-Episode 2637-

Segment 1 (00:20) Mailbag! Is bowing sinful or not? We are to bow down to our Lord. We would bow down to kings as an acknowledgment of the fact that God has given them authority – bowing to royalty is not sinful, it is humility. However, in Buddhism, when you bow, you are saying “the god in me bows to the god in you”, which makes this a theological statement. You also need to be aware of the context and what outsiders may think when they see you bowing. Another question: does beauty and art point to God? Historically art was trying to represent what God was like.

Segment 2 (08:55) A Christian artist should be able to do art. They just want to make sure it is not sinful. They should make it glorifying to God. Why do Christians give Christmas presents? If we follow along with culture without any religious significance associated with our actions, are we sinning? The Bible teaches that it is okay to have a festival.

Segment 3 (17:12) Dangerous trends in the church. A shepherd should warn his sheep about potential threats coming. The shepherd does not need to warn the sheep about every single small thing that is theologically off. Just the things that pose the most immediate danger to the sheep. Find the discerner in your church and let them aid the pastor in figuring out what things may be harmful to the flock. Are we as Christians allowed to ask for a raise? The biggest issue is if you are worthy of the raise. Do I need to become a member of a local church? It is for your own good to be in a local church.

Wretched Surprise! (25:00) Proverbs 10:2: Stuff will never satisfy the way God can. Beth Malarkey surprise! She was the mother of the kid who wrote a book about going to heaven.