There have always been many views on Original Sin. I think all of us agree that we are born with a sin nature and that it is impossible for us not to sin.

Do you believe, however, that we somehow participated in Adam’s sin because we were seminally present, or that he sinned as our representative, or that he sinned as our federal head, thus — untlil regeneration — guilty of Adam’s sin in addition to all our particular sins?

Please comment BRIEFLY if you wish.

Poll Results

With an over $1 billion dollar jackpot in Indiana, people are buying more lottery tickets than ever.

What do you think about the ethics of this?

I think many of us would argue that it is money wasted and not wise, but there is a difference between our opinion as to what is wise and what is right or wrong. After all, people waste money on all sorts of things.

Would you disqualify one from church leadership for buying a lottery ticket?

So where do you stand?

John Piper has started a ruckus with his comments against Christians carrying handguns and almost against self-defense. What is your view on hand guns?

The assumption of the question is that those who would carry guns are properly trained, attained their guns legally, and have met the legal requirements in their state to do so.

Poll Results

Is it a good idea for Christians to carry concealed (licensed) handguns?

With a constant barrage of conflicts, disagreement, and bad news, it is time for a light Christmas post!

What will be your main entree for Christmas dinner? Or, if you eat your big meal on Christmas Eve, that will do as well!

There are a few SI participants who are also foodies, and a number of us who are curious. If there are any particular reasons for your choice or comments you wish to share, please do so!

Poll Results

What is usually your main dinner course Christmas Day or Eve?

Some churches cut down their ministry events during Christmas week, others increase, while others (like ours) do a bit of trading. We cut out our Sunday evening service, but we add a Christmas Eve service.

What does your church do? We are particularly targeting THIS year, not necessarily years gone by.

Feel free to comment and mention what exactly you add or detract — or why you do neither.

Poll Results

Does Your Church Cancel or Add Events/Meetings During Christmas Week?

I have been pastoring the same church for 32 years, and only once have I taught a series on Church History. I will be doing an extended one with a retired pastor friend after the New Year.

Have I been wrong to wait so long to do this? Or is church history not-so-relevant compared to so many other things? What do you think?

We are talking about a survey of church history — not super extensive, several year classes (although that would be included).

Poll Results

Should our churches educate our people in Church History?

The term “Messianic Judaism” represents as broad a spectrum as the term “evangelical.” It includes many flavors and viewpoints. Our question is about Messianic Judaism in its better representations — those congregations that embrace evangelical essentials, such as salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ (Messiah) alone, the Triune God, and the authority of both Old and New Testament. This, I believe, is probably the majority viewpoint.

Mark Dever suggests fewer programs in the church will make more time for real ministry. Other people might counter that more programs mean structured contact with more people — it really happens.

What is your experience? Please comment in one of more of these areas, if you wish:

(1) Are a wealth of programs good for growing a church numerically, but counter-productive in matters of spiritual depth and actual discipleship?

(2) Are the many programs often the wrong programs, and would an improved direction help?

One of the most unsettled issues in the Christian world (although most claim to have settled it — but they have not) is the relationship of the Law to the believer, specifically what applies and how it applies.

This issue comes up when we deal with tattoos, for example. But today’s issue is about divorce and remarriage. Some top commentators suggest that the main point of Deuteronomy 24:1-4 is to prevent someone who is divorced and remarried to return to the first spouse. The concessions to human nature about divorce might be the secondary issue.

According to a number of sources, evangelical (and fundamental) Christianity is quickly shrinking in the US while expanding in many other nations. As younger people typically leave the church in droves (2 out of 3, only in this case not coming back as in the past), many churches are just now beginning to notice the problem. In some regions, the problem is not as obvious as in others.