Reader Response: Is it Okay for Christians to Use Contraception?

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There is a page on this site where readers can submit questions or suggest topics. Recently I received the following question:

Are we as Christians allowed to practice contraception without sinning? I believe all Christians hold fast that abortion is always a sin, but can married people practice family planning (number of children, spacing)?

Creation and Stewardship

In the Book of Genesis, when God created the man and the woman, he gave them what is called “The Cultural Mandate”:

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

Genesis 1:26-28

Part of this mandate included being fruitful, multiplying, and filling the Earth – as well as “subduing” it, i.e. managing and stewarding the use of its resources.

Just as God created, now we are called and empowered to thoughtfully bring more life into being. Obviously we can’t do this apart from God’s work, but it also requires our participation. Sometimes when someone says they are “praying for children,” it’s nice to remind them that it takes more than just prayer! 😁

However, it’s worth noting that God, in creation, at a certain point, ceased creating! He didn’t create everything He could; certainly God could have imagined and created many other creatures and plants than He did, but at some point, He deemed His creation complete and perfect in its design. This act of ceasing to create speaks volumes about God’s intentionality.

What this shows us is that God values not only the act of creation but also the stewardship of His creation.

He entrusts humans with the responsibility to co-create with Him, to participate in the unfolding of His divine plan for the world. Within the context of marriage, this stewardship extends to the realm of family planning. Just as God decided when to create, and when to cease creating, Christian couples are called to exercise discernment and responsibility in their reproductive choices. This includes considering factors such as physical health, emotional readiness, financial stability, and the well-being of existing children.

Contraception, when used responsibly and in accordance with a couple’s shared values and beliefs, can be a tool for fulfilling this stewardship.

Also worth keeping in mind is the fact that not all contraception is equal in nature. It’s worth considering whether the given method prevents conception, or terminates conception. Those forms of contraception that prevent contraception are ethical and can be used in good conscience by Christians.

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If you have a question or would like to suggest a topic for me to address here on the blog, click here: Ask a Question or Suggest a Topic

Understanding the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit – with Fred Sanders

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Who is the Holy Spirit, and how does an understanding of the person and work of the Holy Spirit contribute to our life and faith as believers in Jesus?

In this episode of the Theology for the People podcast, I speak with Fred Sanders. Fred is professor of theology at the Torrey Honors College at Biola University. He is the author of a much sought-after series of theological comic books, as well as the recently published book, The Holy Spirit: An Introduction, which is part of the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series put out by Crossway Publishing.

Fred has focused much of his theological work on the topic of the Trinity, so when it comes to talking about the person and work of the Holy Spirit, he has a unique and helpful perspective.

In this episode we talk about what the Bible says and doesn’t say about the Holy Spirit, whether it’s okay to pray to the Holy Spirit, and more.

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

Understanding the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit – with Fred Sanders – Theology for the People

Who is the Holy Spirit, and how does an understanding of the person and work of the Holy Spirit contribute to our life and faith as believers in Jesus?  Fred Sanders is professor of theology at the Torrey Honors College at Biola University. He is the author of a much sought-after series of theological comic books, as well as the recently published book, The Holy Spirit: an Introduction, which is part of the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series put out by Crossway Publishing. Fred has focused much of his theological work on the topic of the Trinity, so when it comes to talking about the person and work of the Holy Spirit, he has a unique and helpful perspective.  In this episode we talk about what the Bible says and doesn’t say about the Holy Spirit, whether it’s okay to pray to the Holy Spirit, and more. Make sure to visit the Theology for the People website at nickcady.org — Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theologyforthepeople/support

What is “Meekness”?

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The only autobiographical statement Jesus gave of himself was this one:

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.

Matthew 11:29 NASB

In that statement, one of adjectives that Jesus used of himself was “meek”.

Additionally, in the Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declared:

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Matthew 5:5 ESV

Thus, it seems it is pretty important to understand what “meekness” is, so we can understand who Jesus is, and what He was saying in the Beatitudes, about who will inherit the Earth.

“Meek” in Greek – Language & History

The word “meek” is the English translation of the Greek word Praús.

The Greek military leader Xenophon used the word to describe war horses that were well-trained; strong and spirited, yet highly disciplined.

