Question & Answer Board

I would like to know in Acts 1, where the Apostles chose Matthias to replace Judas- was Matthias really considered an apostle? I have read that God chooses the apostle, not man. I know I don't need to get stuck on the small things, but I would like your opinion.

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 12:51:09 EST  More -->

God is the giver of the gift, certainly. 1 Corinthians 12:7 says "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." But the 11 apostles were not determining wether the candidates had the gift of apostleship (what we know today as the calling of a missionary). Remember, there were many apostles besides the twelve in the days of the New Testament church. The were filling a leadership position in the first century church. Also remember that God uses people to confirm the gifts he has given us, and the people of God are called to judge among themselves if someone is from God. (1 John 4:1) God often confirms a gift through spiritual leaders (2 Timothy 1:5-6), and this is just what happened in this situation. God called Matthias. The people that God placed in leadership confirmed that calling and placed him in a position of leadership. Remember as well that God has placed gifts in you! It may not be the calling of a missionary/apostle, but your place in the body of Christ is just as important. Click the link above to access our Spiritual Gifts Test on the Resources page, to help determine your giftings.

I go to an Assembly of God in Southwest Florida. The Church is so big and I can hardly get plugged in. I would love to move to Hillsdale and becoming a part of your church, but I really can't do that. What should I do?

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 19:19:50 EST  More -->

Part of purposeful living is finding God's direction and staying that course. If you feel God has put you where you are now, than you should prosper where you are planted. Pray for direction to know what God would have for you and creativity in finding your place in the church. Make the most of every opportunity. If God lays it on your heart to find another church that would have a need you can fill, make sure that you leave your current church properly, in the spirit of unity and love. The importance is that, whatever you do, seek first God's will and direction for your life.

What is the name of this early church text? It is a historical document, but I can't remember it's name.

Wed, 07 Feb 2007 12:30:00 EST  More -->

I removed the document from your question because it is very large, but readers can visit the link provided to see the text you are asking about. This writing is known as the Didache and was discovered in a monastery in Constantinople; it was first translated and published in 1883. Also refered to as 'theTeaching of the Twelve Apostles', it's a highly disputed early Christian text. Some believe it is the original Apostolic Decree, authored as early as 50 A.D., and others consider it to be a later work, some calling it a ficticious document from as late as the third century. Either way, it is an intersting piece of church history.

What is the difference between attending the Hillsdale Assembly of God church on a regular basis and becoming a member of the Church? Are there different requirements or rules?

Sat, 28 Oct 2006 12:30:00 EST  More -->

The difference is that anyone is allowed to attend our church. Someone who is lost in sin is more then welcome to attend, because we want to reach them with the gospel. I Christian who is looking for a church home is welcome to attend and decide if this is where they would like to plant themselves. Being a member is different. It means that you believe in the doctrines and ministries of the church. It means that you are committing to our specific church organization and that you will help us succeed and spread the gospel. It also means you are promising to live a Christian lifestyle. When you make this commitment, it gives you the responsability to live up to these requirements, and as long as you do so it gives you the right to help shape the direction of the church through decision making in our business meetings. Most importantly, membership is saying "I know this church is committed to me, and I choose to be just as committed to this church." For specific membership requirements, visit the link provided.

I have been looking on your website; I grew up in a traditional church and all this is very different to me, but that is a good thing. Are there any materials or books that you would recommend for someone new to the faith?

Sat, 28 Oct 2006 12:30:00 EST  More -->

First and foremost, I recommend reading the Bible. You can purchase Bibles arranged for reading in a year, or just start with the gospels and Paul's letters in the new testament. As you learn, work your way through the rest of the New Testament, and then start reading Psalms and Proverbs in the Old Testament. Work your way through the rest of the Bible so you can learn all about faith in God. If you need more help with Devotional Materials, My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers is an incredible devotional book. Also, The God Chasers by Tommy Tenney is a good motivational book for any Christian. Whatever you do, just keep challenging your faith and keep learning all you can. I would especially ecourage you to attend Christian Education classes.

I've always gone through the motions at church, doing what was expected when it was expected, but I don't believe that I've ever invited Jesus into my heart. I've been praying about this. I'm kind of a control freak and I guess turning my life over is a bit scary. Well, maybe that isn't the right word- I just haven't done it yet. The more I read and learn, the more I desire to have that personal relationship. In the church I came from, there would probably be some kind of ceremony I'd have to go through. When I'm ready, how do I do it?

