Sentence Against an Evil Work

Please explain: “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil” (Ecclesiastes 8:11). Biblical cross-references that shed light on the meaning of Ecclesiastes 8:11 include: “But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said” (Exodus 8:15). Here, between plagues the Egyptian Pharaoh reversed himself on his avowed willingness to do the bidding of God to avoid further plagues. Typically, evil persons only submit their wills to God, and then unwillingly, for as long as there remains the appearance of imminent personal peril for their wickedness. Job decried the wicked who live riotously and spurn God in the absence of immediate punishment for their waywardness. “They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance. They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ. They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave. Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways. What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?” (Job 21:11-15). Often, God has historically punished evil swiftly, and yet any evil not addressed immediately will nevertheless be addressed by God in due time, at least before his Judgment Seat. The prophet Isaiah (Chapter 5) recorded …

The How-To of Public Repentance

A sister from Arizona recently inquired about the differences she has observed between black and white congregations concerning how they respectively handle occasions of public repentance. She noted that though articles, including some in the pages of Gospel Gazette Online, treat the biblical topic of “repentance,” they do not address the “how-to” details. There are a number of topics, doubtless, that though Scripture teaches something definitively about those doctrines, the details regarding implementation are not specified in Scripture. For instance, the qualifications for the selection of and the duties for elders are addressed in various passages throughout the New Testament (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-11; Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Hebrews 13:7, 13). Yet, no public ceremony or the exact procedure through which the elders of a congregation should be appointed appears in the New Testament. We can glean from this that what God wants mankind to know and that with which God wants mankind to comply he caused to be recorded in so many words in the Bible. That is, God authorizes through what he specifies. In areas where God has not specified, man may and must use his judgment or opinion. Regarding elders, God determined the qualifications and duties of elders, but left the details of how to publicly acknowledge them as elders to human judgment. Therefore, any number of congregations may work out those details as they deem most agreeable to their respective congregations. Biblical repentance involves a change of mind that precedes a change of conduct. …

When Did Satan Fall from Heaven?

A querist poses this question, also the title of material sent to him for review, which the querist forwarded to me. First, it seems apparent that Satan lost his status as a faithful angel of God, consequently also forfeiting his residency in heaven, before the temptation of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:1-15; Revelation 12:9). The Bible does not say just when angels were created and just when Satan and his fellow fallen angels sinned and were exiled from heaven. That such an event did occur is apparent from what is recorded in Scripture. “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment” (2 Peter 2:4). “And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day” (Jude 6). “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41). Among the references submitted for consideration relative to determining when Satan fell from heaven were Luke 10:18; Romans 16:20 and various passages from the Book of Revelation. A primary mistake often made in the interpretation of apocalyptic epistles is to view figurative language as though it were literal. The thrust of Revelation is that God and righteousness will overcome Satan and unrighteousness. References to Satan in that figurative language do not reveal anything …

Pre-Baptism Questions

A dear friend and preacher of the Gospel posed this question to me recently. Do you believe we have the right to question those desiring to be baptized about their marriage situation? One preacher says the only question we have a right to ask is that of Acts 8:37 — if they believe Jesus to be the Christ. I would appreciate a brief answer. First, Peter advised his audience of what they were to repent before exhorting them to repent, in that case, crucifying Christ (Acts 2). Repentance is only effective to the extent that it reflects the sins for which one intends to repent. Second, John the Baptist especially addressed biblically unlawful marriages for which those involved needed to repent. Regarding salvation, one needs to be advised of the sins for which he needs to repent. Third, teaching and preaching, the hoped for result regarding non-Christians being remission of past sins and addition to the church of our Lord, needs to include the known sins of those to whom we speak and the typical sins of the society of which they are a part. Anything less falls far short of biblical teaching characteristic of any religious age of which one can read in the Bible. A biblical case in point occurs in Acts Chapter Fifteen. Judaizing Christians had gone from Jerusalem to Antioch of Syria and informed the Gentile church there that they had to be circumcised in compliance with Judaism before they could become Christians. Either implicitly or …

Can Any Man Forbid Water?

A brother asks about the meaning of Acts 10:47, “Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?” The primary element involved in Christian baptism, water, is mentioned to represent the entirety of the process of baptism. Acts chapters Ten and Eleven record the taking of the Gospel message to the Gentile world as it was presented to Cornelius and those who gathered with him. The Jews had a longstanding bias toward everyone who was not Jewish (e.g., Samaritans, Gentiles). Jewish converts to Christianity brought with them this heightened prejudice against non-Jews. Only the remarkable incidents that happened to Peter in Joppa and then in Caesarea convinced, first Peter and then the six Jewish Christians who accompanied Peter, that the Gentiles also were intended by God to be the recipients of the Gospel message with its attendant blessings, including membership in the Lord’s church. Peter, at one point later, failed to distance himself from this bias against Gentiles (Galatians 2:11-14). Judaizing Christians also preached a distorted Gospel respecting Gentile admission to the church, which crisis was largely resolved by the apostles in Jerusalem (Acts 15). Peter asked the six Jewish brethren who accompanied him, that in view of the obvious stamp of divine approval on the Gentiles’ reception of the Gospel message (evidenced by the bestowal of miraculous powers directly from heaven on those Gentiles), how could they do anything but proceed to baptize those Gentiles. It was …

Were the Apostles Baptized in Acts Two?

Were the  Apostles baptized for the forgiveness of their sins along with the 3000? ~ Pedro Rodriguez, Los Angeles, CA There is no biblical account of anyone who became a disciple of Christ prior to the establishment of the church in Acts Two, including the apostles, being baptized in Acts Two when the 3,000 were baptized. However, that is quite a different matter from supposing that the early disciples, including the apostles, were not baptized at some time for the forgiveness of their sins. To the contrary, strong biblical evidence exists that the early disciples and apostles were baptized for the forgiveness of their sins, but not in Acts Two when the 3,000 were baptized. As a forerunner of Christ and a prophet who prepared the way for the ministry of Christ and the establishment of the church, John the Baptist administered a baptism that was for the forgiveness of sins. That baptism also involved repentance, as did the baptism of Acts Two (verse 38). “John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins” (Mark 1:4). However, the actual reception of the forgiveness of sins was not received when one received the baptism of John the Baptist, but was contingent on the then pending vicarious sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, his subsequent resurrection and Ascension. Likewise, the faithful practice of Patriarchy and Judaism with their animal sacrifices and blood atonement did not provide forgiveness of sins prior to the sacrifice of Jesus on …

Do Humans Become God?

I. Would God, Christ and the Holy Spirit be the Persons who created and redeemed our own immortality of life? True or False     II. Have we been created and redeemed so that we can become a Divine Person in our Heavenly Home? True or False     III. Have we been created and redeemed so that we can become equal (having power, rule and authority) with those Persons who created and redeemed our own immortality of life? True or False ~ Charles Burke First, “True or False” questions such as these appear to portray a petitioner whose primary objective is not to solicit information, but to provide a platform from which to make a rebuttal and one’s presentation of his doctrinal viewpoints. This forum, though, facilitates a single editorial response to a question, without further dialogue from either the petitioner or the Editor. (I’m not omniscient and obviously cannot be certain about any querist’s unannounced intentions.) Second, question #1 does not compute; that question is ambiguous at best, incomprehensible and biblically extraneous. The Bible is void of phraseology respecting ‘our redemption of immortality of life.’ The next two questions, likewise, depict a doctrine that is not found in the Bible. However, the latter two questions do represent a denominational doctrine that at least is shared by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon Church). The latter two questions represent a false view of the Godhead, supposing that somehow Divine stature is simply a process of graduation attainable by frail …

Human Origin of Christmas

Is there anything available about the human tradition of Christmas celebrating? ~ In His Service, Rene Voser, Switzerland Anything and everything one might find regarding Christmas pertains to “human tradition,” since the celebration of Christmas is wholly of human origin. Neither the word “Christmas” nor any teaching regarding “Christmas” appears anywhere in the Bible. See our article addressing “Christmas” at the following URL: www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/2000/nov/page20.htm#christmas

Public Funding for the Church’s Work?

Sir, may I ask your help in resolving and issue of faith which has recently appeared in my home congregation. One or more of our ministry leaders caused to have published in the local newspaper an article that solicited funds from the public to pay for a church ministry. Specifically, our congregation gives oversight to a retirement center as a local ministry. The retirement center is proposing to construct additional rooms/apartments for future growth. Approximately two months ago it was announced at a Sunday service that an entry garden was being designed with a focal point being a brick wall. This wall of brick will be some 4′ high by 8′ in length. The wall will be constructed of brick which can contain a person or family’s name and be dedicated to their “memory” or “honor”. About 3 weeks after this announcement the newspaper article appeared. It identified the brick being available for anyone to purchase. Within the article was a clear statement that the church was selling these brick to help fund this construction. In a private conversation with one of my elders I was informed that (1) there is no scriptural prohibition against soliciting funds outside the church, (2) such solicitations have occurred the benefit the benevolent center (clothing and food) and mission campaigns (shoes for Mexico) (3) for some time “others” have made gifts to the church for various works. I am bothered by this event and the elder’s response for a number of reasons. The chief …

Recognition in Heaven?

Dear Louis, I’ve heard both yes & no to this question [will we know each other in heaven?]. What do you think? Do you know any good material that would give a conclusive Biblical answer? Thanks, Chuck Boerner, member at East Alameda C of C. There may be material of which I am not presently aware that addresses this inquiry. Yet, the Bible appears to take for granted that there will be recognition in heaven. This is also the approach, for instance, with which the Bible introduces the existence of God (Genesis 1:1). In both instances, the fact is assumed, for which there is subsequent evidence. For example, King David presumed that he would see his baby that died after this life is over. “But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me” (2 Samuel 12:23). Somehow, also unexplained in the Bible text, departed souls will recognize other souls whom they never met in life. The rich man recognized Abraham (as well as the beggar, Lazarus), though Abraham had lived and died about 2,000 years before him. “There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked …

Small Groups in the Assembly

I am having a big problem with praying in our congregation. They are asking us to break up into small groups during worship and pray between ourselves. I do not think that this is biblical for various reasons. What if the groups are all same sex, or even mixed groups? I have not seen women praying in the groups. I have been told that they are praying with men present. I am really confused. ~ Will and Donna Ferrell New Testament Scripture defines the worship assembly as the whole church coming together at one time in once place. “If therefore the whole church be come together into one place . . .” (1 Corinthians 14:23). “When ye come together therefore into one place . . .” (1 Corinthians 11:20). To break into small groups for prayer during the worship assembly is counter to what the biblical record reveals regarding the nature of the assembly of the local church. Further, such an activity may parallel the conduct of the Corinthian church, which divisive conduct was condemned in 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, and certainly could contribute to a non-cohesive fellowship. (However, Bible studies or classes observable in the New Testament do not require the entire local church to assemble in one place at one time.) Women, of course, may pray and lead prayers in the presence of other women without violating any biblical principles. Mixed groups including men and women, though, fall under biblical restrictions where male Christians may lead prayers, whereas female Christians must …

Must an Elder Have Children in the Home?

