It’s a joy to be able to say that the book I spent three months writing when on sabbatical in Australia is being published this month. I am delighted with the design and the quality of the production – thanks to Al McInnes, Catherine Mackenzie and CFP. They have managed to produce a quality hardback book for a great price (£8.99). It’s an unusual book – trying to encourage young people to think for themselves and to think biblically. All the questions are genuine. It is a book designed for Christian young people, or those brought up in the church, to encourage them to pray, read, think and discuss. I hope to write a follow up ‘Seek’ for those who are outside the Church and have lots of questions but I hope and pray this would be helpful to them too.
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to A.S.K – Ask. Seek. Knock. These words are from Jesus:
‘Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened’ (Matthew 7:7-8).
This book deals with the first part of that promise from Jesus – Ask. We all have questions about Jesus, the Bible, the Christian faith and our culture today. The great news is that Jesus gives answers. The questions in this book were gathered from teenagers in fifteen countries in five different continents. All of them are real questions from real teenagers – with the exception of a couple of grammatical and spelling corrections they are as I was sent them. I received hundreds so I have tried to take a representative sample covering most of the main issues.
The format is very simple. There are fifty-two short chapters. Each contains a question, a Bible passage, a Bible verse, a discussion, something to consider, recommended further reading and a prayer.
This book is written for 15-17 year olds who are already Christians or who have grown up in a Christian home or go to church, who have questions. But I also hope it will prove helpful to those who are not yet Christians and those who are older and younger. It is designed to be used either individually or as part of a youth group, school or church. The further recommended reading is not a requirement! It’s just a suggestion for follow up on any particular question that you are especially interested in. Some of the books are quite hard-going, others are much easier … but my view is that every teenager has a brain … they just need to use them! If you are the kind of person who doesn’t like reading, or struggles with it, I hope that you will manage this book! The chapters are short, but there is a lot packed in them. If you want more – excellent – this book is not intended to be the definitive answer on any of the questions here. Think of them as discussion starters.
My aim is to try to get us all to think biblically about these issues, to pray and to worship. My ‘answers’ may result in further questions – I hope they will. But I hope even more that you will come to see and know better the one who is the answer. Jesus Christ. May we all be his disciples!
David Robertson
CONTENTS
Introduction / 7
1. God Speaks 1 Samuel 3 1 Samuel 3:10
2. Trusting the Bible 2 Timothy 3:10-17 2 Timothy 3:14-17
3. God’s Unchanging Word 1 Timothy 1:1-11 1 Timothy 1:9-11
4. Helping God Psalm 116 Psalm 116:12
5. Luke 1:1-4 Harry Potter Luke 1:1-25
6. Holy Spirit Blasphemy Mark 3:20-35 Mark 3:28-29
7. The Big Bang Genesis 1:1-23 Genesis 1:1-2
8. Science, Knowledge and God Romans 1:18-23 Romans 1:20
9. Finding God Job 11 Job 11:7
10. The Uncreated God Isaiah 40:21-31 Isaiah 40:28
11. The Gender of God Numbers 23:1-26 Numbers 23:19
12. The Trinity Matthew 28 Matthew 28:19-20
13. The Mind of God 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 1 Corinthians 2:16
14. God and Suffering Psalm 119:65-72 Psalm 119:68
15. The Cross John 3:14-21 John 3:16
16. Jesus – the Only Saviour Acts 4:1-12 Acts 4:12
17. Forgiveness Hebrews 9:11-28 Hebrews 9:22, 27-28
18. Hell Isaiah 30:8-18 Isaiah 30:18
19. Assurance 1 John 5:11-21 1 John 5:11-13
20. Animals in Heaven Psalm 104:24-35 Psalm 104:27-30
21. Suicide Judges 16:23-31 Judges 16:30
22. Those who have not heard Genesis 18:16-33 Genesis 18:25
23. The End of the World 2 Peter 3:1-18 2 Peter 3:10
24. Reincarnation John 5:16-30 John 5:28-29
25. The Purpose of Life Ephesians 2:1-10 Ephesians 2:10
26. Money and the Prosperity Gospel 1 Timothy 6:3-21 1 Timothy 6:9-10 27. Being a Christian Acts 11:19-30 Acts 11:25-26
28. Religion and Birth John 1:1-18 John 1:11-12
29. Hitler Ezekiel 18 Ezekiel 18:20
30. Racism and Africa Acts 17:16-34 Acts 17:26-28
31. North Korea Isaiah 40:1-20 Isaiah 40:15
