Category Archives: Current Events

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April 5, 2017

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Current Events

Is it wrong to marry outside your own race?

In these more enlightened times very few people ask if a white girl should marry a black guy, or if an Asian guy should marry a Mexican girl. Some are offended by the question. Yet the determination of right and wrong is not based upon the prevailing opinions of society. The determination of right and wrong must always be based on Biblical truth. Does the Bible teach that it is wrong to marry someone of another race?

If it were possible for a person to marry someone of a different race then, yes, that would be wrong. It is wrong to marry someone of another race because you would either be marrying an animal (which is illegal and immoral) or an alien (which don’t exist). It is impossible for a human being to marry another human being who is of a different race.

This answer is not some trite brush off of an important issue. Racial tensions are still a significant issue in America and around the world. A right understanding of the relationships of people groups is important. The answer to this and all other race related questions starts with this Biblical truth: All humans are of one race. The Bible makes a specific declaration of this fact in Acts 17:26. All men, from all nations of the world, are of one blood. All nationalities derive from the same source- God’s creation of Adam.

The so called racial differences are nothing more than superficial differences of coloring, build, language and culture. These differences are not ones of substance or essential being. This does not deny the challenges of various cultures interacting with one another. Understanding one another requires effort. However, other ethnicities must never be dehumanized by suggesting the other is different in essence. Differences in body and behavior do not mean there is difference of being.

Is it wrong to marry someone of a different culture or ethnicity? Many cultures still have taboos against marrying into a different culture. The Bible does not. Scriptures never prohibit people from marrying based upon ethnic, national or cultural differences.

The Old Testament prohibited the Israelites from marrying certain people groups. Deuteronomy 7 has a specific command forbidding an Israelite to marry anyone from seven Canaanite tribes. The reason for this prohibition had nothing to do with ethnicity or culture. The people of Canaan were notorious idolaters and under the judgment of God. The Israelites were not to marry these specific tribes lest they begin to practice the idolatry of the Canaanites. Other than those seven groups in Canaan the Israelites were permitted to marry people from from other nations.

God is not against marriage between different ethnicities, cultures or nationalities. All people are descended from the same two people, Adam and Eve. All people are descended from Noah’s family that was saved by God from the flood. The nations of the world can be traced back to the the grandsons and great-grandsons of Noah. A different race of humans does not exist. No Biblical truth or command forbids marriage to people of a different color, language or culture.

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March 10, 2017

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Current Events, God

What’s wrong with the Shack?

Ten years ago The Shack was published. The story wrestles with one of the most pressing questions of Christianity. The book grabbed people’s attention and soon became one of the bestselling books of all time. One reviewer declared The Shack was the greatest book written since John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress. Last week the major motion picture The Shack was released. Based on the book the movie had a decent opening weekend. It more than the doubled the opening weekend revenues of the 2014 movie Left Behind. The Shack also had a better opening weekend than other recent, popular Christian movies like Courageous and God’s Not Dead. The book seems set to continue exerting its influence over Christians.

The Shack is a work of fiction. Though the book is a work of make believe it claims to be an instrument for teaching Biblical truth. Like a Biblical parable the story seeks to communicate great truths through the medium of a believable and gripping story. I have not seen the movie, but have read the book. My understanding is that the movie follows pretty close with the book in the essentials.

The Shack is filled with problems. Because it is intended to teach, Christian’s cannot disregard the substance of the message. In wrestling with the problem of evil the book and the movie teach about the nature and character of God, the relationship of evil to God and the nature of salvation. The Shack’s view of God is horribly deficient and its understanding of salvation is tragically errant.

In attempting to address the problem of terrible suffering in this world The Shack presents a god who is limited. The God of The Shack is not in control of world events. He responds to tragedies and through His love brings good out of them. Instead of tragedy being a part of the perfect plan of God tragedy is something that God is unable to avert. God has relinquished some control of the world to give men genuine freewill. In a sense both God and man are powerless to prevent evil. God’s love will eventually win but only when men have chosen to follow God.

The Old Testament book of Job is the story The Shack tries to tell. In Job the readers learns of a father who suffers great loss and life shattering tragedy. He insists he did nothing to deserve such pain. He blames God and demands a chance to prove God’s injustice. When God speaks to Job at the end of the book He does not pass on cutesy witticisms and cryptic truths. God confronts Job with His power and control. God doesn’t shrug His shoulders and say there was nothing He could do about it because He gave man freewill. God declares His sovereignty and justice. The God of the Bible is a God in control of all things.

