Why did our Lord, though not partaking of the bread when instituting His supper, drink of the cup?

Can there be some spiritual truth hidden in this?

We think the idea that the Lord partook of the cup (as above) is based on a misunderstanding of the accounts of the Institution, and on a false inference. The misunderstanding arises from the position of the words, “I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine,” in the Matthew and Mark accounts, and the false inference, from the idea that the Lord had necessarily that moment drunk of the cup in question. It is clear from the Luke 22" TARGET="_blank">Luke 22: account that there were two cups, that in the 17th verse which was the passover cup, and the other the cup of the new supper, the memorials of His body and blood. It was to the former (see v. 18) that the Lord’s words, above quoted, refer. The Lord did not Himself partake of the emblems of His death in either kind, as Luke’s account shews.

W.H.

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Why did Satan attempt to usurp God's throne?

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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Who is the friend of the Bridegoom (John 3:29)?

Who is the friend of the Bridegoom (John 3:29)" TARGET="_blank">John 3:29)?

The friend of the Bridegroom does not represent a group of people but is a designation for John the Baptist. In verses 27-34, John contrasts himself to Christ. Among the several contrasts is the one in verse 29. Christ is the Bridegroom; John is the friend of he Bridegroom. "He must increase, but I must decrease" verse 30 indicates that increasing greatness belongs to the Bridegroom, but the friend of the bridegroom has a passing and fading role.

This is a cultural reference. The fiend of the bridegroom assisted the Jewish groom by making the prior arrangements for his marriage. He brought the couple together. Perhaps the reference in is verse to Johns standing and hearing the bridegroom paints the picture of the best friend of the groom waiting at the bride's home for the arrival of the groom.

All of this is telling. John's water baptism (John 1:26)" TARGET="_blank">John 1:26) prepared the people for the coming of the Bridegroom. Christ's baptism with the Spirit (John 1:33)" TARGET="_blank">John 1:33) brings the Church, the Bride (Ephesians 5:32)" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 5:32) into view.

D. Oliver
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Does Mark 16:16 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

Does Mark 16:16" TARGET="_blank">Mark 16:16 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

In Acts 10:47," TARGET="_blank">Acts 10:47, Peter commanded people to be baptized who had already received the gift of the Holy Spirit. According to Romans 8:9," TARGET="_blank">Romans 8:9, those who have the Spirit are born of God (John 3:6)," TARGET="_blank">John 3:6), so the new birth is independent of baptism. Being "born of water and of the Spirit" (v. 5) therefore cannot refer to baptism. The Greek construction could be translated, "born of water, even the Spirit." This is consistent with John’s explanation of the Lord’s words in 7:39: rivers of living water symbolize the Spirit.

Further, the New Testament presupposes that obedience characterizes those who are saved (Romans 6:17;" TARGET="_blank">Romans 6:17; 1 Peter 1:14)." TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 1:14). Since in Acts 10" TARGET="_blank">Acts 10 Peter commanded believers in Cornelius’ house to be baptized, we should rightly expect every believer to be baptized. Mark’s gospel emphasizes that actions substantiate truth (1:27; 16:20), therefore those who believe will demonstrate their faith by obedience.

A more cogent response, though, may come from observing that Mark 16:16" TARGET="_blank">Mark 16:16 describes two classes of people: those who believe and are baptized; those who do not believe. A third possible classification, those who believe but are not baptized, is not mentioned. Some of the many passages stating that those who believe (with no mention of baptism) are saved include Acts 16:31;" TARGET="_blank">Acts 16:31; Romans 10:10;" TARGET="_blank">Romans 10:10; John 3:36; 5:24; 6:47; 20:31." TARGET="_blank">John 3:36; 5:24; 6:47; 20:31.

D. Oliver
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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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Are old testament believers saved by grace?

What is the difference in the standing of Church believers and Old Testament believers?

Old and New Testament believers are alike in one distinct way: they are saved on the principle of faith. Two major differences relate to our standing: (1) "in Christ" is exclusive to this Church dispensation and describes our standing which is unassailable and unchangeable; (2) "in whom also upon (not after) believing ye were sealed (mark of ownership) with that Holy Spirit of Promise" (Ephesians 1:13)" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 1:13) shows our relationship to the Spirit. Romans 8:1-11" TARGET="_blank">Romans 8:1-11 refers to the believer as "in the Spirit," in contrast to the unbeliever "in the flesh". This is not Old Testament language, but emphasizes a standing unalterable before God.

A. Hull

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Why did Aaron wear a mitre?

What is the typical significance of Aarons mitre and the bonnets of his sons (Leviticus 8:9, 13)" TARGET="_blank">Leviticus 8:9, 13)?