Socrates said that a meek person is one who can argue his case without losing his temper.

Plato used the word to describe a victorious general who was merciful to a conquered people.

Aristotle referred to a meek person as someone concerned about justice, but whose anger does not degrade into revenge or retaliation.

The common theme in all these uses of the word is: “Power under control” – which certainly describes Jesus. [1]

How was Jesus “Meek”?

The Bible tells us that Jesus, though He is the almighty creator of the universe, He humbled Himself by taking on the form of a servant and submitting Himself to the Father. Though He was all-powerful, He set “emptied” Himself, becoming like us in all ways, in order to redeem us through His sacrifice for us.

What Does it Mean for Us to be “Meek”

For us to be meek means for us to bring ourselves, our intellects, our strengths, our agency, into submission to God’s call and commands for our lives. It means for us to use our strengths to serve Him and His mission, rather than to merely fulfill our own desires.

For more on the Beatitudes, here’s a recent sermon I taught on them at White Fields Church:

[1] cited in N.R. Pearcy, The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes, ch 8.

Mental Health & the Bible – with David Murray

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How should we, as Christians think about mental health and mental illness? Are there ways in which the Bible gives us insights into treating mental illness, that go beyond what modern secular scholarship can provide?

In this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, I speak with David Murray.  David Murray holds a PhD from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and has pastored churches in Scotland and the USA. He is also a counselor, and the author of several books, including the latest, which he co-authored, A Christian’s Guide to Mental Illness: Answers to 30 Common Questions.

In our discussion, David talks about his own struggles with mental illness, and about how the Bible gives us the best possible framework for dealing with issues that are often both spiritual and physical in nature.

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

Mental Health & the Bible – with David Murray – Theology for the People

How should we, as Christians think about mental health and mental illness? Are there ways in which the Bible gives us insights into treating mental illness, that go beyond what modern secular scholarship can provide? In this episode, I speak with David Murray.  David Murray holds a PhD from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and has pastored churches in Scotland and the USA. He is also a counselor, and the author of several books, including the latest, which he co-authored, A Christian’s Guide to Mental Illness: Answers to 30 Common Questions. In our discussion, David talks about his own struggles with mental, and about how the Bible gives us the best possible framework for dealing with issues that are often both spiritual and physical in nature. — Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theologyforthepeople/support

Discipleship Pathways

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Earlier this year I met with the team from Expositors Collective in the mountains of Southern California for a few days of meetings and recording our content into a video series.

During our time, we recorded a discussion for the Expositors Collective podcast, which turned out surprisingly well! We started off talking about pet peeves, but finished with a strong discussion about creating a discipleship pathway for your church.

Listen to the episode here: Pet Peeves and Pathways (Expositors Collective Podcast)

Sometimes when people hear the word “discipleship,” it invokes an image in their mind of one-on-one mentorship, studying through a book together. Certainly this is one method of making disciples, but to conceive of discipleship only in this way is incredibly reductionistic.

Discipleship is a multifaceted thing, and requires multiple inputs and opportunities for growth. Everything from attending worship services, serving, taking Communion, participating in small group Bible studies – just to name a few – are ways that people are equipped as disciples of Jesus.

In this episode, Dr. John Whittaker (check out johnwhittaker.net) mentions the importance of creating a discipleship pathway, and I join in with my thoughts on why it is important. Shortly after this trip, I went to Ukraine and Serbia, where I spoke a lot with church leaders there about the importance of creating discipleship pathways for their churches. Upon returning home, we discussed this at our staff meeting at White Fields Church, and our Executive Pastor, Jason, put together this great infographic to share with our church. Maybe it can be helpful for you as well, as you think about creating a discipleship pathway for your church.

Explaining the Three Main Views on Eschatology

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For many people, the study of the “End Times” can feel mysterious and disorienting. But, upon examination, what you find is that there are really only three main lenses through which people interpret the eschatological texts in the Bible.

In this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, my friend Aaron Salvato from the Good Lion Podcast, interviews me about the end times passages in the Bible and I lay out the three different ways these passages have been interpreted, and why. 

I outline the futurist, preterist, and idealist positions, and explain how they correspond to premillennialism, postmillennialism, and amillennialism. I also weigh the strengths and weaknesses underlying these different interpretations.

