Someone inquires, “Where does the Bible tell about Paul persecuting the church?” The inspired historian Luke recorded the persecution by Paul (then known by his Jewish name “Saul”) of the early church (Acts 8:1ff). Immediately preceding Paul’s (Saul’s) conversion, Jesus Christ asked Paul (Saul) why he was persecuting Him (Acts 9:4-5; 22:7-8; 26:14-15); the latter two citations in the previous sentence were related by the apostle Paul about his encounter with our Lord on the road to Damascus before his conversion. The apostle Paul clearly acknowledged that he had persecuted the church in his speech and writings recorded in Acts 26:11, 1 Corinthians 15:9, Galatians 1:13 and 1 Timothy 1:13.

Someone asks, “What is considered an eldership?” This word is a noun and represents a plurality of “elders,” also a noun. The words “elders” and “eldership” refer to the same thing. The New Testament also refers to “elders” (plural) (Acts 11:30; 14:23; 20:7; James 5:14, etc.) rather than to an “elder” (singular) when referring to church leaders appointed according to biblical qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. No single “elder” constitutes an “eldership” or can biblically or scripturally direct a congregation.

Why in churches of Christ [do] we pray one person [at a time] and the rest will be in silence? Some cry when praying but this rarely happen in the churches of Christ? Then last the issue of speaking [is] in tongues after [one has] been filled with Holy Spirit, [I] have not yet encountered it. The churches of Christ try to be identical to the church that Jesus established (Matthew 16:18) and about which one can read in the New Testament. The noticeable differences between that church then and now pertain to the differences relative to the contrasts between the first century and the 21st century. Those dissimilarities include modern conveniences (e.g., electricity, air conditioning, modes of travel, church owned property, public address systems, audio-visual media, clothing styles, etc.) and the cessation of Bible miracles around the close of the first century and the beginning of the second century (1 Corinthians 13:8-12) when the New Testament epistles had been completed. First, one male member (1 Corinthians 14:34) prays aloud for the congregation at a time because this procedure is part of the orderliness (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40) in a congregational assembly commanded by the inspired apostle Paul. “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to

Someone asks, “By what authority is the Lord’s Supper served on Sunday night?” In one sense, this question is slightly amusing. The only Scripture in the New Testament designating the day on which and the frequency with which Christians observe the Lord’s Supper presents an example of its observance on the evening of the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). By the way, the Lord’s Supper was instituted by our Lord “in the evening” (Mark 14:17). The one asking the question, however, may mean to ask about a congregation making the Lord’s Supper available in a morning worship, as well offering it to those in an evening worship who were not present in the morning. While we are thinking about that inquiry, add to that the Lord’s Supper being offered on the same Lord’s Day to other members of the same congregation who may be infirm at home, in a hospital or in a retirement home. Going back to Acts 20:7, this apostolically approved example presents the obligation of every Christian to partake of the Lord’s Supper weekly on the first day of the week. The time of day is as immaterial as it is inconsequential as to whether the church assembles in an “upper room” or not (Mark 14:15; Acts 20:8). Once I heard someone object to the Supper being offered a second time at the same congregation on a Lord’s Day on the supposed basis that those having already taken of it earlier in the day were

I have a question regarding the work of elders. Can one large work be under shared oversight of multiple elderships? For example, a school of preaching (which I am currently enrolled) has several campuses located at different congregations. Each campus is independent and is under the oversight of that particular host congregation’s elders. However, even though each campus is ran independently, they all fall under the same name banner. The campuses share curriculum, name, and template, but make their own decisions in regards to the use of each. I have spoke with the director about this and he gave me an answer. However, the answer is what actually lead to particulars of this this question. This also has nothing to do with any other motives except ensuring that I am involved in a scriptural situation. I very much want to continue my work with the school, but in good conscience. Thanks for your time, and as always I appreciate you and the sound balance of Gospel Gazette Online. We applaud the attitude of desiring to do what is correct spiritually and to maintain a good conscience. Romans 14 and verse 23 in particular require Christians to not violate their consciences. Essentially, even if a Christian believes something is wrong when it is perfectly alright, but does it anyway, violating his conscience, he sins. It is sinful to violate one’s conscience even if the activity itself is not actually sinful. In the first century, this especially applied to eating food that

Introduction to Angels As is true regarding the biblical introduction of God or of Satan, the Bible does not dedicate space to precisely define either what are “angels” or in what other accommodative ways the term may be applied in Scripture. The Bible mentions “angels” “…incidentally as a fact, without furnishing any details to gratify curiosity” (McClintock and Strong). “The Bible rarely focuses on angels themselves; they are usually characters in larger stories about God’s dealings with man. Information that we know about angels is determined from whatever details emerge from these stories” (Parker 15). As with God and Satan, for instance, the student of the Bible must piece together information gleaned from several biblical references. The Book of Job, though, introduces angels as a distinct, created group of beings to which Almighty God has assigned ministries or duties. From time to time, they must appear before God on His throne to give an accounting (“sons of God,” Job 1:6; 2:1). Hence, a little study on angels at this point is warranted. Definition & Examples Both Hebrew and Greek words translated “angel” mean “messenger.” As such, the word “angel” can refer to different persons or things according to the context in which the word “angel” appears. Frankly, this is largely true with most words; their exact meanings rely heavily on the context in which they are being used, besides whatever inherent meanings they may have. Therefore, the Hebrew word for “angel” is rendered “messenger” in Job 1:14 and “messengers” in

The city in Missouri, USA on the Mississippi River bearing the name St. Louis was named after King Louis IX of France. He lived from 1214 to 1270 and served as King from 1226 until his death. The Roman Catholic Church canonized or declared him to be a saint in 1297. According to Catholic teaching, in order for someone to be canonized or acknowledged to be a saint, the person must be dead and be responsible for at least two miracles. These miracles result from prayers being prayed through the departed person, who in turn becomes instrumental in miracles happening in answer to the prayers. Furthermore, all the dead in heaven are viewed as saints, but the supposed cause and effect of prayers and miracles serves to validate that the one through whom the prayers were made is in heaven, and therefore, is a saint. The canonization process is looked upon as validation that one is a saint in heaven, as opposed to the church making someone a saint. The current Pope Francis has declared hundreds of people from centuries past to be saints since he became pope. On Sunday, April 27, 2014, this pope canonized more contemporarily known and celebrated predecessors as saints – two recent popes, John XXII and John Paul II. Naturally, canonization and becoming a saint is a topic of current conversation and interest. However, while much of so-called Christendom is abuzz with such goings on, serious Bible students realize that the Holy Scriptures teach quite

The verse of Scripture under consideration reads, “And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the Lord, in Hebron” (2 Samuel 15:7 KJV). A footnote to the NKJV reads, “Septuagint manuscripts, Syriac, and Josephus read four.” The NIV and the ESV read, “at the end of four years.” In addition, Barnes’ Notes says, “An obvious clerical error, though a very ancient one for four years, which may date from Absalom’s return from Geshur, or from his reconciliation with David, or from the commencement of the criminal schemes to which 2 Sam 15:1 refers.” James Burton Coffman adds, “The KJV and other ancient versions have ‘forty years’ here instead of ‘four’; but the RSV is doubtless correct here in following the Syriac and certain texts of the LXX.  This indicates that it took Absalom four years from the time he was reconciled with David to launch his attempted coup de etat.” John Haley noted the observations of several students of the Bible, “…there is a copyists error in the case” (393). Each of the following commentators concludes the same thing. It is generally admitted that an error has here crept into the text, and that instead of [‎’arbaa‘iym‎], “forty”, we should read, with the Syriac and Arabic versions, and Josephus [‎’arba‘], ‘four years’ – i.e., after Absalom’s return to Jerusalem, and his beginning to practice the base arts of gaining popularity. (Jamieson,

How many years did Jesus live on this earth, 33 years or 33½ years, and how do we calculate, with biblical references? ~ Joe David At the time of the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist, He had been incarnate or in human flesh for “about thirty years” (Luke 3:21-23). The “about” associated with the “30 years” makes it impossible to ascertain definitively the exact age of our Lord at the time He was baptized and afterward began His public ministry. In addition, students of the Bible over the centuries have ventured to assign the ministry of the Lord to one year, two years, three years or three and a half years. First, there is insufficient biblical evidence to determine for sure the exact length of the earthly, public ministry of Jesus Christ, though “about” three or three and a half years seems more probable than lesser estimates. Second, the exact length of the ministry of our Lord is immaterial—it does not matter. The length of the ministry of Jesus, which culminated in His vicarious, sacrificial death upon Calvary’s cross, does not alter the significance of what He accomplished for humanity. He purchased the church with His blood (Acts 20:28). He built the church that He promised to build (Matthew 16:18), being the “foundation” (1 Corinthians. 3:11) and “chief corner stone” (Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:6). It is true that the birthday of the Lord’s church occurred 10 days after Christ’s Ascension (Acts 1:3). These events took place nearly

Our Lord Jesus Christ was particularly close it seems to three of the 12 apostles. Peter, James and John, for instance, accompanied Him to the place of His Transfiguration. “Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light” (Matthew 17:1-3 NKJV). The same three accompanied our Lord further on Gethsemane than the other disciples (Matthew 26:37; cf. Matthew 4:21). Likewise, in Mark 5:35-43, only Peter, James and John were permitted by Jesus to enter the home of the synagogue ruler when the Savior resurrected the deceased daughter. It may be that James and John misread the friendship that they enjoyed with Jesus, whereupon they requested superior roles over the other apostles (Mark 10:35-41; cf. Matthew 20:20-24). Jesus, though, refused to grant their request. Subsequently, the other apostles were displeased with those brothers. Beyond these references, our Lord especially had a close friendship with the apostle John. That apostle described himself as ‘the disciple whom Jesus loved’ (John 20:2; 21:7), and he is the one who leaned upon our Lord’s breast (John 21:20). Does the friendship that Jesus Christ had with Peter, James and John or especially with John conflict with biblical instruction that ‘God is no respecter of persons’ (Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11; Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 3:25; James 2:1, 9; 1 Peter 1:17)? No! God is no

We have been asked to ‘shed some light’ on John 20:23, which reads, “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” (John 20:23 NKJV). This was spoken exclusively or only to the eleven surviving apostles following the resurrection of Jesus Christ and prior to His Ascension. There are at least three ways that we can go about interpreting the meaning of what Jesus said to His apostles on that occasion: (1) Examine the literal meaning of the words in the original language of Greek, including and especially the verb tenses, (2) Turn to parallel or similar declarations of our Lord to His apostles, and (3) Analyze the way in which the apostles did what they were instructed to do in John 20:23 or similar passages. (1) Young’s Literal Translation of the Holy Bible gives us a hint of the verb tenses, which materially affect one’s understanding of the verse. “If of any ye may loose the sins, they are loosed to them; if of any ye may retain, they have been retained” (John 20:23 YLT emphasis added). Even more clearly, Wuest’s The New Testament: An Expanded Translation indicates, correctly so, that the apostles were authorized to do on earth what had already been determined in heaven. “If the sins of any certain individuals you retain in not forgiving them, they have been previously retained and thus have not been forgiven, with the present result that they are retained and in a state of not being

Text: Matt. 7:21-23 Thesis: To contrast the biblical plan of salvation for the Christian Age with humanly devised plans of salvation, urging then, that souls opt for the true, biblical plan of salvation that will take them to heaven—instead of to hell. Songs: “Heaven Holds All to Me,” “An Empty Mansion,” “Heaven Will Surely Be Worth I All,” “Above the Bright Blue,” “Lead Me Gently Home, Father,” “Home Over There,” “Sweet By and By” Introduction: Body: Conclusion: Invitation:

God communicates with mankind today through direct statements, examples and implications recorded upon the pages of the New Testament. There are only three basic avenues of verbal communication: commands or direct statements, approved examples and implications from which one is obligated to infer precisely what is implied—no more and no less. The New Testament is the only applicable covenant today—not the Old Testament (in which are Patriarchy and Judaism) and not what might be the case in eternity (e.g., heaven). What may be applicable eternally in heaven is immaterial to contemporary conduct. The Old Testament has been replaced with the New Testament (Romans 7:6-7; 2 Corinthians 3:6-11; Ephesians 2:15; Colossians 2:14). For instance, the New Testament, rather than instructions to Adam and Eve or Noah or Moses, is applicable today. Without a valid biblical interpretation, there is no way to comprehend divine revelation. The basic principle of interpersonal communication is innate—we are born with it! The young child who pleads with a parent for or against something will often go to great lengths, including citing the example of or the implied approval of an action based on what Mommy and Daddy do. Therefore, saying “Don’t do as I do, but do as I say!” simply does not work, especially in childrearing. Fundamental biblical interpretation is no more difficult than conversation (communication) between children. There is no essential difference between the study of the Scriptures and the study of any other subject. Basic biblical instructions in the New Testament for salvation, Christian worship and Christian service are