Genuine comfort in life’s sorrow comes from knowing God. The Shack offers a false comfort built on a modern construct of a god who looks like God but is not. The book, and the movie, have rejected the Word of God. In doing so all that is offered is sentimentalism masquerading as wisdom.

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October 28, 2016

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Current Events

Is Halloween Evil?

In a few days the sidewalks will be filled with pint sized nurses, vampires, pixies, zombies, movie characters, rock singers, aliens and all manner of strange creatures. The roving bands will move through the neighborhoods of our town demanding plunder and threatening unpleasant consequences if the loot is not forthcoming.

The celebration of Halloween is huge business in America with a history in European Paganism and Catholic Christianity. The unmistakable pagan influences and the many costumes reflecting demons and sorcery have prompted Christians over the years to denounce Halloween as an evil holiday. Many other Christians see Halloween as nothing but harmless fun. Is Halloween evil?

Certain aspects of Halloween’s celebration are sinful and should be avoided. Drunkenness, immorality, drug use and vandalism are sin. Halloween, nor any other holiday, is justification for engaging in behavior forbidden by God. Caution is also necessary in the choice of costumes. Some things are wrong even when done in play. The real question is: is it wrong to participate in Halloween as we practice it today?

Answering this question requires some consideration of where Halloween came from and how it became what it is today. The history of Halloween is not easy to determine. Conflicting ideas abound and much error has crept into common knowledge about Halloween. People have distorted the facts to promote their own agenda. What seems undeniable about Halloween is that it finds it’s origins in two religious observances: the Celtic Samhain and the Catholic All Saints Day.

Samhain was the festival of the Celtic New Year that prepared them for the long winter ahead. The Celts believed during Samhain the barrier between living and dead was thinnest. The spirits of the dead could be seen roaming the earth. Divination- determining the future by the aid of spirits- was most effective during Samhain. The celebrations included offerings to the Celtic deities and riturals in reverence of the dead.

All Saints Day is the Catholic memorial for all the saints. In Catholic doctrine saints are those who have entered into heaven. Christians on earth and people in purgatory are not, in Catholicism, seen as saints. The evening before All Saints Day was a Hallowed Evening of preparation for the veneration to occur on the following day.

The dates of Samhain and All Saints Day coincided which resulted in the two eventually merging. The Halloween practices that followed continued to evolve over the centuries. The founding of America brought many European traditions into the New World, but Halloween was not a particularly important holiday in the newly formed United States. The late 1800’s saw a rise of American interest in Halloween, but this Halloween had been stripped of its major religious principles.

Today all that is left of the original Pagan and Catholic celebrations are a few of the many traditions. If these traditions were still practiced with their religious beliefs intact, then I would have to consider Halloween a sinful practice, as evil as worshiping Mother Earth or praying to Mary. If children wandered the streets begging food with the promise to pray for the souls of those in purgatory, then I would say confidently that participating in Halloween is sinful. If people bobbed for apples to honor the goddess, then I would say participating in Halloween is sinful. If people carved pumpkins to ward off evil spirits, then I would say participating in Halloween is sinful.

The absence of any overt religious intent in its celebration makes Halloween, in my estimation, nothing more than an excuse to dress up, get free candy and have a good time with your friends.

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October 21, 2016

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Current Events

Would you Vote for Cyrus?

Several Christian groups have touted Donal Trump as a modern day Cyrus the Great. Cyrus was an idolatrous pagan and a wicked king, but the Bible says in Isaiah 45:1 that Cyrus is God’s anointed. Since God raised up Cyrus to return the Jews to Jerusalem, He could be raising up Donald Trump to restore America. One preacher provocatively asked, “Would you vote for Cyrus?”. He went on to say that Christian’s need not be overly concerned about the private morality of presidential candidates. Is this kind of application a proper use of Isaiah 45?

Isaiah 45 is one of the great prophetic passages that supports the truth that the Bible is God’s Word. Isaiah 44 and 45 show the Sovereignty of God over the nations. He is accomplishing all His purposes and establishing governments. He sets up and overthrows leaders at His will. (Daniel 2:20)

God’s Sovereignty over the nations is one reason I can say with confidence that President Obama was set in place by God for His purposes. I can say with equal confidence that whoever wins this election will be the leader appointed by God. God did not ordain Cyrus because he was a good person. Nor can Cyrus be excused as a flawed leader. Cyrus was a wicked king who did not fear or worship God. Cyrus sent the Jews back to Jerusalem as a part of his political strategy, not to honor God.