Dear Bro. Rushmore, could you please clear something up for me? Does a brother have to have children living in his house to be in compliance with the qualifications of and elder? I know he must have children who are faithful, but do they have to be living in his home? Thank you for your consideration of this question. I enjoy the Gospel Gazette and will pass the web address on to other members of the Lord’s body. Again, Thanks, Mrs. Airdean Russell Thank you for your kind words regarding Gospel Gazette Online. We hope that you continue to find it a useful tool and that others to whom you recommend GGO will also find it edifying. Naturally, one would ordinarily expect one to meet the qualifications of an elder, including having faithful children (Titus 1:6), while his children are yet in his home. Obviously, from the time his children first obeyed the Gospel (really it starts before this) through the remaining adolescent years while they continue to live at home, one who would be an elder learns (through on-the-job-training) to rule his house. Learning how to guide the home was determined by the Holy Spirit to prepare an elder to help guide the family of God — with other elders (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). Imagine for a moment if it were the case that the window of opportunity for a man to be an elder was limited to the period between the time his children became Christians and graduated from the …

How Do I Prepare for Death?

I too am dying, but I do not have the appearance, thank the Lord. I am dying, but people want to hear my words about abuse, thank the Lord. I was not a practicing Christian until I hear my prognosis three years ago. I live from cat scan to cat scan and from weekly chemotherapy. How do I prepare for death. I could list what I am doing, but there is one critical obstacle: “Doubt no morel.” I believe, but I also think, “What really happens?” Is that so important. No, what is important is that something will happen. If you have any advice, I would be most grateful. I love God. I have accepted Jesus Christ. I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I pray. I study the Bible. I worship each Sunday. I have asked forgiveness for my trespasses. But yet, I am not in a state of grace; I cannot call myself righteous. ~ Roger MacNamara We all must face the inevitable crossing of the threshold called death from this life to the next life. Most accountable souls, though, are in a state of denial and live with no more contemplation of their human frailty than pondered by small children and other unaccountable souls. Yet, the obvious passing from life is, of course, everywhere about us everyday. Further, the Bible affirms that death is one appointment that no one can miss. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews …

No Right to Be Married. Now What?

I read your article on divorce and remarriage. I am a born-again Christian and so is my husband. We have been married for 6 1/2 years and have a 5 month old son. We were married by a justice of the peace because I had been divorced after a brief marriage (also performed by a jop). We want to serve the Lord in all aspects of our lives. I now know that my divorce was a sin and we have both sinned by remarrying and thus committing adultery. My question is, what are we supposed to do now? We want to be right with the Lord. Any input you can give us will be appreciated. [identify withheld by editor] Articles pertaining to marriage, divorce and remarriage that are currently archived on Gospel Gazette Online can be accessed at the following URLs. These articles present the biblical view to which mankind now living in the Gospel or Christian Age is amenable. https://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/1999/aug/page6.shtmlhttps://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/1999/nov/page19.shtmlhttps://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/1999/oct/page19.shtmlhttps://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/1999/feb/page16.shtmlhttps://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/1999/may/page19.shtml#lawhttps://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/2000/feb/page13.shtmlhttps://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/2000/oct/page18.htmhttps://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/2000/page4.htm Too infrequently, people do not permit reason and biblical truth to prevail over their emotional investment in the marriage, divorce and remarriage dilemma. However, others like yourselves have objectively applied God’s marriage instructions to themselves, though it can be a painful process. Your question, then, is not new and was addressed specifically in the article at the following link. www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/1999/may/page19.shtml Honest souls such as yourselves must not only concern themselves with God’s plan for their redemption (a Bible-based faith, Rom. 10:17; John 8:24; repentance, Acts 17:30; professing Jesus to be Christ, Acts …

Once Saved, Always Saved?

A brother wrote that he found a wealth of biblical information that refutes the Calvinistic idea “once saved, always saved” (or the perseverance of the saints). How then, he inquired, should he arrange such a vast array of material for a brief, 15-minute presentation. As with any biblical topic, the Bible contains much more information than can usually be presented effectively at one time, even if the time allotted is considerably longer than a quarter of an hour. Therefore, in every case, one simply must select some of the supporting biblical evidence for the current presentation and allow that another time may afford further opportunity to pursue the topic. Besides some future public occasion during which one might visit a former topic, individuals may inquire privately about something that has been publicly taught, at which time the extra biblical resources may be used profitably. The following paragraphs seek to address briefly the anti-biblical principle of “once saved, always saved.” The doctrine of “once saved, always saved” or the plank of Calvinism styled the “perseverance of the saints” is anti-biblical because: (1) It is not taught in the Bible, (2) It is denominational in origin, and (3) It diametrically conflicts with abundant biblical evidence to the contrary. First, we hasten to assure our readers that we do not intend to disparage in the least the sincerity of proponents of the perseverance of the saints. Further, from a superficial reading of some passages of Scripture, it may appear that salvation while on earth has …

Is Christmas a Secular or Religious Holiday, or Both?

If you should get the opportunity sometime, I surely would like to see your view of Christmas in particular. I hear of considerable goings on within congregations, like an elder wearing a Santa suit and visiting the young classrooms, groups giving Christmas gifts as part of church activities, etc. Frankly, I may be a little too conservative on this issue but I think any congregational activity recognizing Christmas is misleading to the children if nothing else. It seems to me that the church should shy away from such as if poison. The so-called Christmas festival was introduced by the Roman Catholic Church in the middle of the fourth century. As such, Christmas is over three hundred years too young to be associated with the church about which we read in the New Testament. Therefore, besides its absence from the pages of inspiration, Christmas owes its origin to man and not God. God never authorized a religious observance called Christmas. A simple dictionary definition of “Christmas” reads: “a Christian feast on December 25 or among some Eastern Orthodox on January 7 that commemorates the birth of Christ and is usually observed as a legal holiday” [Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, (Springfield, Massachusetts: Merriam-Webster, Incorporated) 1993.] Originally, Christmas was associated exclusively with commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ. While one’s motives to religiously celebrate the birth of Christ may be honorable, nevertheless, the Bible does not impose or even authorize a religious observance of the birth of Christ. We are obligated, though, …

The Apostles’ Creed

Someone inquired recently about the place, if any, of the Apostles’ Creed in the Lord’s church. The Apostles’ Creed is defined as: “a Christian statement of belief ascribed to the Twelve Apostles and used especially in public worship” [Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, (Springfield, Massachusetts: Merriam-Webster, Incorporated) 1993.] First, “[t]he so-called ‘Apostles’ Creed’ does not go back to apostolic times.” [The New Bible Dictionary, (Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1962.] Therefore, since its origin postdates the New Testament, the Apostles’ Creed, as such, is not of divine but rather of human arrangement. No creed and no summary, irrespective of whether it may accurately represent a portion of Scripture, ought to be allowed to displace the complete Word of God for mankind. Such a displacement of the Word of God falls under the condemnation regarding adding to or taking away from the Word of God (Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:6; Revelation 22:18-19). Second, to use the Apostles’ Creed “in public worship” is tantamount to a rote prayer or other recitation that lacks biblical precedent. “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking” (Matthew 6:7). Third, were the Apostles’ Creed or any man-made creed thought to say the same thing as the Bible, it would thereby be unnecessary since we already have the Bible. Further, a creed that says less than all the Bible reveals, says too little; similarly, any creed that says more than what the Bible reveals, …

The “Innocent Party”

These days, querists present us at Gospel Gazette Online with two questions more often than any others. The second most frequently posed question concerns the biblical role of women in the church. By far, the most often asked question pertains to marriage, divorce, and remarriage and what the Bible has to say about this intensely, emotionally charged, contemporary issue. In answering either question, one swiftly exhausts the ample biblical information from the pages of inspiration. In other words, it becomes extremely difficult to say more about any subject beyond the expression of God’s mind and ordinances contained in the Holy Bible. God’s law in either case essentially is understood with little difficulty and is definitive. Application of God’s rules for the family, including divorce and remarriage, is where the difficulty lies. These difficulties arise from our natural emotional investment due to involvement of family members and the desire to preserve homes, especially in which children abide. These difficulties blossom more when we consider the extent to which modern society abounds in marriages, divorces and remarriages. Members of the church are neither immune to nor less susceptible to the scourge of marriage, divorce and remarriage. Application of God’s Word respecting marriage, divorce and remarriage is compounded further by confusion arising from the details of the circumstances surrounding people’s marriages, divorces and remarriages. Even persons wanting to do the right (biblical) thing experience puzzlement on how to proceed, the difficulty heightened commensurate with how close one may be to the problem. Under such circumstances, the simple …

Origin of the Races

Brother Rushmore, I am looking for some information concerning the son’s of Noah (Shem, Ham & Japheth) as being the “Father” of the Asian, African, and Caucasian races. Also, the Tower of Babel and the different languages may have been discussed. I’m not sure where I read this article or how valid it may be. My question is: did this article come from your website . . . Thanks for continuing the fine articles on your Website. I look forward to reading them each month. It is good thing that you do. Sincerely & Yours in the Faith, Ted Janney At this time, two articles in the Gospel Gazette Online archives pertain to race as it affects matrimony. They are: https://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/2000/may/page13.shtmlhttps://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/2000/aug/page20.htm#interracial The first of the two mentions the Tower of Babel and notes that though the biblical text says nothing about race there, that would have been an opportune time for God to assign variations of skin pigments to accompany the confusion of speech. Both would have served the same purpose and complemented each other. One, though, cannot pose an argument based on what the Scriptures do not say. The second article referenced above supposes that the races and differences in skin pigments occurred slowly and naturally through intermarriage and the corresponding differences evidenced and combined in offspring. Therefore, the stark contrasts apparent today between some races (including skin color) may have been less remarkable, for instance, in Moses’ day. At least, today one can easily discern the results of intermarriage between people within …

Separation or Divorce Due to Abuse

I have read some of your essay on the Firm Foundation website on this topic, and agree with you that divorce is permitted only for adultery. There is one thing you did not address. You mention the Bible limits separation, as well as adultery. I don’t dispute that. But what you did not address is how to solve certain marital situations in light of those limitations. For example, what if a woman is living with a violent man who has beaten her and abused her children? Or who is a drunkard or dope addict who might physically harm them? What is the Scriptural answer to that? I believe we would agree that she is not to put her children in physical danger of harm from a crazed husband. But–if divorce and separation are both limited, how does she deal with such a situation? Yes, she can have the man jailed–and he’ll eventually get out, and may come to kill her and her children. So how is this resolved without long-term (or possibly permanent) separation? I am not disputing your conclusions–just saying there are situations where physical danger to a woman and/or her children could be involved, and I need a Scriptural answer on how to deal with that. ~ P.W. Williams “Long-term separation” and divorce are equally irrelevant to considerations whereby a woman and her children might realize some sort of protection, especially from a husband and father who may be determined to harm his family. There is no difference …

Head Coverings on Women

This is Glen Gannon from Corsicana, Texas. Would you explain why the women of the church in America are not required to cover their heads. Thanks, gg. After studying 1 Cor11:1-16, it appears that Paul’s reasoning as to the covering of the head in worship has nothing to do with customs of that day and is valid today. Your understanding of this would be appreciated. Thanks, Chuck, member of the East Alameda C of C, Aurora, CO Typically, westerners who believe that women are biblically required to wear head coverings in worship content themselves with a small piece of cloth or a hat on a woman’s head. Though sincere, such proponents of head coverings on women generally err in several areas. (1) The supposed “biblical proof” to which these advocates appeal would not allow a small piece of cloth or even a hat to suffice for a head covering. The “proof texts” would require a veil that completely covers the woman’s head. (2) The so-called “biblical evidence” that would require head coverings on women today would also require that women not only wear a veil covering her whole head while at worship, but also while in every public place. Most advocates of head coverings on western women today, were they able to “prove” their contention, would certainly “prove too much” (much more than they would hope). (3) Nowhere in the Bible does any inspired writer institute head coverings on women. Sometimes, veils are observed to be on female Bible characters (and sometimes …

Just One Church?