32. Division and Peace Ephesians 2:11-22 Ephesians 2:14-17
33. Sex and Same Sex Marriage 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7
34. Pornography Matthew 5:27-30 Matthew 5:28
35. Islam and Love Matthew 5:38-48 Matthew 5:43-48
36. Transgender Genesis 1:24-31 Genesis 1:27
37. Loving Yourself Leviticus 19:1-18 Leviticus 19:18
38. Feeling Far From God Psalm 13 Psalm 13:1-2
39. The Trinity, Prayer and Exams 1 Peter 5:8-11 Peter 5:7
40. What’s the Point of Prayer James 5:13-20 James 5:16
41. Worry Matthew 6:24-34 Matthew 6:33-34
42. Christian Community and Internet Hebrews 10:19-25 Hebrews 10:24-25
43. Cool Christianity 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 1 Corinthians 1:18
44. Backsliding 1 John 1 1 John 1:9
45. Help – My Girlfriends Pregnant! John 8:1-15
46. Tattoos and Alcohol 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 1
Corinthians 6:20
47. Buddhist Parents Mark 7:1-13 Mark 7:10-13
48. Mental Illness Isaiah 42:1-17 Isaiah 42:3(a)
49. The Role of the Law Galatians 3:1-14 Galatians 3:10-11
50. Church, Salvation and Hypocrisy Acts 2:42-47 Acts 2:42
51. The Best Church Ephesians 4:1-16 Ephesians 4:16
52. Knowing Gods Will and Love Romans 12:1-21 Romans 12:2
And Finally / 219
Appendix – Recommended Books / 221
In the coming weeks – I hope to put up some sample chapters on this blog – I may even go through the whole book – but I would encourage you to get your own copy and especially to give it to young people. The purpose is not to provide all the answers, but to point our young people to think biblically for themselves and to be renewed in their minds as they Ask, Seek and Knock.
(You can order from Christian Focus Publications – or the usual outlets – bookshops, Amazon etc…)
This book is going to be very encouraging and helpful to me as my two sons have rejected church and their faith.
Congrats on the publication. It’s probably the hope of every writer.
I find the phrase ” …think biblically for themselves…” somewhat odd. Could you elaborate on it?
I asked questions – a lot of questions – and the answers led me to question the veracity of the text from beginning to end.
With this in mind, is there not a danger (from your perspective) that when teenagers ask pertinent questions (the inevitable product of thinking) this will inevitably lead to answers that are generally not compatible with the biblical text and thus lead them away from the intended purpose of the book?
Its my sixth published book…..Thanks….
My motto is to follow the facts wherever they lead. My job is to provoke people to think – not to tell them what to think. Since God’s word is truth – those who seek truth will find it..
Hi David,
I’m just across the Bass Strait from your future home — an ex-pat Canadian pastoring a Reformed church in Tasmania. Perhaps our paths will cross sometime here down under. Would it be possible to get a review copy?
Yes – review for what?….drop me an e-mail – theweeflea@gmail.com
Some very interesting chapter titles. I’m particularly keen to read chapters 23, 29, and 30.
I think this would be a great resource not just for teenagers, but young Christians too. These are important topics for the 21st century.
It’s on my wishlist.
This is why I raised the point. The facts would surely lead these young people away from ”thinking biblically” as evidence does not support the text.
How do you deal with this when questions such as evolution/creation, pseudoepigrapha, interpolation, the Flood and the Exodus, the contradictions the historical inaccuracies etc – are inevitably asked, and especially by the young people you are specifically targeting with the book?
Actually the biblical text is remarkably well supported. I have no fear of people examining that.
Do you accept the evidence for evolution and how would you respond to a child/young person if they confronted you with this?
Depends what evidence….for me its not a question I am particularly interested in…but yes I do accept evidence….and I would always tell a young person to look for evidence…
What do mean by the term ”What evidence”.
Evidence is evidence or it isn’t, surely?
No – there is good evidence and bad evidence…
Fair enough. What do you consider bad evidence for evolution?
The lecture I went to with an open mind on the proof for evolution by a leading world scientist – who was taken apart by a Chinese Phd afterwards. He only offered evidence for micro-evolution…
Evolution at both micro and macro levels relies on the same, established mechanisms of evolutionary change: mutation.
