In this engaging “Ask the Pastor” session, several thoughtful questions were addressed, offering insights into theology, church practices, and Christian living. Here is a summary of the key topics discussed:

1. Why Are There So Many Denominations and Religions?

The pastor explained that the existence of many denominations stems from theological differences, cultural influences, and historical events like the Great Schism and the Protestant Reformation. While some divisions are based on genuine efforts to align with Scripture, others arise from human pride and manipulation, which can lead to dangerous cult-like practices. He emphasized the importance of focusing on biblical teaching and ensuring that church practices align with Scripture.

2. Was John the Baptist Baptized?

While the Bible does not explicitly state whether John the Baptist was baptized, the pastor speculated that he might have been baptized by his father. John’s role was to prepare the way for Jesus, using baptism as a symbolic act to point people to Christ. His statement to Jesus in Matthew 3:14, “I have need to be baptized of thee,” was interpreted as an expression of humility, not a comment on his own spiritual state.

3. Qualifications of a Pastor: Husband of One Wife

Addressing the qualifications of a pastor, particularly being the “husband of one wife” from 1 Timothy 3, the pastor explained the cultural and biblical context. While the phrase can refer to monogamy and moral integrity, it may also extend to circumstances such as widowhood or divorce, depending on the context. The pastor stressed the importance of evaluating individual situations with discernment and understanding.

4. The Origin of Celebrating Christmas on December 25

The pastor explained that early Christians adopted December 25, originally a Roman pagan holiday, as a day to celebrate Christ’s birth. Over time, this date became a Christian tradition, allowing believers to focus on worshiping Christ rather than pagan customs.

5. Balancing Ministry and Personal Life

A question about avoiding burnout in full-time ministry led to practical advice. The pastor compared managing ministry life to maintaining a car: it requires regular refueling and care. He highlighted the importance of setting boundaries, taking time to recharge, and being attuned to one’s spiritual and physical needs. Recognizing when to step back for personal or family time is essential for long-term effectiveness.

6. The Role of the Pastor’s Wife

The pastor clarified that a pastor’s wife does not hold an official role in the church but is a member who serves as she feels led. He emphasized that a pastor should not overly rely on his wife for church decisions and that any divisive behavior from either the pastor or his wife could disqualify them from ministry leadership.

7. Helping New Believers Choose a Denomination

For new believers navigating different Christian denominations, the pastor advised seeking a church that aligns closely with Scripture. He shared his own journey of questioning and reaffirming his beliefs, emphasizing that the Bible—not tradition or feelings—should guide the choice of a church.

8. Understanding Difficult Bible Translations

In response to a question about reading the Bible in challenging translations like the King James Version (KJV), the pastor encouraged believers to read any version they can understand while emphasizing the KJV as the church’s standard. He recommended using dictionaries and tools to clarify unfamiliar words and studying the original Greek and Hebrew meanings for deeper comprehension.

9. Why Are Some Christians Hypocritical?

The pastor acknowledged that self-righteousness and hypocrisy are common because all people, regardless of faith, are imperfect. He encouraged understanding and patience, as maturity in faith often reduces such behaviors. The church’s role is to nurture spiritual growth in all members, helping immature Christians mature in their faith.

This session provided thoughtful, biblically grounded answers to diverse questions, fostering an environment of learning and spiritual growth. The pastor encouraged further inquiries and reminded everyone of the importance of aligning their lives with God’s Word while supporting one another in their faith journey.