In 2 Corinthians 8:23, does "the glory of Christ" refer to the assemblies or the messengers?

In 2 Corinthians 8:23," TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 8:23, does "the glory of Christ" refer to the assemblies or the messengers?

"Whether ... our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ." If the words are translated literally, these brothers were "apostles of churches, glory of Christ." Mr. Darby therefore translates, "deputed messengers of assemblies, Christ's glory." This suggests the lovely thought that assemblies in some unique sense express Christ's glory. This is consistent with the truth of many New Testament passages. The glory of His headship (1 Corinthians 11:3)," TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 11:3), Lordship (1 Corinthians 12:3)," TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 12:3), and sacrifice (1 Corinthians 11:26)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 11:26) are among the honors that belong to Christ and are uniquely displayed in the assembly. In fact, every detail of the design of the assembly "says, 'Glory"' (Psalm 29:9," TARGET="_blank">Psalm 29:9, NASB).

The more general consensus of translators, however, is that these men who accompanied Titus were honorable men, expressing the glory of Christ. Nameless, they carried a financial gift to Jerusalem, having been sent by the churches for this purpose (in this sense, they were -apostles," sent ones). They set the standard for all who serve God's people in whatever capacity; they expressed the glory of Christ. Since the context is the commendation of these men, this is more likely the meaning of the passage.

D. Oliver
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What is the difference between the parable of the talents and the pounds?

In Matthew 25," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 25, the Lord says to the faithful servants, “Well done!” but in Luke 19," TARGET="_blank">Luke 19, only “Well!” There must be a difference intended. What is it?

The difference is only in the translation, for it is the same word in the Greek in either case—the commendatory adverb, “EU,” “Well !“ Perhaps, “It is well,” would do in both places. This question suggests another which is very interesting, but not so easily answered.

What is the difference between the two parables?

Nothing but the most superficial reading can fail to note that a wide difference exists. In Matthew 25," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 25, there are three servants; in Luke, ten. In Matthew the sums entrusted vary, five talents, two and one; in Luke each servant receives the same, one pound or mina. In Matthew the faithful servants gain proportionately to the talents received, the one who had received five doubles it, and so with the recipient of two. In Luke the sums gained vary from ten to one.

In the two Gospels, the unfaithful servant received different treatment; in Matthew he is cast into “outer darkness,” in other words, he is a lost soul; in Luke all reward is withheld and his pound taken from him and given to him that had gained ten.

There is a fourth and very important difference, which throw light on the interpretation of the parables; in Matthew there are only two classes—the faithful and unfaithful servants; in Luke there is a third and distinct class—the citizens who hated their Lord, and were dealt with in condign judgment at His coming. This indicates, I believe, the true key to the parables. In Matthew, the three servants include profession, in fact all men, as we might say—three divisions of humanity, the Jew, the Gentile, and the Church of God. They have all received some talent from God, for which they must give account to Him. A man does not escape responsibility by refusing it.

Each man, godly and ungodly alike, will be held responsible for his talents, his faculties of mind, education, privileges, opportunities; and while no one will be saved by these things, there will be a reward for having by grace used them for God. On the other hand, there will be judgment on those “who have not,” corresponding to the rebellious citizens of Luke. In the case of the ten servants, they all start with the same amount—a pound. What exactly this corresponds to is uncertain, perhaps the life which each one has to live and make the most of for God. They will be rewarded in proportion to their faithfulness. The unfaithful one is not consigned to the place of punishment, but he is so far deprived of the opportunity of future service, from which it seems evident that the Lord’s servants are qualifying in this world for their service in the next.

W.H.

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Why is the issue of homosexuality important to Christianity?

Biblically speaking, why is such teaching important?

We are facing what every generation faces. The world will always challenge the authority of Scripture. The skill with which the enemy engages the battle constantly increases.

At issue are foundational truths. Is God the Creator or are we cosmic accidents? Does morality exist? Does society or does a wise God determine ethics? Are social institutions a Creator’s design or merely human expedients for survival? Is headship an outmoded tradition or God’s design for the honor of His Son as Savior and Superintendent of every divine purpose? Is marriage merely one possible way of experiencing gratifying emotions or is it the design of God to portray the beauty of His eternal purpose for His Son and the church?

Valid scientific studies show the human benefits of these traditional values; inevitably, other studies purport to contradict this. Ultimately, the authority of God’s Word is the bulwark of these and all truths.

