Changing the Face of Christianity
We help you and fellow Christians to authentically love God and others
DEAR LARRY:
Sandy
DEAR LARRY:
I have heard many messages on restitution and need some counsel on what to do. When I was small I used to steal my parents’ money and use it to buy things in school. Sometimes my Mum caught me and punished me. I also used to steal money from my Dad’s shop where the sales person kept it. When I was about 16 years old I stopped it. At 18 years, I became born again. I have told my Mum that I’m sorry for what I did. I really do not know the amount of money I have stolen from my Dad’s shop. How do I make restitution in this case? Do I need to go to my Dad’s employer? What will you want me to do?
Favour
About a year ago, I answered a question from someone who had sinned against someone else, and wanted to know about making restitution. Read the Article Here. After that question was asked and answered though, we have been surprised to see several people commenting on that one question and answer … mostly with their own sins against someone else, where restitution may be necessary.
I stole money from my employers, paid it back and still did not learn the lesson. I stole again and am now paying back slowly what the court tells me to pay and am on probation. This has been for 10 years now (it was a huge amount of money). I am now on Social Security Disability. Also, the man I was living with gave me money to help with the restitution and I told him I would pay it back. The ex-live in has not asked for the money. So after my honest seeking of what Jesus wants me to do and praying about this issue I continue to get peace, but am puzzled about paying this money back.
If for the first time in my adult life I am peaceful, am dedicated and committed to reading scripture daily, pray for the world, churches, government, my church, homeless, abused people, sick people and my family and friends and I thank God daily for what He is doing in my life…how can this be if I am still in sin by not paying the money back to my ex-boyfriend to this date. When God tells us He remembers our sin no more then how can my not making restitution on that loan keep me either out of heaven or be judged on a sin already forgiven when I am in front of God on judgement day?
How is that sin any different from any other such as one having filthy thoughts about a person in their heart even though they don’t act on it and ask forgiveness…doesn’t God forgive all sin when we truly repent and turn away. In my heart I want to pay this money back but at this time can not. Please help clear this up for me. I read a story from someone else on your site and it perplexed me with the answer given even though I understood…does that make sense?
DEAR LARRYI want to start a Christian non-profit. Are there Biblical principles that should be considered? I mean is there a right or wrong way to run a Christian ministry? How do I make sure that it doesn’t become one of the negative stereotypes that I see talked about on your site?
Thanks. Tom Speirs
What would you say to this argument someone sent me? “Crusades Inquisition, Salem witch trials? Christians killed more people than anyone.”
Eva [Read more…]
I live in Chennai, India. I need advice from you as a brother in Christ.
My house is surrounded by many Hindu families. We stay in the first floor front flat and the other three flats are tenanted presently by Hindu families.
This morning after my private prayer, I had a very strong thought that once the flat is vacated, I have to turn it into a prayer hall.
The prayer room can be used by our family when there is a requirement of worship / prayer, for my neighbors, for believers who want to pray, Bible study, fellowship, etc. There is a prayer meeting going on by a believer every Sunday evening nearby wherein they can conduct it in the prayer room.
Also, I have vacant plots around the city I could turn into prayer halls and the local neighbors from any religion can walk in, pray, understand the gospel, and come to Christ. And it can be used by local believers for prayer, fellowship, worship, etc.
My plan is not to collect any offerings by the grace of God and this place should never become a commercial activity. My intention is not to take an offering and depend only on our Lord Jesus Christ for the needs.
My wife may not like this idea since I spoke to her once and she is not for it. I have not told her yet about this latest idea. I want to fast and pray, and then tell her after the time is ripe. Please pray to our Lord and give your valuable advice on this idea.
I need proper prayer & advice from believers to take this forward.
With Love & Prayers – Maxwell [Read more…]