I’m interested who this scientist is who presented the lecture, and what was the phd held by the Chinese person who you say ”took apart” the evidence. Also, what exactly is it that you consider to be bad evidence?
Thanks
It was Steve Jones – the Chinese Phd was in biology…I thought Jones would be brilliant and was quite happy to accept his evidence…I enjoyed his book – but he didn’t present any – thats what I call bad evidence…
Now I am confused. First you wrote it was not a question you are particularly interest in, yet you read Jones’ book, and went to a lecture.
As the lecture was presumably on evolution why did Jones not present any evidence?
And who was the Chinese phd, and what was his argument?
Also, if Jones didn’t present any evidence how could the Chinese phd have taken his evidence apart?
Could you try to be a bit more specific.
.
Thanks.
Yes you do seem somewhat confused…I find that tends to happen with atheists – they are not that good at clear thinking and examining evidence!
Of course I went to the lecture – he was in town and I read widely…
I have no idea why he didn’t present any evidence for macro -evolution – maybe he didn’t have any?
I have no idea who the Chinese Phd was but his argument was simple – he told Jones that he had presented evidence for micro evolution but none for macro.,..
He took his evidence apart because of the above…
Sometimes when you try to be clever —it doesn’t really work…
Ark, That is Douglas, real name, Confusion seems to be trait of a Mythisist who does not accept evidence for an Historical Jesus and believes the book of Acts is historical fiction. Seems like an denial of evidence . Or lack of understanding of what is and isn’t admissible as evidence.
I’ve re-read you last comment once more: Are you in fact saying that Steve Jones presented his lecture on evolution – covering both aspects – micro & macro, but the Chinese phd considered he had not presented evidence for macro-evolution?
No – as I’ve explained several times. Steve Jones presented no evidence for macro evolution…
So, his lecture was only about micro evolution, yes? Was this how the lecture was advertised?
The lecture was advertised as being about the evidence for macro-evolution.
Aaah! So the fog begins to lift!
Your Chinese phd claimed Jones gave no evidence for macro evolution. Thank you! At last you are beginning to make sense.
So , was the Chinese chappie one of those rather silly creationists or equally as daft proponents of Intelligent Design? I only ask as the scholarly and scientific community overwhelmingly accepts evolution, micro and macro and thus I am somewhat surprised you said you went with an open mind, especially as you had read Steve Jones’ book on the subject and seemed perfectly happy, suggeting you agree with the consensus.
Oh, well, c’est la vie, n’est pas?
I wonder whether the fog ever lifts from the atheist mind! Jones gave no evidence for macro evolution….when he was challenged he admitted it. But I note that once again you are judging someone based on your ignorance of them!
To be clear, are you saying, that, Steve Jones, a world renowned scientist on evolution actually stated there is no evidence for macro evolution?
If he gave no evidence for macro evolution and admitted it what was the purpose of giving a lecture on macro evolution?
I presume that you do accept macro evolution but simply felt that Jones presented a poor case, yes? As exposed by the Chinese phd, whom, based on your response was was not a creationist or one who believes in intelligent design.
Was this person a member of the audience then?
But surely he gives evidence in his book? You read it.
So
Very good question….but that fog is taking a bit of time to clear?! The lecture was advertised as evidence for macroevolution. He only presented evidence for micro – I have no idea why?
I forgot to ask. Can you remember the name /title of the lecture and is it on Youtube?
The subtitle was ‘why creationism is stupid’. Not sure of title but it was something along the lines of evidence for macro evolution…Its not on YouTube
Well, creationism is stupid, that is something I am sure we can agree on.
Based on what I have read about Jones and listened to him it strikes me as very odd that he would admit there is no evidence for macro evolution, especially when one considers his genetic work.
I am still curious about two things.
Was the chap who you said took his argument to pieces a creationist or a proponent of intelligent design? ( if you know that is) I only ask as it seems a very odd stance for a biologist to take unless they are a creationist or believer in intelligent design.
And ..
As you have read (one or more?) Steve Jones book, do you accept evolution; micro and macro?
He didn’t ‘admit’ there was no evidence for macro evolution..He just didn’t present any. I find your comments on this thread fascinating. You struggle to cope with or grasp what is being said. You denounce, without knowing anything about him, the person who questions and assume that anyone who dares to disagree with you must be ‘odd’. Fascinating…but we’re done.