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In what ways can a husband help his wife spiritually if she is afraid of telling her family she is s

In what ways can a husband help his wife spiritually if she is afraid of telling her family she is saved?

Of first concern is the fact that this will hinder her spiritual progress (Hos 6:3" TARGET="_blank">Hos 6:3a). Perhaps the problem is deeper than fear of her family. Is it a fear of losing some financial benefit? Is it the result of being manipulated by fear in her previous interactions with the family? Is there some inconsistency her family has noted in other family members who claim to be saved? Several other possibilities may exist and each requires a different response. The simplest general answer, however, is for the husband and wife to join together in continuing prayer for the salvation of those family members. As the Lord deepens the burden of both the husband and wife, He may also give her (and her husband!) the needed strength to do what is possible to see those prayers answered (comp. Mat 9:38; 10:5)" TARGET="_blank">Mat 9:38; 10:5) and those loved one delivered from perishing eternally.

D. Oliver

Are the bread and the cup symbols or types?

Are the bread and the cup symbols or types?

Types point to Christ and to His coming kingdom. He fulfils the types. We no longer have the "shadows," but the "very image," the substance which those types foreshadowed.

When the Lord said, "This is my body" (Luke 22:19)," TARGET="_blank">Luke 22:19), He did not indicate that the bread became His body, so that believers were eating His literal flesh. Nor was He intimating that the bread was a type. He did not say, "My body, which will be given." The bread did not point to a body in the future; the body of the Lord was present in that upper room. In addition, God communicated specific details about types, as He did, for example, in the meal offering (Leviticus 2)." TARGET="_blank">Leviticus 2). Luke uses the generic word for bread when He recounts the Lords instituting the Lords Supper. The Lord suggests nothing about its ingredients. He described neither the bread nor the contents of the cup as typical. They are merely symbols, or emblems that remind us of the physical body and blood of the Lord. As we partake of these, we express our fellowship, the communion of the blood and body of Christ (I Corinthians 10:16)," TARGET="_blank">I Corinthians 10:16), and we declare the Lords death (I Corinthians 11:26)." TARGET="_blank">I Corinthians 11:26).

D. Oliver

How often does a Christian sin?

Does a Christian sin daily? Is it the habit of his life?

Unless comatose, the Christian has strong practical and scriptural evidence of daily sin. "There is not a just man.... that doeth good, and sinneth (continually) not" (Ecclestiastes 7:20). Jesus alone "did no sin" (1 Peter 2:22)." TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 2:22). David prayed, "Cleanse thou me from secret faults" (Psalm 19:12)." TARGET="_blank">Psalm 19:12). Sin is sin, even committed ignorantly or accidentally. It should be confessed to the Lord. David continues in verse 13, "Keep back thy servant from presumptuous (deliberate) sins, let them not have dominion (become habitual) over me." Paul says, "Let not sin therefore reign (become habit) in your mortal body" (Romans 6:12)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 6:12).

The remedy is "Reckon... yourselves to be dead indeed (once for all) unto sin, but alive unto God. ...Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin" (verses 11, 13). "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9)." TARGET="_blank">1 John 1:9).

"Go, and sin no more" (John 8:11)." TARGET="_blank">John 8:11). He enables when He commands the breaking of sin's power.

Paul Mason

We can't have children, but my friends are hinting that it is time. What should I do?

How can a couple who is unable to bear children respond to well-intended hints that it is time for them to be parents?

Those who cannot have children will know how devastating such a comment can be. The example of the Lord and the statements of Scripture teach us to respond to evil with blessing, not responding in kind (1Pe 3:9)." TARGET="_blank">1Pe 3:9). This person probably meant well and was attempting to express interest, encouragement, maybe even confidence. Depending on the Lord to give help, the couple could simply express appreciation for the concern expressed and ask for the help of that person in prayer. The Lord will know how to answer the prayer in ways the person praying may not understand.

For the benefit of the well-intentioned individual who thrust a knife into the heart of this couple, many passages, if heeded, would have sealed his lips. One will do. Christians are to consider the effect of their words on others and to limit their communications to what is beneficial ("good"), strengthening ("edification"), and enabling ("ministering grace to the hearers," Eph 4: 29)." TARGET="_blank">Eph 4: 29). None of us is perfect (James 3:2)," TARGET="_blank">James 3:2), but Christian grace will increase our sensitivity to others.