God used Cyrus’ sinful, self-seeking schemes to accomplish His good purposes for His people. In the case of Cyrus it was the restoration of the people Jerusalem. In an earlier case God chose Nebuchadnezzar as His appointed servant to take Jews into captivity (Jeremiah 25). Would you vote for Nebuchadnezzar?

The question, “Would you vote for Cyrus?” is not relevant to Isaiah 45 but deflects away from the true point of the passage. The question hints that Christian’s would have been right to vote for Cyrus. Christian’s are responsible for making God-honoring, moral choices built on the revelation of God’s Word. Christians’ are not responsiible to figure out how God is going to accomplish His plan. God did not vote for Cyrus. God appointed Him as His servant to accomplish His will.

In Proverbs 16:4 we are told, “The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.” God’s use of individuals to accomplish His purposes must never be seen as an approval of that person or their actions.

Scripture declared the Messiah was to be crucified. Jesus’ death brings salvation to the world and eternal blessing to those who believe. Though this was all part of God’s plan Judas was condemned by God for his betrayal of Jesus. Jerusalem suffered greatly for demanding the execution of her Messiah. Pilate fell under God’s judgment for condemning Jesus to death.

Those who take it a step further and say that since God used Cyrus He is going to use Trump have a serious flaw in their reasoning. Since God used Cyrus, God can also use Clinton. Why aren’t they saying vote Hillary? What Divine revelation is telling them God has ordained Trump instead of Clinton?

Isaiah 45 is a great passage about the Sovereignty of the Creator God over His creation. It gives great hope as we see God is accomplishing His eternal purposes through the nations and leaders of this world. He appointed our current president for a purpose and the next president will accomplish His will. Why waste time turning the rich truths of God’s Sovereignty into a cheap campaign ad?

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May 11, 2016

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Why do Christian’s feel the need to speak out against things they don’t like?

When Christian’s publicly oppose a particular activity some reply, “then just don’t participate in it.” The reasoning is that just because Christian’s are against something doesn’t mean every one has to stop doing it. Is it not enough for Christian’s to be privately against something? Why do they feel the need to speak out against things like gambling, drunkenness, drug abuse, pornography, homosexuality and abortion?

Christians are to be a loving people. Love for others actively seeks their good. As a result Christians have a deep concern for what is good for the community. Christians also recognize that sin is inherently destructive. Sin is not just a difference of opinion about how to live. Those things which God declares to be sin are destructive to the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical well being of those who engage in them. Sin is not only destructive to the one who commits sin. Every sin affects others to their hurt. The drunkard’s sin affects his work, his family and his neighbors. The drug user’s sin has profound impact on the community. The sweeping changes brought about by the proponents of homosexuality give a powerful illustration of this reality. These changes do not just affect homosexuals. They have affected the legal definition of marriage, they are affecting our families at public bathrooms, our children in their school locker rooms and the Christian’s ability to live out his Christian convictions. Sin significantly affects the community. Loving Christians cannot abide by the patronizing advice of “just don’t spend your money on it”. Since we love others, we must oppose those things which will destroy our neighbors.

If Christians really believe this then why don’t they speak out against all sin. Why just pick on certain ones? It is true that Christians have rigorously opposed certain sins while ignoring others. It is also true that those who are serious about obedience to the Lord should be opposed to sin in all its forms. In the public arena this is not always easy to do. When the culture begins to actively promote a particular sin the Christian finds himself needing to oppose that sin with equal activity. As a result it seems to some that Christians are just choosing to oppose particular sins. This is not always the case. Christians are opposed to slavery, but very few are publicly fighting against slavery because the larger American culture does not promote slavery. When America attempts to reinstitute slavery expect Christians to be in the forefront of those who decry it as an evil institution. Christians appear at times to cherry pick what sins to oppose because the needs of the community require the Christian to address the sins most problematic or most promoted at that time.

Christians also measure their response to sins based upon the cost to others of that sin. Some sins cause greater damage to the community than others. Cussing is sinful (Ephesians 4:29), but the cost to others of uttering a swear word is not as significant as the cost of rape. The Christian performs a kind of spiritual triage in choosing which sins require a public reproof. We deal with the most destructive ones first. For example, Christians actively and vocally oppose abortion because of the death it brings to the unborn baby, the havoc it causes in the life of the mother and the destruction is wreaks in families and communities.

