The Master's Servants

© 06-08 Born-Again-Christian.info

Foot-washing

Q: What point was Christ making in washing His disciple's feet; do we have to wash each others feet as Jesus taught His disciples to do? Rebeka

A: It depends on your culture. In Jn. 13 Christ was making the point that we should all serve one another humbly. In the society of His day and location, foot-washing was an unpleasant menial task performed by servants.

We evangelise in Asia where this kind of thing is still essential today. Think flip-flops, dust, mud, (and pig-poo!) bamboo huts, and no shoes allowed in houses... it would be rude to enter a home with muddy bare feet wouldn't it? So we often wash each other's feet off first. As well as the practical aspect it also humbles 'leaders' and dignifies 'followers'.

It's amazing how many tensions and egos it dissolves when done sincerely and routinely. But I'd get suspicious if it becomes a religious ritual.

If this is not necessary where you live, you don't need to wash visitor's feet! But you do still need to adopt the servant attitude, humble yourself like Jesus, and enjoy servant-hood in Christ's Name, as the divine privilege it really is.

Picture the effect of a high-caste former Brahmin Christian, joyfully and respectfully, washing the feet of a Dalit untouchable Christian in India today. Remember, Jesus touches untouchables. Oh what a God we serve. Come on, Praise Him you saints!

Tongues in services

Q: Is it wrong to speak in tongues in church service? Dolores

A: Of course not, it must be done, but it must also be interpreted. 1 Co. 14:26. Don't be confused though, understand the difference between speaking and worshipping and praying in tongues, but the answer you are looking for is on this page.

Messianic Jews

Q: Some of my ancestors were Jewish, and I was circumcised at birth, so would it be better for me to become a Messianic Jew rather than just a Christian? Dave in Ukraine

A: No Dave, it would soon become a snare for you and your family. There are lots of 'Messianic Jews' who fall into the same trap the Judaizers fell into in the New Testament. The ones the Holy Spirit wished would emasculate themselves! Gal. 5:12.

I love Jews, and get a special kick out of leading them to Christ, but once saved, they should understand that there's neither Jew nor Gentile in Christ. Gal. 3:28. That they are not under the Law (Ro. 6:14), and that circumcision now has no spiritual value whatsoever; it is the new creature that counts. Gal. 6:15.

Simply become a Christian following Christ according to New Covenant teachings. Leave the Jewish 'thing' alone, or risk being seduced by legalistic spirits. Also read this answer showing that not all 'Messianic Jews' are Christian.

Dying for Christ

Q: I need information for a school project on the History of Christian Martyrs to the First Persecutions Under Nero. Thomas

A: Sounds like you are at a great school Thomas. I recommend two reliable sources: The Book of Acts in the Holy Bible, and Foxe's Book of Martyrs 1583 edition. Avoid the later editions, all have been seriously Corrupted by Catholics.

Marriage problems

Q: What should you do if you're in a bad marriage?

A: Make it a good one! Get saved, Walk in Love, and follow Christ. He'll transform you, and give you His invincible Love power. That will put you over every obstacle. As you grow and shine for Christ, your spouse will see the difference, and eventually want what you have. Then God can truly Bless your Marriage.

Unopened gifts

Q: I spoke in tongues once 30 years ago. How do I get the gift again? Terri

God's gifts are irrevocable. Ro. 11:29. If you had it then, you still have it now, simply exercise it by faith as the Spirit leads. See: Tongues.

How many Christians in the world?

Q: What fraction of the world's population is Christian? James

A: A lot less than the media claim, because they include the cults, and nominal Christians. Scroll to the bottom of this page for more on the number of Christians in the world.

The headcovering issue

Q: Do women have to cover their heads in church? Rebeka

A: Those verses certainly can be confusing, but they are made much clearer in The Woman Question by Rev. Kenneth Hagin. There's also a strong socio-cultural aspect to this headcovering topic, particularly for Asians, where most of the world's Christians live. There's far more Spirit-filled Christians in Asia today, than in the West.

Acceptable dress for women

Q: What does the Bible say about how a woman should dress and do her hair? K.W.

A: The guidelines given in Corinthians about dress, head-covering, and hair, are widely misused by men to oppress women believers. I suggest you read Ken Hagin's little book mentioned above, The Woman Question, for a balanced view of the women verses. But keep in mind the cultural aspect too.

Men before Adam?

Q: Do you believe in pre-Adamite 'man'; say Cain and Abel from dual bloodlines? Ricky

A: Blimey no Ricky! I believe what God says; that He made this whole kit in six literal days. Gen. 1-2. And the Holy Spirit confirms that death came through one man, Adam. Ro. 5. There's no need for crazy ideas from cults.