Bro can u explain me Mathew 5:19 verse what Jesus is telling? My QUESTION IS 1. one can disobey the Commands And he can teach the same. But can he go to heaven? EVEN HE DISOBEY THE Commands? 2. How one can enter into heaven went he disobey the commands? 3. What is the least of these commands? What Jesus is telling? 4. In heaven is there any division like Greater and smaller? Your’s In Christ, D. Pradabadathan. First, let us consider two verses together. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:19-20 NKJV) The words “shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven” are essentially a figure of speech, meaning that the Godhead (i.e., the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit) denounces persons who break or teach others to break the commandments of God. From verse 20, it is apparent that Jesus had reference to a practice of the scribes and Pharisees of relegating some of God’s commands under Judaism to lesser importance than other commands of God. Actually, they also elevated their own religious traditions above some of God’s commands. We can know that Jesus was

I was baptized at the age of 14. I know my baptism was real but 2 yrs. Later [and since] I’m living in sin for 20+ yrs., [but] now trying to come back with a sincere heart. Well my question is can I come back to Christ, and is my baptism is still worthy or effective? Please comment on this. Thanks, Kevin Yes, you can “come back to Christ.” There is no sin if we are willing to repent of it for which God is unwilling to forgive us (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). We humans can put ourselves beyond the reach of a loving God by hardened, rebellious hearts (Matthew 12:31-32; Ephesians 4:19; 1 Timothy 4:2; Hebrews 6:4-6). Someone may have doubts (Romans 14:23) about his or her baptism received at a young age or for other reasons (Acts 19:1-6), and subsequently request baptism again to make sure. There is one baptism (Ephesians 4:5), though, and either the first baptism was valid or the second baptism was the valid immersion “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38) or to be saved (1 Peter 3:21). However, Bible baptism saves one from past sins (Romans 3:25); that is, Bible baptism saves the participant from sins that he or she is no longer doing habitually. Furthermore, Bible baptism does not save one respecting sins that he or she may commit in the future. Baptism cleanses the soul from sins (when preceded by faith, John 8:24; repentance, Luke 13:3; acknowledging Jesus as Christ and Savior, Romans 10:9-10)

Adam and Eve received three commands or instructions: (1) They were told to bear offspring to fill the earth (Genesis 1:28); (2) They were told to exercise dominion over or rule the world (Genesis 1:28), beginning with the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:8, 15); (3) They were forbidden to eat from one tree (Genesis 2:17; 3:3). Looking at the current population of the world, it appears that the descendants of Adam and Eve essentially excelled in only one of the original three commands from God. It is debatable whether mankind has been a good caretaker of planet earth, and it is painfully obvious that humans have defined themselves overwhelmingly by their disobedience rather than by their obedience to God.

How embarrassing! In my grief I found myself not trusting God to attend to and care for the love of my life, my dear departed wife. Surely, my sorrow was heightened by my failure to trust God fully. While others rejoiced in part because Bonnie no longer suffered pain and surely was resting comfortably in the bosom of Abraham (Luke 16:22) in paradise (Luke 23:43), I could not bring myself to share those sentiments. Doubtlessly, wanting to put her house in order – wanting to make sure (2 Peter 1:10), weeks before she passed away, Bonnie asked me if she were saved. I responded that she and I had done everything that we knew to do in God’s Holy Word for the forgiveness of sins and preparedness for eternity. Underlying even such a response resonates a chink in the armor of trusting God. “But I have trusted in Your mercy; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation” (Psalms 13:5). “Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For Jehovah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation’” (Isaiah 12:2). Does God really exist? Has He forgiven us of our many and frequent sins? Will He really usher us – feeble, beggarly specimens of mortality – into His heavenly home forever? Can we trust God? It is at times like these when we have no control and no answers for such things as terminal illness followed by premature death that one inspects

The purpose of the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:20) or Communion (1 Corinthians 10:16) is to commemorate (1 Corinthians 11:24-25) and proclaim the Lord’s death until He returns (1 Corinthians 11:26). After all, the vicarious, sacrificial death of the Son of God on Calvary’s cross is a cardinal facet of Christianity. With the blood of Jesus (Ephesians 1:7; Revelation 1:5) are the children of God redeemed (Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 1:8) or purchased (Acts 20:28) from sin. This aspect of Christianity is so crucial that God saw fit that the church of Lord would observe the Lord’s Supper weekly on the first day of each week (Acts 20:7). The Lord’s Supper is so important that Christians are cautioned on how to or how not to observe it (1 Corinthians 11:27-32). In addition, partaking of the Lord’s Supper has special meaning to me. Observing the Communion is a habitual, weekly affirmation that I believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God (John 8:24), descended from heaven and died for me so that I could entertain the hope of spending forever in heaven (John 14:1-3; 2 Corinthians 5:1; Hebrews 11:10, 14-16; 13:14). Our Lord died so that the world could be saved (John 3:16; 1 Timothy 1:15; 1 John 2:2; 4:17). Furthermore, every time I partake of the Lord’s Supper, I sense a renewal of a pledge of allegiance to Jesus Christ. In essence, we who observe the Communion acknowledge afresh that our Messiah, the Son of God, died in our stead for our

Sir, have there been any valid prophets between 100 A.D. and 1900 A.D.? Sincerely, Glenn Jedlicka No, there have been no divinely inspired prophets on earth since the close of the first century and the end of Bible miracles. The purpose of miracles was to confirm new revelation from God, according to Mark 16:20. The various manifestations of miracles listed in New Testament passages (Mark 16:17; Acts 8:6-7; 9:33-42; 19:8-20) confirmed the prophets as being from God, including confirmation of Jesus Christ (John 20:30-31). Once the miracles had served their primary purpose in confirming new revelation—what we call the New Testament, they were no longer needed. The New Testament was complete around the close of the first century, about the same time the last of the apostles died. Miracles either ended when the last apostle died or when the last one upon whom an apostle laid hands to transfer miraculous power died; only the apostles themselves were able to transfer miraculous power to others. Since the New Testament is the complete, final inspired revelation from God, no additional miracles have occurred, and there have been no inspired prophets since approximately A.D. 100. Miracles were always scheduled by God to end once the New Testament was complete (1 Corinthians 13:8-12; Ephesians 4:11-14). Mankind already now has all of the divine instruction that God intends for us to have (Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Peter 1:3; Jude 3). The Gospel that we already have is “the power of God to salvation” (Romans 1:16 NKJV). Not only

The churches do not take communion each week as the Bible states. I would like to take communion at home to obey my Lord and Savior Jesus. Can I take communion at home by myself? Sincerely, Marlene Hope Weekly communion or observance of the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7) is one of the identifying characteristics of the Lord’s church about which one can read upon the pages of the New Testament. If a local church is not taking the communion weekly, there is a strong probability that there are other characteristics and teachings (doctrine) of the one true church of the Bible that it is not practicing, too. Recognizing that one, then, must partake of the Lord’s Supper weekly apart from this group ought to prod one also to distance himself or herself from such a church relative to other departures from New Testament teaching (e.g., biblical names for the church and its members, not adding instrumental music to worship, orderly assemblies, male leadership, etc.). The “churches of Christ” (Romans 16:17) endeavor to practice first century Christianity in the 21st century; visit one in your community, today. “Communion” by the very nature of what the word means, “partnership,” implies that the communion (1 Corinthians 10:16) or Lord’s Supper cannot be taken alone in the absolute sense. Even if only a single Christian observes the communion, which he or she could well do, communion involves Jesus Christ, too. “Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of

The very first sacrificial offering recorded in the Bible with which God was pleased was offered by Abel (Genesis 4:4). He lived under Patriarchy, and like under Judaism, specified animal sacrifices pleased the Lord. In those cases, the animal sacrifices and other acts of obedience were manifestations of a sacrificial disposition of the mind. However, then as well as presently under Christianity, it is possible for one to go through the motions of sacrifice and other acts of obedience without those activities genuinely reflecting a person’s true heart; a hypocritical person can feign devotion to God (Acts 5:1-9). Yet, it is certain that when people disobey God that He is displeased with them (Luke 6:46; 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9; 1 Peter 4:17). In order for God to be pleased with people today, they must obey divine instruction from the heart, which manifests itself in righteous conduct. The apostle Paul commended first century Christians in Macedonia for sacrificing from their hearts, which made it much easier and likely that they would demonstrate that sacrificial spirit outwardly. Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

“Did Satan just take the form of a serpent when he tempted Eve?” Various commentators have these thoughts on whether Satan took the form of a serpent when he tempted Eve or whether he spoke through a serpent when he tempted Eve. “The tempter was a serpent (Satan in the form of a snake), thus suggesting that temptation comes in disguise, quite unexpectedly, and that it often comes from a subordinate (someone over whom one should have exercised dominion; cf. Gen. 1:28)” (Bible Knowledge). When he came into the Garden, Satan used the body of a serpent, one of God’s creatures that He had pronounced “good” (Gen 1:31). Eve didn’t seem disturbed by the serpent’s presence or its speech, so we assume that she saw nothing threatening about the encounter. Perhaps Eve hadn’t been introduced to this species and concluded that it had the ability to speak. (Bible Exposition) “God allowed Satan to make the serpent his instrument and to speak through him” (Geneva Notes). “It was the devil in the likeness of a serpent. Whether it was only the visible shape and appearance of a serpent (as some think those were of which we read, Ex 7:12), or whether it was a real living serpent, actuated and possessed by the devil, is not certain…” (Matthew Henry’s). Of course, the whole person of the serpent that appears in this tragic scene also includes a certain identity with Satan himself, as indicated by Paul’s reference in 2 Cor. 11:3, the indication there being that the

Someone inquires, “Can money for food and school giveaways be taken from the contribution?” This question pertains not to the worthiness of expenditures as much as it is about on what the church contribution can be spent. If a proposed expense is a benevolent expenditure, then the answer is, “Yes.” “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10 NKJV). “[W]hile, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men” (2 Corinthians 9:13). There are two classes of people from the perspective of these two verses—the saved and the lost. Both the saved and the lost are potential candidates for the reception of congregational benevolence—including from the church treasury. Though some brethren tenaciously clutch church dollars, refusing any acknowledgement of a possible congregational response to benevolent needs of non-Christians, the context of Galatians 6:10, for instance, permits congregational benevolence toward non-Christians. In the same series of verses, Galatians 6:6 pertains to paying the preacher for his services (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:4-14; 1 Timothy 5:18). No one contends, preacher or church member, that individual Christians and not the congregation from the treasury are exclusively responsible for compensating the preacher. Since the congregational treasury may pay the preacher in verse 6, likewise the congregational treasury may spend benevolent money in verse 10 on either Christians or non-Christians, only that there is

Someone inquires, “Where is the authority for the church coming together for Bible study on Wednesday night?” First, “Wednesday night” is not the real issue underlying the question, because some congregations opt to have Bible classes for the local church on another day of the week, such as on Thursday. In addition, by whatever authority a church comes together for Bible classes on Sunday is materially the same as for the congregation having Bible classes on a weeknight. Therefore, the heart of the question is, “Where is the authority for the church coming together for Bible classes?” If by chance, Bible classes are not what are meant by reference to “meeting on Wednesday night,” then the crux of the inquiry pertains to a congregation coming together on another day besides Sunday, irrespective of the time of day (or night). When is it wrong to study the Bible? When is it wrong to study the Bible with fellow Christians? Why would it be wrong to study the Bible specifically with others of our own maturity level? We are commanded to study of the Word of God. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV). Church leaders, elders in particular, have a responsibility to feed their respective congregations with spiritual nourishment. “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church

The word “pornography” means, “the depiction of erotic behavior (as in pictures or writing) intended to cause sexual excitement” (Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). It comes from the compound Greek word, “pornographos,” “porne” meaning “prostitute,” “whore” or “harlot” and “grapho” meaning “to write.” The word “pornography” entered the English language in about 1864. It is no wonder, then, that the word did not appear in the earliest English translations of the Bible, which predate 1864. Although subsequent translations of the Bible do not include the word “pornography” either, biblical instruction definitely warns against it. First though, let’s attempt to quantify “pornography” so that we can see more clearly the scope of its reach and affect. Generally, pornography is typically categorized as “soft porn” and “hardcore porn.” Hardcore pornography is a worldwide exploding epidemic, but so-called soft pornography has already completely saturated especially western culture to the point that nearly everything advertised is marketed with some degree of sex appeal (e.g., hamburgers, jewelry, clothes, cars). Movies, music videos, video games, magazines, books and the Internet are awash with soft and hardcore pornography. Pornography of some degree is so plentiful that it is not uncommon for children or adults to come in contact with it even involuntarily. As long as pornography continues to be big business (billions of dollars annually) and to appeal to the baser side of humanity (mostly to men but to many women, too), it will continue to reshape both individuals and society in the mold of wickedness away from the “good

Ongoing miracles do not exist today because they accomplished the purpose for which they were permitted to occur. I hasten to mention that the same miracles that occurred in the first century remain recorded for us today upon the pages of Scripture. Notice 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 NKJV). The purpose of miracles is stated in Mark 16:20. “And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen” (emphasis added). Miracles were a means of providing new revelation from God as well as validating that message and the messenger. Miracles were never intended to be permanent, but they were to cease once the new revelation from God that we call the New Testament was complete (1 Corinthians 13:8-12). The imperfect or immature contrasted with the complete or mature in both instances in that context pertains to revelation from God. Once the New Testament was complete, there was no longer a use (according to their purpose) for miracles to continue. Healing, speaking in languages not learned, etc. were byproducts of miracles, not the purpose of miracles.

