AboutRev C.Brian Ross Expertise I am happy to offer answers to anyone with a question that refers to the Christian Faith in its widest possible sense. I believe that the Bible is the living Word of God, and seek to base all of my life on its teaching. I also have some knowledge of some of the cults, and of Islam and Judaism. Of course, my answers are just one man's thoughts, and I would always advise a questioner to check with others, and with the Word of God.
Experience Served as a full-time parish minister in Scotland for about six years, and then spent the last thirty as a teacher (now 'retired') of Religious Education in Secondary Comprehensive schools (ages 11-17) while continuing my own preaching and teaching ministry. I also believe that learning is a life-time process, and have recently completed a Master's degree in Divinity.
Organizations Former Presenter on Revival FM - a local Christian, community radio station, broadcasting in west central Scotland, and online at revival.fm Involved with a number of organisations that support Christians who are currently suffering persecution in some 70 countries around the world.
Publications Various articles in Christian magazines. I also have two blogsites - www.crazyrev.blogspot.com and (with audio messages) www.revcbross.blogspot.com
Education/Credentials Diploma of The Bible Training Institute, Glasgow;
Licentiate in Theology of the University of Glasgow;
Associateship of The Philosophical Society of England;
Bachelor of Arts Degree (Hons) in History from The Open University;
Post-grad Certificate of Education - Religious Education and History;
Post-grad Cetificate in Learning and Teaching;
Post-grad Diploma in Management and Learning in Education;
Master of Science Degree from the University of Strathclyde;
Master of Divinity Degree (Hons) from Trinity College and Seminary (accredited by the University of Liverpool)
Question 1. Where in the bible does it talk about inheritance from fathers to children? Specifically is it better to leave your money to the church or your children...
2. Where in the bible does it talk about repenting of your sins, forgiving those that have sinned against you and changing your ways to reflect a sincere change to the ways of the Lord?
3. Where in the bible does it talk about a father's responsibilities to his children, and the consequences if any for neglect, abuse, or not fulfilling those responsibilities?
Answer Hi Deborah
Thank you for your very interesting, multiple questions.
With regard to the first one, there are hundreds of references to inheritance in the Bible, and in a variety of contexts. However, I think that the passage you want may be Mark 7:9-13, where we read that Jesus said to the Pharisees: "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! For Moses said, 'Honour your father and your mother,' and, 'Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.' But you say that if a man says to his father or mother: 'Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is Corban' (that is, a gift devoted to God), then you no longer let him do anything for his father or mother. Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that." (New International Version.) Another particularly relevant reference is I Tim 5:8 where Paul, under the inspiration of Holy Spirit, states that “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (NIV)
I believe that the Biblical principle is that we have a duty to those who depend upon us, that over-rides even our giving to the Lord’s work. However, I would have to emphasise the word “depend”. When our own children were very small, my wife and I wrote our wills so that they received almost all that we would leave if the Lord had called us both home. Now that they are totally independent adults, we have had no hesitation in making the appropriate changes that leave by far the greater part to the Lord’s work, in various areas (i.e. not to just our own fellowship!) At the end of the day, I believe that the Lord leaves such decisions to us, as individuals. I am not aware of any prescriptive instruction within the pages of the Bible.
Perhaps I could leave that one with you, and deal with the other two questions later this evening?!
Blessings
C.Brian Ross
Hi, again, Deborah.
A look through a concordance will show you that the Bible is constantly referring to the need for us to repent of our sins. The Old Testament doesn’t make as much use of the term, although passages such as Jer. 25, and Ezek. 14 are very specific. This is why, when John the baptiser appeared, saying “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand”, not only the religious leadership, but also the common people, understood his message.
Forgiving others is perhaps best shown in the model prayer that Jesus gave to the disciples, with the too-easily-said request to “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who do us wrong”.
The need for a recognisable change in our lives is actually quite logical. Words are very cheap and, unless we have a physical problem with our vocal chords, or are mentally incapable of putting together a sentence, then we are capable of making the most outrageous claims. James, however, would take strong issue with such a lifestyle – see ch.2. Paul, too, knew nothing of Christian nominality – see Phil.1:27
With regard to your final question, the responsibilities of fathers may be seen to begin – in any formalised manner – in the well-known passage referred to as the Shema. It is found in Deut. 6:4 ff. Deut 21:18 ff gives another side to that parental responsibility. Proverbs 4 is another important chapter as far as this topic is concerned. In the New Testament, the best-known passage is probably Eph.6, which shows that there is a two-way situation involved in the relationship. The consequences of failing to fulfil these responsibilities are, sadly, seen all around us today. Again, the Book of Proverbs has much to say – see, e.g., chaps. 4, 17 and 19.
I trust that all of this will prove helpful, and even set you on your way to some personal study of the issues you raised. If I can be of any further assistance, please feel free to ask.
Blessings,
C. Brian Ross
