Pastors & Elders Q&A

Question #1 Pastor Terry:

What is God's view on borrowing and lending money as a church or Christian, as Calvary is looking at future plans?

Question # 2 Pastor Gregg:

If a child of God is falsely accused of something, should they ever try to defend themselves, or just wait for God to do so? What if the lies have been going on for years, and God remains silent?

Question # 3 Pastor Mark:

Please address the concept of “Slain in the Spirit” and how it is in disagreement or agreement with the scriptures and the character of the Holy Spirit. (“Slain in the Spirit” meaning the loss of bodily self-control during an experience with what is thought to be the Holy Spirit)

Question # 4 Pastor Seth

Since wicked mankind loves darkness (John 3:19), as Christians, will we see more sorcery/witchcraft in plethora of games (Pokemon, Dungeons and Dragons), music, movies, television shows and books with demonic and occultic themes, religious artifacts (Chinese, Native American, New Age, crystals, etc), as we are in the Last Days getting closer to the Rapture? Will the church start seeing more demonic activity as we get closer to the Last Days/Rapture? How, as Christians, do we combat that?

Question # 5 Pastor Terry

What is the correct balance between "free grace" and "lordship salvation"? If a person is truly saved, will they necessarily show some change in their life? What about living in habitual sin? (I have a family member who lives carnally, but feels secure in his salvation.)

Question # 6 Pastor Gregg

Jesus instructed the disciples in Matthew 28:19 to "go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." In the Acts of the Apostles, Peter on the Day of Pentecost says: "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." All the following accounts of baptism in the scriptures do not follow the layout that Jesus prescribes. All subsequent depictions of baptism are performed solely in the name of Jesus Christ. Can you guys explain what the proper methodology of Baptism is according to the Bible?

Question # 7 Pastor Mark

A friend who is not Jewish but follows Messianic teachings is very adamant that Christians should be keeping all the feasts. We have had many discussions about it and have agreed for the sake of our friendship to agree to disagree. Can you guys share some words that I can share if we ever talk about it again.

Question # 8 Pastor Seth

In 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Paul told Timothy, "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and will wander off into myths." If we're to avoid teachers or "myths", we first need to identify them. Who are a few specific teachers or para-church groups (other than Mormons, JWs, etc.) that the flock should avoid? What are some new (or recycled) "myths" of which the flock should beware?

Question # 9 Pastor Terry

A while back, a question was asked about tattoos and should a Christian should have one. Being that the Old Testament had a lot to say about this but the New Testament was silent on this. Does a christian ignore the Old Testament as there is a wealth of knowledge in the Old Testament?