Why didnt Johanan succeed Josiah?

According to 1 Chronicles 3:15" TARGET="_blank">1 Chronicles 3:15 Johanan was Josiahs firstborn, making him heir to his fathers throne. Interestingly, he is the only one of the four sons mentioned who did not reign. Shallum (also called Jehoahaz, Jeremiah 22:11)" TARGET="_blank">Jeremiah 22:11) was Josiahs first son to reign, although listed as fourth. Installed by Pharaohnechoh, Jehoiakim, the second son, reigned next. Zedekiah reigned last, installed by Nebuchadnezzar (1 Kings 23:21-24:19)." TARGET="_blank">1 Kings 23:21-24:19). Even if we assumed that Johanan had died, and there seems to be no evidence to support this, that wouldnt explain why Shallum reigned before his older brother Jehoiakim.

We read concerning three kings that the people made them kings (Uzziah, 2Chronicles 26:1;" TARGET="_blank">2Chronicles 26:1; Josiah, 2 Chronicles 33:25;" TARGET="_blank">2 Chronicles 33:25; Jehoahaz, 2 Kings 23:30)." TARGET="_blank">2 Kings 23:30). The first two were good kings. Their being made king showed unity and righteousness, respectively. Jehoahaz, with only a 3 month reign, distinguished himself by means of unrighteousness (2 Kings 23:37)." TARGET="_blank">2 Kings 23:37). Perhaps, then, the people expressed their true spiritual condition by choosing a wicked king. Is it possible Johanan was too spiritually inclined to be the peoples choice?

D. Oliver
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Can ungoldy people enter the kingdom of God?

Help would be valued on 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 6:9, 10.

1 Corinthians 6:9," TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 6:9, 10 describes some of the ungodly at Corinth. “Such were some of you,” says Paul, naming various phases of sin which habitually characterised them, some one sin, some another. A believer might fall into a grave sin, a Noah into drunkenness, a David into adultery, a Peter into cursing and swearing; but these were terrible accidents in their lives, not habitual customs. A lamb might fall into the mire, but it could not rest there; a swine if dragged out of the mire would return to it again. The characteristically unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God. They must be born again. Such were some of the Corinthians (but not all grossly so), but they were “washed” (i.e., from the defilement), “sanctified” (i.e., from the habit), and “justified (i.e., from the guilt) in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”

W.H.

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Is the Christian bride

Is the Christian bride’s long hair a sufficient head covering for her wedding?

Yes. The Scriptures only instruct a sister to wear a head covering when the assembly has come together. This, once again, is a personal choice.

A sister’s long hair is her permanent expression of the headship of the man (see question 1). If her behavior during and after the wedding indicates that she respects the headship of her new husband, this is consistent with the "message" her long hair gives. Apart from that, she is disobedient to God and disturbs the beauty of His plan.

D. Oliver
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Who recognizes overseers in a new assembly?

Who recognizes overseers in a new assembly?

Titus identified (Titus 1:5," TARGET="_blank">Titus 1:5, "ordain," appoint, designate) elders in assemblies where no oversight existed. The authority for this came from the Word of God, not apostolic authority. He was dependent on God for the wisdom required. To preserve each assembly, Titus used the inspired guidelines from Paul to point out overseers the Spirit produced. Each assembly recognized these men as elders.

God used experienced hands to plant the assemblies whose history appears in the New Testament, so the pattern seems clear. Where God uses men in making disciples (Matthew 28:19)," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 28:19), those men also teach assembly truth. They discern when God has formed an assembly with these believers. Later, as with Titus, they identify those who exhibit maturing characteristics of a shepherd. Heeding Proverbs 15:22," TARGET="_blank">Proverbs 15:22, they receive counsel from spiritually mature men. In light of 1 Timothy 3:6," TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 3:6, they wait for appropriate evidences of spiritual maturity in potential elders.

D. Oliver
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My friend is going to get an abortion. What should I tell her?

What advice or alternatives an a Christian give an unbelieving friend who is planning an abortion?

