| | This is a series of short answers to tough questions posed to Christians. Beginning about 1977, Leon Mauldin conducted radio broadcasts using the Question and Answer format. The following is a representative sample of the questions he received on a variety of topics from callers with diverse backgrounds. The questions and answers below are all © Copyright, Leon Mauldin, 2006, and all publishing rights are reserved. However, Leon has given express permission for this material to be used both here, and in any fashion which is for the advancement of the Gospel of Christ, but not for any party's financial gain. To see the answer to a question, simply click the question.
How can it be wrong to smoke pot, since God gave us every seed producing plant to do with as we see fit?It is true that God made the earth and all things therein for man. This is for man's proper USE, not for his ABUSE.
To illustrate, God gave us the grape for man's good and enjoyment, but this does not mean it was right for Noah to plan a vineyard, and drink of the wine and become drunk (see Genesis 9:20-21). The grapes were not given by God "to do with as we see fit."
In the New Testament, Paul dealt with those that would use a similar argument to justify fornication. We gather from the context of 1 Cor. 6:13 that some were contending that as food is for the stomach, that the body is for fornication. In other words, food is intended to be eaten and enjoyed by the stomach, and the body is made to be used for every kind of sexual pleasure. Paul responded, "Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord" (1 Cor. 6:13). He did not give us our body to "do with as we see fit." (see also Heb. 13:4).
So it is with all God has made. There is a legitimate and proper usage, and then there is distortion and misuse of what God has given. When you stop and think about it, so much of temptation is a matter of the devil taking some God-given desire but to find an outlet that God has forbidden, and is out of harmony with God's will.
So far as passages that would address the matter of marijuana: The use of marijuana is a form of drunkenness. Therefore passages that condemn drunkness would apply (Rom. 13:13; Gal. 5:21; Prov. 23:29-35).
Also in Gal. 5:20 notice the word "witchcraft" (KJV) "sorcery" (NKJV). This is from the Greek work PHARMAKEIA, from which you can see our word pharmacy. The word in this context has to do with the abuse of drugs, which was often used by the sorcerer to bring others under his spell. But my point is that this is a specific passage that condemns the abuse of drugs. The text says that they that practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
One's attitude is so important: why would one want to smoke marijuana? Often it is done in a spirit of rebellion.
Many times a question regarding whether something is right can easily be answered by asking "Would Jesus do it?" If anyone can imagine Jesus smoking marijuana, and/or encouraging others to do so, he knows nothing about the Jesus of the Bible.
What should our attitude be? Do we will to do His will? (John 7:17). Is our attitude "Speak, Lord, Thy servant heareth?" (1 Sam. 3:9). When this attitude wins over so that one is not sitting in the seat of the scornful, there will be no trouble determining whether it is right to smoke marijuana or misuse other drugs.
What is your religious affiliation and background?I understand God's plan to be simple. The Bible tells us all have sinned (Rom. 3:23). Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures (1 Cor. 15:3). God intends that the hearing of the word produces faith (Rom. 10:17). All are commanded to repent of sins (Acts 17:30). We are to confessed unashamedly that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (Acts 8:37; Rom. 10:9,10). Upon this basis one is to be baptized (immersed) for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). This is what I did.
Those who did this were called Christians (Acts 11:23). It is my life's effort to be a Christian, just as they were.
A typical response to what I have said might be, "I know you are a Christian, but what denomination are you?" The same question might be asked of those in the 1st Century. To what denomination were those on the day of Pentecost added? I refer to Acts 2, when the church was first established. V. 47 indicates that the Lord added the saved to the church. Again, God's plan is simple. When one obeys from the heart the Gospel, God adds him to the church. The New Testament church is simply people, men and women who are saved. This is what I am identified with. I claim no denominational affiliation.
Now when these in the NT were saved, and added by the Lord to his church, wherever they lived they were to meet together and worship. There were assemblies throughout Judea and Samaria, Galatia, Asia, Macedonia, Greece, etc. These local churches were not differing denominations, but rather as Paul said of Timothy in 1 Cor. 4:17, ..."who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church." So God's plan includes local churches "everywhere," but all are goverened by the same authority, the New Testament Scriptures. So on that basis I am a part of a local assembly where I live in Hanceville Alabama.
The church is given an important work in which to engage. It is to be busy preaching the Gospel that the lost may be saved (1 Tim. 3:14,15; 1 Thess. 1:8). The church is to edify its members (Eph. 4:14-16). It is to relieve its needy members (Acts 6; 1 Cor. 16:1-2). The local church of which I am a part is seeking to accomplish this God-given mission to the best of our ability at present, and pray that even more doors will be opened by the Lord.
Hope this helps. Feel free to correspond further.
Why do you not believe that preachers are called to preach?Intro: There are two senses in which the Bible speaks of being called to preach.
1. The Bible speaks of those who were directly called to preach. Jeremiah speaks of his call to the prophetic office. God said, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; And I ordained you a prophet to the nations" ... "For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak" (Jer. 1:5,7). God spoke directly and miraculously to such Old Testament prophets. They were called not only to speak, but to write down the Scriptures that were given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus CALLED the apostles (Mk. 3:13). "Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach" (Mk. 3:14). These were also to be given miraculous powers (Mk. 3:15). The apostles were told, "what ever you bound on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven" (Matt. 18:18). The apostles were thus AMBASSADORS for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20). On the eve of His death, Jesus prayed, "As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world" (John 17:18). To equip the apostles in this work, the Father would send them the Holy Spirit. He would bring to their remembrance all that Jesus had said unto them (John 14:26), and would continue the work Jesus had begun with them (John 16:12), guiding them into all the truth (John 16:13).
The apostles and New Testament prophets (other inspired men who were not apostles) are under consideration in Eph. 3:3-5: "how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I wrote before in a few words, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets."
This direct and personal calling and appointment was extraordinary and unique. It was not intended that there would continue to be endless revelation down through the centuries. No man can scripturally claim that he has power to bind and loose on earth today, or to confirm such authoritative revelation by raising the dead, and other miracles (2 Cor. 12:12). No one living today can truthfully claim that he is a witness of the resurrected Christ, as were the apostles.
2. There is a second way in which the Bible teaches God calls men to preach. God calls all men by the Gospel (2 Thes. 2:15). Among those called by the Gospel there will today be pastors, evangelists, and teachers (Eph. 4:11). It is God that grants each individual his capacity for service. (See the principle of Romans 12:4-8 and 1 Pet. 4:11). The individual himself must use his God-given abilities and opportunities. In that sense it could be said that God calls men to preach/teach. But this is not direct and miraculous, as was the promise made to the twelve: "...do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you" (Matt. 10:19-20). The one who would preach/teach today would be well advised to diligently study and prepare.
How does God call one to preach today? By teaching in His word that those who are themselves saved by the blood of Christ are to have a real concern for souls of others. This does not mean that all will preach, but that concern will be expressed by some in the form of preaching. God teaches the saved to be concerned about the glory of Christ, and furthering His cause. For some, that will mean preaching the Gospel of Christ.
Timothy was told to teach faithful men, that they may be able to "teach others also" (2 Tim. 2:2). This is how teachers/preachers are called. Further, those who are taught and baptized are to be taught "all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matt. 28:19). This includes teaching others the Gospel of Christ. All disciples should teach others as they have opportunity.
The work of an evangelist (2 Tim. 4:5) is something one "grows into." Those who would preach the Gospel should especially read the letters to Timothy and Titus.It is necessary that first and foremost one be faithful to the Lord. Then let him grow in grace and knowledge. Let him learn to read the scriptures distinctly, give the sense, and cause others to understand the reading (Neh. 8:8). Let him teach and exhort, being careful to rightly divide the word, and not misapply, or take passages out of context. Some will develop into "part-time" preaching, working at another job, as they preach. Others will be able to preach on a "full-time" basis, supported financially by the church. Both are scriptural arrangements, and there is room for both kinds of work.
Conclusion. It is not true to say that preachers are not called. They are called by the Gospel (2 Thes. 2:14; 2 Tim. 2:2). But they are not called directly and miraculously, nor are they given authority to "bind and loose" with heaven's authority. No one is called and sent forth today as were the apostles. If one makes the claim that he is, let him produce the proof. As Paul said, "Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you" (2 Cor. 12:12).
If someone makes the claim that he has been called to preach by God speaking to him directly, listen to him preach for a while. You will likely find in a very short time that his preaching contradicts his claim.
I understand the chapter and verse divisions in the Bible are not part of the original text. When were these divisions made, and who made them?During the time of our Lord's ministry, the Old Testament was not yet divided into our present chapter and verse divisions. He did make reference to "the law, the prophets and the psalms" (Lk. 24:44). "The Law" consisted of the five books of Moses, "The Prophets" included the former prophets (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings) and the latter prophets (major and minor prophets). "The Psalms, as referred to in Lk. 24:44, seem to refer to the Hagiographa" (meaning, "Holy writings", consisted of the Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah and Chronicles). However, these divisions of the law, the prophets and the psalms were subdivided into smaller sections, and these in turn into subsections, so that it was not as overwhelming as it might seem at first glance to locate a specific text. (Divisions in the books of Moses were called "Parashahs"; in the prophets they were known as "Haphtarahs." The subdivisions were "Psukim", roughly analogous to our verse divisions. Early efforts for better arrangement of the Biblical text include that of Jerome (ca. 347-419/20 A.D), who divided the book of Matthew into "breves" (long chapters) and "capitula" (short chapters). Tatian (2nd century) produced a harmony of the Gospels (known as the Diatessaron) using a similar arrangement. Frederick Norris suggests this may have been created for lessons in his school, and goes on to state, "It became the normal text of many Syriac- speaking churches well into the fifth century..." (Encyclopedia of Early Christianity, Ed.Ferguson.882). In the thirteenth century the chapter divisions as we know them were made. This work is ordinarily attributed to cardinal Hugo de Sancto Caro (about 1240 A.D.). He is also know for his revision of the text of the Latin Vulgate. A major contribution was his production of a Concordance, which listed alphabetically all the words in the Vulgate, with their biblical references. McClintock & Strong state that this work "has formed the model of all concordances to the Bible" (IV.389). The verse divisions were inserted by Robert Stephens about 1551. However, his father, as well as others, had already done extensive work along this line (for further discussion see Mc.&Str.X:756- 762). It is important to bear in mind that the chapter and verse divisions, the paragraphs, the chapter headings, the center references are of human and not divine origin, and should be use with that in mind. I.e., they can be beneficial as aids to study, but they are not part of the inspired text. Some chapter divisions were unfortunate, for example Acts 7:60 and 8:1, which is narrating the death of Stephen. This point can easily be seen in translations such as ASV and others which make use of a paragraph format. I.e. the "thought" of Acts 8:1a ("And Saul was consenting unto his death.") is to be included with what precedes it, so that a better chapter division would have been after that sentence. But having said that, how thankful we should be first for the availability of God's word in our own language. Then we should be so grateful for the tremendous labor of those who arranged chapter and verse divisions which enable us to locate passages with ease.
Please explain what is meant by the promise of a new heaven and a new earth.One passage in the Old Testament containing that promise is Isaiah 65:17: "For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind." What sometimes is forgotten is that every passage has a context. Isaiah was a 7th century BC prophet. His work was just before the destruction of Judah by the Babylonians. Much of his book of 66 chapters has to do with the people's sin, which was the cause of the coming destruction. But there are also many prophecies within Isaiah that foretell of the coming Messiah and the "new order" that would be under the Christ, and under His new covenant. Isaiah 65:17 is one such prophecy. Isaiah, like Jeremiah, foretold of the end of the old Jewish order, and the new provisions that would be ushered in under Christ (see also Jeremiah 31:31-34). The key to understanding the "new heaven and a new earth" of v. 17 is v. 25, "...They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain...". This is the same mountain referred to in Isa. 2:2-4, which spoke of the mountain of the Lord's house that would be established in the latter days. The New Testament clearly shows that the latter days were ushered in on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2:16,17. The mountain that was spoken of is identified as spiritual Mount Zion; it is "the general assembly and church of the firstborn..." (Hebrews 12:23). This is without doubt the meaning of Isaiah's prophecy in 65:17. Then in the New Testament Peter also refers to new heavens and a new earth: "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" (2 Pet. 3:13). Peter uses this expression, in a context referring to the second coming of Christ, to describe the final dwelling place of the righteous, which is heaven itself, as Jesus taught in John 14:1-4). Notice that the "new heavens and the new earth" are promised after the present heavens and earth have been destroyed (2 Pet. 3:10). So the context, and the teaching of other passages, show that this term (new heavens and new earth) is a figurative expression for heaven itself. Another reference is that of Revelation 21:1: "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away (v.1). At the second coming, the wicked will be cast into the lake of fire but the righteous will receive their glorious state. This new heaven and new earth which John saw is the new and glorified state of the saved. As Peter stated, the present earth on which we now live will pass away. It is stored up for fire (II Pet. 3:7, 10). Just as Isaiah's new heaven and new earth looked unto the New Testament order (Isa. 65:17-25), the new heaven and new earth of Peter and John looks unto the "new order" which begins at the consummation of the Christian age. The heaven and new earth of Rev. 21:1 is that city which was looked for by the godly men and women of old, "which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." (Heb. 11:10, 13-16). Again, it is heaven itself which is being described. The reward of the saved is in heaven (Mt. 5:12; 6:19; John 14:1-3; 1 Pet. 1:3,4). There is no passage that promises everlasting life on the earth.
In Leviticus 11:6, how is that the hare, with its single stomach, is here classified with animals that "chew the cud"?In Leviticus 11:3 two general rules are given by which it might be known what animals were permitted to Israel for food: one which has a split hoof and chews the cud.
The text of Lev. 11:6 states: "The hare, because it chews the cud but does not have cloven hooves, is unclean to you...".
It is true that the hare, as well as the rock hyrax, or rock badger (v.5, rendered coney NIV) do not technically ruminate. It is not God's purpose here to provide a complete scientific classification, but rather He is giving a simple and practical "rule of thumb" for distinguishing between clean and unclean quadrupeds.
Both the rock badger and the hare work their jaws in such a way as to appear to ruminate. I have read that this sort of animal chews half an hour after eating: therefore they were classified popularly with cud chewers. Their thoroughness in chewing falls within the empirical significance of the Hebrew phrase.
To flatter oneself that he has discovered a foolish mistake on Moses' part because the hare has a single stomach, and does not have the four stomach compartments of the ruminanita is to create a problem where none exists. It is to misunderstand the purpose of the passage.
There were several reasons for the dietary restrictions.
Israel was set apart as God's holy nation. They were to be a separate people. They were in covenant relationship with God, and every detail of their lives was to reflect this. The dietary restrictions were an extension of this principle, even as further reading in this passage shows: ..."you shall be holy; for I am holy..." (Lev. 11:44,45). That is the "big picture."
But there may have been other considerations. Some students of Scripture believe that some of the dietary rules were given because of idolatrous practices of Israel's neighbors. For example, the Canadian scholar Peter C. Craigie (now deceased, former Associate Professor of Religious Studies at The University of Calgary) says this regarding the pig: "...the sacred associations of the pig/boar with certain Canaanite-Syrian cults may have made the pig particularly reprehensible to the Hebrews..."(NICO.Deut.231).
Even if Israel then, or we today, may not understand WHY God commanded or forbad a given thing, the fact is, He is God. He is our creator, and the sustainer of life. We are the creatures. Our part is to believe and obey His will.
One other observation I would make is that these dietary restrictions, were applicable during the Mosaic dispensation. Under the New Testament, this distinction between clean and unclean animals was removed. Jesus, in Mark 7:19, declared all meats clean (Mt. 15:17-20; Acts 10:10-15). But the principle is permanent; that is, Christians must have discernment, and avoid what is unclean (sinful) (2 Cor. 7:1; Phil. 1:9-11; Heb. 5:14).
Comment on the claim that Jesus speaks to some people today, either audibly, or by making a "mental impression on them"? The question really becomes one of whether the Bible is sufficient, or must we look for later revelations.
In 1 Cor. 2:10ff. we learn that the Holy Spirit searched the "things of God" and revealed them to the apostles. That which the Spirit revealed unto them was preached orally, and also put in written form, under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Paul "wrote" what had been revealed to him so that others could "read" (Eph. 3:3).
God has granted unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3). In Eph. 3:3-5 we are taught that God made known the truth of Christ by his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This fulfilled the promise Jesus had previously made to the apostles in John 16:13, that the Holy Spirit would guide them into all truth. The Spirit did this.
But the point is, that this inspired revelation is complete. We are furnished completely unto every good work (2 Tim. 3:16,17).
The faith has been once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3). This does not leave room for additional revelations. Consider the principle of Gal. 1:9. cf.. 2 John 9.
This word is God's power unto salvation (Rom. 1:16), and is the standard by which all will be judged (Jas. 2:12; John 12:48). Jesus calls by the Gospel (2 Thess. 2:14). Jesus speaks to us through the word (Heb.1:1,2). Consider how Jesus speaks to the churches (Rev. 2:1f).
Likewise, the Spirit speaks expressly (1 Tim.4:1f), and, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" (Rev. 2:7).
Regarding having a mental impression that Jesus is speaking to one today: Remember that our feelings are not infallible. They are not our standard (Prov. 14:12; Jer. 10:23). Paul looked back at that time when he had been in error and still was able to say, "I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day" (Acts 23:1; 26:9). "The heart is deceitful above all things..." (Jer. 17:9). This is why we have the Bible. The evidence whereby we may know if we stand approved before God is not our feelings, even in good conscience, but rather whether our conduct is in harmony with God's word (Phil. 1:27; Jas. 1:21; 1 Pet. 1:22-23).
There is no indication that Jesus speaks directly to anyone today, with either an audible voice, or through making mental impressions. If we want to hear Him speak, we must listen to His word, the Bible, and specifically the New Testament. Jesus knew that this is how faith in Him would come about: "I do not pray for these [apostles] alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word" (John 17:20).
Do you think the world is coming to an end very soon?1. I have in my possession a booklet which lists "88 reasons why the Rapture will occur in 1988." We entered the year 1990, and time has marched on to the present moment. This is one of many erroneous efforts to set a date for the end of time (or for "end- time" events). William Miller set the date for Christ's coming at 1843/44. Joseph Smith gave 1891. Officials in the Jehovah's Witnesses' organization have set the date as 1914, 1925, 1941, and more recently in 1975. All such predictions have proven to be false. Deut.18:22: "When a prophet speaketh in the name of Jehovah, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which Jehovah hat not spoken: the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously, thou shall not be afraid of him."
2. Christ's coming will be sudden. 1 Thes. 5:3.
3. Some refer to Matt. 24, which speaks of 1) the appearance of false Christs (v.5), 2) wars and rumors of wars (v.6); 3) earthquakes, famines and pestilences (v.7); 4) persecution v.9); 5) many would stumble (v.10); 6) false prophets would arise (v.11); 7) the gospel would be preached unto all nations (v.14); and 8) they would see the abomination of desolation standing in the holy place (v.15).
a. These signs were to be to Jesus' disciples in Judea who were warned to flee (vv.16-20). Jesus was speaking of the destruction of Jerusalem. He said, "This generation shall not pass away, till all these things be accomplished" (v.34). Some of that very generation were still alive then Titus and his Roman army completely destroyed Jerusalem and the temple in 70 A.D.
4. Christ gave no signs of the end of the world, only an admonition to watch (Matt.25:13: "Watch therefore, for ye know not the day nor the hour." (cf. 2 Pet.3:10-12).
5. The reason Christ has not returned yet is not because the Lord is slack concerning His promises. He is granting yet more time and opportunity for men to repent (2 Pet. 3:9). He desires that all be saved (1 Tim. 2:3,4). When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, time shall be no more. No more opportunities to prepare, to get ready, to obey the Gospel.
Will the United States fall before Jesus comes?1. Mt. 25:13. We know not the day not the hour of Christ's return.
2. God rules in the affairs of men Acts 17:26; Dan. 4.
3. a. Prov. 14:34: "Righteousness exalteth a nation; But sin is a reproach to any people."
b. Prov. 16:12: "It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; For the throne is established by righteousness."
c. "The wicked shall be turned back unto Sheol, Even all the nations that forget God."
What does the Bible say about abortion?1.God recognizes the unborn as a living child (Matt.1:18; Lk.1:41- When Elizabeth was pregnant, the unborn "babe" leaped in her womb at the salutation of Mary; Lk.1:15). The same word (brephos) is used to denote the newborn child (Lk. 2:12,16) as well as the older child (Lk. 18:15). Consider also Psa. 139:13: "For Thou didst form my inward parts; Thou didst weave me in my mother's womb" (NASB).
2.If it is wrong to kill an infant anytime after birth, it must also be wrong to kill him anytime before birth. Birth only changes an infant's living quarters, its dining habits, and its air passageway.
3. Pro.6:16-17 God hates those who shed innocent blood.
4. What is often the root cause: Selfishness 2 Tim. 3:2; w/o natural affection Rom. 1:31. cf. Eph. 4:18-19.
5. Party who is totally innocent in the matter is the unborn infant. Choosing the route of abortion gives the death penalty to the innocent baby.
6. Countless couples wait in line for years to adopt a baby. Abortion is not the answer. Sex education courses, instruction about "safe sex" is not the answer. Abortion grows out of a heart of rebellion and disobedience to the will of God. Only the word of God will "turn the hearts of the fathers to the children" (Lk.1:68).
David Watts: Abortions kill. Something living is killed in every successful abortion. That's a biological fact, not a subjective moral judgment. Abortion kills something kills something with life. Before the abortion, something is living; after the abortion, it is dead.
People trying to defend abortions (or sell abortions) often talk about "terminating a pregnancy (of fetus)," or removing "tissue." That sounds much cleaner than talking about killing an unborn baby. The Scriptures, however, refer to the unborn in words descriptive of human life.
For example, after John the baptist's conception, but before his birth, he is referred to in the Scriptures as a "babe." The Bible says: "And it came to pass, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb" (Lk.1:41, see also v. 44). The same word God used to describe the infants Herod murdered in Bethlehem (Matt. 2:16) is used to describe John before his birth. He didn't become a "babe" at birth--he was a baby before birth. An abortion would have killed him--it would have killed a baby.
Necessity is the Mother of Invention. No doubt the idea that what abortions kill isn't human life was invented to excuse the slaughter of unborn babies by abortion. It certainly didn't come from the Bible. It is contrary to what the Scriptures teach.
It is calculated that an unborn baby is killed every three minutes. That's more than 4,000 babies each day. Behind the smoke screen of high-sounding phrases, like, "pro-choice" are 20 million dead babies--killed by abortions over the last 15 years. (Gospel Anchor, Jan.1992).
Related Question: Isn't abortion breaking of the 10 commandments?
1. Abortion is shedding innocent blood. God hates those who shed innocent blood (Prov.6:16-17).
2. God recognizes the unborn as a living child (Matt. 1:18; Lk. 1:41).
3. Just as it is wrong to kill an infant anytime after birth, it is wrong to kill him anytime before birth. Birth only changes an infant's living quarters, its dining habits, and its air passageway.
4. The commandment "Thou shalt not kill" was one of the 10 commandments; that commandment is included in the New Covenant, the law of Christ, under which we live today (Matt. 5:21ff). Yes, God's law which forbids killing is violated by abortion.
Why did God command Abraham to sacrifice his son; why did God not tell him to give up his wealth instead?1. There is no doubt that offering Isaac on the altar was the hardest test Abraham ever faced. No doubt Abraham also wished that God had instead commanded him to sacrifice his wealth.
2. It would have been difficult for any loving parent to sacrifice his child. But if that is all we see, we miss the point. The ultimate test of faith was whether Abraham believed God would do what He said He would do re. the Promises. This point is seen in Heb. 11:17,18.
3. In the record of Gen. 22, what is really sacrificed?
a. Not Isaac, v. 12.
b. The ram v. 13, but this is anticlimactic, not the main point.
c. Abraham's will, logic, emotion: Abraham sacrificed himself; he truly gave self to the Lord.
4. We tend to say, I'm glad the Lord does not require that of us! But in principle, He does. Mt.6:33; 2 Cor. 8:5; Gal. 2:20.
What about those who are born with a mental deficiency such that they do not become accountable. Are such in need of baptism; salvation?1. The question is one that not only embraces those with severe genetic disorders and mental retardation, but also applies to those who are infants and young children who have not reached an age of accountability.
2. Such are safe, and are not in need of salvation, because they have never been lost. That which has never been lost does not need to be saved.
a. One is lost because he is guilty of sin (Isa. 59:1,2; Rom. 6:23). Sin is an act of transgression (1 John 3:4)
b. Jer. 19:4 makes reference to the blood of the innocents.
3. Regarding infants and young children, Jesus said, "Of such is the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 18:3).
4. Accountability is that state where one has attained to sufficient mental capacity to discern between good and evil.
a. cf. Jonah 4:11
5. Biblical subjects of baptism are penitent believers (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38). Men and women (Acts 8:12)
6. David consoled himself at the death of his infant son with the words: "I shall go to him, but he will not return to me" (2 Sam. 12:23).
Explain Acts 19 1-7: The twelve rebaptized. Intro: The historian now reaches the point for which he had so hurriedly passed over the voyage of Paul from Ephesus to Antioch, and his land journey thence through Galatia and Phrygia (NMcG.150). Paul is permitted at last to begin a work which he had in mind when, on his preceding tour, he was "forbidden by the H.S. to speak the word in Asia, 16:6; and also to fulfill the appointment which he had left here on his journey homeward, 18:21 (ibid).
1) Disciples: word means a learner. In this particular passage the word does not mean a Christian.
2) when ye believed as used here, refers to conversion. The Holy Spirit here would not refer to the ordinary gift of the H.S. All believers receive H.S., Acts 2:38. Under consideration then would be the miraculous. This is further shown "by the fact that it is this which he conferred upon them at the close of the conversation" (ibid.151). This of course could be given to them only by an apostle (Acts 8:17,18).
It is not likely that they had never heard of the existence of the H.S. The O.T. is full of references to Him. Probable meaning is that they did not know that the H.S. had been given. Thus they were ignorant of the events of Pentecost, and of the N.T. being revealed.
3) Since they not only could not work miracles, but did not even know that the H.S. had come, this raised the question of whether they had been scripturally baptized. They were either taught by Apollos, or someone like him. They were ignorant of the baptism of Christ.
4) Paul showed them the temporary nature of John's work in pointing forward to Christ. Now that Jesus had come and had accomplished the Father's work, men were to render obedience to Him. A baptism of repentance Mk.1:14,15.
5) Upon hearing and believing this, they were baptized into the name of Jesus.
Lessons: Here were men who had been baptized but did not know of the coming of Christ or of the H.S. Because of this, they had to be rebaptized. Application: If today a person is baptized to enter a denomination, he does not understand the purpose of baptism. If one is baptized thinking he is saved, as is almost always the case among denominations, he has not been scripturally baptized, for scriptural baptism is "for the remission of sins. If a person were baptized just to please someone else, the same would apply.
6) After their baptism, Paul laid his hands on them, imparting to them miraculous gifts. This is the only way that men besides apostles could work miracles. Only apostles could impart miraculous gifts.
1 Tim. 4:14 is misused. with (meta) means to accompany. 2 Tim. 1:6 tells us how Timothy received gift. (dia)--"the means or instrument by which anything is affected" (Thayer.133)
Thus when the last apostle died, the power to impart the ability to perform miracles ceased. When the last person on whom an apostle laid hands died, miracles ceased. Therefore there is not a man living on earth today who can perform miracles.
Extended preaching at Ephesus
8) Preached in synagogue 3 months. Some were hardened and disobedient, thus Paul separated himself from them. cf. 18:5-6.
We learn that when one becomes hardened and disobedient to the Word, the time has come to look for someone else to teach (Mt. 7:6).
9-10) Paul then began to preach daily in the school of Tyrannus. This was done for 2 years.
11) Special miracles. Similar to woman touching garment (Mk.5:25- 27). Purpose of these and all miracles (Heb.2:3,4).
NASB: "extraordinary miracles": All miracles are extraordinary, but there were extra-special. They were wrought without personal contact with the patient. (Reese.677)
12) Reese: Latin origin. Handkerchief: speaks of the towel used to wipe sweat from the brow or face. We might call it a hand towel, or shop towel, or even a sweatband. The word "apron" speaks of the short apron worn around the waist by the craftsmen as they worked-- worn to preserve the clothes from wear and tear and soil. As Paul was working at his trade of tentmaking it would have been common to use such garments. The picture behind the words "carried away from his body to the sick" is of Christians coming to Paul as he was working and carrying away with them the very towels and aprons which he had been wearing. Of course, the power to heal was not in the cloth. We must never forget that God is the source of power behind genuine miracles. The efficacy of such media stands obviously on the same footing as that of the hem of Jesus' garment (Mt. 9:20-21), the shadow of Peter (Acts 5:15) or the clay used in the healing of the blind man (Jno. 9:6). There are men today, on radio and TV, who urge their listeners to send in for clothes that have been blessed--apparently taking their example from this text. However, we contend that miracles in NT times were wrought to credential messengers; and since the modern so-called miracle workers do not even preach the NT message, their works are either fake or wrought by a power other than the Divine (677-8)
13) Jewish impostors. These events manifested to everyone, especially to magicians, the difference between the power of the apostle Paul, and these impostors. Because of this, many gave up their magic and burned their books, amounting to several thousand dollars.
Redefining Adultery, Part 1Biblical teaching on God's marriage law, including divorce and remarriage, is clear. God's plan is one man and one woman making a lifetime commitment to each other. "So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate" (Matt. 19:6). Thereis only one reason for divorce and remarriage; that is the cause of fornication Matt. 19:9. Jesus said,"whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery." (see also Mk 10:11-12; Lk. 16:18; Rom. 7:2,3)
Do you see that adultery is biblically defined, not only as the "extra-marital affair" where one is unfaithful to his spouse, but also, adultery is committed when one divorces his spouse and marries another, and further, when one marries one who has been divorced?
When a divorce has occurred, unless one has put away his spouse for the cause of fornication, one must "remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband" (1 Cor. 7:11). Reconciliation may not possible because of the unwillingness of the former spouse, etc. In that case one must remain unmarried (1 Cor. 7:11). A third option, namely remarriage (except reconciliation to one's legitimate spouse) is not given.
If you are the one who has remarried (not having put away your spouse for the cause of fornication), you must recognize that your marriage is an adulterous relationship (Matt. 19:9; Rom. 7:2,3). One must cease the practice of sin; one cannot continue in the adulterous relationship and have God's approval (Eph. 5:3-6; Col.3:5-8).
Efforts have been made for some time to "redefine" adultery. We are being told that adultery is not a sexual act, and that you cannot "live in adultery." Instead, supposedly, adultery is when one breaks the marriage contract; it is when one divorces!
There is only reason for this new definition and that is is because of what it attempts to accommodate. You see, if adultery is "covenant breaking" (divorce), and does not refer to the ongoing relationship (involving sexual union), then when one repents of adultery, he only repents of covenant breaking, and then is free to continue in the marriage. This is a case of grabbing at straws to try to support a conviction that some want, with no support other than the fact that they want it.
"This novel notion has but one design--the accommodation of unscriptural divorce and remarriage, and it is without a shred of evidence, both linguistically, and in the overall context of the Bible" (Jackson.130).
These efforts to redefine adultery, as if it it so hard to understand the meaning of the term from the contexts of pertinent passages, reminds me of the scribe in Luke 10, who acted as if it were a tremendous problem to define "neighbor." "But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, 'And who is my neighbor?'" It's really not all that hard. When Jesus told the parable of the "Good Samaritan" he had no trouble defining neighbor. His problem was that he wasn't ready to be that kind of neighbor!
These attempts to bypass the teaching of our Lord also reminds me of Balaam, who knew what the Lord said about Balaam's going to curse Israel, (God said, "Thou shalt not go"- Num. 22:12). But when promised more riches and honor, Balaam said to the messengers, "Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what Jehovah will speak unto me more (Num 22:18). His problem was not that he needed more information; he was trying to find a way around what God said, in order that he could do what he wanted. We need to look for truth instead of looking for loopholes around the truth!
It is not difficult to understand the biblical usage of the word "adultery." The Greek term is Moixeia, defined as illicit sexual conduct of a married person. Adultery is an act that a man does "with another man's wife" (Lev.20:10). Hosea told worldly, idol-worshiping Israel, "let her put away her fornications from her face, and her adulteries from between her breasts" (Hos.2:2). The allusion to an immoral embrace is just too plain to miss (Jackson.131). Consider Matt 5:28: "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Do men lustfully fantasize about breaking covenants? (ibid).
