Do the Scriptures teach that an overseer is to rule the Church?

RULE
Do the Scriptures teach that an overseer is to rule the Church?

Does “obey them that have the rule over you,” imply that we have rulers in the Church to-day?

Three words are translated “RULE” in the New Testament in reference to oversight:

(1) P0IMAINO (from POIMN, a shepherd), used by our Lord to Peter—”Feed (better, ‘shepherd’) my sheep” (John 21:16)." TARGET="_blank">John 21:16). The word in vv. 1 and 17 for “feed,” is BOSKO; but feeding, though of the first importance, is only one item of shepherding.

(2) POIMAINO also occurs in Acts 20:28" TARGET="_blank">Acts 20:28 and 1 Peter 5:2," TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 5:2, “feed the flock”; also in Matt. 2:6," TARGET="_blank">Matt. 2:6, “RULE”—”that shall rule (marg. feed) my people Israel.” (z) PR0" TARGET="_blank">PR0I- STMI, as in 1 Timothy 3:5" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 3:5 “If a man know not how to RULE his own house, how shall he take care (EPIMELBOMAI) of the church of God?” This word for “take care” occurs only here and in Luke 10:34, 35," TARGET="_blank">Luke 10:34, 35, of and by “the good Samaritan.”

PROISTEMI is used too of the RULE OF THE CHURCH in 1 Timothy 5:17." TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 5:17.

(3) HGEOMAI (from AGO, to lead), to be a leader, to rule (in New Testament this latter only in present participle), is used of Barnabas and Silas—”CHIEF MEN among the brethren” (Acts 15:22);" TARGET="_blank">Acts 15:22); of Joseph—”GovEiuoR over Egypt” (Acts 8:10);" TARGET="_blank">Acts 8:10); and in Hebrews 13:7, 17," TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 13:7, 17, 24 in the expression, “them that HAVE THE RULE OVER” (marg., in two latter verses, “guides,” which seems to do well).

Overseers, then, are shepherds, feeding, guiding, tending the flock; also ruling, but not inthese]fassetiye, domineering way of a Gentile king, “not as lords over God’s heritage,” but with gentle control for the good of the sheep, whom they love, because they belong to the Chief Shepherd who has entrusted them to their care (1 Peter 5:2-4)," TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 5:2-4), and it is for the sheep to be subject to this godly rule.

W.H.

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How can the content of gospel messages be made interesting?

How can the content of gospel messages be made interesting?

Of first importance is the spiritual power of the message (1 Corinthians 2:4)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 2:4). Second is its clarity (1 Corinthians 14:8,9)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 14:8,9). For a message to reach an unbeliever, it must capture and retain his attention. Since the gospel is for the benefit of believers (Ephesians 4:12)," TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 4:12), they also deserve an interesting presentation of this beloved message.

True and relevant illustrations develop interest and fasten truth in the memory. They are supplements, however; Scripture is central. Variety is important, but that doesn’t require novel passages. The power of a passage is not in what is forced into it, but in what is found within it (Hebrews 4:12);" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 4:12); preaching communicates that power. The New Testament is the primary resource for a New Testament gospel. Many gospel principles and helpful illustrations come from the Old Testament, but their power is in their relationship to New Testament truth. The parables of the Lord and His miracles are rich resources. His interviews with individuals are instructive. The messages in Acts provide rich material for preaching. Great gospel texts, in both the Old and New Testament, are a staple for preaching. Preaching on Ephesians 2:8, 9," TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 2:8, 9, for instance, could take various forms: illustrated by the uplifted serpent or by David and Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9);" TARGET="_blank">2 Samuel 9); viewed from the standpoint of the Ephesians who first heard it; developed from the three major words of the text (grace, faith, saved); unified with all the Bible by tracing the thread of "grace" which runs through the New Testament or the entire Bible; compared to the Lord’s conversation with the rich, young ruler. The Bible’s living truth should be vibrant in our lives and our preaching.

D. Oliver
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How should elders treat believers who show no change of life after professing faith in Christ?

What should be the attitude of those in oversight with regard to new converts who continue to attend worldly amusements, and whose manner of life shows no change?

