I recently watched a television program that centered around the meaning of Genesis 6:4.  It was in regards to whether there were really "giants" at that time in history.  Later on in the program, it showed that the original Greek translation was not the same word as "giant" as we know it – but would be the same word as meaning ‘neanderthals’ or ‘homosapiens’.  I don't remember what the word was exactly, but since watching the program, I keep thinking about that verse and what it means.  I don't know if I'm understanding it right.  Does it mean that there were less "evolved" humans at the same time?  If so, how does that fit into what the Bible says about God's creation of the Earth?  Just a bit of clarification would be helpful!

Sincerely,
Average Height

Dear Average Height,

The word used in Gen 6:4 is ‘Nephilim’, and it is a Hebrew word – not a Greek one.  The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew because that is the Jewish language.  The word ‘Nephilim’ means ‘giant’, ‘fallen one’, or ‘wondrous one’.  The word was translated ‘giant’ by the Greeks when they wrote the Old Testament in Greek… the version of the Bible that Jesus quoted.  The Nephilim weren’t less-evolved or some sort of evolutionary missing link; they were simply very big people.  Men like Goliath were descendants of this giant group of people (Num 13:33).  Different races of people have distinct physical characteristics; this particular race’s distinction was their height.  They weren’t primitive, just big.

Is it a proper Christian attitude for me to want to buy an assault rifle because the government wants to take them away?

Sincerely,
Self-Defensive

Dear Self-Defensive,

The Scripture never condemns weapons – Jesus even told His disciples to get swords at one point (Lk 22:36), and made a whip for Himself to clear the temple (Jhn 2:15).  Owning weapons isn’t a problem as long as it isn’t breaking the law to do so (and of course, as long as you are behaving in a Christian manner with those weapons).  Christians must obey the laws of the land (Rom 13:1-2).  If at some point it becomes illegal, you would need to follow those new laws as an act of honoring God.  As for the attitude behind your desire – it is for you to examine yourself and your motives.

Do dogs go to heaven?  My dog died, and I had her for twelve years.  I am 52-years-old, and she was a BIG part of my life and family.  I think about her all the time.  Thanks and God bless.

Sincerely,
Canine Caretaker

Dear Canine Caretaker,

Dogs don’t go to heaven, but we can really sympathize with your loss.  One of our AYP writers still has pictures of his hunting dogs up in his office, and another is deeply attached to his family dog.  Animals are a blessing from God (Gen 1:26).  God says that when they die, animals return to the earth while humans ascend into the heavens (Eccl 3:21).  Animals simply don’t have eternal souls like humans do.  We are so sorry for your loss, but we want you to know that God comforts us through all our sorrow… and He will bring you through this loss (2 Cor 13:11).

     Would it be okay to play some instrumental music in the church building before services, kind of like before your preaching video?

Sincerely,
In Tune

Dear In Tune,

Our congregation has the song leaders play an instrument before every song!  It’s called a pitch pipe, and it helps us get the proper pitch for the song.  Instruments aren’t wrong… they just aren’t meant as part of worshipping the Lord.  We could pipe music through the building before services, just like a preacher could use a sound clip in a Powerpoint presentation or whistle during a sermon to illustrate a point, but there would need to be a reason for it that would show it was wise and expedient to play said instrumental music… which isn’t likely.  God tells us that it isn’t just about what we can do; it is about what is beneficial (1 Cor 8:9).  Everything we do must show doctrinal soundness (1 Tim 3:15), wisdom (Eph 5:15 – for instance: would instrumental music before worship confuse people about instrumental music during services and create a stumbling block?), and promote a worship service that is done decently and in order (1 Cor 14:40).

     Do you think the music at the beginning of the videos is "instrumental music"?

Sincerely,
Harmony

Dear Harmony,

Yes, we do.  The Daily Cup video music is definitely instrumental music (pretty sure it is whistling and ukulele), but it isn’t used as part of worship, and it isn’t religious music.  The Bible has no problem with the use of instruments, but when we are commanded to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God, we must fulfill that command by singing only (which means no instruments).  See “Instrumental To Worship” for further details.  The introduction to our video series isn’t an attempt to fulfill that command or be a form of worship.