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Don Panchito

Don Panchito - One day in 1941 I heard a tremendous noise in the sky. It was the first time that I had seen an airplane. I remember how it filled me with panic. Hundreds of leaflets were scattered over the avocado fields and the plane continued on its way. We waited a bit and then we came out of our hiding places. The young men then gathered as many papers as possible. (more)
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Noah's Ark
Printable Scale Model of Noah's Ark - Create your own three story, scale model of the ark with Noah and his animals.
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Gospel Hall dot Org exists to share information about assemblies of Christians who gather to the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to raise awareness of the gospel message and teaching about Christian living in a New Testament Church.

FAQs

What do we do when an overseer assumes one-man ministry?

What do we do when an overseer assumes one-man ministry?

A spiritual approach is the only way to resolve a spiritual problem. The resolution of this issue must come from the presence of God. If the Lord uses a believer’s help in this situation, the believer will obtain the needed help in God’s presence (Hebrews 4:16)." TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 4:16). Prayer is our first recourse. Pray for the brother as his loving helper; don’t pray "against" him. Cultivate a positive, sincere, godly relationship with him. Appreciate whatever wholesome motivation he has. Discourage criticism; it will not help. By patiently waiting on the Lord, learn from Him what will be the most effective means to help the brother and communicate God’s concern to him. God’s means of helping the brother will not destroy or belittle him, but will produce through the correction a better man than he was before.

D. Oliver
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Does an elder have a more exalted position in the assembly than others?

Does an elder have a more exalted position in the assembly than others?

The Bible teaches that a man publicly sharing in oversight is "exalted" in that he has greater responsibility and accountability, but he serves "at the feet" of the believers in lowliness of mind.

The Authorized Version is misleading in translating the verse, "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers" (Acts 20:28)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 20:28). Rather than "over the which," more accurate translations of this passage read "in which" (ESV) or "among which" (YLT). Although fellow-believers are to submit to (Hebrews 13:17)," TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 13:17), know and esteem highly (1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13)," TARGET="_blank">1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13), and honor (1 Timothy 5:17)" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 5:17) elders, those elders are in, not over, the flock. Their position is not above other believers.

When an assembly recognizes a man whom the Lord has raised up to be an elder, this does not change his heart’s concern for believers or his ability to care for them by means of God’s Word. It does however give him the added responsibility of meeting with the elders when they gather (Acts 20:17, 18)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 20:17, 18). He has publicly joined others and shares with them an accountability for the spiritual health of each sheep (Heb 13:17)." TARGET="_blank">Heb 13:17).

The Lord gave a spiritual lesson by literally washing His disciples’ feet (John 13:7, 12)." TARGET="_blank">John 13:7, 12). He was exemplifying loving care for others in removing all that hinders fellowship with Him ("no part with Me," v 8). By girding Himself with a towel and stooping at His disciples’ feet, He was the model of servant-care (vv 5, 6). Thus, those who accept the responsibility of lovingly caring for the spiritual condition of fellow-believers are lowly servants of the Master. He taught that those who lead His people are ministering servants (diakonos) and bondservants (doulos) (Matthew 20:26, 27)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 20:26, 27).

D. Oliver
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What jobs do angels do?

What jobs do angels do?

The Bible says that angels serve Christians.

Hebrews 1:13-14" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 1:13-14 And to which of the angels has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet"? (14) Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?

But specifically, what are some of the jobs that angels perform?

They protect God's people from physical harm

Psalms 91:9-13" TARGET="_blank">Psalms 91:9-13 Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place-- the Most High, who is my refuge-- (10) no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. (11) For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. (12) On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. (13) You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.

This beautiful psalm tells us that God has assigned the angels the job of physically following and carefully watching over the Lord's people. Perhaps the psalmist was writing about an upcoming battle as one of "the evils" that could befall him. But the terrors of evil are not specifically mentioned, leaving the interpretation open to a great variety of situations where God's protection is needed. Nothing can harm a believer without God permitting it to occur in his sovereign control over all things. When things occur that we put into "Category Bad", God uses these mishaps for our good (Romans 8:28-29)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 8:28-29).

Recall the angels that were working to protect Elisha and his servant…

2 Kings 6:15-17" TARGET="_blank">2 Kings 6:15-17 When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, "Alas, my master! What shall we do?" (16) He said, "Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." (17) Then Elisha prayed and said, "O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see." So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

The Lord has assigned angels to watch over his children as well. He doesn't say that there is a one-to-one relationship with each believer having exactly one guardian angel, but rather that, in general, the angels are always attentive to the needs and cries of God's children.

Matthew 18:10" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 18:10 "See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.

Peter was rescued by an angel from prison (Acts 5:19)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 5:19). Daniel was preserved from physical harm in the Lion's Den by an angel (Daniel 6:22)." TARGET="_blank">Daniel 6:22). Hagar was given food when near death (Genesis 21:17-20)." TARGET="_blank">Genesis 21:17-20).