If what the questioner means is that these so-called converts have already been received into the fellowship of the assembly, then the only fitting attitude for the leaders and others, who in such circumstances allowed them to come in, is one of humiliation before God for their negligence and sin. If, on the other hand, they are still outside the assembly, this is the place to keep them, until they show some satisfactory sign that they have become “a new creature,” in Christ, with the “old things passed away,” and “all things become new.” 2 Corinthians 5" TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 5:

There is a regrettable lack, amongst both Gospel preachers and assemblies, of giving due emphasis to the truth that there can be no real conversion to God, without changed interests and changed conduct.

W.R.

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Who was Saint Patrick and what is St. Patrick's Day?

Who was Saint Patrick and what is St. Patrick's Day?

Maewyn Succat is the real name of the man who the Catholic Church eventually declared to be Saint Patrick. He was born in 387 A.D. in Kilpatrick, Scotland and died in 461 A.D. He is known for his Christian missionary work in Ireland where he preached for 30 years. It is said that over 135,000 people were converted due to his teaching and 300 churches established throughout the country.

He didn’t appear to be born to greatness. When he was 16 years old he was captured by Catholic invaders and became a slave in Ireland. During his time in slavery, he learned about the non-Christian culture and customs of Celtic Ireland. Later in life he returned and converted many of these Celts to the Catholic faith.

He felt called by God because of a vivid dream in which God said “Your ship is ready.” St. Patrick jumped a ship bound for Britian where he received another message from God in a dream. This time in his dream he received a letter which was the “voice of the Irish”. Inside the letter he heard the people of Ireland asking him to return to teach them the Catholic faith.

Saint Patrick then studied to become an ordained Catholic bishop. Later he returned to Ireland to begin his missionary work. His preaching was met with great success. Knowing the Celltic culture, he adapted symbols of Ireland to teach Christian doctrines, most notably the shamrock, a three-leaved clover, to represent the trinity. It is also said that Saint Patrick introduced alcohol to Ireland which still affects the culture of Ireland today.

Saint Patrick’s Day Observed

Saint Patrick died on March 17, 461. March 17 is a national holiday in Ireland to commemorate their greatest Catholic missionary of all time. With a significant Irish immigrant population, the United States celebrates the day, but not to the extent of making it a national holiday. People wear green, claim to be Irish for at least one day of the year, drink green beer and in Chicago, dye the Chicago River green.

While the Bible doesn’t mention a special class of people as saints (all believers are referred to as the saints - see note below), Maewyn Succat was an extraordinary man who dedicated his life to teaching the tenants of the Christian faith to another culture. The main known as Saint Patrick made Ireland into one of the most ardent supporters of the Catholic Church anywhere on the planet.

Saints

The Bible refers to all believers as saints. See the following list of saints mentioned in the Acts and the Epistles...

(Acts 9:13)" TARGET="_blank">Acts 9:13) But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem.

(Acts 9:32)" TARGET="_blank">Acts 9:32) Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.

(Acts 9:41)" TARGET="_blank">Acts 9:41) And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.

(Acts 26:10)" TARGET="_blank">Acts 26:10) And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them.

(Romans 1:7)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 1:7) To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(Romans 8:27)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 8:27) And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

(Romans 12:13)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 12:13) Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

(Romans 15:25)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 15:25) At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints.

(Romans 15:26)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 15:26) For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem.

(Romans 15:31)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 15:31) that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,

(Romans 16:2)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 16:2) that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.

(Romans 16:15)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 16:15) Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.

(1 Corinthians 1:2)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 1:2) To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:

(1 Corinthians 6:1)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 6:1) When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?

(1 Corinthians 6:2)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 6:2) Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases?

(1 Corinthians 14:33)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 14:33) For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,

(1 Corinthians 16:1)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 16:1) Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do.

(1 Corinthians 16:15)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 16:15) Now I urge you, brothers--you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints--

(2 Corinthians 1:1)" TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 1:1) Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God that is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia:

(2 Corinthians 8:4)" TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 8:4) begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints--

(2 Corinthians 9:1)" TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 9:1) Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints,

(2 Corinthians 9:12)" TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 9:12) For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.

(2 Corinthians 13:13)" TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 13:13) All the saints greet you.

(Ephesians 1:1)" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 1:1) Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:

(Ephesians 1:15)" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 1:15) For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints,

(Ephesians 1:18)" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 1:18) having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

(Ephesians 2:19)" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 2:19) So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,

(Ephesians 3:8)" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 3:8) To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

(Ephesians 3:18)" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 3:18) may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,

(Ephesians 4:12)" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 4:12) to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

(Ephesians 5:3)" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 5:3) But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.