Sat, 28 Oct 2006 12:30:00 EST  More -->

The Bible says that this is how to be saved: "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Giving your life to Christ is change of attitude. It means recognizing first that Jesus is Lord- this means He is God and worthy of worship, and he is your master who deserves to be honored with a life that is lived for Him. It also means believing God's Word and what is says about Jesus: that he died for your sins and that he rose again to show that He has power over death. If you take the time right now to tell Jesus that you recognize who He is, you believe His word is true, and you will live your life for Him, you will be saved! For more information, visit the provided link for a fantastic website that explains about having a relationship with Jesus.

I was baptized as an infant in the Episcopal Church. I've heard that there is but one baptism required. Am I right? Or do I need to be baptized as a consenting adult?

Sat, 28 Oct 2006 12:30:00 EST  More -->

The Bible tells us to be baptized as a sign of our repentance from sin. In Acts 2:38, we are told to "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins." We do not perform infant baptisms in our church because an infant cannot yet understand the gospel, repent of sin, or commit to serve Jesus. Baptism is an outward sign and proclamation to the world that you have given your life to Christ. If you have not been baptized in this context, you have not really been baptized.

I heard about the Westboro Baptist Church picketing at soldiers' funerals and preaching 'God hates fags' and 'God hates America.' If this is the message that churches preach, I don't want anything to do with Christianity. How can you say you are a church that cares when Christians are preaching this hate?

Sat, 07 Oct 2006 12:30:00 EST  More -->

It's more appropriate to say that people claiming to be Christians are preaching this hate. While the Bibe clearly teaches that sex was created for the bond of marriage between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24, 2 Corinthinas 7:1-2), needing forgiveness and being hated are two very different things. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, homosexual acts are listed as one of many sins that keep you from God. But verse 11 goes on to say: "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." Just like every other sinner, Jesus died for the homosexual as well. Remember, when someone preaches that they hate or that God hates someone, they are demonstrating that they are not real Christians. The scriptures tell us this best: "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." (1 John 4:7-8) Christians should be preaching hope for the homosexual, not hate. Eveyone, including the homosexual, can find freedom in Christ.

I was wondering about these people falling down at the altar. What significance does this have to faith in God? Eddie Mirelez, your guest evangelist, would put his hands on a person and pray for them, and then they would fall to the floor. What is meant by falling down when the Pastor or speaker prays for you? Help me understand why. Some of this seems so crazy!

Sat, 23 Sep 2006 12:30:00 EST  More -->

Falling down when you are prayed for is often referred to by Pentecostal Christians as being 'Slain in the Spirit.' This isn't a Biblical name for it, mind you, but a common name among pentecostals for this phenomenon. There are a lot of misunderstandings about this by both those who accept and reject this. Simply put, this is one way people react to God touching them in a powerful way. Sometimes people cry (Luke 7:38) as they feel God working in their hearts, other times they may pray or praise God (James 5:13) as they feel his presence surround them, people might pray in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:15), and sometimes people feel the presence of God is such a powerful way that they fall to the floor as they are overwhelmed and surrounded by his awesome presence (Genesis 17:1-3, Leviticus 9:24, Acts 26:13-14, Revelation 19:4). These are all scriptural ways to respond to the presence and power of God. Visit the provided link for more information about spiritual manifestations.

I heard that someone found the Book of Judas and it contradicts the Bible. Doesn't this prove that Christians have been wrong in their faith?

Sun, 09 Jul 2006 12:30:00 EST  More -->

Absolutely not! Actually, we knew that the book of Judas existed long before there was a manuscript available. It was denounced very early in the church as a work of fiction. During the second century, the mystery religions tried to absorb Christianity in a movement known as gnosticism. During this time, many pseudo-gospels were written, including the book of Judas. Unlike the gospels in the Bible, the book of Judas and these other pseudo-gospels were not first-hand accounts and were not grounded in the truth of what really happened. They were written to sway the doctrine and direction of the church. The gospel of Judas does have historical significance, but no spiritual significance or historical fact. If you want to know about the real Jesus, read the Bible.

Is there any truth about the claims made in 'The DaVinci Code'? I looked at the book, and he cites alot of his plot points as facts.

Tue, 13 Jun 2006 12:30:00 EST  More -->

Actually, the facts are very skewed in the Davinci Code. The author seems to deceive or stretch the facts in most situations, and the long and short of it is that this book is irreverent and dishonest. There is nothing factual about it's claims. For several examples of the errors in this book, please visit the provided link.