Hello, I have been researching (as a personal curiosity) “governmental” differences between churches. I was just reading an article you wrote, and I was wondering if you could further explain the underlined statement below more specifically for me: from:  “The First Church”  “The first church — the one that Jesus built — still exists today. It is to this church — his church — that our Lord adds the saved.” Do you assert that to this church ONLY are the saved added? Or are saved peoples present in other Christian churches as well; i.e., Baptist, non-denominational, etc. Thank you for your time. [name withheld upon request] Only one church existed in the first century. Jesus only promised to build one church and he styled it as his church (Matthew 16:18). In the figure of a “body,” the apostle Paul taught that there was but one church. “. . . the church, Which is his body . . . There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:4-6). In the first century, Jesus added the saved to his church (Acts 2:47). This church was established in Jerusalem according to prophecy (Isaiah 2:2-3) in the days of the fourth world kingdom from and including the Babylonian kingdom — the Roman Empire — also according to prophecy (Daniel 2:44). This church was known by …

Does Baptism Make A Boy into a Man?

Periodically, the question arises, “Does baptism make a boy into a man?” By this, additional questions are implied that have some ramifications: “May a woman continue to teach a Bible class in which a boy has been baptized?” “When a boy is baptized, does it necessitate his use in any area of service where adult male members may serve (e.g., serving communion, leading prayer, leading singing, preaching, making decisions for the church in business meetings)?” What can be gleaned from the Scriptures? Passages that identify “men and women” as those who become baptized believers (Acts 5:14; 8:12) do not fully answer the question. However, we can glean from such verses that: (1) both sexes of humanity are equally afforded redemption in Christ (Galatians 3:27-28), and (2) that these individuals must be mature enough to repent and believe prior to baptism (Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16). In the Old Testament under Judaism, one became a child of God or was placed into a covenant relationship with God at birth. However, one was not considered a man until he attained the age of 20 (i.e., old enough to go to war, Numbers 1:20). Further, priests could only be appointed and serve between the years of 25 and 50 (Numbers 8:24-25). Principles that we can glean from these references are that: (1) Simply being a child of God does not necessarily qualify one to be used in any and all aspects of service. (2) A degree of maturity is required to be of special service …

Women Preachers and “Thus Saith the Law”

Dear Mr. Rushmore, “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church” (1 Corinthians 14:34-35). Could you please clarify something for me concerning this scripture which is widely supported to supress women from preaching at the pulpit. My question is upon the wording in the first sentence, specifically “as also saith the law.” I have the understanding that when Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthians there were terrible troubles within the church. Specifically because the women were becoming Christians and they thought that their new found freedom in Christ would break the Corinithian Laws and they could speak out or question their husbands publicaly. In the time that Paul wrote this letter it was against Corinithian law for women to publicaly question their husbands. If I am incorrect and this is one of God’s laws that women keep silent–where is the scriptural reference to that? I assert that it was not God’s law for the women to keep quiet during services but it was Paul urging to the women to follow Corinith law. Did God set the Corinithian Laws and if he did where is that stated in the bible? Furthermore if women are not to be ‘involved’ like that in the …

Interracial Marriage & the Bible

“Does the Bible teach for or against interracial marriage?” Neither. The Bible teaches that marriage is a relationship between a man and a woman who are, in the sight of God, permitted to enter into the relationship for life. The Bible does not teach that this relationship can exist between two people of the same gender, because one of the purposes God had in mind for marriage from the very beginning of time, when he said to Adam and Eve, “Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it . . .” is thwarted when two people are of the same gender. Since they cannot fill all the purposes for which marriage was brought into existence, they cannot lawfully marry in the sight of God, and for them to do so is an abomination, no matter what the State of New Hampshire may say! The only time, to the best of my knowledge, the Bible speaks even indirectly to the subject of an interracial marriage was in the case of Moses who married a second wife who was an “Ethiopian” woman (Numbers 12:1). You will recall that the first wife of Moses was a woman of another nationality who was a Midianitess named Zipporah. We are not told all that transpired regarding this marriage, but by the time we come to Numbers Twelve, we find Moses marrying another woman. Perhaps by this time Zipporah was dead, or perhaps this second wife was a case of polygamy. At any rate, …

Death Angel?

At the Passover in Exodus, was it actually the Jehovah God himself or an angel of the Lord that passed over the Israelites? Did God Himself come to Egypt to pass judgement on them or did He send a messenger? From what research I have done I am inclined to think Jehovah God did the passing over. Please comment. Thank you, Carol Weekley This is one of those questions, that though interesting, over which lack of agreement incurs no serious doctrinal ramifications. Clearly, at times, in both testaments, God used a destroying angel to accomplish his purpose. “And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it . . .” (1 Chronicles 21:15; 2 Samuel 24:16-17). “And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses” (2 Kings 19:35). “And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost” (Acts 12:23). According to Exodus 12:12-13, 29, Jehovah God passed over the Israelites and killed the firstborn children and animals among the Egyptians. “For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD [Jehovah, …

What About the Thief on the Cross?

I am doing Bible study and came across your website.  It is just awesome and I have found it so beneficial.  Please know I will pray for it’s continued success in reaching individuals such as myself and those who have never been exposed to the word. My question for you is this.    I believe the Bible gives us examples that in order for us to be saved we must repent of our sins and be baptized.  I think Christ reaffirmed this when he, who had no sin, was baptized.  I am having some confusion understanding the basis for the idea that you simply must have the faith, believe, ask God’s forgiveness and you are saved which is the belief a friend has.  She pointed out to me that baptism is not alway necessary because on the cross, Christ told the theif that on that same day he would (the thief) be in heaven with him because of his faith.   Could you explain this to me?  Thank you.  – Patty Reeves Dear Patty Reeves, Thank you for the kind remarks regarding our webstie: Gospel Gazette Online. We hope that it continues to be useful to you as you broaden your knowledge of God’s Word. Please feel free to ask me any religious questions for which you desire a biblical answer. I will do my best to oblige. You are correct that the New Testament teaches that baptism is necessary for one’s sins to be remitted. From the time Ephesians 4:5 was penned …

Funding the Work of the Church

I need to know how does the Church decide where the tithes go poor offering and such. Is there a formula for the dispercement of these monies or does each Church make their own determination of how these monies are spent. Thank you very much in advance. ~ Anthony Watson, Brookshire, Tx Rather than “tithes” or a strict ten percent, the New Testament commands freewill giving upon the first day of every week. This giving ought to be representative of one’s prosperity. “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come” (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). This giving is further regulated to be according as one purposes, but liberal giving is encouraged. “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Some of the reasons for which collections are to be taken include benevolence (Romans 15:25) and the support of Gospel preachers (1 Corinthians 9:3-14). Any endeavor that corresponds to the biblically designated mission of the church may be the recipient of expense money derived from the weekly collection. Essentially, the …

Religious Holidays: Easter

I am bothered about the way it is announced in the church bulletin about the coming anniversary of the Resurrection? Am I wrong in that this religious holiday is from man’s creation and not from God? I am thinking of not staying that day for the preaching and leaving after the Supper. ~ Alfred Vidal, Jr., Chula Vista, CA The religious holiday of Easter by which mankind intends to celebrate the resurrection of Christ is not biblical in origin. EASTER —  originally a Saxon word (Eostre), denoting a goddess of the Saxons, in honour of whom sacrifices were offered about the time of the Passover. Hence the name came to be given to the festival of the Resurrection of Christ, which occured at the time of the Passover. In the early English versions this word was frequently used as the translation of the Greek pascha (the Passover). When the Authorized Version (1611) was formed, the word “passover” was used in all passages in which this word pascha occurred, except in Act 12:4. In the Revised Version [American Standard Version, ASV] the proper word, “passover,” is always used.[1] EASTER, a word used in the Germanic languages to denote the festival of the vernal equinox, and subsequently, with the coming of Christianity, to denote the anniversary of the resurrection of Christ (which in Gk. and Romance tongues is denoted by pascha, ‘Passover’, and its derivatives). Tyndale, Coverdale and others give ‘Easter’ as a rendering of pascha, and one example survives in av, at Acts 12:4 (‘after Easter’, where rv [American Standard Version, …

Public Prayers by Women

Brother Rushmore: My name is Michael Moore. I am a member of the Mid Valley church of Christ in Sandy, Utah. (a suburb of Salt Lake). Last August the congregation we attended decided they were going to allow women to pray in public while men were present. What was odd; they used I Corinthians 11 and I Timothy 2 as the authority to do so. The issue was discussed and studied with the elders but they would not change their stance. Needless to say there was a split and hence the Mid Valley congregation was formed. To make a long story short, last October a young man became available to become our evangelist but we needed help to pay him. (which we came up short on) While we solicited support from congregations we were familiar with I received a response that surprised me. A congregation in Rogers, Arkansas replied that we could not use I Corinthians 11 against women praying since there are no longer prophets. Their reply was that I Corinthians 11 only dealt with women prophesying with their heads uncovered…do we force them to cover their heads today was their reply. My understanding is that, yes, there are no longer prophets (contrary to what the LDS believe here in Salt Lake) but Paul was correcting the Church at Corinth for allowing the women to have authority over the men. I have studied many different articles, and talked to different evangelist around the States. I have formed an opinion …

Female Preachers

Fully appreciating those scriptures that forbid females to preach, I still very much profit spiritually from virtually all of the contemporary female preachers whom I watch on T.V. In doing so, am I breaking the law of God? Is this law (I Corinthians 14:35) in harmony with the needs of contemporary believers and the socio-cultural conditions in which we live? Is the Bible out of sync on this issue? If it is, how can this be so if he word of God is divine and infallible? This concerns me chiefly because I’m catching flack from my fellow Baptists! I personally find it ludicrous in this day and time to forbid female preaching. God knows His churches and His followers want and need all the inspiration, teaching, and hope that is available. ~ S. C. Surratt, (An Unhappy Independent Baptist) Winston-Salem, NC It is true, of course, that the New Testament prohibits females from teaching or preaching under circumstances where they thereby subject males to them. “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church” (1 Corinthians 14:34-35). “Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to …

