A Study ~ When Questions Are Feared Print Version

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A STUDY~ WHEN QUESTIONS ARE FEARED

Matthew 10:32-33

"Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven."

In June of 2000, I sent a Study to many ministries. The Study was sent to ministries of Baptists, Evangelicals, Assemblies of God, Charismatics, Pentecostals, Messianics and so on, as well as individuals who laid no claim to a public ministry. Knowing that many hire their websites to be maintained by someone other than themselves made the questions appropriate for the ministry head.

As well, the Study was sent to many of the ministries that have been written about on this website. The reason ~ many have complained it has not been shown what they are really about, that they've been lied about and they proclaim they invite people to ask questions so they can respond and give answers about their beliefs.

This writer thought it would be fair, then, to give them opportunity to answer the same questions which were being asked of others.

Many ministries disseminate vast amounts of information and many would have each believe they are Biblically sound, that all their doctrines would match one's own. However, as we've discovered these past few years, claiming one is a Christian is something that must be put to the test. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 2:9 "For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things."

We need to know that what people say they are about is solid on the Word of God. To do less would be to possibly allow ourselves to be misled. One can initially only evaluate the things which people allow us to know about themselves and their doctrine, unless we do some serious searching. It is shocking how many claiming to love the Lord deliberately withhold their beliefs from others in order to deceive about some doctrine.

1 Corinthians 2:12-13 "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual."

Galatians 1:8, 11-12 "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ."

Many are making the claim to being Biblically sound and yet, are hiding what they really believe. The question would be, if someone's beliefs are so of God and their doctrine so Biblically sound, why would one have to hide what one believes? The purpose of finding out what people really believe is not to be judgmental, but to be assured that we are not being lead into false doctrine by those who become expert at combining truth with error.

What had started out as nine questions, resulted in being expanded into 40+. The questions were all questions we ourselves have been asked at one time or another, and in fact, we were including ourselves in the actual Study. The reason for the expanded number of questions was due to understanding the recipients of the Study and the variety of views that would be encountered. Consequently we did not wish to limit the options for a response.

Just as in any survey or controlled Study, the questions needed to be answered with a number of options, with the occasional need for allowing a further explanation. The provided answers were worded with the anticipation of the affirmation of a viewpoint as well as the rejection of a point, and then possible alternate beliefs.

I've corresponded with many who have often made comments on the lack of openness from many ministries. That is, when asked questions about beliefs or doctrine, the response is often no response, rudeness, avoidance of the issue and redirection to another topic or indignation that someone dare ask what they believe. In other words a response that in no way addresses what was asked. Although it's easy to overlook an email, or forget to answer, far too often the same concerns are consistently stated about the same ministries. Therefore, it seemed appropriate to address exactly what the doctrines were of many.

To that end the the Study that was emailed out, included the following Introduction:

Hello,
According to God's Word, in 2 Timothy 3:13-14, we are warned in the following manner: "But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them." and I Thessalonians 5: 12 "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you."

Warnings such as these give us reason to be aware of and evaluate those who are around us, are in leadership positions and who openly claim to belong to Jesus Christ. The following questions are being sent to numerous individuals for a Study as to what people believe. The results will most likely be published in a website article. Those who are holding a public ministry may have their statements published with their name and their ministry name on any and all responses. Please include the proper name of your ministry and URL for that purpose. Those who are in public ministries and do not wish to answer the questions will be recorded as having not responded or failed to respond. Private names/individuals will be withheld unless that individual desires their name included in a possible quote. Realizing that all are very busy, we have endeavored to make this as easy and as least time consuming as possible.

Most questions can be answered easily with a Yes or NO answer or Agree or Disagree. Please try to answer in that way wherever possible. Where there are multiple options please delete the ones that do not apply to you. Some questions will not apply, based on your previous answer.
1 Peter 3:15 "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."
Please consider answering the following:

For the entire Study (CLICK)

As the various responses were received, it was noted that individuals who had no formal public stake were the most open and willing to respond. They were excited at the prospect of the anticipated charting of the many ministries, many feeling that tool would give them a better insight as to what was available on the 'net. Those responses were closely followed in promptness by Baptists, and a few Pentecostals.

Some of the Pastors added insights to the various issues, which this writer very much appreciated. One gentleman, who corresponded about other issues after the Study was sent out, agreed to take the Study when I asked him if he'd be interested. One of his laughing comments was that he felt like he was on the rack for a couple of the questions--but he answered all questions. Most said the Study took about a half hour or less of their time.

Many did not respond at all. Some were prepared to answer if I had been a University or Seminary student, but were incredibly rude upon discovering I was not.

