What will happen to infants whose parents are taken at the Rapture?

What will happen to infants whose parents are taken at the Rapture?

God has not given us a definite answer to this question that parents often ask and that believers have raised for years. As emotionally charged as this matter is, we cannot answer it based on our emotional response and preferences.

The Bible often answers problems by citing principles. One example of this is 1" TARGET="_blank">is 1 Corinthians 14:33 where God’s character, "not the author of confusion, but of peace," determines how gifts must function in the assembly.

In a similar manner, we can cite two features of God’s character: His righteousness and His kindness. We can rest that God will always do what is right (Genesis 18:25)." TARGET="_blank">Genesis 18:25). God will not condemn those who have not understood His requirements (Romans 5:13)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 5:13). In addition, knowing that God is kind (Luke 6:35)," TARGET="_blank">Luke 6:35), we can expect that He will deal kindly with infants whose parents depart at the Rapture. We cannot state with assurance how God will express His kindness, but it is difficult to understand how these infants could be left behind without parental care. From our limited perspective, we expect that these infants will go with their parents.

Anxious parents can rest in the certainty of God’s kindness. To faith, knowing God is as good as knowing precisely what He will do.

D. Oliver
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How old was Cain when he murdered Abel?

The answer is not revealed in Scripture, but the probable point of the question is that the common assumption may not be accurate. Most seem to assume that Cain and Abel were boys in their teens or early twenties.

From the narrative, it seems Cain was married when he went from the presence of the Lord (Gen 4:16, 17)." TARGET="_blank">Gen 4:16, 17). Judging from the age at which the men in the following chapter had sons, Cain would have been considerably older than twenty.

In addition, Adam was 130 years old (5:3) at the birth of Seth, who was "another seed instead of Abel" (4:25). It was as if family life began all over again at that point.

We do not know how long Adam lived in the Garden of Eden. We do know that, unlike all his posterity, he had mature manhood and was capable of parenthood from his first breath. Judging from Satan’s delight to attack all that brings pleasure to God’s heart (see Matthew 3:17" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 3:17 and 4:1, particularly), his attack in Eden did not happen after many years.

Cain and Abel were born after Adam was expelled from Eden (Gen 4:1)," TARGET="_blank">Gen 4:1), so a considerable amount of time could have elapsed between the births of Cain and Abel and the birth of Seth.

The reference in 1 John 3:12" TARGET="_blank">1 John 3:12 speaks of Cain’s works and of Abel’s. This suggests a background to the narrative of the two offerings recorded in Genesis 4." TARGET="_blank">Genesis 4.

Although we cannot be certain of Cain’s age when he slew Abel, the relevant evidence indicates that "the way of Cain" (Jude 11)" TARGET="_blank">Jude 11) was well initiated before the events of Genesis 4:3-16." TARGET="_blank">Genesis 4:3-16.

D. Oliver
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Do animals have spirits?

Does Ecclesiastes 3:21" TARGET="_blank">Ecclesiastes 3:21 teach that animals have spirits?

Ecclesiastes is inspired, but records the thoughts of men "under the sun," ideas derived without the benefit of divine revelation. For instance, "the earth abideth for ever" (1:4) is deemed true only when the scriptures are ignored. We cannot, therefore, base doctrine on the statements of Ecclesiastes. Furthermore, the varied translations of this verse, "Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?" leave some questions as to its meaning. These statements may be merely what was commonly accepted in Solomon’s day. Five of the first six times "living soul" is used in Genesis 1" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 1 and 2, it refers to animals ("living creatures," 1:20, 21, 24, 30; 2:19; see also Job 12:10)." TARGET="_blank">Job 12:10). What distinguishes men, though, is that the Lord God "breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul" (2:7) Adam was formed uniquely by God, Who is spirit and directly "breathed" life into him. God’s creative purpose was to make man capable of relating to Himself (1:26; 3:8). This requires that man be a spirit being, for "God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit..." (John 4:24)." TARGET="_blank">John 4:24). The creation, until what is introduced in Genesis 2:7," TARGET="_blank">Genesis 2:7, was material. This indicates that animals are totally material, their body and soul being no different. The soul gives individuality; for man, that involves a spiritual and eternal identity, but only a material and temporal identity for animals. Paul’s statement that our bodies - without our soul and spirit - are "soulish" (literally "natural," I Corinthians 15:44)" TARGET="_blank">I Corinthians 15:44) may support this.

As to an animal’s "spirit," the word is often translated "breath." Its context determines its meaning. "The breath of life" is used of both man (Genesis 2:7)" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 2:7) and animals (6:17; 7:15, 22), but the first is from God and is therefore spiritual, imparting life; the second is physical, indicating what has breathe and is therefore living. This is likely the best way to understand any thought of "spirit" in the animal creation.

D. Oliver
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What is the Illuminati conspiracy theory and One World Government?

What is the Illuminati conspiracy theory and One World Government?

The illuminati conspiracy is the idea that there has always been an evil group of men working behind the scenes of world politics and world business with the end of enslaving the masses to work for their purposes. Supposedly the group began with five men in the order of the Jesuit Priests and continues today after many generations.