Angels also carry messages from God

Paul was comforted by an angel on the night before his shipwreck (Acts 27:23-24)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 27:23-24). An angel directed Joseph to flee to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-20)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 2:13-20). Daniel and John each received their revelations from angels that come to us today in the Book of Daniel and The Revelation of Jesus Christ.

Angels carry believers to heaven

Luke 16:22" TARGET="_blank">Luke 16:22 says that Lazarus, the beggar, was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The angels will gather God's elect from the four corners of the earth when Christ returns to set up his kingdom (Matthew 24:31)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 24:31).

Shad David Sluiter

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What guidance does God

What guidance does God’s Word give on the role of an elder’s wife?

Although Paul gives qualities requisite in the wives of deacons (1 Timothy 3:11)," TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 3:11), he does not do the same for overseers’ wives. Some biblical principles do provide guidance for her role, however.

When the Lord entrusted responsibility for subduing and having dominion over the earth, He gave it to them, the male and female (Genesis 1:28)," TARGET="_blank">Genesis 1:28), Adam and Eve. When that work began, Adam received the responsibility for tilling the garden, the commandment about what to eat, and the work of naming the animals (2:15, 16, 19, 20). It was not "good" for Adam to "be alone" in this, so the Lord made Eve (v18). Together, they were responsible for the work, but Adam carried out the work and Eve completed him in doing it.

An overseer’s wife, therefore, is an integral part of a unit that shares in overseeing the believers. Her husband does the work and she completes, supports, and enables him in this responsibility. She may have to help him make time for his work, and that will often mean sacrificing time she would enjoy with him. She will greatly enable him by living the Christian standards of God’s Word and seeking grace from the Lord to exemplify the qualities of a Christian wife. She may also help her husband by accompanying him when he gives spiritual counsel to assembly sisters. The overseers may ask her to assist them by dealing directly with a sister whose problem involves sensitive issues, difficult for men to address. At times, an elder’s wife may be able to provide insights that her husband’s male perspective lacks.

She will, at times, recognize that some matters her husband is handling must remain confidential and he is wise to keep them from her so as not to prejudice or overburden her. In any event, all she knows about her husband’s work is to remain between her and her husband. Information about oversight matters should never come from an overseer’s wife. Communicating such matters is his (or the oversight’s) responsibility, not hers.

D. Oliver
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My husband is not saved. How should I treat him?

How should a new believer deal with an unbelieving marriage partner?

Compromising the Lord’s claims helps neither partner. Obedience to the Lord is for our good always (Deuteronomy 6:24)." TARGET="_blank">Deuteronomy 6:24). Obedience and preference, however, are not the same. Attending the assembly’s meetings involves obedience (Hebrews 10:25)," TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 10:25), even if the believer is not yet in its fellowship . Attending a conference 200 miles away is preferable, but, if it causes marital conflict, it is optional. Not socializing with former friends in activities that are compromising to the Christian is obedience (1 Peter 4:4)." TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 4:4). Socializing with believers is preferable, but may be disobedience, not expressing becoming consideration.

Witnessing to the unbelieving partner is crucial (1 Corinthians 7:16)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 7:16). When the unbelieving partner understands the facts and implications of the gospel, the most effective witness may be living (and praying) without preaching (1 Peter 3:1)." TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 3:1).

A Christian should be an improved marriage partner in words and actions and, more importantly, in the relationship itself -the emotional "connection." The believer’s salvation means the couple cannot enjoy sharing spiritual fellowship, a most precious closeness; however, the believer’s new relationship with Christ teaches, models, and enables a closer marital relationship than was previously possible. The greatest challenge to a believer with an unbelieving partner is to learn, as a disciple of Christ, how to develop a more loving, self-sacrificing, considerate, secure, committed, transparent, and trusting relationship. This is what bonds a marriage and is truly satisfying to both marriage partners, whether believing or unbelieving. A believer may have to sadly accept the unbeliever’s choice to depart from the marriage (1 Corinthians 7:15)," TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 7:15), but applying Biblical principles makes this much less likely.

D. Oliver
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Is the Pope the Antichrist?

Is the Pope the Antichrist?

The antichrist is a prophetic figure that the Bible predicts will become the last satanic-inspired dictator of the God-opposed worldwide government of the last days of the Great Tribulation. Some scriptural references to this coming world leader are found in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12;" TARGET="_blank">2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; Revelation 6:1-2;" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 6:1-2; Revelation 13:1-18;" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 13:1-18; Daniel 7:20-27;" TARGET="_blank">Daniel 7:20-27; Daniel 8:1-27." TARGET="_blank">Daniel 8:1-27.

Many Bible scholars have tried to determine who this person may be. Since the times of the protestant revolution, the Pope has been a favorite target because of his name as the “Vicar” of Christ on earth.

The Catholic Church relies on the Pope to be the representative of Christ on earth. This “Vicar of Christ” or “Vicarious Christ” means that he takes the place of Christ. Protestants love to apply this Vicar title to the term “Anti-Christ” since “anti” is the term to mean “takes the place of”. In the sense of the meaning of the word, the Pope takes the place of Christ or becomes the “Antichrist”. This virulent language appeared in Protestant literature since the Protestant Reformation and appeared for centuries in the notes of the popular Geneva Bible published by Protestants in Geneva, Switzerland.

