Is the "Rapture" distinct from Christ's return to earth?

Is the "Rapture" distinct from Christ's return to earth?

The second coming of Christ Ahas two segments: the rapture into the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17);" TARGET="_blank">1 Thessalonians 4:17); the return onto the earth (Zechariah 14:4)." TARGET="_blank">Zechariah 14:4). The term "rapture," from the expression "caught up" (1 Thessalonians 4:17)," TARGET="_blank">1 Thessalonians 4:17), literally means "to snatch away" "The Lord Himself" (verse 16) comes to catch away into the air both the resurrected and living believers to "be with the Lord" (see John 14:3)," TARGET="_blank">John 14:3), for He has "not appointed us to wrath" (ch.5:9, 1:10, and Romans 5:9)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 5:9). In contrast, at His return to earth, the Lord comes accompanied by His saints (Zechariah 14:5," TARGET="_blank">Zechariah 14:5, Revelation 19:14)" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 19:14) and "His mighty angels" (2 Thessalonians 1:7)." TARGET="_blank">2 Thessalonians 1:7). At this time, He executes wrath, "taking vengeance on them that know not God" (2 Thessalonians 1:8)." TARGET="_blank">2 Thessalonians 1:8).

Another distinction in 1 Thessalonians is that Paul saw the Rapture as imminent; it could happen even while he wrote, since "we which are alive" (4:15, 17) included himself. He says the Thessalonians were presently waiting for "His Son from heaven" (1:10, see Titus 2:13)." TARGET="_blank">Titus 2:13). Again, in contrast the return to earth requires fulfilled signs (Matthew 24:3, 6, 15, 21, 29-30)" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 24:3, 6, 15, 21, 29-30) before it will occur. It could not happen today. In addition, the expression, "the coming of the Son of Man" is linked only to His earthly return. Further, the change in both sleeping and living saints at the Rapture (1 Corinthians 15:51-53)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 15:51-53) was a mystery revealed only in the N.T. It had not been prophesied in O.T. portions regarding our Lord's return to earth.

S. Thompson
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Will science unlock the secret of aging and death?

Will Science one day enable us to live forever in our physical bodies? Will we unlock the secret of aging and death?

Today scientists are talking realistically about developing solutions to grow and replace aging organs artificially. Some even talk about digitizing all aspects of the human brain and literally downloading a person’s personality, memories and creativity into a CD that can be stored and transferred to other beings. They say that we'll be able to live forever if we want to (and have the money). Are there are people alive today who will never have to contemplate dying or going to heaven or hell? Will God allow this to happen?

Live Long Enough to Live Forever

We live in an exciting age when fiction becomes fact faster than we expect. Some said that God would never allow man to walk on the moon, that flying faster than sound would be deadly on the human body, that the world would starve to death in the 1970’s due to the inability to produce enough food. Now some scientists are saying we will eventually extend life indefinitely.

Dr. Ray Kurzweil's is one author who is planning to live long enough to see the dream of eternal life on earth become a reality. His book Fantastic Voyage: Live Long Enough to Live Forever. Dr. Kurtzweil says that we will soon discover secrets to aging and gain the capacity to repair and replace enough of our body to life indefinitely. Artificial intelligence technology will advance to the point where human consciousness, memory and emotions will be able to be transferred to machines and to other beings making it possible to restart life even after one’s body has aged. Although these concepts remain the subject of science fiction, he believes the future may be closer than we think. He estimates that 2045 is the approximate year in which sufficient advances will be made to achieve indefinite life. The curve of scientific discovery follows an exponential growth rate, not a linear rate. Scientific advancements are doubling every 10 years. He observes:

The 20th century was not 100 years of progress at today’s rate but, rather, was equivalent to about 20 years, because we’ve been speeding up to current rates of change. And we’ll make another 20 years of progress at today’s rate, equivalent to that of the entire 20th century, in the next 14 years. And then we’ll do it again in just 7 years. Because of this exponential growth, the 21st century will equal 20,000 years of progress at today’s rate of progress—1,000 times greater than what we witnessed in the 20th century, which itself was no slouch for change.

