Are some overseers entitled to more spiritual weight than others?

Are some overseers entitled to more spiritual weight than others?

This questions requires particular balance in its answer, because the answer is both "yes" and "no." The consistent character, experience, and Biblical understanding of some overseers gives them greater "moral authority." The insights of such men deserve particular consideration. That consideration is afforded by others. If a man demands or obviously expects that consideration, he loses moral authority. Neither personality nor manipulative skill gives spiritual weight, not even age alone (Pro 16:31)." TARGET="_blank">Pro 16:31).

While each overseer is personally accountable to the Lord (Acts 20:28;" TARGET="_blank">Acts 20:28; Heb 13:17)," TARGET="_blank">Heb 13:17), the oversight functions as a unit (1Ti 4:14)" TARGET="_blank">1Ti 4:14) in which each elder is essential to the working of the whole. Spiritual weight will influence the decisions of the overseers only to the extent it addresses the issue at hand with the truth of the Word of God. Oversight decisions are not by majority vote, by weighted votes, or by a poll of all in the assembly, but through a consensus that considers all the overseers. Only such consideration fulfills the servant-leadership role the Lord described and exemplified (Mark 10:42-45;" TARGET="_blank">Mark 10:42-45; Phi 2:3-8)." TARGET="_blank">Phi 2:3-8).

The suggested answer then is "yes," because the character and Biblical insights of some will have greater influence on the oversight’s deliberations, and "no," because each overseer has equal responsibility for the decisions made by the oversight.

D. Oliver
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What is the relationship of a full-time worker to his home assembly?

What is the relationship of a full-time worker to his home assembly?

He is one of the brothers in the assembly. While he is a servant of Christ and not of men (Galatians 1:10)," TARGET="_blank">Galatians 1:10), he is as accountable to the assembly’s elders as are any others in the assembly (Hebrews 13:17)." TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 13:17). Epaphras, a "servant of Christ" was "one of you," identified with all the believers in the Colossian assembly (Colossians 4:12)." TARGET="_blank">Colossians 4:12). The worker’s labors are an extension of that assembly’s interests, not merely his own private enterprise. Because of this, the assembly shares a prayerful interest in his work. He may have a good knowledge of the Word and may therefore be a helpful resource for the overseers, but their work has not been entrusted to him. The ideal is that elders and full-time workers esteem one another highly for their work’s sake (1 Thessalonians 5:13)." TARGET="_blank">1 Thessalonians 5:13).

D. Oliver
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Should a Christian practice fasting?

Is fasting out of character for us because it was part of the legal system that God instituted?

During the second forty days on the mount, Moses states, "I did neither eat bread nor drink water, because of all your sins" (Deuteronomy 9:18)." TARGET="_blank">Deuteronomy 9:18). "I fell down before the Lord... because He said He would destroy you" (verse 25). Because the people sinned, he fasted and interceded. Thus we have the practice, but no command.

Israel defeated by Benjamin (Judges 20:26)," TARGET="_blank">Judges 20:26), Jehoshaphat meeting a vast army (2 Chronicles 20:3)" TARGET="_blank">2 Chronicles 20:3) and Esther facing death (Esther 4:15)" TARGET="_blank">Esther 4:15) all fasted. Even the unsaved of Nineveh, on hearing Jonah preach, "believe God, and proclaimed a fast" (Jonah 3:5)." TARGET="_blank">Jonah 3:5). The practice was not limited to the law nor to Israel.

Unless "afflict your souls" (Numbers 29:7," TARGET="_blank">Numbers 29:7, with Psalm 35:13" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 35:13 where "chastened [with fasting]" is the same word as "afflict") commands fasting, no such command seems to be recorded. These passages link fasting with repentance and humility.

E. Doherty
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Is male headship a cultural concept?

Is male headship a cultural concept?

Greek and Roman culture in New Testament times was evidently "male-dominated." If, however, as some contend, New Testament teaching is an expression of that culture, the basic nature of inspiration is at issue. "Thy Word is true from the beginning: and every one of Thy righteous judgments endureth for ever" (Psalm 119:160)." TARGET="_blank">Psalm 119:160). The Scriptures claim to be absolute truth; the Scripture’s application of that truth transcends time and culture.