If we understand the subtlety, boldness, and vigor of the attack, we must respond. Positive teaching that establishes these truths is primary. We cannot assume that affirming these truths is superfluous. Clearly, defining the nature of the sin of homosexuality is not an overreaction.

D. Oliver
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When can a newly baptized believer be received into the fellowship of an assembly?

When can a newly baptized believer be received into the fellowship of an assembly?

Baptism and salvation are indisputably linked (Mark 16:16;" TARGET="_blank">Mark 16:16; Matt. 28:19;" TARGET="_blank">Matt. 28:19; Acts 8:36-38)," TARGET="_blank">Acts 8:36-38), being like twins in the apostolic doctrine. Baptism is the first expression of a genuine believer's spiritual progress. The Spirit of God envisages only "baptized believers" in local testimony (Acts 18: 8;" TARGET="_blank">Acts 18: 8; 1 Corinthians 1:2)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 1:2). Salvation, baptism, and reception are a threefold cord (Acts 2:41)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 2:41). In the early church era work was genuine and therefore the steps following conversion were immediate. Today, wisdom would guide shepherds to observe a definite change in new converts, then to baptize and to prepare them for the privileges and responsibilities of the assembly fellowship by instructing them in assembly truth. Local teachers should teach such truth consistently as this is vital for new believers. The Bible-class is very valuable in this respect. The newly baptized believer should manifest a teachable, submissive spirit, desiring to acknowledge the Lordship of Christ (John 2:5)." TARGET="_blank">John 2:5). This will avert a prolonged waiting for months in the room of the unlearned (I Corinthians 14:16)." TARGET="_blank">I Corinthians 14:16). When the believer requests to be in the fellowship, it is imperative that answers be given within a short period. This will preserve the young believer from discouragement and frustration. Negligence in these matters is serious and can result in stunted growth. Honesty, care and courtesy are essential. Having a care one for another (1 Corinthians 12:25)," TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 12:25), "let all things be done unto edifying" (14:26).

A. Hull

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Is the expression "the whole assembly receives and the whole assembly puts away" scriptural?

Is the expression "the whole assembly receives and the whole assembly puts away" scriptural?

Reception to and removal from an assembly are not merely earthly decisions; they are administrative actions. The assembly administers on earth the will of God in heaven. The Lord teaches this in Matthew 18:18," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 18:18, "Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." The assembly administers a case by either applying heaven's discipline or releasing from it. The assembly thus acts in its character as the "House of God" (1 Timothy 3:15;" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 3:15; Genesis 28:17)." TARGET="_blank">Genesis 28:17). When the assembly carries out the Word of God, His will in heaven and the assembly's action on earth are the same.

God views the assembly as a unit when it prays (Acts 4:24)," TARGET="_blank">Acts 4:24), responds (11:22), worships (1 Corinthians 10:17)," TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 10:17), and acts (Matthew 18:17)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 18:17). Whether or not every believer in the assembly moves in harmony with the whole, the assembly has the character of a body (1 Corinthians 12:27)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 12:27) and moves as a single unit. Therefore, administering for God, the assembly receives and the assembly puts away. Seen by God as a unit, "the whole assembly receives and the whole assembly puts away."

D. Oliver
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Sunday School Activities

You can either make your own Sunday school activities with the programs below or select one of the following Sunday school activities:

Activities for Sunday School Teachers

1. Lesson Activities.

You will find a lesson plan, activity, printable artwork, games and illustrations for 254 stories in the Bible.

Lesson plans - A list of important points that you should review for most of the stories in the Bible. You should have an important message to get accross before you plan one of your Sunday school activities that is supposed to support the teaching portion of the lesson.
Printable activities - This is the list of Sunday school activities that can reinforce your lesson. From 3D models of the tabernacle, to printable coloring books to games that you can print, these Sunday school activities will save your hours of work, especially if you are not the creative type of teacher.

2. Sunday School Worksheets.

Be careful not to over-use puzzles. They lose their effectiveness if you do them every week. With these programs you can turn a Bible vese a Sunday School activity in a 3 mouse clicks. If you want to save even more time, select one of the 325 worksheets that has already been created for you.

3. Online Study Bible

Bible search, commentary, dictionary and other tools to help you prepare a lesson for your next class. Although the Study Bible doesn't count as one of the Sunday school activities, it is important that a Sunday school teacher does more preparation in understanding the scripture than in creating a craft, puzzle or some other interesting Sunday school activity. The teacher needs to know what God's intentions were by reading the scripture rather than trying to apply a certain pre-conceived idea.