D. Oliver

How does our humanity differ from the Lord’s?

How does our humanity differ from the Lord’s?

Ours is fallen humanity (Romans 5:12, 14, 19)," TARGET="_blank">Romans 5:12, 14, 19), while His is holy humanity. Three words carefully and precisely define the Lord’s humanity: form; likeness; fashion (Phil 2:7, 8)." TARGET="_blank">Phil 2:7, 8). He took the form of a servant when He assumed a human body (Hebrews 10:5)," TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 10:5), expressive of a new essence He possessed. In the likeness of sinful flesh (Romans 8:3)," TARGET="_blank">Romans 8:3), He resembled our humanity in every observable way. Because He was in fashion as a man, nothing about His conduct or mode of life contradicted His being truly human.

In important ways, though, His humanity differs from ours mentally, morally, and materially. In contrast to His omni- science, our understanding is darkened (Ephesians 4:18)." TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 4:18). Unlike His holiness, fallen human- ity prefers sin (Isaiah 53:6;" TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 53:6; Romans 7:18, 23)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 7:18, 23). Different from our bodies, His body was not under the condemnation of death because of Adam’s sin (Romans 5:16-18)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 5:16-18). Paul deals with the material and moral implications of our fallen humanity in Romans 5-8." TARGET="_blank">Romans 5-8. Our physical flesh, linked with Adam is subject to death (7:24) and is presently insepar able from the moral principle within, the flesh, which cannot please God (8:8). The Lord was not subject to death (John 10:18)," TARGET="_blank">John 10:18), nor was His body dying. He grew with age (Luke 2:52)," TARGET="_blank">Luke 2:52), but was not subject to the processes of dying that begin to function in our bodies at conception. Attempting to explain that scientifically is impossible; its cause is supernatural (Luke 1:35)." TARGET="_blank">Luke 1:35). Primarily, the physical substance of our Lord differed from ours because His essential manhood was totally without sin. That moral difference entails His freedom from the condemnation of death that blights all else in creation.

D. Oliver

Who is the friend of the Bridegoom (John 3:29)?

Who is the friend of the Bridegoom (John 3:29)" TARGET="_blank">John 3:29)?

The friend of the Bridegroom does not represent a group of people but is a designation for John the Baptist. In verses 27-34, John contrasts himself to Christ. Among the several contrasts is the one in verse 29. Christ is the Bridegroom; John is the friend of he Bridegroom. "He must increase, but I must decrease" verse 30 indicates that increasing greatness belongs to the Bridegroom, but the friend of the bridegroom has a passing and fading role.

This is a cultural reference. The fiend of the bridegroom assisted the Jewish groom by making the prior arrangements for his marriage. He brought the couple together. Perhaps the reference in is verse to Johns standing and hearing the bridegroom paints the picture of the best friend of the groom waiting at the bride's home for the arrival of the groom.

All of this is telling. John's water baptism (John 1:26)" TARGET="_blank">John 1:26) prepared the people for the coming of the Bridegroom. Christ's baptism with the Spirit (John 1:33)" TARGET="_blank">John 1:33) brings the Church, the Bride (Ephesians 5:32)" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 5:32) into view.

D. Oliver

What is the significance of Ezekiel’s being called "son of man"?

What is the significance of Ezekiel’s being called "son of man"?

The Lord addresses Ezekiel as "son of man" about 93 times. The only other person God addressed in this way was Daniel and on only one occasion (Dan 8:17)." TARGET="_blank">Dan 8:17).

The title, literally rendered "son of Adam," may express God’s tenderness to Ezekiel, in light of his frailty and the failure surrounding him. The title is linked with favor (Psa 8:4, 5). Psalm 80" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 80 would inform Ezekiel that the Son of Man will eventually visit and bless the nation (v 17). While Ezekiel witnessed God’s glory departing, the title may have encouraged him since He was linked with the Messiah, Who would one day bring back that glory.

