Does the "Book of Mormon" have any spiritual value?

Does the "Book of Mormon" have any spiritual value?

No. Revelation 22:18" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 22:18 warns against adding to the prophecies of that book. Hebrews 1:1-2" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 1:1-2 indicates that the time of varied and partial prophecies culminated and concluded in the coming of God’s Son. The Lord authorized His followers to complete the revelation of truth (John 14:26; 16:13, 14)." TARGET="_blank">John 14:26; 16:13, 14). Biblically, then, the Word of God was completed when John went home to heaven. The purported origin of the "Book of Mormon" cannot be confirmed. The three witnesses who allegedly saw the "plates" from which it was translated all eventually turned from Mormonism. In the ensuing years, the "inspired translation" has been changed in over 2000 places. It contradicts the Scriptures, saying, for example, that the Son of God would be born at Jerusalem. Its history contradicts available evidence; its language is an apparent plagiarism of the King James Version and violates accepted rules of grammar; it contradicts its own statements of doctrine. (W. Martin, "Kingdom of the Cults," Bethany House Publishers, pp. 156-171.)

D. Oliver
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Does the example of women publishing tidings about the Ark give weight to the idea of preaching?

The R.V. of Psalm 68:11" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 68:11: “The women that publish the tidings are a great host,” has been used in favour of public preaching of the Gospel by women. What is its real meaning?

Psalm 68" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 68 is primarily connected with the bringing up of the Ark by David to the “resting place” (Psalm 132:8," TARGET="_blank">Psalm 132:8, R.V.) which he had, in accordance with his boyhood’s vow, prepared for it; though, of course, prophetically it looks forward to events far beyond that. It begins in v. with the words uttered by Moses on the occasions when the Ark was being taken up to move onward through the wilderness (Numbers 10:35);" TARGET="_blank">Numbers 10:35); and in its earlier verses it recounts in few words the bright side of Israel’s past history, as connected with what the Ark symbolised—the presence and power of God with His people. Their march through the desert; their arrival in the promised inheritance; and their victories over the nations that dwelt there, and those others that surrounded it; are pictured as won by the Presence of God with them. On various occasions these were celebrated in song, especially by their women-folk; and it is to such celebrations that the words quoted in the question refer.

See examples of them, in Exodus 15:20, 21," TARGET="_blank">Exodus 15:20, 21, after the Red Sea crossing; in Judges 5:1-3," TARGET="_blank">Judges 5:1-3, after Barak’s defeat of the host of Sisera; and in 1 Samuel 18:6, 7," TARGET="_blank">1 Samuel 18:6, 7, after David’s own victory over Goliath. Also compare the rejoicing on this occasion of the bringing up of the Ark as described in 2 Sam. 6. 15-22." TARGET="_blank">2 Sam. 6. 15-22. It is worthy of note that in many respects our psalm may be compared with the above-mentioned Song of Deborah. Those who advocate that women should do what in the New Testament they are forbidden to do, must be hard bestead for proof, if they have to come to Psalm 68:11" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 68:11 for it.

W.R.

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Why does the church share a cup for the wine?

In this passage, what is the significance of partaking of the cup?

Since God required the blood to satisfy His claims (Exodus 12:13;" TARGET="_blank">Exodus 12:13; Leviticus 17:11)," TARGET="_blank">Leviticus 17:11), the cup of blessing expresses fellowship with God. Those partaking of the cup share a fellowship with God on the basis of shed blood. This corporate act expresses a corporate fellowship, "the fellowship" (Acts 2:42)" TARGET="_blank">Acts 2:42) existing when believers obey the Spirit’s teaching, thus forming an assembly (1 Corinthians 1:9)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 1:9).

This is central to Paul’s teaching about idolatry. By partaking of what was given for idols ("the cup of devils"), they expressed a fellowship with demons ("the table of devils"). By symbolically partaking of what was for God ("the cup of the Lord"), they expressed a fellowship with the Lord ("the table of the Lord"). It is morally impossible to have fellowship with devils (demons) and with the Lord, to participate with the heathen temple and with the church of God. Participating in the assembly requires separation from evil.

D. Oliver
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How should I view abortion?

What is a scriptural attitude toward abortion?