4. Newsletter for Sunday School Teachers - The Encourager

The Encourager is a weekly newsletter for Sunday school teachers. The newsletter is the best way to keep up to date with what new Sunday school activities have been created on the site. Each week, a new printable Sunday school activity will arrive at your mailbox - free!

Subscribe to the Encourager

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Does Satan cause natural disasters?

Is Satan responsible for natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, mudslides or tornadoes?

Every time there is a major disaster such as the massive earthquake in Haiti in 2010, the earthquake in Japan in 2011, Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana in 2005, the earthquake and following tsunami in Indonesia and Thailand in 2004, we invariably ask the question – where is God? Is Satan responsible for causing natural disasters? Does God permit natural disasters?

Satan is not in control of the world. Anything he does has limits placed upon him by God. Being a powerful angel, although fallen from his original position, he has been given great power. But Satan is not infinite.

The clearest example of natural disaster being caused by the Devil is found in the book of Job. The first chapter of Job is quoted in the paragraphs below. God permitted Satan to attack Job but only to the extent that God allowed. Satan was not allowed to take Job’s life. However, Satan stripped Job of every posession and loved one. You will see in the following verses that the events were attributed to a group of raiding warrior (15 and 17), the “fire of God” (17) and wind from the wilderness (19). Job is never told from where his troubles were coming from. He is unaware the Satan is involved, but he recognizes that God is in control of it all. The rest of the book deals with his mental anguish at being tried by God.

Job 1:9-22" TARGET="_blank">Job 1:9-22 Then Satan answered the LORD and said, "Does Job fear God for no reason? (10) Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. (11) But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face." (12) And the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand." So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. (13) Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, (14) and there came a messenger to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, (15) and the Sabeans fell upon them and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you." (16) While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, "The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you." (17) While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, "The Chaldeans formed three groups and made a raid on the camels and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you." (18) While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, "Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, (19) and behold, a great wind came across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people, and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you." (20) Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. (21) And he said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." (22) In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.

So should we conclude that everyting bad in the world is a result of Satan's work?

Natural Explanations

It is clear from scientific study of the earth that there are natural explanations for every kind of natural disaster. Warm water in the oceans creates conditions suitable for massive windstorms. The shifting of the earth’s plates causes earthquakes where tectonic plates come together. Underwater earthquakes cause tsunamis. While we may know the immediate natural cause for disasters, we still credit the ultimate hand of providence to God. Insurance companies won’t cover property damage in times of war or because of “Acts of God”. Did God design the world to be full of suffering?

God is in control

Colossians 1:16-17" TARGET="_blank">Colossians 1:16-17 says that Jesus Christ is in control of the universe:

Colossians 1:15-17" TARGET="_blank">Colossians 1:15-17 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. (16) For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him. (17) And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

It was Very Good

The way in which God created the universe has been affected by sin. At the close of the week of creation we read that the creation was “very good”. Like a work of fine art, God was satisfied that what he created was beautiful and perfect.

Genesis 1:31" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 1:31 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

Shortly after finishing the creation, Adam and Eve sinned, bringing a curse onto the earth. Romans 5:12" TARGET="_blank">Romans 5:12 tells us that death came into the world through sin.

Romans 5:12" TARGET="_blank">Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned--

The curse extended to the earth. God caused the earth not to yield its full potential in growing food.

Genesis 3:17-19" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 3:17-19 And to Adam he said, "Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, 'You shall not eat of it,' cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; (18) thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. (19) By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return."

Later in the Bible, the “whole creation groans” under the curse of sin. The world still suffers under the influence of the curse from the first sin. It can be concluded that the “groaning” of creation can be seen in the suffering that randomly visits us as well as the beings of the world.

Romans 8:18-22" TARGET="_blank">Romans 8:18-22 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (19) For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. (20) For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope (21) that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. (22) For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.

Does God judge us through natural disasters?

There are some occasions in the Bible when God utilized nature to bring judgment directly against a group of people. However, like all miracles in the Bible, these events are exceptional occasions when God was lifting up a prophet (Moses, Elijah) or bringing an end to an era of wickedness. There is nothing in the Bible to indicate that we should try to interpret weather, earthquake, plague or any other naturally occurring disaster as a sign from heaven. The following examples are all accompanied by the message of a prophet sent by God. The prophet carried with him special authority to control these events, not merely explain them.

Elijah, a prophet of God, caused a terrible famine to strike the land of Israel for the sin of the king and the people.

1 Kings 17:1" TARGET="_blank">1 Kings 17:1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, "As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word."