Christians are commanded by God to actively oppose sin. This opposition starts in the believers own heart as he strives for holiness in all things. This opposition is to take place in the church through believers exhorting and encouraging one another to forsake sin and walk in obedience. In the church believers are commanded to rebuke fellow believers living in sin. This opposition to sin continues outside the church walls. Because we love our neighbors Christians must speak out against sin, “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” (Ephesians 5:11)

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March 4, 2016

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Christian living, Christianity, Current Events, Life Questions, Politics

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What are the most important things for a Christian to consider as he votes?

Our nation is racing towards the climax of the election cycle. Right now we are in the middle of the presidential primaries. On Tuesday the states of Michigan, Mississippi and Idaho will be having presidential primary elections. Every election leaves the Christian with a some very difficult decisions. The Bible informs every area of the believer’s life. This includes electoral decisions. How does a careful Christian honor God in his voting choices? Because no election is a clear cut choice between good and evil the Christian has to give more weight to certain issues when casting his ballot. What does the Bible says are the most important things to consider when voting?

Proverbs 14:34 says, “Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Christians must consider which candidates will promote Biblical righteousness. The likelihood of finding a candidate with whom you agree completely is almost nonexistent. The possibility of finding a candidate who has a largely Biblical morality seems to be getting slimmer and slimmer. The reality is the Christian will probably have to chose the “lesser of two evils”. In doing so, much discernment must be exercised. The Christian must not vote for candidates who have built their political platform on the promotion of immorality and godlessness. Whenever possible, Christians should seek to vote for those candidates who have shown themselves to be promoters of Biblical righteousness (not necessarily of the ten commandments, but of those things which are in line with Biblical morality).

Romans 13 declares that God ordained the government to be a terror to evil doers. One must select officials who will punish evil. Government officials, from the lowest to the highest, are the servants of God. He appointed them, even the worst of them, to restrain evil. This means elected officials must be restraining evil in their own lives. Proverbs 29:2 says, “When the wicked bear rule, the people mourn.” A wicked man in power is not going to promote justice. He is not going to restrain evil. The Christian should seek those leaders who are honorable men of integrity that will uphold justice.

A Christian should not vote for a person just because the candidate professes of Christianity. While some politicians do have a credible testimony of salvation, far too many take the name of a Christian to attract Christian voters. A competent person of integrity may lead with greater ability and righteousness than a nominal Christian who crafted an identity to attract Christian votes. Nor should a Christian vote with the assumption that the right leaders will fix America. While our elected officials wield great influence over the direction of America, the needs of this nation are heart needs. The transformation of the heart is only accomplished by Christ. No elected leader, no legislative body, no judge and no system of laws will ever make a person truly righteous. Vote with hope but do not place that hope in men. Trust in Jesus, hope in the eternal kingdom He has secured and remember only the gospel will change this country.

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February 19, 2016

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Current Events, Life Questions

Are all men created equal?

The Declaration of Independence says, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” What does it mean that all men are created equal? More importantly, is it true that all men are created equal?

As I understand it, America’s founding fathers were declaring that every person has equal natural worth because he is created by God in the image of God. This principle of equal worth is why the founders went on to declare that governments exist to protect every one’s life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. All men are created equal in the sense that all have the same infinite value. Every person, regardless of gender, race, nationality, ability or economic background is equal. Every person is a reflection of the image of God and bears an inestimable worth.

In more recent times some have understood this phrase to mean every person has the same potential or should have the same opportunity. This interpretation does not line up with Biblical teaching or even with common sense. Physically and mentally none are created equal. Very few have the height, strength or coordination to become a professional athlete, and even fewer have the ability to become superstars. Very few have the understanding, recall and quickness to become a world renowned scientists. An Einstein only comes along every so often. The decades old statement of American freedom and potential, “you too could become president some die” flies in the face of reality. Very few have the drive, political savvy and charisma needed to become a successful politician, much less to become the President. As it says in the other classic American statement, “You’re unique, just like everyone else.”