By inspiration David teaches that life and God's purpose for life begins at conception (Psalm 139:13," TARGET="_blank">Psalm 139:13,16b). This context also reveals that the formation of the person, perfect or imperfect, and the length of life is determined by God.

In Galatians 1:15" TARGET="_blank">Galatians 1:15 Paul remarks that God determined his birth: "God... separated me from my mother's womb."

Is not the Lord Jesus our supreme example? He said to Pilate; "To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world" (John 18:37)." TARGET="_blank">John 18:37).

In 2 Kings 8:12" TARGET="_blank">2 Kings 8:12 we see a weeping prophet expressing the grief of the heart of God because of king Hazael of Damascus. Mentioned amongst the atrocities he would commit is the slaying of "women with child." While these were Syrians, enemies of Israel, God abhorred the crime of taking the life of mothers and children.

Christians believe the sanctity and divine purpose that gives life to every baby forbids acceptance of aborting a pregnancy. Questions will arise regarding the welfare of mothers. As sensitive as this matter is Genesis 35:16-19" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 35:16-19 guides believers as to divine purpose.

J. Smith

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Does the devil still have the power of death?

Does the devil still have this power of death?

This page was adapted from an answer at Truth and Tidings Magazine by David Oliver.

To this date the devil still has the power of death. That is, death still extends its reach to all creatures - animal and human. The verse in Hebrews 2" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 2 does not say that Christ destroyed the power of death or took it away from the devil. Christ destroyed the devil himself or, more perhaps better said, Christ rendered him ineffective (Arndt & Gingrich). Satan is still the ruler of this world; the curse of sin and death still affects us all. He is still active and mighty. He will have another, unrestrained opportunity to bring disaster on the earth (Revelation 12:12)." TARGET="_blank">Revelation 12:12). However, the Lord Jesus died and effectively rendered Satan powerless, the devil will not and cannot undo God’s plan. In creation, God had a greater plan that simply creating a peaceful place to live for Adam and Eve. In Eden, the devil had more in mind than ruining creation or making it his dominion.

D. Oliver

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Should young Christian families use TV and videos as a baby sitter?

Should young Christian families use TV and videos as a baby sitter?

With television about as common in the home as electricity and running water, suggesting that children grow up without it sounds hopelessly archaic. Nevertheless, "mine eye affecteth my heart" (Lamentations 3:51)" TARGET="_blank">Lamentations 3:51) expresses a principle. Even if parents were to effectively control the programming, the blatant materialism, violence, and suggestiveness of the advertising is detrimental. Television offers some valuable content. Its liabilities seem to outweigh its value.

While videos can likewise be harmful, they offer valuable content. With appropriate choices, parents can provide historical, scientific, geographic, and spiritual material through videos.

None of this, however, is a substitute for the value of a developing relationship between the child and his parents. Solomon remembers and values his personal relationship with both his mother and father in Proverbs 4:3." TARGET="_blank">Proverbs 4:3. To habitually fill a child’s hours with a replacement for parenting is misguided. The parental relationship is especially important for a young child; it’s the foundation for the teen years.

D. Oliver
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How extensively can a woman serve God in an assembly?

How extensively can a woman serve God in an assembly?

Some scriptural boundaries surround the service any of us contribute to the assembly: maintaining order (1 Corinthians 14:40)," TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 14:40), showing consideration (14:32), and edifying others (14:31). God ordains three additional protective boundaries for sisters: silence in the assembly’s praying and speaking (1 Corinthians 14:34, 35);" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 14:34, 35); not teaching publicly (1 Timothy 2:12);" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 2:12); and not usurping authority over men (2:12b), meaning not taking leadership. Within those boundaries, sisters have a significant service in the assembly.

Prayer is the most important service.

Older women have the responsibility of teaching younger woman (Titus 2:4)." TARGET="_blank">Titus 2:4). Younger believers

may be able to relate better to godly sisters who have retained a youthful outlook combined with spiritual wisdom. This relationship opens the door for giving spiritual help. Sisters are effective in communicating Bible truth to children (2 Timothy 3:15; 1:5)," TARGET="_blank">2 Timothy 3:15; 1:5), whether at home or in the assembly’s children’s work. Phebe had spiritual service entrusted to her (Romans 16:1)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 16:1) as a "deaconess" of the assembly. That may include something so sacred as delivering the Roman letter to Roman believers.