Please clarify my doubts. Is Jesus is God? If not, what about John 1:1-2. If yes, how? ~ Vanguru Venkateswar Lu The Godhead made mankind, or God made man. Just as mankind is represented by several persons (several billion today), the Godhead is represented by persons, too (three: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit). Three times in English translations of the New Testament the word “Godhead” appears (Acts 17:29; Romans 1:20; Colossians 2:9). The related Greek words translated “Godhead” mean “divine,” “divinity” or “God.” The Greek word appearing as “Godhead” in Acts 17:29 is translated as “divine,” relating to God’s “power” and “nature” in 2 Peter 1:3-4. All three persons of the Godhead possess the qualities of divinity or being God, just as the billions of people inhabiting our planet all possess the qualities of being human. Throughout both testaments of the Bible one can see that divine qualities are attributed to each of the three persons of the Godhead. In addition, one can see the unity with which these three persons of the Godhead operate. For instance, it is evident both from passages relative to creation that all three of the persons in the Godhead participated in it. “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness” (Gen 1:26 NKJV emphasis added). “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was

Apparently every language has them—bad words. God, through the apostle Paul, in Colossians 3:8 regulates the use of foul language—prohibiting the children of God from using such in their conversations. “But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth” (NKJV emphasis added). Other translations read “filthy communication” (KJV), “shameful speaking” (ASV), “obscene talk” (ESV), “abusive speech” (NASV), “foul talk” (RSV) or “filthy talk” (YLT). The Greek word ‎aischrologia appearing as “filthy language” (NKJV) in Colossians 3:8 is a compound word meaning “vile or base conversation or words”; it appears only in that verse of Scripture. Ephesians 4:29 provides similar instruction. “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (NKJV)—“corrupt communication” (KJV), “corrupt speech” (ASV), “unwholesome talk” (NIV), “evil talk” (RSV) or “corrupt word” (YLT). The Greek word sapros, translated “corrupt” (NKJV) means “rotten or worthless” and comes from another, related word that means “to putrefy.” Seven times sapros is translated “corrupt” and one time “bad” in the King James Version of the Bible. Ephesians 5:4 continues with this type of admonition regarding bad words. “[N]either filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks” (NKJV emphasis added). The Greek word aischrotes for “filthiness” means “shamefulness or obscenity” and only appears here in the New Testament. Notice from the passages already cited that foul language is only one type of sinful words that may come forth from one’s

The resurrection of the body is a biblical fact (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17), and 1 Corinthians 15 is the primary source of information available to us about the bodily resurrection. Essentially, mankind is curious about the nature of the resurrection, as 1 Corinthians 15:35 indicates and which reads, “But someone will say, ‘How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?’” (NKJV). The answer regarding the kind of resurrected body is: “…The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body” (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). Selected verses in the chapter give additional information. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed — in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on

The inquiry evident in the title pertains to Hebrews 12:1, which reads, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (NKJV). Hebrews Chapter 11 is the Bible’s Hall of Fame for the Ancient Faithful; it is to these that Hebrews 12:1 refers in the phrase, “surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses.” The illustration in this verse is of spectators for an athletic event featuring runners in a race. These “witnesses,” the note worthies of the previous chapter, in some sense are spectators of the Christian race. Students of the Bible disagree whether the expression is merely a figure of speech used for encouragement, or whether the phrase signals that the dead are aware of the contemporary affairs of the living. It appears to me that the reference is figurative and not literal in the absence of clear instruction elsewhere in Scripture that the dead can see or are otherwise aware of contemporary events on earth.

“To Whom Should We Pray?” someone asks. When Jesus Christ gave His disciples the model prayer, He instructed them, “In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9 NKJV). Jesus Christ Himself prayed to the Father in heaven (Matthew 26:39, 42). Still later, the apostle Paul provided similar direction when he wrote, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17).The way that cannot be wrong is to direct our prayers to our Heavenly Father.

The concept appears in Hebrews 10:26, which reads, “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins” (NKJV). “Willfully” means “voluntarily.” Whereas Hebrews 10:26 teaches that we should not voluntarily sin, 1 Peter 5:2 uses the same Greek word in a positive manner: “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly.” Hebrews 10:26 teaches that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is ineffective for someone as long as he or she continues to sin voluntarily. Nothing can save a person from his or her sin as long as that person persists in that sin.

Can a brother delegate authority to a sister to start a song in a worship service? Can a sister start a song in a worship assembly? Isaac M. Manyike The apostle Paul addressed song leading in 1 Corinthians 14:26 along with other public roles in the assembly of the Lord’s church. In verse 27, those taking a public role are to take their turns, one at a time, so that all things may be done decently and orderly (1 Corinthians 14:40). Likewise, verses 30 and 31 emphasize that participants in the pubic aspect of the worship are to go “one by one.” However, 1 Corinthians 14:34 rules out women from taking public roles in the worship of the church: “Let your women keep silent in the churches [assemblies], for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says” (NKJV). Therefore, a preacher has no authority to countermand God and delegate authority to a Christian sister to take the public role of song leader in the worship assembly. Yet, we are aware that often more women are present in many small congregations, and furthermore, sometimes the few men present are not prepared or able to lead the singing. Still, this does not permit humans to set aside divine instruction. In the first place, men should take upon themselves the responsibility of learning enough about leading singing that they can start the songs; often, the congregation and particularly the women present will begin singing

Blasphemy means evil speaking and is typically thought to be against Almighty God (Romans 2:24; 1 Timothy 6:1; Revelation 13:6; 16:9, 11, 21). However, blasphemy, railing, defaming or speaking evil is sometimes directed toward people, like Moses (Acts 6:11), Christians (1 Peter 4:4; 1 Corinthians 4:13), men in general (Titus 3:2) and dignitaries (Jude 8), against objects, like the Temple or the Law (Acts 6:11, 13), against pagan temples and idols (Acts 19:37), good deeds (Romans 14:16) and even Satan himself (Jude 9). Blasphemy is evil speaking, but the context with respect to a given application will further define it.

What has God revealed in His Word, the Bible, about the consumption of alcoholic beverages? What English words in our Bible translations identify alcoholic drinks? The word “wine” is represented in the Bible by 10 He­brew and 3 Greek words. Sometimes “wine” means first fruits that are ripe first (Numbers 18:12-13). It can mean the cluster of grapes (Isaiah 65:8). Wine can refer to raisins (Hosea 3:1 ASV). Sometimes it equals the winepress (Nehemiah 13:15). Wine can be grape juice (Isaiah 16:10; Proverbs 3:10), or it can refer to alcoholic wine (Genesis 9:21). The context is the overriding factor determining the definition of both the Hebrew and Greek words for wine. Since the words for “wine” do not indicate either an alcoholic or a non-alcoholic state by definition, only by examining the context can one determine which is meant. There are two categories of “wine” as far as God is concerned – what He approves and what He disapproves. The simplest and most reasonable conclusion is that non-alcoholic references go in the “approves” column. Therefore, the references that are alcoholic belong in the “disapproves” column. Closer examination of the respective passages shows this to be the case. In addition to some occasions of the word “wine,” every occurrence of “strong drink” is condemned in Scripture. Due to limited space, we concentrate herein on biblical references in the New Testament. That is appropriate since the New Testament alone is the covenant of God by which everyone now living is bound (Romans 7:6-7; Ephesians 2:15; Colossians

An inquirer asked, “Where does the Bible say that Satan was once an angel?” There are many biblical subjects that are taught through the examination of several kindred passages, and yet they are certainly taught nevertheless. This is such a teaching that necessitates the analysis of various verses of Scripture in order to ascertain the meaning that God expects humankind to grasp. “How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!” (Psalm 139:17 NKJV). First, the words “Satan” and “the devil,” plus a few more, are used interchangeably in the Bible. Revelation 12:7-9 is an historical event that predated the Incarnation of Christ, forasmuch as the conflict was between the archangel Michael and Satan, whereas after the Incarnation Satan’s conflict was with Christ (Coffman). And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (Revelation 12:7-9) The inspired writers Peter and Jude substantiate the historical nature of this reference in the Book of Revelation. “For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment”

A Christian in Nigeria inquired if ‘scriptural materials written by brethren ought to be sold.’ On one hand, one would hardly expect the apostles Paul or Peter to have sold their respective epistles that we find in the New Testament. Certainly, there was some expense incurred for materials and especially for hand delivery of some of their writings to various recipients. Obviously, those costs were borne by individual Christians and congregations of the body of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:8-9; Philippians 4:14-16). However, mass production of Christian literature accompanied by massive distribution of that literature was unavailable in the first century. The financial investment in Christian literature today (e.g., books, tracts, DVDs, etc.) to make it widely available is substantial. Further, making Christian literature available for sale is a way to recover the expense in making it available rather than an effective way to make a profit; one is more likely to spend more money than he earns from the sale of Christian literature, making production and distribution of Christian literature more of a labor of love and a valuable service than a money-making enterprise. However, unless individuals, congregations, publisher or sellers that provide Christian literature are able to recoup their investments, they are not likely able to continue providing Christian literature in the future. Making Christian literature available for sale is a means of spreading the cost of its production and distribution upon many Christians and congregations. This way, the financial investment that would otherwise be borne alone by an

Evolutionary theory as a proposed explanation for the existence of modern organic life, including human beings, is not merely in need of a missing link to substantiate it. The undeniable truth is that the theory of evolution needs thousands upon thousands of missing links! To this date, not even one so-called missing link has been discovered to illustrate the hypothesis of one species transforming into another species. Unequivocally, the fossil record does not validate evolution, but instead, it contradicts it. “…[T]he fossil evidence is so contrary to human evolution as to effectively falsify the idea that humans evolved” (Lubenow 7). In instances where mutation by a specimen within a species has been observed, it has always proven to be regressive rather than advanced, and with decidedly destructive outcomes. “In other words, in the few cases where genetic mutation has naturally occurred, it has resulted in disease, death or infertility. Genetic mutation has proven to cause negative results, not progressive results, which evolutionists require to make their theory plausible” (Rutherford 13-14). The crutch of the theory of evolution is the notion of uniformitarianism. This is the idea that all processes observed on earth today have always occurred, and that therefore, vast amounts of time must have been involved in the formation of the universe, including this planet, as well as the sudden appearance of organic life, followed by a series of mutations from specie to specie. The premise is that with time the scientifically impossible somehow becomes believable. However, the very way in which fossils themselves occur requires a degree of

Can you picture in your mind a huge, heavy elephant limping around with the aid of a wooden crutch comparable to what you or I might use if we had injured a foot or a leg? No, I don’t mean a cartoon elephant, but I am referring to a real elephant. Completely unworkable, isn’t it? Well, radiocarbon dating is to evolutionary theory what a wooden crutch would be to our wounded elephant – completely unworkable or useless. Yet, radiocarbon dating has been a popular method with which evolutionists have attempted to affix dates to formerly living things. This dating method is troubled with numerous assumptions, voluntary or involuntary subjectivity and application to inappropriate subject matter. Hence, the results of radiocarbon dating provide contradictory results even on the same material tested, and overall, it is unreliable. For instance, two parts of the same musk ox found in Fairbanks, AK were subjected to radiocarbon dating, which rendered conflicting dates of 7,200 and 24,000 years old. Assumptions include theorizing that the half-life of carbon 14 is about 5,730 years, supposing that the rate of decay of carbon 14 has always remained the same (even through the projected millions of years evolutionists tout), that samples being analyzed have not been contaminated by additional carbon 14 from water or soil, that forest fires and volcanic activity have not altered the carbon 14 in a specimen, and that nitrogen in the atmosphere that is radiated by cosmic rays to produce carbon 14 initially has not varied over time.

