Is the subject of homosexuality a necessary part of an assembly

Is the subject of homosexuality a necessary part of an assembly’s teaching?

This lifestyle is flaunted on the streets. The public media paints this as part of the mainstream of living. The brunt of the effort to change society’s thinking assails the young especially. They are particularly susceptible to the pressure of peers, the usual curiosity of maturing, and the onslaught of prurient literature and web sites.

The Bible addresses this subject. To be fully equipped to live as believers and testify effectively in this world, we need "all the counsel of God" (Acts 20:27)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 20:27). Paul assures us that the Scriptures equip us for every need (2 Timothy 3:17)," TARGET="_blank">2 Timothy 3:17), and his letters exemplify the application of truth to current needs.

This is an emotional subject, so we may tend to avoid it, overreact to it, or fail to understand the devious nature of the attack. As comfortable or appealing as it may be to either avoid the subject or handle it with a "hit and run" approach, an assembly must provide guidance and teaching on the many issues relevant to this subject.

D. Oliver
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Are earthquakes a sign of the end of the world?

Are earthquakes a sign of the end of the world?

Jesus mentioned in Matthew 24" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 24 that there would be a number of signs that precede his return to the earth. These signs include false prophets claiming to be Christ, wars, famines and earthquakes.

Matthew 24:5-8" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 24:5-8 many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray. (6) And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. (7) For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. (8) All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.

These signs will occur in the beginning of the time of tribulation, leading up to the key event mentioned in Matthew 24:15," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 24:15, the abomination of desolation, when the Antichrist takes up his position as a god worthy of worship.

There are no signs given to us to predict when Christ will return for His Church in the rapture. Any signs we can distinguish, whether politically, spiritually or physically, show us that Christ’s return to the Mount of Olives is coming closer. Make no mistake, that the current pace of earthquakes and wars will have no comparison with the time of tribulation.

Matthew 24:21-22" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 24:21-22 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. (22) And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.

Shad Sluiter
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Should a Christian wife work outside the home?

Is it right for a wife to be employed outside of the home?

Some have taken the expression, "keepers at home" (Titus 2:5)" TARGET="_blank">Titus 2:5) to mean staying at home. M. R. Vincents "Word Studies in the New Testament" disagrees with this and indicates it means of the household." There is support for translating the expression "workers at home." The other words in this series of descriptions are moral characteristics: discreet; chaste; good. The verses surrounding it are primarily the same. Rather than a command for a woman to stay at home, Paul seems to be addressing her character. In a similar setting in 1 Timothy 5:13, 14," TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 5:13, 14, where young women are to "guide the house," this responsibility is a preservation from idleness, wandering from house to house, and being a busybody. Wholesome character in a young wife will keep her focus on her responsibilities in the home. The principle of 1 Timothy 2:15" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 2:15 likewise directs a sister to her domestic cares. If, therefore, a sister manages her home (1 Timothy 5:14)" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 5:14) and cares for her children (1 Timothy 2:15)," TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 2:15), working outside her home does not violate the teaching of these passages. Her industriousness is commendable. She is carrying on the traditions of the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31" TARGET="_blank">Proverbs 31 and joins that noble sister who with her husband, was a tentmaker.

On the other hand, a sister who places equal or greater value on her career than on her home and family has stepped outside Scriptural guidelines.

D. Oliver
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In what name should a Christian be baptized?

Would not Colossians 3." TARGET="_blank">Colossians 3. 17: “Whatsoever ye do in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,” settle the question that to baptize in “the name of the Lord Jesus” is the correct formula for this dispensation?

While cordially accepting Colossians 3:17," TARGET="_blank">Colossians 3:17, we cannot agree that it has anything to do with the question of baptizing “in (or “into”) the name of the Lord Jesus” rather than “into the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Certainly we baptize “in the name of the Lord Jesus” and for that reason we do it as He laid down in Matthew 28." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 28. But we cannot in any way accept the theory that in the Acts some new “formula” took the place of the one He appointed then. There are three points which should be prominent in carrying out the ordinance:

(i) The authority on which it is carried out. We all agree it is “in the name (en to onomati) of the Lord Jesus”, that is, on His authority. The only record we have of the Lord instituting baptism is in Matthew 28" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 28 and Mark i6. If these passages are taken from us, we are shut up to some supposed occasion when the Lord gave other directions, of which we have no shadow of a record. Certainly every baptism in the Acts was carried out “in the name.” This phrase (en tO onomati), (quite distinctbe it noted from that used in Acts 8." TARGET="_blank">Acts 8. i6 and 19. 5, but which the questioner and his friends seem to confuse with it), occurs only twice, that is in Acts 2:38" TARGET="_blank">Acts 2:38 and Acts 10:48." TARGET="_blank">Acts 10:48. If one of these phrases replaced the usual formula, which is it? or were there two new formul given?