Kurzweil is trying his hardest to be alive long enough to be here whenever these breakthrough technologies are developed. By taking 180 to 210 pills each day – vitamin and mineral supplements – and receiving experimental treatments one day each week from Dr. Terry Grossman at the price of $6,000 per visit, he is buying time. His book is essentially a life-extension strategy to remain alive until 2045.

Skeptics

There are plenty of skeptics in the scientific community who see problems ahead in the quest to achieve indefinite life.
Technology may not ever solve the problem of artificial intelligence. To date, the limitation in artificial intelligence has not been with processing power of computers, but with the software of human intelligence. Our brains are very complex, but also very slow. A neuron can fire about once every 5 milliseconds, or about 200 times a second. A CPU cycle on a 1 Ghz clock speed is about 5 million times faster than any neuron. The CPU speed will continue to double in the future, but there is no doubling of artificial intelligence because we haven’t figured out how to make computers think like us.
All AI systems we have developed are classified as “weak AI” – these systems are very good at doing specific tasks like OCR (Optical Character Recognition), playing chess, juggling complex schedules for airlines or recognizing trends and patterns in vast amounts of customer purchase data. But “Strong AI” is the human elements of creativity, insight, self-awareness and wisdom. Online video game players immediately recognize the difference between human opponents and computer players. An AI opponent can have lightning-fast reaction times, but can be easily fooled. If all the information in our brain can be stored in a computer before we die and the computer can be programmed to imitate the actions and emotions of a real person, is that person really still alive or does it just a simulation? We may replace body parts, but can we replace the brain? There is no Moore’s law of Strong AI because Strong AI doesn't exist.

Evil humans may co-opt future inventions to destroy humanity in stead of preserve it. If a super-intelligent machine is ever invented, it could enslave or exterminate the human race. While there is Moore’s Law, the exponential growth in speed of CPU power, there also is Murphy’s Law, “What can go wrong, will go wrong”.

Ancient Patriarchs

At one time there was very long life on the earth. Before the flood of Noah’s day, the age of the Patriarchs, there people living to 900 years and longer. (Genesis 5:1-20)" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 5:1-20) The conditions on earth must have been very conducive to prevent diseases or aging. There are a number of speculations as to why this was so:
•    Perhaps there weren’t as many genetic disorders. The DNA of people was purer then and not corrupted compared with today. Man has degenerated genetically with time, not improved.
•    Perhaps the atmosphere was different being more dense and moist.
•    Perhaps there was not as much harmful radiation that today strikes the earth and of course, human beings as well.
•    Perhaps the level of Oxygen content in the atmosphere was higher giving longer life, faster healing and more energy.

Ages of the Patriarchs from Adam to Noah

	Name of Person	Age at Death	Bible Verse
1	Adam	930	Genesis 5:4" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 5:4
2	Seth	912	Genesis 5:8" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 5:8
3	Enosh	905	Genesis 5:11" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 5:11
4	Cainan	910	Genesis 5:14" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 5:14
5	Mahalalel	895	Genesis 5:17" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 5:17
6	Jared	962	Genesis 5:20" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 5:20
7	Enoch	365 (taken in mid-life)	Genesis 5:23" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 5:23
8	Methuselah	969	Genesis 5:27" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 5:27
9	Lamech	777	Genesis 5:31" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 5:31
10	Noah	950	Genesis 9:29" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 9:29

Something happened after the flood that caused life spans to dramatically contract. In the generations that followed Noah we see a rapid decline in life span approaching 100 years. Scientists generally believe that the upper limit for maximum life for the human body is about 125 years. The reasons mentioned above are mere speculation as to the cause for extended life.

What does the Bible say about sin and death?

God created Adam and Eve with the possibility of living forever. In the Garden of Eden, in addition to all of the normal types of trees, there were two special trees: the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life. (Genesis 2:16-17;" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 2:16-17; Genesis 3:22-23)." TARGET="_blank">Genesis 3:22-23).

The results of sin include death.

Genesis 2:16-17" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 2:16-17 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, (17) but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."

Romans 5:12" TARGET="_blank">Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—

Hebrews 9:27" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 9:27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,

Genesis 3:22-24" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 3:22-24 Then the LORD God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever--" (23) therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. (24) He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.

Bad Fruit?