Enunciated in the New Testament, headship is an administrative arrangement established by God Himself. The statement, "The head of Christ is God" (1 Corinthians 11:3)," TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 11:3), anchors this truth in the Godhead. Neither this nor the accompanying statement, "The head of every man is Christ" can be regarded as cultural. These are truths established by divine purpose. The third statement, "The head of the woman is the man," must be the same. God established this order at creation, as indicated in verses 7 - 9. Verse 5 refers to "every woman," thus substantiating that male headship is not limited to marriage.

The first clause of Ephesians 5: 23," TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 5: 23, "The husband is the head of the wife" shows that marriage models this relationship. The second clause, "Christ is the head of the church," relates God’s purpose for establishing this headship to the greatest work God will ever accomplish; therefore, male headship is a vital and eternal truth.

D. Oliver
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Funny Bible Questions

Funny Bible Questions grouped into eight categories:

Funny Bible Questions 8

Funny Bible Questions about Adam and Eve

Funny Bible Questions 7

Funny Bible Questions about Banking and Finance

Funny Bible Questions 6

Funny Bible Questions about Moses

Funny Bible Questions 5

Funny Bible Questions about David

Funny Bible Questions 4

Funny Bible Questions about Famous Places

Funny Bible Questions 3

Funny Bible Questions about Bible Names

Funny Bible Questions 2

Funny Bible Questions about Sports

Funny Bible Questions 1

Funny Bible Questions about Noah

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Was there more than one Tabernacle made by Moses?

What Tabernacle is referred to in Exodus 33:7-11" TARGET="_blank">Exodus 33:7-11?

According to the sequence of the chapters, the Tabernacle was not yet built. Some have inferred from Deuteronomy 10:1-5" TARGET="_blank">Deuteronomy 10:1-5 that Moses made the Ark during this interval, between his destruction of the first tables and the bringing down of the second, as a receptacle for the second tables which could not be entrusted to Israel. What do you say to this?

Certainly Deuteronomy 10:1-5" TARGET="_blank">Deuteronomy 10:1-5 would bear the above interpretation, “and I made an ark of shittim wood. . . and I put them (the tables of the Lord) in the Ark which I had made.” Yet we must remember that in Deuteronomy, Moses is admittedly only giving a summary of things, so that events spread over a period, are compressed, as occurring almost synchronously. For dates and details we must consult Exodus and Numbers. In Exodus 25:10" TARGET="_blank">Exodus 25:10 the directions as to making the Ark are given to Moses, during his first sojourn on the Mount, but were only communicated to the children of Israel in Exodus 35:12," TARGET="_blank">Exodus 35:12, after his second sojourn there. Only in Exodus 37:1" TARGET="_blank">Exodus 37:1 does Bezaleel actually make the Ark of shittim wood, in which the tables were eventually placed. We cannot admit that there were two Arks; for it is evident in Deuteronomy 10" TARGET="_blank">Deuteronomy 10 that the tables were to be permanently in the Ark which Moses is said to have made for them—”and there they be as the Lord commanded me.” This was actually done in Exodus 40:20" TARGET="_blank">Exodus 40:20 “And he took and put the testimony into the ark.” There is nothing really contradictory to this in the passages quoted. As for the tabernacle mentioned in Exodus 33:7-11," TARGET="_blank">Exodus 33:7-11, it could only have been a temporary tent of meeting called “The tabernacle of the congregation” (Exodus 33:7)," TARGET="_blank">Exodus 33:7), to which anyone went, who sought the Lord.” After the sin of the golden calf, God would not go up in the midst of the people, so this tent was pitched without the camp. When the actual Tabernacle was constructed and erected, Jehovah once more took His place in the midst of His people (Exodus 25:8;" TARGET="_blank">Exodus 25:8; Exodus 29:45;" TARGET="_blank">Exodus 29:45; Numbers 2:2)," TARGET="_blank">Numbers 2:2), no doubt, on the ground of sacrifice. The other temporary tent would naturally fall into disuse.

W.H.

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Is the narrow road a message for believers or a message of salvation?

Why do some say that the teaching of Matthew 7:13-14" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 7:13-14 is a message for believers?