It is always assumed that the members of this group control events through manufactured crisis and gradual ownership of global assets. Unaware of the hidden agenda, we common people, are slipping gradually into their control through organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, International Criminal Court and others.

Major banks, industries, transportation, stock markets are supposed to be in their hands to be able to lead to a one world economy, one world religion and one world government. Whenever this "New World Order" comes to reality, the Illuminati will be the hands at the wheel.

Such fears of global dominion by one person or group of people are based partly on prophecy in the Bible. We read in the Bible in the person of the Antichrist and his companion, the False Prophet. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-15" TARGET="_blank">2 Thessalonians 2:1-15 tells of his demands for absolute authority, lifting himself as God. Revelation 13:1-18" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 13:1-18 tells of his rise to power in the symbol of a beast rising out of the sea and his demand of control of all economic activity with his seal 666 on the forehead or hand of every citizen.

It must be remembered that while Satan my be the inspiration behind the Antichrist, God is ultimately in control of all world events and world leaders. God can use evil people to carry out his plans without their knowing it (Isaiah 10:5," TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 10:5, Isaiah 10:7)." TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 10:7). He uses nations to punish his people Israel (Judges 2:14-15," TARGET="_blank">Judges 2:14-15, Judges 2:21-23;" TARGET="_blank">Judges 2:21-23; Judges 2:3:12)." TARGET="_blank">Judges 2:3:12). He can also harden people's resolve to self-destruction (Joshua 11:20;" TARGET="_blank">Joshua 11:20; Judges 7:22)." TARGET="_blank">Judges 7:22). Even the Antichrist will be under God's control and punished at the end of time (Revelation 20:1-10)." TARGET="_blank">Revelation 20:1-10).

Shad Sluiter

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Does our Lord possess two natures?

Does our Lord possess two natures?

Is this a problem because we are told that we have two natures and these involve a conflict? No such conflict existed with our Lord. He is the indissoluble union of two distinct natures: all that deity is essentially and eternally; all that humanity is essentially and originally, without the possibility of sin.

Historically, the councils at Chalcedony (451) and Constantinople (553) addressed varied errors regarding the unique "substance" of our Lord Jesus Christ. The errors of the Apollinarians (the Lord had no human soul, not truly human), Nestorians (Jesus was indwelt by God, not truly God), and the Monophysites (meaning, "sole nature," endangering both His full humanity and full deity) forced clear "confessions" regarding the union of deity and humanity in our Lord. These "confessions" affirm the integrity of the union of the two natures in the one Person and the preservation of the characteristics of each nature "without confusion, change, division or separation." Jesus is "one and the same Christ, Son, Lord, Only-begotten, to be acknowledged in two natures, inconfusedly, unchangeably, indivisibly, inseparably; the distinction of natures, being by no means taken away by the union, but rather the property of each nature being preserved, and concurring in one Person and one Subsistence, not parted or divided into two persons, but one and the same Son, and only begotten, God the Word, the Lord Jesus Christ." This defines the hypostatic union of our Lord in which His underlying ("hupo") substance ("stasis") is the union of two eternally distinct "substances": He is of the same "substance" or essence as God ("very God of very God"), at the same time being of the same "substance" or essence as man ("very man of very man").

This expresses the profound implications of passages like Luke 1:31-35;" TARGET="_blank">Luke 1:31-35; John 1:1, 14;" TARGET="_blank">John 1:1, 14; Romans 9:5;" TARGET="_blank">Romans 9:5; Philippians 2:6-8;" TARGET="_blank">Philippians 2:6-8; Colossians 3:9;" TARGET="_blank">Colossians 3:9; Hebrews 1:3, 8." TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 1:3, 8.

D. Oliver
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How will the weather be affected during the Millennium?

How will the weather be affected during the Millennium?

David longed for a just King to reign in the fear of God. That would be as "a morning without clouds" (2Sa 23:4)." TARGET="_blank">2Sa 23:4). The word "as" introduces figurative language, but this does describe the weather patterns of the Millennium, which may be more pleasant than any weather since creation.

The weather during that reign will contribute to a fruitful ecological system. In Psalm 72" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 72 (as both the KJV and JND translate it), places that rarely produce a harvest will wave with abundance of grain (v 16). While the results of sin will be rolled back from creation, they will not be eliminated. The curse of sin will not touch the heavenly city, but the nations will still need "healing" during the Millennium (Rev 22:2, 3)." TARGET="_blank">Rev 22:2, 3). The complete removal of every trace of sin awaits the Day of God (2Pe 3:11-13)," TARGET="_blank">2Pe 3:11-13), the new heavens and the new earth (Rev 21:1-5)." TARGET="_blank">Rev 21:1-5). We know that some regions of the earth will lack needed rain (Zech 14:16-19)." TARGET="_blank">Zech 14:16-19). This will be the direct result of disobedience to the King.