Do you remember the women brought to Jesus in who had been "caught in adultery, in the very act" (John 8:4). In what act had she been apprehended? Covenant breaking? Slamming the door as she abandoned her marriage? Had they seen her tearing up the marriage certificate?
No, it is not a difficult task to define adultery. We read in Heb. 13:4, "Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge." From this passage you can clearly see that fornicators and adulterers "defile the bed." Do you remember Reuben, the son of Jacob, who went up to his father's bed. then defiled it? Gen 49:4). The text says, he "lay with Bilhah his father's concubine" (Gen.35:22). This is what he writer of Hebrews calls "adultery."
Consider also the Lord's teaching in Matthew 5:32: "But I say unto you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marriesa woman who is divorced commits adultery." This passage is focusing upon the position that one puts his spouse in when he puts her away (not for fornication). Jesus says that he "causes her to commit adultery." But if adultery is to be defined as "covenant breaking" how can the passage make sense? Did she break her covenant with him? No. She has broken no covenant. The text says that he put her away. But when she marries another man, Jesus said that she is committing adultery. If adultery is simply "covenant breaking", how could a person who has not broken the covenant be guilty of it? This clearly reveals the fallacy of defining adultery solely in terms of the breaking of the covenant. (Jackson.59).
The correct understanding of the passage is this: She commits adultery, because she has been put away for some frivolous reason, and therefore is still bound (as per Rom. 7:2-3). But when she marries another man, she commits adultery. She has not committed adultery the moment he puts her away. But the fact is that most divorced people remarry. It is from that perspective that Jesus speaks. If and when she engages in sexual activity later with someone else, she is committing adultery. But Jesus' point is that the one who put her away is co-responsible for it; he put her in that position, and thus will share in her guilt. We must accept the Lord's definition of adultery.
(Source of quotes:Jackson-Scott discussion).
Redefining Adultery, Part 2In part one, we wrote: "Biblical teaching on God's marriage law, including divorce and remarriage, is clear. God's plan is one man and one woman making a lifetime commitment to each other. 'So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate' (Matt. 19:6). There is only one reason for divorce and remarriage; that is the cause of fornication (Matt. 19:9). Jesus said...'whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.'" In that same article we considered some efforts to "redefine" adultery. We are being told that adultery is not a sexual act--it is "covenant breaking"-- and that you cannot "live" in adultery. Some now say there is no such thing as an "adulterous marriage."
In this article we want to deal further with arguments which attempt to circumvent the Biblical teaching of Matt. 5:32; 19:9; Mk. 10:11-12; Luke 16:18; Romans 7:2,3 and 1 Cor. 7:10-12 (Please read these passages).
Argument: "I've gained new insight because I'VE RESTUDIED this matter."
Answer:
1. It is commendable to restudy, and to be open minded.
2. But shouldn't it raise some questions, when God's marriage law has been simple enough to understand, perhaps for years, and then I gain new insight[?] when I'm the one who is divorced, or my children have divorced and perhaps remarried?
3. Sometimes we might hear of a policeman who has been taken off a case because he is personally involved; it is feared that he might not be rational in his choices and conduct because he has lost his objectivity; he is too close to the situation to see clearly.
Argument: "That's easy for you to say. You've got a wife to go home to."
Answer:
1. Do you mean that others should feel guilty because they have a good marriage? What does the marital status of others have to do with the question?
2. Don't you want the help of someone who can see clearly; whose vision is not distorted by his emotional state and personal involvement? Someone who has nothing to defend and can look at these matters objectively?
Argument: This is TOO HARD! You're putting me in an impossible position.
Answer:
1. Prov. 13:15: The way of the transgressor is hard.
2. Our tendency is to blame somebody else. The slothful servant in the "Parable of the Talents" told his master, "You're too hard" (Matt. 25:24). That certainly did not excuse his disobedience.
3. The disciples understood the teaching of our Lord to be strict. Understanding the Lord to say that marriage is a lifelong commitment of one man and one woman, and the only cause for which one could divorce his spouse is that of fornication, and further, if one divorces for any other cause, when he remarries he is committing adultery--their response was this: "If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry" (Matt. 19:10). They felt it was excessively strict; that celibacy would be better! "But if His teaching here is of such a nature that one can divorce and remarry multiple times, and then simply say, 'I'm sorry for having broken all these covenants, but I will stay with my present mate;'....Where is the difficulty in such a practice? A man would never be deprived of sexual satisfaction. But the Lord indicated that there were situations that would be otherwise" (Jackson-Scott Discussion, p.117).
4. When Jesus' audience understood what He taught (re. bread of life; seeking eternal life, etc.), they said that it was hard (John 6:60). Then they turned away and walked no more with Him (v. 66). What was Jesus' response? He did not run after them, nor did He attempt to accommodate His teaching to suit them. Rather, "Then Jesus said to the twelve, Do you also want to go away?" (John 6:67). Keep in mind that this is the Messiah that would not break a bruised reed, nor would He quench the smoking flax; yet discipleship is on His terms, not ours!
5. If you want to go to heaven badly enough, you will do whatever it takes. Have you noticed the context of Matt. 5:29-30?
Argument: No one in the Bible was ever told to leave an unscriptural marriage.
Answer
1. If the Bible gave a specific instance of repentance from every individual sin, how big a book would the Bible be?
2. Acts 2:38 says "Repent." That is inclusive of every sin. Rom. 6:1,2 addresses the question of continuing in sin: "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?" Jesus said that the people of Nineveh "repented at the preaching of Jonah" (Matt. 12:41). But Jonah 3:10 says, "Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way..." When one repents, he turns from that which is sinful. That includes adulterous marriages.
3. Ezra 9,10 deals with the principle of repentance from forbidden marriages.
4. In Mark 6:18, John told Herod Antipas, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." The present tense form is used. The force of the passage is, "It is not lawful for you to keep on having her." If Herod were to be right with God, he could not continue in that relationship.
5. There is no question that every past sin is forgiven when one obeys the Gospel. But which of those sins can you continue in and have God's approval?
a. It is inconceivable that penitent hearts would continue in fornication, adultery, homosexuality; as would be true of hating, lying, or stealing.
6. There is only one way to get out of adultery, when you are living in an adulterous marriage, and that is to sever the relationship that you are having with that person.
7. One cannot rob a bank and keep the money, and at the same time be in right relationship with God.
Argument: You teach that a MURDERER can be forgiven, but an ADULTERER cannot be forgiven.
Answer:
1. This is a misrepresentation. The Bible does not teach that an adulterer cannot be forgiven. The murder who is forgiven is the one who repents. He does not continue to commit murder.
2. The language of scripture is clear:
a. It is not lawful for you to have [keep on having] her (Mark 6:18).
b. To continue in the unapproved marriage is designated by the Lord's words, committeth adultery (Mt.5:32; 19:9; etc.)
c. "If, while her husband lives, she marries another man, she will be called an adulteress" (Rom. 7:3).
3. Since these verses teach an ongoing sinful relationship, to have a parallel situation would require a murderer who continues to commit murder. One who has committed a sin that is in the past, of which he repents, is not continuing to practice it.
4. If you murder a man, you cannot bring him back to life, but you can refrain from murdering others.
Argument: But you cannot live in Adultery.
Answer:
1. As indicated above, Mk. 6:18, Mt.5:32; 19:9; Rom. 7:3 does show "living in adultery." Colossians 3:5 forbids fornication and other sins, adding "in which you also once walked when you lived in them" (v.7) Adultery is one form of fornication; if you can live in fornication, you can certainly live in adultery.
Conclusion. When truth has been clearly set forth, but one continues to quibble, and calls for "discussions" that he might air his views, which are contrary to sound doctrine, the point is reached that one becomes a "gainsayer" (those who contradict, NKJV Tit.1:9) whose mouth must be stopped (Titus 1:9-11)
a. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith (Titus 1:12).
b. If one continues to be factious, reject him (Titus 3:10).
In the Bible, when the word "wine" is used does it mean real wine or grape juice? Which is the Biblical meaning? Which is to be served during the Lord's Supper?Bible words for wine:
O.T. Usage:
1) SHEKAR: strong drink. Pro.20:1: Strong drink is raging...
2) YAYIN: rendered "wine 133 times and "banqueting" once. Freely denounced in Prov.23:31f; "look not thou upon the wine when it is red..."
a. Context: Destruction of Moab. "And gladness is taken away, and joy out of the fruitfield; and in the vineyards there shall be no singing, neither joyful noise: no treader shall tread out wine in the presses; I have made the {vintage} shout to cease" (Isa.16:10).
3) TIROSH: "WINE" 26X; "new wine" 11X and "sweet wine" once. Never associated with drunkenness, and is grape juice.
a) Numbers 18:12: "All the best of the oil and all the best of the wine and of the grain, the first fruits of what they give to the Lord I give to you." Clyde M. Woods: The Hebrew terms used here for these staples all refer to new produce before processing. (p.135).
b) Gesenius: Used of the juice of grapes, Is.65:8 (p.863). "Thus saith the LORD, as the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants' sakes, that I may not destroy them all."
NIV:""As when juice is still found in a cluster of grapes..."
N.T. Usage:
1) OINOS: "comprehending every sort of wine" (Mc. & Strong, (X:1014).
a. Barnes on Jno.2:11: "Pliny, Plutarch, and Horace describe wine as good, or mention that as the best wine, which was harmless, or innocent...The most useful wine was that which had little strength; and the most wholesome wine...was that which had not been adulterated, by the addition of anything to the must or juice. Pliny expressly says that a good wine was one that was destitute of spirit (Lib.iv.c.13). The wine referred to here was doubtless such as was commonly drunk in Palestine. That was the pure juice of the grape. It was not brandied wine; nor drugged wine; nor wine compounded of various substances, such as we drink in this land. The common wine drunk in Palestine was that which was the simple juice of the grape. We use the word wine now to denote the kind of liquid which passes under that name in this country--always fermented, and always containing a considerable portion of alcohol--not only the alcohol produced by fermentation, but added to keep it or make it stronger. But we have no right to take that sense of the word, and go with it to the interpretation of the Scriptures.
b. Wine by natural fermentation reaches a maximum of 14% alcohol.
Is it wrong to work in a store that sells cooking Sherry? Alcoholics come in to buy it. Can God forgive me if I keep on working there?a. It is wrong to participate in sin, or to give ones approval or consent to sin: "and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them" (Eph.5:10). b. Because one works in a store that sells products that are subject to abuse does not make one a participant in sin; nor does one thereby extend approval or consent to sin. 1) For example, it is reported that some will buy products that contain alcohol, such as some over-the-counter cold medicines, and drink them for the alcohol. That does not mean it is wrong to work in a store that sells the cold medicine. c. Another consideration is this: there is a difference in working at a grocery store or convenience store that sells cooking Sherry, and working at a package store or a lounge. To illustrate: as a customer, I could buy a gallon of milk at a convenience store that sold cooking Sherry, but I would not buy that same gallon of milk at a package store. I believe one could work at the convenience store or grocery store, and have an honorable job w/o violating Scripture; whereas one could not to work at a business whose very design it is to sell intoxicants. d. Regarding the matter of forgiveness: You need to understand that even if a thing is right, it is sin if you violate you conscience. This principle is seen in Romans 14:23, in a context where Paul is teaching that even though it is right to eat meat, for one to eat meat when he thought it to be wrong (as many in the first century did because of its association with idolatry) is sin. "But he that doubteth is condemned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith; and whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (14:23). 1) Therefore, if after a consideration of Bible passages and principles, one believes it to be sin to work in such a store, he needs to immediately find another job.
What are alms?eleemosune: Kindness, kind act (Young,28) Ardnt: pity, kind deed, then specif. alms, charitable giving, Mt.6:4 Acts 3:2,3: the one who sat begging alms. Ascend to God Acts 10:4; they are remembered before God, v.31. (p.249-50). 9:36 This woman was full of...almsdeeds 24:17: I came to bring alms to my nation. (syn) contribution donation gift offering aid assistance charity relief
Angels - their origin and natureOrigin: Angels are created beings. Only deity possesses the intrinsic quality of eternality. Psa. 148:2,5; Neh. 9:6. Nature: They possess the nature of neither deity nor humanity. Scripture does affirm that they are "spirits" (Heb. 1:14). A spirit is not physical, i.e., it does not possess flesh and bones (Luke 24:39). Angels thus do not engage in physical relationships, such as marriage (Mt. 22:30. Accountable to God, for some sinned (2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6), and sin is defined as transgression of divine law (1 John 3:4). When angels sin, the Gospel plan of redemption is not applicable to them: "For verily not to angels does he give help, but he gives help to the seed of Abraham" (Heb. 2:16, ASV). Related question: "As a child we're taught about guardian angels. Are there really guardian angels? Where is it in the Bible? 1. As to the idea that each person has a guardian angel who remains with him for life, protecting him from harm and helping him in various ways, there is no Scriptural support or basis. 2. The Bible does have much to say about the function of angels. a. Lk.15:10: "There is joy in the presence of the angels over one sinner who repents." b. Lk. 16:22: At death, Lazarus was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom. c. Speaking of angels, Heb. 1:14 says, "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation? 3. As stated last week, Matt. 18:10 is sometimes considered as supportive of the idea of personal guardian angels. "See that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven." a. See context. Note first that the "little ones" of. v.10 are the same as those of v.3. Not speaking of infants, toddlers, young children, but people of an age of accountability, who are humble, and teachable (as He wanted the apostles who asked the question of v.1 to be). 1) Jesus has discussed requirements for His kingdom. Its members will be poor in spirit (Matt. 5:3), humble (Matt. 18:3-4), and will be admitted to it without these traits. If his disciples become like that, they will belong to the "little children"; if they look down on them, they will share in the woes (vv.8-9). 2) See also 1 John 2:12: "I write unto you, my little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake." 3 John 4. "Greater joy have I none than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth." b. Reverts to v. 5. "Don't despise one" as one would tend to do if he esteemed self as "greatest in the kingdom." c. In ways not revealed in detail, God uses his angels to care for His children (as per Heb.1:14). The idea of guardian angels, one being assigned to each one is not supported by the text. d. The point is, that such (people, the "little ones") are important to God; you had better take care that you not despise them, or cause them to stumble (see v. 6,7). 4. Acts 12:15: "It is his (Peter's) angel" does not state a Scriptural doctrine but only the superstitious ideas of those who were alarmed by Rhoda's report (Lenski, Matt.692).
Who is the Antichrist and when will he come?The apostle John is the only inspired writer who uses the word "antichrist" (1 Jno.2:18,22; 4:3; 2 Jno.7). "Anti" is a Greek preposition which means "against." "Antichrist" is defined as one who stands against Christ. One who is a defiant adversary of Christ. It should be distinguished from the "false Christs" foretold by Jesus (Matt.24:5,24; Mk.13:22). An "antichrist" opposes and denies Christ, while "false Christs" pretend to be Christ. John also declares that "many antichrists" had already arisen at the very time he was writing (2:18:4:3). It is not then, a question of when will "antichrist" come, but of recognizing all such opponents of Christ who are presently in the world. This we are able to do by contrasting their teaching with that of the apostles of Christ (4:1-6). Some talk and write much about a certain individual, whom they suppose is the "antichrist," that will soon appear to rule the world. All such speculation is purely fanciful (Source: Jimmy Thomas) Related Question: Is the anti-Christ alive today? 1) The word anti-christ is found 4X. 1 Jno.2:18,22;4:3; 2 Jno.7. 2) From these verses we learn that there are many anti-christs (1 Jno.2:18). 3) He denies the Father and the Son (1 Jno.2:22). 4) Every spirit that confesseth not Jesus is not of God (1 Jno. 4:3). 5) Those who confess not that Jesus Christ came in the flesh (2 Jno.7). 6) To the extent that one is guilty of the sins specified in these passages, one is thus to be identified with the anti-christ mentioned in the Bible.
Do you believe "once saved, always saved"?Salvation is used to [1] denote deliverance from sins that are past, and [2] the eternal deliverance to be obtained at the coming of Christ predicated upon a life of faithfulness (Frost,I.137). John 14:1ff; 2 Tim.4:6-8. When one obeys the Gospel of Christ he is "delivered from the power of darkness" and is "translated into the kingdom of [God's] dear Son" (Col.1:13). Raised to walk in newness of life. Must abide in Christ Jno.14:4-6). Consider the following position advocated by one who believed in the impossibility of apostasy: "We take the position that a Christian's sins do not damn his soul. The way a Christian lives, what he says, his character, his conduct, or his attitude toward other people have nothing whatever to do with the salvation of his soul....All the sins he may commit from idolatry to murder will not make his soul in any more danger." (Sam Morris, Do a Christian's Sins Damn His Soul) 1. Passages Gal. 5:4; 1 Tim. 4:1; Heb. 10:38-39; 2 Pet. 2:20; 1 Cor. 9:27; Rev. 2; Acts 8; Gal.6:1f; Jas.5. Heb. 3:12. 2. Emphasis in the N.T. on continuing Acts 2:42; 11:22-23; 1 Cor. 15:58; Heb. 12:1,2; 1 Cor. 9:24- 10:13. From Bob Waldron: Perseverance of the Saints Perseverance of the saints affirms that the elect are in the grace of God forever and cannot fully apostatize so as to be lost eternally in hell. It is otherwise known as "once in grace, always in grace," or "once saved, always saved." The doctrine is stated thusly: "They whom God hath accepted in His Beloved, effectually called and sanctified by His Spirit can neither totally nor finally fall away from the status of Grace; but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved" (The Confession of Faith, Chapter XVII, Section 1. Every passage used by the Calvinist on this proposition deals with the security of the believer. The Bible teaches the security of the believer, and we are committed to the defence of such. The question at issue, and the one which the Calvinist must answer, is as follows: Can a believer become an unbeliever? Can a faithful child of God become an unfaithful child of God? The question is not what shall happen to the sheep that is securely in the fold, who hears and heeds the Shepherd's commands, but what will happen to the sheep that refuses to hear the Shepherd's voice, jumps the fence, sheds his fleece and dies on the mountains of sin? Here is the crux of the matter. This doctrine is closely related to Calvin's teaching on irresistible grace. We will quote from Calvin to see what he teaches. "God, therefore, begins the good work in us by exciting in our hearts a desire, a love, and a study of righteousness, or (to speak more correctly) by turning, training, and guiding our hearts unto righteousness; and he completes this good work by confirming us unto perseverance" (Institutes, Book II, Chap. 3, Section 6). Having understood how perseverance fits into Calvin's system of doctrine, and particularly how it relates to irresistible grace, let us allow Calvin to state the doctrine. "As to the common saying, that after we have given admission to the first grace, our efforts co-operate with subsequent grace, this is my answer: If it is meant that after we are once subdued by the power of the Lord to the obedience of righteousness, we proceed voluntarily, and are inclined to follow the movement of grace, I have nothing to object. For it is most certain, that where the grace of God reigns, there is also this readiness to obey. And whence this readiness, but just that the Spirit of God being everywhere consistent with himself, after first begetting a principle of obedience, cherishes and strengthens it for perseverance?" (Institutes, Book II, Chapter 3, Section 11). "...That the original freedom of man was to be able not to sin, but that we have a much greater freedom--viz. not to be able to sin," and, "Therefore, to meet the infirmity of the human will, and prevent it from failing, how weak soever it might be, divine grace was made to act on it inseparably and uninterrup-tedly" (Ibid., Section 13). However, leaving much confusion as to just what his position is, he says: "...though purged by His sanctification, we are still beset by many vices and much weakness, so long as we are enclosed in the prison of the body..." (Ibid., Section 14). As an obvious and familiar explanation for the numerous apostates in the Bible, he says: "...just as a tree not planted deep enough may take root, but will in process of time wither away, though it may for several years not only put forth leaves and flowers, but produce fruit" (Ibid., Chapter 2, Section 12). Passages Used To Support Perseverance of the Saints: Before we list these passages, we wish to point out that the Bible teaches the security of the believer, and we need to draw much comfort and assurance from this fact. But the Bible also teaches that a believer may become an unbeliever, that the obedient can become the disobedient. The saint may voluntarily renounce the gospel and forsake Christ. 1. Eph. 4:30; 6:10. 2. John 5:24 3. John 10:28-29. 4. 1 John 3:1. 5. Rom. 8:35-39. The Possibility of Apostasy The Bible teaches that it is possible for a child of God to apostatize and to be finally lost in hell. The following arguments are a summary of principal examples of apostasy. I. The case of Adam and Eve. A. Adam was the son of God (Luke 3:38). He was made in the image of God (Gen. 1:26). B. Adam was uncorrupted by sin. Yet he was no more able to resist temptation than the one who, according to Calvinism, is totally depraved. C. It is not enough to evade the force of these Scriptures by saying that Adam and Eve were children by creation, but Christians are children by adoption. The same warning is given to us (2 Cor. 11:3). II. When the righteous turns away (Ezek. 18:26; 33:18). A. This defends the equality of God's ways. III. If you forsake God, he will forsake you (2 Chron. 15:2). IV. If you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever (1 Chron. 28:9). V. The Lord departed from Saul. A. God chooses Saul (1 Sam. 10:24). B. The Spirit of the Lord came upon him (v. 10). C. The Lord anoints him (v. 1). D. He was turned into another man (v. 6). E. God was with him (v. 7). F. God gave him another heart (v. 9). G. Saul said, "I have sinned" (1 Sam. 15:24). H. The Lord departed from him and became his enemy (1 Sam. 28:16). I. Saul kills himself (1 Sam. 31:4-6). God says, "If thou forsake him he will cast thee off forever" (1 Chron. 28:9). VI. The example of the nation of Israel. A. My people (Exod. 3:7). B. People of the inheritance (Deut. 4:20). C. Children of God (Deut. 14:1). D. A holy people (v. 2). E. God favored them (Rom. 9:4). F. The Lord warned them (Deut. 11:26-28). G. A remnant will be saved (Rom. 9:27). H. Natural branches broken off (Rom. 11:21-22). I. Christians can fall after same example of unbelief (Heb. 4:11). J. These things written for our admonition (1 Cor. 10:11). VII. Faith and unbelief. A. Faith overthrown (2 Tim. 2:18). B. Cast off faith (1 Tim. 5:12). C. Depart from the faith (1 Tim. 4:1). D. Have made shipwreck (1 Tim. 1:19). VIII. The crown at the end. A. If you hold fast in memory (1 Cor. 15:2). B. If you hold fast unto the end (Heb. 3:6, 3, 14). C. If you continue in the faith (Col. 1:23). D. End of faith...salvation of your souls (1 Pet. 1:9). E. Be faithful unto death (martyrdom) (Rev. 2:10). IX. Warnings to Christians. A. A falling away first (2 Thess. 2:3). B. Fail of the grace of God (Heb. 12:15). C. Some blind and forgetful (2 Pet. 1:9). D. Give diligence (2 Pet. 1:10). E. Found peace in Him (2 Pet. 3:14). F. Being led away (2 Pet. 3:17). G. Fallen from grace (Gal. 5:4). H. Save a soul from death (Jas. 5:19-20). I. Turned aside after Satan (1 Tim. 5:15). J. Weak brother perish (1 Cor. 8:11). K. Forsaken the right way (2 Pet. 2:14-15). L. Latter end worse than beginning (2 Pet. 2:20). M. Better not to have known the way (2 Pet. 2:21). N. Your adversary the devil (1 Pet. 5:8). O. Lest I should be cast away (1 Cor. 9:27). P. Abide not in me, cast forth as a branch (John 15:1-6). Q. Impossible to renew them again (Heb. 6:4-6). R. God will take away his part (Rev. 22:19; 20:15). S. Watch, therefore (Matt. 25:13). X. Individuals who turned away. A. Simon (Acts 8:12-24). B. Demas (2 Tim. 4:10; cf. Col. 4:14; Phile. 24; 1 John 2:15). C. Hymenaeus and Alexander (1 Tim. 1:19-20). D. Judas: called to be an apostle (Matt. 10:1); ordained to be with Christ (Mark 3:14); sent out to preach, power to cast out demons (Mark 3:14-15). God gave him to Christ (John 17:12). None of them is lost but the son of perdition (v. 12). XI. Churches. Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7) Laodicea (Rev. 3:14-18).
Where is the scripture about the 12 apostles being baptized?Regarding John the Baptist it was said: "And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people for the Lord" (Luke 1:17,17). John was to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. How did he do this? Answer: "And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" (Lk. 3:3). Every man that heard and believed the preaching of John, repented, and was baptized by him, received remission of sins, and in this way was made ready, prepared for the Lord. In contrast, those who refused to be baptized of John, rejected the counsel of God against themselves (Lk. 7:30). When Christ came and selected his apostles, they were from among his disciples, and His first disciples were assuredly of those baptized by John, and where thus made ready for Him. Therefore, the apostles were baptized by John in Jordan. To suppose that the Savior would select His apostles from among men that rejected the baptism of John, when John's mission was to make ready a people prepared for the Lord, is preposterous, especially so when those that rejected John's baptism rejected the counsel of God. Would Jesus have selected His apostles from those that rejected his Father? Moreover, God required Christ, His own Son, to be baptized of John before He had showed Himself to Israel and before He owned Him as His Son in the presence of the people; and Christ recognized the authority and will of the Father in the matter of baptism when He said to John, "Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness" (Source consulted: Questions Answered, Lipscomb and Sewell,21-22). Regarding Paul, see Acts 22:16; 9:18; Rom. 6:3,4. Question may refer to whether they were re-baptized on the day of Pentecost, Acts 2. There is no record of that. The question of whether apostles or others baptized by John (before Acts 2) were baptized again after Acts 2 is a moot question. You do not know anyone who lived before Acts 2. All of us live after Acts 2. All of us are under the authority of the baptism of Christ, the baptism of the Great Commission.
After Armageddon will heaven come to earth?1. Armageddon appears only once in the Bible. At the pouring out of sixth bowl of wrath, Rev.16:16 reads, "And they gathered them together into the place which is called in Hebrew Har-Mageddon." 2. The Bible, as well as secular history, records several battles, some of them crucial, which were fought in the hills of Megiddo. Here Israel, under command of Barak, gained a great victory over the Canaanites (Jud.5,6). In the same valley God scattered the host of Midian by the hand of Gideon with only three hundred men (Jud. 7). 3. Armageddon stands for conflict between good and evil, truth and error, light and darkness, God and Satan. It is a spiritual struggle, not some earthly war. In Christ we are assured of victory (Rom.8:37). 4. The Bible knows nothing of the sensational visions of premillennialists and dispensationlists, who forecast the imminent marshaling of all armies of the world into the Valley of Megiddo for the world's last great war, which they call Armageddon. 5. Heaven will not come to earth. Earth will be burned up (2 Pet.3). Saved will go to heaven (Jno.14). (See Mike Willis: The Battle of Armageddon, GOT)
What is Ash Wednesday?1. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the traditional forty fast days before Easter. The title derives from the discipline in the ancient Roman Church of sprinkling ashes on the heads of penitents with a view to their being restored to Communion at Easter. (Bakers Dic. of Theo. p.69). 2. "A day of penitence signified by the dabbing of ashes on the forehead and traditionally marking the beginning of Lent. The day was originally part of the discipline of public penitence and came to be used generally from the 10th century. The ash recalls Gen. 3:19's reminder that humans are of dust" (CEDT.42). 3. The forty days of Lent (from the first Sunday of Lent to Good Friday) were, according to St. Leo and St. Augustine, the Church's annual retreat, urging Catholics to share in the solemn commemoration of our Redemption by our Lord's death on the Cross. The 40 days were suggested by the fasting of Moses, Elisha, and Jesus (Ex.24; 1 Kgs. 19; Mt. 4) (The Question Box, p.442.) Goes on to say: Lent is first mentioned in the fifth canon of the Council of Nice (325)... 4. In Rome, "After giving themselves up to all kinds of gaiety and licentiousness during the Carnival, till 12:00 on Tues. night, the people go on Ash-Wed. morning into the churches, when the officiating priests put ashes on their head, repeating the words, 'Dust thou art, and unto dust thou shalt return.'" (Mc. & Str., Vol. I, P.466)
Is there a true atheist? What is the difference between an atheist and a non-believer?1. The word atheist refers to one who does not believe that there is a God. I suppose by a "true" atheist, the caller means one who really, deep down, does not believe that God exists. God, in His word, acknowledges that there are those who do not believe in Him. In Psalm 14:1: "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God." The verse continues, "They are corrupt, they have done abominable works; There is none that doeth good." (From Leupold, Psalms.p.139:) Fools have always said there is no God...When men deny God's existence or live as though He were not, then wickedness prevails: men "have acted wickedly, made their doings abominable." Atheism bears its proper fruit in rotten conduct. 2. No one becomes an atheist because of a lack of evidence in the existence of God. The multi-faceted design of our universe crys out that there is a God. "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, And night unto night showeth knowledge." The things that are made cannot be explained apart from the eternal power of God. 3. To the contrary, men become atheists, in spite of overwhelming evidence for His existence, because they refuse to have God in their knowledge (Romans 1:28). Psa.10:4: "The wicked, in the pride of his countenance, saith, He will not require it. All his thoughts are, There is no God." Occasionally, there is an atheist who is honest enough to admit his true motive for atheism: "I had motives for not wanting the world to have meaning; consequently, assumed it had none, and was able without any difficulty to find satisfying reasons for this assumption....The philosopher who finds no meaning in the world is not concerned exclusively with a problem in pure metaphysics; he is also concerned to prove there is no valid reason why he personally should not do as he wants to do....For myself, as no doubt for most of my contemporaries, the philosophy of meaninglessness was essentially an instrument of liberation. The liberation we desired was simultaneously liberation from a certain political and economic system, and liberation from a certain system of morality. We objected to the morality because it interfered with our sexual freedom."(Aldous Huxley. "Confessions of a Professed Atheist." IN: Report: Perspective on the News. Vol.3 June, 1966.p 19, as quoted in Reason and Revelation, Vol.1. p.27). 4. Regarding the difference between an atheist, and a non-believer, if by non-believer you mean one who does not believe in God, there would be no difference. 5. But as the song by A.W. Dicus truly says, There is a God, He is Alive, In Him we live, and we survive. From dust our God, created man; He is our God, The Great I AM. 6. But as for me I know that my Redeemer liveth (Job 19:25).
How do you answer a person that says, "I don't have to go to church to be a Christian. I'm as good as any of the preachers, deacons, elders, that I know."1. My first observation would be that the circle of your acquaintances is no doubt very limited. 2. But so what if that were true: Others are not the standard. What you have done is not wise. 2 Cor. 10:12,18. 3. Instead of examining others, need to examine self (2 Cor. 13:5). cf. 1 Cor. 4:4. 4. The statement betrays a misunderstanding of the church, and of its importance in God's plan. a. The church is the spiritual body of Christ. It is made up of men and women who have gladly received the Gospel, and have in faith obeyed. b. Christians within a given locality are to work and worship together in the capacity of the local church. This is God's plan. He in His wisdom knows our need to be with one another, to encourage one another (Heb.10:24). The church has an important mission and work assigned to it by God: evangelism and edification. 1) Worship in spirit and in truth is a great privilege. 2) While it is true there are things you do individually and privately, that does not take the place of coming together with the church. 3) God does not need our worship to make Him better. It does not diminish his Greatness when you withhold your worship. I pity those who have such a misunderstanding of worship, and of those who have such a bitter and sour attitude. David said, "I was glad when they said to me, let us go into the house of the Lord." (Psa.122:1). 4) I know of those who worship with great difficulty. There are many to have to ride public transport for one or two hours each way to meet with the church to worship. What do you think is God's attitude toward those who could meet with Christians within a five minute's drive from their home, but instead murmur and complain as their favorite pass-time? c. The statement amounts to saying, "I don't have to do what God said to be a Christian." No the church does not save you. Christ is the Savior. But He is the author of eternal salvation to all those who obey Him (Heb.5:8,9). cf. Jno. 12:48.