Interracial Marriage

We received a question recently inquiring what, if anything, the Bible teaches regarding interracial marriage. After scouring the Bible for applicable passages, it appears that this is a subject about which mankind exhibits a greater degree of interest and concern than does our Creator and God. To be sure, interracial marriage has been and continues to be a societal taboo and a very emotionally charged topic. However, many interracial marriages that were formerly considered by some to be an affront to society are no longer considered so by most people. For instance, marriages between European settlers who occupied North America and native Americans was frowned upon for about the first 100 years, but now few people concern themselves with marriages between the ‘whiteman’ and the ‘redman.’ Following the 19th century wars that affected western nations and Asia countries (one of the last being the Viet Nam War), marriages between Caucasians and Asians are fairly commonplace and accepted. Apparently, the greater the distinction of the pigment of the skin between races, the more reluctant societal partisans are to appreciate interracial marriages. Yet, tens of thousands men and women from various races, including black and white, contract interracial marriages anyway each year. To be sure, societal pressures on such couples from their peers, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. contribute to the difficulties encountered by newlyweds that may severely test their marriages and result in divorce. Irrespective, though, of what may be socially acceptable or pragmatic, what biblical principles affect the topic of interracial marriages? Two possible biblical …

Wearing Shorts to Church

What is your answer to teen-agers and adults wearing shorts to church ¾ some of the teenagers wear short-shorts? Need some scriptures. ~ Eldon Scott Primarily two factors should determine the attire one wears to worship God ¾ reverence and modesty. The phrase “Sunday best” used to mean something and once reflected a widely held attitude regarding how to acceptably appear before God in holy worship. The question above and any response following pertains to what one chooses to wear when worshipping God, not the propriety of what an impoverished person may wear from necessity. The principle behind “Sunday best” appears in the Book of Malachi. “A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the Lord of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the Lord is contemptible.  And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the Lord of hosts.  And now, I pray you, beseech God that he will be gracious unto us: this hath been by your means: will he regard your persons? saith the Lord of hosts” (Malachi 1:6-9). Instead of presenting the best sacrifices to God, the Jews substituted moldy bread and animals …

Joining Another Religious Organization

Bro. Rushmore, if a brother has forsaken the assembly and joined himself to another religious organization, are disfellowship proceedings warranted? ~ Glen Gannon. Jesus promised to build only one church; “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). The one church belongs to Jesus Christ, for he purchased it with his own blood (Acts 20:28) and he is the head of it (Ephesians 1:22; 5:23). The apostle Paul compared our Lord’s church to a body and taught by inspiration that there is only one (Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:4; Colossians 1:18). A scriptural appellation or name applied to that one body when referring to several congregations is: “the churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16). (Other biblical names include: “church of God,” 1 Corinthians 1:2; “house of God,” 1 Timothy 3:15; etc.) Saved souls become members of the Lord’s church by being added to it by Jesus Christ (Acts 2:47). The careful Bible student understands that no other religious organization besides the church for which Jesus died and over which he is head has any right to exist. In fact, were every professed Christian to rely solely on the Bible for divine direction in religion, only one church ¾ the Lord’s church would exist. Denominationalism is extra-biblical and an affront to God. Even attempting to worship God by modifying or adding to his biblical instructions is offensive to God; “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” …

The Campbells & The Churches of Christ

I know the Lords church has been here since Pentecost but people tell me the church of Christ is a denomination started by the Campbells, do you know of any congregations before Campbell? ~ David Peery The church for which Jesus died to establish began in A.D. 33 in Jerusalem (Acts 2) ¾ in fulfillment of hundreds of years old biblical prophecies (Isaiah 2:2-3; Daniel 2:31-44; Joel 2:28-3:2). After the death of the apostles and the close of first century, our Lord’s church began to apostatize from the New Testament pattern. Eventually, the Roman Catholic Church developed through these departures from biblical truth and the first universally recognized pope was selected in A.D. 606. The Catholic Church continued to evolve away from primitive Christianity. Then, in A.D. 1517, a Catholic priest named Martin Luther launched what became known as the Reformation Movement. He protested against selling indulgences by posting 95 theses on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany. The Reformation Movement flourished in Europe and the British Isles through the efforts of other Reformers, too, including: John Calvin, John Knox and Huldreich Zwingli. Several new churches were organized in opposition to the Roman Catholic Church, including: Lutheran (A.D. 1530), Episcopal (1534), Presbyterian (1536), Baptist (1611), Methodist (1739), etc. The Roman Catholic Church responded to the Reformation Movement with its infamous inquisitions. A new wave of Reformers later objected to aspects of the Protestant denominations that had come about from earlier opposition to Catholicism. Many of these religious leaders became known as Restorers …

May Christians Wear Jewelry?

“In like manner also that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with brooded hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” – (1Timothy 2 9-10). Mr. Rushmore, this verse not only speaks of apparel, but of jewelry as well. So…should I throw out my gold earrings? ~ Eve Lopez The Scripture to which the querist refers is similar to the following passage. “Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement” (1 Peter 3:1-6). Both 1 Timothy 2:9-10 and 1 Peter 3:1-6 mention apparel. In the latter passage, apparel or clothes are enumerated in the negative list. Certainly, the apostle Peter is not urging Christian women …

Amillennialism, Postmillennialism & Premillennialism

My 13 year old son has been asking me questions about the 1000 year reign and the things found in Rev. 20.  I know that there will be no 1000 year reign but I’m not sure how to explain Rev. 20 to him.  He believes me but I want to be able to make him see why that isn’t going to happen.  Could you help me with this? Sincerely, Terrie Gaston, Illinois . . . Can you also give some explanations on Premillenialism and Postmillenialism? Thank you very much. In Christ, Greg Gallardo, Jr., Philippines The querists above are two of many who have questions regarding millennialism. Especially at the turn of a century and right now also at the turn of a millennium, questions about millennialism abound. A related question and its answer appeared last month in Gospel Gazette Online under the title: Satan Bound 1,000 Years. Further, the article (entitled The Lord’s Church Is Spiritual) following this query and its reply also addresses millennialism. These two articles and the immediately following remarks should adequately dispel the erroneous notion of some imminent return of Jesus Christ to establish an earthly kingdom. The careful Bible student knows that Jesus used the words “church” and “kingdom” interchangeably. “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall …

Degrees of Punishment and Reward?

Does the Bible teach that there will be degrees of punishment and rewards? ~ Don Puryear There are a few topics of which the Bible speaks, but about which the pages of inspiration say very little. Yes, the Bible does teach that there will be degrees of punishment and reward, though not much is said regarding either. We must content ourselves with the Bible’s affirmation, howbeit perhaps in passing, regarding punishments and rewards. Likewise, we must not concern ourselves overly with the details that may not be attainable in this life. “The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law” (Deuteronomy 29:29). One passage that seems to suggest degrees of punishment is 2 Peter 2:20-22. It reads: “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” Those who ‘escape the pollutions of the world …

Wearing Revealing Outfits Tastefully?

Dear Mr. Rushmore, I read your article “Modesty:  Biblical Investigation, Contemporary Application” . . . It was a very interesting article, but I became a little concerned about some of the things that were written. I know a very beautiful woman who likes to wear revealing outfits and she does it very tastefully. She also loves and worships the Lord and her character is very holy and very admirable, in my opinion. When I see her, I recognize that her outer beauty was a true blessing from above, but I never lose sight of her inner beauty. But is she still committing a sin just because there may be other men out there that might have different (perhaps lustful) thoughts when they see her in these revealing clothes? Shouldn’t it be the men that see these kinds of women and lust after them that are the sinners rather than the women themselves? What about men like myself that see these women, recognize their beauty (both inner and outer), yet they don’t lust after them? ~ Sincerely, Concerned Male, Syracuse, NY Adam and Eve, the first man and the first woman, were created by God and placed into the Garden of Eden. They were naked – with God’s implicit approval (Genesis 2:25; cf. 3:11). It well may have been the case that had sin never entered the world (i.e., neither through Adam and Eve nor through any of their descendants), we might all be running around naked in paradise – with …

Satan Bound 1,000 Years

What does it mean in the revelation “Satan is bound for a thousand years?” The passage to which the querist refers is: “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image,  neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which …

Church Names

I was looking for info on the doctrines of the “Church of God” and it’s various branches, and came across your site.  I read a good article explaining the faults of Calvinism, which, although I am not college trained, I have studied in scriptures and find to be imbalance (Calvinism).  You go on about “The name of the true church” in one article, citing examples from scripture. Doesn’t it occur to you that none of the apostles ever had a sign in front of a building? They were meeting in synagogues and homes, and were for the most part underground and persecuted.  You seem very sincere, brother, but also not seeing the forrest for the trees. The church is a group of people all over the world who are born again and follow Christ to the end. The church manifests itself whenever 2 or more gather in Jesus’ name. What I am saying is that the sign on your building has nothing to do with the church! The apostles were not saying “If you call your gathering yada yada it is a true church”! It is the Spirit of God in His people manifesting in fruit and gifts, worship and service that make a group of people a church! ~ Matthew W. Pittaway, Mt. Juliet, TN The querist comments on a short article in a series of articles that discuss the divine characteristics of the church which Jesus died to establish.  Those divine characteristics appear in the Bible and contrast with many of the …

Church Government

I appreciated your article Elderless, especially since we and one other couple just formed a new congregation of the church, and have no elders. I think I don’t totally agree with you on two points, but maybe I just need clarification. You concluded with “All adult, male members …” 1. Adult only? I would like to know your views on an adult versus a child Christian. If a child can be a christian, then it would be unscriptural to expect less of it or more of an adult. (I am not speaking of the young in faith, but, for example, of a 9 year-old versus a 40 year-old, both of which have been Christians for the same period of time.) 2. Males only? I assume that a woman, or women, made the decisions for the church in Lydia’s household.  I know that women are to keep silent in worship, which includes prayer. But I believe that their silence is restricted to worship, which does not include a business meeting. I am not saying that they rule over a man, but I believe it is unscriptural to forbid them to speak except in worship. If you do not let the women express their views, how do you know if you may cause one or more of them to stumble? ~ Bill D. Thank you for your expression of appreciation for the article cited above (which, for the convenience of readers, follows this response).  In one sense, converts to Christianity are men and women …