There was nothing physical about the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Eveil that would cause death. “The tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise” (Genesis 3:6)." TARGET="_blank">Genesis 3:6). It is unlikely that the Tree of Life had any super-nutritional fruit that sustained life. It was a real physical tree, but it stood for the relationship of eternal life that God gave to Adam as long as he remained obedient. The source of life is God Himself.

The eternal life that Adam enjoyed as an innocent man was taken away. God drove the man from the garden and the Tree of Life as a physical reminder that Adam was no longer permitted to dwell in God’s presence. He died spiritually by being separated from God. He later died physically. Our efforts to obtain eternal existence are frustrated by the fact that we seek them without seeking the Source of Life.

By barring access to the tree of life, God prevented Adam from living eternally in his fallen state. Because of the curse of sin, life is filled with sorrow and toil and pain. An eternal existence in our sinful state would be a curse instead of a blessing. God limits the number of years we live here physically. By limiting our lifespan, God gives us enough time to come to know Him and His provision for eternal life through Christ, but spares us the misery of an endless existence in a sinful condition.

The End of the World

The Bible says clearly that we live on a condemned planet. There is a limit to the patience of God in regards to our behavior. Just as the judgment that fell on the earth in Noah’s day, God has reserved our world for judgment, not by water, but by fire.

2 Peter 3:10-13" TARGET="_blank">2 Peter 3:10-13 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. (11) Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, (12) waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! (13) But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

If science creates a pathway to indefinite life on earth, it will eventually be interrupted by the coming of Christ in glory. Those who are alive at his coming will either be received by him into glory or rejected into eternal fire (Revelation 19:14-21;" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 19:14-21; Matthew 24:37-51)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 24:37-51).

Millennial Kingdom

Following the return of Christ to the earth, the world will once again experience life spans like those of the ancient Patriarchs. Revelation 20:1-6" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 20:1-6 tells us about the reign of Christ that lasts 1000 years in a future day. Isaiah 65" TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 65 tells us some details about the life spans of people and the reason for living so long.

Isaiah 65:20" TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 65:20 No more shall there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not fill out his days, for the young man shall die a hundred years old, and the sinner a hundred years old shall be accursed.

Long life will flourish in the millennium. Death will occur, but not as we know it. 100 years of age will be considered youthful. If someone does die at such a young age, it will be assumed that it is because of a direct judgment for some sin committed. The curse will be throttled and sin contained in the Millennium. Satan will be bound (Revelation 20:1)." TARGET="_blank">Revelation 20:1).

Following the age of the Millennium God will create an eternal state, much like the Millennium, but with the curse of sin completely eradicated. The bondage that creation is under will be removed.

Revelation 22:3" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 22:3 No longer will there be anythi ng accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.

Romans 8:19-21" TARGET="_blank">Romans 8:19-21 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. (20) For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope (21) that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

Eternal vs. Everlasting

Eternal life is not the same as eternal existence. “Eternal life” is the quality life. “Everlasting life” is the duration of life. A popular image of heaven is a group of winged-like people floating on clouds for everlastingly boring years. However the view the Bible gives of heaven is always “new” that is “eternal” rather than simply “everlasting”.

There are seven verses in Revelation that tell us about “new things” - a new song, a new name, a new Jerusalem, a new heaven, a new earth. The difference between the “new songs” of popular music of today and the “new song” of heaven is that by tomorrow, the “new” music of today will be old music very soon. Not so with the songs of heaven. It is a song that never grows old. The new earth, New Jerusalem will never loose its splendor. The new name, representing our relationship as a child of God, will never loose its impact. We will never grow bored of being in God’s family. (Revelation 2:17;" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 2:17; Revelation 3:12;" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 3:12; Revelation 5:9;" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 5:9; Revelation 14:3;" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 14:3; Revelation 21:1-2)" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 21:1-2) .

The promises that God has in store for us are eternal. God, being infinite, will never cease to amaze and impress. This is seen in his promise to continually show us his riches in the ages to come.

Ephesians 2:7" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 2:7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Conclusion

Science may be able to replace and repair body to live long beyond the 125 year threshold. It may even be able to simulate human behavior with machines. It might even give us the possibility of transferring thoughts and memories from one old brain to a younger one. The words indefinite life (barring accidents or unforeseen plague) may be the reality of coming generations. However, the prospect of an “eternal” life will be the stuff of knowing God and living with him and exploring the “riches of his grace” forever.