In Biblical terms, God clearly draws a distinction between people. While all men and women are of equal value before God, God gave them differing abilities and different roles within the marriage relationship. God selected Abraham out of all the people of the world and set him apart to do something remarkable for Him. Abraham held an unequal role in the world. His descendants, the nation of israel, were a special group of people different from all the rest of the nations of the world. They were not equal. Out of Israel God selected men to be judges, prophets and kings. These ones were, in function, not equal with the rest of the nation. God said there was none like unto Moses. In the New Testament Jesus declared, “Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist:” Even in terms of accountability before God, God does not view all as equal. Those who have been entrusted with more will have a greater accountability. “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required:” Pastors must give account for the spiritual well being of those in the church (Hebrews 13:17). At God’s throne of judgment, the punishment of the unsaved will be meted out based upon their works. (Revelation 20:12)

In value all people equal. This equality does not imply it is unfair for some to succeed while others fail, nor does it necessarily require a full “equal opportunity” to all. Because all men are equally image bearers of God, we must do all we can to protect the life and dignity of all.

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December 30, 2015

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Current Events, God, Islam

Do Christians and Muslims worship the same God?

The political turmoil in the world has brought to the forefront many questions about Islam. Some of these questions stem from curiosity about the beliefs of Muslims. Some of these questions stem from declarations made on the news or other pundits. One particular declaration demands careful consideration. A few weeks ago Pope Francis weighed in and repeated the common assertion that Allah is really the same as Jehovah. Is this claim true? Is the God of Quran the same as the God of the Bible?

Certainly Allah and Jehovah have much in common. They are both creator gods who rule supreme over all creation. They are both almighty, compassionate and just. They both offer eternal bliss to those who worship them. Neither shares worship with other gods, but declares himself to be the only true God. Even their common names seem to hint that these gods may be one and the same. In the Old Testament, God is identified as El and Elohim. Both words are generic Hebrew names for deities. The name Allah is rooted in the generic Arabic word for a deity. The similarity between the two terms even carries across in their English transliterations. Many have used these linguistic similarities to argue that El and Allah are just different names for the same God.

On the surface, these sound like reasonable arguments. With a little bit deeper digging it soon becomes evident that, despite some similiarities, the God of Christianity and the God of Islam are nothing alike. Consider three major differences. Allah is a single God, no deities are equal with him and his person is single. Jehovah is a triune God. No deities are equal with him and His person is triune. The Quran distinctly teaches that Allah has no parts, nor persons. The Bible distinctly teaches that Jehovah is one God who consists of three persons. Allah is not a Triune God, Jehovah is. Closely related to the first difference is the difference in their relationship to Jesus. Allah has no Son and none are equal with him. Jesus is not the Son of Allah. Jesus is not Allah made flesh. Jehovah has a Son who is fully God. Jesus is God made flesh, the second person of the Trinity. Jehovah is Jesus. Jesus is not Allah, Jesus is Jehovah. A third example is that of the grace of god. Allah saves according to his grace. His salvation is given to those who earned his grace by their submission to him. Allah’s grace is granted to those who deserve it. Jehovah saves according to His grace. His grace is given to those who do not try to earn it. The Bible presents God’s grace as something that cannot be merited. As Paul says in Romans 11:6, if grace is earned it is not grace. Though many similarities exist between Allah and Jehovah, even a brief comparison reveals the differences make it impossible for the two gods to be the same.

Consider someone who claims to have met your wife. As he talks about her he has some basic details correct. She is female, lives in your house, cooks meals for the family and likes to watch TV with you. As the conversation continues it becomes apparent that the other also believes your wife to be an 8 foot tall, green skinned ogress who rips the heads off small dogs. If you were protest that your wife is not actually a violent, green monster it would be ludicrous for the speaker to insist you are both talking about the same person. The similarities between the character being spoken of and the actual spouse in question do not outweigh the monumental differences. Though there are many similarities between Jehovah and Allah, the monumental differences render it impossible for them to be the same. Only one conclusion is possible, Christians and Muslims worship very different Gods.

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December 9, 2015

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Current Events

What does the Bible say about gun control?

It seems that many consider mass shootings an opportunity to voice again a particular political agenda on gun rights and gun controls. This is a sad response to tragedy, but not unexpected. Recently a president of a Christian university gained media attention because he strongly encouraged the students to take a concealed carry class. As usual, some observers responded with praise and others with derision. Christian opinion is divided on the issue of guns. Some insist that Christian love demands believers do all they can to help bring about tighter restrictions on gun ownership. Others insist that Christians have a duty to protect the innocents by arming themselves against the attacks of violent people. What does the Bible say about this matter?

To get the obvious out of the way, the Bible does not say anything specific about guns because guns were not invented until centuries after the Bible was written. However, the Bible does say a little about the possession of weapons of violence. Because the situation of Israel was unique, Old Testament descriptions of warfare and self defense are not particularly applicable to Christians in America today. A few New Testament events offer some insight into how to think about this matter.