Who built the tower of Babel? What was their purpose or intention? What time period was this?Explanation of text: 1. The text is Genesis 11:1-9. What was done here was in open rebellion against God In direct opposition to God's command to spread out and fill up the whole earth (9:1). 2. They were refusing to spread out, and were seeking notoriety. Then wanted to make a name for themselves. They were thus declaring themselves to be independent of God. They were going to depend upon their own strength and wisdom to accomplish their ends. 3. Their pride became their downfall. God is sovereign. God would accomplish His plan, if not with man's obedience, then in spite of man's disobedience. Consider Psa. 76:10: "Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: The residue of wrath shalt thou gird upon thee." But ft. nt.: The residue of wrath shalt thou restrain. "Thus what they would not do in obedience (viz., scatter over the earth, v.4) He did for them in judgment (v.8)" (BKC.44). 4. Everything that mankind proposed in the first half (11:3-4) was disposed of in the second (vv. 5-9). 5. Babel means "confusion." God is not the author of confusion (1 Cor. 14:33; see also Jas. 3:16). 6. Probably 11:1-9 explains how the arrangement in ch. 10 came about. LESSONS: 1. Sin separates. a. Man from God Gen.3 b. Brother from brother Gen. 4 c. Family from family Gen. 9 d. Nation from nation Gen. 11. 2. Throughout the OT, we learn that man is rewarded and blessed for obedience; he is punished for disobedience. a. This is seen not only here with the nations of the world, but repeatedly in the history of the nation of Israel. THE QUESTION OF HISTORICITY A discussion of this passage raises the question as to whether Gen. 1-11 is historical, or is it mythological and allegorical? 1. Many dismiss these first 11 chapters as being mythology. Accordingly, the account of creation is attacked. The account of Adam and Eve, the fall, the flood, as well as the Tower of Babel are dismissed as "not a literal, historical record." 2. Jesus' attitude: Lk. 24:25; John 5:46-47. a. Quoted from Gen. 1 and 2 in Matt. 19:4-6, thus "stamping the chapters as both historically accurate and divinely inspired." (Henry Morris.EA,vol1:148). b. Called Satan the "father of lies" (Jno.8:44) referring back to the historical account of Gen. 3:4). c. Referred to Abel as a real, historical character (Matt. 23:35). d. Flood; Mt. 24:37ff.
Why spend so much time discussing baptism?Consider the relation of baptism to salvation: PASSAGES: 1. Mark 16:16: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." 1) Believe. 2) Baptism 3) Saved. Question: Is baptism presented as a condition of salvation in the great commission? 2. Acts 2:38: "Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins." 1) Repent. 2) Baptized. 3) Remission of sins. Question: Is baptism presented as a condition of salvation in Peter's sermon? Is there perfect harmony between the two statements==Acts 2:38 and Mark 16:15,16)? 3. Acts 22:16: "Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins." 1) Baptized. 2) Wash away sins. 4. 1 Pet. 3:21. "After a true likeness doth now save you even baptism." 1) Baptism. 2) Save. IN CHRIST: SALVATION IS IN CHRIST (2 TIM.2:10) We are baptized into Christ (Gal.3:26,27) WE ARE NEW CREATURES IN CHRIST (2 COR.5:17) We are baptized into Christ (Rom.6:3,4)
Is baptism sprinkling or immersion?"About the year 251 A.D., Eusebuis informs us that one Novation, being on a sick bed, desired to be baptized. But he was thought too weak to be taken to the water, and so it was arranged to put a great quantity of water upon him as he lay upon his bed, as the nearest possible approach to baptism under the circumstances." (LCWilson, Hy. of Sprinkling.p.3). But this was followed by controversy. Jesus can claim no authority that is not expressed in His commands: and it would be a refection to say that He did not make himself perfectly clear. If no man can tell what the commission means, or if it means any one of a dozen things, then is baptism not binding upon us. But such a proposition is at once sacrilegious and absurd. The expression of one thing is the exclusion of another. If immersion is expressed, then is sprinkling and pouring excluded. There is one baptism, and not three (p.8) TAVAL (Ges. 317) "To dip, to dip in, to immerse, followed by an acc[usative] of the thing, and [Heb."b(e)] before the liquid"..."Intrans. to immerse oneself. 2 Kings 5:14..."dipped himself in the Jordan seven times." (Wilson: the LXX renders this BAPTIZO, p.47).
Is there a baptismal formula that must be recited when one is baptized?Regarding Matt. 28:19: 1. Disciples are those who hear, understand, and obey Jesus' teaching (Matt. 12:46-50). 2. "Suggests a coming-into-relationship with or a coming-under-the- Lordship-of" (BEC[Carson].597). a. Dependence upon them. Acknowledgement of the authority of the word of God. 3. The term "baptismal formula" trips us up. No evidence that either these exact words, or those of Acts 2:38, contain a formula that must be recited word for word. Acts 2:38 McGarvey.: in the name of Jesus Christ--to show that it is under his authority that they were to be immersed. (p.40)
What does the 7-headed beast of Revelation mean?1. The text where the 7-headed beast is mentioned is Rev. 13:1: "And I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns ten diadems, and upon his heads names of blasphemy." 2. The book of Revelation is filled with references to the Old Testament. Revelation 13:1 must be understood in the light of Daniel 7; in reality, this is the fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy. 3. This 7-headed beast was the Roman Empire, the kingdom foretold in Dan. 7; with the persecution of the church also prophesied.
Will the mark of the beast come before or after the rapture? 1. As we seek to determine what is the "mark of the beast" (Rev.13:16,17), we need to say a word about our approach to the book. Many believe almost everything in the book is prophetic of the future. But look at the very first verse: "the things which must shortly come to pass." "For the time is at hand" (1:3). Although the day of judgment, and the eternal destinies of heaven and hell are yet future (20:11-21:1-26), most of the book was to be fulfilled in the relatively immediate future of the people of John's day. So it was with the "mark of the beast." This had meaning for first century Christians. 2. Actually, there are two beasts in Rev. 13. The first beast that came out of the sea was like a lion, a bear, and a leopard. This represented the Roman Empire, in power when Revelation was written ( the basis for this symbolism is Dan.7; note v.23). Images were erected at various locations where the people were required to burn incense to Caesar. Only those whose names were written in the book of life would refuse to worship the beast (Rev.13:8). 3. The earth beast of vv. 8-18 represents false religion. He is called the false prophet in 19:20. This refers to the men who enforced Caesar worship throughout the Empire. The mark of the beast meant that one was loyal to the Empire, and thus a worshipper of Caesar. Unless one gave in, he could lose his job, and find it difficult to buy and sell. a. He exerciseth authority of the Sea Beast (v. 12). b. Causes the earth (the inhabitants) to worship the Sea Beast (v.12). This is a key passage. c. He causes that a mark be placed on the right hand or upon the forehead of those who worship the beast (v.16). 1) This mark gives individuals the right to buy or sell. (v.17). 2) This mark is the name of the beast or the number of his name. The number is the number of a man. (Some suggest Nero, or one of the other Roman Emperors). 3) Those who received this mark would be punished (14:9- 12). d. Never forget that God has a seal (mark) upon those that are His (7:4; cf.2 Tim. 2:19). 4. The lesson for us is that a Christian must not compromise the faith, though it mean loss of job, prosperity, or even life itself. Unbelievers, and compromising Christians, will be punished. 5. So far as whether it will come before or after the rapture: The rapture in not mentioned at all in connection with the mark of the beast. In fact, the rapture is nowhere mentioned in the Bible. But that is another question. If you would like for us to discuss the question of the rapture, let us know, and we will be happy to address it.
Identify the head who received the death stroke that was healed.1. H.Hailey: The death-stroke is the death of Nero, the first emperor to persecute the church, whose policy of persecution was revived by Domitian, in whom the death-stroke was healed. The death of Nero dealt a severe blow to the empire, which was immediately thrown into a two-year state of anarchy and confusion. Order was restored by Vespasian of the Flavian family. But to the church, which is John's interest, the healing of the death-stroke came with the revival of persecution under Domitian. Tacitus points out that after Nero's death there were various rumors that the return of the tyrant was at hand, whereupon pretenders arose claiming to be the deceased emperor (Hist.II.8). Seutonius, another early Roman historian, writes that after Nero's death friends circulated his edicts, "pretending he was still alive and would soon return to confound his enemies"; he tells of one in particular who came forward claiming to be Nero. John would have not been influenced by these rumors, but saw in the renewal of persecution under Domitian a healing of the death-stroke inflicted by the death of Nero. Tertullian wrote of "Domitian--a man of Nero's type". Victorinus (d. A.D. 304), the earliest author to write a commentary on Revelation (only a fragment of which has survived) in commenting on 17:10, lists the five emperors whom he considered had fallen, then says, "One remains, under whom the Apocalypse was written--Domitian, to wit." He adds on v. 16, "Now that one of the heads was, as it were, slain to death...he speaks of Nero" (A-N-F.VII.p.358). "And the whole earth wondered after the beast," that is, the world of unregenerated people followed the beast, being filled with awe and amazement at it. The Christians were not impressed, but held to their faith in Him who in His death had triumphed over all powers and ever lives.
Should we take the Bible literally? Some say yes, some say no. If yes, what about discoveries science has made? If no, how do we know what's literal and what isn't?Intro: The Bible was written to be understood (Eph. 5:17). Context must be considered. (cf. Rom. 5:12/1 Cor. 15.). There is a logical and an illogical use of scripture. Matt. 22:29-32; Mt. 4:5-7. 1. The Bible does contain figures of speech. a. Contains figures that we use in everyday life. Written so that ordinary people can understand them. Does not in any way take away from the inspiration and accuracy of scripture (2 Tim. 3:16,17). We must have the same view of scripture that Jesus did (Matt. 22). 1) Track: He runs just like lightning. Does this mean his speed is 186,000 mph? Or that he lit up the sky? Just emphasizes that he is fast. b. Examples: 1) Mt. 23:27 Pharisees were like unto whited sepulchers (Matt. 23:26) (simile) a) Like if you have two boxes. You understand what box A is, but you don't understand box B. You could say box B is like box A. A comparison, a simile. 2) Often did this in teaching on kingdom of heaven. "Is like unto": (Cf. Matt. 13) (Parables) a) cf. v.44: Point: value of kingdom. 3) Metaphor (John 10) Door/ Shepherd. 4) Allegory a) Gal. 4: two women, representing two covenants. 5) Metonomy (1 Cor. 11) Container for the contents. Pot boils. 6) Part for the whole (synecdoche) Acts 20:7. (E.W. Bullinger: Figures of speech Used in the Bible p.1104) 2. If yes, what about the discoveries of science? a. This question poses a problem where there is none. b. The caller did not leave any examples of passages that must be modified or reexamined in light of science. 1) I wonder if what was meant was the kind of thing found in Matt. 5:45 "that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He MAKES HIS SUN RISE ON THE EVIL AND ON THE GOOD"...or Luke 4:40: "Now when the sun was setting, all those who had anyone sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on everyone of them and healed them." Someone may object and say that the Bible is unscientific because we all know that the earth moves around the sun, not the sun around the earth. a) Of course, Jesus who made the sun and the earth, knew that too. Just yesterday evening I made the same statement. I was not lectured to about how ignorant and unscientific I was. c. Science has not, and will not, come up with anything that contradicts the Bible. God is the author of both! 1) Moses told the Israelites that the life of the flesh is in the blood (Lev.17:11-14) But it wasn't known in George Washington's day. He was bled to death through the blood-letting process. 2) The Bible affirms that the earth is wearing out (Isa.51:6; Psa.102:26; Heb.1:11). This is precisely what the 2nd law of Thermodynamics says. 3) Isaiah said, in speaking of God, "It is he who sitteth upon the circle of the earth" (40:22). Until relatively recently, it was generally thought that the earth was flat. But informed people will not charge the Bible with teaching that. 4) Moses wrote that all things reproduce "after their kind" (Gen. 1:11ff). The science of genetics wasn't instituted until around the year 1900. d. Though the Bible is not a book on science, it is scientifically accurate. 3) So far as how we know what's literal and what isn't, the key to that is the context of the passage under consideration. a) A basic rule is that a words must be understood in their literal sense unless the context demands a figurative or spiritual connotation.
How Can We Know That The Bible Is Really The Word Of God?The Unity Of The Bible. Unity of Theme running throughout the text. Unity of doctrine. One God Creation. Nature of man (Gen. 1:26; 2:7; Eccl. 12:7; Mt. 10:28; 1 Thes. 5:23. Blood (Gen. 4:4; Lev. 17:11; Mt. 26:28; Jno. 19:34. Historical Credibility. Real persons, real events, real places. Flood: 250 and 300 flood accounts have been discovered. In the late 1800's, Sir William Ramsey, a scholar who was skeptical of the authenticity of the Book of Acts, set out upon an archaeological expedition in Asia Minor with the declared intention of disproving the historicity and accuracy of that book. After years of research, literally digging up evidence, he completely reversed his views. He became convinced that Luke had authored Acts. He wrote:"Luke's history is unsurpassed in respect of its trustworthiness...Luke is a historian of the first rank; not merely are his statements of fact trustworthy; he is possessed of the true historic sense...this author should be placed along with the very greatest of all historians" (Luke the Physician.177-179,222). Scientific Accuracy: The earth is spherical in shape (Isa. 40:22). Suspended in space (Job 26:7). Paths in the seas (Psa. 8:8. The water cycle Eccl. 1:7. The Bible and Biology: life does not arise spontaneously (Acts 17:25). Living things reproduce according to the laws of heredity (Gen. 1:11,12,21,24). There is a basic difference in the ell structure of the major classes of living things (1 Cor. 15:39). The Bible and medicine. Sanitation laws infer germs (Lev. 11:29-36; Deut. 23:12-14). Life is in the blood (Lev. 17:11). All nations share a common physical unity (Acts 17:26). Evidence of Prophecy Christ's lineage in Prophecy. Events connected with Christ's birth. Virgin born Isa. 7:14; in Bethlehem Mt. 2:1 Slaughter of innocents Jer. 31:15. Escape to Egypt from which He would return Hos.11:1; Mt. 1:15. His character Mt. 12:15-21. Betrayal, Rejection, Death and resurrection. (Source: Wayne Jackson)
How old is the Bible?1. There are 66 books in the Bible, written by 40 different men. The earliest writing is that of Moses, who wrote the first five books, during the 15th Century B.C. The last book is Revelation, written at the close of the 1st Century A.D. Consequently, the Bible was written over a period of about 1600 years. Therefore, if we speak of the age of the completed revealed will of God, we would say it is 1900 years old. If we speak of the earliest written revelation, then that goes back about 3400 years. 2. In the Old Testament, there are 5 books of law: Genesis, Ex. Lev. Num, Deut. 3. 12 History: Josh. Jud. Ruth, 1&2 Sam. 1&2 Kings; 1&2 Chron. Ezra. Neh. Esther. 4. 5 Poetry: Job, Psa. Prov., Eccl., Song of Solomon. 5. Prophets 17: Isa. Jer. Lament. Ezek. Dan. Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum Habbakuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zech. Malachi. 6. The New Test. consists of 27 books. The first 4 deal with the life of Christ. The book of Acts gives a history of the preaching of the gospel, with the establishment, and spread of the church. Romans-Jude are letters written to instruct Christians how to live so as to please God. Rev. is a book of prophecy, which primarily deals with things which were to shortly come to pass (1:1), for 1 Century Christians. Question #24: I've heard it said that we don't have all the Bible; is that true? 1. This question has reference to the apocrypha (a Greek term that means "hidden", or "secret things"), books that were written at various times from about 300 B.C. to 30 B.C. (The Bible Almanac, p.582). 2. These books are as follows: 1) 1 Esdras 2) II Esdras 3) Tobet 4) Judith 5) The Rest of the Book of Esther. 6) The Wisdom of Solomon 7) The Wisdom of Ecclesiasticus 8) Baruch 9) The Song of the Three Holy Children 10) The History of Susanna 11) Bel and the Dragon 12) The Prayer of Manasses 13) I Maccabees 14) II Maccabees 3) Some of these books are valuable as history, particularly the books of Maccabees, but they are not inspired books. 4) This can be seen from the fact that the New Testament quotes from the O.T. hundreds of times, but never from the apocrypha. 5) The 16th Century reformer, Martin Luther, included the apocrypha in his German Bible (1534), but printed them separately, asserting that they were not inspired, but profitable. 6) There is no internal or external evidence which would include the apocrypha as scripture. 7) The Council of Trent (1545-63) proclaimed the books as Scripture and pronounced an anathema on those who disagree. But this attempt is 1 1/2 thousand years too late. We can be confident that we have all God intended for us to have in our Bible.
I've heard it said that we don't have all the Bible; is that true?1. This question has reference to the apocrypha (a Greek term that means "hidden", or "secret things"), books that were written at various times from about 300 B.C. to 30 B.C. (The Bible Almanac, p.582). 2. These books are as follows: 1) 1 Esdras 2) II Esdras 3) Tobet 4) Judith 5) The Rest of the Book of Esther. 6) The Wisdom of Solomon 7) The Wisdom of Ecclesiasticus 8) Baruch 9) The Song of the Three Holy Children 10) The History of Susanna 11) Bel and the Dragon 12) The Prayer of Manasses 13) I Maccabees 14) II Maccabees 3) Some of these books are valuable as history, particularly the books of Maccabees, but they are not inspired books. 4) This can be seen from the fact that the New Testament quotes from the O.T. hundreds of times, but never from the apocrypha. 5) The 16th Century reformer, Martin Luther, included the apocrypha in his German Bible (1534), but printed them separately, asserting that they were not inspired, but profitable. 6) There is no internal or external evidence which would include the apocrypha as scripture. 7) The Council of Trent (1545-63) proclaimed the books as Scripture and pronounced an anathema on those who disagree. But this attempt is 1 1/2 thousand years too late. We can be confident that we have all God intended for us to have in our Bible.
Who translated the Greek Bible?1. The Bible was originally written in two languages, the Old Testament in Hebrew (with a few passages in Aramaic); the New Testament in Greek. The OT was translated into Greek between 250-150 B.C. 2. The NT was translated into Latin and Syriac c. 150 and into Coptic c. 200. In subsequent centuries versions appeared in the Armenian, Gothic, Ethiopic, Georgain, Arabic, Persian, and Slavonic languages. The Bible, in whole or in part, is now available in more than 1100 different languages and dialects. 3. I am assuming the caller primarily wanted to know about the translation of the Greek Scriptures into our English language. John Wycliffe, born in 1320, holds the honor of being the first to make the whole Bible available in English. However, he did not translate from the original languages, but from the Latin Vulgate, a translation made by Jerome between A.D. 383 and 405. 4. It was William Tyndale, born about 1494, who first translated the original Greek into English. So well did Tyndale do his work that the KJV reproduces about 90% of his work. 5. Spent 10 years studying at Oxford and Cambridge. Soon after leaving Cambridge, while working as a chaplain and tutor, he said in a controversy with a clergyman, "If God spare my life, ere many years I will cause a boy that driveth a plough to know more of the Scripture than thou dost." As a result of his work of placing the Scriptures in the hands of the common man, he spent the last 10 years of his life in hiding. He was condemned by the Catholic church for being a heretic. He was strangled, and his body burned at the stake.
Is the text of the Bible reliable?1. F.F. Bruce writes, "There are in existence about 4,000 Greek manuscripts of the NT in whole or in part" (NT Documents.16). Taking into account later discoveries, Josh McDowell wrote, "There are now more than 5,300 know Greek manuscripts of the New Testament. Add over 10,000 Latin Vulgate and at least 9,300 other early versions and we have more than 24,000 manuscript copies of portions of the New Testament in Existence. No other document of antiquity even begins to approach such numbers and attestation" (A Ready Defense.43) Besides the number of manuscripts the interval of time between composition of the book and the date of the earliest manuscripts is so small as to be negligible. The last foundation for any doubt that the Scriptures have come down to us substantially as they were written has now been removed. Both the authenticity and the general integrity of the books of the New Testament may regarded as finally established (Frederic Kenyon,ibid.44). 2. The NT documents have been in existence for almost 1,900 years. For 1500 years they were copied by hand. There are still only some 12 to 20 significant textual variations in the entire NT, and none of these has any significant effect. 3. "We can only stand in awe of the Providential preservation of the sacred text of the Word of God. Yes, we can trust the Bible. It is a book by which we can both live and die" (W.Jackson, Fortify Your Faith.74). 4. If one accepts the overwhelming evidence that God exists; that He created the world, including man, it follows that God would communicate with His creatures. If God has spoken (Heb. 1:1), it would not seem unreasonable that God has taken steps to insure the faithful preservation of His word. The Scriptures themselves affirm their faithful perpetuity. "The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God shall stand forever" (Isa. 40:6; cf. 1 Pet. 1:24-25). 5. In an exchange with the Sadducees regarding the resurrection of the dead, Jesus asked, "Have you not read that which was spoken by God? (Matt. 22:31), thus affirming that the Old Testament Scriptures are the word of God. They were "spoken by God." Thus, God's word had then been faithfully preserved in the written record. 6. Dr. Robert Dick Wilson (1856-1930) mastered 45 languages, and made a careful study of the OT text. As a result of his research, he said "we are scientifically certain that we have substantially the same text that was in the possession of Christ and the apostles, and so far as anybody knows, the same as that written by the original composers of the Old Testament documents. 7. The Dead Sea scrolls, discovered in 1947 provide some of the oldest Hebrew texts, yet their value has been primarily in the field of apologetics. The scrolls were virtually identical, word for word, with standard Hebrew texts. Variations were in minor spelling differences and minute copyist mistakes.
Does translation affect inspiration?1. When a word is translated from one language into another, the same thought or idea is conveyed; the same message is received. 2. In the 3rd-2nd centuries B.C. (250-117) the Hebrew Scriptures were translated into Greek. This version, which was begun in Alexandria, Egypt, is known as the Septuagint. Jesus Christ Himself, and His inspired NT writers, frequently quoted from the LXX translation of the OT Scriptures. For example, in Mt. 22:32, Christ quotes from the LXX (Ex.3:6), and of that passage says, "have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God?" (v.31). The translation from Hebrew to Greek thus did not alter the fact that the message was the word of God! (W. Jackson,I:172). Of the 300 or so quotations in the NT from the OT, the vast majority are from the LXX. Translations: 1. KJV: 1611, by 54 English scholars. 2. NIV: 1973/78, 115 scholars 3. NKJV: 1979/82, 130 scholars.
What is the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? (Matt. 12)1. Matt. 12:22-37. 2. A careful study of this passage in its context will clearly show what the "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" is. a. Jesus had just healed a man blind and dumb. Such miracles were God-given credentials that Jesus was sent of God. Miracles could not be performed by one "except God be with him" (John 3:2; see Jno.20:30-31; Mk.16:20). b. These Jews felt the force of this miraculous proof. But their intent was to somehow discredit Jesus. To discredit Jesus they either had to deny the miracle he performed, which they could not do, or else attribute His power to Satan, knowing well that the Holy Spirit was with Him (John 3:34). They chose to lie and deliberately call the Spirit unclean. They blasphemed the Spirit. Mark specifies, "because they said, He hath an unclean spirit" (3:30). Their blasphemy consisted in saying that Jesus worked miracles by the power of the devil. c. By knowingly and wilfully ascribing the work of the Spirit to the devil, they rejected the final evidence by which he might believe and have eternal life. 3. Can one be guilty of this sin today? a. The blasphemy against the H.S. consisted of witnessing a miracle Jesus performed through the power of the Holy Spirit, and deliberately blaspheming by crediting the devil with the miracle, to discredit Christ. b. This situation does not now exist. One cannot do what they did. 4. However, it is possible to sin against the Spirit in other ways. a. May resist the Spirit (Acts 7:51-53) b. Christians may grieve the Spirit (Eph.4:30) c. Warned not to quench the Spirit (1 Thess.5:19). d. May do despite unto the Spirit (Heb.10:29). 5. Fear of committing a certain sin, for which there is no forgiveness, has haunted many for generations. In reality, God stands ready to forgive us of every sin through the sacrificial death of His son Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 1:22,23) MATT.12:22-32 (notes) 23) Proper response 24) Leaders had the same evidence, but refused to renounce their stubborn will. Contrast Nicodemus, Jno.3:2. 25) Their statement was illogical and impractical. Why would Satan fight Satan? If Satan casts out his own demons, then he is opposing himself, diving his kingdom, and destroying his house. 28) Lk.11:20: "the finger of God." 29) Christ's victory over Satan. Eph.1:15-23; Col.2:15; Eph.6:10ff. Neutrality v.30; 43-50. Beware an empty life! It is a standing invitation for Satan to go to work. In the spiritual war being waged you cannot be neutral. You are either for Him or against Him. What about today? This situation existed only while Christ was ministering on earth.
Where did Cain get his wife? (Genesis 4:17)1. There two possibilities: a. That he married a sister. Gen. 5:4: Adam and Eve had other sons and daughters. b. That he married the offspring of one of his brothers or sisters. 1) v. 14 seems to indicate that by the time Cain killed Able that other offspring had been born. (If not, then he was just concerned about the time when others would be born on down the road.) 2. One option is sometimes proposed that is not possible: that God created other people besides Adam and Eve, and thus that Cain married a woman who was not of Adam and Eve's family. a. The Bible makes it plain that Eve was the mother of all living (Gen. 3:20). b. Adam is referred to as the "first man." (1 Cor. 15:45). "If Adam was the first man, and Eve was the mother of all, then it is clear that there were "other peoples" for Cain to marry. The population of the Earth came directly through the lineage of Adam and Eve" (Apol.Press.IV.12). Cf. Acts 17:26: "And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their habitation." 3. Some object that this would be incestuous. a. Of necessity, when the earth began to be populated, close- kin marriages were required. A quick glance at Gen. 4-6 shows that the people multiplied quickly. So the time was realized very soon that marriages of close kin were not necessary. b. Secondly, "no harmful genetic traits had emerged at this point which could have been expressed in the children of closely related partners. However, after many generations, and especially after the Flood, solar and cosmic radiation, chemical and viral mutagens and replication errors, led to the multiplication of genetic disorders." (ibid) c. By the time of the law of Moses, Marriages of close kin were forbidden (Lev. 18).
What about capital punishment?Intro: Some believe it is just and fair retribution for certain crimes; others say that it is simply not the solution. Still others believe that it violates the commandment: "Thou shalt not kill." 1. Patriarchal Age. When Noah and his family left the ark after the flood, God said, "Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood shall be shed; For in the image of God He made man" (Gen. 9:6). Capital punishment was to be meted out to the murderer. No other punishment was ever given. The basis for the law is the fact that man is made in the image of God. When God said, "by man shall his blood be shed", He was not merely giving His permission to execute the murderer, not was He making a suggestion. The phrase is a strict imperative; He is commanding that this be done. The nature of murder is such that the murderer actually forfeits his own right to live. 2. Mosaic Dispensation. God made capital punishment a part of his divine law given at Mt. Sinai. For example Ex. 20:12: "Thou shalt not kill." NKJV: "You shall not murder." The one who violated this commandment "shall surely be put to death" (21:12). Also, kidnapping (21:16); bestiality (22:19). 3. Christian Dispensation. But the real question is, what does the NT say about it? It is included in the New Testament. It is the only just retribution for certain crimes. Some fail to see that there are crimes for which one is worthy of death (Rom. 1:32). Cf. the statement of the Apostle Paul in Acts 25:11. Rom. 13:4. The Government did not use the sword for spanking; it was used for capital punishment. That does not mean that one as an individual can take the law into his own hands; it is a judicial process; a responsibility of the civil government. Leupold said, "When lawgivers attempt to tamper with this regulation [the death penalty] they are trying to be wiser than the Divine Lawgiver and overthrow the pillars of safety that He Himself provided for the welfare of mankind.
Did Catholics change the day of worship from Saturday to Sunday?1. The first mention of the Sabbath's being kept by man is Ex. 16:23. The formal giving of this requirement is recorded in Ex. 20:8. This is further seen in Neh. 9:13,14. The Sabbath was a "sign" between God and Israel (Ex. 31:13,17). It was not given to other nations. It was never given to the church. 2. The Bible makes no distinction between the 10 commandments and the ceremonial law. The ten commandments were done away (2 Cor. 3:1-18; Col. 2:14-17. The Old Law itself foretold that it would be replaced by a "new covenant" (Jer. 31:31ff; Heb. 8:6ff.) Man is discharged from that law (Rom. 7:4,6). 3. NT passages: On the first day of the week, Christ rose from the dead (Jno. 20:1); on this day by the resurrection Jesus was declared to be the Son of God (Rom. 1:4); appeared to His disciples that day (v. 19) and also on the following Sunday (v.26). The church was established on Pentecost (Acts 2:1ff.), which always came on the first day of the week (Lev. 23:16). Christians met to observe the Lord's Supper and engage in other activities of worship on Sunday (Acts 20:7). On that day they were commanded to give into the treasury of the local congregation; Grk text: "the first day of every week" (1 Cor. 16:1,2) (see rendering of NASB). The apostle John was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day (Rev. 1:10). 4. Early Christians Speak: "Incense is a vain abomination unto me, and your new moons and Sabbaths I cannot endure. He has, therefore, abolished these things." Wherefore, also, we keep the eight day with joyfulness, the day, also, on which Jesus rose again from the dead" (Barnabas-120 A.D.) "But every Lord's day do ye gather yourselves together, and break bread, and give thanksgiving" (Didache-125 A.D.). "And on the day called Sunday, all who live in cities or in the country gather together to one place...But Sunday is the day on which we all hold our common assembly..." (Justin Martyr-140 A.D.). "We passed this holy Lord's day, in which we read your letter, from the constant reading of which we shall be able to draw admonition" (Dionysius-170 A.D.). "On one day, the first day of the week, we assembled ourselves together, and on the days of the readings we abstain from sustenance" (Bardesanes of Sayri-180 A.D.). "He, in fulfillment of the precept, keeps the Lord's day...glorifying the Lord's resurrection in himself" (Clement of Alexandria-194 A.D.). "The old law is demonstrated as having been consummated at its specific times, so also the observance of the Sabbath is demonstrated to have been temporary." "We neither accord with the Jews in their peculiarities in regard to food, nor in their sacred days" (Tertullian-200 A.D.). These, and other quotations (see Wayne Jackson, Courier XVIII.3.9.) certainly refute the assertion that the Pope changed the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday. Christians were worshipping God on Sunday, the first day of the week, for centuries before there was a Pope.
If you are married to a non-believer but you are a believer and you have 3 kids, what religion would my kids believe?1. It may surprise some of our listeners to know that the Bible does, in fact, deal with this type of situation. 2. God recognizes the marriage of a Christian to a non-Christian: 1 Cor. 7:14; 1 Pet. 3:1f. 3. The good news is that you may have a Timothy, if you will be a Eunice (2 Tim. 1:5). 4. A Christian has the obligation to do right, regardless of what non-Christian spouse does. Often one "waits" for the other to attend, show interest, etc. 5. A vital factor which will in reality determine the outcome is that of freedom of choice on the part of the child.
What about the observance of Christmas?1. The word "Christmas" was not coined until the eleventh century, a thousand years after Jesus came to earth. 2. The observance or celebration of the birth of Christ dates to the second century, the first traces of such being noted in the reign of the Roman emperor Commodus who died about 180 A.D. (Woods.203). In the centuries following the close of the apostolic age, the birthday of Christ was celebrated in the spring of the year, often as late as April or May; it was not until the fourth century that an agreement was reached by various religious parties and their leaders to observe Dec. 5 as the day of our Lord's birth (ibid). Mc & Str: It was not till the 6th century that the whole Christian world concurred in celebrating the nativity on the same day." 3. The observance of Christmas as a religious holiday did not originate in the apostolic age; it is not taught in the Bible that it should be kept as a religious festival. God has made the death and resurrection of Christ significant by authorizing in its memory the weekly observance of the Lord's Supper (Matt. 26:26-29; 1 Cor. 11;23-24; Acts 20:7). Had He wanted the birth of Christ celebrated He could and would have so authorized (Patton.256). a. There is a sense in which nothing the Christian does is "secular." Rom. 12:1,2; Titus 2:10; how much of his time is he to devote to godliness? b. But to involve the church, and plan a program of church function around the Nativity is not authorized. 4. There are many things that are right that become wrong when turned into a religious ceremony. The washing of hands is proper, but to observe such as a religious ordinance unto God was wrong (Mk. 7;1-13). 5. A key question in this discussion is, "How do we honor Christ?" The answer is, by doing what He says (Lk. 6:46; Jno.14:15; 15:14). a. I do not think the problem is that we are thinking too much about the birth of Christ! (Gen. 3:15; Isa. 7:14; Micah 5:2; Heb. 2:9-18; Lk. 1-2). b. The danger lies more in not placing enough emphasis upon the present role of Christ, in His rule as King of kings and Lord of lords! (Rev. 1; Matt. 28:18-20).