This leads to the conclusion that the weather during the Millennium will be controlled by the Lord in such a way that fruitfulness will abound and, where appropriate, sin will be directly and immediately punished by means of the weather. Justice will not only control the governmental systems, but the ecological system as well. Except where human depravity will express itself, conditions in that day will be "right."

D. Oliver

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What is the difference between "a child is born" and "a son is given"?

What is the difference in Isaiah 9:6." TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 9:6. between the expressions the “child born” and the “Son given”?

There is an important difference, I believe, and one which the exponents of what they term “the New Light,” as to the Eternal Sonship of our Lord, would do well to consider. Why is the “child” said to be “born,” but the “Son” not born, but “given”? We read in Isaiah 7:14" TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 7:14 that God had been pleased to offer to king Ahaz a sign to confirm his doubting soul, that the line of David would not be superseded by the son of Tabeal, according to the Satanic design of Rezin and Pekah, which would have set aside the purpose of God regarding His future King, who must be of the seed of David according to the flesh. Ahaz had liberty of choice; he might ask for any sign in the depth, that is commensurate with the drying up of the Red Sea, or in the height commensurate with the standing still of the sun in answer to Joshua’s prayer. The king who was continually tempting God by his disobedience, refused this offer: He would not tempt the Lord, he said. Very well, then, the Lord will give a sign greater than any other known so far in the history of the world—the Virgin Birth of Him who was God: “Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel” (v. 14). A great effort of unbelief has been made to show that the word,” ‘almãh,” translated “virgin,” should be rather rendered “young married woman.” Such an objection hardly shows unusual scholarship, so much as a lack of common sense; for the fact of a young married woman having a son would be no sign at all. In this verse, in the phrase “a virgin shall. . . bear a son,” the same verb is used as in chap. 9. 6, “a child is born.” Here the Son is viewed as the Son of Mary in the sense of Matthew 1:25" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 1:25: “She brought forth her first-born Son.” Why then is the “Son” said to be “given” in Isa. 9." TARGET="_blank">Isa. 9. 6? The reason is that there the One born is viewed as the One who had already been Son from all eternity. He could not become that by human birth. The child was born, but God gave His Eternal Son. W.H.

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Who will be saved in the Great Tribulation?

Could those now familiar with the gospel be saved after the Rapture?

God has always reserved the right to establish deadlines in His offer of salvation: death, despite the uplifted serpent (Numbers 21);" TARGET="_blank">Numbers 21); the falling of judgment after God closed the door of Noah's ark; a closed door when the Son of Man returns to earth (Matthew 25:10;" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 25:10; Luke 13:25)." TARGET="_blank">Luke 13:25). Similarly, the Scriptures point to a deadline enforced when the Savior returns for His Church. 2 Thessalonians 2:10" TARGET="_blank">2 Thessalonians 2:10 describes the deceivableness of unrighteousness operating in "them that perish" (same word as "lost" in 2 Corinthians 4:3)." TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 4:3). Note two important phrases: "that they might be saved"; "that they might be condemned." Failing to receive the love of the truth and be saved, they will believe the lie and be condemned. Such strong language underlines the danger of making sweeping statements about some not included in the passage. Failing to "believe" or "receive" the truth indicates a conscious failure to repent and receive the Gospel -more than merely living where Bibles are available or gospel meetings are accessible. However, publically implying that some in a Gospel audience might find salvation after the Lord returns is infinitely more dangerous. The evangelist's responsibility is to urge his audience to "Seek ... the Lord while He may be found."

E. Higgins

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Printable Word Scrambles

Printable Word Scrambles 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 scramble worksheet.

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

Instructions for the Printable Word Scrambles maker

1. Type in a famous phrase or select a verse from the Bible to make into a word scramble.
2. The Word Scramble Maker will automatically select the longest words in the phrase, find letters that each word has in common.

3. The third step is simply to view the printable word scramble and print.

Hints:

If your phrase does not make a very good printable word scramble, try adding a few more words to the sentence. The word scramble program needs between 10 and 25 words, four or more having at least 6 letters.In addition to the printable word scrambles, you can make

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Can an elder

Can an elder’s wife receive a "crown of glory" (1 Peter 5:2-4)" TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 5:2-4)?

That crown is apparently for "under-shepherds" who are taking care of the Chief Shepherd’s sheep. The context of the book may explain why Peter (by the Spirit’s inspiration) calls it a crown of glory. Peter reminds believers of the sufferings of the Lord Jesus and of His subsequent glory (1 Peter 1:11)." TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 1:11). He encourages believers in their trials that their suffering likewise precedes glory (1:7; 4:13). In two ways, elders may have special sufferings. When enemies persecute believers, leaders are special targets. In addition, the burden of caring for the flock often causes them much grief and suffering of soul. Glory follows suffering, so in a unique way the Lord has reserved for them a crown of glory.

Another crown, the crown of life, is offered to those who "endure temptation" (James 1:12)." TARGET="_blank">James 1:12). An elder’s wife may receive this crown for suffering with her husband (in whatever way you may wish to apply that!).

D. Oliver
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