Is the prodigal son a backsliding believer or a lost sinner?

Does the story of the prodigal illustrate the recovery of a swaying believer or the salvation of a lost sinner?

Most definitely the latter. The context confirms this. In Luke 15" TARGET="_blank">Luke 15: Christ replies to the Pharisees' criticism, "This man receiveth sinners." In verses 11-32, He compares His reception of such with the father's reception of a rebellious son. These sinners, portrayed in the prodigal, were not believers who strayed, but the ungodly. To construe that this interpretation makes God the "Father" of sinners simply overburdens the allegorical framework of the parable. Describing a straying believer as "dead" though, is going too far. Also, the term "lost," as chapter Luke 19:10" TARGET="_blank">Luke 19:10 shows, refers to the perishing, Further, the Savior interprets the sheep and silver as denoting 'one sinner that repenteth." Luke uses the word "sinner" 18 times, always describing the ungodly. Similarities do exist between the sinner's conversion and the saint's restoration, but some of the language true of one cannot be used of the other.

D. Gilliland

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What is the difference between being restored to the Lord and to other believers?

What is the difference between being restored to the Lord and to other believers?

Restoration brings a thing back to its original state. Old houses and old cars are frequently "restored." Our question deals with relationships between a Christian and his Lord or between two Christians. Restoration is necessary when relationships have been damaged. An offense will shatter a relationship. Drifting apart will damage relationships.

David prayed for restoration after his sin with Bathsheba. "Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation" (Psalm 51:12)." TARGET="_blank">Psalm 51:12). Noteworthy in this psalm is David's confession of sin when he sought restoration. In Psalm 23," TARGET="_blank">Psalm 23, he wrote of continuing occasions when the Good Shepherd "restoreth my soul" (verse 3). He realized his tendency to stray from the Shepherd.

Christians, too, may drift apart or offend one another. Our Lord gave instruction in Matthew 18:15" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 18:15 for restoring a broken relationship. The two must meet together, seeking to clear up the matter between them. It is likely that, in most cases, mutual repentance, confession and forgiveness will be required. If an offense has caused damage, restitution will also be necessary.

There is no difference in the need for restoration, whether to the Lord or another saint. In both instances, the need must be acknowledged. One cannot be restored to the Lord who has not first been restored to his brother or sister (Matt. 5:23, 24)." TARGET="_blank">Matt. 5:23, 24).

J. Slabaugh
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Did God die on the cross?

DID GOD DIE?

Is it wrong to assert that God died on the cross? If so, we must revise some of our hymns, e.g.,

“Save in the cross of Christ, my God,” and “When Christ, the Mighty Maker, dies.”

It is quite possible that some of our hymns (though not perhaps above) need revising; at best they are human compositions, but let it be done by those capable for such work. Not every amateur possesses the poetic gift. Better leave out a hymn, than maul it. Certainly it is quite unscriptural to say that “God died on the cross,” for “God only hath immortality,” and as such of course cannot die, but this does not imply that the One who hung upon the cross was not God, for He was, and Thomas was perfectly right when he exclaimed later, “My Lord and my God.”

Perhaps an illustration will make the matter plainer. We read twice in Psalm 121" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 121 that “Jehovah slumbers not nor sleeps.” Are we then to assert when we read in Mark 4" TARGET="_blank">Mark 4: 38 of our Lord that “He was asleep on a pillow,” that God was asleep, or that He who was asleep was not God? Neither the one nor the other, for both assertions would be false. Hebrews 2:14" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 2:14 teaches that He who in chapter 1 is spoken of as the Son, the Heir of all things, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, and Who as such possessed Immortality, and was therefore immune from death, did Himself in order to purge our sins “take part of flesh and blood, that through death, etc.” He did not cease to be what He was before; but He became flesh, and so far capable of death, though never subject to death, as we are.

W.H.

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HTML code for Online Bible Search

The web page HTML code to add a Bible search dialog box to your site is listed below. You can customize the HTML code including colors, size and starting verse reference if you are familiar with editing HTML code. You can use something as simple as notepad or a full-featured as DreamWeaver. Simply copy and paste the HTML code below into your HTML editor, save the results and update your page.

This is what the form looks like.

This is how you add the HTML code to your website.

Copy the following code and paste it into the HTML code for your web page. This will provide a link to the Online Bible.