Hospitality is a means of cultivating social and spiritual relationships that give a couple greater opportunities for spiritual service. Single sisters can serve the Lord in this way, as well. The Lord fed His disciples before dealing with the failure of their hearts (John 21:12-15)." TARGET="_blank">John 21:12-15).

Other areas that do not undermine male leadership are planning and providing meals for assembly functions, helping to decorate the assembly’s meeting place, and doing personal work in evangelizing. An assembly could utilize a woman’s abilities in accounting. Elders could wisely encourage a trusted sister to advise a young sister regarding modest clothing. A sister’s handling such issues avoids the potential appearance of impropriety were a man to deal with this subject.

Confidentiality may required elders to keep some information from their wives, but God gave men wives to complete their ability in serving as God intended. A godly wife won’t tell her husband what to do in guiding the assembly, but her counsel will save him from many mistakes. Adam was accountable for ruling the earth (Psalm 8:6)," TARGET="_blank">Psalm 8:6), but God gave the responsibility to Adam and Eve (Genesis 1:28)." TARGET="_blank">Genesis 1:28).

D. Oliver
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Are humans naturally good or evil in nature?

Be the first to give an answer to this question. Write an answer in the comment section below. Please provide your name and if you have a website or blog, be sure to include the URL and email address in your answer.

Answers will be reviewed.

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What is the meaning of Hebrews 2:3?

What is the meaning of Hebrews 2:3" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 2:3?

During the life of the Lord Jesus on earth, many who followed him and claimed to be disciples proved to be false (John 6:60-66; 8:31-37)." TARGET="_blank">John 6:60-66; 8:31-37). They missed the significance of the miracles, but enjoyed the food (John 6:26)." TARGET="_blank">John 6:26). During the apostolic days, the same was true. They "tasted... the powers of the world to come" (the age to come, JND) (Hebrews 6:5)," TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 6:5), enjoying the apostolic signs that confirmed the Messiahship of the Lord Jesus. The prophesied powers of the coming kingdom (Isaiah 35:4-6)" TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 35:4-6) were present in the service of Christ and His disciples. These signs confirmed that Jesus was the Christ (Hebrews 2:3,4)" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 2:3,4) who would fulfill the prophets words, "Behold, you God will come with vengeance, even God with recompense; He will come and save you" (verse 4). Those who didnt continue in the Lords words (John 8:31)" TARGET="_blank">John 8:31) were not genuine disciples. Those who let the word slip (or who slipped away from the word, JND) (Hebrews 2:1)" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 2:1) during the apostolic times were not genuine. In drifting away from the truth about the Son of God, they would not escape Gods judgment (verse 2). This epistle, written before the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., is heavy with the foreboding clouds of Gods wrath soon to burst on the nation. This is likely in view here and in verses 25-31 of chapter 10.

D. Oliver
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Does an elder "assume" the position of leader or is he appointed?

Should the oversight meeting be open to all elder brethren of consistent walk in life, or only to a few, who “assume” the care and rule of the meeting?

I think one qualified by God for such a work would be very slow to “assume” anything;

1 Timothy 3:1-7;" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1: 6-9;" TARGET="_blank">Titus 1: 6-9; and 1 Peter 5:1-5" TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 5:1-5 give us the qualifications of an overseeing elder: first, he must” desire” it (or “stretch forward” to it, as the original expresses). But that is not enough; he may even be “consistent in walk and life,” and yet fail to manifest the necessary qualification for eldership. Does he rule his home well for instance? or is it a matter of common knowledge, that he is ruled in the home? An overseer of this type is a great hindrance, for sometimes it is the power in the home that seeks to rule the church by his means.

Has he a “good report of them that are without”? Does he “hold fast the faithful Word”? Has he a pastor’s heart, to feed the flock of God?

I think one qualified by God for such a work would be very slow to “assume” anything; he would be apt to do the work, show fitness for it, and have a heart for the Lord’s people, but it would not be for him to push himself into a prominent position; rather his fellowship would be sought. Elders caring for the saints should be on the look out for brethren who are manifesting any spiritual activities, and seek to encourage such, remember that age comes on apace, and that soon perhaps their work will need other hands to take it up.

W.H.

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