(Ephesians 6:18)" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 6:18) praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

(Philippians 1:1)" TARGET="_blank">Philippians 1:1) Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:

(Philippians 4:22)" TARGET="_blank">Philippians 4:22) All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.

(Colossians 1:2)" TARGET="_blank">Colossians 1:2) To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

(Colossians 1:4)" TARGET="_blank">Colossians 1:4) since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints,

(Colossians 1:12)" TARGET="_blank">Colossians 1:12) giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

(Colossians 1:26)" TARGET="_blank">Colossians 1:26) the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.

(1 Thessalonians 3:13)" TARGET="_blank">1 Thessalonians 3:13) so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

(2 Thessalonians 1:10)" TARGET="_blank">2 Thessalonians 1:10) when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.

(1 Timothy 5:10)" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 5:10) and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.

(Philemon 1:5)" TARGET="_blank">Philemon 1:5) because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints,

(Philemon 1:7)" TARGET="_blank">Philemon 1:7) For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.

(Hebrews 6:10)" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 6:10) For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.

(Hebrews 13:24)" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 13:24) Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings.

(Jude 1:3)" TARGET="_blank">Jude 1:3) Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.

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What did Joseph's dream about the Sun Moon and Stars mean?

What is the special significance of Joseph’s second dream (Genesis 37:9-10)" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 37:9-10)?

Both the dreams of Joseph look forward to the day when the One of whom he is so striking a picture, the Lord Jesus, “the man of sorrows,” “despised and rejected of men,” crucified, but now exalted, will be recognised and owned even by those who once refused him. The first dream, of course, had its literal fulfilment in Egypt, when Joseph’s brethren bowed at his feet. It will also have its further fulfilment “when He comes whose right it is,” and “they shall look on Him whom they pierced,” and shall “mourn because of Him.” Then the affecting scenes between Joseph and his brethren will be re-enacted in deeper measure between Christ and the saved remnant of Israel (Zechariah 12:10-12)," TARGET="_blank">Zechariah 12:10-12), which will form the nucleus of the nation, over which He will reign for ever.

“The Lord God shall give Him the throne of His father David, and He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of His kingdom there shall be no end” (Luke 1:32, 33)." TARGET="_blank">Luke 1:32, 33). This is the earthly kingdom—the sheaves speak of a harvest—”the field is the world.” The second dream has had no fulfilment yet. Rachel had already passed away. Jacob never bowed to Joseph, but he will to the greater than Joseph. If “the sheaves” point to an earthly sphere, the sun, moon, and stars point to another, the heavenly. This goes further and higher than the first. The earthly kingdom is everlasting, but not unlimited (see Psalm 72:8)." TARGET="_blank">Psalm 72:8). The second will be universal, as well as everlasting. It will include the other, but go beyond it. Of that kingdom, too, Christ will be the Crown, the Centre, and the Sum.

W.H.

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What is "my Father's Kingdom" in Matthew 26?

ASPECTS OF THE KINGDOM

To what time do the references to the Kingdom belong in Matthew 26:29" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 26:29 (“My Father’s Kingdom”); Mark 14:25" TARGET="_blank">Mark 14:25 (“the Kingdom of God”; see also Luke 22:16);" TARGET="_blank">Luke 22:16); and 2 Peter 1:11" TARGET="_blank">2 Peter 1:11 (“the Everlasting Kingdom”)? Are these terms interchangeable?

It is evident that the expression, “My Father’s Kingdom” in Matthew 26" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 26: 29 refers to the same Kingdom as “the Kingdom of God” in Mark 14: 25," TARGET="_blank">Mark 14: 25, for the same occasion is referred to. It may be noticed that the Lord does not say “our Father’s Kingdom,” but “My Father’s Kingdom.” It reminds us of “My Father and your Father,” where there is a distinction with a difference. We might refer also to Matthew 13:43" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 13:43

“Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father.” The One whose Kingdom it is, will be in special relation to the redeemed—His own children—who will share in it; but as the Kingdom in its millennial aspect (which is specially in view here) will embrace in its scope many, who will not be children of God, born in the earth during its course, it is called also “the Kingdom of God.” He will be God of such, but not Father. Though the Millennial Kingdom is only the first stage of the Everlasting Kingdom, of 2 Peter 1:11" TARGET="_blank">2 Peter 1:11 and though our Lord Jesus Christ will reign over both in the Father’s Name, the two are quite distinct. In the Millennial Kingdom, though Satan will be excluded, evil will still be present, and the reign will close with the last great rebellion under Satan, who will be liberated for a short space. Then will all the enemies of God and of His Christ be subdued for ever under His feet and judged, so that in the Everlasting Kingdom, in which Christ will continue to reign for ever, there will be no “evil concurrent,” no opposing will, and righteousness will no longer “reign” as in the Millennium, but “dwell.”