<form action="http://www.gospelhall.org/bible/bible.php" method="GET" target = "new">
<table width="160" border="1" bordercolorlight="#000000" bordercolordark="#000000" bgcolor="#F0DFB9" bordercolor="#000000">
<tr bgcolor="#CCCCCC">
<td><font face="Arial,Helvetica"><b><font size="+1">Online Bible</font></b></font></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p> <font size="1" face="Arial,Helvetica">Show a passage: e.g. "<b>John
3:1-5</b>" <br>
<input type="text" size="25" name="passage" value="John 3:1-5" TARGET="_blank">John 3:1-5">
</font> <font size="1" face="Arial,Helvetica"><br>
Search word(s) in the bible: e.g. "heaven hell"<br>
<input type="text" size="25" name="search">
<br>
Bible Version:
<select name="ver1" size="1">
<option value="kjv" selected >King James Version</option>
<option value="asv" >American Std Version</option>
<option value="bbe" >Bible in Basic English</option>
<option value="dby" >Darby Translation</option>
<option value="esv" >English Standard Version</option>
<option value="gfr" >The Gospels for Readers</option>
<option value="web" >World English Bible</option>
<option value="ylt" >Youngs Lit. Translation</option>
</select>
</font>
<input type="submit" name="submit" value="Search">
<br>
<font face="Arial,Helvetica" size="-3"><a href="http://www.gospelhall.org">Online Bible at GospelHall dot Org</a></font> </p>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
</form>

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Is there a difference between being gathered to His name and being gathered to Him?

Is there a difference between being gathered to His name and being gathered to Him?

Strictly speaking, the New Testament doesn’t speak of "being gathered to Him." The Hebrew believers however were to "go forth" to the Lord, bearing His reproach (Hebrews 13:13," TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 13:13, JND). These believers were to identify themselves with Christ because the despised, yet exalted Jesus of this epistle drew them.

"Being gathered together unto My name" (Matthew 18:20," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 18:20, JND) is passive, emphasizing that the "two or three" present did not per se gather themselves to His name. Because the Spirit works to glorify Christ (John 16:14)," TARGET="_blank">John 16:14), the Spirit is likely the One Who gathers believers to His name. What is the Spirit’s purpose in gathering believers to that name? The Lord’s name, like Hebrew names, reveals His character; it testifies about Him. God said regarding Solomon’s temple, "My name shall be there" (1 Kings 8:29)." TARGET="_blank">1 Kings 8:29). The greatness of the temple that bore God’s name testified to the greatness of God. Thus, at present the Spirit gathers believers to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ because God has established a testimony in a locality; the church of God is to express the character and glory of Him Whose name it bears.

Love to Christ causes us to be identified with Him ("gathered to Him") in assembly fellowship; the Spirit gathers us to His name, establishing and maintaining a testimony regarding the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

D. Oliver
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What can believers do for a believer who is the subject of damaging rumors?

What can believers do for a believer who is the subject of damaging rumors?

If the rumors are just passing stories that no one would take seriously, let them drift into nothingness. More harm than good might come from telling the person what others said. For example, if the person insisted on knowing who repeated the rumor, he would either be upset with you if you refused to tell him or upset with the person who told the rumor. You have become a talebearer who stirs up strife (Proverbs 26:20)." TARGET="_blank">Proverbs 26:20).

We should always ask for evidence to substantiate rumors about others, especially for persistent, harmful rumors. If supporting evidence is not available, make your disapproval clear. And never repeat damaging rumors (Titus 3:2;" TARGET="_blank">Titus 3:2; James 4:11)." TARGET="_blank">James 4:11). Wrongly damaging the reputation of others is serious (Proverbs 6:16-19)." TARGET="_blank">Proverbs 6:16-19).

Discussing the rumors in a friendly manner with the accused, without assuming the truthfulness of the rumors, would be a kindness, especially when accompanied by a sincere expression of concern that anyone would say such a thing. That would make it easier for the individual to admit that the rumor is true or partly true or else to affirm that it is totally false. Depending on its seriousness, you could even mention the supporting evidence you had been given. Every attempt should be made to contain the problem (Matthew 18:15)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 18:15). If the rumor arose from a clear case of misunderstanding, don't give the wronged person a case against the source of the rumor, but volunteer to try to correct the misunderstanding yourself.

If the rumor appears likely to be true and involves issues of concern to the assembly, a believer is responsible to go to an overseer and kindly, humbly, confidentially, carefully inform him. If the believer did not inform the assembly's leadership, he would be responsible for wrongfully covering the sin (Acts 5:2, 8-10)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 5:2, 8-10). It is a mistaken kindness to support a believer in sinning against God.

When the overseers become aware of a possible problem, they are responsible to thoroughly investigate (Proverbs 25:2)," TARGET="_blank">Proverbs 25:2), visit the individual, and guide the assembly to act in keeping with the facts. The believer who passed on the information to the overseers has no further responsibility and must submit to their judgment (Hebrews 13:17)." TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 13:17).