There are several variations of “faith” noted in the Bible. Often, one’s faith is deficient and not satisfactory to God: “little faith” (Matthew 6:30; 8:26; 14:31; 16:8), failing faith (Luke 22:32), useless faith (John 12:42), erring faith (1 Timothy 6:21), weak faith (Romans 14:1), vain faith (1 Corinthians 15:2, 17), lacking faith (1 Thessalonians 3:10), devilish faith (James 2:19), “faith only” (James 2:24) or dead faith (James 2:14-26). Commendable faith with which God is pleased is described in Scripture, too: “great faith” (Matthew 8:10), saving faith (Luke 5:20; 7:50), “precious faith” (2 Peter 1:1), living faith (Hebrews 10:38), joyous faith (Philippians 1:25), grounded faith (Colossians 1:23), “common faith” (Titus 1:4), working faith (1 Thessalonians 1:3), patient faith (James 1:3), unwavering faith (James 1:6) or “holy faith” (Jude 20). Summarized, one needs enough faith to lead him or her to obey God (Hebrews 11:4-40). For everyone living today, valid Christian faith must include professing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (Matthew 10:32; John 8:24), but more than acknowledging Jesus Christ is necessary to successfully pass the Judgment Seat of Christ to go into the heavenly city (Matthew 7:21-23). Biblical faith is obedient faith (Romans 1:5; 16:26). One must obey the Gospel (Romans 10:16; 2 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 Peter 4:17). Obeying the Gospel includes exercising enough faith to be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. “He who believes [has faith] and is baptized will be saved…” (Mark 16:16 NKJV). For further consideration of different types of faith mentioned in

Who is Jesus’s brother? ~ Beauty Mlangeni Jesus Christ was the firstborn son of Mary (Matthew 1:25), implying that Mary later bore other children as well, which is confirmed in the Gospel records (Matthew 13:55-56). The account in Matthew 12:46 (cf. Mark 3:31-32; Luke 8:19-21; John 2:12; Acts 1:14; 1 Corinthians 9:5) confirms that our Lord had siblings, and Jesus indicated in verse 50 (cf. Mark 3:35) of that context that He had both brothers and sisters (cf. Matthew 13:55-56). By inspiration, the apostle Paul confirmed that one of the brothers of Jesus was named James (Galatians 1:19). Matthew 13:55 gives the names of four brothers of Jesus: James, Joses [Joseph], Simon and Judas [Jude]. Jude 1 cites Jude and James as brothers. The general conclusion from consideration of various pieces of biblical evidence is that both the authors of the Book of James and the Book of Jude were the physical, half-brothers of Jesus Christ.

After conversion, MUST the new Christian give back what he obtained (1) illegally (2) sinfully? Example: What must he do with all his wealth, properties, cars, etc. that he obtained through selling drugs – this is illegal – or the same things obtained through gambling – sinful – or the same things and more, obtained by stealing over many years, and the entities or persons from whom he obtained these things cannot be identified or even known? ~ Denis Tomlin The question really pertains to what is involved in repentance, or how ought repentance to be applied. There is one misnomer in the beginning of the question as it starts with the words “After conversion.” Repentance is one of the actions of an individual undergoing the process of conversion but before the conversion is complete or the precious soul is saved from his past sins. In other words, repentance comes before the forgiveness of sins. “Then Peter said to them, Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” (Acts 2:38 NKJV). Repentance is an inward decision that ultimately affects the outward conduct. However, the activity of conversion, though decided upon prior to forgiveness of sins is an ongoing process (Acts 19:18-19) and may not be complete by the time one is baptized for the remission of his sins (Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21). In the suggested scenario, for instance, one might have repented and have been baptized prior to being

Nearly 3,500 years ago, God spoke to Moses atop Mt. Sinai (Leviticus 25:1). In a sense, Almighty God spoke to mankind again from Mount St. Helens in the State of Washington, USA beginning on Sunday, May 18, 1980 at 8:32 a.m. That was the occasion of a catastrophic, volcanic eruption that killed 57 people and destroyed 250 homes, 47 bridges, 15 miles of railroad and 185 miles of highways. On that eventful day, the lateral blast of the volcanic eruption released 24 megatons of 660 degree Fahrenheit thermal energy at a velocity of 300 miles per hour over 230 square miles. The eruption triggered a 5.1 magnitude earthquake, and the resulting avalanche covered 23 square miles. Mudflows from melted glacial ice and snow traveled down the mountain and beyond at 10 to 50 miles per hour, whereas 1,300 degree molten rock, three to 30 feet deep, with cumulative depths reaching 120 feet, spread over six square miles at 50 to 80 miles per hour. The column of smoke and ash from the volcano climbed to 80,000 feet (15 miles). Within three days, the cloud of ash covered the United States, and within 15 days it had circled the earth. Detectable amounts of volcanic ash on the ground reached 22,000 square miles. Eight billion board feet of timber was destroyed. Seven thousand big game animals (deer, elk, bear) died, as did all birds and any small animals not burrowed below ground or submerged in water. Mudflow significantly hampered river traffic on the

Someone posed the question in the search engine of Gospel Gazette Online, “Is Baptism Essential for Salvation?” Jesus answered this question in Mark 16:16, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved…” (Mark 16:16 NKJV). The apostle Peter answered the question, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” (Acts 2:38) and “There is also an antitype which now saves us — baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21). Ananias answered the question when instructing Saul of Tarsus (later more often known as Paul), “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). Baptism (immersion) in water for the purpose of having one’s sins removed imitates the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord (Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12). Upon rising from the watery grave of baptism one is a new creature (Romans 6:4; 2 Corinthians 5:17). By baptism one gets “into Christ” (Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27). Preceded by hearing God’s Word (Romans 10:17), believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (John 8:24), repenting of sins (Luke 13:3) and professing Jesus to be the Christ (Matthew 10:32; Acts 8:37), baptism, then, is the point at which one receives the forgiveness of sins that are past (Romans 3:25). After baptism, one is a Christian – a child of

Someone typed an inquiry into the search engine for Gospel Gazette Online and asked, “Does God Hate Homosexuals?” The biblical answer makes a distinction between souls and the sins that they commit. That is, God hates all sin, and yet, He loves the sinners, desiring them to repent of their sins. Maybe it seems to be a fine line of distinction to us, but the sins that we commit do not have to identify who we are for a lifetime or for eternity if we expunge them from our lives. Irrespective of what kind of sin of which one may be guilty, all sins separate us from a relationship or fellowship with God. “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear” (Isaiah 59:1-2 NKJV). Any sin for which one does not repent or cover in a God-appointed way will lead to spiritual and eternal death. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Everyone commits sin sometimes and must seek divine forgiveness in accordance with New Testament instruction; “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Homosexuality was a sin condemned by God in the Old Testament, and homosexuality is a sin likewise condemned in the New

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God” (Romans 8:26-27). Sometimes students of the Bible must satisfy themselves with less information about a topic under scrutiny than they prefer. This is true about the intercession of the Holy Spirit. Little is recorded in Scripture respecting the intercessory ministry of the Spirit. Deuteronomy 29:29 advises us to search the things provided man by God and not tamper with or speculate about the rest. This attitude must be adopted regarding the intercession of the Holy Spirit. “The fact of the Spirit’s intercession is taught in the Bible. We may not know much more than the fact of it, but we may believe the word of God” (L’Roy 91). There are, though, certain points that can be extracted from the limited statement or deduced about the intercession of the Spirit. “(1) A mediator stands between two while an intercessor stands by one pleading to another. (2) A mediator represents both parties; the intercessor represents one” (L’Roy 91). “The Holy Spirit aids us in our infirmities (weakness)… we do not know what, or how, to pray as we ought… the Spirit makes intercession for us “with groanings which cannot be uttered’” (Woods

Comparatively speaking, you and I live on a relatively young earth.  That is, our planet is very young compared to the claim of five billion years old for the earth made by evolutionists. God, both in Scripture and through the created universe, asserts that the celestial sphere that we inhabit is not more than 10,000 years old. Yes, true science verifies that the created universe in which earth has an important cameo cannot be more than 10,000 years old. We need to understand that there is a difference between evolutionary theory and verifiable scientific fact. Generally, scientists happily proclaim that science relates to that which can be measured, tested and observed, and that if with man’s five senses it cannot be evaluated, then it must not be real. Ironically and admittedly, evolutionists must concede that the evolutionary theory has not been observed and cannot be demonstrated – even under laboratory conditions. Truly, the only reason that the theory of evolution exists is in an attempt to explain away God, which if mankind can do, it can liberate itself from the constraints of God-given revelation – the Bible. First, what does God through the Bible claim regarding the age of the earth? Strikingly in the first place, our planet is precisely only five days older than our first ancestor – Adam. Jesus Christ said, “But from the beginning of the creation, God made them male and female” (Mark 10:6 NKJV). Genesis 1-2 record the creation of everything, including Adam and Eve who were created on day six of creation week. The first answer

Yes, the fossil evidence for the existence of dinosaurs is overwhelming. Dinosaurs really did exist. In addition to abundant fossil remains to prove that dinosaurs once roamed the earth, the historical record also testifies to the former existence of what we call “dinosaurs.” The Bible is just one of the historical records that verify that dinosaurs once inhabited earth. The word “dinosaur,” meaning “terrible lizard” was added to the English language in 1841, and so it is no wonder that the word “dinosaur” does not appear in English Bible translations such as the King James that predated the existence of the word “dinosaur.” However, the Bible does describe dinosaur-like creatures within its pages. Job 40:15-24 introduces the “behemoth.” From verse 15, one learns: (1) This beast cohabited the planet with mankind. (2) “He eats grass like an ox” (NKJV). Verse 16 says “strength is in its hips, and his power is in his stomach muscles.” Verse 17 compares this creature’s tail to a cedar tree – one of the largest trees in girth (up to 52’) and length (up to 152’), a far different kind of tail from modern-day, large, land animals like the hippopotamus or the elephant. In addition, the behemoth had strong thighs. Verse 18 attributes to the behemoth “bones” like “beams of brass” and “ribs like bars of iron.” Verse 19 affirms the behemoth to be the most massive of all the creatures God created. Furthermore, this creature was such that only God could slay it. Whereas verse 20 notes that

Two primary but opposing views of the nature of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit are defended by good brethren. Some brethren believe that the Holy Spirit indwells the Christian by the means of a vehicle, the Word of God. Others as tenaciously voice their conviction that the Holy Spirit indwells the Christian without the means of a vehicle (the Word of God), yet not antagonistic to, but in conjunction with the Word. Proponents of both positions, however, concur that the work of the Holy Spirit today does not involve performing miracles. Therefore, due to disagreement about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, brethren do not agree upon the correct interpretation of what it means to be sealed in the Holy Spirit. Is anyone sealed in the Holy Spirit today? If so, is every Christian sealed? Was the first-century seal (Ephesians 1:13; 4:30) miraculous or non-miraculous? What was the effect of being sealed in the Holy Spirit? Camp observed that of the sixteen times the word “seal” appears in the New Testament, thirteen occur in the Book of Revelation. Further, the verb “sealed” is found seventeen times, ten of which are in Revelation. “The word always denotes a public mark or external sign, such as the seal on a letter” (173-174). The following Scriptures comprise the primary “sealed” passages. “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of

“May Christians use marijuana?” The answer to this question really is the same biblically based answer respecting the use of any drug. First, is it legal to use marijuana, though legal permission alone does not necessarily concur with divine permission to do something (e.g., marriage, divorce and remarriage)? Secondly, the context of the drug use must be considered; is it for medicinal use only, or is it for recreational use? Only recently, in some localities and under certain circumstances has it been legal to use marijuana. It is certain that wherever marijuana use is illegal that a child of God must not use it. Christians have a biblical obligation to obey the laws of the land (Romans 13:1-7), except when a law of the land contradicts the law of God (Acts 5:29). Even then, only in an instance where such a conflict occurs may a Christian exercise this exception, while at the same time continuing to abide by all other laws. In principle, the biblical prohibitions for the use of another drug – alcohol (Leviticus 10:8-11; Habakkuk 2:15; Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:21) except for medicinal purposes (Proverbs 31:6; 1 Timothy 5:23) apply to the question of Christians using marijuana. The biblical definition as well as the English language definition of “drunkenness” is “intoxication,” which occurs in degrees beginning with the first introduction of alcohol into the body. Intoxication is forbidden to the child of God under normal circumstances (i.e., excepting possibly for medical use); intoxication is not a biblically sanctioned recreational activity, but instead, it

“Is it permissible to celebrate one’s birthday?” The English word “birthday” appears three times in the Bible. The first occurrence pertains to the birthday of an Egyptian pharaoh (Genesis 40:20). The other two incidences relate to “Herod’s birthday” (Matthew 14:6; Mark 6:21). In addition, other passages refer to birthdays. “And his sons would go and feast in their houses, each on his appointed day, and would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them” (Job 1:4 NKJV). Hosea 7:5 may also be a reference to a birthday celebration. Apparently, the Bible is impartial regarding the observance of one’s birthday. However, anything permissible can be wrong if it is associated with sinful activity. In the case of Herod’s birthday celebration, it was corrupted with sensual dancing by his daughter and the murder of John the Baptist (Matthew 14:6-11).