W.H.

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What is the gift of speaking in tongues?

The gift of tongues is a God-given ability to speak another human language without ever studying or growing up in the language. The gift of tongues is a miraculous ability. The Bible has several references to people who had the gift of tongues.

The Bible's Example the Gift of Tongues

The first mention in the Bible of people having the gift of tongues is found in Acts 2:1-4" TARGET="_blank">Acts 2:1-4 during the Jewish festival of Pentecost. The apostles were instructed by Christ to wait in Jerusalem to be empowered by the Holy Spirit. On the Day of Pentecost, the apostles spoke to the crowds gathered in Jerusalem who had come from all parts of the world. Each nationality and tribe heard the Apostles speak in the language or dialect from which they had traveled. The Apostles, however, were local fishermen, who had never traveled or studied foreign languages.

“We hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” (Acts 2:11" TARGET="_blank">Acts 2:11

Although there are other occasions in which people spoke in tongues (languages), Acts 2" TARGET="_blank">Acts 2 is the only chapter where the nature of the tongue is described.

Regulating the Gift of Tongues in the Church

The Church in the city of Corinth was have a lot of problems, including the unrestrained and chaotic use of the gift of tongues. Paul mentions several times the importance of speaking intelligibly in order to help people.

“But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue” (1 Corinthians 14:19)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 14:19).

1 Corinthians 12:1" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 12:1 through 1 Corinthians 14" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 14: is an extended discussion about regulating how tongues should be used in the church. The gift of tongues was designed to help people understand a word from God even if the evangelist normally didn't speak the language of the person listening.

“Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?” (1 Corinthians 14:6)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 14:6).

The Gift of Interpreting

Similar to the gift of tongues is the gift of interpreting (1 Corinthians 12:30)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 12:30). Normally to be able to interpret for another speaker, the interpreter needs to study or grow up speaking two languages. The gift of interpretation is a super-natural capability to understand a foreign language in order to tell the listener what is being said.

The End of the Gift of Tongues

The gift of tongues was given by God to call the attention of the Jews to the fact that new prophets were on the scene in Jerusalem. Every person in the Bible who was able to perform miracles was given their amazing abilities in order to authenticate that their message was indeed from God. For example, Moses, who wrote the first five books of the Bible, performed many miracles. Later, men like Elijah and Elisha spoke authoritatively for God and had the ability to perform miracles. The Apostles, who were delivering a new message, the gospel of Jesus Christ, which would eventually become the New Testament, also had the divine seal of authority from God, namely the ability to perform miracles, including the gift of tongues.

First Corinthians 13:8" TARGET="_blank">First Corinthians 13:8 says that gift of tongues would cease along with the completion of the revelation of God given through the apostles. No new messages need to come from God today since the collection of books of the Bible is complete.

1 Corinthians 13:8-10" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 13:8-10 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. (9) For we know in part and we prophesy in part, (10) but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.

Does the gift of tongues as seen today match the Biblical example?

Those who claim to have the gift of tongues today often have a very different form of tongues than that found in the example of Acts 2." TARGET="_blank">Acts 2. Random vocal sounds are attributed to being "a heavenly language". No trace of grammar, vocabulary or similarity to any known langue can be found. How different that what we find in scripture, “If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God” (1 Corinthians 14:27-28)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 14:27-28).

I speak in tongues

I went to Mexico as a missionary in 2006 where I studied for over a year every day with many hours of practice. If I had been given the gift of tongues, I would have saved a lot of time and frustration. Acts 2" TARGET="_blank">Acts 2 is not the normal experience for today since we have a full Bible.

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My teen age child is rebellious. What can I do?

What can Christian parents do to help their wayward, rebellious teenagers?

Keep the relationship. Maintain communication and affirm your unchanged love. The child knows your standards; nagging will destroy communication.