(2) The second point is the confession of faith of the believer. If the servants of the Lord are responsible to baptize believers, the believers are equally responsible to be baptized. (This we have in Mark 16:16)." TARGET="_blank">Mark 16:16). For that they must confess their faith in Christ. This is embodied in the phrase referred to above as occurring in Acts 8:16," TARGET="_blank">Acts 8:16, of the Samaritans, and Acts 19:5" TARGET="_blank">Acts 19:5 of the Ephesian disciples. This is “into the Name (eis to onoma) of the Lord Jesus,” the Person into whose name the candidate desired to be baptized. This was specially important in the two cases referred to, because the Samaritans had been cut off from Israel and the Ephesian disciples had been wrongly baptised “unto John’s baptism.”

That the apostle Paul did use the formula of Matthew 28" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 28 may, I think, be fairly deduced from the passage. When he learnt that these disciples had not even heard that the Holy Ghost had been given, he asked at once, “Into what then were ye baptized?” He knew immediately they could not have received the right kind of baptism “into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost,” for that would have informed them that the Spirit was revealed. No other form proposed as a substitute for that of Matthew 28" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 28 would have told them anything about it. Into this aspect of baptism very suitably fits the teaching of Romans 6," TARGET="_blank">Romans 6, by which the believer learns that at his baptism he was identified with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection.

(3) The third point is the object of the act of baptism. This is not in contrast or opposition to the other two phrases, but in harmony—”Into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.” The neophyte enters by faith into all that the Triune Name contains and implies. These three points have been for years emphasized by the writer in the act of baptizing—” ‘In the name of the Lord Jesus’ and on your confession of faith in Him, I baptize you ‘into the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost’.” The idea that Paul intended in any way to set aside baptism, in saying that “he thanked God he had only baptized a few of them” is certainly a mistake. He merely meant he was glad he had not performed the manual act, “lest they should say he baptized in his own name.” As an historical fact he was in the habit of having all converts baptized on confession of faith (see Acts 16:15,33;" TARGET="_blank">Acts 16:15,33; Acts 18:8)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 18:8).

Salvation not by Baptism

It should be noted that baptism is commanded to those who are already saved. It is not the way to obtain salvation or secure salvation. If you are worried that you were not baptized correctly and therefore in danger of losing your soul forever, then you should first accept Christ in order to be saved and then later be baptized.

Ephesians 2:8-9" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, (9) not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

1 Corinthians 1:17-18" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 1:17-18 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. (18) For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

W.H.

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How can a believer appropriately turn discussions to some thing more scriptural?

How can a believer appropriately turn discussions to some thing more scriptural?

The Word of God has volumes to say about our conversation. It is to be always with grace, seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6)," TARGET="_blank">Colossians 4:6), trustworthy, wholesome, characterized by love, and free of corruption. (Ephesians 4:29-32)." TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 4:29-32). The Lord hears our conversation. He can take delight in it, (Malachi 3:16)" TARGET="_blank">Malachi 3:16) or be grieved by it (Nurnbers 12:1-10).

Sometimes it is possible to steer a conversation toward profitable subjects by sincere questions. Rather than assuming a superior air or endeavoring to pontificate on his own chosen lines of thought, a believer can ask for the opinion of those he is speaking with. This allows the others to enter into a dialogue without an embarrassing rebuke and follows James' wise counsel: "Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak" (James 1:19)." TARGET="_blank">James 1:19). Our supreme example is our Lord Jesus Who, at the age of twelve, was found in the temple, "sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers." What marvelous grace that He Who knew all things should, consistent with His age, be asking them questions as well as answering when they inquired!

E. Higgins
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Does the assembly have a say in the decision of commending a full-time evangelist?

Does the assembly have a say in the decision of commending a full-time evangelist?

An assembly is not a democracy. Elders guide the assembly in its decisions; they are guides (Hebrews 13:7," TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 13:7, mg.) they "stand before" (1Ti 5:17," TARGET="_blank">1Ti 5:17, "rule") the flock as examples and leaders. Not having omniscience, either individually or collectively, they will benefit by input from the flock. For that reason, those in the assembly ought to respectfully and honestly communicate to the elders any concerns they may have about a person whom the assembly plans to commend. Having communicated that concern, the matter must be left with the Lord and with the overseers, who are responsible to fairly assess what has been said.

D. Oliver
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Is the Weymouth Translation reliable?

Is it safe to use Weymouth’s Translation, since it contains such error as is found in the note upon Hebrews10:27" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews10:27 (page 560)?