Is it scriptural for the church to provide baby-sitting service for such events as "mothers' day out"?1. First, this raises the question as to what is the work of the church. God has assigned the church the work of evangelism (1 Thess. 1:8), edification (Eph. 4:14-16) and benevolence (1 Cor. 16:1,2). The church has no authority to be involved in recreation and/or entertainment. 2. Quotations: "Many schemes have been laid out and plans formulated by men to carry out the work of the Lord. If people would scheme less and study more, plan less and obey God more, conditions spiritually would improve. What the NT teaches is not difficult to understand, but men are vain enough to think they can improve on it. We hear of suppers, parties, and programs to raise money for the Lord. Just at the time when the sectarian world has failed in its claptrap methods of religious work and worship and is ready to give it up, shall the church of Christ take up their schemes and lose her greatest opportunity? Churches are building fine meetinghouses and equipping them like hotels. Here they meet, not for worship, but to eat and have a social time. None of these tend to spirituality. These things, perhaps, may hold the time servers and pleasure lovers, but will not promote the spirituality of the church" (The Life and Works of C.M. Pullias, pg.68). "For the church to turn aside from its divine work to furnish amusement and recreation is to pervert its mission. It is to degrade its mission. Amusement and recreation should stem from the home rather than the church. The church, like Nehemiah, has a great work to do; and it should not come down on the plains of Ono to amuse and entertain. As the church turns its attention to amusement and recreation, it will be shorn of its power as Samson was when his hair was cut. Only as the church becomes worldly, as it pillows its head on the lap of Delilah, will it want to turn from its wonted course to relatively unimportant matters. Imagine Paul selecting and training a group of brethren to compete in the Isthmian games! Of his work at Corinth he said: "For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified" (B.C. Goodpasture, Gospel Advocate, May, 1948, p.484). "Again I say to you, with caution and thought, that it is not the work of the church to furnish entertainment for the members. And yet many churches have drifted into such effort, They enlarge their basement, put in all kinds of gymnastic apparatus, and make every sort of an appeal to the young people of the congregation. I have never read anything in the Bible that indicated to me that such was a part of the work of the church. I am wholly ignorant of any Scripture that even points in that direction" (N.B. Hardeman, Tabernacle Sermons, 1942) "Building recreation rooms and providing and supervising recreational activities at the expense of the church is a departure from the simple gospel plan as revealed in the NT. The church might as well relieve the parents of feeding and disciplining all the young people at church expense as to take over the job of entertaining and supervising their recreation at church expense. Be sure to get a clear conception of the duties of the home as contrasted with the duties of the church in the matter of recreation. To confuse the two realms of activity will involve us in absurdities (GA Commentary, 1951, p.229)
What about contradictions in the Bible?Intro: 2 kinds of people allege that the Bible contains contradictions: a) Honest, who has heard the charge. Cannot name any, but believes it because he has heard it so often. b) One who has a low view of Scripture, either because he wants nothing to do with the Bible and religion, or because he wants to make way for latter day revelations which he treasures. [1] Questions: a) Is the same thing or person under consideration b) Is the same time period in view? c) Is the language that seems to be self-contradictory employed in the same sense? For example: Robert is rich. Robert is poor. Do these statements contradict one another? The answer is--not necessarily! First, two different people named Robert could be under consideration. Second, two different time frames might be in view; Robert could have been rich but, due to financial disaster, he became poor. Third, the terms "rich" and "poor" might have been used in different senses; Robert could be spiritually rich but economically poor. It is never proper to assume a contradiction exists until every possible means of harmonization has been fully exhausted. I. IS THE SAME PERSON OR THING UNDERCONSIDERATION? A. Gen. 7: ark; Josh. 3 ark B. Acts 12 James beheaded; Acts 15f.James C. Different types of works are addressed in the Scriptures (Jas.2:14ff; Phil.2:12) but salvation cannot be obtained by works of the Mosaic Law (Rom.3:28) or by boastful works of human merit (Eph.2:9). II. IS THE SAME TIME REFERENCE IN VIEW? A. Gen. 1: Good; Gen.6: God said He was sorry He made man. B. Mark writes that the Lord was crucified at the 3rd hour (Mk.15:25)--Jewish time-- John's account has the Savior being tried at the 6th hour (Jno.19:14), seemingly 3 hours after being nailed to the cross. John's time reference was based upon Roman time. III. IS THE LANGUAGE EMPLOYED IN THE SAME SENSE? A. Jno.1:21, John denied that he was Elijah (literally). Mt.11:14; John is identified as Elijah (Mt.11:14): he was the spiritual antitype of that great prophet; he prepared the way for the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah (Lk.1:17) 1. "Jno.1:18 contradicts Exodus 24:10" To see God's face is death Ex.33:20. 2. Rev.21:1 contradicts Eccle.1:4. cf. Ex. 21:6; 31:17. 3. Acts 9:7 (hearing a voice)/ Acts 22:9 (but they did not hear the voice. Answer: W.E. Vine says (p.204), "Thus in Acts 9:7, 'hearing the voice,' the noun 'voice' is in the partitive genitive case...whereas in 22:9, 'they heard not the voice,' the construction is with the accusative. This removes the idea of any contradiction. The former indicates a hearing of the sound, the latter indicates the meaning or message of voice (this they did not hear)." So, an honest investigation shows there is not any contradiction here! Differences are not contradictions. To say that John is a husband and to say he is a father is not a contradiction. Cf. Mt.27/Acts1: It was Judas' money with which the field was bought. The perfect God cannot be the source of confusion (1 Cor. 14:33) or contradiction (Heb.6:18). It must be acknowledged that the Bible is perfectly harmonious. Let us not charge God foolishly. The word of God is not at fault (cf. Rom. 3:4).
What does the Bible say about cremation?1. Passages--What few Biblical references are made to cremation are in the Old Testament. 1 Sam. 31:11-13: Burning of bodies of Saul & his sons. Probably was an emergency measure lest the Philistines further molest the bodies. Lev.20:14; 21:9: Those guilty of sexual immorality Josh. 7:15,25: Those under a curse such as Achan and his family were to be burned. Occurrence of cremation is rare and exceptional. 2. Lack of proper burial was a great misfortune 1 Kgs.13:22; Jer. 16:6. 3. Related passages: Amos 2:1: He (Moab) burned the bones of the king of Edom into lime. cf. Amos 6:10. 4. Quotation from Edersheim: "Cremation was denounced as a purely heathen practice, contrary to the whole spirit of Old Testament teaching." (Sketches of Jewish Life, p. 169 5. Ghassul flourished during the latter half of the [?] fourth millennium. Archaeologists have documented the Ghassulian custom of burying the dead in ossuaries (ceramic receptacles for bones) in many other areas, particularly the coastal cities near modern Tel Aviv. These ossuaries were usually shaped like animals or houses, in imitation of those used in daily life. After the body was cremated mourners buried the ossuary in a stone cistern together with provisions for the afterlife. (The Bible Almanac, p.95). 6. Guy Woods: Life is the union of the body and spirit; death the condition resulting from their separation. Once the spirit has flown, the body is lifeless and begins its return to its original elements. Whether the return is the slow disintegration of the body through the processes of decay or is achieved in seconds by fire, the result is the same--the return of the body's elements to their original state. In the resurrection, these "building blocks" will be re-assembled... We are taught in the New Testament, largely by example, to exhibit proper respect for the dead and to deal with them in dignified and respectful fashion... 7. As I reflect upon the question, emphasis is placed on using one's body in life to glorify the Lord (Rom. 12:1,2; 1 Cor. 6:18- 20); and upon the entrance of the soul into the hadean world at the point of death. Emphasis is not given to the disposal of the body. Stress is not placed on the funeral, but upon the life one lives prior to the funeral. cf. Lk.12:4; Matt. 10:28. 8. The question does not ask for my personal preference. I do not want cremation for my self, or for any member of my family. But I know of no New Testament principle that is violated by cremation, if one does make that choice.
Why is it wrong to dance?Intro: Some types of dancing are not sin. 2 Sam.6:14: David danced before the Lord with all His might. Miriam led the women in dancing and rejoicing when Israel had crossed the Red Sea (Ex. 15:20-21). But that is not the type of dancing under consideration in the question. 1. Dancing is condemned as a work of the flesh. It is included in the word lasciviousness in Gal.5:19-21, and in the word wantonness in Rom.13:13. Thayer: "filthy words, indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males and females" (pages 79,80). Dancing produces lewd and lustful thoughts or emotions. 2. Dancing bears evil fruit. Jesus said: "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them" (Matt.7:20). The modern dance has produced broken hearted parents, fornication, divorce, drunkenness, prostitution, cursing, fighting, murder and other sins. Dancing cannot be a good tree with such rotten fruit. 3. Someone has said that a dancing foot and a praying knee don't grow on the same leg. It is altogether inconsistent with prayer, Bible study, evangelism, and principles which God wants His children to live out in their lives.
Are the 7 days when God created the earth the same as our days?1. The caller no doubt has reference to the "Day-Age" Theory which states that the 6 creation days of Genesis 1 were not days, but rather long ages or eons, possible millions of years long. 2. We know the days of Gen. 1 are literal 24-hour days because the word day is defined in the context of the passage: Gen. 1:5--"And God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day." Day is here defined as the light period in the regular succession of light and darkness, which, as the earth rotates on its axis, as continued ever since. 1:14--"And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of heaven to divide the day from the night: and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days and years." This verse clearly distinguishes days from years and seasons. If the days were not days, but were ages involving millions of years, then what were the years? Unless we are willing to take a passage in its context, and let Scripture interpret Scripture, we will be hopelessly confused. 3. The fact that the days of Gen. 1 are 24 hour periods is consistent not only with the context of Gen. 1, but with the rest of the Old Testament as well. The word day, when modified by the numerical adjective, can only be taken to mean a period of 24 hours. 4. Further, the Hebrew phrase translated "evening and morning" occurs over 100X in OT with the word Day. Each time it refers to a literal 24 hour day. 5. If one holds to the day-age theory, there are many problems for which there are no answers. For example, on Day Three, the vegetation and plant life appeared. But if the day was a geologic age, then half of that age was darkness. How could plant life survive for millions of years in total darkness? This must necessarily be the case since the text clearly states that these days consisted of periods of evening and morning. 6. The Sabbath command in Ex. 20:8-11 can be understood only when the days of the creation week are considered to be 24-hour days. In Ex.20:9,11: "Six days shall thou labor, and do all thy work...For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is." No one would think that they were to work for 6 eons and then rest on the seventh eon. 7. Perhaps the most damaging statement from the Day-Age theory comes from Jesus teaching in Mark 10:4--"But from the beginning of the creation, Male and female made he them." In other words, God made man and woman "from the beginning of the creation. But this could not be if the Day-Age theory were true, because it places man, not at the beginning of creation, but at the end of millions or billions of geologic time. If we believe Jesus to be the divine Son of God, we must believe what He believed. Only reason for not taking text as it reads: to fit in speculations of evolutionists. (Source consulted:Reason & Revelation)
What are the duties of deacons?The term "deacon" is derived from the Greek word diakonos, which is usually translated "servant" or "minister." The word occurs in Phil. 1:1; and 1 Tim. 3:8,12. The noun form comes from a verb which means "to serve." Though the word "deacon" is not used in Acts 6, it seems that the seven men selected to wait on tables, in order that the apostles might give themselves "continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word" (v.4), were, in fact, appointed to do the work of deacons. These men served as assistants of the apostles. In the context of 1 Tim. 3:8-13 their role is that of servants working with and under the oversight of the elders. As is the case with elders' qualifications, the nature of the qualifications of deacons indicates their function. In many instances, the qualifications of deacons are similar to those of the "bishops," the overseers of the churches, which set forth the Lord's high standard of morality and character. Deacons must have a clear understanding of the faith (1 Tim. 3:9) and that their faithfulness already be proven (1 Tim. 3:10). (You don't scripturally appoint an unfaithful man in order to "encourage" him, or make him faithful). It would be a mistake to conclude that their duties consisted of mere menial chores. Their work of being "servants" and "ministers" would cover a wide range. Both Steven and Philip, two of the seven mentioned in Acts 6, could not only serve tables, but could also effectively teach God's word. A deacon can certainly clean the baptistry, but one of the elders might well ask him to come along with him as they discuss a spiritual problem/need with a fellow Christian. Faithful deacons stand ready to serve in whatever right and scriptural area they are needed. Those who are "doubletongued" (1 Tim.3:8) are excluded from being deacons. The work of the deacons may bring them into close contact with the everyday lives and needs of the church members, as would occur in visiting the sick and ministering to the other physical needs of fellow Christians. Such service would both give them greater knowledge of items for gossip and allow them greater opportunity to spread such gossip, thus making it crucial that they should not be prone to talebearing. (Holman's Dictionary) The requirement that deacons not be greedy would indicate that they may have a responsiblility for distributing church funds (again, under the oversight of the elders). Negatively: It is not the work of deacons to rule or oversee the congregation. It is a common denominational practice to regard the preacher as the pastor, and to regard deacons as elders, and have no elders. In the Bible the elders, bishops and pastors were the same, not different offices. The preacher is not the pastor; he may be a pastor, IF he has also been appointed to that office, and is serving with one or more other qualified men (there must be a plurality, elders in every church-Acts 14:23).
Does God have a certain time for every one to die?1. Death is universal (Heb.9:27). Life is both brief and uncertain (Jas.4:13-15). 2. There were times in the Bible when it specifies that God brought about the death of someone. 3. But we live in the flesh. This outer man is perishing, decaying (2 Cor.4:16). Ordinarily, the aging process takes its toll. The body just wears out. There is no evidence that God has a certain time for everyone to die. 4. Principle of Eph.6:4: We can live in such a way so as to prolong life. a. Conversely, we can live so as to hasten death. Drug abuse; some working conditions hasten death. When one dies as a result of sniffing glue, the Bible does not teach that his death was because God had determined that he die at that time. b. Judas (Matt.27:5). No scriptural basis to say that God took him. 5. Some Christians died as a result of persecution (Acts 7;12; Rev. 2:13). 6. Maliciousness of others. 7. Sometimes carelessness; there is such a thing as an accident. (Eccl. 9:11). 8. If in fact, God did intervene and set a time for one to die at a specified time, there would be no way for us to know that, because He has not revealed that to us. cf. Luke 13:1ff
Does it matter which denomination you're in to go to heaven?1. Question is equivalent to asking, Is one faith as good as another? Eph. 4; Jude 3 2. Is one way as good as another? Matt. 7:13,14; Prov. 14:12 3. Is one worship as good as another? Matt. 15, contrast Jno.4:24 4. Is one religion as good as another? Rom. 10; Jas. 1:26 5. Is one doctrine as good as another? 2 John 9; 1 Jno. 4:1; Gal. 1:7f.
Which churches are man-made? Which churches are the right ones to go to?1. Eph. 4:4-7. Is it important to believe that there is one Lord? What about one God? The one Spirit? The first thing in the list, however, is "There is one body." a. This is one of the major obstacles which many have, because of the religious division with which we are surrounded. b. Mt. 16:18: Jesus promised to build His church; Acts 20:28: He purchased the church with His blood. c. Seed of the kingdom is the word of God, Luke 8:ll. An immutable law of God is that the seed reproduces after its kind. If we believe and obey what inspired men taught in the New Testament, it will make of us Christians, and we will be added to the church of the Lord. 2. There were in N.T. times man-made religious organizations, religious beliefs and practices which were of human origin. Matt. 15. These did not have the Lord's approval. 3. Regarding which one is right, etc. We know that there is a way which is right and cannot be wrong. That is the Lord's way. The problem comes when we want our way. a. Read the book of Acts. To become members, what did they do? b. To what church were they added? b. Where were the headquarters; how were they organized? c. Did they have women preachers, etc.? May God bless you in your search for truth (Acts 17:11). May you have the courage to do what you learn is the Lord's will.
Was the devil kicked out of heaven before or after the flood?1. Both Peter and Jude speak of angels who left their proper habitation and were cast down into the hadean realm. a. "For if God spared not angels when they sinned, but cast them down to hell (tartarus), and committed them to pits of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment" (2 Pet. 2:4). b. "And angels that kept not their own principality, but left their proper habitation, he that kept in everlasting bonds under darkness unto the judgment of the great day" (Jude 6). c. "Condemnation of the devil" linked with sin of pride (1 Tim. 3:6). d. Jesus referred to the devil and his angels Matt.25:41. e. This is about all the information we have as to the origin of Satan. 2. As to whether this was before or after the flood, the answer is that this took place before the flood. He is seen from the time of creation as the Tempter, and our adversary. (Gen. 3). a. see also Jno.8:44. 3. Although cast out of heaven, Satan still had dominion over man because of the grip of sin until the death of Jesus on the cross. a. It was for the purpose of triumphing over Satan that Jesus came to earth and became flesh. Gen. 3:15; Heb. 2. b. He would bind the strong man (Isa.53; Matt. 12). c. Rev. 20 is to be understood in this light. 4. Satan is not a myth. He is not funny. He is a real person who is deadly serious in his determination to cause souls to be lost. 1 Pet. 5:7; 2 Cor. 2:11; Eph. 6:12. 5. When we sin, we become in bondage to sin and to Satan. But there is forgiveness through Christ, through His death, when we obey the Gospel of Christ, and continue in right relationship with Him.
Why did God let Satan live and let sin go on? He is capable of it.God does not want robots. He wants men and women who give themselves willingly. I may not, and I'm sure do not know all the reasons why, but I do know we have to deal with things as they are. Accordingly: God doesn't promise a world without temptation, but He does promise limits to temptation, and a way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13). There is a battle going on: Gal. 5: You determine who wins. God has voted for you; Satan has voted against you; you cast the deciding vote. We have the example of Jesus (Mt.4:1ff). We are assured of victory in Jesus, that we can overcome (1 John 5:1-5). We have God's assurance that if we resist Satan he will flee from us (James We have the assurance that "greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4). Hell is that place which is prepared for the devil and his angels (Mt.25:41: cf. Rev. 20:10).
Does the Bible talk about dinosaurs?Some believe the existence of dinosaurs poses a real problem for those that accept the Bible as the inspired word of God. This is really a case of an imaginary problem. There is no doubt that dinosaurs did exist. The real question is not "Did the dinosaurs exist?". The question is "When did the dinosaurs exist?". Therein lies the controversy. Informed Bible students are aware of the plain and simple teaching of the Bible on creation of all life forms--including the dinosaurs. Ex. 20:11: "For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them...". If God created everything in six days, then everything was created was created in those six days. Conclusion: dinosaurs and men lived as contemporaries on the earth! Dinosaurs and men lived at the same time. There is no other conclusion that can be drawn if one respects the verbally inspired word of God. God said it; that settles it. Those who make accept the unproved theory of evolution insist that dinosaurs existed 200 million years before man. This will not square with Mk. 10:6; Rom. 1:20. (That they became extince 65-70 million years ago. Man allegedly evolved only 2-3 mil. yrs ago, and was thus separated from the dinosaurs by approximately 65 mil. yrs. of geologic time. In most public school, college, and university settings, when dinosaurs are discussed, it is in the context of their evolutionary origin, development, and extinction. Students are told that these animals evolved from some ancient reptile into what we now know as birds. In such a setting, it is commonplace to use the dinosaurs to instructi simultaneously on the ancient nature of the Earth and/or Universe. Because alomost all youngsters have a fascination with dinosaurs, and because teachers are among the most trusted of all adults, children often accept without question evolutionary dogma and its accompanying concept of an ancient earth. But does the Bible speak of dinosaurs? The answer is yes. Consider Job 40:15-24 (see NIV). What is the "behemoth" creature? He "moveth his tail like a cedar." This speaks of a massive, long tail. Did you ever see the tails of either the elephant or the hippo? These have a short, slim tail. A hippo weighs 4 tons. Some have argued that it is an elephant or hippopotamus. But the text says he is the "chief (largest) of the ways of God." Hippos at full size are 7 ft. high. Elephants were twice as tall, but still dwarfed by dinosaurs that reached heights of up to 3 stories and weights of over 90 tons. (Brachiosaurus stood over 3 1/2 stories tall, and weighted over 90 tons). But what about the fossils? Don't they prove that dinosaurs lived from 200 million to 65 million years ago, becoming extinct long before man ever came of the scene? The truth is that science bears out that the Bible is correct and evolution is wrong. Man and the dinosaurs lived at the same time. In the Paluxy River bed near Glen Rose, Texas, SW of Forth Worth.: dinosaur tracks were discovered in the same stratum as human footprints. In recent years, scientists working with bulldozers in the area (to remove large overlying sediments) have discovered even more dinosaur and human tracks. Dr. Roland T. Bird, paleontologist wit the American Museum of Natural History in New York, went to Glen Rose to investigate the tracks. Dr. Bird authored an article entitled, "Thunder in His Footsteps" in which he discussed the Glen Rose finds. He was not a creationist, and did not like the implications of his find, once telling Mrs. Elsie McFall (a resident of the area at that time) that if he were to acknowledge the presence of man tracks in Cretaceous strata, all the textbooks would have to be rewritten. Nevertheless, Dr. Bird was honest enough to state concerning the tracks: "Yes, they apparently were real enough. Real as rock could bee...the strangest things of their kind I had ever seen. On the surface of each was splayed the near-likeness of a human foot, perfect in every detail." The tracks were widely distributed. Strings of from 15 to 23 right-left tracks have been uncovered. What happened to them. There is compelling evidence to indicate that the pre-Flood world was much different thant the post-flood world. Many creation scientists believe that the dinosaurs survived for a time after the flood, but because of the hostile conditions, eventually became extinct. Conclu: Contrary to popular opinions, dinosaurs do not present a "problem" to creationists. In fact, just the opposite is true. It is the evolutionists who have the problem. (Source: Reason and Revelation)
What is discernment?1. anakrino: to distinguish, or separate out so as to investigate (krino) by looking throughout (ana, intensive) objects or particulars, hence signifies to examine, scrutinize, question, to hold a preliminary judicial examination preceding the trial proper (this first examination, implying more to follow, is often present in the non-legal uses of the word), e.g., Lk. 23:14 Figuratively in 1 Cor. 4:3 Used of searching the Scriptures Acts 17:11 1 Cor. 2:14 1 Cor. 10:27-asking no question Except in Lk.23:14, this word is found only in Acts and 1 Cor. See Examine, Judge. 2. diakrino signifies to separate, discriminate; then to learn by discriminating, to determine, decide Mt. 16:3 the sky 1 Cor. 11:29 Lord's Supper 1 Cor. 14:29 Noun: diakrisis 1 Cor. 12:10 of discerning spirits Heb. 5:14 Rom. 14:1: not for decisions of doubts, i.e., not to act as a judge of the weak brother's scruples.
If a person is divorced without Biblical reason, what should that person do to rectify the situation?God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16). When Jesus was asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?", He answered, "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate" (Matt. 19:3-6). But the caller recognizes, as indicated by the question, that there is a Biblical reason for divorce. "And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery" (Matt. 19:9). As you see from this passage, the only Biblical cause for which one may divorce his/her spouse is the cause of fornication. Jesus does give permission and authority for the innocent party to divorce the spouse who is guilty of sexual immorality. One is not given the right to divorce for any other cause. Cf. Mark 10:11-12: "So He said to them, Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery." Luke 16:18: "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery." When, as the caller describes, one divorces or is divorced unscripturally, one should work toward reconciliation. Paul said the Lord commands, "A wife is not to depart from her husband. But even is she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband" (1 Cor. 7:11). In many cases reconciliation is possible; when both are willing, and with God's help, they can "make it happen." But the above verse says, understanding reconciliation may not be possible, because of the unwillingness of one spouse, or other circumstances, "let her remain unmarried." But the question asks, "What should one do?" God commands all to repent (Acts 17:30). One must repent of the sin of divorce without a scriptural cause. One must obey the Gospel of Christ to become a Christian, if one has not already done so. If you have remarried subsequent to an un-scriptural divorce, your marriage is and adulterous relationship (Matt. 19:9; Rom. 7:2,3). One must cease the practice of sin; one cannot continue in the adulterous relationship and have God's approval (Rom. 6:1-2; Col. 3:5-8).
What did Jesus say about a bill of divorcement: at the beginning? Later on disciples said of account of hardness of heart a bill of divorce could be written. Intro: The passage is Matthew 19:1-9. Note that it was Jesus, not the disciples, who spoke of Israel's hardness of heart. 1. "From the beginning it hath not been so" (Matt. 19:9). Reference is to the beginning of creation. This is established in Mark 10:6: "But from the beginning of the creation, Male and female made he them." Reference is to Gen. 2; the home as God would have it. Malachi voiced God's attitude toward divorce (Mal.2:16) 2. Bill of divorcement. This takes us back to Deut. 24: This had the effect of regulating divorce and actually discouraged it. a. See Deut.24:3: The force of this stipulation would be to discourage hasty divorce. 3. "Moses for your hardness of hearts suffered you to put away your wives." One of those things that was tolerated during the dispensation in which God was awaiting what Paul called "the fullness of times" for the coming of Christ (Gal.4:4). (Acts 17:30 is also to be understood in this light). a. Ill. Polygamy 4. This is to be contrasted with what Jesus said: vv. 4-6,9. 5. The adulterer or adulteress is one who has been unfaithful to his spouse. He or she has gone outside the legitimate realm of marriage to commit lasciviousness and uncleanness (Heb.13:4). 6. Whether or not one is lost depends upon whether he has obtained forgiveness that is in Christ (1 Cor.6:9-11).
Discuss Lent and Easter.Lent is the 40 days before Easter Sunday, and Easter Sunday is the first Sunday after the full moon following the vernal equinox (about Mar. 21). The custom of the Lenten or Spring Fast ("Lenten" is from the Anglo-Saxon word "lencten" which means "spring") developed slowly during the late 2nd and 3rd centuries. On Easter Sunday, special sermons eulogizing the resurrection of Christ are preached; sunrise services are conducted; multitudes of unknowing infants are sprinkled; many go to church for the one or two times they go each year. (Matt. 15:3,9,12-14; Gal. 4:9-11; Gal. 1:6-12; Col. 2:20-23). Mardi Gras: Ash Wednesday begins the 40 day Lenten season which is climaxed on Easter Sunday. The first day of importance in the traditional Catholic celebration of this season is Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. "Shrove" refers to confession which is to be made before the 40 days of "fasting"begin. Shrove Tuesday is called in French, Mardi Gras, or "Fat Tuesday" which is observed by Catholics and others as the last day of a carnival period of feasting and merry-making before the Lenten fasting begins. Mardi Gras really means, "Eat, drunk and live it up for tomorrow we must observe Lent." Ash Wednesday follows Fat Tuesday. Ash Wednesday is a reference to the pouring of ashes on the head as a public admission of penitence, both for the excesses and sins of Fat Tuesday and previous sins as well. Maundy Thursday is the Thursday immediately preceding Easter. "Maundy" comes from the French word "Mande," meaning "command," and has reference to the washing of the Apostles' feed by Christ on Thursday evening before His death, and the institution of the "Eucharist" (Lord's Supper). This is celebrated in a ceremony of washing the feet of the poor and partaking of the "Mass". Such foot-washing was traditionally practiced in this observance from the fourth century to 1754 when it was abandoned. Good Friday was originally "God's Friday" and is kept by Catholics and others as the anniversary of the crucifixion. Origin of Easter Easter was not observed by the Apostles of Christ nor Christians of the NT era; it is no part of the religion of Christ. The name "Easter" is merely the slightly changed English spelling of the name of the ancient Assyrian and Babylonian goddess Ishtar. The name "Easter" comes to us from the mythological writings of the ancient Teucrians (who lived 1200 BC along the southern coast of Palestine) where it is known as "Ostern." Webster's says "Easter is from the pre-historic name of a pagan spring festival. (See The Biblical World.86). The Easter tradition developed over a period of several centuries (late 2nd century to the 7th) with heated controversies surrounding the question of the proper date for its observance. The Council of Nicea (325 A.D.) set the day of its observance, but still controversy continued. (Source: Grover Stevens)
Is it right to pay an elder? Have you ever heard of it? If so where can it be found?If he devotes the amount of time to the work under consideration in 1 Tim. 5:18: "The laborer is worthy of his reward." NIV: "The worker deserves his wages." "The laborer is worthy of his wages." (NASB). "Double honor" Additional honor. One honor has to do with financial support. "The elder who rules well in word and doctrine-- who carry burdens of oversight and spend time in preaching and teaching--are worthy of the honor and respect of the office he holds, and in addition the honor of financial support for his work The connection of v. 18 shows this to be the meaning of the apostle" (H.E.Phillips.226). "Labor in word and doctrine". By teaching and preaching. Some elders are preachers also, and spend their whole time in the work. Yes, I have known of elders who were financially supported in their work. May their tribe increase, of godly men who devote their lives to watching for souls (Heb. 13:17).
Where does church get authority for voting on its elders, pastors, deacons, etc.?There is no authority for voting. Qualifications are given for elders and deacons in Titus 1 and 1 Tim. 3. The congregation is involved in the selection process (Acts 6:3-7). The evangelist also is charged with the work of appointing elders (Titus 1:5).
What are the duties of the church to the elders?1. Know the elders: 1 Thess. 5:12. 2. Esteem them highly in love 1 Thes. 5:13 3. Be submissive Heb. 13:17 4. Be at peace among yourselves (1 Thess. 5:13) 5. Obey them (Heb. 13:17).
Please explain the gifts listed in Ephesians 4:11-15.Intro: In vv. 1-3 we see the unity of the Spirit, and the disposition necessary for unity to be achieved and maintained. In vv. 4-6 we see the unifying facts--the seven-fold basis of unity. In vv. 7-16, the unifying gifts that God has given. 11) Apostles. Laid the foundation of the church (Eph. 2:19-20). Laid only once, hence no successors. To witness (Acts 1:8,21-22; 2:32-33; 10:39-41). All truth revealed to them (Jno.16:13; Eph. 3:5). Credentials (2 Cor. 12:12). There were then, as today, false apostles (2 Cor. 11:13-15; Rev. 2:2). Prophets. Inspired teachers (Acts 11:27-30; 13:1-3; 21:9- 10). Also laid foundation (Eph. 2:19-20). Received revelation (Eph. 3:5). Evangelists. Function: to preach the Gospel. Examples: Philip (Acts 21:8). Timothy (2 Tim. 4:5). Pastors. Shepherds, to feed the flock That these are the same as elders and bishops can be seen from Acts 20:17 and 28. Elders are limited in their oversight to the flock "over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers..." (Acts 20:28). The elders which Peter addressed are commanded to feed or tend the flock of God "which is among you, taking the oversight thereof..." (1 Pet. 5:2). Qualified elders have all they can handle when they oversee the one flock as God ordained (Heb. 13:17). Teachers. Instructors. Faithful and able (2 Tim. 2:2; Jas. 3:1). 12) The Purpose: for the perfecting or the maturing and growth of the saints, eis (unto) the work of mutual service, eis (unto) the great end of building up the entire body. (Lk. 6:40; 1 Cor. 1:10; Heb. 13:21; 1 Pet. 5:10). All Christians are called to the ministry (Green). To serve, to bear fruit. (Acts 6:1; Rom. 12:7). Some obviously feel they can hire a preacher to do their work. But the preacher's work is to equip the brethren to do their work (Green). This passage gives emphasis to the fact that we are to help each other grow! 13) "Till": the goal that we should constantly strive for. The unity of the faith is unity based upon God's word. Growing as a Christian, and becoming more and more like Jesus. 14) Becoming unmovable. The church is not a perpetual playpen for spiritual babies. Goal is maturity in Christ. Children can be convinced of about anything. They are unstable. They like to be entertained and excited. The word "sleight" is translated from kubos from which we derive "cube." It refers to the throwing of dice, and apparently a reference is implied of using dishonesty in gambling (Green). They are described as "cunning" and "crafty." They don't miss a trick. They are religious con-men. Saints cannot afford to continue very long as novices. Paul could not give the Corinthians the strong, spiritual nourishment they so desperately needed because they were still babies and were not in a sufficiently mature state to receive it (1 Cor. 3:1-3). These wolves are further described as "lying in wait to deceive." Mormons, JW's and others are not slack when it comes to their efforts of proselyting disciples. 15) Truth is often spoken without love. Let's speak the truth, but let us make certain that we don't make it unattractive with a rotten attitude (4:1; 5:1,2 Green). Every day as we practice this exhortation we shall find ourselves conformed more closely to His image. 16) If the body/church is to grow, the members will have to work together. Bound closely, even as the bones of our physical bodies are fitly joined at the joints. Each part of the body works together with every other part to make the body move and function.
