etc. Note who they gave it to, one can clearly see it is for the Lord’s minister even though there are no Levites.
The reason God’s gives in Malachi 3:10 for the tithe is “that there may be food in my house.” The tithe was to take care of the Levites/the Lord’s ministers although we don’t have Levites we do have those who do the work of the Levites such as the church’s pastor, sexton, musician, and other ministers, etc. In cases where the pastor is getting to much to eat (too much food/money) there are other Levites or ministers and ministries that need your support that you can tithe to. Let the over feed buy his own jet plane. Use your tithe to support the Levites or ministers that are in need of bicycles to take the gospel to places planes and cars can’t go.
In our Lord Jesus Christ’s ministry here on earth in the flesh he had a chance, but didn’t speak against tithing. Jesus told the Pharisees: “But woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithe of mint and rue and every kind of garden herb, and yet disregard justice and the love of God; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.” (Luke 11:42 see also Matthew 23:23) In this statement of Christ’s he doesn’t do away with tithing, but rather tells them that it was right that they tithed, but not to neglect more important issues such as justice and love. Can we say it was right then, but not now?
- Jews today do not tithe. This is true, but they also are still looking for the messiah. In other words our interpretation of Scripture should not rest on the teachings or traditions of non-Christian (1st Corinthians 2:14). They are waiting for the temple to be rebuilt and the Levites to be reestablish as ministers before they tithe. Christian should not be waiting for such things as a reason to not tithe.
- We are under grace and no longer under the Law. We are under grace and there are no more Levites to give the tithe to. This is true, but that doesn’t mean that the Law has no merit. Jesus says “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17). Yes, we are under grace, but grace does not break the law just because it can. In fact grace does the very opposite; grace fulfills the Law. It gives more! Note if anyone want to pattern there giving after the New Testament Church this is what the new found believers did “There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid them at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.” (Acts 4; 34-35). In other words, they gave all; so much that the church took care of them and handle their money. We read scripture to understand God’s purpose and reasoning so that we can apply it to our lives. The question here is, ‘Is there a standard?’ Yes, I believe so and since we are not under the law, but grace we should go above the standard (Matthew 5:38-42).
In Malachi 3 God ask for the tithe to be given to him and calls it robbery. Some have said that this was a tax and not voluntary therefore it no longer applies to believers. However, if this tax is mandatory why don’t the Levites get an army and make the people pay their tithe? How can the Levites and poor be neglected if it is not voluntary? When Israel was under its own rule it was a mandatory tax. However, Malachi was written around 445 BC. Israel is no longer under its own rule the emperor Artaxerxes is ruling the nation. Israel is under Persian rule. It is the emperor who taxes folk. The tithe in Malachi 3 is voluntary, yet God’s calls their lack of care for His ministry robbery even though it is not mandated by the Persian government. Tithing is indeed voluntary today. The government will not put you in prison if you don’t tithe. Therefore, it seem to me this standard in Malachi 3 would apply.
- Tithing is not mention in the writing of the early church fathers.
This is true the early church fathers taught giving more than your tithe. (See Collin Hansen’s article in Christianity Today. http://www.christianitytoday.com/history/2008/august/ancient-rise-and-recent-fall-of-tithing.html) Since it seems to be a recent thing that Christians are stepping away from the tradition of tithing and teaching tithing one has to ask the question, “Has Christians been wrong concerning tithing all these years? There is a strong correlation between the tradition of tithing and the teaching of Scripture as understood by myself and previous generations.
- The Old Testament tithe was more than a tenth, because God’s law given to Moses required them to give not only a tenth for the Levites, but also a tenth every three years for the widows, orphans, and sojourners, and also a tenth to support the festivals. This perhaps is the strongest of the arguments to contend with, because It demands a mathematical answer. Math is not one of my strong points, but if this argument is right does it means that we should rise the standard to somewhere between 20-22%? One thing that we know is the festival are no longer kept so we can knock off the tithe for the festivals. However, giving and extra 10% every three years for the widows, orphan, and sojourners’ means that we should consider this in our giving since the poor are still with us. If we divide 10 by 3 since it is every three years we come up with 10% for the Levites and 3.33% extra for the poor as the standard or 13.33%. Now this extra 3.33% is not for the Levites, but for the poor. However, this is a mute argument as stated above a tithe is a tenth and the tithe came before the law was given (Genesis 14; 19-20 and Genesis 28; 20-22). Only thing this tells us is that we should give at least a tenth. That why I have titled this article “Why Christian Should Give at Least a Tithe”.
In Malachi 1.8 God is upset because the priest have been offering substandard sacrifices. So is God upset with a substandard giving? What is a substandard giving? Is 2% of your income, which most people give substandard? If not what is that standard? God says in Malachi 3. that the people have been robbing him not only in tithes, but also in offerings. If tithing is done away with should we do away with offerings also? After all we are under grace not the law. Is there no standard for the New Testament believers? Did they do away with the tithe or go beyond it by giving all that they had? (Acts 4:34-35)
Conclusion: Even though tithing has been taught for many years by the church there are those who say that the tithing tradition is not scriptural. However, this is debatable (see suggested link for a more formal debate) as you can see. I would rather err on the side of caution by giving both tithes and offerings to the Lord and teaching the same. Since the Lord has made it clear in Malachi that he expected it of Israel how can the Church –the New Israel of God (Galatians 6:16) –the Seed of Abraham by faith (Romans 4) do anything less? There are false ministers that rob God by taking the tithe and using it to make themselves rich, rather using it as an offering to help finance God’s work by the church. However, I also know that there are ministers that serve God that have been homeless, standing in food give away lines, have there power shut-off by utility company; because there is no food on the table, because they’re not being support, because the church members financial standards of giving are so low that the church does not have the money, because their members give below the tithe. All that is needed is for ten members to tithe to make the minister’s income one like their own. Whether we agree or disagree we should not demonize one another as some of the anti-tithing articles on the internet do. Whether we tithe or not we must all give an account of our stewardship to the Lord (2nd Corinthians 5:10). When I appear before the I want to be a teacher that have kept the standard of teaching people good stewardship. Give generously to the LORD and you won’t have to worry about Malachi 3.8 and rather or not it applies, for you will be able to say as I do, “I give above my tithe!”
Scripture on tithing Gen. 14:19-20, Gen. 28.20-24, Lev.27.30-34, Num. 18:26, Deut. 12:5-6, Deut. 14:22 (festivals) 28-29 (Orphans widows & sojourners), Mal. 3:8-12, Matt. 23.23 = Luke 11.42, Heb. 7:1-2,
Christian need not tithe because we are free from the Law (1 Cor. 9:20-21, Romans 13:8-10)