My dear readers,

Answering Remaining Questions from Calvary Pandan Church Camp 2023 (2)

Question 1: Is psychology as it is in modern times as an area of study compatible with our Christian beliefs?

Answer 1: “Modern times” does not improve the depraved nature of sinful man. In fact, modern times have created a more sinful environment for sinful man with its internet system spreading sinful behaviours, thoughts and teachings worldwide at the click of a mouse! Advanced technology speeds up sin and brings the world of sin to every doorstep. Before modern times, sin was trapped in its locality and could not spread like the wind today!

Given this understanding, “psychology” like all other fields of man-centred knowledge is rooted in the ideas of sinful man. If the psychology of old that is rooted in godless Freudian teaching is still its foundation, then it is not compatible with Christian beliefs. No science is compatible with Christian beliefs because the god of this world controls the world's science (including the arts). God describes the devil as the god of this world to warn us of his total sway on all powers and influences over mankind. Only believers in Christ can discern and see through the ploys and deceptive snares of the devil. The Word of God must evaluate these so-called scientific studies. What is in line with God’s truth, Christians can accept. What is not must be rejected.

Ephesians 6:10-13: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

Question 2: Related to Morning Message 4 (“Love is Courageous”), does 1 John 4:18 apply to our theme’s context? If not, what does the verse mean? What does “perfect love casteth out fear” mean?

Answer 2: 1 John 4:17-18: “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:17-18 is related to our theme on “Love is Courageous.” The phrase “perfect love casteth out fear” means that when the agape love is complete in a believer’s life (i.e. from feeling to action), all kinds of fears that prevent him from obeying the Word of God toward the person he loves is removed from his heart. For example, a new believer dares to speak up to his parents who are angry because he just shared with them that he has accepted Christ as Lord and Saviour. They threaten that he would be cast out of the house unless he gives up Christ. He holds on to Christ and shares with his parents the gospel of Christ instead. He loves his parents with agape love, and it gives him the courage to remain firm in his belief in Christ and accept the consequences, knowing that Christ will care for him even if his parents reject him.

When the love of God is the motive behind every biblical action, there is no fear of being rejected or hurting someone, for the most high God is pleased with what you are doing. It will work out for God's glory and the blessing of all. It takes faith and courage to carry this out. Honesty before God is necessary since the heart is involved. God knows and the believer must ensure that there is no hidden motive behind his words and actions. With a clear conscience and a heart filled with the love of God, he cannot go wrong even though the world may see otherwise. God and His approval are the basis of this understanding and application of His agape love in every believer’s life.

Question 3: Regarding Tuesday Group Discussion Q4, is there a difference in the answer if the daughter is a believer vs an unbeliever?

Answer 3: The question was: “How should a parent show love to his daughter who decides to marry someone who belongs to an ecumenical or Charismatic church? Share in relation to attendance at the wedding, giving your blessing and after the wedding in terms of receiving them, etc.” 

If the daughter is a believer, in a fundamental non-ecumenical church, she will be seen as a compromiser. She needs to be counselled since she understands spiritual things. Her marriage and presence in the ecumenical church will displease God. As a child of God, her life and contribution to the ecumenical church after marriage will be supporting the end-time global church of the Antichrist. She needs to save the man she wants to marry and convince him to leave the ecumenical church and to worship in her church.

However, if the daughter is an unbeliever, she cannot understand spiritual reasoning. She needs to be born again first. As she claims to be a believer, her marriage will also be displeasing to God as it will also be an unequally yoked marriage. An unequally-yoked marriage is one between a professing believer and an unbeliever. The professing believer need not be a genuinely born-again believer for this doctrine of unequal yoke to apply. As long as he professes to be a believer, his marriage will carry the message that Belial and Christ can have fellowship and agreement! If the parents attend the wedding, it will send the wrong message. The unbelieving daughter needs to be counselled. If she attends the ecumenical church after marriage, she may be condemned to her sinful state as the gospel according to the Scriptures will not be preached. She will remain in sin and probably die in sin.

Regardless of the situations portrayed above, after the marriage the parents must receive them during family dinners or gatherings, with the hope and with much prayer to God that they will in time obey the Word of God. They are family in need of spiritual help.