Is evolution totally wrong?The theory of organic evolution offers an explanation for this universe purely naturalistic causes. That the universe happened as a result of blind chance; that there is no purpose; that there is no design. That life comes from non-life. Evolution is atheistic. cf. Matthew 19:4. We all know that there is variation within kinds. Different breeds of cattle, or flowers, or dogs can be produced. But evolution demands that we believe that reptiles become birds. Evolution is unproved and unprovable.
Is fasting right or wrong?1. Jesus gave directions for fasting, showing both how it was to be done, and how not to do it (Matt. 6:1-4). 2. Lamentation (Mt. 9:14-17) 3. Distress (2 Sam. 12:16f). 4. Concentration (Acts 13:2,3). Prayer and fasting are often combined (here and Acts 14:23). 5. O.T.: Day of atonement: Lev. 16:29-34; 23:26-32; Num.29:7-11.
Would you deal with the subject of the washing of feet as an act of worship in church services?Foot washing had been practiced for hundreds of years before Jesus washed the disciples feet in John 13. It can be found as early as the days of Abraham. So Jesus merely performed a service for his disciples such as had been long practiced. People then traveled mostly by foot. They wore sandals or went barefoot. Water to wash their weary feet was necessary for cleanliness and comfort. Usually the host furnished water that his guests might wash their own feet (Gen. 18:3-5; 19:2; 24:32; 43:24; Jud.19:21; 2 Sam.11:8; Lk.7:44). The menial task of washing another's feet belonged to servants (1 Sam.25:41; Lk. 7:37,38). In John 13, Jesus washed their feet because they were dirty. Having already purified themselves, all that remained was to wash their feet (Jno.13:10; 11:55). He could perform a needed service and by this act He could teach them a lesson they needed on humility (Lk. 22:24-30). Jesus did not command them to "wash feet" as an act of public worship. Regarding the washing of feet as a religious service in the PUBLIC ASSEMBLY OF THE CHURCH? It is no trouble to find proof that the Lord's Supper, for example, is to be in the worship service, for Paul shows that it was done when they "came together in the church" (1 Cor. 11:20). But where does it say that Christians washed feet when they came together in the church? The only time foot washing is mentioned in the N.T. after the church was established is in 1 Tim. 5:10. Are these home duties or public services of the church. Washing the saints' feet is classed with bringing up children, lodging strangers and relieving the afflicted. Does Paul mean to say that bringing up children is a public service to be done in the church? Does he mean that strangers should be lodged and the afflicted relieved in the public worship of the church? These were duties to be performed at home. And washing the saints' feet is classed with them. So it is a home duty; not a duty to be performed in public service. There is no passage that says to practice it in the public service of the church. These good works are not acts of public worship that are to be performed in the public assembly. You see, Paul speaks of feet washing as a good work like bringing up children, hospitality and relieving the afflicted. Yes, we should "wash one another's feet" as an act of service, hospitality or humility as the occasion may demand or warrant, but NOT as an act of public worship. If you are too proud to wash the feet of disciples of Christ, you are too proud to be a faithful servant of Jesus Christ. Arguments from the Nichols-Weaver Debate: 1. It had a religious aspect: sang a hymn Answer: Does not prove it was to be practiced in the church. Afterward only connected with lodging strangers and hospitality, together with other home duties (1 Tim. 5:10). Feet were not washed that night as worship, but to cleanse them (215) 2. He instituted the ordinance of feet washing. Answer: This is false. Feet washing was practiced in O.T. times (1 Sam.25:41. It was not something new. Jesus reproved a Pharisee in whose house He was a guest for not providing water for his feet (Lk.7:44-46). This was long before John 13. Hence, feet washing was customary before John 13. 3. A command: Ye also ought to wash one another's feet. Answer. Feet washing was to cleanse them (Jno.13:10). He did not teach them to wet feet which were already clean. They were to do it to cleanse them and as an act of service. "So ought men to love their wives." (Eph.5:28). But this does not mean the husbands are to have a wife-loving service in the public worship in connection with the Lord's Supper. Jesus washed feet to cleanse them, and if we do it as an act of worship, we are not following His example. He did not wash feet until they needed it. Nichols Affirmative: 1. Where did Christ require feet washing as an act of public worship. 2. Feet were to be washed to cleanse them. He says as an act of public worship, and I say as a matter of cleanliness, service and hospitality. 3. It is connected with home duties, and not with worship. 1 Tim.5:10. None of these were items of worship in the church, like the Lord's Supper. This is the only passage mentioning feet washing this side of the death of Christ on the cross. It is the only reference to feet washing after the church was established on Pentecost, and this one time classes it with hospitality in the home, and not public worship in the church. Sound doctrine locates feet washing with lodging strangers. This was done by a widow to strangers who had come to her home. It had no reference to public worship. 4. Supper being ended: reference is to the Passover supper. 5. Re. the wearing of Sandals a) The Hebrews wore sandals and not our kind of shoes. b) The sandal consisted simply of a sole attached to the foot by strings to hold it to the bottom of the foot, leaving the foot exposed to dirt, etc. c) Sandals were not worn indoors, any more than we wear our hats in the house d) During meals sandals were removed, as at the Passover. e) To unloose another's sandals, or wash his feet, was a service performed only by those thought to be inferior to the one being served. (p.197) 6. Simon was reproved for not furnishing water for the Master's feet when He was a guest in the home (Lk.7:36-33). 7. Paul connected it with lodging strangers in 1 Tim. 5:10. It was not catalogued with the Lord's Supper, and other acts of public worship. It is classed with home duties. The widow to be supported by the church must be one who had practical experience in serving the people so she would be able to do just that kind of work as a servant of the church. She cannot help others bring up their children unless she has had experience in bringing up children of her own. She can not teach others how to lodge strangers, unless she has practiced that sort of work herself. She would not be able to gracefully serve in washing the feet of strangers and bathing and relieving the sick and afflicted and in serving among the members, without having had experience....There is not an item of public worship in this whole list. Paul connects feet washing with lodging strangers on one side of it, and relieving the afflicted on the other side of it.....there is not a passage in the O.T. about feet washing which does not connect it with hospitality in the home, or make it a matter of mere cleanliness and comfort. Jesus said, "Ye are clean, but not all." (Jno.13:10-11) His language has a spiritual application. Just as each one was clean, "but not all"--all clean except the feet--so as a group they were clean spiritually--"but not all"--not Judas. Not once after the cross was feet washing connected with the Lord's Supper, or any item of public worship. WE have the Lord's Supper and other items of worship mentioned in Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:30; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; Eph. 5:19; but not one word about washing feet in such worship. The disciples came together to break bread (Acts 20:7). But where did they ever come together to wash feet, as some do? Feet were dusty when wearing sandals (Mk.6:11) Spirit was to come to the apostles on Pentecost to guide them into all truth (Jno.16:13). L.S; Singing; Contrib; Pub. teaching. That is what the early Christians did in worship. But where is the passage which tells of their coming together to wash feet? Even the night of the Passover, "There was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest (Lk.22:24)....Peter was blocking the Lord's effort to teach them by an object lesson, and he would have no part with him (217) My notes from the Thomas-Miller Debate (oral) on Footwashing In Jno.13, were they in worship at this time? They were in a worship service when Jesus washed their feet. Answer: Emphatic no. They were not engaged in public worship when Jesus washed their feet. They had just observed the Passover, washing of the feet had to do with purifying themselves for that feast (Jno.11:55). They had already purified themselves by bathing. Jno.13:10: their feet had become defiled again by walking to the upper room. Peter, you have already been bathed all over, you just need to wash your feet. "You ought to wash one another's feet." Ought is a command. Answer But where does Jesus say you ought to do it? Where does Jesus say that it is to be done when the church comes together for public worship. Gave us an example. We all know what an example is. Answer: Where did He give us an example to do it in public worship; that is the issue. ****** Thomas: we have no more right to put footwashing into the public worship than the Pharisees did to make the washing of hands a religious ceremony. He wants to put footwashing where God never put it. Jesus rebuked them for binding the washing of hands as an act of worship. When feet were washed in Bible times, there was something on the feet that needed to be washed off. There is no relationship between the Lord's Supper, and the washing of their feet. There is no mention in Jno. 13 of the Lords Supper; there is no mention of the other Gospel accounts of feet washing. In fact there is no passage that mentions the washing of feet and the Lord's Supper together. Acts 20:7-came together on the first day of the week to break bread. No mention of foot washing. Washing of feet from the beginning is an act of kindness, of service that was rendered. 1 Tim. 5:10: widow: lodged strangers, every good work, If washing of feet was done as public worship in connection with the Lord's Supper, she would have washed the saints feet. He would have no need to mention that. He would just as well have said, If she has taken the Lord's supper, given of her means. These things belong to the public worship. Feetwashing does not. Perhaps she washed the feet when she lodged them. Individual, home service, act of kindness. Nowhere as an act of public worship. Washing of feet takes place in the same place as lodging strangers does. Why take one of these as a public act of worship, and then leave the others where they are, as home duties. When they came into the house they would take their shoes off. When they came into the house they would wash their feet. Because Simon failed to do this Jesus rebuked him. Lk.7:34. Lk.7:34 1 Sam. 25 A case of one washing the feet of others. Jesus was not instituting something new. The Lord's Supper was to be eaten each 1st day of the week. How often are feet to be washed? Must distinguish between acts of service and acts of worship. Not everything that Jesus did was an act of worship: turning over tables. Telling disciples where to catch fish. Jno.14:26: H.S. would bring to their minds all that Jesus had commanded them. Where did H.S. ever bring to their remembrance anything about washing feet as an act of public worship. Biblical History Gen.18:3-5 Gen. 19:2 Lot's house Gen.24:32 servant who went to get wife for Isaac Gen.43:24 Ex.30:19; 40:31 Jud.19:21 1 Sam. 25:41: Abigail: let thine handmade be Psa.58:10: Symbolic Song of S. 5:3 N.T> Lk.7: House of Simon: rebuked Simon for not offering him water when he came in. All of these passages are before Jesus washed the feet of the disciples. Jesus did not institute the washing of feet. This had been practiced through the years. Jno.13. 1 Tim. 5:10
Explain any multiple meanings of the term "fornication." 1. Word is a broad term that means illicit sexual intercourse. Includes unmarried persons, and well as violation of marriage bond (Heb.13:4). Includes incest (1 Cor. 5). Includes homosexuality (Jude 7). Includes bestiality (Lev.18). cf. Rev.21:8.
Will pre-marital sex send me to hell?1) Some experts say that it is not wrong, that it is just a normal part of growing up. Consequently they assume that unmarried persons will be "sexually active" (a euphemism for fornication) and take the approach of education for "safe sex." The thrust is how to commit fornication without unwanted conception or disease. That in a nutshell is the whole point of much of today's sex education. 2) While this may be the standard and message of the world, one who would be pleasing to God will not be deceived. It is possible for young people and other unmarried persons to be pure in heart (Joseph, Gen. 39:7-12). 3) Sexual intimacy is designed by God exclusively for marriage. There it is good and wholesome (Heb. 13:4). 4) Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:3-6; Rev. 21:8. These passages answer your question in no uncertain terms. [5) Not only is this true for pre-marital sexual activities; it is equally true for extra-marital sexual relations.] 6) God's laws are for our good always (Deut. 6:24). When His will is violated, there are often consequences in this life, in addition to spiritual and eternal considerations. This is certainly true of fornication. One by-product of pre-marital sexual relations is unwanted pregnancies. Statistics show that 1 out of every 4 American brides is pregnant at the time of the wedding. Studies show that such marriages have a far greater chance of ending in divorce. 7) So called sex education courses, that address the subject without moral teaching, have been a dismal failure. There are more kinds of venereal disease than ever before, as a result of pre- marital and extra-marital sex. The one that doesn't have to worry about that is the one who keeps himself pure before marriage, and is faithful to his spouse. You won't see people like that bombarding the clinic, wringing their hands, awaiting the test results as they are checked for aids, or other sexually transmitted diseases.. 8) Those who have been sexually promiscuous before marriage often indicate that there are emotional and psychological scars that the passing of time does not remove. Often this is a hinderance to one's adjustment to marriage. One may find it an obstacle to a healthy and happy marriage, as he/she is haunted by those memories. You should recognize that even if one obtains forgiveness from God, and whatever people are involved, that those scars and consequences may remain.
What does the Bible teach about gambling?Time Magazine (2/25/91) reported on the rise of teenage gambling "...of the estimated 8 million compulsive gamblers in America, fully 1 million are teenagers." Researchers offer such explanations as state governments promoting lotteries; also "unstable families, low self-esteem and a societal obsession with money." 1. Gambling is defined as to play a game for money or other stake...hence: to stake money or any other thing of value upon an uncertain event; to hazard; wager. In gambling, a stake is involved whereby one stands to gain at the loss of others depending upon the outcome of some selected element of chance. People can bet on anything; that selected element of chance may range from a state lottery, to a presidential election, to a football game, to who is the winner of the prize from among those who have "bought a chance." 2. Gambling violates Biblical Principles. a. Some object that the word gambling does not appear in the Bible. b. Violates legitimate economy. It does not involve gain by reason of labor (Gen 2:15; 3:19; Eph. 4:28; 2 Thess. 3:10); it does not involve exchange of equal values; it does not involve a gift (Luke 6:38; Matt. 2:11). Also, receiving interest (Matt. 25:27). c. The motivation of gambling is covetousness. It seeks the rewards of another's efforts. To covet is to long inordinately for something that is another's. This disposition of heart is condemned (1 Tim. 6;10; Col. 3:5). d. The attraction of gambling is this desire to gain without labor or fair exchange that which belongs to someone else. e. Obedience to the command to love our neighbor prevents us from gambling (Mt. 22:39; Rom. 13:9-10). 1) Mt. 7:12: Violates the golden rule. f. The Christian is concerned with his influence (Mt. 5:16). 1) These Scriptures are more than enough to show anyone who is honest and sincere that gambling is worldly and sinful in nature. It should be abhorred, despised and rejected. g. The fruit of gambling is corrupt (Mt. 7:16,18,20). 1) A gambler robs his family (1 Tim. 5:8) 2) The Senate Crime Investigating Committee (1950-51) as reported by Sen. Estes Kefauver in Crime In America stated "Gambling produces nothing and adds nothing to the economy or society of our nation. America will be in a bad way if we ever resort to taxing crimes and immorality for the purpose of raising revenue to operate our institutions." Crime has greatly increased in those cities that are known for their gambling casinos. The Reno police department says that 75% of the embezzlement cases are related to gambling. Suicides for gamblers are up 12-15% above the national average. Gambling is injurious to the morals and welfare of the people. It has wrecked homes and has ruined many lives. It is addictive. It is directly connected with drinking, theft, broken homes, neglected children and murder. George Washington said, "It is the child of avarice, the brother of iniquity, the father of mischief." Jimmy the Greek said, "When you put legalized gambling into a community, you ruin the community." 3. What if gambling is legalized by the state? a. Murdering babies (abortion) is legal; does this make it right? Divorce is legal, but God says it is wrong except in the case of fornication (Mt. 19:9). Anything that is condemned by God's word before it is legalized remains condemned after it is legalized. b. What if the gambling is just for small amounts of money? As gambling itself is wrong, the amount of the stake makes no difference. I.e., "I know it is wrong to steal a large amount; what about a small sum?" c. What if it is just for fun? A Christian does not find entertaining those things that are sinful before God. d. What if it is called a "donation"? This is just a euphemism, a word change to make what is in reality gambling more palatable. Thinking people can see that calling gambling a donation does not change the fact that it is still gambling. Because of the problems it breeds, gambling costs more to police than it can bring in as revenue for the state.
What do you have to give up in order to become a Christian?1. Some say that you don't have to give up anything. Some churches say that the homosexual can continue to practice his sin and still be a Christian (Rom. 6:1-2, 13, 16; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:16-21). 2. Everything sinful must be laid aside (1 Pet. 2:1). 3. God's commandments are for our good always; always in our best interest (Deut. 6:24). 4. One may have to give up the approval of family or friends in order to become a Christian (Mt. 10:34-37). He certainly must give up the approval of the world (John 15:18-19). 5. It is a matter of complete commitment (Lk. 14:33). Ill. Man who after 15 frustrating years turned his business over to the Lord. When it burned, he was asked how he could be so calm. Said: "I gave this business to the Lord; if He wants to burn it, it's His business." 6. Giving self to the Lord (2 Cor. 8:5; Gal. 2:20). Moving from All of Self, none of Thee, moving from mostly self, some of Thee, to None of Self, all of Thee. 7. This is where true joy is found (see book of Philippians). 8. Related passages: Eph. 4:20-24; It is a walk, a life, of ever becoming more and more like Jesus 2 Cor. 3; Rom. 8:29; Col. 1:27; Eph. 5:1ff.
Can the existance of God be proven without the Bible?A principle that is universally apparent: The law of cause and effect. Every effect must have an adequate cause. 1. The existance of this universe. Only three plausible explanations for the existance of the universe. That it is eternal. Or that somehow or another it mysteriously possessed the power to create itself. Created by a being both anterior to and superior to itself. a. Eternal. 1) Has been traditionally held by atheists. Rejected by most scientists. Jastrow (Until the Sun Dies, 1977). Founder and directer of NASA's Institute for Space Studies. Author of the most widely used space textbooks. Looked on as most prominent space writer. See quotes: Violates the 2nd law of thermodynamics: "energy available for useful work in a functioning system tends to dcrease, even though the total energy remains constant." b. Self-created. i.e. the Big Bang Theory. Dr. George E. Davis, a prominent physicist declares, "No material thing can create itself." No material thing contains the intrensic ability to create itself. Car/suit of clothes. c. Created by a being both anterior to and superior to itself. 2. What atheism offers is a deification of nature. Seen on most nature specials. "Nature" equipped this plant or animal. "Nature" designed this. What if instead we said Mother Goose, or Father Accident was responsible? That would be as scientific as attributing all things to "nature." 3. Evidence from design. a. House b. Watch--->watchmaker c. Ill. Isaac Newton. d. Human brain: 3 lbs. 12 bil. cells. Each of of which is connected to 10,000 other brain cells. 120 tril. brain connections. Receive signals from eyes, ears, sensory; Signals are transmited at the speed of 270 mph to brain. Who invented the brain? Dr. Gerheart Gerts holds 50 patents on IBM computer. Came up with most of his inventions by studying human brain. Said if we could come up with computer which would duplicate all that the brain could do, it would take a building the size of the empire State Building to house it. If we understand that a mind to invent a computer does it not stand to reason that it took a mind to create the mind that invented the computer. e. Sense of morals. Why do human beings have a moral sensitivity a tree/dog/ape doesn't. Why do human beings, if just a bundle of evolved matter. 4. Anthropic Principle. (Source: Wayne Jackson)
Where did God come from?1. Ex. 3:14. The very name of God means "He is," "He exists," "He is present". (Theology of the O.T., p.189) 2. Ps. 90:1,2. "Lord, thou hast been our dwelling-place In all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God."
Is there anything God cannot do?1. He is God Almighty (Gen.17:1). Question is answered in Jer. 31:17,27. 2. Power is seen in creation Rev. 4:11; Rom. 1:20. 3. In His redemption of Israel (Ex. 9:16). 4. In salvation: Lk. 1:35; Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 1:18. 5. Cannot lie Titus 1:2; 1 Sam. 15:29; Heb. 6:18. 6. Cannot deny Himself 2 Tim. 2:11-13.
Do you believe long hair is a sin?1. Not what I believe, but what the Bible teaches, that I'm sure your interest is in. 2. Bible deals with this question in 1 Cor. 11:14,15. Word is "shame." Also translated "dishonor" or "disgrace." Same word is used in Rom. 1:26 to describe passions that were sinful, in the context, homosexuality: "vile passion." Is that which is shameful, disgraceful, dishonorable, and vile, right, or wrong? 3. God has made a distinction between the sexes. The length of hair is one aspect of that. /For a man to wear long hair is to obscure God's natural distinctions between the sexes/ (Willis, p.376). Principle of Deut. 22:5: "The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth to a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment." 4. The only stated exception to this was the Nazarite vow, Num. 6:5. During the duration of the vow, the man with the Nazarite vow would not cut his hair or shave. When the vow was terminated, his hair was cut. 5. Ancient statues of the Greeks and Romans show that the men wore their hair short. (Macknight, p.180). Related question: Did Jesus have long hair? 1) Nazarite vow provided for long hair (Num.6) Visibly different; the one who thus voluntarily took the vow was visibly set apart from others. 2) Jesus was NOT a Nazarite. He was a "Nazarene" because He was from Nazareth (Matt. 2:23). The two terms are unrelated. 2) Jesus did not do that which is otherwise shameful to do (see principle of 1 Cor. 11:14,15).
After we leave this world (this life) where will we go to live--in heaven or on earth? Does the Bible say what it will be like?a. To find out what happens immediately at the moment of death, read Lk. 16:19f. b. The question obviously deals with those who are saved. To see the end of those who do not obey the Gospel, and die in their sins, 2 Thes.1:8-10, etc. c. Our reward is in heaven (Mt. 5:12; 6:19; John 14:1-3; 1 Pet.1:3,4. d. Earth will be destroyed 2 Pet. 3:7,10,12. e. The beauties of heaven are described in Rev. 21-22.
Will We Know One Another in Heaven?1. Death is not the cessation of existence; it is not annihilation. It is the spearation of the body and the spirit. a. The spirit survives apart from the body as a conscious entity (2 Cor. 5:6-8). b. Mt. 17: Moses and Elijah retained their identity after death. c. Lk.16:19ff Rich man and Lazarus. d. No indication that at the resurrection, that our identity will be changed, or unrecognizable; no indication that the memory we now possess will be obliterated, and that everyone in heaven will be a stranger. e. The hope of a glad and happy reunion is not a cruel delusion, a vain and empty fantasy (Woods.11), where songs will be infinitely sweeter than any we have rendered here, where handclasps will be warmer than any we have ever experienced in this life, and where tears, heartaches, and sorrows are unknown (8b8d) f. cf. 1 Cor. 15. The fact that the saved will be given a new body, one that is incorruptible, a glorious body, does not mean that the saved will be given new identities. g. Consider also Lk. 13:23-30: The unbelieving Jews would see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom, while the unbelievers themselves would be cast out. 2. Scriptural evidence: a. Phil.4:1: his joy and crown. The Corinthians, the occasion for "rejoicing...in the day of the Lord Jesus" (2 Cor.1:14). b. 1 Thess. 2:19 c. 2 Cor. 4:14 d. 1 Thes. 4:13-18
Are there degrees of punishment in hell and degrees of reward in heaven? 1. Reflections on Lk. 12:47. No passages that say Blessed is the man which thinks one way is as good as another; or Blessed is the man who is true to his conscience. The blessings are pronounced upon the one who knows and does the will of God (v. 43). Ignorance saves no one; if it did, the more ignorant a person is the more sure would be his salvation. On the contrary, ignorance causes many to be lost (Hos.4:6). 2. Instead of thinking that hell will be hotter for some (externally), it would seem that the greater one's awareness of his opportunities, the greater knowledge of truth, and what one has allowed to slip through his fingers, will produce greater suffering (internally).
Explain Acts 19:2 concerning the receiving of the Holy Ghost.1. First, some matters regarding the Holy Spirit. a. H.S. is in the Bible from Gen. 1:2 to Rev. 22:17. b. Must accept what the Bible teaches regarding the H.S. (Eph. 4:1-6. 2. Acts 19:2:"Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? a. This is not a reference to H.S. baptism. The only two recorded cases are Acts 2 & Acts 10. b. Paul wanted to know if they had received the miraculous gifts of the Spirit, which were necessary at this point to reveal the word of God. c. Their answer showed that they were uninformed about the events of Acts 2, re. the coming of the H.S., the establishment of the church. d. Trace miraculous. This relates to what Simon saw. Acts 18:8-Note what is directly stated: "Now when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money" 1) Reason Peter and John came to Samaria 2) Gifts not available through prayer. 3) Not transferable through Philip. 4) Many today have not seen what Simon saw. Notes on Acts 19 1-7: The twelve rebaptized. Intro: The historian now reaches the point for which he had so hurriedly passed over the voyage of Paul from Ephesus to Antioch, and his land journey thence through Galatia and Phrygia (NMcG.150). Paul is permitted at last to begin a work which he had in mind when, on his preceding tour, he was "forbidden by the H.S. to speak the word in Asia, 16:6; and also to fulfill the appointment which he had left here on his journey homeward, 18:21 (ibid). 1) Disciples: word means a learner. In this particular passage the word does not mean a Christian. 2) when ye believe as used here, refers to conversion. The Holy Spirit here would not refer to the ordinary gift of the H.S. All believers receive H.S., Acts 2:38. Under consideration then would be the miraculous. This is further shown "by the fact that it is this which he conferred upon them at the close of the conversation" (ibid.151). This of course could be given to them only by an apostle (Acts 8:17,18). It is not likely that they had never heard of the existence of the H.S. The O.T. is full of references to Him. Probable meaning is that they did not know that the H.S. had been given. Thus they were ignorant of the events of Pentecost, and of the N.T. being revealed. 3) Since they not only could not work miracles, but did not even know that the H.S. had come, this raised the question of whether they had been scripturally baptized. They were either taught by Apollos, or someone like him. They were ignorant of the baptism of Christ. 4) Paul showed them the temporary nature of John's work in pointing forward to Christ. Now that Jesus had come and had accomplished the Father's work, men were to render obedience to Him. A baptism of repentance Mk.1:14,15. 5) Upon hearing and believing this, they were baptized into the name of Jesus. Lessons: Here were men who had been baptized but did not know of the coming of Christ or of the H.S. Because of this, they had to be rebaptized. Application: If today a person is baptized to enter a denomination, he does not understand the purpose of baptism. If one is baptized thinking he is saved, as is almost always the case among denominations, he has not been scripturally baptized, for scriptural baptism is "for the remission of sins. If a person were baptized just to please someone else, the same would apply. 6) After their baptism, Paul laid his hands on them, imparting to them miraculous gifts. This is the only way that men besides apostles could work miracles. ONly apostles could impart miraculous gifts. 1 Tim. 4:14 is misused. with (meta) means to accompany. 2 Tim. 1:6 tells us how Timothy received gift. (dia)--"the means or instrument by which anything is affected" (Thayer.133) Thus when the last apostle died, the power to impart the ability to perform miracles ceased. When the last person on whom an apostle laid hands died, miracles ceased. Therefore there is not a man living on earth today who can perform miracles. Extended preaching at Ephesus 8) Preached in synagogue 3 months. Some were hardened and disobedient, thus Paul separated himself from them. cf. 18:5-6. We learn that when one becomes hardened and disobedient to the Word, the time has come to look for someone else to teach (Mt. 7:6). 9-10) Paul then began to preach daily in the school of Tyrannus. This was done for 2 years. 11) Special miracles. Similar to woman touching garment (Mk.5:25- 27). Purpose of these and all miracles (Heb.2:3,4). 13) Jewish impostors. These events manifested to everyone, especially to magicians, the difference between the power of the apostle Paul, and these impostors. Because of this, many gave up their magic and burned their books, amounting to several thousand dollars. 21) Paul's future plans. Planned on this trip to take up the contribution for the poor saints of Jerusalem. 1 Cor. was written while Paul was in Ephesus (1 Cor. 16:8). Paul did not know at this time that he would go to Rome as a prisoner. 23-41: Riot at Ephesus 23) Ephesus, population 200,000+, worshipped Diana, a fertility goddess. In Ephesus was a great temple which housed her statue, and had an altar 20 feet square. Without doubt, in Paul's preaching he had shown the uselessness of idols, and that God is the only true and living God. 27) 2 complaints: a) this is hurting our business; it will cause us to loose money, cf. 16:19. They made shrines--small portable temples which probably contained an image of Diana. b) What he says is against the worship of Diana. 29) Gaius and Aristarchus seized. Evidently Paul could not be located immediately. When Paul heard what had happened, his friends hindered him from entering, for fear he would be killed. 33) Perhaps the Jews put Alexander forward to make known that they had nothing to do with this. When it was seen that He was a Jew, they would not listen. 35-41 Speech of the city clerk. 35) A keeper of the public records, who presided over public gatherings, and performed the duties of the chief magistrate when he was away. Said: the worship of Diana has not been endangered. (Actually, this was false). This should be settled in court, or in a lawful assembly. there was the danger of their being punished because of riot. Thus the mob was dismissed. Idolatry: When one is devoted and attached to anything more than God. God only is to be worshipped Mt.4:10. Therefore, covetousness is idolatry Co.3:5. can make pleasures, or self-gratification, or self-will one's idol. Deut. 6:12-15; 1 Cor. 10:6-7,14. Consequences: a) No inheritance in kingdom Eph.5:5. b) Wrath of God Eph. 5:6; Col. 3:5,6 c) Lake of fire Rev.21:8 Gift of the Holy Spirit Acts 2:38. Here, ten dorean, not charisma. Also in Acts 8:20; 10:45; 11:17.
How can I know that the Holy Ghost is in me? I attended a revival...and I don't feel the urge to jump around.1. Regarding the miraculous working of the Holy Spirit see file Holyspir.001. 2. Regarding feelings as proof that one has the Holy Spirit, see Judges 16:18-20. Samson did not "feel" any different (than 13:25; 14:5,19). He did not know that the Lord was departed from him (16:20). 3. Today people place much emphasis upon "feelings" as proof they have the Holy Spirit. In the Bible, it never tells how they felt, even among those who could do the miraculous. 4. The only way we know for sure is by what the Bible says (Jer.17:9). Like asking how do you know your sins are forgiven? Answer is Mk.16:16; then 1 John 1:9. Similarly, Acts 2:38 promises the gift of the H.S. God gives the Spirit to those who obey Him (Acts 5:32); his intercession (Rom. 8:26); bearing fruit in our lives (Gal. 5:22-23). Working through word (Eph.6:17). Cf.Eph. 5:19-context.
Homosexuality in the Bible A recent article in the Birmingham News dealt with the subject of homosexuality, featuring two homosexual "deacons." The article was predictably biased, and very obviously designed to push and promote homosexuality as normal and acceptable. It said the Bible contains "fewer than a dozen, mostly ambiguous references to homosexuality, with Romans in the New Testament and Leviticus in the Old Testament frequently cited by traditionalists." My first reaction is this: How many times does God have to say something for it to be accepted as truth? Would two dozen be enough, or perhaps three dozen? I have an idea that if one will not believe when God says something is wrong in a dozen verses, that he would not believe if it were stated on every page. The author reflected either on his intelligence or his integrity (I say that in all kindness) when he said that those references were ambiguous . But let God's word speak for itself: Speaking of the homosexuality of Sodom and Gormorrah, God said, "their sin is very grievous" (Gen. 18:26). Is that really ambiguous to you? Ambiguous means that which is unclear, vague, or indefinite. This passage says homosexuality is a sin, and it is very grievous. There was nothing "ambiguous" about the punish- ment: "Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the LORD out of the heavens" (Gen. 19:24). Then again, God gave the following law to His people Israel: "If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. There blood shall be upon them" (Lev. 20:13). I really don't have any trouble understanding that, do you? The Romans passage to which the news article referred says, "There- fore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, that their bodies might be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie....For this reason God gave them over to degrad- ing passions; for their women ex- changed the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error" (Rom. 1:24-27). I would be ashamed to say that I couldn't understand that, wouldn't you? 1 Corinthians 6:9,10 plainly says that neither "homosexuals, nor sodomites" (NKJV) "will inherit the kingdom of God." Would it not be more honest and honorable for a person to just say that he is stub- bornly refusing to accept what the Bible teaches than to say that the Bible is "unclear"? Let God be true but every man a liar.