The Verses and Related Passages As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel. But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils. (Matthew 9:32-34) The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? (Matthew 10:24-25) Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out

The “gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38b) is firmly held to be a reference to miraculous gifts typically received through prayer and by imposition of an apostle’s hands upon a Christian in the first century. Brother Franklin Camp astutely observed that the word “gift” is used, referring to the Holy Spirit, in Acts 2:38; 8:20; 10:45; 11:17 and Ephesians 3:7; 4:7. Further, the reference to “gift” in the latter five instances is admittedly miraculous. “Does it not strike you as being strange that the word ‘gift’ is used six times in the passages that refer to the Holy Spirit, and that five of them are miraculous and one non-miraculous?” (137). Really, the “gift of the Holy Spirit” in Acts 2:38b is also a reference to the miraculous. Discussion of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is merely a continuation of studying about “the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Camp again voices the conviction also affirmed in this study. …gift of the Holy Spirit, I do not believe that it is a reference to what is commonly called a non-miraculous indwelling. …I do reject the idea that some have that the gift of the Holy Spirit, which one receives when baptized, operates in him and leads and directs him separately and apart from the truth. This latter position can only end in one following his feelings and moods rather than the Word of God. This position would lead one in any direction and his subjective feelings become the standard, rather than

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:38-39). Questions, Questions, Questions Few passages have undergone such a varied application by sound brethren as has the latter portion of Acts 2:38. What is “the gift of the Holy Ghost”? (1) Is it literally the Holy Spirit Himself; is this a literal, bodily or personal indwelling verse? (2) Is the “gift” miraculous and equal to “gifts” of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4)? (3) Is it salvation as a “gift of the Holy Ghost,” comparable to the “remission of sins” in the same reading? Further, to whom is “the gift of the Holy Ghost” promised? (1) Was it promised to every person who obeyed the Gospel in the first century? (2) Was the “gift of the Holy Ghost” promised to every person who obeyed the Gospel in the first century and each subsequent generation, including our own? (3) Is it a promise to every class of people in the first century? (4) Is “the gift of the Holy Ghost” a promise to every class of people in the first century and each subsequent generation, including our own? Still, another question begs to be answered. How and when were the recipients of the promised “gift of the Holy Ghost”

Could you please explain the meaning of the gift in Acts 2:38? 1. When someone is baptized, does he receive the gift of the Holy Spirit or the Holy Spirit as a gift? 2. Is this gift the ability to perform miraculous signs or the indwelling of the Holy Spirit? ~ Isaac M. Manyike Simply, the promise of Joel or “the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Joel 2:28—3:2; Acts 2:16-22; 38b-39) is the miraculous manifestation that accompanied the birth and infancy of the Lord’s church. Joel’s prophecy began to be fulfilled in the baptism of the Holy Spirit which the apostles received and was further fulfilled in the miraculous endowments available to other Christians throughout the first-century infancy of the church. Not addressed in Joel 2:28—3:2; Acts 2:16-22; 2:38b-39 is precisely when and in what manner the promise of Joel or “the gift of the Holy Ghost” should be received. To learn these details, one must turn to other passages in which miraculous gifts are discussed. For instance, the apostles Peter and John (Acts 8:14-17) and the apostle Paul (Acts 19:1-6) conferred miraculous power (the gift of the Spirit) through prayer and the imposition of their hands upon candidate Christians. The “gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:39b) is firmly held to be a reference to miraculous gifts typically received through prayer and by imposition of an apostle’s hands upon a Christian in the first century. The baptism in the Holy Spirit that the apostles received and “the gift of

I have a question about a man being considered for the office of deacon in the church of Christ. Should not the Bible be the sole authority when it comes to qualifications for appointing deacons? 1 Timothy 3:12. A man who has been married three times (all wives living) in now in his third marriage. He claims both his divorces were scriptural. The elders contend that the marriage he has now is a good marriage and that the couple does everything they ask them to do and the first two marriages do not matter. Therefore, they appointed the man a deacon based what he told them about his marriages. The eldership said it was their decision and they gave no scriptural. Thanks, Mary E. Dillard First Timothy 3:12 reads, “Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well” (NKJV). This verse requires two things respecting a wife: (1) the candidate for appointment is not a single man, and (2) he is not a polygamist. This verse does not address one or previous wives, living or dead. Other passages of Scripture that concern the death of a spouse or marriage, divorce and remarriage need to be consulted to review a candidate’s eligibility for appointment. For more information, see the following references to previous articles within Gospel Gazette Online that touch on these matters. https://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/2012/jul/page2.htmlhttps://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/2002/mar/page20.htmhttps://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/2003/jan/page18.htmhttps://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/2002/jul/page17.htm The question poses two conflicting circumstances: (1) previous marriages do not matter, and (2) the elders were satisfied with information respecting the

“The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit” intersects with other facets of studying about the Holy Spirit, such as reviewing the divine nature of the Holy Spirit, considering the relationship of the Word of God to the Holy Spirit, noticing the work of the Holy Spirit, analyzing the interjection of the Holy Spirit at the home of Cornelius and most certainly examining the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Strictly speaking, the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the manifestation of the Holy Spirit among Cornelius, his family and friends do not concern the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. However, erroneous denominational interpretations connect the miraculous displays of Acts 2 and Acts 10 to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, they must be considered and explained, too, when treating the subject of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Truly, there is no area of scrutiny when studying the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that does not materially affect virtually every other aspect of studying about the Holy Spirit. For instance, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit has an impact on the understanding of Acts 2:38 and the gift of the Holy Spirit, gifts of the Holy Spirit, blaspheming and sinning against the Holy Spirit, and sealed in and the intercession of the Holy Spirit. Perception of the manner in which the Holy Spirit indwells the Christian is fundamentally related to one’s view of every other facet of the Holy Spirit. It cannot be overemphasized that every author, preacher or Bible class teacher’s explanation

Hermeneutical gymnastics arise to near Olympic competition quality in an attempt to invalidate the teaching of Acts 2:38 (and other passages, too). For instance, it is nothing more than a senseless quibble that punctuation, namely a comma, in an English translation dissolves the effect of the coordinate conjunction between the words “repent” and “be baptized” preceding “for the remission of sins” in Acts 2:38. The Greek New Testament had no punctuation! The earliest Greek texts did not have any equivalent to our modern device of punctuation. Sentence punctuation became common several centuries after the time of Christ. Most of the oldest copies of both the Greek New Testament and the Hebrew Old Testament are written with no punctuation, though a few manuscripts from the second and third centuries CE do contain early attempts to develop punctuation. In addition, the ancient Greeks used no spaces between words. Most texts were a continuous string of letters, with an occasional blank line inserted to mark the end of a major section, though even this was not always done. They also had no equivalent to our lower case letters. Texts were written in all capitals. (Palmer) It is easy to make baseless assertions, such as this one: “Baptism ALWAYS comes after repentance, faith, forgiveness, never before, in the Bible” (Martin). Yes, Bible baptism follows faith and repentance, but it is a false claim that “[b]aptism ALWAYS comes after… forgiveness, never before, in the Bible.” Look with me to the conversion of Saul of Tarsus –

The phrase “for the remission of sins” is eternally important because one’s understanding of it materially affects not only his beliefs but his actions respecting preparation to meet God at the Judgment. Baptists readily admit their contention that in Acts 2:38 the phrase “for the remission of sins” means “because of the remission of sins.” Hence, Baptists understand Acts 2:38 to teach that one ought to be baptized because he already has the forgiveness of sins – rather than to be baptized in order to receive the forgiveness of sins. One can easily discern that there is a world of difference – an eternity of difference, really – in those two contrary propositions. Therefore, it does matter what one understands and practices regarding Acts 2:38. Notice Matthew 26:28, “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins (eis afesin hamartioon)” (KJV emphasis added). The same phrase in English and Greek appears in Acts 2:38. Now, at the institution of the Lord’s Supper in Matthew 26:28, our Lord was not teaching that He was about to shed His blood because mankind already had the forgiveness of sins. That would be absurd and invalidate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Rather, our Savior was about to shed His blood in order that people could have the forgiveness of sins. In Matthew 26:28, “because of the remission of sins” instead of “in order to receive the forgiveness of sins” will not work. Likewise, “because of the remission of sins” rather than “in

Does it make any difference when the Lord’s Supper is observed during the worship service? Acts 20:7 States that the disciples came together for the purpose of breaking bread and Paul preached to them. 1st Corinthians 14:40 states “let all things be done decently and in order.” Since the early disciples took communion before preaching, should communion be observed prior to preaching or does make any difference? ~ Garland Hankins The statement, “Since the early disciples took communion before preaching…” does not necessarily represent a brotherhood-wide practice in the first century, and it does not necessarily even represent what occurred in Acts 20:7. We can presume that since Paul’s preaching concluded when Eutychus fell out the window, and that since the stated reason for the assembly was for observance of the Lord’s Supper, the Communion was observed on this occasion at that place prior to the preaching with which the service concluded. Yet, we cannot know for sure whether any instruction (preaching) preceded the taking of the Lord’s Supper, too. In addition, there are five acts of worship identified in various New Testament passages, three besides the Lord’s Supper and preaching. If the sequence in which they must occur is important, where is the instruction in the New Testament regarding the relationship of the Lord’s Supper, preaching, prayer, singing and the contribution to each other? In 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, the occasion for the assembly upon the first day of the week (in language nearly identical to Acts 20:7), the Lord’s Supper is

What is a vow? In English, a vow is a solemn promise by which a person binds himself to the substance of the promise – an action, a conduct or a condition (Merriam-Webster). In short, a vow is a binding promise; it is a declaration of a promise. A vow is a stronger form of answering in the affirmative (yes) or in the negative (no). A vow involves a commitment. In Hebrew, the word translated “vow” means “a thing promised” (Strong’s). In Greek, the word translated “vow” means “a wish, expressed as a petition to God” whereby a person obligates himself. The first occurrence of the word “vow” in the Bible illustrates the nature of a vow. Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, so that I come back to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord  shall be my God. And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.” (Genesis 28:20-22 NKJV). Later, God acknowledged the vow Jacob had made and directed him back to his family (Genesis 31:13). Evidently, the vow was acceptable to God – not only the substance of the vow, but the act of making a vow itself. Furthermore and still later, vows were accommodated under Judaism into that

Whether it might be correctly said Cornelius and those with him received the baptism of the Holy Spirit or a gift of the Holy Spirit revolves around one’s definition of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It is not crucial to fellowship that all brethren concur on this matter, as long as they admit that the Spirit’s miraculous ministry ceased long ago. However, an examination of this biblical event is not without its value, too. The context of Acts Chapters Ten and Eleven contains useful information about the Holy Spirit and His work. Brethren differ regarding whether Cornelius and his household received the baptism of the Holy Spirit or a gift of the Holy Spirit. Agreed upon by all are these points: (1) Miraculous power was received from heaven without human intervention. (2) The purpose of this singular event was to assure Peter and all potential critics that the Gentiles too were subject to the call and blessings of the Gospel. (3) The miraculous power received that day was speaking in tongues, the same miracle exhibited by the apostles when they were baptized with the Holy Spirit. The question is not, did Cornelius and others then present receive miraculous power from heaven without human intervention. The question is not was that miraculous manifestation similar to the miracles in Acts Two. The question does not concern the differences in purpose from the Acts Two event to the Acts Ten and Eleven happening. The real question is, “What should we call it?” Whatever

Everyone from Adam in the Garden of Eden, through Abraham and others in Patriarchy and David and others in Judaism, up to and past the first century with Jesus Christ and others, all wore sandals or went barefoot. Hence, they often prayed and taught while wearing sandals. Modern footwear that we know was not available then. However, this was the cultural normalcy for them. The two months annually that I spend in Asian countries teaching and preaching the Gospel, most of the time I am wearing sandals – or barefoot! I adapt to the cultural normalcy of the areas in which I am when engaging in public speaking. However, for the several weeks I spend in a South American country each year teaching and preaching, I always wear closed toe or ordinary shoes – not sandals, because that is the cultural normalcy for public speakers or presenters – irrespective of how remote or primitive the surroundings may be. Likewise, I always wear shoes when attending the assembly of the Lord’s church or speaking in American congregations because that is the cultural normalcy (though some brethren diverge from the general norm for footwear for men under those circumstances). Another similar example may be insightful. When in Myanmar (formerly Burma), most of the time I wear a longyi (we would call it a skirt!), as do most of the men in that country. However, when in other countries (e.g., Singapore, India, USA), I wear trousers because that conforms to the cultural normalcy

John 13:4-17 records Jesus washing the feet of His apostles, which in verse 15 our Lord refers to that occasion as “an example.” The only reason to wash feet then or now is because they become dirty; however, the willingness to wash the feet of another when they are dirty demonstrates humility, which is what Jesus was teaching His apostles in John 13. The apostles were contentious with each other over who was the greatest among the followers of Jesus (Matthew 18:1; Mark 9:34; Luke 9:46; 22:24), and hence, (1) no one on the occasion of John 13 had washed either his own dirty feet, (2) the dirty feet of a fellow apostle or (3) the soiled feet of the Master, Jesus Christ. Our Lord never intended Christians to wash each other’s feet as a church function, but He intended that when He washed the feet of the apostles for that activity to serve as a lesson on humility. Whether serving another person by washing dirty feet or in some other way, Christians ought to demonstrate humility rather than arrogance and haughtiness. When Bible believers elevate washing feet to a church function, they try too hard (go beyond the purpose of John 13:4-17) and miss the point of the “example” of humility (which humility may and should be demonstrated in several ways in our lives).