Old Testament Pseudepigrapha

In your article concerning canonicity you fail to make mention of the Old Testament Pseudepigrapha which is a collection of ancient documents that includes portions of some sixty-five different writings.  In particular you fail to discuss the apparent quotation of 1 Enoch by Jude in verses fourteen and fifteen of Jude’s epistle.  Why the omission? ~ David Mullins The article to which you refer makes no claim of exhausting the topic of biblical canonicity.  There is no special reason not to mention, in passing, Old Testament pseudepigrapha and the article will be amended to do just that.  The thrust of that article, though, remains to present an overview of biblical canonicity and bolster the Bible believer’s confidence in Holy Writ. However, per your query, please notice some observations regarding the relationship of Jude 14-15 to the pseudepigraphical book of 1 Enoch.  First, though, notice the definition of pseudepigraphon (or as it is usually observed in the plural, pseudepigrapha). 1 plural : APOCRYPHA; 2 : any of various pseudonymous or anonymous Jewish religious writings of the period 200 B.C. to 200 A.D.; especially : one of such writings (as the Psalms of Solomon) not included in any canon of biblical Scripture — usually used in plural[1] PSEUDEPIGRAPHA. The term is used to describe those Jewish writings which were excluded from the OT Canon and which find no place in the Apocrypha. For the purpose of this article the term will also exclude the sectarian documents of the Qumran library (Dead Sea Scrolls). Unlike the Apocrypha, which were included in the Greek Scriptures, these pseudepigrapha never approached canonical status. …

Marriage, Divorce & Remarriage Dilemmas

I have been a member of the Church for a long time.  I now live in California.  I have had close friends go through divorce.  If a man divorces his wife for adultery and commits adultery himself before the divorce is final, can he remarry and remain pure in God’s sight?  If a woman commits adultery because her husband is verbally abuse and asks for a divorce from her husband: he wants to work things out, can either one of them remarry?  I think that I know the answers by reading the scriptures, could you please respond?  Thanks Will Mankind appears to excel in putting himself into quandaries from which it seems nearly impossible to extricate himself.  Nowhere does he exemplify this unfortunate capacity more than pertaining to marriage, divorce and remarriage.  The two-fold question above demonstrates the intricate difficulties, aware of biblical jurisdiction, of desiring some relief from the ramifications of sinful conduct, while trying to be legally correct (perhaps barely so).  Questions of this sort regarding marriage, divorce and remarriage outnumber all other questions received.  It must be the signs of the times and the devastating affect of marriage, divorce and remarriage on society and even, regrettably, the Lord’s church.  This is not to say, of course, that the querist in the least wants to justify any biblical aberration.  His post intimates the opposite. First, there is a course, in the case of either question above, that if pursued undoubtedly avoids the possibility of compounding the sins there …

Who’s to Say What Is Modest?

Hello.  I’ve read what you have to say in regards to modesty and as a Christian woman, I have to agree with most of it.  However, you have a pretty all-inclusive list here which let’s not forget, was created by “YOU.”  Who’s to say exactly what is modest and what is immodest?  We all have different opinions.  In the early 1900’s it was considered indecent or immodest for women to show their legs.  And therefore shorts were outlawed.  Today, women wear shorts. My point is that what was considered immodest in Biblical times is not considered immodest today.  Are you suggesting we stick to the fashions of Biblical times?  If so, you’ll have to throw away your pants then because modesty is not ONLY required of women, you know.  And men did not wear pants in biblical times. By the way, there are still some in Christendom who consider pants worn by women to be immodest.  So to say that to wear tank tops, for example, is sinful is just plain ridiculous in my opinion. . . . Who’s wrong, who’s right?  Who has been called to set the standard?  You?  And what EXACTLY do you expect women to wear at the beach if not swimsuits? ~ Sincerely, Eve Lopez The above statement is a typical response to lessons presented about the subject of biblical modesty, even among many members of the churches of Christ for whom I preach.  To reconcile the societal norms with which we have been inundated (which societal …

Individual Communion Wafers Vs. Traditional Communion Bread

. . . RECENTLY . . . STARTED USING INDIVIDUAL WAFERS ON THE COMMUNION PLATE [IN THE INTEREST OF SANITATION] THE REGULAR COMMUNION BREAD IS STILL PROVIDED HOWEVER.  I HAVE ALWAYS INTERRUPTED 1COR 11:24f AS AN EXAMPLE TO BE FOLLOWED.  I REALIZE THAT I COULD BE WRONG HERE.  THE LORD BROKE THAT LOAF ONCE AND FOR ALL TIME IS ONE THING I’VE HEARD.  I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR ANSWER ON THIS.  HOW WIDE SPREAD IS THIS PRACTICE IN THE BROTHERHOOD?  I’VE TOLD THE MEN I FEEL THIS TO BE AN UNSCRIPTURAL PRACTICE, IF I AM WRONG I NEED TO RECANT AND REPENT. I HAVE NOT TRIED TO PUSH MY UNDERSTANDING ON THE REST, JUST TOLD THEM MY UNDERSTANDING. ~ H. DEAN LEUCH, ANADARKO, OK Matthew 14:19; 15:36; Mark 8:6, 19 depict Jesus ‘breaking bread’ in his miraculous provision of a common meal for a great multitude.  In these instances, ‘breaking bread’ was merely the mechanism for dividing the available bread supply among the recipients.  After his resurrection, Jesus ‘broke bread’ with his disciples in an evening meal (Luke 24:30).  Likewise, Christians later (and others, too) ‘broke bread’ during ordinary meals (Acts 2:46; 20:11; 27:35).  No one would imagine that were bread for a common meal then or now divided among the recipients in some manner other than ‘breaking’ that it would be incorrect or even sinful to eat those provisions. It is true, of course, that Jesus also ‘broke bread’ in his institution of the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:26; Mark 14:22; …

Is Freewill Scriptural?

Almost every single denomination I have heard of believes that all people have free will.  I haven’t found a single verse in the Bible that teaches that people do have free will.  Why do Christians believe this unanimously without any Biblical text to affirm it? ~ Rick (Baptist), Springfield, OR. Dear Friend, as much as you are amazed that myriads of people believe in “freewill,” I am equally amazed that you are unable to find “any Biblical text to affirm it.”  Further, simple observation should declare the existence of freewill in the human race. The first biblical indication that mankind possesses the capacity of freewill was immediately following the creation of Adam. “And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.  And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him” (Gen. 2:19-20). Through the capacity of freewill, Adam was prompted by God to name the animal creation.  This establishes the basic capability of mankind to employ “freewill.” The very existence of an orderly universe replete with design and implying a designer, implicitly calls out to intelligent life, man, to seek the Creator.  “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the …

Can Desertion Precede Adultery?

I believe and teach only ONE reason for divorce.  However, when one talks of desertion not being scriptural grounds for remarriage, what is the meaning of desertion?  Most all who separate will remarry.  Especially is this so amongst the younger set.  If the deserted party remains pure, tries to reconcile the marriage, but fails and the partner does remarry, does the offended have a right to remarry? ~ Don T.  Guinn In our efforts to be biblically correct in the face of liberties taken with God’s Word, even by members of the Lord’s church, we sometimes react with a narrowness that exceeds biblical prescription.  In my judgment, this is precisely what occurs sometimes regarding the scenario presented in the query above.  The question, essentially, is: “Can desertion precede adultery?”  In short, it is my understanding that the biblical answer is, “Yes.” Like the querist, I too “believe and teach only ONE reason for divorce” and remarriage.  The reason is quite simple, of course.  That is what the New Testament, to which we are amenable and by which we will be judged, teaches (Matt. 19:9).  The apostle Paul did not alter or append what Jesus taught in Matthew 19.  Rather, Paul reinforced what Jesus taught and addressed additionally some aspects of marriage that Jesus did not address (1 Cor. 7). Desertion is addressed by the apostle in 1 Corinthians 7:10-16. The gist is that the Christian should not encourage divorce and should do everything to preserve the marriage, but one’s spouse (in that context, a …

Church Discipline Spousal Relationship

I used your article on Church Discipline from the Firm Foundation web in our bulletin today.  We had one man take exception to the statement, “Admittedly, church discipline is not intended to interrupt other divinely approved relationships (e.g., husband/wife, parents/dependent children).”  He felt that if a husband or wife be withdrawn from the faithful partner would have to leave so as to submit to the withdrawal.  I advised him that one had obligations to the spouse given in scripture and while he must make sure to make his dissatisfaction in the spouses spiritual relationship is known and work to encourage their return he has no obligation or biblical authority to leave the spouse that was withdrawn from.  Can you help me out on further explanation? ~ Michael D. Barclay First, let me observe that brother Barclay correctly answered the objection raised above.  Second, I felt sure that my affirmation that ‘family members have a responsibility to participate in legitimate church discipline toward their other family members’ was itself difficult for members of the Lord’s church to appreciate.  I reaffirm that such is biblically defensible and obligatory.  Yet, the brother, to whom reference is made above, goes further, and beyond biblical warrant, to suppose that other biblically obligatory responsibilities, namely marital union, should be disrupted because of church discipline.  Please consider the following points. (1) The position that a spouse must separate from his or her spouse toward whom the Lord’s church has exercised church discipline is to pit Scripture against …

Canonicity

By: Louis Rushmore You state: “The Old Testament canon was accepted as it is at least by the second century B.C. The New Testament canon was accepted within one generation after the death of the apostle John. The Bible canon has stood the tests applied to it by critics throughout the centuries. Counterfeit books of the Bible have been discovered to be false when compared with the genuine. The inspiration of the Bible books is inherent and does not rely upon verification by outside sources.” How do you know that “The Old Testament canon was accepted as it is at least by the second century B.C.”?  How do you know that “The New Testament canon was accepted within one generation after the death of the apostle John”? These are SERIOUS questions that I would like you to answer. ~ Agabus The querist with the cryptic signature of “Agabus” questions a couple of statements of mine that appear in an article about canonicity.  His critique pertains to my concluding paragraph to the article entitled “Biblical Canonicity.”  Immediately following that paragraph the following list of resources appears.  The substantiation for each affirmation I made in the article, including those under review presently, reside in those citations. Suggested reading includes: Revelation and the Bible by Berkouwer and others, published by Baker Book House (1958); Inspiration and Canonicity of the Bible by Harris, published by Zondervan Publishing House (1974); General Biblical Introduction by Miller, published by Word-Bearer Press (1960); and, Introduction to the New Testament by Thiessen, published by Eerdmans Publishing Co. (1973). The …

Co-Habitation

By: Louis Rushmore “What does the Bible teach about co-habitation? ~ Dan Gannon” The question is short and unadorned.  It is difficult to know the perspective from which the querist poses the inquiry and for what reason it is submitted.  However, a sufficient response, we suppose, is possible by first identifying the definition of “co-habitation,” and second, by taking that definition to the Bible. “Cohabit” means “1 : to live together as or as if a married couple.”  [Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, (Springfield, Massachusetts: Merriam-Webster, Incorporated) 1993.]  Further, to cohabit is refined to mean:  “1. to live together as husband and wife, usu. without legal or religious sanction.”  [Webster’s Talking Dictionary, (Parsons Technology, Inc.) 1996.]   Another dictionary adds:  “1. To live together as spouses, especially when not legally married.”  [Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 99, (Redmond, Washington: Microsoft) 1998.] Hence, usually “cohabitation” is distinguished from marriage.  Further, those cohabiting may be a heterosexual couple, but they may instead be (1) homosexuals, (2) lesbians, (3) a plurality of communal, heterosexual participants, (4) polygamists or (5) incestuous parties. Since the 1960s, several variations on the family unit have emerged. More unmarried couples are living together, before or instead of marrying. Some elderly couples, most often widowed, are finding it more economically practical to cohabit without marrying. Homosexual couples also live together as a family more openly today, sometimes sharing their households with the children of one partner or with adopted or foster children. Communal families, made up of groups of related or unrelated people, …