Shad Sluiter

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What do I do if people criticize my career choices?

In what way can a younger believer respond appropriately when other believers question his career choice?

When believing parents or other Christians with a sincere concern raise a question about a younger believer’s choice of a career, it is wise to consider what they have to say. "Without counsel, purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established" (Proverbs 15:22)." TARGET="_blank">Proverbs 15:22). Twice Solomon states, "In the multitude of counsellors there is safety" (11:14; 24:6). In addition, Proverbs 20:5" TARGET="_blank">Proverbs 20:5 says, "Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out." With sincerity and humility, when a young believer attempts to draw out the thinking of those who question his choice, he will receive the benefit of their counsel. Some scriptural principle is likely in their mind and drawing from the well of their concern will only be helpful. Ultimately, the young believer must make his own choices, but gathering all the help he can from reliable believers is wise and safe.

D. Oliver
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Bible Verse Search

The Bible Verse Search program will help you find a Bible verse by searching a keyword or a Bible reference.

Bible Verse Search

The Bible verse search program at Gospel Hall provides a free way search for a Bible verse or phrase. The Bible verse search is available along with the dictionary under the link titled "Online Bible Search" or here.

Instructions for the Bible verse search

1. Select this link Bible Verse Search.

2. Choose a Bible version in which to search for your verse (ASV -American Standard Version, BBE - Bible in Basic English, DBY - Darby "New Translation", GFR - God's Word for Readers, KJV - King James Version, WEB - World English Bible, YLT - Young's Literal Translation, or the ESV - English Standard Version)

3. Click "Go" to launch the finder.

The results of your bible verse search will be different with each Bible version since the language in each Bible version is slightly different.

About the Bible Versions

The King James or Authorised Version of the Bible is an English translation of the Christian Bible first published in 1611. The New Testament was translated from the Textus Receptus (Received Text) edition of the Greek texts, so called because most extant texts of the time were in agreement with it. The Old Testament was translated from the Masoretic Hebrew text.

(Modern English Bibles such as the New American Standard Bible and the English Standard Version decline to use the Textus Receptus, opting instead for what many modern scholars feel are more reliable critical editions.)

The King James Version has had a profound effect on English literature. The works of famous authors such as John Milton, Herman Melville, John Dryden, and William Wordsworth are deeply inspired by it.

The Bible In Basic English (also known as BBE) is a translation of the Bible into Basic English. The BBE was translated by Professor S. H. Hooke using the standard 850 Basic English words. 100 words that were helpful to understand poetry were added along with 50 "Bible" words. The New Testament was released in 1941 and the Old Testament was released in 1949.

The American Standard Version (ASV) of the Holy Bible was first published in 1901. It has earned the reputation of being the Rock of Biblical Honesty. Although the English used in the ASV is somewhat archaic, it isn't nearly as hard to understand as some passages of the King James Version of nearly 3 centuries earlier. This translation of the Holy Bible is in the public domain, since its copyright has expired. You are encouraged to download, copy, publish, and use this translation freely.

John Nelson Darby Version

First published in 1890 by John Nelson Darby, an Anglo-Irish Bible teacher associated with the early years of the Plymouth Brethren. Darby also published translations of the Bible in French and German.

The English Standard Version (ESV) was Published in 2003 as a translation to bridge the gap between the accuracy of the NASB and the readability of the NIV.

The ESV is an “essentially literal” translation that seeks as far as possible to capture the precise wording of the original text and the personal style of each Bible writer. As such, its emphasis is on “word-for-word” correspondence, at the same time taking into account differences of grammar, syntax, and idiom between current literary English and the original languages. Thus it seeks to be transparent to the original text, letting the reader see as directly as possible the structure and meaning of the original.

In contrast to the ESV, some Bible versions have followed a “thought-for-thought” rather than “word-for-word” translation philosophy, emphasizing “dynamic equivalence” rather than the “essentially literal” meaning of the original. A “thought-for-thought” translation is of necessity more inclined to reflect the interpretive opinions of the translator and the influences of contemporary culture.