Jesus was not opposed to the ownership of personal weapons. In Luke 22 Jesus gives the disciples instructions for continuing ministry after His death. He specifically tells them, “He that hath no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one.” Before going into the garden of Gethsemane the disciples told Jesus they had two swords. He does not rebuke them for having the but tells them, “It is enough.” When the guards came to the garden of Gethsemane to capture Jesus, Peter pulled out his sword and started swinging. Jesus rebuked Peter, but His earlier words indicate the rebuke was because Jesus’ arrest was necessary. The suggestion that Jesus rebuked Peter for using a sword seems to contradict the earlier instructions to carry a sword. One must be careful with applying these passage to gun control or weapons ownership because that is not their purpose. However, these passages do show that Jesus permitted, and in at least one case commanded, His followers to carry weapons.

Aside from Peter’s flailing in the garden, we have no Biblical example of Christian’s using the sword in self-defense. The silence of Scriptures leaves the possession of guns in the arena of Christian liberty. Really the only other thing that can be definitively said is that carrying firearms should not be a matter of division among believers. Those who want to own and carry handguns should be fully convinced in their own minds that they have the Biblical freedom to do so. They should not demean other Christians who are convinced it is wrong to own or carry guns. Those Christian’s who are opposed to gun ownership must also be fully convinced in their own mind about the matter. They must hold that position without despising those who carry firearms This should not be a matter of division or strife between Christians.

This issues raised by mass shootings and terrorist threats are not easily answered. Christian’s must give a well reasoned, Biblically based response to the problems. Every believer has a political opinion, but we must be careful to not confuse political ideologies with Biblical truths.

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December 4, 2015

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Christian living, Current Events, Life Questions, Salvation

Does Jesus base a person’s salvation on his helping the needy?

I really wish those who take it upon themselves to lecture Christians on how they should behave would take the time to correctly understand what the Bible really says about how Christians are to live. The latest example of Biblical misapplication has come in the aftermath of the Syrian refugee crisis. As thousands have flooded into Europe fleeing intense persecution in Syria the pressure on America to take in these refugees has increased exponentially. Many have taken it upon themselves to declare that Christians have an obligation to welcome in the refugees. The passage I have heard used most to press home this duty is Matthew 25:35-46.

The pertinent passage in Matthew 25 teaches that when Jesus returns He will judge mankind. Those who are given eternal life are the ones who took in the stranger, fed the hungry and gave drink to the thirsty. Those who are sent to eternal judgment are the ones who refused to take in the stranger, feed the hungry and give drink to the thirsty. The application is obvious. Since Jesus will judge men based upon their treatment of the needy, then those who claim to be followers of Jesus have a duty to care for those in need. Is this what Jesus is saying in Matthew 25?

A simple reading of the passage makes it immediately obvious that Jesus is not giving a blanket commandment for every Christian to provide for every needy person he meets. When Jesus grants eternal life to the righteous He tells them “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it (cared for the needy) unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Jesus is teaching that how His children treat their fellow Christians is how they treat Him. What is done for other believers is done for Jesus. He makes this same point in Mark 9:41. He tells His disciples, “For whosoever shall give you a cup of water in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you he shall not lose his reward.” When Jesus returns He will judge those who profess to be His followers based upon how they have served needy Christians.

When Matthew 25 is compared with the rest of the Bible one realizes this passage cannot be teaching that any one is saved by doing good deeds for others. Versees like Ephesians 2:8 declare salvation is only by God’s grace and is only received by faith without any works to merit salvation. 1 John 3:14 says, “We know that we have passed from life unto death, because we love the brethren.” A man’s love of his fellow believer does not make him righteous, it is one of the proof’s he has been made righteous. Salvation is always and only the free gift of grace. The deeds of a man in this life are evidences of salvation.

The situation in Syria is serious. Tens of thousands of refugees are in serious need. Every Christian should be deeply concerned about those needs, especially the needs of the Syrian Christians. There is a clear New Testament example of Christian’s caring for the needs of believers across the world in distress. The Christian’s love for others will compel him to do what he can to provide real help those in need. This help cannot be defined based upon a visceral or political reaction, but must be built upon Biblical wisdom. Misusing a Biblical passage to make a point may make good rhetoric, but properly applied Biblical truth is always more powerful and transformative than any sound bite.