Hi bro. Louis, I’ve got a question that have bothered us (Komarock South church of Christ). We’ve tried discusions during Bible classes but we have not come to solid conclusion. We were discusing about establishment of Church when these questions were raised. 1. When was Church established? 2. Is Church the same with Kingdom? 3. Does Mark 9:1 support that the kingdom came later after Christ had ascended? 4. Was the promise in Matthew 26:29 fulfilled, and if yes, when? 5. The act of bread breaking in Luke 24:30 by Christ, was it a Lord’s Table or just an act to enable those disciples recoqnize Him? 6. In between the institution of Lord’s Supper and the day of Pentecost, did disciples partake the Lord’s Table? Moffat Kibethi From Mark 9:1 it is clear that the Lord’s church was not established during the ministry of Jesus Christ, but the words of our Lord indicate when and under what circumstances that the church would be established. “And He said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power’” (Mark 9:1 NKJV). First, the church was not yet established when Jesus uttered these words, and it was to be established within the lifetime of those to whom He was speaking. Second, the church was to be established with power. The first time that the word “church” appears in the Bible where it refers to something in existence (i.e., not future) is Acts

When viewed in its biblical light, the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a topic of historical rather than contemporary significance. For instance, all faithful brethren acknowledge that there has not been an occasion of the baptism of the Holy Spirit for nearly 2,000 years. There are facets of the baptism of the Holy Spirit over which good brethren may disagree, but they concur that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a PAST ministry of the Spirit, which Scriptures indicate will not occur again. Only Pentecostals, charismatics and Calvinists, all of whom discount the Word and opt for the spectacular, contend for the baptism of the Holy Spirit today. Questions about the baptism of the Holy Spirit include: (1) To whom was the baptism of the Holy Spirit promised? (2) What was the purpose of the baptism of the Holy Spirit? (3) Who received the baptism of the Holy Spirit? (4) How should the baptism of the Holy Spirit be defined? The four general questions above entertain subordinate queries as well. (1) Is the promise of the Holy Spirit a promise to each generation including our own? (2) Was the baptism of the Holy Spirit given to men to save them from their sins? (3) Is the baptism of the Holy Spirit required today to enable men to understand the Bible? (4) Did the 120 disciples receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit as well as the twelve apostles? (5) Did Cornelius and his household also receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit? (6) When and where was the baptism of

The Holy Spirit’s medium through which He operates is the Word of God! Were some brother so bold as to propose that the Spirit operates anytime apart from this medium, he could not tell precisely what the Holy Spirit does or how He does it. The moment one announces the what and the how outside the medium of God’s Word, he embraces Pentecostalism and the charismatic, and he denies the Word of God. Rather, “The fact that every effect and influence that the Holy Spirit exerts upon and within us is affirmed of the Word of God proves that the Spirit operates only through the Word…” (Wallace 18). Brother Foy E. Wallace, Jr. lists thirty-one joint effects of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God upon man. Nothing with which the Holy Spirit is charged to do today is accomplished outside the Word of God. (1) The spiritual begetting is with the Word (James 1:18; 1 Corinthians 4:15). (2) The spiritual birth springs from the incorruptible and eternal Word (1 Peter 1:23). (3) The quickening of the heart is with the operation of the Word (Ephesians 2:1, 5; Colossians 2:12-13). (4) The spiritual cleansing is a process of the Word (John 15:2; Ephesians 5:26). (5) The soul is purified in obedience to the Word (1 Peter 1:22). (6) The soul is saved by the implanted Word (James 1:21-22; 1 Corinthians 15:1-2). (7) The justification by faith comes through obedience to the Word (Romans 2:13). (8) Men are filled with spiritual knowledge through application of the word of the

I have read a lot of things but never one so sad as what you think since when is it a sin to go to a church meeting or to join with them ? Jesus said after his disciples said we saw/heard som people preaching and casting out devils in your name and we forbade them, and what did jesus say? do not forbid them for if they are for us ,then they are not against us! It is Late in the time we are waiting fofr the Lords appearance , any time soon, perhaps it is you who need repentance? read what it says and believe it first before yousay someone has sinned!you should beglad that someone has asked for Jesus to lead them,by the Holy spirit and not by a man who thinks they are right,and most surely are not completely right. That is why you are still on earthto learn what is right and tho we are to do all of the things that Jesus christ did and more, because He sasid so. The one thing we know is we are to glorify God in all that we do. Scripture says “the whole duty of man is to glorify God” ~ Love in Jesus Christ, Rev L P Richardson Sr It should have been obvious to the apostles that someone performing miracles was validated by those miracles as having God’s approval – the source of those miracles through the Holy Spirit. “Now John answered Him, saying, ‘Teacher,

I am a 63 year old woman and not the smartest in this world. I love your tv pogram. And I thank God for you. I would like to study the Bible though an online college but I do not have the money could you please give me how I can accomplish this. Also do you believe as I do that if our President ptomotes abortion then we as Christians ehould not vote for him. I am a sinner. I have been married 3 timee, i am getting old yet I do not want to be alone. I am engaged to a man that believes we can have sex then ask for forgiveness. I do not believe we should and we have not for over a year but he at times trys to make me feel bad for my decision. I do believe God put us together to learn from each other. Our main problem is I owe a lot and I mean a lot to the IRS and if we marry, I will burden him with my debt. I had to retire both shoulders are bad from working at Kellpgs I justhad surgery on one on Monday and will have surgery on the next two months,I had to retie,my job turned down workmens comp. Please say a prayer for me and Ray. Also advise me of way tocollege online to study the bible so. i might learn to help myself and to help others, also that Ray will stop

Perception of the manner in which the Holy Spirit indwells the Christian is fundamentally related to one’s view of every other facet of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, it is imperative to briefly identify the basic concepts of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit held by several writing brethren. These positions neither represent the total summary of statements published by brethren, nor does even one of them, apart from the Bible itself, constitute Bible authority in the matter before us. These excerpts simply and concisely identify the two primary differences of thought among faithful brethren relating to the Holy Spirit. Nearly all our brethren writing about the Holy Spirit begin by devoting many pages to the firm disavowal of the miraculous operation of the Holy Spirit now. Even those who argue for an indwelling of the Spirit apart from the Word of God emphasize no new revelations are received today and no leadings or pronouncements of the Holy Spirit occur today apart from the Word of God. Then, the pages that follow typically lay the groundwork for the writer’s later contention for his understanding of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the child of God. So, the pages preceding that announcement are colored by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit chapter later in the volume. To this writer, the position that supposes the Holy Spirit indwells the Christian separate and apart from the Word of God is unwarranted, unnecessary and potentially dangerous. It is unwarranted because it is not precisely taught in the Bible – only

Hello I am writing because I’m going through a unique situation. I live with my gf but the thing is we are both believers in God but were both married. Her husband abused her and they’ve been separated for years. My wife and I have been separated a year. She confessed to cheating on me before and during our marriage but she left me. My gf and I are both going to divorce our spouses but is it wrong we fell in love and live together? And both our marriages were civil. ~ Adrian Velez Frankly, there is nothing “unique” about this “situation.” The same scenario has been repeated across the globe for nearly as long as mankind has inhabited planet earth. In every religious time, Almighty God has strictly forbidden fornication, adultery and marriages not authorized by Him. Everyone now living, though, is governed by the New Testament – whether one accepts that fact or not (John 12:48; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 9:15). Whereas one might flee an abusive marriage partner in self-defense, though the ideal is to remain together or resume the marriage when possible (1 Corinthians 7:10-11), our Lord Jesus Christ only provided one exception whereupon someone may divorce his or her mate and subsequently enter into a marriage with another eligible partner. “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” (Matthew 19:9 NKJV). The apostle Paul wrote by divine

The mark 666, what does it mean? ~ Chukwuemeka Onwe The reference to ‘666’ and ‘the mark of the beast’ (Revelation 13:17) refer to Revelation 13:18, “…Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666” (NKJV). In cryptic fashion, some combination of numbers adding up to 666 but assigned sequential alphabet letters were to produce the name implied in the biblical text. “This consisted in assigning to the initial letter of the name of the number a value equal to the number” (Clarke). Each letter represents a component of the whole number: …‎The majority of the commentators use the Greek alphabet in computation; others, however, employ the Hebrew; while a third class employ the Roman numerals. …This famous number has been made to yield almost all the historical names of the past eighteen centuries… (Vincent’s) Now the figures 666 are the Arabic characters for the numbers, but they were unknown for several hundred years after John wrote. John wrote in the Greek language for readers who understood that tongue. So the numbers, naturally, would be expressed in Greek characters. Now the Greeks did not indicate their numbers by figures but by letters, just as the Romans did. (Tomlinson 238) Since different people resort to different languages, as well as comport to different arrangements of numbers to equal 666, the results vary widely. Finally, 666 in Rev. 13:18 is capable of various explanations. In ancient times the

“Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device” (Acts 17:29). This verse and two other passages (Romans 1:20; Colossians 2:9) specifically cite the “Godhead” and imply divine personality. The number of divine persons comprising the Godhead from other Scripture is learned to be three. Thus, men often apply the human terms “triune” and “Trinity” to God or the Godhead, suggesting “three persons in one.” These three Divine Persons of the Godhead are uniformly identified in the Bible as God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ) and God the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 8:6; John 1:1; Acts 5:3-4). The Bible doctrine of three divine persons in one Godhead is fully documented in God’s Word (Matthew 3:16-17; John 15:26; Romans 15:30). “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19). However, man experiences difficulty in fully comprehending the fact of the Godhead because there is nothing on earth to which he can completely compare it. Students of God’s Word accept: (1) the fact of the Godhead and (2) that it is made of three divine persons. Whatever divine and personal qualities are biblically ascribed to the Father and the Son apply equally to the Holy Spirit as well. The Holy Spirit is not in Scripture relegated to consideration as an “it” or a mere influence, and He

The following excerpt was copied from your website. I believe it to be in error. The miraculous continues. “Although our prayers do produce actions, these actions must not, cannot, be contrary to the laws of nature. We cannot pray for a miraculous recovery and expect it to occur because miracles have ceased (1 Corinthians 13:8; Ephesians 4:11-13).” ~ Angelo Even the passages cited in the excerpt that you deem to be incorrect specifically speak to the ending of miracles (1 Corinthians 13:8-12; Ephesians 4:11-13). Jesus Christ Himself identified the purpose of miracles as recorded in Mark 16:20, “And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs” (Mark 16:20 NKJV). The primary purpose of miracles was to confirm or substantiate the revealed Word of God and its proclaimers as being from God. The Corinthians and Ephesians passages teach that miracles were to last until the revelation was complete. That revelation, the New Testament is complete (Galatians 1:6-9; Jude 3; 2 Peter 1:3), and so miracles have served the purpose for which they were given. However, the same divine power that made miracles possible is the same divine power behind the providence of God, which is still active today. Hence for instance, we expect God to respond to our prayers through His divine providence rather than through miraculous means. Miracles were obvious, supernatural and usually instantaneous. Providence, though, does not require supernatural means and is not obvious to observers. Miracles were designed to

Hello and thank you for your web site and Jesus for helping me find it. My boyfriend is a new born again believer and I know he received the Holy Spirit about a year ago; as the Spirit knows the Spirit. I was born again 36 years ago. He is right now in prison (we are separated by 500 miles) we have letter and phone communication. I, by the way, am the victim, and also, the one Jesus used to bring him to his recent conversion. It’s quite a testimony, to say the least. I had my boyfriend’s counselor ask me recently, “How can you love a man who did all the things he did to you?” My answer came quickly and perfectly from The Holy Spirit as I replied, “You’ll have to ask God that.” Anyway, brief introduction aside, I need specific scriptures that I am unable to come up with myself this time and so I turn to you. At the present time, my boyfriend is reading The adversary by Mark Bubeck. I have tried to explain my firm conviction that this is not a book he should be reading now or ever. I’ve quoted scripture given to me via The Holy Spirit; as He promises to bring to remembrance the word when needed and nothing I’ve been able to put together is having any affect on his continuance to read the book. Please, help me if you can. Having something concrete from someone, somewhere other than me,

I wanted to first thank you for your website. It is helping me a great deal in my studies. I believe in the gospel plan of salvation (faith, repentance, confession, baptism, and walking in newness of life). My question is that I always hear those from the protestant background or denominational circles say that you are saved by faith and everything else is works. I was reading the Nichol’s pocket Bible Encyclopedia and saw where he says faith is a work. He quotes John 6:29 for this. I began looking at trusted commentary such as Coffman and he says the same thing. I have always thought of faith as something we work at and grow as we study. Can you help me with what the definition of “works” is? I know we are not saved by our own merits but what are they saying is the definition of “works”? Is it correct to say that all of the conditions for salvation is a work? ~ Trey Cauble The New Testament uses the word “works” primarily in two different ways, depending upon the context in which it appears. That is why it is so fundamentally important to correct biblical interpretation to thoroughly examine the context in which a passage of Scripture appears. Of course, this is really no different than any other means of communication today – written or oral. “Context, context and context,” one could say, are the first three rules of successful communication and the key to understanding the