Although it is tempting to sidestep this thorny issue, we are called to reprove the unfruitful works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11)." TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 5:11). The unbelieving friend needs to face the fact that God views elective abortion as murder. This truth, however, can be spoken with love (Ephesians 4:15)" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 4:15): "1 understand your predicament, but can't agree that abortion is the answer. As a Christian, I've learned the value of depending on the Bible's guidance in tough times like this. God regards unborn babies as real human beings (Psalm 139:13-16;" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 139:13-16; Luke 1:39-44)," TARGET="_blank">Luke 1:39-44), and so He looks at abortion just as He looks at the killing of an adult (Exodus 21:22-23)." TARGET="_blank">Exodus 21:22-23). That is why so many women struggle with guilt after an abortion their conscience agrees with God that abortion is wrong." It may help to point out that women who had abortions suffer from an increased rate of infertility, tubal pregnancy, miscarriage, and suicide.

Along with presenting God's truth, we must also make a case for the two alternatives to abortion. First is adoption. It is noble and selfless for a mother to release her child to one of literally thousands of couples waiting to adopt. On the other hand, the unbelieving friend may choose to raise the child herself if she can be assured of help. In addition to steering the mother to a suitable Christian agency, we should also consider adoption or assisting the mother ourselves.

D. Valiance

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How can I gracefully refuse an invitation to a church that I know is practicing wrong teachings?

Without being offensive, how can I handle the invitations of those whom I have brought to gospel meetings when they ask me to their "services?"

Because there can be no fellowship between the things of God and the things of this world (2 Corinthians 6:14-16)," TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 6:14-16), Paul teaches, "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate" (verse 17). Returning to an unbeliever's congregation disobeys this instruction.

No explanation is likely to be understood. Pointing out unscriptural features of that congregation will likely offend this friend. Instead, anticipate a reciprocal invitation. Pray for grace to answer in a kind, humble way. Express a sincere appreciation and understanding of his invitation. Make certain he understands that you value his friendship and company in contexts which don't compromise your convictions. Be open to discussion, but direct the conversation toward the primary issue between you, the necessity for God's salvation. Let him know that spiritual rather than social concerns motivated your invitation.

J. Slabaugh

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Does the Parable of the Ten Virgins refer to the Rapture?

Does the Parable of the Ten Virgins refer to the Rapture? (Matthew 25:1-13)" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 25:1-13)

Matthew 24" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 24 and 25 are a unit, being a continued narrative. The discourse of the Lord flows from questions about the temple, His coming, and the end of the age. The focus on "signs of His coming" indicates the Jewish setting of the passage, for "the Jews require a sign" (1 Corinthians 1:22)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 1:22) and "the times and seasons" that the Lord gives here are related to the Day of the Lord and the time when sudden destruction (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3)" TARGET="_blank">1 Thessalonians 5:1-3) will come on those who trust a covenant with hell (Isaiah 28:15;" TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 28:15; Daniel 9:27)" TARGET="_blank">Daniel 9:27) to guarantee them "peace and safety." This is at the beginning of Daniel’s 70th Week, the the 7-year period that follows the Rapture.

The initial signs (Mat 24:4-10)" TARGET="_blank">Mat 24:4-10) the Lord gives correspond to the first five seal judgments (Revelation 6:1-11)," TARGET="_blank">Revelation 6:1-11), which follow the catching up (4:1) and rewarding (v 10) of the saints of this age. The abomination of desolation (Mat 24:15)" TARGET="_blank">Mat 24:15) refers to the mid-point of the 7-year period (Dan 9:27" TARGET="_blank">Dan 9:27b). The"great tribulation" (Matthew 24:21)" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 24:21) points to the last half of that period and the visible coming of the Son of Man (v 27) to the Lord’s return to earth. The teaching comparing the days of Noah (vv 37-42) relates to the coming of the Son of Man, referring back to verse 27, as does the warning in verse 44. The Parable of the Faithful and Evil Servants (vv 45-51) deals likewise with "His coming" which must be the coming of the Son of Man in the context.

The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 25:14-30), which follows the Parable of the Ten Virgins, cannot refer to believers of this age. The wicked servant had responsibility entrusted to him by his master, yet is cast by the master into outer darkness. This, similar to the parable at the end of chapter 24 must have a Jewish setting. The prophecy of the sheep and the goats likewise refers to the Son of Man’s coming in glory.