For example,

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Are overseers failing to do their work because of the burden of deacon work they assume?

Are overseers failing to do their work because of the burden of deacon work they assume?

Overseers bear a heavy responsibility, given to them by the Lord (Acts 20:28;" TARGET="_blank">Acts 20:28; Heb 13:17)." TARGET="_blank">Heb 13:17). To handle God’s Word in a way that discourages them would displease the Lord (1Co 12:7)." TARGET="_blank">1Co 12:7). Overseers, sharing the same weaknesses that we all have, may unconsciously fall into counterproductive habits. Being able to step back and view their habits objectively could be helpful.

While qualifications for overseers are listed separately from those of deacons (1Ti 3:1-13)," TARGET="_blank">1Ti 3:1-13), this does not eliminate the possibility that an elder could also be a deacon. Since spiritual service is the primary responsibility of deacons (1Ti 3:9, 10)," TARGET="_blank">1Ti 3:9, 10), overseers who are "apt to teach" likely serve as deacons. The question, however, likely deals with deacon service noted by the apostles as serving tables (Acts 6:2)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 6:2).

The priority for overseers is protecting and shepherding the flock (Acts 20:28)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 20:28). If the Lord has given them this work, He will not also give them work that interferes with this service. He never presses us beyond our limits (1Co 10:13;" TARGET="_blank">1Co 10:13; Psa 103:14), but gives us the needed physical help to fulfill our responsibilities (1Ti 4:10," TARGET="_blank">1Ti 4:10, "Preserver of all . . ." JND).

Perhaps some overseers need to make adjustments in their scheduling. The shepherds need to "know well the face of thy flock" (Pro 27:23," TARGET="_blank">Pro 27:23, YLT), to visit with them, and to have appropriate food that will meet specific needs.

D. Oliver
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Can Satan speak to a believer with a physical voice?

Can Satan speak to a believer with a physical voice?

Angels spoke with human voices when they appeared as humans (Luke 24:4-6, 23)," TARGET="_blank">Luke 24:4-6, 23), so these spirit beings can communicate with a physical voice. These elect angels appear as humans by divine direction, not by their own will. Their speech capabilities are divinely imparted. This does not seem to be the case for Satan or for fallen angels who serve him.

To speak to Eve, the devil used a serpent (Genesis 3:1, 14)." TARGET="_blank">Genesis 3:1, 14). To communicate with the Lord in the presence of His disciples, he used Peter (Matthew 16:23)" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 16:23) and Peter was responsible for his words (v. 23b). Evil spirits used the voice of those whom they possessed (Mark 5:5, 7, 9)." TARGET="_blank">Mark 5:5, 7, 9).

The one apparent exception requires some examination. Satan spoke to the Lord during His temptation in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-12)." TARGET="_blank">Luke 4:1-12). While the temptations involved physical issues such as hunger, bread, bowing in worship, and coming suddenly to His temple, was the conversation in the spiritual, mental realm? Or, for this unique occasion of divine purpose, did God allow Satan the special power of a human voice?

If a believer hears a physical voice that he attributes to Satan, one of three things is possible: a satanically induced thought comes with such power that it seems to have a physical voice; a nearby person has allowed himself to be an accomplice of Satan; the voice is delusional.

D. Oliver
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What is the Christian

What is the Christian’s role in politics?

The world system and its principles are opposed to God (John 14:17; 15:18, 19;" TARGET="_blank">John 14:17; 15:18, 19; 1 John 2:16)." TARGET="_blank">1 John 2:16). We have been taken out of it (John 17:6, 16)." TARGET="_blank">John 17:6, 16). We are called to be distinct from it (2 Corinthians 6:17;" TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 6:17; Romans 12:2)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 12:2). The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ stands between it and us (Galatians 6:14)." TARGET="_blank">Galatians 6:14). Although some of these passages refer to the religious world, we are assured that "the prince of this world" (John 12:32; 14:30; 16:11)" TARGET="_blank">John 12:32; 14:30; 16:11) controls every aspect of the world (1 John 5:19);" TARGET="_blank">1 John 5:19); therefore, the principles apply broadly.