One translation of the English Bible often uses the word “murmur” (KJV) or some form of that word, whereas another translation uses some form of the words “grumble” or “complain” (NKJV). How serious is this condition of murmuring, grumbling or complaining? Well, evidently murmuring, grumbling or complaining is a common sin that is often characteristic of the children of God. Of course, any sin of which we are guilty and for which we do not repent will condemn our souls and prevent us from enjoying eternity in heaven (Romans 6:23). Therefore, we need to look more closely at the sin of murmuring, grumbling or complaining so that we can be better Christians. The Greek verb gogguzo means “to mutter, murmur, grumble, say anything in a low tone” (Vine’s). It means “to express one’s discontent” (Greek-English Lexicon). For instance, this is what the workers did in the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard. “And when they had received it, they complained [“murmured” KJV] against the landowner,  saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day’” (Matthew 20:11-12 NKJV). Likewise, this is what the Pharisees did, too. “And their scribes and the Pharisees complained [“murmured” KJV] against His disciples, saying, ‘Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?’” (Luke 5:30 NKJV). In addition, the Jews did this toward Jesus Christ as well. “The Jews then complained [“murmured” KJV] about Him, because He said, ‘I

Genesis 5: (1) A mystery of the ages in connection with the Flood is how Noah’s venerable grandfather Methuselah survived the universal cataclysm which destroyed all life except the Noah menage and menagerie in the ark. Methuselah did not die until a year or more after the Flood – fourteen years after according to the Septuagint. It is recorded that Methuselah was 187 years old when his son Lamech was born (Gen. 5: 25), and he lived for 787 years afterwards, dying at the ripe age of 969 years (5: 26, 27). Lamech was 182 years old when his son Noah was born (5: 28, 29). When the Flood began, Noah was in his six hundredth year, or, to be exact, he was 599 years, one month, and seventeen days old (v2: 11 ); and Noah lived for 350 years after the Flood, and was 950 years old when he died (9: 28, 29 ). Methuselah was alive when the Flood began and when it ended, if the Bible record is true: 1. From the birth of Lamech to the beginning of the Flood was (182 plus 599) 781 years; and from the birth of Lamech to the end of the Flood was 782 years. If Methuselah lived after he begat Lamech 782 years he survived the Flood. Or, again: (2) From the birth of Methuselah to the beginning of the Flood was (187 plus 182 plus 599 years) 968 years; the Flood ended a year later, when Methuselah was

Genesis 8:20. The very first thing Noah did after he and his family and his animals landed in the neck-deep mud and slime of the year’s Deluge was to build an altar and offer up a thanksgiving sacrifice to the loving God. It is recorded that Noah took one each “of every clean beast and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar” to Yahweh there in the mud. As there were only two of these different kinds of animals and fowls (“the male and his female”) in the ark, and Noah killed and burnt in sacrifice one (whether male or female) of each kind, how the species was ever afterwards replenished on the earth. On one occasion during His earthly ministry, Jesus responded to the critics of His day by saying, “Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God” (Matthew 22:29 KJV). Anyone remotely familiar with the Bible is abundantly aware that the inquirer above demonstrates by his question a definite lack of knowledge of the Scriptures. In addition, the assumptions (i.e., “neck-deep mud and slime”) contained in the question are not in evidence, and they are prejudicial, too. First, Noah, his family and the floating zoo remained on the ark for 150 days after the rain stopped, and during which time the flood waters were receding. “The fountains also of the deep and the windows of heaven were stopped, and the rain from heaven was

Especially lately, businesses have very publicly entered the fray of cultural transformation away from traditional and biblical values to the Godless embracing of the homosexual agenda. That agenda goes far beyond a quest for peaceful coexistence, first, to outright attacks on everyone and everything that dares harbor God’s view on the subject, and secondly, to overtly convert every part and parcel of society to homosexuality. The laws of the land have been perverted. Children in the public schools are being indoctrinated with homosexuality, irrespective of the will of their parents. Denominations have incorporated homosexuality into their religions. Politicians at every level and the highest level (i.e., the President) in America frequently are champions for the sin of Sodom. Activist companies vocal in favor of same-sex marriages or homosexual rights include Adobe, Allstate, Amazon, American Airlines, American Apparel, Apple, Applebee’s, Ben & Jerry’s (owned by Unilever), Best Buy, Boeing (the aircraft manufacturer), Clorox, Coca-Cola, Costco, Delta Airlines, EBay, Ford, Gap, General Mills, General Motors, Gerber Baby Products, Goldman Sachs, Google, Hershey, Hilton Hotels, Home Depot, IMB, Intuit, J.C. Penny, Kraft Foods, Levi’s, Marriot International, McDonald’s, Microsoft, Nabisco, Nationwide, Nike, Office Depot, Olive Garden, Pepsico, Proctor and Gamble, RealNetworks (makers of RealPlayer), Red Lobster, Rite Aid, Sears, Southwest Airlines, Starbucks, State Farm, Target, United Airlines, UPS, Walgreens and Walt Disney Company. Doubtless, the list would be much longer than this already staggering display were I to continue looking for public declarations by or about the household names of familiar companies – several with which you and I do

In the Beginning The relationship of the female role to the male role (i.e., women subject to men) pertains to the origin of each gender and the supportive role of woman at creation. “For man is not from woman, but woman from man. Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man” (1 Corinthians 11:8-9 NKJV). Further, the order of creation affects the respective roles of men and women. “For Adam was formed first, then Eve” (1 Timothy 2:13). Additionally, woman, represented by Eve, was the first human to sin. “And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression” (1 Timothy 2:14). (Adam sinned as a result of his devotion to Eve and his failure to lead as God intended. Scripture, naturally, does not excuse Adam in his sin.) The subjection of women to men is a divinely given principle that predates both Christianity and Judaism. God instituted the respective roles of men and women in the Garden of Eden, at the dawning of Patriarchy. “To the woman He said, ‘I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; in pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you’” (Genesis 3:16). Therefore, the subordinate role of women to men does not pertain to custom or culture, but predates both. Also, the Gospel has not altered or removed the subordinate role of women any more than it has affected (1) painful childbirth, (2) sweat and labor,

Someone asked a question about being an ambassador for Christ. Is that something that Christians can do today? The biblical references come from two passages. Especially 2 Corinthians provides us the phrase “ambassadors for Christ.” “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20-21 NKJV). Ephesians 6:20 reads, “for which I [the apostle Paul] am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” The English word “ambassador” means first, “1 : an official envoy; especially : a diplomatic agent of the highest rank accredited to a foreign government or sovereign as the resident representative of his own government or sovereign or appointed for a special and often temporary diplomatic assignment” (Merriam-Webster). Primarily, then, “ambassador” in the English language refers to someone occupying an official, governmental capacity. Thinking about the kingdom of Jesus Christ, certainly, the apostles of Christ, of which Paul was one apostle, qualified in the truest sense to be ambassadors of Christ. The secondary English meaning for “ambassador” reads, “2 a : an authorized representative or messenger b : an unofficial representative (traveling abroad as ambassadors of goodwill)” (Merriam-Webster). In the sense, then, of the second definition, Christians may be considered ‘authorized representatives’ or, at least, “ambassadors of goodwill.” Certainly, this concept is what most people mean when referring to Christians as ambassadors of Christ. Only the apostles themselves were afforded by our Lord the responsibility of speaking doctrinally

Someone inquired, “How is Baptism an Identification with the Death of Jesus?” New Testament passages provide a clear answer for this question. Especially two passages enlighten us about the relationship of baptism to the death of our Lord. …as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him (Romans 6:3-8 NKJV; see also Colossians 2:12). Baptism places one into the likeness of the death of Christ. We also imitate the resurrection of our Lord as we arise from the watery grave of baptism. He walked anew in physical life, while baptized believers walk anew in spiritual life. Baptized believers leave their past sins (Romans 3:25) in the spiritual grave of baptism. One cannot live for Christ until he has united with Christ in His death through baptism. No wonder other passages throughout

The most important question ever asked was posed several times by different people in the New Testament Book of Acts. Each situation was somewhat different from the others. Each time the question was asked, the situation or the status of the querist was different from the others. Because of this, the answer is a little different each time. What is this all-important question? We ask some important questions in our lives. For example, when a man has found his chosen mate for life, he asks, “Will you marry me?” That’s an important question! What could be a more important question? You must surely be holding your breath for the answer. Well, here it is! The most important question: “What must I do?” A heathen jailer in Philippi asked the apostle Paul what to do to be saved (Acts 16:30). The jailer was told to believe on the Lord. “And they spake the word of the Lord unto him…” that he might know what to believe and how to believe on the Lord (Acts 16:31-32; Romans 10:17). He showed penitence by his actions (he washed their stripes) and was baptized (Acts 16:33). Obviously, part of the teaching he received included the necessity of baptism. Another time when the church or kingdom had just begun, devout Jews were convinced by the preaching of the Gospel that Jesus of Nazareth was both Lord and Christ –  the Anointed One (Acts 2:36). They had called for the crucifixion of the Son of God, a most

Introduction The first church of Christ was in Jerusalem. Initially, the apostles of Christ guided the church there, but at some unannounced time, elders were also appointed in the Jerusalem congregation (Acts 11:30; 15:2; 16:4). Christianity spread from Jerusalem into all the world (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Colossians 1:23). Elders were apparently a pertinent part of teaching the Gospel and spreading Christianity throughout the world. Elders are a part of God’s arrangement for the church. The church in Jerusalem had elders (Acts 15:46). Paul ordained elders in every church on the return part of his missionary journey (Acts 14:23). The church at Ephesus had elders (Acts 20:17). Philippi, sometimes called a model church, had elders (Phil. 1:1). Paul left Titus at Crete to “ordain elders in every city” (Titus 1:5). Peter exhorted the “elders which are among you” (1 Peter 5:1). Elders are made such by the Holy Spirit as they meet the qualifications revealed by the Holy Spirit [and have been appointed by the congregation]: “over the which the Holy Spirit hath made you overseers” (Acts 20:28). (Gough 9). The appointment of elders in local congregations is an essential biblical subject. Further, it deserves careful attention and dutiful application to every local body of Christians. “The apostle Paul instructed Titus to ordain elders in every city in Crete (Titus 1:5). The selection of the right men for this great work was important. Hence, Paul gives a list of qualifications that these men were to possess at the time of

How was Jesus able to identify with the trial and feelings common to us all? There has never been another being like Jesus Christ. Our Lord is fully Deity (Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:23). Yet, Jesus Christ was fully human as well (Genesis 3:15; Galatians 4:4). “…Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh” (Romans 1:3 NKJV). “…God was manifested in the flesh…” (1 Timothy 3:16). Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:5-8) Our Lord Jesus Christ faced the same type of temptations as we wholly humans experience. He, however, triumphed over them all. Having experienced the temptations common to mankind, Jesus sympathizes with us. “For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted” (Hebrews 2:18). “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus Christ is the perfect “Advocate” or Defense Attorney to speak on our behalf before God the Father (1 John 2:1). Only He knows fully well the divine side and the human

What is the fundamental theme of the Gospel? That is an easy question to answer. Jesus our Savior or Messiah is the essential theme of the Gospel. An angel told Joseph (Matthew 1:20) of the baby Mary was going bear, “she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21 NKJV). The Gospel records are all about Jesus and His mission to save humanity from the condemnation of sin. Our Lord said of Himself, “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Further, the New Testament epistles confirm that Jesus Christ left heaven and came to earth for the purpose of saving mankind from the damnation of sin. “…Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…” (1 Timothy 1:15). “…the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world” (1 John 4:14). Even more, the Messiah or Savior is the theme of the entire Bible, beginning with the first prophecy (Genesis 3:15) among hundreds of Old Testament prophecies (e.g., Isaiah 7:14). Our Lord brought about the salvation of souls through His vicarious, sacrificial death upon Calvary’s cross nearly 2,000 years ago. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to

How did the coats God made for Adam and Eve differ from the aprons that they had made for themselves? How did the coats God made for Adam and Eve differ from the aprons that they had made for themselves? The word translated “aprons” (Genesis 3:7 KJV) or “coverings” (NKJV) means “a belt (for the waist): apron, armour, gird” (Strong’s), “something worn around the waist or hips” (UBS) or “girdle …sash” (Theological Wordbook). Essentially, Adam and Eve fashioned for themselves loin cloths from fig leaves. God, on the other hand, fashioned for Adam and Eve “coats” (Genesis 3:21 KJV) or “tunics” (NKJV). “Garments [NIV] translates a word referring to a knee-length or longer covering, probably without sleeves. It is referred to in English sometimes as a ‘tunic,’ but ‘a long shirt’ may give a better picture. Of skins means made of animal hides and not of cloth made from the hair or wool of those skins” (UBS). Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament defines the original as meaning “tunic, a long shirtlike garment, usually of linen.” Whereas Adam and Eve merely covered their genitals with inconvenient, not so durable fig leaves, God instead covered them from their shoulders to their knees with more durable animal hides. God defined modesty for both men and women in the process of clothing Adam and Eve. Much of the so-called fashionable clothing today falls far short of conforming to God’s definition of modesty. Incidentally, modesty is a biblical subject for both women and men. Remember, God clothed both Eve and Adam with