Being the Vicar of Christ, the Pope claims to speak “ex cathedra” or “from the chair” in regards to matters of belief or doctrine. Speaking this way, he claims to be infallible, without error.

Protestants find this teaching to be in grave error. No man is infallible. The apostles words were inspired, but since their passing, Scripture is complete. The extent that the Pope agrees with the Scriptures is the only extent that he speaks the truth. Catholics therefore believe, for example, that Mary ascended to heaven at the end of her life because November 1, 1950, the Pope declared this to be so.

Shad David Sluiter

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How long should a believer wait before being baptized?

How long should a believer wait before being baptized?

"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16)" TARGET="_blank">Mark 16:16) doesn’t teach that baptism is necessary for salvation. Unbelievers, not "the unbaptized" will be damned. Faith is Christ is sufficient for salvation. Baptism, however, is the expected evidence of such faith. Peter commanded the converts in Cornelius’ house to be baptized (Acts 10:48)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 10:48). Clearly, those who guide new believers are responsible to encourage and direct them to be baptized. New believers receive enrichment by learning the meaning of baptism, but obedience to Christ does not depend on understanding doctrine. Did baptized believers in Acts understand union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection?

Even in Acts (Cornelius, the jailer, Saul of Tarsus), evidence of conversion preceded baptism. Currently, a person who professes to be saved and is baptized occasionally discovers he was not saved. If he is saved subsequently, he must be baptized a second time. It is very doubtful if the testimony of the second baptism is as effective as the first. We need wisdom to avoid unnecessary "second baptisms." Allowing adequate time for a new believer to prove the reality of his salvation is wise. Our conditions are different from those in Acts; of the thousands of converts in Acts, perhaps only one (Simon, the sorcerer) was false. In our day, we need ample evidence that those we baptize have divine life.

Prematurely baptizing those who later prove they were not saved never helps the work of the gospel; furthermore, it dishonors the Lord Jesus by giving skeptics cause for mocking the life-transforming power of the gospel. As in so many matters, balance is needed. A prolonged time between salvation and baptism implies that we support optional obedience to Scripture. Too short a time can endanger our gospel testimony. A person’s personality, past, and depth of character, added to our experience with occasional "fireworks Christians" (launched with a flash of light and noise, but fade into the night), affect how soon after conversion we are willing to baptize him.

D. Oliver
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In what ways does the Spirit of God lead us?

In what ways does the Spirit of God lead us?

Since it identifies us as sons of God (Rom 8:14)," TARGET="_blank">Rom 8:14), being led by the Spirit of God should characterize our lives. Paul’s teaching assumes that all believers are led by the Spirit (Gal 5:18)." TARGET="_blank">Gal 5:18). The Spirit leads us both rationally (through our minds) and mystically (through an inexplicable awareness). The former needs to be emphasized and is more easily explained. If we are not willing for be led by the Spirit daily, we will not likely be sensitive to His leading in "special experiences."

The Spirit of God and the Word of God both reflect the same source and must agree. Generally, therefore, the Spirit leads through the clear directives of Scripture. Thankfully, He not only directs but also enables our walk (Gal 5:16-18)." TARGET="_blank">Gal 5:16-18).

The more we walk in the Spirit, the deeper will be our acquaintance with "the things of the Spirit of God" (1Co 2:10-16)." TARGET="_blank">1Co 2:10-16). As the Spirit unfolds to us the mind of God, we learn through the Word of God the principles by which God works. Increasingly, therefore, the principles of Scripture will guide us. Daily subjection of our will to the Scriptures cannot be distinguished from the leading of the Spirit in our lives. To more fully know the mind of God through His Word is a life-long challenge. The Spirit leads us rationally by enriching our minds with the practical knowledge of God. As we submit, He both directs us and enables us to please God.

One of the greatest difficulties in life is to be honest with ourselves. That is why the mystical leading of the Spirit is difficult to discuss. Too often we attribute our own preference to the leading of the Spirit. The Spirit of God superindends our circumstances and often directs us through them, but always in keeping with the Word of God.

Two verses in Psalm 25" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 25 instruct us in knowing God’s ways. Verse 12 emphasizes reverence for God, acting to please Him. Verse 10 points to meekness. The meek humbly submit to God and totally depend on Him. Who could boast about possessing these qualities? To hear a voice behind us "saying, This is the way, walk ye in it" (Isa 30:21)" TARGET="_blank">Isa 30:21) is always an evidence of God’s grace. Nevertheless, this is not something for which we need to beg God. He desires to lead us through His Word (rationally) and to prompt us as we are sensitive to His will (mystically). Self-consciousness and self-occupation will not produce this. In many ways, this is a sacred secret between the soul and God. We obey His written Word and, through the Spirit, He takes care of the rest.

D. Oliver
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