"In the days of His flesh," what was the Lord’s role in the political world? He was aware of its injustices (Luke 13:1-3)" TARGET="_blank">Luke 13:1-3) and of the "undesirables" in authority (Matthew 22:16-21)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 22:16-21). The political Jews tried to draw Him into that, but He used both occasions for a spiritual message. The truth of salvation which He preached eventually changed social problems, like slavery, but that was not His focus. We are not reading too much into His words, "I pray not for the world" (John 17:9)," TARGET="_blank">John 17:9), to recognize that those taken out of the world system by salvation are His present concern and not the world system itself.

He was crucified through bribery, political intrigue, political weakness, expediency, and laws opposing God’s truth. Even then His servants did not resist (John 18:36)." TARGET="_blank">John 18:36). This was based on a principle: His kingdom was not from this world. And neither is ours. "Our conversation (citizenship, politics, enfranchisement, voting rights) is in heaven" (Philippians 3:20)." TARGET="_blank">Philippians 3:20).

In the first century of Christianity, the few wealthy believers who could participate in politics never received any encouragement to do so or to raise funds so others could. The pervasion of democracy now makes such involvement available to all. The present, prominent involvement of believers in politics, as much as we appreciate their confession of faith, does not change scriptural principles.

D. Oliver
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Fast Sunday School Lessons

Don't have much time to prepare your lesson for tomorrow's Sunday school class? Perhaps you like reading the Bible story for the lesson, but you don't have time to create an interesting activity. Then the following fast links will help you create a fast lesson and an activity to go with it.

Lesson plans - A fast-start to help you prepare for next class.
Printable activities - Crafts, foldable paper models, worksheets, PowerPoint and other items to make your lesson more interesting and active.
Sunday School Puzzle Maker - Create a crossword puzzle or wordsearch in a few mouse clicks.
or use one of the 325 worksheets already made to get you started fast.

All you will need is your computer, a printer and typical classroom materials like pencils and scissors. You will be ready quickly, but your students wont forget your lesson very fast.
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How should a man prepare for overseership?

How should a man prepare for overseership?

"Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" is his concern. Love for Christ, His Word, and His people are his hallmarks. As God’s Spirit has His way in his life, His purpose and calling blends with the individual’s native capabilities. That man and his wife (or girlfriend, if he is courting) visit the sick or the widows, leaving some suitable Bible passage with them. He "naturally cares for" (Philippians 3:20)" TARGET="_blank">Philippians 3:20) the state of other believers. He prepares for and participates in the meetings, developing a deeper understanding of God’s Word. As he realizes how important the assembly and the spiritual welfare of the Lord’s people are to the Lord, a weight of responsibility settles in his soul. All of these interests integrate with his prayer life and he begins to ask the Lord specifically for the prosperity and preservation of the assembly. Overseers observe his consistency and encourage his interests. At some point, they may ask him to help them in their work.

Especially if he has a competitive spirit (is any man free of this?), he should confront this before the Lord and seek grace to be delivered from a desire for office, advancement, or recognition and to be motivated by a desire to serve.

When the overseers recognize that God has called this brother to the responsibilities of an overseer, he should be willing to serve with these overseers only if he is convinced that God has entrusted this work to him.

D. Oliver
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Bible Verse Finder

The Online Bible Verse Finder provides a free way to add the ability to your site visitors to find a Bible verse directly from your page. The Bible verse finder is available along with the dictionary under the link titled "Online Bible Search" or here.

Instructions for the Bible verse finder

1. Select this link Bible Verse Finder.

2. Choose a Bible version in which to find your verse (ASV -American Standard Version, BBE - Bible in Basic English, DBY - Darby "New Translation", GFR - God's Word for Readers, KJV - King James Version, WEB - World English Bible, YLT - Young's Literal Translation, or the ESV - English Standard Version)

3. Click "Go" to launch the Bible verse finder.

The results of your bible verse finder search will be different with each Bible version since the language in each Bible version is slightly different.

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Main Menu

Bible Verse Search

Lesson plans - A fast-start to help you prepare for next class.

Printable activities - Crafts, foldable paper models, worksheets, PowerPoint and other items to make your lesson more interesting and active.

Sunday School Puzzle Maker - Create a crossword puzzle or wordsearch in a few mouse clicks.

or use one of the 325 worksheets already made to get you started fast.

Bible Verse Finder