In addition, Ezekiel had a number of likenesses to the Lord Jesus. The ministry of both began at 30 (Eze 1:1)." TARGET="_blank">Eze 1:1). Neither functioned as a priest in the nation due to the nation’s departure (see Psa 110:2, 4). Each was God’s messenger. Ezekiel spoke to the nation, knowing they would not hearken. The Lord came to "His own" knowing that rejection awaited Him. Both were faithful and foresaw the glory departing from the land (Mat 23:38)." TARGET="_blank">Mat 23:38). How encouraging that those who are faithful to God, yet appear unsuccessful, are a fragrant reminder to God of the faithful Witness (Rev 1:5)," TARGET="_blank">Rev 1:5), Whom some deemed a failure.

God’s addressing Ezekiel in this way so often would be very encouraging. In his difficult service, he was unique and special to God.

D. Oliver

How do we unify the Church?

Are we responsible to unify the Body of Christ?

No. The Body has an indissoluble unity. The New Testament deals with unity in only two ways: the unity of the Body, which is positional and perfect; the unity of believers seen in the assembly, which is practical and imperfect. The ecumenical movement pleads for a "unity" that ignores truth. Taking John 17:21" TARGET="_blank">John 17:21 as Christs present desire that His own should be one (John 17:21)," TARGET="_blank">John 17:21), the ecumenical voices call for all "Christians" to come together. In this way, we are to ignore error, accept the legitimacy and existence of the names that divide "Christians," and validate that being a "Christian" in name is the same as being born again. For evangelicals to call for the same result, based on the same scripture, is equally unsound, although they recognize the need for being born again. Obedience to Christ unites believers scripturally. Interdenominationalism may seem broad-minded, but it is actually self-defeating by giving legitimacy to (and thus perpetuating) denominational names that publicly divide Christians.

D. Oliver

Should unbelievers or believers not in the fellowship do work around the Hall?

Should unbelievers or believers not in the fellowship do work around the Hall?

Noting a distinction between the building and the assembly will help in answering this question. Service that specifically deals with the assembly, its spiritual growth, and its teaching is the responsibility and privilege of those in that assembly's fellowship. Some in the fellowship of other assemblies could also offer appropriate help.

Meals that the assembly provides or building maintenance are not specifically service within the assembly. In all such cases, the assembly is responsible to oversee these matters so that the assembly's testimony is not compromised. The appointment of seven men over the daily ministration to the widows in the Jerusalem assembly supports this (Acts 6:1-6)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 6:1-6).

If an assembly hired an unbelieving contractor for some aspect of work on its building, this is entirely appropriate. The building is not the assembly. If an assembly pays individuals or a company to prepare or serve food for an assembly function, this, too, is appropriate. Two issues apply in both of these cases: the stewardship of funds and the preservation of testimony. The amount of spending involved should be within bounds consistent with handling funds specifically given to the Lord (2Co 8:5)." TARGET="_blank">2Co 8:5). The people involved should not be individuals or businesses whose character damages the assembly's testimony (Romans 12:17" TARGET="_blank">Romans 12:17b).

Within these boundaries, overseers must make discretionary decisions based on scriptural principles.

D. Oliver

Should prayers of worship be organized like a sermon?

Should the character of prayers at the Breaking of Bread be like the content of a ministry message?

Prayers at the Breaking of Bread should not be like the content of a ministry message. Ministry is the spiritual service of preaching the Word to God's people and preaching the Gospel to the lost. Prayer at the Breaking of Bread meeting involves worship.

When the Lord Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper He said, "This do in remembrance of Me" (Luke 22:19)." TARGET="_blank">Luke 22:19). Our prayers should express to God our appreciation of the glorious Person and work of the Lord Jesus as our Creator and Redeemer. Therefore our worship should consist of such subjects as: His creation of the universe by the power of His spoken word, His mighty stoop from the throne of Heaven to the womb of the Virgin, His perfect life and service to God and man which brought such delight to God's heart, the rejection and shame men heaped upon Him, His infinite suffering and death upon the cross as the Bearer of our sin, and His glorious resurrection and ascension to God's right hand.

Ministry is a message from God directed manward, whereas public worship is directed God-ward on behalf of the assembly. Both should involve orderly thought, but a consciousness of speaking to God in worship will keep a man from appearing to "teach God knowledge" (Job 21:22)." TARGET="_blank">Job 21:22).

A. Joyce