Unbelievers (7:28) and believers (5:1) were both present while the Lord spoke. As in all that He did and said, His message was a model of good preaching; He set out the truth and then called for action. Verses 13 through 27 were His summary and call for action. Such was His skill in speaking that His summary applied to all who listened. He expressed universal principles. Submission to His Word results in "life which is life indeed" (1 Timothy 6:19," TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 6:19, RV), enjoyed both now and eternally. Disobedience to His Word results in loss, suffered both now and eternally.

We who are believers need this reminder. The value of our present life and testimony depends on uncompromising submission to His Word. The degree to which we disregard His Word is the degree to which we will suffer loss at the Bema (1 Corinthians 3:12-15)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 3:12-15).

D. Oliver
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Is mistreatment from other believers part of persecution?

Does "the fellowship of His sufferings" (Phi. 3:10)" TARGET="_blank">Phi. 3:10) include being misunderstood, and grieving because of the lack of spirituality and growth in other believers?

Perhaps the best way to consider this question is to differentiate suffering with the heart of Christ from suffering for the name of Christ.

God has always intended that His messengers will not only know the message they deliver but also understand the heart that sends the message. As God’s messengers - and all people - become better acquainted with their God, they are grieved for the things that grieve the heart of God. This includes the groaning of creation, the eternal grief of the lost, and the lack of development, discernment, and Christ-likeness in ourselves and other believers. This is suffering with the heart of Christ.

This does not, however, seem to be what Paul refers to in this passage. Rather, he is suffering for the name of Christ. Paul suffered both as a result of man’s resistance to the gospel (Acts 16:16-23)" TARGET="_blank">Acts 16:16-23) and also because of the Jews animosity against the Gentiles and the truth of Jew and Gentile’s being united in the Church the Body (Acts 22:21, 22;" TARGET="_blank">Acts 22:21, 22; Colossians 1:24)." TARGET="_blank">Colossians 1:24). This seems to better fit the context, which includes the possibility of martyrdom.

D. Oliver
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When the behavior of some in the assembly is disrespectful or irreverent, how can I be helpful to th

When the behavior of some in the assembly is disrespectful or irreverent, how can I be helpful to them?

Drinking coffee or talking on cell phones during meetings (as reported by the questioner) is a discretionary matter. To be fair, though, I don't think any elders in any assemblies I have visited would consider either of these behaviors appropriate during an assembly meeting.

In part, those who do these things may be trying to create an accepting atmosphere in which visitors will feel welcome. While this has value, a clear principle from Scripture has a prior claim: "Holiness becometh Thine house, O Lord, forever" (Psa 93:5). "Holy and reverend (revered, awesome [ESV], terrible [JND]) is His name" (111:9b). Since His name is associated with His assembly (Mat 18:20)," TARGET="_blank">Mat 18:20), its character regulates the gatherings. "God is not the author of confusion (disorder, unruliness)" (1Co 14:33)," TARGET="_blank">1Co 14:33), therefore "Let all things be done decently and in order" (dignity, see Strong's) (v 40). Behavior that lacks propriety and orderliness becoming to the presence of the Lord has no place in God's assembly.

Three suggestions, then, may enable a believer to be helpful in such circumstances. First, do not let the behavior of others either shape your behavior (Rom 12:2" TARGET="_blank">Rom 12:2a) or distract you from honoring the Lord (Psa 71:14, despite circumstances). Second, keep a right spirit, not becoming bitter against those whose behavior concerns you (Ephesians 4:31, 32)." TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 4:31, 32). Third, communicate your concerns in a way that is positive and edifying (v 29b). If your communication is not likely to be helpful, say nothing, but find a way through prayer and waiting on the Lord to express your thoughts.

D. Oliver
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Is salvation on a different basis in this age, being now by faith and baptism?

Is salvation on a different basis in this age, being now by faith and baptism?

The Old Testament nowhere suggests baptism is a condition for salvation, so that if baptism is necessary for salvation now, this must only be the case since the ascension of Christ.

In Romans 4," TARGET="_blank">Romans 4, Paul shows that justification is through faith by going to the Old Testament. Forgiveness for David and righteousness for Abraham came through faith apart from circumcision or the law (vv. 2-16). If these blessings are on a different basis now, namely faith plus baptism, why would Paul go to the Old Testament to support his teaching? We infer from Romans 4" TARGET="_blank">Romans 4 that in every age salvation is by faith alone and is not dependent on baptism, law-keeping, good works, rituals, or righteous living.

D. Oliver
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