A.D. 70 Theory

By: Louis Rushmore Could you give me a little information on the doctrine of Kingism (70 A D)? ~ Norma Preston Apparently the A.D. 70 Theory predates its introduction into the churches of Christ, but has been popularized by Max R. King of Warren, Ohio.  The proponents of this doctrine are militant.  They have schooled several men over the years in this notion and sent them out to an often unsuspecting brotherhood.  Their literature abounding with this one doctrine is plenteous.  Consequently, several congregations where they have exerted any influence have been troubled and often divided over the A.D. 70 Theory. On the surface, the A.D. 70 Theory hardly appears believable.  It appears absurd that anyone would seriously consider such a doctrine.  Especially religious people who usually exhibit a high regard for the authority of God’s Word and have intense familiarity with it would hardly be expected to be duped by such a thing.  However, the A.D. 70 Theory has been embraced by many anyway.  Part of the reason several have been susceptible to the persuasion of its proponents may be attributable to laxity in personal Bible study before hand. The A.D. 70 Theory portrays all end-of-time events about which the Bible speaks as having already occurred at the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.  For the proponents of this doctrine, all biblical prophecy is fulfilled.  To accomplish this hermeneutically, its proponents have authored an entirely new vocabulary with which to replace biblical vocabulary.  Any doctrine can seem plausible if …

Paul Keeps The Law

By: Louis Rushmore Acts 21 seems to say Paul kept parts of the law.  The apostles wrote a letter to the gentiles “Not to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things”  Acts 15: 28-29 and also Acts 21.  Why did Paul keep the law?  I know alot of people who say Jews must keep parts of the law and gentiles don’t. ~ D. Peery The ministry of the apostle Paul was especially to the Gentiles (Acts 26:16-18; Romans 15:15-16).  He, though, was a Jew who identified with the sect of the Pharisees (Philippians 3:4-8).  Other Pharisees who became Christians were particularly vocal and insistent that Gentiles who became Christians ought to practice Judaism before they could practice Christianity (Acts  15:1-5).  That was the message they brought to the predominantly Gentile church in Antioch of Syria, purportedly from the apostles and elders in the Jerusalem church. The only matter under consideration in Acts 15:6-31 was whether Gentiles were obligated to proselyte to Judaism before they could become Christians.  The apostles and elders in Jerusalem concluded that no such instruction had been received from the Holy Spirit regarding the Gentiles.  They, therefore, sent a letter and preachers to convey that conclusion to the church in Antioch to counter the misinformation that Pharisee Christians had presented there.  The apostles and elders added exhortations about Christian living that addressed the temptations to sin to which Gentiles were especially susceptible. Further, the apostle Paul adamantly taught on several occasions that both Jews …

Lifting Up Holy Hands

By: Louis Rushmore “Please explain 1 Tim 2:8 re: lifting up holy hands.” Pete Tucker, Edgewood Church of Christ, Columbus, GA “Lifting up holy hands” in the context of 1 Timothy 2:8 refers to a posture of prayer by the male member articulating a public prayer.  The verse reads, “I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.”  The Greek word for “men” here refers to the masculine gender rather than being inclusive of women as in “mankind.”  The brother audibly making the prayer here raises his hands.  The phrase “lifting up holy hands” does not refer to any of the non-verbal participants in that prayer, men or women.  Further, the “lifting up holy hands” is not comparable to the audience raising their hands and swaying, etc. Various postures were employed in biblical times, as now, for prayer.  No particular posture is especially superior to any other posture in prayer.  Prayerful postures include, kneeling (1 Kings 8:54; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 95:6; Luke 22:41; Acts 9:40), bowing one’s head (Genesis 24:26; Exodus 4:31; 12:27), lying face down (Matthew 26:39), standing or kneeling and raising one’s hands (1 Kings 8:22, 54; Psalms 28:2; 63:4; 88:9), standing (1 Samuel 1:26; Mark 11:25; Luke 18:11, 13). As to the lifting up of the hands, the following can be stated: Vincent says that among the orientals, the lifting up of the hands accompanied the taking of an oath, blessing, and prayer. The custom passed over into the …

Saved By Faith Alone

“For Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” Romans 10:13  “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”  Romans 3:28 . . . Galatians 1:6-7 . . .  Sir, I pray that you do not pervert the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Salvation Does truly come By Faith Alone by personally praying and receiving Jesus in your life.   I ask that If you are going to quote Gods word, that you study it more and use all the verses concerning Salvation.  Belief brings us Salvation; Active obedience demonstrates that our belief is genuine. I too believe everyone should be Baptized, but only as a profession of Faith to the public and out of obedience to our Lord, but Salvation does not require it.  Works are not a substitute for, but a verification of our faith in Christ.  Sir I do thank you for your time and I pray that you allow God to speak to you more through His Word and to give you understanding.  Faith Alone, Plus Nothing, Minus Nothing.  Please do not deceive people.  May God Help you, Steve Fincher (emphasis added, ler) First, biblical truth is not ascertained by quoting Scripture in isolation from the passage in which it appears and isolated from the general context of the Bible.  From the paragraph above, it appears that the querist imagines that a verbal acknowledgement of Jesus possesses saving quality.  It is clear that the writer above also affirms …

Taking Communion to Shut-Ins

Wouldn’t it be good to take the Lord’s Supper to the elderly and infirm?  I have assisted with this in my younger days. Or , can we say the Lord understands? Not many congregations do take Communion to infirm today. ~ Thomas Hall, North Little Rock, AR Five worshipful activities are derived from New Testament passages for the Lord’s church to engage each Lord’s Day. They are communion, giving, singing, preaching and prayer. The assembly is described in Scripture as the whole church come together in one place (1 Corinthians 11:18, 20; 14:23). Whereas giving, singing, preaching and prayer are described in Scripture as occurring ALSO outside the worship assembly, communion is in Scripture confined to the assembly. For instance, regarding communion, “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread . . .” (Acts 20:7). Further, communion is relatively equal to the other four acts of worship. The elevation of communion by Catholicism to a Sacrament, I believe, has carried over beyond Catholicism. Many people have the notion of a heightened importance of communion over the other four acts of worship. Therefore, well-meaning brethren either request the communion be brought to them when they, due to illness or some other hindrance, are unable to attend the worship assembly, or brethren volunteer to bring communion to those who are unable to participate in the assembly. It would seem to me that consistency would demand that one bring along the collection plate as well …

Perseverance of the Saints

I read your story and was quite puzzled about your references to Christians going to. It seems as though you beleive that our Eternal Salvation has something to do with what we do instead of what we believe. Christ was clear in saying that if you believe on me (Christ) you shall be saved. . . . Please read the parable of the 10 virgins in Mathew and ask yourself why is the the Kingdom of heaven likened to 10 virgins even the foolish ones. and why is outer darkness in Heaven and why would an unbeleiver be on their way to the wedding feast. Could outer darkness be a place where Christians go (5 foolish ones) for a time to receive there punishment for not gaining the oil (yes maybe). Do you REALLY see loss of salvation in this verse or were these people not saved to begin with, if not why are they in heaven already. Non-beleivers are never judged with believers. . . . I just think it is time for Christians to follow the one new commandment that Jesus said, To Love One Another. It is not up to us to stand and judge this Christain or that Christian to. . . . ~ Steve Hazen (emphasis added, ler) John Calvin (1509-1564) popularized some religious tenets so well that together they are commonly referred to as “Calvinism.”  The five cardinal doctrines of Calvinism are easily remembered by the acrostic, TULIP:  Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace and Perseverance of the Saints.  …

Does Hell Really Exist?

Why is it that those who DO emphasize and run around warning people of usually look mentally disturbed and unloving? They appear to be condemning and judgmental displaying characteristics more similar to the Pharisees than Christ. . . . Why is it that many who take the subject of and everlasting torture in a literal burning lake seriously often go insane and many even commit suicide? One would think that the Truth would set them free, not torment their minds to the point they can no longer bear to live. Why is it that when studying church history, those times when the church taught the strongest were the times when the church looked the darkest?  Why is the teaching of usually most prominent among uneducated people easily swayed by superstitions, myths, and traditions of men? And why is it that leadership which uses everlasting punishment as a tool with which to control their congregation usually appear to be power-driven instead of humble like Jesus? Why is it that the more one focuses on and everlasting punishment the more angry and judgmental one becomes while the more one focuses on God’s love and mercy, the more one is actually able to manifest that love and mercy? . . . the concept of (and that is all it is, a false concept) seems to violate everything that is reasonable. It violates the nature of God which is conditional Love. It violates the wisdom of God, the pleasure of God, the promises of …

Christian Zeal and Universalism

Could you give me some reasonable, civil and scriptural answers to some of these questions? thanks.  Why is it that those who believe in it spend so little of their time and money warning their family, friends, neighbors, business associates and even their enemies of the dire consequences of dying before accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Savior? . . . If was real, the number one occupation of all members of churches should be to determine how to get their community saved. But when we look at the time and money the average Christian or Christian leader spends on evangelism and missionaries, it is usually among the lowest of priorities. How can Christians fill their spiritual time with buffets after Church service, teas, Bible studies, Easter egg hunts, Christmas parties, weekend retreats, and thousands of other activities which take time and money away from getting their community saved for Jesus while millions of souls drop into the fiery lake because no Christian took the time and spend the money to prove they love them as Christ loves them? ~ Gary Amirault, Hermann, MO 65041 The paragraph above is the introduction of a rough dissertation of about 13,500 words in the guise of a question.  In comparison, the ideal article length that normally appears in Gospel Gazette Online is from 1,200 to 1,500 words.  The querist’s introductory paragraph above and the balance of his lengthy manuscript propose to (1) debunk the notion of an eternal, and (2) argue for Universalism.  While we …

Have Miracles Ceased?