Introduction It is important to emphasize biblical fundamentals, especially when they differ from contemporary religion. Since, the churches of Christ belong to Jesus Christ (Romans 16:16), they are obligated to conduct themselves according to what He authorizes (Colossians 3:17). Really, all people living in the Gospel Age should heed the words of Jesus Christ rather than Moses or the Old Testament prophets (Matthew 17:1-5; John 12:48). Further, Jesus Christ is the Lawgiver (James 4:12) and Mediator (Hebrews 9:15) of the New Testament, to which people living today must turn for religious instruction. In addition, Jesus Christ condemned alteration of divine instruction with “the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9). The inspired apostle Paul likewise condemned false Gospels (Galatians 1:6-9) and the human will when substituted for the divine will (Colossians 2:23). Hence, one must turn exclusively to the New Testament to learn what God has authorized respecting Christianity. The respective roles for men and women in the church and in the home are not culturally based, but they go back to near creation. They were implemented by God before there was any culture (1 Timothy 2:13-14; 1 Corinthians 11:8-9). The churches of Christ are obligated to implement in congregations the type of church leadership that the New Testament authorizes. Therefore, the churches of Christ do not have female leadership in the church because it is not authorized by God. Since God has restricted women from leadership roles in the church, this places a serious responsibility upon male members of the church to assume their God-given role (1 Timothy

Dear Rushmore, I read your article, “Does Freewill Exist?” The Biblical text supporting Calvinism is too overwhelming to allow for your argument. Especially on the points: Salvation is by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8; John 6:63, etc, etc.), as spiritual dead person could not answer the salvation call. The Holy Spirit must first help such a person. And indeed God chooses from birth (Malachi 1:3), “…I loved Jacob… and I hated Esau.” On the point, those who once tasted of salvation fall away if they should fall away… I believe accepting (Calvinist?) view is easier to understand based on the First Epistle of John, 2:19, “If they were of us they would have continued with us…” To be fair, I understand there are verses that appear to contradict “salvation by election/calling alone” doctrine. Those in my view, can be explained more easily from Calvinist standpoint than from the other side. Please correct me if I am wrong. Thank you and God bless, Zoe Abate If Calvinism teaches more than the Bible, then it teaches too much, and Calvinism ought to be rejected. If Calvinism teaches less than the Bible, then it teaches too little, and Calvinism out to be rejected. If Calvinism teaches exactly what the Bible teaches, then Calvinism is not needed and ought to be rejected because we already have the Bible – God’s inspired Word. Merely claiming “The Biblical text supporting Calvinism is too overwhelming to allow for your argument” is not substantiated simply because you affirm it to

The same Greek word for “go” appears in both Matthew 10:7 and Matthew 28:19, only the respective endings on the two instances of the word differ to distinguish verb tenses. Matthew 10:7 reads, “And as you go [poreuomenoi], preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand’” (NKJV). Matthew 28:19 reads, “Go [poreuthentes] therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” The root word is poreuomai, and it appears 153 times in 146 New Testament verses; it is translated variously in some form of the words “depart,” “went,” “go,” walk” or “journey.” Poreuomenoi in Matthew 10:7 is a verb: present tense, middle voice, participle, which is masculine, plural and nominative. Poreuthentes in Matthew 28:19 is a verb: aorist tense, passive voice, participle, which is masculine, plural and nominative. The Greek present tense usually carries the idea of continuing action, hence, Matthew 10:7 is translated accordingly, “as you go.” Greek aorist tense usually carries either an idea similar to past tense in the English language, or it refers to an activity that has a definitive beginning point as well as a definitive ending point. Therefore, Matthew 28:19 is translated differently from Matthew 10:7 as “Go.” Thomas B. Warren observed because of the aorist tense for “go” in Matthew 28:19 that it could also be translated correctly a little differently than the quotation already noted herein. “‘Go ye…’ is the aorist, passive, participle, nominative, masculine, plural of poreuomai. It could be translated ‘having gone.’” A participle

(with review and supplemented by Rebecca Rushmore, special educationschoolteacher also with a Master’s Degree in school counseling) Our oldest child has an issue with punishment. We have spanked her, used scare tactics, forced physical fitness (push-ups) and now have begun to have her write short messages of remorse. Nothing seems to shame her. I don’t want to make her hate her mother and me; I just want her to respect our direction for her. There are some constants and there are some variables in childrearing. Definitely, a primary variable is that each child is different – even in the same family. Just when a mom and a dad think they have something figured out respecting parenting, another child comes along and doesn’t play by the same rules. Some of the variables regarding the inconsistent behavior between children are owing to the uniqueness of a child’s individual personality. Often overlooked, other variables affecting child behavior have to do with at what time in the life of the family and what environmental circumstances differ from when other children entered the family. At what age are the parents? What are the living conditions? Are these happy days, or stressful times? Are grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings and friends in the picture? Are both parents working out of the home? The answers differ at least slightly between the introduction of each new child into the family unit. The constants in childrearing include these considerations. Ultimately, the father of the family has the responsibility for

“Conversion,” says the dictionary, is, “2: an experience associated with a definite and decisive adoption of religion” (Merriam-Webster). The trouble is that many, many Christians in America exhibit no evidence in their lives that they have made “a definite and decisive adoption of religion” inaugurated by Jesus Christ. The churches of Christ in America, and I strongly suspect in western civilization generally, desperately need to undergo a true and thorough “conversion” to Christ. One definition for the verb “convert” reads, “2a: to alter the physical or chemical nature or properties of especially in manufacturing” (Merriam-Webster). Dear Brethren, few are the Christians who genuinely “alter” their “nature” spiritually as they professedly convert to Christ – become Christians. Romans 12:2 commands Christians not to be “conformed to this world,” but rather to be “transformed” by Jesus Christ. “Transformed” is translated from the Greek metamorphoo, which is akin to our English word, “metamorphosis.” The dictionary says of “metamorphosis” that it is “1a: change of physical form, structure, or substance especially by supernatural means” (Merriam-Webster). We naturally think of the transformation that a caterpillar makes in becoming a butterfly; a creepy-crawler turns into a wondrous and beautiful, artful flyer, dancing in the air from one flower bloom to another. The point is that Christians are supposed to undergo a “change of… form or structure… by supernatural means” (1 Corinthians 12:13) when they become children of God. Baptism, that outward, voluntary, physical act in compliance with the very words of Jesus (Mark 16:16), uniting one spiritually with the saving blood of Christ (Ephesians

John Calvin (1509-1564) was a prominent, early character in the Reformation Movement. Originally, he was a Roman Catholic and received training therein. He turned, though, his attention to reformers who, unable to rehabilitate the Roman Catholic Church, developed alternative churches to the Catholic Church. Calvin was a prolific religious writer and preached daily as well. Eventually, he opposed both the Catholic and Lutheran churches, and he organized his increasing number of followers into still another church. John Calvin developed and made popular several religious doctrines that have become a part of most denominations and so-called Christian churches today. Sometimes his doctrines (essentially, five in number) are collectively referred to as “Calvinism.” They are memorable through the acrostic: T U L I P. TULIP stands for Total Heredity Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace and Perseverance of the Saints. Total Heredity Depravity is the belief that every newborn baby comes into the world already guilty of the sin of Adam and Eve. This doctrine is similar to the Catholic doctrine of Original Sin. However, God through the prophet Ezekiel disputes both Total Heredity Depravity and Original Sin. “The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself” (Ezekiel 18:20 NKJV). Total Heredity Depravity supposes that the waywardness of sinful man is so great that freewill cannot respond to

Mark 2:25-26 reads, “And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungered, he, and they that were with him? How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?” (KJV). This speech of Jesus also appears in Matthew 12:3-4 and Luke 6:3-4, except that these two Gospel records omit the phrase “in the days of Abiathar the high priest,” which appears in Mark 2:26. However, the Old Testament reference is 1 Samuel 21:1-6, and the name of the priest associated with this event in that text is Ahimelech – not Abiathar. Hence, Bible critics charge that there is a contradiction between Mark 2:26 and 1 Samuel 21:1. Further, Bible critics claim that the reason for the apparent contradiction within Scripture is owing to any of these following possibilities. (1) The biblical text is wrong or erroneous in either or both passages. (2) Our interpretation of the respective passages is incorrect. (3) Jesus made a mistake, not knowing the Old Testament Scriptures sufficiently well, or He purposely misrepresented events and Scripture in the Old Testament to make a point in His discussion with opponents. (4) The source from which Mark obtained his information was wrong. (5) Mark made a mistake in writing down the facts (Wallace). Especially Jewish critics of

Did Paul/Saul actually “see” Jesus, and please give the Scripture if possible. Many times, we read Christ spoke to Paul, but did Paul “see” Jesus? ~ Jack Phillips Yes, Paul saw Jesus (Acts 9:17; 22:14; 26:16; 1 Corinthians 15:8). Acts 9:17 reads, “And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit’” (emphasis added). The word “appeared” (optanomai) means, “to gaze (i.e. with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable” (Strong’s). The Greek word here occurs 59 times in the New Testament, and in instances where no one doubts observation of the physical manifestation of Jesus Christ. One prime example is “to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen [optanomai] by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3 NKJV emphasis added). Paul himself affirmed that he had gazed upon Jesus Christ, just as others had observed the resurrected Christ, too. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen [optanomai] by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen [optanomai] by over five hundred brethren

Hello: I read the article about unequal yoking by T. Pierce Brown on your website. I understand what he was saying, about how the yoking with unbelievers itself is not wrong, but it is wrong only when the relationship requires the believer to do things against God’s word. That makes sense. If the relationship itself was sin then Paul would not instruct us to stay in a marriage with an unbeliever. But if that is true, then can you please explain Deuteronomy 7:3 to me? It says, “You shall not intermarry with them, giving your daughters to their sons or taking their daughters for your sons, for they would turn away your sons from following me, to serve other gods. Then the anger of the Lord would be kindled against you, and he would destroy you quickly.” Doesn’t that say that marrying unbelievers is wrong? If that’s what it’s saying, then what T. Pierce Brown said in his article would be incorrect, wouldn’t it? I’m a Christian woman, but my fiancé is agnostic. I want to spend the rest of my life with him, and this has been bothering me a lot lately. I’m so afraid that I might have to break up with my fiancé because God’s word says we cannot be together. I’m really confused, please write back. Thank you. – Kimberly Chow The basic confusion occurs because of not putting various portions of Scripture in their respective contexts. The most basic and first reasonable approach to understanding

The fish symbol used by early Christians is post-biblical in origin. Put another way, it is unscriptural in origin, but the fish symbol is not anti-biblical or against Scripture. For instance, an automobile is unscriptural – meaning that automobiles do not appear in Scripture – although, automobiles (and airplanes, too) are not anti-scriptural or counter to Scripture. The fish symbol appears to have been in use by Christians by the second century to distinguish Christians discreetly from non-Christians. The idea was to lower the risk of discovery by injurious persons during periods of heightened persecution of Christians. Of all the symbols used by the early Christians, none was more widely used than that of the fish. …Referring to Christ, it was in familiar use as early as the 2d century. Its significance was drawn from the fact that the letters of ‎…the Greek word for fish, form the initials of the acrostic… ‎(Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour). (McClintock and Strong) Ichthys, from Koine Greek: ἰχθύς, (capitalized ΙΧΘΥΣ or ΙΧΘΥϹ) is the Greek word for “fish”. (Alternative transliterations include Ichthus and Ikhthus). In English, this refers to a symbol consisting of two intersecting arcs, the ends of the right side extending beyond the meeting point so as to resemble the profile of a fish, used by early Christians as a secret symbol and now known colloquially as the “sign of the fish” or the “Jesus fish.” (Wikipedia) …the fish’s first known use as a Christian religious symbol was sometime within the first three

Someone posed the question in the search engine for Gospel Gazette Online, “Can a man serve as deacon in one congregation and preacher in another?” The question, of course, is whether such activity is biblically permissible. Respecting every venue (e.g., politically, socially, religiously, etc.), humanity is prone to extremes. Religiously, even true Christians often tend to position their thinking either left of biblical center or right of biblical center. Instead, the children of God ought to seek a biblical balance – neither adding to the Word of God nor subtracting from it (Revelation 22:18-19). Furthermore, Christians ought to be as tolerant of fellow Christians as biblically permissible (Mark 9:38-40; Romans 14:19, 22: 1 Corinthians 10:29). Certainly, none of us should imitate the posture of first century Pharisees who with their manmade additions to and interpretations of God’s divine revelation were the object of rebuke by our Lord. “…you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition …in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:6, 9 NKJV). “Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!” (Matthew 23:24). Some things are salvation issues, but not everything is a salvation issue. We must be careful not to elevate our opinions to the status of Scripture. All of this said, we just need to make sure that our motives and attitudes are what our Lord would have them to be, especially when we encounter a fellow Christian or a way of doing