It has been pointed out that the notes in this version are not by Dr. R. F. Weymouth, but by E. Hampden-Cook, M.A., who is said to have “Edited and partly revised” the work. In my edition of 1910 the very unsound note on Heb. 10." TARGET="_blank">Heb. 10. 27 referred to above is on page 6i6; and it is by no means the only one of the kind; the notes on this subject always being in the interests of what is known as, “Annihilationism” a very serious and growing heresy to-day. This teaching, however, is not confined to the notes, but occurs in the text. Wherever, apparently, the translator (or do we owe these touches to the “part revision” of Mr. Cook?) comes upon the question of the future of the wicked, the same influence can be noted: e.g., Matthew 25:46" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 25:46 which is translated, “And these shall go away into the punishment of the ages, but the righteous into the life of the ages,” which is the ordinary meaningless and erroneous language affected by the Annihilationist teachers. How this book found its way into my small library, I have no idea; but I neither use it myself, nor would I advise anyone to do so. The Lord’s words apply here, “Take heed what ye hear,” and I am convinced that all this talk about “onian” and “the ages” is everywhere a danger-signal for those who desire to hold fast the whole revelation of God and the
doctrine of Christ.

W.H.

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Is the collection a part of the worship at the breaking of bread?

Is the collection a part of the worship at the breaking of bread?

The context of Hebrews 13:13-17," TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 13:13-17, including confessing "His name" (v. 15, JND), is the assembly (Matthew 18:20)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 18:20). "To communicate" (verse 16) is the same word translated "a certain contribution for the poor saints" (Romans 15:26)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 15:26) and is closely related to "no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving" (Philippians 4:15)." TARGET="_blank">Philippians 4:15). Therefore, Hebrews 13" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 13 links offering "the sacrifice of praise" (verse 15) and sacrifices of our finances (verse 16). Offering sacrifices is priestly and those who brought their sacrifices are called worshipers (Hebrews 10:1, 2)." TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 10:1, 2). Therefore when holy priests offer up spiritual sacrifices (1 Peter 2:5)," TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 2:5), they are worshiping. This is equally true of audible and inaudible expressions and of financial offerings.

D. Oliver
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How should a Christian pray for political events?

For what did Paul exhort prayer (1 Timothy 2:1-2)" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 2:1-2)?

The Lord’s "world view" ("In the world ye shall have tribulation," John 16:33)," TARGET="_blank">John 16:33), Paul’s eventual martyrdom, and the context make it doubtful that he requested prayer for a government favorable to Christian living and the spread of the gospel.

Leading "a quiet and peaceable life" certainly is "good and acceptable" (verse 3), but the context more likely describes praying "for all men" (verse 1) as being "acceptable" to God, "Who will have all men to be saved." By repeating "all men," Paul encouraged prayer for the salvation of all men.

Even though the government was acting immorally in opposing the gospel and imprisoning its messengers, Christian piety and morality ("godliness and honesty") remained unchanged. Believers would live in quietness (externally "aloof from political agitation," Vincent) and peace (inwardly calm) by keeping their focus and praying for the salvation of all men, including cruel kings. Whatever the condition of government may be, our mission in the world is to see men saved.

D. Oliver
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Are there more earthquakes occurring in our world?

The reason that this question appears in a religious context is that Jesus Christ mentioned an increase in earthquakes during the time of the Tribulation. Are recent earthquakes in Japan, Chile, Iran, California and other places a sign of the end?

Matthew 24:5-8" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 24:5-8 many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray. (6) And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. (7) For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. (8) All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.

It seems to us that that earthquakes are increasing in intensity and frequency. News and video from Chile, Iran, Japan and other locations flood into the 24-hour news cycle with regularity. But our perceptions are not the most accurate way to answer the question “Are more earthquakes occurring in our world?”

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) keeps a very close watch on the number of earthquakes, their intensity and size and locations. At first glance at their data, one could conclude that earthquakes are indeed increasing but this is due to the fact that we have the capacity to measure more earthquakes. In 1931, there were 350 locations measuring seismic activity. Today the total of measuring points on the earth is over 4,000! The instruments in use are much more sensitive and are able to detect smaller earthquakes. Each year between 12,000 and 14,000 earthquakes are detected. Earthquake apps and alerts now show us instantaneous results on our smart phones.

Instead of looking at the total number of earthquakes that occur each year, it is more accurate to count the number of MAJOR earthquakes that occur. Since 1900 there have been 18 earthquakes each year between 7.0 and 7.9. On average there has been one earthquake each year above 8.0 on the Richter scale. In recent decades, there has actually been less than the historical average of 18 major quakes per year.

The following graph shows the number of earthquakes that have occured world-wide each year from 2000 to 2011. The yellow line shows the number of earthquakes between 6.0 and 6.9. The pink line shows the number of earthquakes measuring between 7.0 and 7.9. The blue line shows the number of earthquakes 8.0 and higher. The graph shows that the number of earthquakes is not increasing.

Shad Sluiter

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