 “Sorry, but who are you to said that miraculous of the Church has ceased ????? You know that God is healing today ???” ~ Juan Farrugia The first dictionary definition of the word “miracle” is: “an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs.”  A corresponding Greek definition for miracle is: “a deed manifesting great power, with the implication of some supernatural force – ‘mighty deed, miracle.’” The second dictionary definition of the word miracle is: “an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment.”  The failure to distinguish between these two circumstances, itself, is a great source of confusion regarding the subject of miracles.  The first involves an obvious, supernatural interference with what mankind knows to be possible according to natural law.  The second incident does not require supernatural suspension of natural law, only that a given circumstance be uncommon or awe-inspiring. Respecting the second definition, then, people commonly refer to the birth of a baby as a “miracle” because it is awe-inspiring—though it is neither a supernatural event nor uncommon.  Also, the word “miracle” is sometimes applied to survivors of some catastrophic event (though others present, too, may not have survived); yet, their survival no more required divine intervention via miracle than would God’s miraculous intervention be required for anyone to fall victim to any (and every) accident. A biblical miracle involved: (1) ACTIVITY which cannot be attributed to human agency and the outcome of the cause and effect of natural law; (2) often INSTANTANEOUS RESULTS; (3) usually …

The Origin of Satan

Was Satan created by God? And was Satan ever once a good angel turned bad and evicted by God from Heaven? Sincerely. ~ Joe Simmons Few questions are posed to us as frequently as inquiries regarding the origin, nature or some other facet of man’s great enemy–Satan. The reasons for which such questions are asked vary depending on whether the querist merely desires to understand more perfectly or is skeptical of the God of the Bible. Information about Satan is a strictly biblical subject, therefore, necessitating our consultation of the Bible. Our present effort to provide some fundamental information about Satan–including his origin–assumes a proper regard for the Divinely given Bible. (Other studies devote themselves to apologetics and internal and external evidences that verify the genuineness of the Bible as a Divine revelation.) Exactly who is this devil, Satan, who has established himself as God’s archfiend and mankind’s ardent foe? Is he real? If he is, what is his origin? Why has he arrayed himself against both God and man? What is his mission? What are his powers? And what is his ultimate destiny? These are questions that cry out from the human heart for answers. Fortunately, God’s Word provides those answers. (Bert Thompson, “Satan-His Origin and His Mission,” Part 1, Reason & Revelation, October 1998, p. 73.) The foregoing quote appears in a two-part series that provides one of the most extensive treatments of questions relating to Satan that I have ever seen. I highly recommend everyone obtaining a subscription …

Unpardonable Sin

“What is the sin that cannot be pardoned?  What is blaspheme?”  ~ Glen Gannon Your inquiry doubtless refers to the following passages. “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 devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom is come upon you. Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever …

The Holy Spirit And The Indwelling Of The Holy Spirit

There is no confusion among brethren of which I am aware regarding who the Holy Spirit is.  Scripture clearly identifies the Holy Spirit as one of three Divine persons who comprise the Godhead.  Matthew 28:19 represents the three persons of the Godhead as Divine equals of the same unit or Godhead, by whose authority the “Great Commission” baptism is authorized and commanded.  “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”  In short, the Holy Spirit is no more rightly an “it” than the “Father” or the “Son,” and Scripture otherwise attributes personal qualities to the Holy Spirit. The Spirit Attributed with Characteristics of A Person The Spirit descends: Mat 3:16, “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:”  Joh 1:32-33, “And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.” The Spirit leads: Mat 4:1, “Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.”  Rom 8:14, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of …

Does God’s Marriage Law Apply to Non-Christians?

Let’s say that a non-Christian couple gets divorced.  Then one of them gets remarried to another non-Christian.  Then the new married couple study and get baptized.  Must they separate or can they remain married?  This is a question that is causing a lot of problems in our congregation.  Thank you for your assistance. At least two questions relate to the inquiry above:  (1) “Are non-Christians obligated to obey God’s marriage law?” and (2) “What is involved in biblical repentance and baptism?” (Acts 2:38).  Answering these two questions will provide an obvious and irrefutable solution to the dilemma. First, this sort of inquiry is affected by extreme emotional investment that tends to overshadow the unobstructed use of reason and will-power.  Every religious question deserves a strictly biblical answer.  We should not want anything else, and we ought to surrender our emotions, reason or intellect and will-power to the mind of God on every matter that is addressed by divine revelation.  After all, when each of us crosses the threshold of eternity, we will be judged by God’s law under which we lived–not by what we wished God’s law permitted.  Therefore, it behooves each of us now, irrespective of how painful the decisions may be, to ensure that we bring ourselves into compliance with the mind of God–revealed upon the pages of inspiration. Second, “Are non-Christians obligated to obey God’s marriage law?”  In other words, “Are non-Christians amenable to the Gospel of Christ?”  God’s marriage law is part of the Gospel of …

Ending An Unscriptural Marriage

My husband and I are both members of the church.  This is my second marriage and after many years of studying, I feel we are in an unscriptural marriage.  We have been married 22 years and have three children.  We have a wonderful marriage and family and love each other very much.  I also love God and want to do what is right so that I can someday have eternal life with Him.  Could you please advise me on how to handle this situation?  Would a divorce be necessary or could we continue to live together but no longer share the same bedroom and have sexual relations? A divorce would present several problems.  Financially, it would be very hard for us to have two households.  We have a large room we could turn into an apartment for one of us.  This would save us from upkeeping another home.  I have never worked outside the home so I would not have health insurance.  I have an illness called systemic lupus which makes it hard to get insurance.  My husband now has me under his insurance at work.  Of course, emotionally, it would be so hard on the entire family. I have read many articles on marriage, divorce, and remarriage.  Not one has dealt with the problem of how to get out of an unscriptural marriage and how it affects the family.  I would greatly appreciate your help and look forward to hearing from you soon. P.S. Please recommend any books that …

Selection And Installation of Elders

Hello.  I would appreciate it if you would read the following and get back to me on your thoughts about it. I am a member of the Church of Christ and I am very concerned over the status of the church in which I attend.  You see a few months ago, we had Elders (2 in number).  One of those Elders felt that he, due to his age and recent sickness was no longer able to serve as an Elder.  The other Elder was also the preacher.  The Eldership of the Church was dissolved because Brother Bell resigned as Elder.  There are still no Elders today.  Yet there are men qualified, who desire the office.  Is it right for the Church to go on without Elders.  The preacher (who was one of the Elders) preached many sermons on the Eldership and Deaconship (which was dissolved due to this also).  He preached that there should be a committee of 2 men to be over the appointment of Elders.  At first he taught that the faithful Christian men of the Congregation would okay 2 men and then it would be brought before the Congregation for 2 weeks, then Elders would be appointed.  Is committees right and is the Church right for having gone on this long without Elders?  Should Elders have been selected before the Eldership was dissolved?  I would appreciate your thoughts on this subject, because I am very concerned about the Church in which I attend.  Thank you and I …

Bible Translation Controversy

I am researching the Bible translation controversy involving the King James Version of the Bible Vs the new translations.  The New King James, NIV, NASB, etc.  Do you have any articles or debates that you could send me regarding this issue?  Do you have an opinion on which Bible is the best to use and whether the new translations should be used?  I would sure appreciate any help you could give me in this regard. All Bible translations have some weaknesses and most translations have some strengths.  The weaknesses of many Bible translations are significant either because (1) they adversely affect Bible doctrine or (2) the weaknesses are so numerous.  In my opinion, three Bible translations whose weaknesses are far overshadowed by their strengths, and which do not contain doctrinal error, are the: King James Version, American Standard Version and the New King James Version.  Most of the rest of the Bible translations have varying degrees of weaknesses that: (1) make them unreliable as translations, (2) compromise Bible doctrine in favor of denominational dogma, (3) are not really translations at all, (4) are actually vulgar, and/or (5) are the products of translators who do not esteem verbal inspiration and consequently have little compulsion to preserve the actual message through the translating process. The sheer number of new Bible translations in modern time is itself suspicious.  Our language does not undergo dramatic changes as often as new English translations are marched off the assembly lines of the publishers.  Hence, a motive …

John’s Baptism

John’s baptism was for the remission of sin. Did those who obeyed John’s baptism have to be rebaptized on the day of Pentecost? Thank you so much. I enjoy the good web-site you have. ~ Mack Bennett As the questioner correctly notes, “John’s baptism was for the remission of sin.” Mack Bennett poses a valid and interesting question (“Did those who obeyed John’s baptism have to be rebaptized on the day of Pentecost?”), though, a question of merely academic significance, since everyone now living has always and only been subject to the baptism of the Great Commission. Below is an excerpt from my book, The Church Divine, which addresses the question before us. In the closing days of the Jewish dispensation, a prophet of God initiated what became known as “the baptism of John” (Acts 18:25) or “John’s baptism” (Acts 19:3). This water baptism was practiced by John the Baptist, his disciples and the disciples of Jesus. Everything John the Baptist did, including the baptism he administered, prepared the way for the Messiah and his kingdom (Matt. 3:1-6). John the Baptist urged his auditors to: (1) repent and be baptized for the remission of sins (Mark 1:4) and (2) believe on the Christ who would come after him (Acts 19:4). However, this baptism was preparatory and temporary; it was valid only if practiced before the establishment of the church (Acts 19:1-6). John’s baptism was for the remission of sins in prospect of the death-burial-resurrection of Christ, much the way people formerly living under …

Are Women Scripturally Prohibited From Uttering A Word in Bible Classes?

This could develop into a very serious issue here if not resolved successfully. . . . We have a brother in a congregation planning to write a book advancing the proposition that women are to remain absolutely silent in the worship service.  He believes the Scriptures forbid a woman from making comments or answering questions in a Bible class even when under the authority of a man teaching that class. . . . There are some others with a similar stance.  These brethren want to see some hard core evidence that they are wrong before they will change. ~ Richmond, VA Presumably the brethren whose proposition is represented above do not prohibit women from singing in the worship assembly.  If I understand correctly, the doctrine being advanced is that since women are biblically required to be silent in the worship assembly (except for singing), the same restriction regarding silence applies equally to women in the Bible classes typically conducted in our church buildings. First, as I indicated in the preceding paragraph, the question at hand involves a doctrine (teaching) which brethren desire to enjoin on other Christians.  The task at hand is to ascertain whether this is a biblical doctrine.  I submit, and propose to demonstrate below, that it is not! Second, the doctrine being advanced in the question above results from a fundamental misunderstanding of the distinction between a worship assembly and studying the Bible outside the worship assembly.  Once it is clearly established that the Bible class and the worship assembly are not the …

The Role of Women

Bev Weddle writes in response to an article of mine appearing on the internet: I read your comments about the role of women.  I’ve been reading the same thing for years and you have a right to your interpretation of the scripture.  I would like for you to understand though that your words are wrong in my case when you say those that have a problem with women’s submission have “diminished respect for the authority of God and his holy word.”  I have the highest regard for God and his Word and believe it and will live by it.  But, I believe in the mutual submission of all people men and women alike.  Christ is the head of my home and has the last word in all that is done.  I lived under the heavy hand of male oppression for years and have found freedom in Christ.  I’m not using it as license to do as I please but I’m am no longer willing to be under the bondage the church and it’s leaders have tried to put on me for years.  There are some like me out here who do have the highest regard for God and his word yet do disagree with you.  Chaplain Bev Weddle First, I respectfully submit that the reason that you have heard for years about the submission of women in the home and in religion is because Scripture teaches that doctrine.  In recent years, largely due to societal changes, contemporary modifications have affected …

Satan

God created Lucifer “the devil”. He obviously knew that Lucifer would try to overthrow Him, and that He would eventually banish him to. When humans do something “wrong” they attribute their behavior to the devil, “the devil is to blame, the devil is the father of evil and the devil made me do it,” they say. The devil is responsible for everything bad, everything that is not good. Ask yourself this: what, where or who was the evil influence on Lucifer when he was a “good” angel and why? Why are people to this day saying that the devil is the worst when he was created like all of us, from the same heavenly body? People say that everything that God creates is good. Ha,ha. respond with a intellectual explanation. One thing that your statement and inquiry appears to overlook is the topic of free will.  God neither created robotic angels nor robotic humans.  Though God through omniscience has the capacity to know the future, inclusive of the fact that Satan and other angels would rebel, and that humanity, likewise, would rebel, he still chose to create angels and humans–with free will. Both Satan and humans bear respective responsibility for their sinful actions.  Despite the fact that Satan introduced temptation to sin into the world, Adam and Eve were punished for their transgressions–because they were guilty. Every passage that calls upon mankind to respond in a designated way implies the capacity of mankind to satisfactorily respond of his own free …

Sabbath Vs. First Day of the Week Is There A Christian Sabbath?