Homosexuality in the worldI. MOVE TOWARD ACCEPTANCE. Intro: Homosexuals make up only about 3% of the population in the U.S., yet they have been far more successful than any other special interest group in persuading some politicians as well as some denominations into openly supporting their lifestyle. 1. In a Washington, D.C. Sex Education Workshop (1981) "Children from the sixth grade on must accept homosexuality as normal." "Parents who quote Scripture against homosexuality are irrational, their minds are perverted." These type of statements are typical of the homosexual agenda or way of thinking in order to establish homosexual behavior as a normal expression of human sexuality and to make non-homosexuals believe that homosexuality is a legitimate alternative lifestyle. 2. While campaigning for presidency, Walter Mondale said, "We are including and recruiting openly gay and lesbian candidates for our staff" (Human Events, Feb.25, 1984). "If I'm elected president I will issue an Executive Order banning discrimination against them: I will support the Gay Rights Bill; I will push for changes in the immigration laws to allow homosexuals to enter the USA." 3. Geraldine Ferraro said, "We must have legislation that would stop the military from discharging people because they are homosexual" (San Jose Mercury, July 14, 1984). 4. Gay Rights groups gained tax-exempt status under the Carter-Mondale administration. ("We espouse a philosophy just like the churches and schools" was the argument used to gain this status). 5. According to IRS Records, by 1983 there were 330 homosexual churches in 47 states. (Above statistics taken from "Homosexuality/Lesbianism", Today March 1985) 6. Homosexuality is not a new problem. 14 out of the first 15 Roman emperors were homosexuals. II. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY? O.T. SCRIPTURE: 1. Gen. 19:5 2. Forbidden in Lev. 18:22; Called for the death penalty Lev. 20:13: "If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them." 3. Deut. 23:17. N.T. SCRIPTURE: 1. Rom. 1:26-32. Note emphasis in the context: all of what is described is the result of departure from God! a. v.26: against nature (para phusin); vile passion (degrading; passions of dishonor). b. v. 27: men working unseemliness: indecent act, shameless act.; error. 1) "Receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was due." This can so vividly be seen, among many diseases, in the AIDS epidemic. c. v. 28 "reprobate mind" (Vine: a mind of which God cannot approve, and which must be rejected by him). NAS: "depraved mind." To do those things which are not fitting. d. "Worthy of death." 2. 1 Cor. 6:9-10 a. Effeminate (malakos: Thayer-effeminate. of a catamite, a male who submits his body to unnatural lewdness). b. abusers of themselves with mankind. c. "Be not deceived" Do not be led astray by plausible talk to cover up sin and change it into something respectable and acceptable. 3. 1 Tim. 1:10: For abusers of themselves with men. 4. Homosexuality is fornication Jude 7 III. HOMOSEXUAL RIGHTS A. Right to hear the Gospel. 1 Cor. 6:9-11. B. The Right to know that God does not regard homosexuality or lesbianism as an alternative life style Heb. 13:4. Rom. 1:24 Dishonor their own bodies. C. Have the right to know that this kind of conduct is sin. NKJV: "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?" Do not be deceived, neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Cor. 6:9-10). D. Have the right to know that they will suffer in their own bodies and personalities the consequences of this sin (Rom. 1:26- 27: James Moffatt Translation: ...".men perpetrating shameless acts with their own sex and getting in their own persons the due recompence of their perversity. E. Have the right to know that God calls them dogs (Deut. 23:17-18; Rev.22:15). F. Have the right to know that their companions have a right from God to put them away for this sin Matt.19:9; Jude 7. G. Have the right to know that they were not born homosexuals. It is a learned behavior. It is a choice that the individual makes out of ignorance of, or defiance of, Biblical authority. (Source of "Rights"-Donald Townsley) CONCLU: Homosexuality is a sin. Like other sins, it condemns the soul. God wants the homosexual to turn from his sin, in obedience to the Gospel, before it is eternally too late.
Explain the 7 horses in Revelation. 1. The text in Revelation that deals with the subject is Rev. 6. You will first want to note that although 7 seals are referred to in the chapter that there are 4 horses, and not 7. 2. Key passage: 1:1,3, the book for the most part deals with that which would "shortly come to pass." 3. White horse: conquest, armed strength. 4. Red Horse: persecution, strife: with his sword he takes peace from the earth. 5. Black horse: Rider has a balance to weigh wheat and barley; hurt not the oil and wine. These were the basic food stuffs of the ancient Near East. Dire want in the midst of luxury. 6. Pale Horse: rider is death. Judgments, trials, tribulations: Followed by Hades, the realm of the unseen, where the soul goes when the body dies.
Comment on the Bible's statement that no adulterers/idolaters will go to heaven.1. This is stated in 1 Cor. 6:9f, as well as in other similar listings. 2. The adulterer or adulteress is one who has been unfaithful to his spouse. He or she has gone outside the legitimate realm of marriage to commit lasciviousness and uncleanness (Heb.13:4). 3. The idolater is guilty of misplacing the love, affection, and service that is due only unto God. a. It may be in the worship of gods of gold, silver or brass. (Thou shalt have no other gods before me; thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image (Ex.20:3,4) b. It may be with the god of materialism (Lk. 12:15) c. Covetousness; Col.3:5; 1 Tim. 6:6,7. d. Paul spoke of some "Whose god is their belly" (Phil.3:18,19). e. The god of pleasure is another modern form of idolatry (2 Tim.3; 1 Cor.15:32). 4. The key to whether one is lost or not is whether one is forgiven by the blood of Christ. This is in context of 1 Cor.6:9- 11.
Explain Isa. 25:12. "And the high fortress of thy walls hath he brought down, laid low, and brought to the ground, even to the dust." 1. Cf. v. 10: "In this mountain": 24:23; 25:6; Jehovah's holy mountain (11:9), "will the hand of Jehovah rest". It will settle there permanently. The helping and protecting hand of the Lord will rest in His holy city, continuing to care for His own at all times. 2. The abrupt introduction of judgment against Moab: nation known for its pride and arrogance which must be completely destroyed before anyone can share the salvation in Mt. Zion. Moab is characterized as very proud, arrogant, and boastful (16:6; Jer.48:29-30), holding Israel in derision, magnifying himself against Jehovah (Jer. 48:26,42), and holding the dignity of man in contempt (Amos 2:1; Zeph. 2:8,10). As a consequence, Moab shall be trodden down in his place. Before Moab (or people of any nation) can participate in salvation, the spirit of haughtiness against Jehovah and His people has to be destroyed. This appears to be the point of the prophecy. 3. Jehovah will lay low his pride (v.11). This verifies the proverb, "Pride goeth before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall" (Prov. 16:18).
What is the book of Jashar?The Book of Jashar (or Upright) A book quoted twice in the Old Testament: Joshua's poetic address to the sun and the moon (Josh. 10:12-13) and David's lament for Saul and Jonathan (2 Sam. 1:17-27). The "Book of Jashar" probably consisted of poems on important events in Israel's history collected during the time of David or Solomon. The "Book of Jashar" is often compared to or identified with the "Book of the Wars of the Lord." (Source: Hollman's Dictionary) ZPBD: This ancient book is thought to have been a collection of poetry, probably odes and psalms in praise of Israel's heroes and exploits (p.408). Mc& Str: "The book of the upright [man]". A book that existed among the Hebrews, containing the records of honored men, or other praiseworthy transactions. Cited in two passages of the O.T.: "And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day" (Josh. 10:13. "And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son (also he bade them teach the children of Judah [the use of] to bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher." (2 Sam. 1:17,18). After this follows the lamentation of David. "The book of Jashar from which this information is taken is also mentioned in 2 Sam.1:18, where it is introduced by exactly the same formula as here. The work appears to have been a collection of odes in praise of certain heroes of the theocracy, interwoven with historical notices of their achievements" (Woudstra.176).
Why did Jesus have to die?Intro: 1. To give us victory over sin and over Satan (Gen. 3:15). 2. His death was the only thing that would atone for sin (Isa. 53). 3. His suffering and death were essential (Matt. 16:21). 4. In order to be the ransom for us (Matt. 20:28). 5. For remission of sins (Matt. 26:28) 6. To fulfill the Scriptures (Matt. 26:52-54). 7. To take away the sins of the world (John 1:29). 8. As one preacher said, "Because of your crummy sins and mine." Rom. 3:23. 9. This was the only way that God could be both Just and the Justifier (Rom. 3:24ff). 10. Heb. 9:15-22 11. The theme of the Bible is the death of Christ, and His triumphant resurrection from the dead. What wonderful mercy what infinite grace, what immeasurable love! I. JESUS LIVED IN ANTICIPATION OF THE CROSS. A. Matt. 16:21-- a definite, fixed certainty. 1. Every detail known, the scene, the instruments, the non-participation of these in the final act of His death, His resurrection and its date-- all manifested and mapped out in His sight, and all absolutely certain. 2. cf. Acts 2-- determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God. B. Jno. 2:4-- Mine hour has not yet come. C. John 3:14-16-- Even as Moses.. D. Mt. 12:40-- Sign of the prophet Jonah E. Mt. 9:14,15-- Bridegroom taken away II. WHY DID JESUS HAVE TO DIE? A. His suffering and death were essential (Matt. 16:21). B. To fulfill the Scriptures (Matt. 26:52-54). C. To give us victory over sin and over Satan (Gen. 3:15). 1. His death was the only thing that would atone for sin (Isa. 53). 2. In order to be the ransom for us (Matt. 20:28). 3. For remission of sins (Matt. 26:28) 4. To take away the sins of the world (John 1:29). a. As one preacher said, "Because of your crummy sins and mine." Rom. 3:23. D. This was the only way that God could be both Just and the Justifier (Rom. 3:21f). E. Heb. 9:14-22 1. Heb. 9:22- Without shedding of blood there is no remission. conclu. The theme of the Bible is the death of Christ, and His triumphant resurrection from the dead. What wonderful mercy, what infinite grace, what immeasurable love! III. HIS SUFFERING AND DEATH A. Think about these passages when you see Jesus on His way to Passover for the last time (Matt. 26:17ff). 1. The time spent in teaching right up to the end. B. The institution of the Lord's Supper Mt. 26:26ff. C. Gethsemane Mt. 26:36ff D. His betrayal and arrest; His disciples forsook Him and fled (v.56). E. Scourged and crucified Mt. 27:26ff. 1. No where do we learn so vividly the wrath of God against sin. conclu: "Well might the sun in darkness hide, And shut His glories in, When Christ, the mighty Maker died, For man the creatures's sin." "There is a fountain filled with blood Drawn from Immanuel's veins; And sinners, plunged beneath that flood, Lose all their guilty stains." Our response: "Bring Christ your broken life, So marred by sin; He will create anew, Make whole again. Your empty, wasted years He will restore, And your iniquities Remember no more.
Did Satan win at the cross? (He killed Jesus). Jesus went to hell for the time between the cross and the resurrection. Then Jesus defeated Satan at the resurrection?1. From a human perspective it may have looked like Jesus was defeated by Satan at the cross. But we must see this from the divine perspective and from the Biblical standpoint. a. It would be correct to say that His heal was bruised, but not correct to say that He was defeated (Gen. 3:15). b. His death was according to the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God (Acts 2:23). c. Col. 2:12-15. Note v. 15: triumphing over them in it. NIV: "by the cross." d. Heb. 2:14. 2. Consider the impression made upon the Roman centurion who stood at the foot of the cross (Mark 10:39): how He died. cf. Jno. 19. 3. His power over Satan was actually seen before His death, during His personal ministry (Lk. 10:18; Jno.12:31; 16:11). 4. Of course, His death would not have accomplished God's purpose without His resurrection. Rom. 1:4. But that does not mean that Satan defeated Jesus at the cross. 5. Jesus did not go to hell (genenna) when He died. He did go to the hadean realm (translated hell, Acts 2:27,31 KJV), the realm where the spirit departs at death. a. Lk. 23:43 Went to paradise. b. cf. Lk. 16:19f
Did Jesus have any brothers and sisters? What ever happened to Joseph, his father? 1. Yes. Mark 6:3. Acts 1:14; Gal. 1:19. Best evidence is that James and Jude who wrote the epistles which bear their names were brothers of Jesus. 2. Since Joseph, who stood in the stead of a father to Jesus, is never mentioned after Jesus became an adult, it is assumed that he was dead by then. He evidently died somewhere between the narrative recorded in Luke 2, when Jesus was 12, and Joseph is last mentioned, and the events of Luke 3, which records Jesus beginning His ministry at the age of 30.
Are there historical references to Jesus in non-Biblical writings?Cornelius Tacitus (born A.D. 52-54) A Roman historian, in A.D. 112, Governor of Asia, son-in-law of Julius Agricola, who was Governor of Britain A.D. 80-84. Writing of the reign of Nero, Tacitus alludes to the dead of Christ and to the existence of Christians at Rome: But not all the relief that could come from man, not all the bounties that the prince could bestow, nor all the atonements which could be presented to the gods, availed to relieve Nero from the infamy of being believed to have ordered the conflagration, the fire of Rome. Hence to suppress the rumor, he falsely charged with the guilt, and punished with the most exquisite tortures, the persons commonly called Christians, who were hated for their enormities. Christus, the founder of the name, was put to death by Pontius Pilate, procurator of Judea in the reign of Tiberius: but the pernicious superstition, repressed for a time broke out again, not only through Judea, where the mischief originated, but through the city of Rome also (Annals, XX.44) Lucian of Samosata A satirist of the second century, who spoke scornfully of Christ and the Christians. He connected them with the synagogues of Palestine and alluded to Christ as the man who was crucified in Palestine because He introduced this new cult into the world...Furthermore, their first lawgiver persuaded them that they were all brothers one of another after they have transgressed once for all by denying the Greek gods and by worshipping that crucified sophist Himself and living under His laws (The Passing Peregrinus). Flavius Josephus born A.D. 37 A Jewish historian, became a Pharisee at age 19; in A.D. 66 he was the commander of the Jewish forces in Galilee. After being captured, he was attached to the Roman headquarters. He says in a hotly contested quotation: Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call Him a man, for He was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to Him both many of the Jews, and many of the Gentiles, He was the Christ, and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal man among us, had condemned Him to the cross, those that loved Him at the first did not forsake Him; for He appeared to them alive again in the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning Him. And the tribe of Christians so name from Him are not extinct at this day (Antiquities, xviii.33). Suetonius (A.D. 120) Another Roman historian, a court official under Hadrian, annalist of the Imperial House, Suetonius says: "As the Jews were making constant disturbances at the instigation of Chretus [another spelling of Christus], he expelled them from Rome" (Life of Claudius, 25.4) He also writes: Punishment by Nero was inflicted on the Christians, a class of men given to a new and mischievous superstition (Lives of the Caesars, 26:2) Plinius Secundus, Pliny the Younger Governor of Bithynia in Asia Minor (A.D.112), Pliny was writing the emperor Trajan seeking counsel as to how to treat the Christians. He explained that he had been killing both men and women, boys and girls. There were so many being put to death that he wondered if he should continue killing anyone who was discovered to be a Christian, or if he should kill only certain ones. He explained that he had made the Christians bow down to the statues of Trajan. He goes on to say that he also "made them curse Christ, which a genuine Christian cannot be induced to do." In the same letter he says of the people who were being tried: They affirmed, however, that the whole of their guilt, or their error, was that they were in the habit of meeting on a certain fixed day before it was light, when they sang in alternate verse a hymn to Christ as to a god, and bound themselves to a solemn oath, not to any wicked deeds, but never to commit any fraud, theft, adultery, never to falsify their word, not do deny a trust when they should be called upon to deliver it up (Epistles, X.96 Thallus the Samaritan-born historian One of the first Gentile writers who mentions Christ is Thallus, who wrote in A.D. 52. However, his writings have disappeared and we only know of them from fragments cited by other writers. One such writer is Julius Africanus, a Christian writer about A.D. 221 One very interesting passage related to a comment from Tahllus. Julius Africanus writes: "Thallus, in the third book of his histories, explains away this darkness as an eclipse of the sun--unreasonably, as it seems to me" (unreasonably, of course, because a solar eclipse could not take place at the time of the full moon, and it was the season of the Paschal full moon that Christ died). Thus, from this reference we see that the Gospel account of the darkness which fell upon the land during Christ's crucifixion was well known and required a naturalistic explanation from those non-believers who witnessed it. (Source consulted: Josh McDowell)
Do you believe Jews will go to hell for not believing Jesus has come?1. God has but one Gospel for all men. There is but one sacrifice for sin--the death of God's Son. The Gospel is God's power unto salvation (Rom. 1:16). If any man, Jew or Gentile, refuses to believe and obey Jesus Christ, he has forfeited his only hope of salvation (John 8:24).
Explain John 3:13 This text says "no one hath ascended into heaven, but he that descended out of heaven, even the Son of man, who is in heaven." What about Elijah, didn't he ascend into heaven? Answer: "Enoch, Elijah, amy have been translated that they should not see death, but they are not so lifted into the abode of God that they might come thence charge with heavenly truth, and able to explain the 'how' of divine grace....Man, if he should presume to come with a full revelation of Divine and heavenly things, must come down from a height to which he had previously ascended; but no man has thus and for this purpose ascended, except he who has descended from heaven, having been there before his manifestation in the flesh, having been in God, with God, in the bosom of the Father, and having come thence, not losing his essential ego, his Divine personality..." (Pulpit.119,120).
What did Jesus mean when He said, "You can do all I can and even better"? Something about you have the power of the one that sent me.A: Text is John 14:12: "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father." 1. Context: Conversation w/ apostles, especially Philip. a. The disciples need not fear that Christ's physical absence will mean loss of power to perform miracles. From heaven Jesus will continue to supply them with this power. b. Condition: Only those who espoused his cause would be privileged to serve as the instruments through whom the power of God would be exercised. Would enter upon a ministry even greater: in quantity: world wide mission far beyond the pale of Jewry to which Jesus had limited himself in his public ministry (Woods.309). After He ascended to the Father and the HS came in His name, a greater and more extended work would be done by the fuller inspiration of the apostles, and the more extended mission they would fill...3000 obeyed the Gospel the day the church began. Converted from death to life at Pentecost. The book of Acts is a commentary on this promise. c. "Greater works would then relate to the wider opportunities which the disciples would have when Jesus returned to the Father. It would then be possible for Jesus to work through His people" (Guthrie). d. The very nature of Jesus' appearance on earth required miraculous manifestations of His power; but those miracles, wonderful as they were, had an inherent limitation. Hend: According to this great saying of our Lord, the greater works are the spiritual works...Does Jesus, by this means of comparison, which places the spiritual so far above the physical, hint that miracles in the physical sphere would gradually disappear when they would no longer be necessary?" (Coff.333). e. Because I go to the Father..." The great works wrought by the apostles did not take place in the spite of Jesus' going to the Father but because he did go to the Father. Thus, the greater works the apostles were to do were still truly the works of Jesus our Lord. Acts 19 1-7: The twelve rebaptized. Intro: The historian now reaches the point for which he had so hurriedly passed over the voyage of Paul from Ephesus to Antioch, and his land journey thence through Galatia and Phrygia (NMcG.150). Paul is permitted at last to begin a work which he had in mind when, on his preceding tour, he was "forbidden by the H.S. to speak the word in Asia, 16:6; and also to fulfill the appointment which he had left here on his journey homeward, 18:21 (ibid). 1) Disciples: word means a learner. In this particular passage the word does not mean a Christian. 2) when ye believed as used here, refers to conversion. The Holy Spirit here would not refer to the ordinary gift of the H.S. All believers receive H.S., Acts 2:38. Under consideration then would be the miraculous. This is further shown "by the fact that it is this which he conferred upon them at the close of the conversation" (ibid.151). This of course could be given to them only by an apostle (Acts 8:17,18). It is not likely that they had never heard of the existence of the H.S. The O.T. is full of references to Him. Probable meaning is that they did not know that the H.S. had been given. Thus they were ignorant of the events of Pentecost, and of the N.T. being revealed. 3) Since they not only could not work miracles, but did not even know that the H.S. had come, this raised the question of whether they had been scripturally baptized. They were either taught by Apollos, or someone like him. They were ignorant of the baptism of Christ. 4) Paul showed them the temporary nature of John's work in pointing forward to Christ. Now that Jesus had come and had accomplished the Father's work, men were to render obedience to Him. A baptism of repentance Mk.1:14,15. 5) Upon hearing and believing this, they were baptized into the name of Jesus. Lessons: Here were men who had been baptized but did not know of the coming of Christ or of the H.S. Because of this, they had to be rebaptized. Application: If today a person is baptized to enter a denomination, he does not understand the purpose of baptism. If one is baptized thinking he is saved, as is almost always the case among denominations, he has not been scripturally baptized, for scriptural baptism is "for the remission of sins. If a person were baptized just to please someone else, the same would apply. 6) After their baptism, Paul laid his hands on them, imparting to them miraculous gifts. This is the only way that men besides apostles could work miracles. Only apostles could impart miraculous gifts. 1 Tim. 4:14 is misused. with (meta) means to accompany. 2 Tim. 1:6 tells us how Timothy received gift. (dia)--"the means or instrument by which anything is affected" (Thayer.133) Thus when the last apostle died, the power to impart the ability to perform miracles ceased. When the last person on whom an apostle laid hands died, miracles ceased. Therefore there is not a man living on earth today who can perform miracles. Extended preaching at Ephesus 8) Preached in synagogue 3 months. Some were hardened and disobedient, thus Paul separated himself from them. cf. 18:5-6. We learn that when one becomes hardened and disobedient to the Word, the time has come to look for someone else to teach (Mt. 7:6). 9-10) Paul then began to preach daily in the school of Tyrannus. This was done for 2 years. 11) Special miracles. Similar to woman touching garment (Mk.5:25- 27). Purpose of these and all miracles (Heb.2:3,4). NASB: "extraordinary miracles": All miracles are extraordinary, but there were extra-special. They were wrought without personal contact with the patient. (Reese.677) 12) Reese: Latin origin. Handkerchief: speaks of the towel used to wipe sweat from the brow or face. We might call it a hand towel, or shop towel, or even a sweatband. The word "apron" speaks of the short apron worn around the waist by the craftsmen as they worked-- worn to preserve the clothes from wear and tear and soil. As Paul was working at his trade of tentmaking it would have been common to use such garments. The picture behind the words "carried away from his body to the sick" is of Christians coming to Paul as he was working and carrying away with them the very towels and aprons which he had been wearing. Of course, the power to heal was not in the cloth. We must never forget that God is the source of power behind genuine miracles. The efficacy of such media stands obviously on the same footing as that of the hem of Jesus' garment (Mt. 9:20-21), the shadow of Peter (Acts 5:15) or the clay used in the healing of the blind man (Jno. 9:6). There are men today, on radio and TV, who urge their listeners to send in for clothes that have been blessed--apparently taking their example from this text. However, we contend that miracles in NT times were wrought to credential messengers; and since the modern so-called miracle workers do not even preach the NT message, their works are either fake or wrought by a power other than the Divine (677-8) 13) Jewish impostors. These events manifested to everyone, especially to magicians, the difference between the power of the apostle Paul, and these impostors. Because of this, many gave up their magic and burned their books, amounting to several thousand dollars. Who are the ministers of God in Romans 13? Intro: We saw in ch. 12 that Paul began with the fundamental transformation (1,2). Then the relationship of the Christian to his fellow Christian (3-16). Relationship to the world, including enemies (17-21). Jesus taught that we are to render to God the things which are God's and to Caesar the things which are Caesar's. This principle is enlarged upon in this chapter. Also, this chapter flows out of the last few verses of ch. 12. 1) Governments are appointed by God. The responsibility of subjection is directed to everyone, regardless of his social status. Soul: 1 Pet. 3:20; Acts 7:14. Present active imper.: keep on being in subjection. It was highly distasteful for the Jew to be subject to the Roman government, and there was the danger that when they became Christians they would hold on to their former prejudice. Gentile converts might feel that having confessed Jesus Christ as their king, they were not subject to any other government (Cf. Titus 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:13-15). Subjection is not based upon government being just. But those in power had best realize that they are there through God's providence (Dan. 17,25,32) (G.). cf. Dan. 4:17,25; Rev. 1:5; 19:16. Pilate's unjust sentence was an abuse of his power (Jno.19:10). Nero abused his power. But such did not negate the principle of submission to the government (G). Also note the plural "powers." All governmental authorities. 2) This point logically and of necessity follows from v. 1. If the governing authorities are ordained by God, then if one resists those authorities, he resists the ordinance of God. The exception: when the ordinance of man would bring un into violation to an ordinance of God (Acts 5:29; Rev. 2:13). 3) Government also has its responsibilities. The first duty is to protect society. Rulers are not a terror to good works. Not by God's design! They are to promote good works. (G) The one who obeys the laws generally has nothing to fear from the government. On the other hand, those who do evil ought to be afraid, because God has given the government the power to punish the evil doer. They are obligated to be a terror to evil works. Murderers, rapists, thieves, child seducers, those who deal in drugs, prostitution, gambling, should be actively opposed by the government (G). When government goes astray from this principle and begins to punish the righteous and reward the criminal, it is no longer a minister of God. (ibid) 4) A second responsibility of government is to punish the lawbreakers, not to pamper them. Sword: Decapitation was the common method of execution for citizens. The MACHAIRA here is the sword in the hands of the executioner who inflicts the death penalty on criminals. Note that the government, not the individual, is to execute this wrath. "Our society should shed a tear for its victims of crime. We have heard much about crowded conditions in prisons, but let us remember that the victims of murderers do not have much room in their coffins either. The idea of keeping murderous monsters up to the tune of thousands of dollars of taxpayer's money is one of the more ludicrous activities of our time" (Green). 5) With this statement Paul goes back to v.1. There it is an admonition; here it is a statement of necessity. Two reasons are given for subjection: a) Wrath: Fear of punishment. Ill. officer with machine gun in bank in Prague. Line formation; out of way of door. Healthy fear is good: Teach our children to fear unguarded fires, deep and dangerous waters, dangerous heights. b) Conscience: The Christian has another, and a higher objective. "Not only because it is dangerous to resist, but also because it is right to submit" (Erdman). Because it is God's will that we do so. To strive to be within what we are seen to be without. There are those who act n private as they act in public.... because they will fragment within if they don't. (Mcq.383). It is never desirable or expedient to oppose the conscience. The lack of swift and just punishment today is constantly eroding the first (Vinson). (cf. Eccl. 8:11). 6) Because of the truth expounded in vv. 1-5 we are to pay taxes (G). For the third time, Paul calls government officials the ministers or servants of God. (G) "This very thing" refers to punishing the evildoer and protecting the good. Here again there is a responsibility of the Government. Gibbon said that one of the five major causes of the fall of the Roman Empire was "higher and higher taxes until the load became unbearable, while officials of the empire continued to spend public funds with reckless indifference." 7) Tribute: paid by a subject nation (Mt. 22:15-22. Custom: Tax for support of civil government (Matt. 17:25). Also: pray 1 Tim. 2:1-4. Question: Please explain the gifts listed in Ephesians 4:11-15. Intro: In vv. 1-3 we see the unity of the Spirit, and the disposition necessary for unity to be achieved and maintained. In vv. 4-6 we see the unifying facts--the seven-fold basis of unity. In vv. 7-16, the unifying gifts that God has given. 11) Apostles. Laid the foundation of the church (Eph. 2:19-20). Laid only once, hence no successors. To witness (Acts 1:8,21-22; 2:32-33; 10:39-41). All truth revealed to them (Jno.16:13; Eph. 3:5). Credentials (2 Cor. 12:12). There were then, as today, false apostles (2 Cor. 11:13-15; Rev. 2:2). Prophets. Inspired teachers (Acts 11:27-30; 13:1-3; 21:9- 10). Also laid foundation (Eph. 2:19-20). Received revelation (Eph. 3:5). Evangelists. Function: to preach the Gospel. Examples: Philip (Acts 21:8). Timothy (2 Tim. 4:5). Pastors. Shepherds, to feed the flock That these are the same as elders and bishops can be seen from Acts 20:17 and 28. Elders are limited in their oversight to the flock "over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers..." (Acts 20:28). The elders which Peter addressed are commanded to feed or tend the flock of God "which is among you, taking the oversight thereof..." (1 Pet. 5:2). Qualified elders have all they can handle when they oversee the one flock as God ordained (Heb. 13:17). Teachers. Instructors. Faithful and able (2 Tim. 2:2; Jas. 3:1). 12) The Purpose: for the perfecting or the maturing and growth of the saints, eis (unto) the work of mutual service, eis (unto) the great end of building up the entire body. (Lk. 6:40; 1 Cor. 1:10; Heb. 13:21; 1 Pet. 5:10). All Christians are called to the ministry (Green). To serve, to bear fruit. (Acts 6:1; Rom. 12:7). Some obviously feel they can hire a preacher to do their work. But the preacher's work is to equip the brethren to do their work (Green). This passage gives emphasis to the fact that we are to help each other grow! 13) "Till": the goal that we should constantly strive for. The unity of the faith is unity based upon God's word. Growing as a Christian, and becoming more and more like Jesus. 14) Becoming unmovable. The church is not a perpetual playpen for spiritual babies. Goal is maturity in Christ. Children can be convinced of about anything. They are unstable. They like to be entertained and excited. The word "sleight" is translated from kubos from which we derive "cube." It refers to the throwing of dice, and apparently a reference is implied of using dishonesty in gambling (Green). They are described as "cunning" and "crafty." They don't miss a trick. They are religious con-men. Saints cannot afford to continue very long as novices. Paul could not give the Corinthians the strong, spiritual nourishment they so desperately needed because they were still babies and were not in a sufficiently mature state to receive it (1 Cor. 3:1-3). These wolves are further described as "lying in wait to deceive." Mormons, JW's and others are not slack when it comes to their efforts of proselyting disciples. 15) Truth is often spoken without love. Let's speak the truth, but let us make certain that we don't make it unattractive with a rotten attitude (4:1; 5:1,2 Green). Every day as we practice this exhortation we shall find ourselves conformed more closely to His image. 16) If the body/church is to grow, the members will have to work together. Bound closely, even as the bones of our physical bodies are fitly joined at the joints. Each part of the body works together with every other part to make the body move and function.
