Discussion & Interactive session : Pastor Thuamminlian Guite
Will Christians committing suicide go to heaven? What about babies?
These are some of the hard questions that seemed to be all welcoming and all easy in the scepti life of the youths. Unfortunately, a direct call to those questions cannot be tab for all the subtleties as it is God who judge and knows the truth. But, the ultimate question should rather be "Do you think a person who is truly born again will commit suicide when we had so much promises of God breathe out in the bible?"
INTERACTION HOUR
Q. How does one pick out the right one from the many dominations/churches?
One thing we can pick out from them is whether they accept Jesus as the only way to salvation [John 14:6]. Our doctrines and traditions can vary. After all, denominations are but a regulatory body to which those who agree to it abide by whereas church is a body of believers. But, the way to salvation should be Jesus alone. Take for example, Child Baptism. While some denominations practice it, we the Baptists do not practice that. But whether it is right or wrong, spiritual or not, it is best we leave it to God's divine judgment.
Q. The Muslims argue that the one who came after Jesus is Mohammed by being assertive that the 'helper' mentioned in John 16:7-8 is none other than Mohammed. How should this be contradicted?
In a situation of contradiction as this, it is imperative to see other references, such as, John 14:25-26, Acts 2:33, Galatians 3:14, etc. and the other two Gospels - Mark 1:8 and Luke 24:49 where it clearly mentions that the Holy spirit is indeed the one coming after Jesus. 'Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity', authored by Nabeel Qureshi would best suit our arguments.
Q. Is it rightful to accept suicide as a mental disease and not as a crime?
Clinical Depression does have symptoms and risk factors. So medically speaking, suicide is a resultant factor of mental disease. While many conflate mental illness and spiritual struggle and look first to God for healing, it is also okay to seek help from a counsellor having expertise in mental issues. This is unfortunate because many people are suffering needlessly and in silence. However, even if suicide is believed to be the same with other severe sicknesses that cause death, it should have a negative correlation with spirituality. Meaning thereby, we cannot make that as an excuse to end one's own life, as self harm involves the choices of an individual.
Q. What opinion does the church have on prevalent issues when it comes to dealing with setanic possession or exorcism?
Our church does not have a separate ministry nor does it train anyone to deal with such an issue. However, such things as "demonic possession" are happening and we have to deal it with spiritual guidance from God and with the best of our capacity.
Q. Is Baptism a mandatory practice for salvation? What about Baptism practiced by sprinkling with water?
Cultural anthropologists do question whether someone can be called a believer without being officially announced a Christian. Baptism is the outward proclamation of the change that has already taken place within [Romans 6:1-4]. It is the act representing the identification of a Believer with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. While Jesus alone is more than enough for our salvation, Baptism is a visible testimony to that faith.
On issues such as Aadhaar or biometric, reflecting the warning set up in the book of Revelation, some people take it as a spiritual warning. And it is not. Jesus is the way and nothing, not even Aadhaar can get in the way. We must adhere to the laws of the country with respect to such schemes which are meant for benefiting citizens and one must be clear that it is not a sin to have our biometrics done in such particular case and time.
DEW | Oct 20, 2019 Interactive Session Audio Interactive Session Video Photo Gallery