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

Explaining the Three Main Views on Eschatology – Theology for the People

For many people, the study of the “end times” can feel mysterious and disorienting. But, upon examination, what you find is that there are really only three main lenses through which people interpret the eschatological texts in the Bible. In this episode, my friend Aaron Salvato from the Good Lion Podcast, interviews me about the end times passages in the Bible and I lay out the three different ways these passages have been interpreted, and why.  I outline the futurist, preterist, and idealist positions, and explain how they correspond to premillennialism, postmillennialism, and amillennialism. I also weigh the strengths and weaknesses underlying these different interpretations. Make sure to visit the Theology for the People website at nickcady.org — Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theologyforthepeople/support

How Psalm 23 is a Microcosm of the Bible – with David Gibson

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Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known and beloved passages in the Bible. It is often read at funerals, or at times when people are in need of comfort. And yet, there is more to this Psalm than many people realize.

In this episode of the Theology for the People podcast, I speak with David Gibson, the Minister of Trinity Church in Aberdeen, Scotland, and the author of several books, including his latest, The Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion, and Host.

According to David, Psalm 23 echoes the major themes of the Bible and foreshadows God’s saving work through Jesus – in a way that is wonderful, edifying, and encouraging. Rather than being a Psalm for death – he wants to show us how this is a passage about life, for those who follow Jesus!

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

Why Psalm 23 is a Microcosm of the Bible – with David Gibson – Theology for the People

Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known and beloved passages in the Bible. It is often read at funerals, or at times when people are in need of comfort.  And yet, there is more to this Psalm than many people realize. According to my guest, David Gibson, Psalm 23 echoes the major themes of the Bible and foreshadows God’s saving work through Jesus – in a way that is wonderful, edifying, and encouraging.  Rather than being a Psalm for death – he wants to show us how this is a passage about life, for those who follow Jesus! David Gibson is the minister of Trinity Church in Aberdeen, Scotland, and the author of several books, including his latest: The Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion, and Host. Make sure to check out the Theology for the People website at nickcady.org — Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theologyforthepeople/support

Here’s the Equipment and Software I Use for Podcasting

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Someone recently asked me to give them a list of the equipment and software I use for podcasting. I figured other people might be interested in this info as well, so here you go!

Hardware

For my microphone, I use the Shure SM7B Dynamic Vocal Microphone. This is the industry standard for vocal mics, and the quality is great.

Next, you’ll need an audio interface to plug the microphone into. I use this one: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface. This mixer is perfect for 2 microphones. If you want to have 3-4 guests on your podcast, you’ll need the 4-Channel mixer.

For that microphone and mixer, you’ll also need a preamp like this one: sE Electronics DM1 Dynamite Active In-line Microphone Preamp. That preamp also comes with the xlr microphone cables you’ll need. You can also buy those cables separately, like here for example.

Boom mic stand to mount it on your desk: Gator Frameworks Deluxe Desk-Mounted Broadcast Microphone Boom Stand with Integrated XLR Cable.

Finally, you’ll need some USB-C cables to connect the mixing board to your computer.

Software

For editing and production, I use Descript. It’s great, and it uses AI to transcribe the episodes, so you can easily edit them. You can also use it to make all kinds of clips with subtitles for social media.

For remote recording, I use Riverside.fm. What’s great about it is that it records locally on each computer, and them uploads the recordings, that way, if someone has a weak connection, it won’t affect the integrity or the quality of the recording.

For publication, I use Spotify for Podcasters. It’s a free service which distributes to all major podcast platforms and gives great analytics.

Recap & Report from My Recent Trip to Ukraine & Serbia

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Earlier this week I came home from a 12-day trip to Ukraine and Serbia. I went with two other pastors from White Fields Church: Nate Medlong and Michael Payne, to speak at some conferences and visit pastors and ministry partners.

After I arrived home, I sat down with Nate Medlong to discuss what we did on the trip. In this video, we talk about where we went, what we did, and some important things we took away from the trip.

Here are some photos from different parts of the trip:

Pastors & Leaders Conference in Ternopil, Ukraine

Calvary Chapel Svitlovodsk: Church & Frontline Workers Conference

Serbia: Preaching Training Seminar in Novi Sad

Serbia: Novi Život Church in Kragujevac

Can Christians be Possessed by Demons? What about “Demonic Oppression”?