Please discuss the doctrinal beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses.Regarding Everlasting life on earth: "The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it" (Psa. 37:29). 1. From 'ad 05703 (from 05710) TWOT 1565a; n m 2. Leupold: The thought in the mind of the writer is that in spite of his disappointment at the way things are going with regard too the wrongdoer a man is, nevertheless, not to let down the bars or forget certain basis requirements that are still to be expected of the righteous. Not being abandoned into the hand of the wicked, but rather possessing the land and dwelling upon it (304-5). 3. Re. forever ('ad) 'ad like 'olam, is used only in connection with prepositions, as an adverbial accusative or as a gentive in a construct chain. This word is used only twice relative to the past (Job 20:4; Hab. 3:6). Otherwise it always denotes the unforeseeable future. (TWOT.1565) Compare Psa. 61:8: "So I will sing praise to Your name forever, That I may daily perform my vows." While we would agree that the saved will sing and praise God eternally, that is not David here was saying. He was referring to what he would do daily while here in this life; as performing his vows. Another way of saying, "As long as I live." 4. Compare Ex. 21:6. The Hebrew slave could choose to serve "forever." Same word. "Nation will not lift up sword against nation" (Isa. 2:4). This is applied to a future utopia upon earth. Notes from Isaiah 2 intro From the dark picture of Zion as a forsaken shed in the midst of desolation (1:8) and as an unfaithful wife who had become a harlot (1:21), Isaiah turns to the future and sees Zion glorified above all cities and nations (2:1-4). He is then called back to reality once more and sees the city in its present condition, polluted with sin, the fruit of idolatry (2:5-4:1). The glorious ideal can be reached only through judgment and cleansing by Jehovah (4:2-6) (H.45) 1-4: Glorious future Zion 5-11: Judah's present corruption 12-22: The Day of the Lord. 1) Saw: this was a vision. (H>H) 2) Latter days: Messianic. Dan.2:28 (shows reference was to Roman Empire); Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17; 3:24; 1 Pet. 1:20; Heb. 1:2. mountain: Zech.8:3; Heb. 12:18-22; Jer.51:25. house 1 Tim. 3:15. The church of the living God. Zion: Where the temple was built. What this meant to the people: a fortress, security; a place of protection. mountains His government would be above all others; rule above all others. Young: "Mountains and hills, all that is high will sink in importance before Zion. The first participle, established, expresses the thought that Zion is so fixed that she cannot be moved; the second, exalted, sets forth her position as elevated and higher than the hills." Nations & Peoples, plural: heathen nations. 3) Many people: different national backgrounds; many nations: Jews & Gentile. Will go parallels the "will flow" of v.2. They will learn from the true God. Also this evinces a dissatisfaction on the part of the people with their present condition. Many will abandon their idolatry and their false belief and will flow unto Zion. No longer does merely one nation know the Lord, but all nations know Him. (Young) Come let us go. They are truly seekers after the Lord, for they exhibit the genuineness of their conversion in their desire to persuade others also to go to Zion. (Y.) we shall walk. As a consequence of being taught, men want to walk in God's ways. Teaching is practical. Jerusalem: Lk. 24:46-47; Acts 1:8; 2:1ff. 4) God would be the judge. He determines who will be saved. Determines the destinies of nations (Acts 17:25ff.) Character of the citizens. (of the kingdom o the latter days). Swords into plowshares: who? Those who make up the house. cf. Isa.11:9. cf. Zech.9:9-10/Matt.21:5. Peace: Eph. 2:17. Within the spiritual kingdom is to be found the peace of which Isaiah speaks. Has nothing to do with war in the heathen nations. The nations of the world will always fight. Spiritual nature of kingdom Jno.18:36ff; Heb. 12:22-28. cf. 2 Cor. 10:3-5. 5) After prophesying of the mountain of the Lord's house", Isaiah looked to the present condition of corruption, and the inevitable judgment which must come against it (2:5-4:1). Then in 4:2-6, he returns to his Messianic theme. J.W.'s: The whole earth will eventually be brought to a gardenlike state (Isa. 35:1,6,7). cf. 2 Pet. 3: J.W.'s: Isaiah 11:6-9 speaks of peaceful relations between animals in the paradise earth. Answer: This involves a perversion of Isa. 11:6-9, and an ignoring of its context, as the following considerations show. 1. Isa. 11:1-5 deals with the character of the Messiah. 2. 11:6-9 Deals with the character of the citizens of the kingdom. v.6: Combination of the wild and domestic animal. All of these natural foes now dwell together in peaceful co-existence. Peace and tranquility, but it is to be found only among those inhabiting God's holy mountain. v.9: Where is it that they would neither hurt nor destroy: in the holy mountain (cf. 2:2-4; Zech. 8:3; Heb. 12:18-28). New creatures in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). Old man crucified with Christ. cf. Mt. 18:3. Swords into plowshares. Full of Knowledge: the word of the Lord is taught in Jerusalem (cf. Col. 1:23). v.10: When will that be? This is the key. Looks back to vv. 1- 5. In that day. Nations will seek Him. Quoted in Rom. 15:12. Applied to the right of the Gentiles to come to Christ. And the ground of their rejoicing. Application to the present day. Day that the Gentiles have the right to come in under the Messiah. Character of the citizens who respond. Those under the Messiah. "If the whole passage is not now fulfilled in Christ, then the Gentiles have no basis of hope" (H.H.124). J.W.'s: "Of course, there are requirements to be met if we are to live forever in the coming Paradise on earth. Jesus showed a principal one, saying in prayer to God: This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ--Jno. 17:3 But cf. Jno. 14:1ff. In their literature, the following statement is seen: "Unless otherwise indicated, all Bible quotations are from the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures." 1. This is a version that is not recognized by anyone as a legitimate translation. 2. Consider how they rendered Jno. 1: The word was "a god." They have Jesus, instead of saying, "before Abraham was, I have been," instead of "I AM." Their "translation" has Paul (Col. 1:16) saying all "other" things were created by Him, because they believe Jesus is not eternal, they believe He is not deity, but rather that He is a created being. Class notes on Isa. 35 The Way of Holiness Intro: Contrasts the desolation of the nations and Edom with the future glory of Zion. (H.293). 1,2) Describes the beauty, in contrast to Edom. Luxurious growth at all times. Lebanon, snow-covered peaks, massive cedars, and fir trees--wooded Carmel, Sharon carpeted with flowers (H.294). 3) Now in Jehovah is new vibrant Life. 4) We need not fear for God has said: Heb.13:5; Phil.4:5. 5) Vision: Spiritual eyes and ears: open. cf. 6:9-10. 8) text: NIV: "And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it." (Also NASB). Fool: ch. 32:5. So holy and lofty, that a fool will not make the mistake of stumbling into it. 1. To be identified with the beasts (v.9) which shall not be found on the road. 2. [Heb.evil] occurs 26X; in no instance is it used of an inexperienced or an uneducated or unlearned person. a. The word is used of the despiser of wisdom (Prov.1:7); b. Despises his father's correction (Prov.15:5). c. One who despises wisdom, being wise in evil instead, will not make the mistake of walking on it (H.Hailey.297). The Redeemed: It is limited to a select few (H.H.296). Not the unclean, only the redeemed. 9) Wild animal nature will not be there. Those who manifest ugly disposition, etc. are not really in the way. Meekness, submission, walking in the way of God. 10) The redeemed will be there. Let us come in that spirit of rejoicing and thanksgiving so beautifully pictured by Isa.; for we are heirs of all that to which the prophets pointed (H.H.298).
Is the Living Bible truth of God's message?Intro. The Living Bible is not a translation of scripture. It is a paraphrase. A translation renders the message of one language into another language. In a paraphrase, one simply puts the message in his own words. The Living Bible is entitled "The Living Bible Paraphrased." Kenneth Taylor, the author, has neither studied Hebrew or Greek, the languages in which the Bible was written. Consequently, when one reads The Living Bible Paraphrased, he is not reading the Bible; he is simply reading one man's opinion of what the Bible says. 1. The Doctrine of Original Sin. Ps.51:5: "But I was born a sinner, yes, from the moment my mother conceived me...." Eph. 2:3 reads, "We started out bad, being born with evil natures...." a. cf. 1 John 3:4. 2. Premillinnial Doctrine. 2 Tim. 4:1: "Who will judged the living and the dead when He appears to set up His kingdom" a. Acts 2; Col. 1:13. 3. Faith only. Rom. 4:12: "for Abraham found favor with God by faith alone, before he was circumcised." a. Context. cf. Jas.2. 4. Perverts purpose of baptism. 1 Pet 3:21: "That, by the way, is what baptism pictures for us: in baptism we show that we have been saved from death and doom by the resurrection of Christ." a. context, cf. Acts 2:38.
What is the Biblical basis for offering or observing the Lord's Supper twice on Sunday? 1. Caller recognizes that Sunday is the scriptural day for observing the Lord's Supper (Acts 20:7). 2. The number of times of assembling is not specified. 3. It is a reality, that due to shift work, and other factors, that some may be unable to attend the first service. Dick Blackford tells of a couple he knows which has a son who is mentally afflicted. The lady attends the morning assembly and the father attends the evening assembly. If he were not allowed to partake of the Lord's Supper at the evening service, conceivably, he could go a whole lifetime without communing with the Lord. Thus he would be refused the opportunity to do what Jesus commanded. 4. The scriptural basis for such being permitted to partake the Lord's Supper is that a) It is the first day of the week, as set forth in Acts 20:7; b) The church has assembled together on the first day of the week; c) For the one partaking, it is not a second observance, it is the first observance for him. Consubstantiation 1. The doctrine that in the Lord's Supper, the bread remains bread, and the wine remains wine; but that with and by means of the consecrated elements the true natural body and blood of Christ are communicated to the recipients. It differs from Transubstantiation in that it does not imply a change in the substance of the elements (Mc.&Str.II.492).
Parents sometimes disapprove of children's mate. Why?1. There are no doubt some cases where there is no scriptural basis for disapproval. Some parents are guilty of interfering with and trying to run their adult children's lives. 2. On the other hand, many mothers and fathers have had the occasion to feel as Rebekah (Gen. 27:46ff). 3. Right-thinking parents must disapprove of that which God disapproves. cf. Matt. 19:9. a. single b. One whose mate has died c. One who has put away spouse for fornication. 4. During those formative years, there are questions a caring parent will ask; and effort will be made to give wise counsel in these areas. What kind of spouse will help my child go to heaven? What kind of spouse will make a good mother and father? cf. Eph. 6:4. If you child is a daughter, will her prospective husband recognize his responsibility to provide for his family? cf. 1 Tim. 5:8.
What are the rules on how a husband should treat his wife? Should a woman put up with anything if her husband is not fornicating? (i.e. alcoholism, gambling, beating her or the children)a. "Rules": 1) Mal.2:14-16--Not to deal treacherously/companion 2) Matt.19:5,6-Leave, cleave, one flesh. 3) 1 Cor. 13:4-8. 4) Eph. 5:25-28,33. 5) Col. 3:19 6) 1 Pet. 3:7 b. What to do. 1) Questions such as these cause us to see the need for preparation for marriage, and for wisdom in selecting one's partner. In many cases one does not begin the drinking, gambling, or ill temper after the marriage. Often these were habits (sometimes well developed habits) before the marriage, and the prospective spouse might think she (or in some cases, he) could change him once they were married, or perhaps it might never have occurred to her that these things would develop into real problems. 2) There are no doubt occasions when the life of the wife or children is in real danger, and it is necessary for her to separate herself from her husband that she might be removed from the dangerous situation. a. Should this occur, one must realize that she is still bound to her husband (Rom. 7:2,3) 3) So far as divorce is concerned, there is but one cause (Matt. 19:9). Drinking, gambling, and physical abuse are all sins, but none of these is fornication; hence, none is a scriptural cause for divorce. 4) Peter addresses the situation where the wife is a Christian but whose husband is not a Christian (1 Pet.3:1-6). 5) Just remember that you can be a Christian, you can do what is right, regardless of whether you spouse does or not.
Why do priests choose not to marry? Is it scriptural?1. THE BIBLE AFFIRMS THE PRIESTHOOD OF ALL BELIEVERS (1 Pet 2:9. Not a priesthood that stands separate from other Christians. 2. Those who served as elders/pastors were not only free to marry, but were required (1 Tim. 3:1-12). 3. God recognized there would be times when it was best not to marry (Matt. 19:12; 1 Cor. 7:32-35). The context shows (a) this to be the exception and (b) not required, not a commandment. In the apostasy that swept the church, human wisdom made what was the exception the rule, and made what was a matter of individual choice a requirement. 4. CE III,p.483: until 325 Council of Nicaea "the clergy was free to marry." Council of Trullo 692 provided that a bishop must be celibate. Pope Gregory VII in 1075 initiated sweeping reform requiring complete celibacy of deacons, priests and bishops. Confirmed by Fourth Lateran Council 1215 and Council of Trent 1563. The Protestant Reformation of the 16th Century vigorously rejected enforced celibacy of the clergy in favor of a return to apostolic freedom cf. 1 Tim. 4:1-4.
What is a martyr?1. The Greek word (MARTUS) means "witness." 2. N.T. occurrences: Acts 22:20; Rev. 2:13; 17:6. 3. Has come to mean one who has died for the faith.
The Bible speaks of turning the other cheek--does this mean standing up for yourself in self-defense is a sin?The text is Matthew 5:39: "But I say unto you, That ye resist no tevil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also." Ken Green: The passages which teach that a Christian is to turn the other cheek, etc., are speaking of taking personal vengeance for wrongs done....We are told to submit to the government, not to submit to criminals! (GA Vol.5,p.117) Related passages: 1 K.22:24ff; Job 16:10 "They gape at me with their mouth, They strike me reproachfully on the cheek, They gather together against me" (NKJV). "Men open their mouths to jeer at me; they strike my cheek in scorn and unite together against me" (NIV). "They have gaped at me with their mouth, They have slapped me on the cheek with contempt; They have massed themselves against me" (NASB)
What does the Bible teach regarding miracles? Is it true, as some claim, that miracles are happening every day? In reality, even during Bible times, miracles did not occur "every day." Miraculous activities for the most part were confined to certain periods of Biblical history. These included the miracles of the creation week. Then when Israel was in Egyptian bondage, God sent the 10 plagues, caused Israel to cross the Red Sea on dry land, fed them with manna, and on occasion also miraculously gave them water. Later, the ministries of the prophets Elijah and Elisha were characterized by numerous miracles. The next "cluster" of miracles was during the ministry of Christ, and finally, during the establishment and spread of the church (Acts). Obviously then, miracles were not "evenly distributed" over the centuries of Biblical history, but rather were used by God only at certain times, to meet unique needs, and to accomplish specific purposes. Among the many miracles Jesus performed we read of His healing the man with an amputated ear by simply touching him (Luke 22:50-51). Honestly, do you see that every day, or any day? When there was a great tempest in the sea of Galilee, Jesus "rebuked the waves and the sea and there was a great calm" (Mt. 8:23-26). On another occasion, on that same sea, Jesus came unto His disciples walking on the water (Mt. 14:26). Jesus miraculously fed 5,000 men plus women and children with five loaves and two fish (Mt. 15:32-39). There are three recorded occasions where Jesus raised the dead. These include the only son of the widow of NAIA (Lk. 7:11-17), Jairus' daughter (Mt. 9:18-26) and Lazarus (John 11). These are but a few, a very few of the miracles Jesus did. The purpose of Jesus' miracles is stated in John 20:30-31: "And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name" (John 20:30-31). That purpose has been accomplished. Further, Mark gives us insight into the purpose of the miraculous when he writes, "And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs" (Mk. 16:20). Reference is made to the salvation which began to be spoken by the Lord, " and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts or the Holy Spirit, according to His own will" (Hebrews 2:3,4). The purpose of the miraculous then was to reveal and to confirm the word of God. There was a time limitation on the miraculous. Gifts such as tongues, prophesy and knowledge (miraculous) would cease (1 Cor. 13:8-10) with the completion of the revelation. God's power has not ceased. His presence and glory are evidenced all around us. We are abundantly blessed by Him (Acts 14:17; James 1:17). He hears and answers prayer (James 5:16). When the revelation of truth was completed, and had been fully confirmed, the miraculous ceased, having accomplished its purpose.
(In the book of James) Why the people don't call for the elders and anoint them in oil any more?1. Physical sickness is under consideration. Olive oil was universally used in application to the bodies of those sick. (Lipscomb, 594) 2. Sickness is one type of affliction with is under consideration (Jas.5:13). a. Christians ought to turn to God in prayer in the time of sickness and not against him as some do. (Flatt,105) 3. "Is any merry? let him sing psalms." While things go well with us, we must not forget to give praise and honor to Him who is the giver of every good and perfect gift. Singing psalms of praise is an expressing of appreciation to God who has so abundantly blessed us. (Gene Lyles) 4) 5:14: Let him call for the elders of the church. Christians are here instructed to call the elders when sick. The elders are to be prepared to administer to the needs of the sick. They are to pray in his behalf. anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. As in the case of the good Samaritan (Lk.10:34). Olive oil was used widely in the biblical world for medicinal purposes (see also Isa.1:6). Josephus relates that Herod was bathed in a vessel full of oil when he thought he was near death (Ant. 17:6:5). This does not mean that the elders are to be medical doctors. The principle taught here is that the elders should first pray that God will forgive and restore health and strength to the man, and that they should us oil, or supply medical treatment as is necessary to the sick man's recovery. The elders must provide either doctors or medicine that is needed. (Phillips, p..209). Elders, as shepherds of the flock were to minister to the saints as the needs and opportunities arose and today is no exception (W. Warnock). Not miraculous: cf. 16d,17; 1 Kings 18. v.15) and the prayer of faith shall save him This must be understood in the light of all other passages (Jas.4:15; Heb.9:27). Timothy had a stomach ailment; Paul had a thorn in the flesh. Trophimus was sick. The purpose of miracles was confirmatory (Mk.16:20; Heb.2:3- 4); and not accommodative. To say that elders were called by the sick in order to be miraculously healed changes the revealed purpose of miracles. Miraculous healing would then be accommodative instead of confirmatory. if he have committed sins It is inconceivable that such prayers could not include the asking of forgiveness of sins. Of all times that a man desires forgiveness of sins, it is while on the bed of affliction. Sickness causes one to be more conscious of his spiritual welfare. Forgiveness conditioned upon 1 Jno.1:7-9.
How many times is the word mother mentioned in the Bible?1. 297 times. 2. MOTHER (by Fanny Crosby) The light, the spell-word of the heart, Our guiding star in weal or woe, Our talisman--our earthly chart-- That sweetest name that earth can know. We breathed it first with lisping tongue When cradled in her arms we lay; Fond memories round that name are hung That will not, cannot pass away. We breathed it then, we breathe it still, More dear than sister, friend, or brother; The gentle power, the magic thrill, Awakened at the name of mother. 3. In both the Old and New Testaments, emphasis is placed on honoring mother and father (Ex. 20:12; 21:15,17; Eph. 6:2). 4. Abraham Lincoln said, "All that I am or ever hope to be I owe to my mother." "Henry Clay, the pride and honor of his country, always expressed feelings of profound affection and veneration for his mother. A habitual correspondence and enduring affection subsisted between them to the last hour of life. Mr. Clay ever spoke of her as a model of maternal character and female excellence, and it is said that he never met his constituents in Woodford county, after her death, without some allusion to her, which deeply affected both him and his audience. And nearly the last words uttered by this great statesman were, 'Mother, mother, mother'." (Mother, Home, and Heaven; p.47) In the Bible, emphasis is placed upon a mother's opportunity to have influence for good. Godly mothers helped produce men like Moses and Samuel. Timothy, from a child, knew the Scriptures, being taught them by his mother and his grandmother.
Is all rock music against God? 1. It would be impossible for me to give an absolute "yes" to this question. To say that absolutely all rock music is against God would require that one has scrutinized every rock song. 2. For a thing to be "against God" means that it is contrary to His will as revealed in scripture. The Bible is our only source that reveals what is right and wrong. 3. We do know what much, if not all, of rock music stands for. Much of it encourages satanism, witchcraft, dabbling in the occult. Much of it contains profanity. Some of it encourages suicide. Some has as its theme homosexuality and other sexual perversions. Much glorifies fornication and adultery.(So does a lot of other music that is not "rock"). Rebellion against parents and all authority. All of these things are against God, because they violate passages and principles revealed in His word. 4. Parents need to know what their children are listening to, set the right example themselves, and encourage recreation that is wholesome and in keeping with the word of God.
Which O.T. laws apply today?1. O.T. is not entirely composed of law: 5-law 12- history Josh-Esther 5- Poetry (Job, Psa., Prov. SoS, Eccl. 17 - Prophets 39 2. Proper use: Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:11. 3. Erroneous to conntend we are under 10 commandments, etc. Col.2:14. We are under law to Christ (1 Cor. 9).
Explain John 18:28: "But they themselves did not go into the Praetorium, lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the Passover." If Passover had already been observed, how could this passage speak of the leaders' precautions that were made that they might eat the Passover? John 18:28 Very concerned about ceremonial defilement (Lk. 11:39). that they might eat... From Hend: a. John, in complete harmony with the Synoptics, teaches that on Thursday-evening Jesus partook of the Passover-supper with his disciples. b. The Fourth Gospel, in complete harmony with the Synoptics, teaches that Jesus was crucified on the next day, that is, on Friday. c. Jesus was crucified on the 15th day of Nissan. Two solutions: a) Passover is used here to refer to the entire feast, which included the week of unleavened bread (cf. Ex. 12:18-19; 2 Chron. 30:22) Hend: The term Passover elsewhere in John refers to the entire seven-day feast; if elsewhere, why not here? (See also Lk. 22:1) (p.402).. b) The Sanhedrists had dropped everything, being so preoccupied with the arrest and trial of Jesus that they had not time for their Passover-meal. Does not say "everybody." Specifies that the members of the Sanhedrin and their temple-police did not enter the governor's palace. The Sanhedrin had been awaiting Judas (Mt. 26:14-16). They did not know just when he would come (Lk. 22:6). The chief priest had to be ready. They also wanted to take part in the arrest, even though it be merely as spectators (Lk. 22:53). Then there was the night-trial. All this took time, much time. Hence, they were convinced that in the interest of the one really important assignment, namely, to get rid of Jesus (see 11:48-50),--all else, even the Passover Supper, could afford to wait. Hence, when very early in the morning they brought Jesus before Pilate, that had not yet partaken of the Passover-meal. They must not defile themselves by entering the house of a heathen (see Acts 10:28; 11:3). Hence, these hypocrites who regard ceremonial defilement to be so much worse than moral defilement (Lk. 11:39) cannot enter the Praetorium. Once Jesus is actually hanging on the cross, they can go home and eat the lamb! (Hend.403).
What does the Bible mean by "Pentecost"?1. The word derives from the Greek for "the fiftieth day." It was the Jewish Feast of Weeks (Ex.34:22; Deut.16:9-11) also called the feast of Harvest (Ex.23:16) or the Day of First-Fruits (Num.28:26). 2. It was the second of the three great annual feasts on which all the males were required to assemble at the tabernacle/temple. The first was Passover, the second was Pentecost, the third was the Feast of Tabernacles. The second was came to be called Pentecost, because it was observed 50 days after Passover (Lev.23:15,16). Pentecost always fell on Sunday, the first day of the week, because they would number 7 complete weeks, making 49 days, ending on a sabbath, and then that next day, Sunday, would be Pentecost. 3. You will recall that Jesus was crucified during the Feast of Passover. The special significance for us attached to the Pentecost after Jesus' crucifixion (recorded in Acts 2), is that He sent forth the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, to guide them into all the truth, and gave them power to confirm the word with miracles. On that Pentecost, Jesus was proclaimed to be both Lord and Christ, and the Gospel plan of salvation, with conditions of forgiveness was preached.On that day, the kingdom came with power. On that day the church was established.
What about praying for those who have died?1. God has made promises in His word as to what He will and what He will not do. a. There are examples where children of God have referred to those promises as they prayed unto God, knowing that it is impossible for God to lie, asking with boldness and confidence that God would fulfill His word (Ex. 32:9-12). 2. It is right to pray in harmony with the scriptures; to pray that God would fulfill His word. a. God has promised that those who die in the Lord are blessed (Rev. 14:13; Lk. 16). To be thankful for that, to refer to that in prayer, cannot be wrong. cf. 1 Thes. 4: Comfort one another with these words. 3. But having said that, some words of caution are in order: a. First, one must recognize that nothing can be done to alter the state/condition of one who is dead. This is taught in many passages. Lk. 16: etc. 1) Salvation is individual in nature. 4. A Publication called Christian History (XII:1;31) contained an article entitled "Praying to the 'Dead'." "Praying to the saints began with the practice of praying for them. Any Christian who died was remembered in prayer, and services took place on the 3rd, 7th, 9th, 13th and 14th day after death. For martyrs, annual remembrances of their death were celebrated... "Soon churches drew up lists of martyrs, believing that prayer for martyrs was of 'great benefit to those for whom it is offered' (Cyril of Jerusalem [ca. mid 300's A.D.)." "Gradually, the church believed that martyrs, having made the ultimate sacrifice, already lived fully in God's presence. They didn't need the church's prayers as much as the church needed theirs. 'Only God can pardon, though we see that the merits of the martyrs have great weight before his tribunal' (Cyprian of Carthage [ca. mid 200's A.D.)."... "Despite fears of idolatry, the practice of praying to saints was affirmed by later church leaders, such as Augustine and Aquinas."--Mark Galli
How can a person praise the Lord? Explain the verse that says to lift up hands and praise the Lord. 1. Many actions and postures in prayer are mentioned in Scripture. a. Daniel knelt before an open window. Ezra lifted up his hands (9:5). The publican beat upon his breast (Lk. 18:13). In the Garden, Jesus fell on His face; on other occasions He lifted up His eyes toward heaven. Barnabas and Saul were sent forth from Antioch with prayer and fasting; elders were ordained in every church with fasting and prayer. 2. Lifting up of hands is mentioned several times in the Old Testament. Psa. 28:2; 63:4; 134:2; 141:2; Lam. 2:19; 3:41. 3. There is only one reference to the practice in the NT: 1 Tim. 2:8. This does show that it was a custom at that time. "The fact that is was a custom is the key to understanding the passage. The Holy Spirit is not legislating that they must lift up their hands, for this they were already doing. He is urging that the hands lifted up should be holy. This is evident from the context. This instruction is parallel with that of Rom. 16:16 which instructs Christians to 'greet one another with a holy kiss.' The kiss was already a custom; hence, they did not have to be told to kiss; but they needed to be told to make sure it was holy. The principle in both passages is holiness, and it applies to whatever customs prevail, whether customs of greeting or of actions associated with prayer. The principle applies to greetings or prayers in any age" (Sewall Hall:FCLec'87.129). 4. Also: kneeling (Lk. 22:41; Acts 7:60; 9:40; *20:5,36; 21:5; cf. Rom. 14:11; Eph. 3:14; Phil. 2:10. 5. Whereas NT Christians would meet to fast and pray, on such an occasion we feast and play. 6. God has not legislated any one action or posture during prayer. But... Chorus of amens 1 Cor. 14:16. Need more fervent and reverent prayer. May be freely expressed in outward action.
Does God hear and answer the prayer of an unsaved person?1. Prayer is a spiritual blessing. "What a privilege to carry, every thing to God in prayer." 2. But all spiritual blessings are in Christ (Eph.1:3). 3. To have access to God in prayer, one must be in Christ, where all spiritual blessings are. When one is in Christ, he is saved. 4. Matt. 6:9f. The only one who can call upon God as Father is one who is His child, one who is in the family of God. Cf. 1 Tim. 2:1f. 5. There is one sense in which it can be said that God hears the prayer of an unsaved person. Cornelius (Acts 10) was a seeker of truth. He prayed to God. God heard his prayer in that God caused events to transpire that Cornelius could hear the truth, and be saved. Until he obeyed the Gospel, even though he prayed, he was lost (Acts 11:14). The application of that is that God can use persons and events to give one who is seeking truth the opportunity to know and obey truth. In fact, we pray that God will use efforts such as this program, for that very purpose. Perhaps this broadcast will be the means that God will use to give you the chance to understand His word, and obey Him.
Is it scriptural for the church to provide a house for the preacher to live in?1 Cor. 9:14 The Lord has ordained that a preacher should derive a livelihood from the work of preaching the Gospel. A house in which to live is a part of his living. Whether the preacher receives a check for the full amount of his livelihood, or part of it is furnished otherwise for him by the church matters very little, so far as authority is concerned--it is all a part of his living. Phil. 4:15-20: "The things which were sent from you" which implies that something other than actual money was received. 2 Cor. 11:8: received "wages" from churches. cf. Lk. 3:14 in reference to soldier's pay. There is the matter of expediency within law that will determine both the amount and nature of support for one who preaches the Gospel. (Patton,171,172)
Do Christians have premonitions?Define: (pre-before; monish-warning) To receive a warning before-hand. "Anticipation of an event without conscious reason"; to feel a coming danger. 1. Man cannot know the future; only God can foretell history or events. 2. The Bible foretold the destiny of nations and the coming of Christ. (H.Hailey) Forecasters predicted the worst snowstorm of the season for Boston in 1974. School classes were cancelled and snowplows were readied, but not even a single snowflake fell (Newsweek, Mar. 25, 1974) Henry Morris examined 72 "prophecies" uttered by 10 prominent psychics in The National Enquirer (Jan.3) for 1978. Of these, it is remarkable that not one was fulfilled in 1978 as predicted! Passages: Deut. 18:9ff. The most complete list of spiritistic arts in the Bible. All are condemned and prohibited. C. Woods: The text catalogues eight ways by which Canaanites sought to consult their gods or to control events. The first three of te somewhat overlapping terms describe forms of divination, the next two depict religious magic or conjuring, and the last three deal with ways of consulting the spirit world. v. 18: cf. Ex. 4:15; Num.22:38; Jer. 1:9. My words in his mouth. Not only a warning against divination, but also an affirmation that God speaks through His true prophets. New Testament: Acts 13:4-13: want to know what God thinks of those who claim to have premonitions?; cf. Acts 16:16-18.
What does the Bible say about cursing?1. The words that we choose with which to express ourselves are important (Matt. 12:32-37). 2. Language must be characterized by reverence for God. Mt.6:9, model prayer: "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name." Hallowed means to hold something as holy, sacred, or revered. God told the Israelites not to take his name in vain (Deut.5:11). 3. In Rom. 3:14, Paul spoke of some "whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness." 4. Eph. 4:29: No corrupt communication, but that which is good for edifying. 5. Eph. 5:4,5 condemns "filthiness, foolish talking, and jesting which is not befitting. This would include talk that is obscene or shameful; that which is vulgar.
Please explain the origin of races.A human "race" is most often defined as a group of people with certain features in common which distinguish them from other groups of people. Currently there are three or four major races of hujmans, as the word race is commonly defined: 1. Caucasoid (55% of the world's population). 2. Mongoloid (33%) 3. Negroid (8%) 4. Astraloid (4%; the Astraloid group is often known as the Australian Aboriginal Group. Usuallly considered as a subgroup of the Caucasoids). These races are distributed abound the globe throughout over 100 nations, and speak 3,000+ tribal languages and dialect. Evolutionary explanation: 1. Genetic Mutation a. Mutations are rare. But almost all are harmful. Most of the rest are neutral. For there to be a good mutation is extremely rare. But the numbers in the population would have to get so big that they outnumber those who do not have that trait. 2. Biblical alternative. Biologists: A species includes all individuals that are capable of interbreeding and produces fertile offspring. But this doesn't work very well. RE. man, one species, homo-sapiens. Can all intermarry, reproduce fertile offspring. SKIN COLORS Determined by the amount of melanin found in the skin. Provides the body with pigmentation. Allows the body to absorb UV radiation without damage. Three factors 1. The origin of man. God created man. Gen. 1. Very good. Man did not evolve over millions of years. Adam was the first man (1 Cor. 15:45) and Eve was the mother of all living (Gen.3:20). Acts 17:26. God endowed man with variability and adaptability. Whatever racial characterits we possess or those in time past have possessed, came from the original genetic pool of Adam and Eve. There were no others. All came from them. 2. The known historical/biblical facts. The line of human descent passed from Adam and Eve and their descendants to Noah and his family. Restricted, yet passed on through Noah. 3. Man's migratory pattern. After the flood, men had set themselves against God. Refused to inhabit the earth. Dug down and weren't budging. God confused their languages. This caused them to migrate. Skin coloration agent melenin is controlled by two pairs of genes. We can designate them Aa and Bb, the capital letters representing dominant genes and the small letters recessive genes. A and B produce melenan very well; being recessive, a and b produce melanin to a lesser degree. Heterozygous condition. By dispersing linguistically isolated groups all over the world, the Tower of Bable incident had a significant effect on the subsequent development and history of mankind. At least some of the differences which arose can be attributed to the various environments in which the people found themselves. What if lighter colored skined people went to the equator? Would not survive as those with darker skin. Likewise, people with fairer skins who moved into Scandinavian countries would be favored, since darker- skinned people could not as easily produce Vitamin D and would therefore suffer from such diseases as rickets. The races were produced in a very short time span, and the racial variations we see today are merely an expression of the original genetic endowment of Adam and Eve as carried through to us by Noah. Source: Bert Thompson (Essays in Apologetics, vol. 5).
Why do preachers in the church of Christ refuse to be called "Reverend?"1. Jesus forbade exalting teachers by such titles as "Rabbi," "Father" and "master" (Matt. 23:8-10). 2. Such titles as Reverend, Pope, Father are without Bible authority. Those who are in positions of teaching others the Bible should themselves respect its authority. 3. We do not read of Doctor Paul, or Father Peter, or Rabbi Jude, or Reverend John. These men referred to themselves as preachers (1 Tim.2:7); EVANGELISTS (2 tIM.4:5) MINISTERS (1 tIM.4:6) and servants (Phil1:1). These terms designate the work they did, and their relationship to God and to one another. They were not religious titles. 4. No servant of Christ would ever consent to such pompous titles as Worshipful Master, The Most Reverend, Holy Father. Neither will he give such titles to anyone else. Job said, in Job 32:21, "Let me not, I pray you, respect any man's person; Neither will I give flattering titles unto any man." (Source consulted: J.Thomas, Ask.p.76-77.)
What does remission of sin mean?1. APHESIS a dismissal, release, from APHIEME, "to send away." Used of the forgiveness of sins and translated "remission" in Matt. 26:28; Mark 1:4; Lk.1:77; 3:3; 24:47; Acts 2:38; 5:31; 10:43; 13:38; 26:18; Heb. 9:22; 10:18. 2. CHARIZOMAI "to bestow a favor unconditionally" (Vine); translated "forgive" Mark 2:5ff.; Lk.7:47; 3. From Trench: [APHESIS] is the standing word by which forgiveness, or remission of sins is expressed in the N.T. Used in LXX of the year in which all debts were forgiven (Lev.25:31,40; 27:24). More frequent in Luke that in all of the books of the N.T. put together (p.114). 4. Heb. 8:12: "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." 5. Possible only because of the vicarious suffering and death of Jesus (Isa. 53; 1 Pet. 1:18-19) 6. Other terms: Saved (Mk.16:16); sins washed away (Acts 22:16); Redemption (Eph. 1:7) In Christ (Rom. 6:3,4; Gal.3:26,27).