Although the Lord is a priest after the order of Melchisedec (Heb. 5:6)," TARGET="_blank">Heb. 5:6), Aarons priesthood was typical of Christs (2:17). The mitre on Israels priest was of linen, the same material as his breeches and coat (Exodus 39:27)." TARGET="_blank">Exodus 39:27). Although some have suggested that Aarons mitre portrays subjection, it may be better to see in it a complete righteousness in our representative as he appears before the presence of God for us (Hebrews 9:24)." TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 9:24). His head, controlling His body, also speaks of wisdom. The One in Whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom (Colossians 2:3)" TARGET="_blank">Colossians 2:3) exercises that wisdom on our behalf, consistent with perfect righteous. The "beauty of holiness" is seen from head to foot in the priest.

The bonnets of Aarons son are of the same material as Aarons mitre, but are distinguishable. Because his sons are related to him, they have this same righteousness "garment" as they move in Gods holy place. Perhaps this suggests that, although there is a difference between us and our representative, yet we have a link with him and therefore enjoy complete acceptance in Gods presence. Appearing for us in Gods presence is what Christ is essentially, but the complete favor that rests on us is conferred on us because of him.

D. Oliver
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Are people born homosexual?

What are we to make of God's condemnation of homosexuality and recent reports suggesting that some are born homosexual?

The reports alluded to are far from conclusive and far from being universally agreed upon by all in the medical field. In many quarters the desire to prove a biological basis for homosexuality is the driving impetus for the research. But let us assume for the moment that in a future day the biological basis for homosexuality is proven. Does that give license to practice the deed? All will agree that normal heterosexual desires are hormonal and inborn. Does not God condemn the expression of those desires outside the marriage bond? Doesn't every unmarried believer have to discipline those desires and sacrifice them in devotion to Christ and in faithfulness to the Word of God? All union outside the male female union in marriage which God instituted in the Garden is outside the will of God. Having the desire, whether inborn or not, is not the sin. The sin is the expression of that desire in actions, whether heterosexual or homosexual.

A. Higgins

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About this site

Who manages this web site?

Gospel Hall dot org is managed by Shad Sluiter. He and his family have been part of the assembly that meets at the Marion Gospel Hall, Marion, IA (USA). Currently they are serving as missionaries in Hermosillo, Mexico. Jim Garvin at www.SiteAction.com provides the web server hosting.

Is this an Official Site?

The nature of assemblies who are represented on this site is that each congregation is an independent entity. No official headquarters for the "brethren" exist. However, the materials published represent the beliefs of these assemblies very well.

Why does this site exist?

Gospel Hall dot org began in 1997 as a way to share information about assemblies, to raise awareness of the gospel message and teaching about Christian living in a New Testament Church.

How can I contact you?

Please see the "contact us" section of the main menu.

Where can I find the Gospel Hall Forum?

The ghf is managed at www.gospelhall.org.uk.

Where is the discussion page?

The online forum has been removed. Unfortunately, some of the discussions were counter-productive to the goals of this site.

Do you accept new materials?

Yes. If you have material suitable for publishing on this site, please contact me for details. I am seeking full-text books, mp3 files and other media content that is suitable for helping people grow in their christian life. Look around the site to see what materials have been published to get an idea of what is needed. There is no pay offered for any work submitted. Editorial blogs or opinions are not needed at this time.

If you are a php or Flash programmer, there are unfished projects that also need expertise.

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Is Hell forever?

Is man's punishment for sin eternal?

This question cannot be answered by human reasoning, but by biblical revelation. Before we answer this, we need an understanding of what "sin" is before an infinitely holy God. Sin is missing the mark. It is unrighteousness, iniquity, transgression, lawlessness; therefore sin cannot be tolerated and must be punished. Romans 6:23" TARGET="_blank">Romans 6:23 teaches, "The wages of sin is death." Sin is actually an affront to the character of God. If God does not justly punish sin, He will be untrue to His character.

The Word of God reveals eternal punishment for sin in vivid and unmistakable language: "punished with everlasting destruction" (2 Thessalonians 1:9);" TARGET="_blank">2 Thessalonians 1:9); "go away into everlasting punishment" '(Matthew 25:41);" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 25:41); "have their part in the lake of fire which burneth with fire and brimstone forever and ever" (Revelation 21:8)." TARGET="_blank">Revelation 21:8). This is not only eternal punishment, but conscious eternal punishment: "the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night" (Revelation 14:11);" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 14:11); "suffering (present continuous) the vengeance of eternal fire" (Jude 7)." TARGET="_blank">Jude 7). The greatest proof of "eternal punishment" for sin is offered in the infinite sufferings of Christ for sin. The rejection of Christ has eternal consequences. If we could fathom Christ's sufferings for sin, we could fathom the eternal punishment of men in their sins. Impossible!

A. Hull

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