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Photo by Francesco Ungaro on Pexels.com

There is a page on this site where readers can submit questions or suggest topics. Recently I received the following question:

What are your thoughts on demon possession and deliverance with believers?

Can Christians be Possessed by Demons?

Certainly the New Testament describes people being possessed by demons. For examples, see: Matthew 9:32-33; 12:22; 17:18; Mark 5:1-20; 7:26-30; Luke 4:33-36; Luke 22:3; Acts 16:16-18.

In these passages, sometimes the demonic possession caused physical ailments. In other cases, such as with Judas, it caused him to do something evil, namely betraying Jesus. In Acts 16, a demon possessed slave girl was able to tell the future. In Mark 5, demon-possession led to a man cutting himself and living naked in a cemetery.

The Bible repeatedly tells us that idol worship can be related to the worship of demons (Leviticus 17:7; Deuteronomy 32:17; Psalm 106:37; 1 Corinthians 10:20), and so it is possible that involvement with idolatry, the occult, or pagan worship could be a contributing factor for some when it comes to demon possession. Some animistic religions, including voodoo and Santeria, directly involve inviting spirits to indwell and possess the worshiper.

However, when it comes to Christians, the Bible tells us that now, after Jesus’ death and resurrection, we who believe in Jesus have been sealed with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of their salvation, as a seal that they belong to God (Ephesians 1:13-14, 2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5; 1 Corinthians 6:19) and are indwelt by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:9-11). For more on the three relationships with the Holy Spirit, click here.

Jesus Himself provides assurance regarding the security of His followers. In John 10:28-29, Jesus declared, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”

In Matthew 12, Jesus spoke about what happens when a demon is cast out from a person.

“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first.”

Matthew 12:43-35

What we learn from this description, is that demons can only occupy a person if that person is not already indwelt by a more powerful Spirit, namely the Spirit of the Lord. If the Spirit of the Lord is indwelling a believer, demons cannot also indwell them.

Demonic Oppression and Demonic Influence in the Life of a Believer

While Christians cannot be possessed by demons, they are not immune to spiritual warfare. The Apostle Paul warns believers that they should not be ignorant of the schemes of the devil and exhorts us to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against such attacks (Ephesians 6:10-18). This implies that while demonic possession is not something that is possible for a believers, harassment or oppression by demonic forces remains a possibility.

Oftentimes, the “battlefield” on which spiritual warfare takes place, is our minds and thought life. Satan is referred to by Jesus as “the father of lies” (John 8:44), and we are instructed to fight against demonic influence over our thought life by taking every thought captive for Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Instances of demonic oppression or influence manifest as spiritual attacks and temptations, just as Jesus Himself was tempted by the devil. While these experiences can be daunting, they do not mean the surrender of one’s will or identity to demonic control. Instead, they serve as opportunities for believers to exercise their faith, relying on the power of Christ to overcome the adversary (1 Peter 5:8-9).

For example, King Saul, after rebelling against the LORD, was troubled by an evil spirit (1 Samuel 16:14-15; 18:10-11; 19:9-10) with the apparent effect of a depressed mood and an increased desire to kill David. Peter was influenced by Satan to try to prevent Jesus from accomplishing his mission of dying on the cross (Matthew 16:21-23).

In Ephesians 6, we are instructed to not only take precautions to protect ourselves against demonic attacks, but we are instructed to go on the offense and fight against the influence of these demonic forces using the Word of God and by praying in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17-18). For more on praying in the Spirit, see: Is Praying in the Spirit Speaking in Tongues?

Conclusion

In conclusion, Christians cannot be possessed by demons, as they are sealed and protected by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. However, believers are not exempt from spiritual warfare and may experience harassment or oppression by demonic forces. Nevertheless, our confidence rests in the assurance of Christ’s victory over the powers of darkness and His promise to never leave nor forsake His own. Let us, therefore, stand firm in the truth of God’s Word, knowing that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us, and that nothing can separate of from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:37-39).

Ask a Question or Suggest a Topic

If you have a question or would like to suggest a topic for me to address here on the blog, click here: Ask a Question or Suggest a Topic