What does it mean to have a reprobate mind?ADOKIMOS (TDNT 2:255) DOKIMOS as an adj. both of person and object thus denotes a. tested in battle, reliable, trustworthy. b. a man who is tested, significant, recognized, esteemed, worthy. An object which is tested, genuine or valuable; it is particularly used of metals, as consistently in the LXX (Gn.23:16; 1 Ch. 28:18; 29:4; 2 "h. 9:17) Adokimos, the opposite of dokimos, is used of persons and things. MA'AS (TWOT.1139) "Examination of some 73 uses of this verb reveals that men despise the Lord who is among them (Num.11:20) and thus merit God's rejecting them (Hos. 4:6). 1 Sam. 8:7; 10:19: Israel rejected God from being their king. "Wicked men do not despise evil (Psa. 36:4); they reject knowledge of God (Hos. 4:6); the law of the Lord (Amos 2:4; Isa. 5:24; Jer. 6:19) the word of the Lord (1 Sm. 15:23,26; Isa. 30:12; jer. 8;9); the righteous decisions of God (Ezk. 5:6; 20;13,16). "God rejects men who do not listen to Him (Hos. 9:17). Notes on Rom. 1:28: Dunn: "And as they did not think God qualified for continued recognition, God gave them over to a disqualified mind, to do what is improper. Context: v. 27: "They were inflamed with their desire for one another>" Males with males committing what is shameless: shameless deed. indecent act NIV All kinds of homosexual practice, female as well as male. "Receive back": there is some emphasis on the reciprocal nature of the transaction. Error: wandering, roaming....from the path of truth, as in error, delusion, deceit, deception. In the Greco-Roman world homosexuality was quite common and even highly regarded... 28) They did not think fit to keep God in mind. It was not simply a case of humans being distracted by something else and losing sight of God; they gave God their consideration and concluded that God was unnecessary to their living; God as Creator with rights over his creation. They discounted God as a factor in shaping their lives. The mind which leaves God out of consideration, befogs its own function (v.21) and disqualifies itself. Lest there should remain any doubt, paul emphasizes the direct link between mankind's rejection of God and its disordered state. It all stems from the basis refusal to recognize God. The first clause brings out the character of this refusal as a deliberate act of human pride and self-sufficiency. Cf. Jer. 6:30; 2 Tim. 3:8; Titus 1:16.
What is righteousness?Code 1343. dikaiosune. TDNT 2:174 n f 92X AV Ardnt/Gingrich: 1. Uprightness; justice as characteristic of a judge (Acts 17:31; Rev. 19:4). 2. In a moral and religious sense: uprightness, righteousness, the characteristic required of men by God. a. In the sense of fulfilling the divine statutes Mt. 3:15 b. Uprightness as the compelling motive for the conduct of one's whole life: hunger and thirst for uprightness Mt. 5:6; cf. 6:33. (P.196) Passages: Mt. 5:20 Acts 13:10 enemy of R. **Rom. 1:16,17; 3:22,25-26; 4:6. What can wash away my sins? Rom. 6:13-18 How become servants of righteousness? cf. 10:9-10. Rom. 10:3-4 Must not make mistake of the Jews. 2 Cor. 11:15 Watch out for the counterfeit. 2 Tim. 3:16 Scriptures profitable for instruction in R. 2 Pet. 2:21 Way of Righteousness.
Please discuss the role of Christians in the world today.1. Role is one of separation from that which is sinful (2 Cor. 6; Jno. 15; Jas. 4; 1 Jno. 2:15-17). 2. The Christian's song is: This World Is Not My Home Phil.3:20. 3. Not of the world but in the world; in the world for a purpose Matt. 5:13-16; Phil. 2:14-16; Titus 2:10; 1 Cor. 9:22.
Who are the ministers of God in Romans 13?Class notes: Intro: In ch. 12 Paul began with the fundamental transformation (1,2). Then the relationship of the Christian to his fellow Christian (3-16). Relationship to the world, including enemies (17-21). Jesus taught that we are to render to God the things which are God's and to Caesar the things which are Caesar's. This principle is enlarged upon in this chapter. Also, this chapter flows out of the last few verses of ch. 12. 1) Governments are appointed by God. The responsibility of subjection is directed to everyone, regardless of his social status. Soul: 1 Pet. 3:20; Acts 7:14. Present active imper.: keep on being in subjection. It was highly distasteful for the Jew to be subject to the Roman government, and there was the danger that when they became Christians they would hold on to their former prejudice. Gentile converts might feel that having confessed Jesus Christ as their king, they were not subject to any other government (Cf. Titus 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:13-15). Subjection is not based upon government being just. But those in power had best realize that they are there through God's providence (Dan. 17,25,32) (G.). cf. Dan. 4:17,25; Rev. 1:5; 19:16. Pilate's unjust sentence was an abuse of his power (Jno.19:10). Nero abused his power. But such did not negate the principle of submission to the government (G). Also note the plural "powers." All governmental authorities. 2) This point logically and of necessity follows from v. 1. If the governing authorities are ordained by God, then if one resists those authorities, he resists the ordinance of God. The exception: when the ordinance of man would bring un into violation to an ordinance of God (Acts 5:29; Rev. 2:13). 3) Government also has its responsibilities. The first duty is to protect society. Rulers are not a terror to good works. Not by God's design! They are to promote good works. (G) The one who obeys the laws generally has nothing to fear from the government. On the other hand, those who do evil ought to be afraid, because God has given the government the power to punish the evil doer. They are obligated to be a terror to evil works. Murderers, rapists, thieves, child seducers, those who deal in drugs, prostitution, gambling, should be actively opposed by the government (G). When government goes astray from this principle and begins to punish the righteous and reward the criminal, it is no longer a minister of God. (ibid) 4) A second responsibility of government is to punish the lawbreakers, not to pamper them. Sword: Decapitation was the common method of execution for citizens. The MACHAIRA here is the sword in the hands of the executioner who inflicts the death penalty on criminals. Note that the government, not the individual, is to execute this wrath. "Our society should shed a tear for its victims of crime. We have heard much about crowded conditions in prisons, but let us remember that the victims of murderers do not have much room in their coffins either. The idea of keeping murderous monsters up to the tune of thousands of dollars of taxpayer's money is one of the more ludicrous activities of our time" (Green). 5) With this statement Paul goes back to v.1. There it is an admonition; here it is a statement of necessity. Two reasons are given for subjection: a) Wrath: Fear of punishment. Ill. officer with machine gun in bank in Prague. Line formation; out of way of door. Healthy fear is good: Teach our children to fear unguarded fires, deep and dangerous waters, dangerous heights. b) Conscience: The Christian has another, and a higher objective. "Not only because it is dangerous to resist, but also because it is right to submit" (Erdman). Because it is God's will that we do so. To strive to be within what we are seen to be without. There are those who act n private as they act in public.... because they will fragment within if they don't. (Mcq.383). It is never desirable or expedient to oppose the conscience. The lack of swift and just punishment today is constantly eroding the first (Vinson). (cf. Eccl. 8:11). 6) Because of the truth expounded in vv. 1-5 we are to pay taxes (G). For the third time, Paul calls government officials the ministers or servants of God. (G) "This very thing" refers to punishing the evildoer and protecting the good. Here again there is a responsibility of the Government. Gibbon said that one of the five major causes of the fall of the Roman Empire was "higher and higher taxes until the load became unbearable, while officials of the empire continued to spend public funds with reckless indifference." 7) Tribute: paid by a subject nation (Mt. 22:15-22. Custom: Tax for support of civil government (Matt. 17:25). Also: pray 1 Tim. 2:1-4.
Do you have to be a church member to be saved?1. If by "church member" one means a member of the New Testament church, that Jesus built, and for which He shed His blood, the answer is yes. In a way, it's like asking if one must be a Christian to be saved, or if one needs the blood of Christ to be saved. According to the Bible, when one is saved by the blood of Christ as he obeys the conditions of pardon, the Lord adds the saved to the church (Acts 2:47). That's what the church is--saved people. The church is not the Savior; Christ is the Savior; the church is the saved.
What is the definition of sanctification?1. To be separated or set apart unto God. Often will be translated by the equivalent term "holiness." 2. Comes as a result of obedience to truth (Jno.17:17; 1 Cor. 6:11) a. Possible only in Christ 1 Cor. 1:30. b. God's will 1 Thes. 4:3; that to which He calls us v.7. c. Essential Heb. 12:14. 3. Involves two important aspects: a. Separation from that which is sinful (1 Thess. 4:3; 2 Cor. 7:1; Titus 2:11,12). b. Separation unto God, and the doing of His will (1 Pet. 2:11). Jesus is our example in this. 4. What it does not mean is sinless perfection (Rom.3:23; 1 Jno. 1:7-9). 5. Other passages: Opposite is uncleanness (1 Thes. 4:7) Rom. 6:19,22; 1 Tim. 2:15.
If I am a Satanic worshipper would God accept my plea of forgiveness?Answer: The Bible teaches that the blood of Christ will forgive any sin and all sins, when we comply with God's terms of pardon. This includes the sin of Satanism. When the sinner believes the Gospel, repents of his sins, confesses his faith in Jesus as the Son of God, and is baptized into Christ, every sin is forgiven (Mark 16:15,16; Acts 2:38; Romans 10:9,10). If as a child of God one becomes guilty of sin, he is to repent and pray for forgiveness (Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9).] 1. Rising problem of Satanism. Notes from Juvenile Probation Officer: a. Satanism includes trespassing, vandalism, animal mutilation, desecration of Bible, kidnapping, rape, sexual molestation, and murder. b. Signs of involvement: Fantasy role playing games: "Dungeons & dragons. Uigi boards; Heavy metal music 5-7 hours per day, which promotes suicide, drug addiction, and homosexuality. Books on the subject, such as the Satanic Bible. c. Contributing causes: Often one who is involved in Satanism is from a dysfunctional family. The individual is missing something, and he is looking for it. 2. One aspect of Satanism is observance of the Black Mass. a. The Black Mass goes back to the Middle Ages. It had its earliest beginnings in the form of a revolt in protest to a corrupt church. Thus, the Black Mass evolved as a parody of the Roman Catholic Latin Mass. It is usually said by an unfrocked priest; the Mass and the hymns are said and sung backward; the word "Satan" is substituted for the word "Christ"; a black altar is used instead of a white altar; opiates are burned instead of incense; there is a calculated attempt to desecrate "Christian" symbols, including spitting on a picture of Christ, then hanging it upside down...human wastes are the elements in the Communion service instead of bread and the fruit of the vine; the Mass closes with a curse instead of a blessing. (FC Lec.'74; p.56) 3. Then there is the Witches' Sabbat. In the initiation rite for a new member of the cult, the candidate is expected to make a disavowal of the Christian faith; and make a pact to do Satan's bidding. The actual worship service might include: animal or human child sacrifices; the dismemberment and butchering of human bodies obtained for this purpose through grave-robbing; feasts of cannibalism; may involve fornication, homosexuality, or even incest (ibid, p.56-57). 4. In 1966, Anton LaVey announced the formation of the church of Satan in San Francisco, proclaiming himself Black Pope. He has appeared on Johnny Carson's Tonight show, has filled numerous speaking engagements at major universities, and has been featured in several national news and feature magazines. He is the author of The Satanic Bible and then later, The Satanic Rituals: A Companion to The Satanic Bible.
Which is worse: killing 15 people or stealing a piece of bubble gum? Now, who will pay for those sins?1. I.e., is one sin worse than another? a. The answer is "no", in that the wages of sin is death (Rom.6:23). Unforgiven sin, whatever it is, will cause one to be lost. Murderers will have their part in the lake that burns with fire, which is the second death (Rev.21:8). Thieves shall not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:10). b. On the other hand, some sins are worse than others regarding their very nature, or their consequences, or their harm done to others. If one steals something, he can and should make restitution. If one takes another's life, that is irreversible. Not only has he taken the individual's life away, but he has brought sorrow upon one's loved ones and friends that is incalculable, and cannot be measured. c. Passages: 1 Tim. 5:8; 1 Cor. 11:17; 2 Pet. 2:20. 2. Who will pay? a. The nature of some sins is that restitution can be made for the thing taken, or for the harm done. Repentance involves restitution whenever possible. b. So far as payment for sin is concerned, in the sense of atonement or forgiveness, the only price that can be paid has been paid: the blood of the sinless Son of God. c. Passages: Lk. 7:42: when they had not wherewith to pay; 1 Pet. 1:18,19. d. Song: Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to thy cross I cling. Song: What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Eph.5:11,12: How does this apply to a Christian today?The text reads: "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret." 1. Paul identified some of the works of darkness (vv. 3ff.). Christians are to have nothing in common with these. 2. Unfruitful. Cf. Rom. 6:21 3. It is not enough just to ignore evil. Psa. 36:4.
Please explain sinless perfection.1 John 3: v.3) The hope which we have is in being like him when He shall appear. This passage may not be legitimately cited to sustain the view that it is possible for a child of God to live above sin here. Such a view is opposed to other statements by the same writer (1 Jno.1:8;2:1). Continue to need the cleansing blood of Jesus (1 John 1:7-9). v.4) This was a sorely needed lesson. Certain heretical sects of the time (Gnostics) held that their superior knowledge made them immune from the demands of God's law, and that God would not impute to them wrongdoing even though their conduct was in conflict with God's law. v.5) The purpose of Christ's coming. Jesus was completely sinless (Jno.7:18, 8:46; 2 Cor. 5:21, Heb. 4:15; 7:26; 9:13;1 Pet. 2:21-23). v.6) To abide means to settle down and remain, as in one's permanent home. Tense: "whosoever keeps on abiding." Not saying that a Christian is not capable of committing a single act of sin; this would be in conflict with what has just been said. Key is the tense of the verbs which set forth the action involved. The (present) tense indicates action that is in progress at the present time. Lit. "whosoever continues to abide in Him, does not keep on sinning." That is not his practice as it was before his conversion. Cf. 1 Cor. 9:27; Phil.3:12. A plan has been provided (1 Jno. 2:1). v.8) He who lives a life of habitual sin is of the devil. But cf. Peter v.9) Doeth no sin: present active indicative of poio, does not keep on doing sin. The reference here is to persistent, continuous, willful sin, such as that contemplated in v. 6. Seed: Lk. 8:11; Psa.119:11. cf. Rom. 3:23; Rom. 6:1-6: We are thus no longer to continue in sin. Not even isolated acts of sin are to be indulged in. cf. 1 Cor. 10:13.
Why is Jesus sometimes referred to as the Son of Man and sometimes the Son of God?Son of God Used to express His deity. Mt. 3:17; cf. Ps.2:7; Lk. 9:35. Oneness of personal essence with God Jno.10:30; 14:11; 15:24 Son of Man Human nature Mt. 8:20; Lk. 9:58 Messianic title Dan. 7:13,14; Phil. 2:5-11 Occurs 80 X cf. Acts 7:56; Divine Prerogatives Mt. 12:8 Forgiveness Mt. 9:6 Ransom text Mt. 20:28
Why do some people have to suffer? Is it because they have sinned in the past?1. God is all knowing (Psa.139; 1 Jno.3:20); all loving (1 Jno. 4:8,16); and all-powerful (Jer.32:17). But some conclude that if you serve God faithfully, He will keep you from all serious suffering. This is a misconception, as is seen from the book of Job. He lost all of his wealth and possessions, all 10 of his children were killed. Then he lost his health and was covered with boils from the top of his head to the soles of his feet. Even his wife turned against him and advised him to "curse God and die." Job did not suffer because he was wicked and disobedient--Job 1:8, God Himself said Job was a "blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil." But the lesson to be learned is that God is worthy of our praise and worship, because He is God, even when every physical and visible reason for serving Him has been taken away. 2. In reality, suffering comes to us from various sources. We often suffer as the result of personal mistakes and sins. (Prov. 23:29,30). Or remember the suffering experienced by the prodigal son (Lk.15). cf. 1 Pet. 4:15. One million Americans are infected with HIV; 110,000,000 worldwide. 3. Suffering also comes to us as the result of the sins of others. Thing of the mother who inadvertently infects her baby with AIDS, or of the drunkard's family. 4. Suffering comes as the result of societies which ignore God; present day India. 5. When God made man, He could either make him with free moral agency, or without free moral agency; either with freedom of choice, or as a robot, who could only do what he was programmed to do. WE know that God made man with the ability to choose. This means that one can choose to sin. Suffering that comes with sin could not be eliminated unless God had made man such that he could not choose, and he could not sin. 6. Some suffering exists simply because we are in a body of flesh, and the flesh is frail. 2 Cor. 4:16; 1 Pet. 1:24; Heb. 9:27; Eccl. 12. God has not promised that we will be spared from death and bereavement. But He has promised to be with His children, to strengthen them, and not to forsake them (Heb. 4:14-16; 13:5,6; Phil. 4:13; Psa. 73:23-26; John 10:27-29). 7. Some suffering is for righteousness sake (1 Pet. 4:16; Acts 14:22). cf. John 16:33: "In this world you will have trouble." Further, note Acts 12: James was beheaded, but Peter was rescued. 8. Benefits of suffering: a) Pain lets us know when we are being burned; when we need to see a doctor. b) Can contribute to our spiritual development (James 1:12). Sudden calamities remind us of life's brevity. Suffering helps to keep us from becoming too attached to the material realm. This world is not my home. Suffering often leads men to turn to God. It can help prepare us for heaven. Source consulted: B. Bromling, R&R Aug.1990
Does God forgive people who commit suicide?1. Passages which deal with the subject: 1 Sam.31:3-5; 2 Sam. 17:23; 1 Kings 16:18; Matt. 27:5. 2. In none of these passages is there anything to indicate that this was done with God's approval. There can be no doubt that it is sinful to take one's own life, just as it would be sinful for one to take the live of another. Acts 16:28: "Do yourself no harm." 3. There are books available that tell how to plan suicide. Some seem very much aware of what they are doing, and plan for weeks or month to take their life. On the other hand, I knew of one young lady, who was a Christian, whose death was ruled suicide, but there was a great deal of doubt as to whether she really intended to take her life. 4. Only God would know to what extent one who commits suicide was aware of what he/she was doing, and whether he/she was accountable for the act. Of course, God will be the judge. Related question: What about assisted suicides? 1. Obadiah 11 2. Rom. 1:32 3. Rom. 12:9 4. Eph. 5:11 5. 2 John 9ff. 6. Prov. 3:5,6 (See also GOT May '93 p.6 (262)
Who put the thorn in Paul's flesh and why?Despite Paul's grand character, and his faithfulness to the Lord, he was human, and as such, susceptible of being "exalted over much" by his singular experience of having been caught up to the "third heaven," the very presence of God (see 2 Cor. 12:1-6). To prevent this, he was given "a thorn in the flesh," a "messenger of Satan to buffet me." The text reads, "And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure" (2 Cor. 12:7). The thorn (whatever it was) was a painful affliction. It was thrust into Paul by an agent of Satan. The word rendered, to "buffet" is used in Matthew 26:67 to describe our Lord's treatment by the Sanhedrin the night before He was crucified: "Then they spat in His face and beat Him...". So great was the agony which Paul suffered from this painful disorder that three times he implored the Lord to deliver him from it. Because a greater blessing would be Paul's with the thorn than without it, the Lord did not comply with the request, but he did what was in Paul's best interest. He did give Paul grace and strength to cope with the problem. Paul acquiesced to God's will (vv. 9-10). How wonderful and how wise God is! He gave Paul what was best for him, instead of what Paul asked for. Note also that Paul did not merely resign himself to it, but he welcomed it "most gladly" (v.9). He thus submitted to God's will, "that the power of Christ may rest upon me." Paul's own strength (as is ours) was insufficient. But "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13; cf. 1 John 4:4). What Paul wanted most of all was the Lord's presence; His favor, protection and power. Paul's goal was heaven! It is impossible to identify with certainty the exact nature of the affliction (Deut. 29:29). Many suggest it was an affliction of the eyes, due to the following considerations: 1. Reference is made to his physical infirmity to the Galatians (4:13-14). At that time the Galatians would have "plucked out your own eyes and given them" to Paul (v.15). 2. He wrote with "large letters" (6:11). 3. Some believe that the incident of Acts 23:1-5 may be indicative of poor vision. Keep in mind the text does not say the Lord gave him the thorn; it says the Lord did not remove the thorn. The Bible teaches that some suffering is permitted by God, and overruled by Him for good. As was the case with Job (2:1ff.) God's gracious and restraining hand is never removed. (NICOT.447). The Father's chastening is always "for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness" (Heb. 12:10).
Do you feel that chewing tobacco or dipping snuff is wrong?Intro: The Bible does not specifically mention tobacco or its use. Therefore the question must be answered by the application of principles that are contained in the Bible. 1. The use of tobacco is harmful to one's body. It has been linked to coronary artery disease and cancer. The apostle Paul taught Christians that their bodies belong to the Lord (1 Cor. 6:19,20; Rom. 12:1). 2. The use of tobacco is an offensive habit. Chewing and dipping with appropriate spitting have an offensive smell as well as appearance. Matt. 7:12. 3. The tobacco habit is an expensive habit. Often users will spend money on tobacco before groceries, medical care, or spiritual matters receive consideration. (1 Cor.4:2- Stewards ought to use wisely that which is intrusted to their care.) 4. Perhaps one of the most important considerations is that of example. Can you picture Jesus dipping snuff or chewing tobacco? The practice could easily "turn off" one from any thing you would like to teach him about his soul. 1 Cor 10:32,33: "Give no occasion of stumbling, either to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the church of God: even as I also please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of the many, that they may be saved." Conclu: David Lipscomb (Q & A, p. 693): "To me, it would be a sin to use tobacco. I regard it as a filthy, useless habit that injures many and does few any good...". Question #50: If you chew tobacco, dip snuff or smoke cigarettes will you go to hell? Intro: The Bible does not specifically mention tobacco or its use. Therefore the question must be answered by the application of principles that are contained in the Bible. 1. The use of tobacco is harmful to one's body. It has been linked to coronary artery disease and cancer. Fifty years of medical research provides overwhelming evidence that cigarette smoking is a major cause of lung cancer, cancer of the larynx, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It has been linked to coronary artery disease, oral cancer, peptic ulcer, carcinoma of the bladder and cirrhosis of the liver. The death rate for smokers is about 70 percent higher than for non-smokers. The apostle Paul taught Christians that their bodies belong to the Lord (1 Cor. 6:19,20; Rom. 12:1). Not only is smoking harmful to the health of the use, but also to the health of those around him. Non-smokers often suffer from the second hand smoke which they must inhale from the smoker. It's not unusual to see a young mother smoking, with several small children forced to breath her second hand cigarette smoke. But the ad assures them, "You've come a long way, Baby." 2. The use of tobacco is an offensive habit. Smoking, chewing and dipping with appropriate spitting have an offensive smell as well as appearance. Matt. 7:12. 3. The tobacco habit is an expensive habit. Often users will spend money on tobacco before groceries, medical care, or spiritual matters receive consideration. (1 Cor.4:2- Stewards ought to use wisely that which is intrusted to their care.) 4. Perhaps one of the most important considerations is that of example. The practice could easily "turn off" one from any thing you would like to teach him about his soul. 1 Cor 10:32,33: "Give no occasion of stumbling, either to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the church of God: even as I also please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of the many, that they may be saved." Paul said, "that ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye are seen as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life. A Christian who smokes cannot exert the best influence on others. Even many who are not Christians frown upon the use of tobacco. In that case a Christian who smokes would definitely hurt his potential influence upon reaching that non-Christian with the Gospel. (Rom.12:1,2). 5. Many times a decision can be made regarding right and wrong by asking the question, What would Jesus do? Can you picture Jesus smoking, dipping, or chewing as He invites all to come unto Him, Come learn of me? "O to be like Thee! Blessed Redeemer; This is my constant longing and prayer; Gladly I'll forfeit all of earth's treasures, Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to ward. O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee! Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art; Come in Thy sweetness, come in thy fullness; Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart." Conclu: David Lipscomb (Q & A, p. 693): "To me, it would be a sin to use tobacco. I regard it as a filthy, useless habit that injures many and does few any good...". (source consulted: Jimmy Thomas, Ask and the Bible Answers, p.87)
Can there be speaking in tongues if the Holy Ghost is not present? Why do some churches not have speaking in tongues and others don't Is it because of the presence of the H.S. in some and not in others, or is it because of doctrinal differences?1. What are tongues? These were languages (Acts 2:8-11). 2. Teaching of 1 Cor. 12-14 regulated the use of tongues. 3. Purpose of miraculous: Mk.16:20. That purpose has been accomplished. 4. What if angel/miracle were to give a different revelation? cf. Gal. 1 a. If same as Bible/less/more/different/ b. What would be purpose today? 5. From Jimmy Thomas: a. There are 5 references to speaking in the N.T. (Mk.16:17; Acts 2:3,4; 10:46; 19:6; 1 Cor. 12-14). The first is a promise, the next three are historical accounts, and the last deals with their proper use. b. The same Grk. word is used in each of these passages. Therefore, whatever it means it one place is its meaning in all. On Pentecost, those who spoke in tongues spoke languages that could be heard and understood (Acts 2:6-11). The fact that the tongues discussed in Corinthians were subject to interpretation is further proof that they were also languages (1 Cor. 12:10,30; 14:5,13,27) The word "unknown," appearing in the KJV of 1 Cor. 14:2,4,13,14,19, and 27, is in italics, showing that it was supplied by the translators. It is not in the Grk. text, nor is it in other standard translations. The tongues of the Bible were human languages, foreign to the speaker, but understood by those familiar with them. c. Tongues, along with other miraculous gifts, were given to early disciples to confirm the word of God (Mk.16:20). That word was confirmed and recorded by the end of the first century (Heb.2:3,4; Jno.20:30,31) Furthermore, if some are now able to speak in tongues, then all of the signs mentioned in the N.T. must be done today (Mk.16:17,18; 1 Cor. 12:8-10). d. Paul plainly declared that tongues shall cease (1 Cor. 13:8). This was to occur when that which is perfect is come (v.10). Means complete, full, in contrast to partial. At that time God's word was being revealed in part; later it was once for all delivered unto the saints. When that happened, tongues ceased.
Discuss what the Bible teaches regarding women preachers.1. The Bible has done more to exalt womanhood than any other book that has ever been written. Wherever the Bible has gone the status of women has been improved. Women are "joint-heirs of the grace of life" along with men (q Pet. 3:7). Paul wrote: "There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male and female; for ye all are one (man) in Christ Jesus. And if ye are Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, heirs according to promise." (Gal.3:28,29). In the matter of salvation, men and women are equal. But the Bible distinguished between the roles of men and women. The head of woman is man (1 Cor. 11:3). Women are to teach (Acts 18:26-Priscilla helped her husband teach Apollos privately; 21:9 Philip had 4 virgin daughters who prophesied; cf. 2 Tim.2:2; Titus 2:3-5-Older women are commanded to teach younger women; there is no Biblical account of any of these teaching publicly), but not with authority over men (1 Tim. 2:11,12; 1 Cor. 14:34). Women are forbidden to preach publicly, serve as elders or take the lead in the work of the church (J. Thomas,pp.37,75). 2. 1 Tim. 2:11,12: No woman can preach or teach publicly without usurping authority over the man. This shows disrespect for man, and for God who forbids it. It is regrettable that so often men set aside God's will in order to have their own way (2 Jno. 9) (Frost,I.120).
What does the Bible say about women pastors, preachers, evangelists, teachers?1. Pastors: Eph.4:11 (poimen); Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2. (poimaino) a. Qualifications 1 Tim.3/Tit.1. b. 1 Tim. 2;1 Cor.14 2. Preachers: a. verb: euangelizo: Acts 8:12 b. also kerugma; a cry, proclamation- 1 Cor.2:4. 3. Evangelists euangelistes "one who announces good tidings a. Acts 21:8; Eph. 4:11; 2 Tim.4:5. 4. Teachers a. Women can teach, within the guidelines of 1 Tim.2:1; 1 Cor. 14. 5. This is O.T. principle as well. a. Miriam, the prophetess, led the women (Ex.15:20). b. Deborah would sit, and the children of Israel came to her for judgment (Jud.4:5), unlike Samuel, who made a circuit as he judged Israel (1 Sam. 7:16). 6. Some usurping, and teaching that which they should not (Rev.2:19ff.). a. Ask yourself this question, if a woman would disobey such plain passages as the above, what does that tell you about the doctrine she will be teaching. b. Mt.15. If the blind lead the blind...
Is there Bible support for local church membership?Though I understand you are asking about the local church, it would seem that a good beginning point would be to discuss the nature of the church universal. The church (universal) is the spiritual body of Christ. It is the called out body of Jesus Christ. It was promised by the Lord in Matthew 16:18). He purchased the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:25). To minimize the church is to minimize the blood of Christ. To say that the church is non-essential is to say that Christ unnecessarily shed His blood. The church includes all of God's people. It encompasses all, anywhere in the world, as well as those who have died in the Lord. It is the brotherhood (1 Pet. 2:17). Christ is the head (Eph. 1:22,23; Col. 1:18). It has no other organization. It is the saved. A spiritual house (1 Pet. 2:5). It is the kingdom of God (Heb. 12:28); it is the family of God (Eph. 2:19; 3:15). There is but one body (Eph. 4:4-6). One is added to that one body as he meets the conditions of pardon. The very process that makes one a Christian at the same time makes him a member of the church. Now, let me specifically address whether membership in the local church is a scriptural concept. 1. The word "church" is used in the Bible to refer to "the called out people" in a given place. It is true that Chrisitans function as individuals. But the local church is the "functioning unit" that God has authorized. In this, the local church, there are to be elders, deacons (Phil. 1:1). Those elders addressed here were not over the church universal, but the church at Philippi. Consider also the local church at Antioch. The wording is, "Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers..." (Acts 13:1). Again we can conclude from this passage that there are to be teachers in the local church (for our purpose now we are not addressing the purpose and duration of the miraculous; suffice it to say that the prophets were also teachers, but inspired teachers). 2. The mission God assigned to these local churches consists of evangelism (1 Thes. 1:8; 1 Tim. 3:15), edification (1 Cor. 14:26; 1 Thes. 5:11) and relief of needy Christians (1 Cor. 16:1,2). As earlier stated, Christians certainly function as individuals, but God has addressed Himself to "group effort", to "collective activity." The local church is "team effort." There is a pooling of work and financial resourses. Negatively, it should be observed that in the New Testament God did not authorize local churches to promote the Social Gospel. They were not divinely instructed to meddle in politics, provide secular education, or entertainment and recreation. Nor did God instruct churches to be a relief agency for the whole world. 3. There is but one body (Eph. 4:4). But there were and are many local churches. This is not to say that the universal church is made up of all the local churches. The universal church consist of all the saved, whether living or dead. It is made up of saved individuals. The local church is also made up of individuals, but in a given locality. Consider the context of Romans 16:16. Paul was on the 3rd journey. Writing from Corinth. He had started out from Antioch of Syria. He revisited the churches of Galatia. He had been in Ephesus for 3 years. He then went through Macedonia. Now writing from Corinth, he states, "the churches of Christ salute you." Probably all of these churches and perhaps others were included the greetings Paul sent. Yes, the local church is authorized. Yes, it has an important place in God's plan. 4. There were many local churches, but they were to be of the same faith and practice (1 Cor. 4:17). The fact that they fell short, and had to be corrected, in no way negates that this was God's plan. There is a divine pattern to which local churches are expected to hold fast. When God gives a pattern, He does not authorize men to tamper with it. 5. The local church is what assembles for worship (Heb. 10:25). This is one way in which Christians consider and encourage one another. It is the local church that comes together to observe the Lord's Supper (1 Cor. 11:17-34; Acts 20:7). In Acts 14:27, Paul and Barnabas "gathered the church together." They did not gather the universal church together, which would have been impossible, but they gathered the church at Antioch, the local church. 1 Tim. 2:1-8 considers the church "in every place", with instructions regarding prayer, etc. 6. The local church is what has a treasury. The church at Philippi pooled their resources together to help support Paul (Phil. 4:15ff.). Other churches out of their treasuries supported Paul (2 Cor. 11:8). God expected that each Christian would have a part in the financial responsibilities (1 Cor. 16:1,2). Note that this was done on the first day of every week (see NASB). 7. The oversight of elders is that of the local church (1 Pet. 5:4). If one is not part of the local church, he thwarts God's plan (for himself) by not being under their watch and care. 8. Consider God's plan in church discipline. It involves the local church, as seen in 1 Cor. 5, as well as 2 Thes. 3. Conclusion: In light of the above passages, where must we be to fit into God's plan? Christians must be in the local church. As far as how this is done, i.e., sometimes called "placing membership", Christians are not mind readers. One must let his intentions be known, as Paul "assayed to join himself" to the disciples at Jerusalem. The instructions of Romans 14, to "receive" those weak in the faith (here speaking of those with misunderstandings re. the eating of meats), would involve the concept of their letting it be known they wanted to be received. So the affirmative answer we have given re. the authority for membership in the local church rests upon all the above passages and considerations.
|