Strictly speaking, there is no “Sunday-Sabbath” or “Christian Sabbath” (pertaining to a day of the week). When God inaugurated Judaism upon Mt. Sinai, he established the seventh day of the week as the day of worship. “Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee. Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou. And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day” (Deuteronomy 5:12-15). God patterned the Jewish Sabbath according to God’s creation of the world in six days, ceasing from his creating on the seventh day. “For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it” (Exodus 20:11). However, both Patriarchy and Judaism (the Old Testament, inclusive of the Ten Commandments or so-called moral law) have been replaced with the …

Original Sin

“How do you explain Romans 5!? in relation to Original Sin. How do you explain from the psalms, ‘In sin did my mother conceive me and in sin was I born.  Psalm 51.’ How do you explain the verse that says this promise is for you and your children?  How do you explain 1 Peter 3:21 This baptism now saves you. and Go and make disciples of all nations-  i.e.  the means of making a disciple is baptism and teaching.  Infants are included in all nations. The fact is that you are still under the guidance of Rome.  You want to explain away the true gospel by adding in your own work of reasoned assent to the Gospel.  Any decision we make for Christ was urged and guided upon us by the Holy Spirit creating faith within us.  We have nothing to do with it.” I am personally acquainted with the doctrine of original sin, as I was reared in Catholicism.  However, based on the following biblical principles, it is no longer my belief that original sin is a divine doctrine.  Further, the doctrine of original sin was unknown until introduced in the 14th century according to Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, among other resources.  Obviously, that doctrine, then, was introduced too late to be divine and eternal in origin.  The doctrine of Immaculate Conception was not devised to shield the mother of Jesus from the supposed original sin until the year 1687.  The doctrine of total depravity, which is Calvinism’s …

Matthew 24:28-42 And The ‘Rapture’

Jesus addressed two subjects in Matthew Chapter 24.  In verse 1, Jesus and his disciples observed the magnificent temple and its associated buildings.  It was a mammoth structure that had been under construction for decades.  In verse 2, Jesus remarked that the facility would be utterly destroyed.  The astonished apostles imagined that such could not occur short of the end of the world.  This prompted them to ask Jesus questions in verse 3.  Grammatically, they asked three questions.  They thought they were essentially asking one question with related parts.  Really, the asked two distinctly different questions: (1) about the destruction of the world, (2) about the end of time when the Messiah would return. The balance of Matthew 24 is devoted to the answers to these two questions.  In verses 4-34, Jesus primarily answered the query regarding the destruction of the city of Jerusalem.  In verses 35-51, Jesus primarily answered the question about the end of time and when the Messiah would return.  All of Matthew Chapter 25 also concerns the end of time when the Messiah would return. Verse 34 signals the close of the discourse about the destruction of Jerusalem by announcing that the events mentioned in the preceding verses would be fulfilled within the generation of the disciples to whom he was speaking.  “Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.”  Appropriately, so-called signs of the times  were to be discernible prior to the destruction of Jerusalem (i.e., “For nation …

Special Collections

1. What is the Bible teaching about “Special Collections” as special mission efforts, building programs, etc., etc.?? At best, are these not abused because Christians don’t give as they have been prospered? 2. Where/how, exclusively, does the church get money to do all the Lord’s work? Brother Rushmore, I am not asking these for purposes of debate or argumentation. I simply think the church is drifting into a denominational mode in this area as she has in many others. I am the preacher for the small congregation here in North Louisiana. Your Brother in Christ, A.C. Quinn, Oil City, LA I certainly can appreciate your concern over the Lord’s church succumbing often to the influences of denominationalism instead of being wholly guided by the Bible. Further, I too may have some strong feelings how various aspects of worship and service should be conducted. We both, though, must distinguish between matters of opinion or expediency and biblical mandates. The New Testament does teach some definitive, doctrinal matters regarding giving. Also, the New Testament teaches some things by implication (which are no less binding) about giving. However, the New Testament does permit latitude in some areas regarding giving. First, the “tithe” or ten percent giving of the Old Testament was part of that law from which we have been relieved. Tithing has not been reinstituted in the New Testament. Yet, if a tenth (tithe) corresponds with other New Testament teaching and principles, one may give a tenth portion of his income. Second, giving …

True Christianity Vs. Denominationalism

Dear Stanley F. Sroka, Thank you for your comments of Saturday, December 19, 1998 regarding my internet article entitled “American Idolatry.” Following are some additional thoughts for your consideration. You cited Rev. 7:9 regarding a multitude in heaven which no man could number. You concluded that in order for such a large number to be in heaven that God must choose souls from among all those who claim to be Christians, irrespective of what they believe or practice. First, your solution is not the lone remedy for what you suppose is a mathematical dilemma. Souls in that number will include those who have lived since creation through the end of time. Billions of souls will comprise the vast host of living souls from which the “multitude” in heaven will be drawn. As such, then, members of that heavenly multitude are not even limited to the Christian Age, but include souls who lived under Patriarchy and Judaism. Further, it is possible to worship God in vain (Matt. 15:9) or be disobedient to the Gospel for which God will dispense punishment instead of reward (2 Thess. 1:7-9). Rather, those souls who obey God’s law under which they live (for us the Gospel) will be saved eternally (Heb. 5:8-9). Finally, Scripture clearly indicates that the majority of mankind will be lost (Matt. 7:13-14). The only confidence anyone can entertain regarding an eternity in heaven is compliance with God’s stated will for mankind. God’s grace and mercy are not operative on our behalf in …

Special Collections

1. What is the Bible teaching about “Special Collections” as special mission efforts, building programs, etc., etc.?? At best, are these not abused because Christians don’t give as they have been prospered? 2. Where/how, exclusively, does the church get money to do all the Lord’s work? Brother Rushmore, I am not asking these for purposes of debate or argumentation. I simply think the church is drifting into a denominational mode in this area as she has in many others. I am the preacher for the small congregation here in North Louisiana. Your Brother in Christ, A.C. Quinn, Oil City, LA I certainly can appreciate your concern over the Lord’s church succumbing often to the influences of denominationalism instead of being wholly guided by the Bible. Further, I too may have some strong feelings how various aspects of worship and service should be conducted. We both, though, must distinguish between matters of opinion or expediency and biblical mandates. The New Testament does teach some definitive, doctrinal matters regarding giving. Also, the New Testament teaches some things by implication (which are no less binding) about giving. However, the New Testament does permit latitude in some areas regarding giving. First, the “tithe” or ten percent giving of the Old Testament was part of that law from which we have been relieved. Tithing has not been reinstituted in the New Testament. Yet, if a tenth (tithe) corresponds with other New Testament teaching and principles, one may give a tenth portion of his income. Second, giving …

Anointing With Oil in James 5

Dear Marty Hollis, Part of the context in which Scripture needs to be considered is the perspective from which the original recipients of divine revelation would ordinarily have understood it. In this case, the primitive church, during which times true miracles were operative, probably would have understood the citation you note in the context of miraculous healing. Two circumstances, physical illness and spiritual illness, are observed in James 5:14-15. The latter is secondary references in verse 14 to miraculous healing. Therefore, since the miraculous age of the church has ceased, it is inappropriate and unwise to continue to employ the accompanying symbols (anointing with olive oil) of miraculous healing. Besides, anointing with olive oil is not part of contemporary American culture and sustains no significance beyond its place as an accompanying symbol of miraculous healing. Consideration of sinfulness in verse 15 is essentially an addendum to the context established in verse 14. Whereas the former (miraculous healing) has concluded, the latter (prayer–for physical and spiritual sickness) is still very much in order. I concur with the observations of commentators Guy N. Woods and Burton Coffman, some of whose comments appear following. The context would suggest that it is literal sickness inasmuch as it is mentioned in connection with literal suffering, praying, cheerfulness, and singing. In verse 15, below, it is clearly shown that the illness contemplated here is physical in character, in view of the fact that it is mentioned in connection with, and in addition to, spiritual illness. . …

Predestination Vs. Freewill

Dear Friend, You wrote: “How much is the human life determined by God’s predestination or planning (e.g., Pharaoh in Exodus or Judas). Or conversely, how much is determined by our freewill.” First, your question appears to assume a popular definition of “predestination” which, however, is not supported by biblical evidence. Many religious people imagine that “predestination” and “freewill” are incompatible, perhaps even polar opposites. The wording of your question implies that you concur with that understanding, or at least you suppose that there is sufficient conflict between “predestination” and “freewill” that some explanation is warranted to reconcile the two. The biblical doctrine of predestination stands in contrast to the prevalent but false denominational theory of predestination. Essentially, the Bible teaches that God’s predestination amounts to the Divine decision to save from their sins all people who comply with God’s conditions for grace and mercy. The competing doctrine of predestination authored by men assumes that God arbitrarily and unconditionally determined that certain individuals will be saved and conversely that certain individuals will be lost eternally. Whereas the denomination doctrine of predestination (a cardinal part of what is commonly called Calvinism) stipulates that a group of changeless, numbered and named individuals will be saved (or lost) without any human involvement in their salvation (or), God’s Word teaches that a group of changeable, an undetermined number and unnamed individuals will be saved (or lost) dependent on the way in which they exercise freewill. The difference is “unconditional salvation” Vs. “conditional salvation.” The difference …

Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage

Greeting Louis, I’d like to ask you a question on marriage/divorce/re-marriage. If a woman commits adultry and leaves the husband, the husband is prepared to take her back but she refuses, the husband then files fore divorce, is the husband bound by civil law to wait the 12 months for the divorce certificate or can you use Genesis 2:24 as Gods pattern of marriage and deuteronamy 24: 1-4 as an example to divorce to overide civil law putting Gods law first and re-marry before the 12 months. Can we use these scriptures today? Have these scriptures been used out of context? In Christian love, EnzoAustralia Dear Enzo, First, you are asking, in part, a question about civil law. The position that Christians sustain to civil law, as it applies to your inquiry, pertains to Romans 13:1-7 and Acts 4:19; 5:29. In Romans 13, one learns that God authorizes the existence of government (not a specific type of politics, though), to which Christians must submit ordinarily (in all instances in which what government requires of Christians is not contrary to God’s Word). In the Acts citations, specifically and only in the instances in which rulers require of Christians that they do something contrary to God’s Word, can and must Christians appeal to the higher law of God. Yet, Christians who might find themselves in conflict with the government under which they live may only opt for noncompliance regarding what God through the Bible considers sinful. In all other matters, Christians must …