The context of the Ten Virgins is the Lord’s return to earth and not the Rapture.

D. Oliver
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In what ways can elders help develop others

In what ways can elders help develop others’ gift in preaching the gospel?

God intends an assembly to be the garden where gift develops. Elders are responsible for this (1 Timothy 4:14)." TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 4:14). Sunday night gospel meetings are not the place to begin developing gospel gift. A healthy assembly will have a variety of scriptural gospel activities involving younger believers (1 Thessalonians 1:8)." TARGET="_blank">1 Thessalonians 1:8).

One of the most important helps in preaching is personal witnessing. This teaches a person what truth to present and how to present it effectively. Helping in a Sunday School class or in children’s meetings by teaching children verses or telling a brief Bible story with a simple application is good training. Holding the attention of children during a lesson develops gift. Accompanying a trusted, experienced brother as he presents the gospel in a home visit is valuable. To reach into neighboring communities with the gospel, elders can encourage younger believers to help older workers (Acts 20:4)" TARGET="_blank">Acts 20:4) or to initiate children’s meetings or gospel meetings in rented buildings.

D. Oliver
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If the cup is not a type, must we use wine and not simply "the fruit of the vine"?

If the cup is not a type, must we use wine and not simply "the fruit of the vine"?

"Fruit of the vine" (Luke 22:18)" TARGET="_blank">Luke 22:18) is the only description we have of the contents of the cup. The grape harvest was in the Fall. The Passover came in the Spring. Without refrigeration or canning, "the fruit of the vine" began to ferment by Passover. This makes it impossible to insist that that contents of the cup cannot be fermented.

The contents are not typical, so we cannot prescribe the degree of fermentation for the contents of the cup. In fact, because it isnt typical, we cannot require that the contents must be fermented.

D. Oliver

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Your First Visit

Welcome

The Gospel Hall is a carefully chosen name for the meeting place of a church who meets in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. The emphasis on the Bible's message, called the Gospel, gives the building its name because of what we do there: we preach the Bible.

Moment of Truth

People here have a common theme - each one has experienced a moment of truth with God that gives them confidence to face life, death and even eternity beyond. Check out some of the Personal Stories to see what we mean by this special moment of understanding called salvation. Each person has faced his/her own guilt before God regarding things done wrong, that is, our personal sin. This moment of salvation doesn't have to occur during a service at the Gospel Hall. In fact, many were saved while doing other things such as reading at home, or while trying to do homework, or even after going to a drug party, or while contemplating suicide while lying on the floor.

What kind of Church is the Gospel Hall?

It dificult to go to a church that you know nothing about. You probably have dozens of questions swirling around your mind such as:

Will the preacher rant and rave and shout strange things from the platform?
Are there secrets or rituals that only "the members" know about?
Of course they want me to donate money, right?
Is this church a political platform for "fixing America?"

First, you can be assured that the services here are done orderly and politely. See the Gospel Hall FAQs to read about the various types of meetings held in the Hall.

Second, the teachings you will hear are not motivated by politics or cult-like agendas. The primary goal of the services is to help people understand what the Bible says. You can get an idea of the services by listening to some sample messages in MP3 audio download format.

Oh, yes, the money. The policy at the Gospel Hall is that no collections are ever taken from visitors at any services. We believe if we can't afford to be offering the service ourselves, then we shouldn't be asking you to pay for it.

Our Roots

The history of the assemblies who meet in the Gospel Hall will show you that our mentors and teachers came from Great Britian during the early 1800's time of influence of the Plymouth Brethren.

Your Needs

We want you to know that we are dedicated to helping you with your needs wherever you are in life. While there is a lot to read on this website, the best way to discover the feel of a place is by spending time with its people. Once you do this, we're convinced that you will find everything that you're looking for and much, much more.

Your First Visit

We would love for you to join us for one of our services. You should...

Contact one of the churches listed in the directory. The phone number is probably a person's home phone or cell phone. They are expecting you to call and ask about the church. They probably will be willing to meet with you beforehand if you have questions.
Pick a Service. See the Gospel Hall FAQs to read about the various types of meetings held in the Hall.
Go to the Hall for the service.
After the service stay around and talk. Getting aquainted after the service can sometimes last longer than the service for some people!

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