Through Moses, God caused terrible plagues to fall against Egypt. Most of the plagues have similar events that occur in nature, but God caused these plagues to fall at the command of Moses and at a much greater severity than anything in the history of Egypt.

Moses and all the people of Israel watched as Korah and his rebellious followers were swallowed in a disaster like an earthquake or a giant sink hole.

Numbers 16:29-33" TARGET="_blank">Numbers 16:29-33 If these men die as all men die, or if they are visited by the fate of all mankind, then the LORD has not sent me. (30) But if the LORD creates something new, and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into Sheol, then you shall know that these men have despised the LORD." (31) And as soon as he had finished speaking all these words, the ground under them split apart. (32) And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the people who belonged to Korah and all their goods. (33) So they and all that belonged to them went down alive into Sheol, and the earth closed over them, and they perished from the midst of the assembly.

In the judgments against the earth in Revelation 6" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 6 to 18 tell us about massive hailstones, earthquakes, comets falling from the heavens and water turning to blood.

Revelation 16:21" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 16:21 And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, fell from heaven on people; and they cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe.

Revelation 8:8-11" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 8:8-11 The second angel blew his trumpet, and something like a great mountain, burning with fire, was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. (9) A third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed. (10) The third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star fell from heaven, blazing like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. (11) The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the water, because it had been made bitter.

But why does God allow suffering to continue?

The explanation from the verses above answers the questions as to “where” does the suffering come from – from sin. However, the questions still remains “Why doesn’t God stop it?”

Two other questions that are closely related to this are

Why does God allow me to experience trials?

Why does God allow suffering to continue?

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Do people become angels after death? Do children become angels?

No. Angels are spirit beings, while humans are composed of a body and spiritual part consisting of soul and spirit.

Christ taught in Matthew 22:30" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 22:30 that angels do not get married nor have children.

In heaven, there are two distinct groups who live there. Hebrews 12:22-23" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 12:22-23 mentions a “myriads of angels” and “the spirits of righteous men made perfect”.

The story of the Rich Man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31" TARGET="_blank">Luke 16:19-31 tells us that at death a person either goes to the agonies of Hades or to the bliss of God's presence. The Rich Man even asked Abraham to send Lazarus to his father's house, but believers who have died do not return to earth to communicate with anyone. In contrast, God sends his angels to protect and communicate with believers who are still alive (Hebrews 1:13-14;" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 1:13-14; Psalm 91:11-13;" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 91:11-13; Acts 27:23-24;" TARGET="_blank">Acts 27:23-24; Matthew 2:13;" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 2:13; Acts 5:19)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 5:19).

Children who die do not become angels. They die like adults who are saved. They are covered by Christ's work at the cross. A related question to this is "Are children saved who die young?"

Shad David Sluiter

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Printable Cryptograms

Printable Cryptogram Puzzle Maker

Printable Cryptogram Puzzle Maker is a program that allows you to turn a phrase, such as a verse from the Bible or a quote from a famous speech into a printable word cryptogram worksheet.

Click here to go to step one of the printable word search puzzle page.

Instructions for the Printable Cryptogram Puzzle maker

1. Type in a famous phrase or select a verse from the Bible to make into a cryptogram puzzle.
2. The Cryptogram Puzzle maker will automatically encode the message using a random letter substitution algorithm. You may also choose to modify word spacing to make the cryptogram harder.

3. The third step is simply to view the printable cryptogram worksheet and print it.

Hints:

If your phrase does not make a very good printable word scramble, try adding a few more words to the sentence. The cryptogram puzzle program needs between 5 and 15 words. Phrases that have common words such as "the" "is" "or" "an" "and" etc. are useful starting points for decoding a cryptogram.

In addition to the printable cryptogram puzzles, you can make

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How can we deal with in-law problems?

It is important always to remember that you and your in-laws are all children of God and loved by Him so much that He gave His Son for each of you. We are commanded in 1 John 4:11," TARGET="_blank">1 John 4:11,12 to love one another, thus proving the reality of our salvation. If problems have developed between believers, the Lord Jesus taught in Matthew 18:15" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 18:15 that we should discuss and clear up the problems privately. If that doesn't work (verse 16), then one or two brethren with spiritual wisdom and experience should be invited to give unbiased advice. Every effort should be made to avoid involving others in the assembly.

Sometimes the problem is that parents have been so accustomed to the subjection of their children in the home that they forget that their married "child" is now a member of a new family with the husband as the head. The situation should never be left to fester and become worse, or it can develop into strife not only within the family but also in the assembly

A. Joyce

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