D. Oliver
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noah and the ark activities for children

Noah and the ark activities for children

3D model of Noah's Ark - Scale model 130:1 includes artwork of Noah, his wife and the animals.

Worksheet and Lesson Plan - Guided discussion on Noah's Ark and the flood.

The two activities will help a Sunday school teacher plan a lesson or guide him/her in a hands-on activity.

Go to the main Sunday school page for puzzles, lesson plans and other activities for Sunday school teachers.

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Is Isaac

Is Isaac’s promise to Esau (Gen 27:40" TARGET="_blank">Gen 27:40b) fulfilled or being fulfilled at present?

Jacob said to Esau, who had pleaded for some blessing from his father, "by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck" (Gen 27:40)." TARGET="_blank">Gen 27:40). The question refers to the words in bold text.

If, as it seems to be, Edom is associated with Esau’s posterity, Jacob’s seed has suffered under Esau’s posterity on a number of occasions in history. The line of the New Testament Herods provides one example. The likelihood is that the prophecy of Isaac has been a characteristic response of the Edomites to the Jews. The present conflict in the Middle East is a further illustration of this. We are seeing that character of this conflict repeated. Obadiah tells us of the time when this condition will be changed: "Upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, . . . and the house of Jacob shall possess their possession . . . And saviors shall come up on mount Zion, to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the Lord’s (Obadiah 17, 21)." TARGET="_blank">Obadiah 17, 21).

David Oliver

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What is the meaning of "asleep in Jesus"?

What is the meaning of "asleep in Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 4:14)" TARGET="_blank">1 Thessalonians 4:14)?

When Paul says that David (Acts 13:36)" TARGET="_blank">Acts 13:36) "fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption," he is not speaking about David’s "immaterial being" (his soul and spirit), but of his body. The wonderful truth of believers sleeping when their souls depart (Genesis 35:18)" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 35:18) refers to their bodies By speaking of believers sleeping, the Spirit reminds us that a change is certain. When the Lord said, "Our friend Lazarus sleepeth" (John 11:11)," TARGET="_blank">John 11:11), the disciples did not grasp that He was about to display the glory of God (v. 40) in His power over death. The Lord’s describing Lazarus’ condition as sleep reminds us that our sleeping loved ones will soon awake, not as Lazarus to die again, but "out from death," to put on immortality (1 Cor 15:53)." TARGET="_blank">1 Cor 15:53). At the moment of departure, the soul of those loved ones enters a fully conscious realm in the presence of the Lord. Their body begins to "go to corruption," but this is only temporary. Those "who are fallen asleep in Christ" (v. 18) shall rise (1 Th 4:16)." TARGET="_blank">1 Th 4:16).

"Fallen asleep in Christ" describes their position before God at the time of their death, but the expression, "asleep in (through, YLT) Jesus," is different. Translators offer a number of different locations for the expression "in Jesus" in verse 14. Commentators give several possible meanings. One very comforting possibility is that "through Jesus" expresses instrumentality. This may then imply that the personal touch of the tender Jesus has put His own to sleep. Just as a mother calms her troubled child until he falls into a restful sleep, so the Lord gently closes a believer’s eyes and takes him home.

D. Oliver
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Should I forgive my brother if he refuses to repent?

In light of Matthew 18:21-22" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 18:21-22 and Luke 17:3, 4," TARGET="_blank">Luke 17:3, 4, is a Christian bound to forgive another Christian only if he repents?

Every offended Christian ought to be willing to forgive another Christian whether or not the offender repents. God loves to forgive. Being followers of God (Ephesians 5:1)," TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 5:1), we ought to be ready to forgive, too. Psalm 86:5" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 86:5 states, "For Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive."

An unforgiving spirit produces bitterness and ruins Christian life. The apostle Paul exhorted, "Let all bitterness ... be put away from you...: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:31, 32)." TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 4:31, 32).

When a believer recognizes that he has offended another, he should attempt to restore the enjoyment of fellowship with his offended brother. Sometimes, however, a Christian may not even be aware or feel - that he has offended another. In such a case, a spirit of forgiveness on the part of the Christian who has been hurt will enable him to lay aside the hurt without ever raising the matter. Love "thinketh no evil" (1 Corinthians 13:5)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 13:5) means love keeps no record of evil; thus, Christian love will lay a matter to rest - and forget it - without raising the issue or demanding repentance (1 Peter 4:8)." TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 4:8).

J. Beattie

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HTML code for Online Bible Search

This is how you add the HTML code to your website.