Some, however, started a dialogue which was open and friendly until there were apparently email messages circulated that suggested "I wasn't as sincere as I sounded". Those then, who had thought the Study would be excellent, proceeded to be offended due to believing the gossip which was fueled by anger, indignation and evil speaking, including lying and manufacturing information that ran the email range. They believed their "Christian friends" were protecting them from something wicked.

I've yet to see gossip and evil speaking produce good fruit. Nor can I find a Scripture that would support such behavior as being of our Lord Jesus Christ. Manufacturing information is not conducive to edification. However, it does show the character of those involved and they and those who follow that type of character need to repent of it. It is a shame to themselves.

Ephesians 4:31-32 "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

Psalm 34:13 "Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile."

Psalm 59:12 "For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak."

Proverbs 4:24 "Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee."

Proverbs 8:13 "The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate."

Proverbs 14:25 "A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies."

Proverbs 15:28 "The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things."

Proverbs 17:4 " A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue."

Proverbs 26:28 "A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin."

We don't view ourselves as anything but a family desiring to be obedient to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We struggle and stumble at times, no different than any other believer. We neither believe we hold all the answers nor suggest that we do. However, the reason the evil speaking, gossip and slander, which we've received many times from those we've evaluated, isn't a concern is because God's Word does hold the answers to our questions and concerns. Scriptures such as 1 Peter 3:16 "Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ."

We understand where gossip, slander--which is wicked and false information-- and evil speaking, which are not of the Lord, nor to be found among those claiming to be of the Lord, comes from. In other words, it's how God views things that should be of utmost concern to us in our evaluations and how others evaluate us.

Luke 6:45 "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh."

The Study questions were not intended to generate strife nor were they foolish or unlearned questions. Being evaluated or questioned about our beliefs is only "bad" from the side of those who wish to hide who and what they are. The responses should have been the responses of those who serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as a witness. Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:23-26 "But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. "

John 3: 19-20 "...and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."

If I were lost, some of the responses would have said that those claiming to be Christian were not ones I would like to be around, nor would they have won me to the Lord through their witness or lack thereof.

I had anticipated that some Pastors would find their time spread too thin to be able to respond, having both a church and a web ministry. However, a ministry is to serve individual needs and people must take care that they are not caught in the trap of being too busy to deal with an individual. I also anticipated that some would not wish to answer and expose their beliefs. I was not surprised by some of the retorts and behavior, but rather had previous evaluations confirmed. We can all err when dealing with others, but a consistent lack of the fruit of the Spirit suggests a lack of the Spirit. Ephesians 5:9 "(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)"

There were several question that each and every person should have been able to answer, regardless of how they perceived the source of the Study. That is, the first five questions, but particularly, questions three through five.

1. Do you believe that it is a Biblical principal that those in leadership must be open about what they believe, who they promote and what they endorse or have been involved in?

2. When asked questions about your ministry, what you believe, who you promote or endorse or what you have been involved in, would you say you generally:

a. are open and willing to answer all queries
b. resent being asked questions
c. would rather people went by what you have published in various media and not ask questions
d. find questions a waste of your time
e. refuse to answer most questions
f. only answer questions from queries of people who are openly
supportive of your ministry

3. Do you believe in the Trinity (God the Father, God the Son & God the Holy Spirit)?

4. Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and is God manifest in the flesh?

4b. Do you believe that there is no other way to the Father than through acceptance of Jesus Christ His Son, who died on the cross for all of mankind?

4c Do you believe a Christian can lose their salvation?

5. Do you believe that upon acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior that the Holy Spirit immediately indwells and remains with all believers and does not leave or forsake them?

The reason should be obvious--these questions are a confession of what a person believes about Christ, about salvation and about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Each and every Christian has a responsibility before God to confess Jesus Christ before all, regardless of who is asking. Refusing to answer and proclaim those things when asked, by Christian or non-Christian, is denying Jesus Christ before men. Some might and did say, "it's on my website what I/we want people to know about our beliefs. If it's not there, I don't believe it." Many of the questions would never be answered by what is posted on the various websites.

The question that listed a series of possible organizations one might have been involved in was asked for several reasons. We ourselves have been involved, in the past, in supporting various groups, such as Youth for Christ, without knowing the history or background.

We, like many others, have had a wake up call about the many groups. Many have not. We were looking to possibly share particular information for the purpose of edification. The list was compiled with the hope of also looking for resources--people who may have been involved in something in the past but left for what ever reason. I was hoping to find people willing to share testimonies of why they might have left various things for what ever reasons. Every one has a testimony of what God has brought them out of--but many do not share those things. We believe it is important to do so.