The Lord (Isaiah 1:2)" TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 1:2) and the prodigal’s father (Luke 15:13)" TARGET="_blank">Luke 15:13) had wayward, rebellious children. Combining these two illustrations provides several suggestions:

1. Continue to communicate as positively as possible (as God did through Isaiah).

2. Expect, long for, and plan for the best (as in both cases). "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man [and his wife] availeth much" (James 5:16)." TARGET="_blank">James 5:16).

3. Refrain from dwelling on and nagging about the negative (as when the prodigal returned).

4. Allow a mature child to make his choices and live with the results. Sheltering him from the results of his choices is counterproductive (as in both cases).

5. Don’t compromise your own standards (God remains the "Holy One of Israel" in Isaiah).

6. When confrontation is necessary, plan to express yourself effectively ONCE (as in Isaiah).

7. Keep the door open for a gracious welcome (as the prodigal’s father).

Two points contrast with both illustrations:

1. Only one parent is in view, but each parent must maintain a united purpose and effort.

2. We are failing parents. Honest admission of our limitations may help reduce resistance to our parenting. Submission to the Lord in the circumstances will help us to learn more of His heart’s longings for us and others who wander from Him. As heartbreaking as the experience is, in the Potter’s hand it can make us more like our Father and more effective as parents.

D. Oliver
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How is our priesthood related to the Breaking of Bread?

How is our priesthood related to the Breaking of Bread?

Old Testament priests offered for themselves (Hebrews 9:27)," TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 9:27), but primarily their work was mediatory. They functioned on behalf of others. When New Testament priests offer up spiritual sacrifices (1 Peter 2:5)," TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 2:5), they express what they have personally enjoyed of Christ, but they are offering worship to God on behalf of other believers. The worship of both sisters and brothers in Christ ascends to God in each expression of praise, for all are holy priests. The males lead in praise, as taught in 1 Corinthians 14:34," TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 14:34, while the sisters are silent. All join in saying "Amen" to the words of thanksgiving (v 16), because those words have expressed their thanksgiving.

Younger brothers in Christ help the gathering as they express their heartfelt appreciation of the Lord. Understanding their role as priests may increase the value of their contributions. Each is not merely adding his voice to the praise, but is expressing his appreciation as part of the assembly’s worship.

D. Oliver
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Why should disciples pray for the kingdom to come?

“THY KINGDOM COME”

Why did our Lord teach His disciples to pray “Thy Kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10)," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 6:10), yet later say to Pilate in John 18:36, “My Kingdom is not of this world”?

How can I reconcile these statements?

It may be said on the face of it that, if we take the expression, “Thy Kingdom come,” by itself, there is nothing to affirm that the Kingdom referred to is of this world. The expression is often used to-day of what would be termed “God’s cause”—”not meat or drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.” When we speak of the Kingdom of God coming, why, it may be asked, should we not be referring to the spiritual Kingdom? However, I am not advocating this use of the term, as we ought to take the words in their context. Such a question as this shews how important it is “rightly to divide the word of truth,” and to recognise the dispensational change, which occurred even in the brief space of our Lord’s ministry.

The kingdom that John, and subsequently our Lord and His apostles, proclaimed, was the Kingdom for which the disciples were taught to pray. This Kingdom, as we have shewn more than once lately, was the fifth Kingdom foretold by the prophet Daniel (chap. 2. ). Babylon, Medo-Persja and Greece had lost their power, and for nearly a century Jerusalem had been subject to Rome. The Lord Jesus was born King of the Jews. Born of the seed of David according to the flesh, He was the rightful heir to the Throne. He offered Himself as such. His miraculous works were His credentials, but these were in Matthew 9" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 9 and 12 imputed by His foes to Satan, and His rejection on the day of His entry into Jerusalem became a foregone conclusion.

This in no way set on one side the necessity of atonement, but that is kept in the back-ground till Matthew 16:21" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 16:21: “From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto His disciples how that He must suffer and be killed and be raised again the third day.” The Lord could not reign over an unrepentant people, and only, if repentant, on the ground of atonement. The setting up of the Messianic earthly kingdom was then postponed, so that the Lord’s words to Pilate fit into their place: His Kingdom had then for the time being lost its earthly character. When once more He claims the Kingdom, it will be as the Son of Man, coming in glory, and then it will be established by force. It will be said in that day, “The kingdoms of this world are become the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever.” The Millennial Kingdom will be the vestibule of the “Everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

W.H.

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