Anyone can write a statement of faith. Anyone can say they are a Christian when writing an article or disseminating information that may hold truth and error. However, the validity is found in one's beliefs when we are asked a question and do not control the person that asks. That is, the person is not accepting the dissemination of what we say we are about, but rather, they are asking questions in terms and in a way they can understand. Being offended by those questions should be the last thing on any Christian's mind. It is an absolute opportunity to witness, share Christ and our doctrinal beliefs, which should be based on the "sound doctrine" of the Bible.

Psalm 19:7 "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple."

One Pastor said that he'd answered questions put to him by Jehovah's Witnesses and they misused his statements, so, because he didn't know me and I didn't support his ministry, he felt no obligation to answer. If he was using the Word of God, he was being given opportunity to share the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Isn't that what a ministry is for--to reach out to the lost and also to edify Believers? 2 Timothy 24-26:

"And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. "

Dismissing another person's valid concerns or questions as unimportant is to say that person is also unimportant. It is not for us to determine who will accept the truth. If God provides an opportunity to share the Word of God, hadn't we better use it?

Hebrews 3:12-13 " Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."

If we're afraid that what we say will be unacceptable or misused, and close our mouths because of fear of how the information might be used, are we not denying Christ before men? If we only respond to those who say they support us or say they like us or are in agreement with us, exactly what kind of "ministry" do we have? Obviously, not a Biblical one. Are we not disobeying what Jesus Himself said our response should be?

Luke 6:26-30 "Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets. But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again."

Some might suggest that some or even many of the issues were peripheral or unimportant. That would be a false statement. Each of the questions has something to do with doctrine found in the Word of God. All doctrine in the Word of God is worth our while.

Titus 1:9 "Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers."

Titus 2:7-8 " In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you."

2 Timothy 3:16,17, 4:1-2 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 4:1 "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry."

Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

Paul wrote in Phil. 4:9 "Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."

Many ministries are built or focused on various subject matter in the Study. That means for them they are important doctrinal issues. A few suggested that to answer the questions and allow people to know their beliefs on some of the questions would be to destroy their ministry or be divisive. That could only be if one believes something other than Biblical truth. We're not to have a ministry that's deceitful.

2 Corinthians 4:2-3 "But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:"

1 Peter 2:1 "Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,"

Jeremiah 48:10 "Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully,..."

Granted, a few of the questions would be difficult if one hadn't ever considered them--but saying you are unsure or don't know about an issue would be far more honest than hiding one's beliefs.

For example, many don't know what to believe about the Rapture of believers or timing of the return of Christ. Although we believed Christ would return, we really didn't have a solid understanding of the issue. We neither knew the terminology for the various teachings, and could not discuss it Biblically. We still don't feel knowledgeable about it.

There is no division in the Body of Christ. We have one faith, not a multitude of faiths, agreeing to disagree, or unity in diversity.

Ephesians 4:3-6 "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."

I Peter 2:5 "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ."

Romans 12:3-5,9-10 " For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another...9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;"

Philippians 3:14-18 " I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:"

If there is division it is as a result of 1) lack of Biblical knowledge 2) pride, ego and the need to be right 3) stubbornness 4) lack of going to the Lord and His Word when there is a difference of understanding a Scripture, and waiting on Him to teach us 5) spiritual immaturity 6) one is deceived 7) one is a deceiver.

1 Corinthians 4:7 "For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?"

Romans 12:16-17 "Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men."

Paul wrote that leadership was given, Ephesians 4:12-16 " For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."

Those who chose to be offended, who tried to smear the intentions of the Study, are not Biblically obedient nor spiritually sound. The decision to not answer questions about one's doctrinal beliefs, with that reasoning, means one has something to hide. What in Biblical "sound doctrine" is there to hide from those we are supposedly there to witness to or in brotherly love, edify? Did Jesus and the apostles hide their beliefs and doctrine?

Paul, who wrote we were to follow him as an example of how to behave and what to believe, said his very life was open.

2 Timothy 3:10 "But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,"

Peter said in 2 Peter 3:2-3 " That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,"

If our purpose and doctrine does not revolve around obedience to the Word of God, we have no business pretending it does.

1 Timothy 6:3 -5 " If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself."

No one was obligated to answer the Study, but what a missed opportunity to be Biblically obedient as a witness to share the truths of God's Word, of which all our doctrines are supposed to be based. Due to the issues related in this article, it seemed prudent to not compose a chart for the various responses. Rather, the Study results needed to be addressed in this article. What needs to be said about sound doctrine, answering questions about sound doctrine and those who wish to hide who and what they are is dealt with in the Scriptures.

1 Timothy 5:17 "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine."

1 Timothy 4:16 "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."

Mark 4:21-23 "And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear."

Please See Vicky Dillen's Inquisition for more on this Survey