How does Satan communicate?

Satan was a created cherub (Ezekiel 28:14)," TARGET="_blank">Ezekiel 28:14), one of the angelic orders. As such, he operates in the realm of spirits. Though fallen, he remains a spirit being.

Two references will suffice to show his work in the spirit realm. In Acts 5:3," TARGET="_blank">Acts 5:3, Peter asked Ananias, "Why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost?" Since the human spirit is related to knowledge, to the mind (1 Corinthians 2:11)," TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 2:11), Satan is able to insinuate thoughts into the human mind.

The soul is also part of man’s spirit being and relates to the emotions (Matthew 12:18; 26:38)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 12:18; 26:38). Since the Lord tempts no man with evil (James 1:13)," TARGET="_blank">James 1:13), it seems necessary to understand that "an evil spirit from the Lord" (1 Samuel 16:14)" TARGET="_blank">1 Samuel 16:14) that afflicted Saul was permitted by God, not directed by Him. This evil spirit affected Saul’s emotions, bringing him into a form of depression and violent anger.

The conclusion, then, is that Satan communicates with men through their mind and emotions.

In both of these cases, Satan’s communication does not override the responsibility of the individual. Ananias was responsible for the acts he committed in response to Satan’s initiative. As strong as Satan is, we can resist (James 4:7)" TARGET="_blank">James 4:7) his mental and emotional attacks. Our will determines our response to Satan’s communication.

D. Oliver
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Should a young person seek the counsel of parents and elders about dating?

Should a young person seek the counsel of parents and elders about dating?

In cultures where elders or parents do not arrange a couple’s marriage this is important. The influence of a society that discounts the permanence of marriage will test the strength of a Christian marriage. Finding the right partner is a crucial choice and must be made carefully, yet marriage is a life-long commitment of two who generally have no experience in making such a momentous choice.

How wonderful that Christians have a wise heavenly Father to guide them by means of prayer and His Word! It is never too early in Christian life for a believer to submissively ask the Lord if and whom he should marry (1Pe 5:7)." TARGET="_blank">1Pe 5:7). In addition, wise Solomon tells us twice that "In the multitude of counselors there is safety" (Pro 11:14; 24:6)." TARGET="_blank">Pro 11:14; 24:6). Parents and elders ought to be people a young person respects for their wisdom and experience. Friends who are both spiritual and objective are also good candidates for inclusion in the "multitude of counselors." The brother and the sister in Christ who begin to keep company are each responsible before the Lord to determine His will for them in this matter (Rom 14:12)." TARGET="_blank">Rom 14:12). They cannot make their choice merely on either the advice of respected counselors or the conviction of their "dating partner" that their relationship is the Lord’s will. The input of others, however, should be weighed carefully, prayerfully, and as objectively as possible. The choice to date is not an irreversible choice, but believers should not make that choice lightly. To be kind and fair to each other, they should choose to spend time together only if each one would consider the other to be a reasonable candidate for marriage. The insights of trusted counselors can be helpful in assessing the prospective partner’s spirituality, personality, capabilities, habits, reliability, family background, and overall compatibility.

Years before dating is an issue, parents and elders can cultivate a relationship with these believers that will foster trust and enable effective and helpful communication in this important area. Before their children are thinking about dating, parents can promote family discussions that will help their children recognize important features they should weigh when thinking of a relationship with prospective marriage partners.

D. Oliver

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How do we "make disciples" and fulfill the Great Commission?

What is the most important help in "making disciples"?

The responsibility to "make disciples" extends "to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19, 20)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 28:19, 20). We need every available spiritual means to encourage all believers to "obey all things."

New believers retain their former personality traits. Some love to learn something new (Acts 17:21);" TARGET="_blank">Acts 17:21); others like the challenge of advancing beyond others (Galatians 1:14);" TARGET="_blank">Galatians 1:14); still others love to fit into their new-found society and they eagerly conform (Acts 8:13)," TARGET="_blank">Acts 8:13), while the timid can be intimidated (Diotrephes did this, 3 John 1:9, 10)." TARGET="_blank">3 John 1:9, 10). Playing on these natural traits cannot produce spiritual results. The Lord predicates discipleship on this condition: "if any man will come after me" (Luke 9:23)." TARGET="_blank">Luke 9:23). Hearts drawn to Christ by an all-consuming devotion gladly embrace all He commands (John 14:15, 23)." TARGET="_blank">John 14:15, 23). Fostering devotion to Christ, coupled with patient, practical teaching, is essential to making disciples.

D. Oliver
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How can I know what work to do for God?

How can I know what work to do for God?

What a valuable expression of devotion to the Lord!

"He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much" (Luke 16:10)" TARGET="_blank">Luke 16:10) teaches us God’s way of entrusting lesser responsibilities initially. In fact, lifelong willingness to do "that which is least" is becoming for bondservants (see Philippians 2:5)." TARGET="_blank">Philippians 2:5). Mark 12:34," TARGET="_blank">Mark 12:34, "The Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who . . . gave . . . to every man his work," highlights the Lord’s manner: He desires to employ every hand and entrusts to each of us our personal responsibility. "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might" (Ecclesiastes 9:10)" TARGET="_blank">Ecclesiastes 9:10) advocates putting all our strength into what we do; that is especially appropriate for spiritual work.

Three factors may guide us in fulfilling our responsibility. First, our work will present itself to us. As part of living daily by the power of the Spirit, we should expect perceived need to encounter spiritual opportunity (Genesis 24:27)." TARGET="_blank">Genesis 24:27). Second, our work will not be disruptive. The Scriptures use a body to illustrate assembly functioning (Romans 12:5;" TARGET="_blank">Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 12:27)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 12:27). If we assume we are a "thumb" and our functioning displaces another believer, we are either on the wrong hand (going about our work in the wrong way) or misdirected (doing the wrong work). Third, our work will have encouragement. Seeking others’ approval ought to be disappointing, yet the absence of encouragement should produce humble waiting on God. Work done for the Lord will eventually have His encouragement, perhaps in small, very personal ways, and the encouragement of respected believers. Only intimacy with God, however, can impart the essential awareness in the soul that a particular work, especially public service, is God-given.

D. Oliver
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Under what conditions are we not to have fellowship with one "who is called a brother" (1 Corinthian

Under what conditions are we not to have fellowship with one "who is called a brother" (1 Corinthians 5:11)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 5:11)?

Paul gave instructions to the Corinthians not to keep company with those put away, even so much as social eating (verses 9, 11). He likewise instructed the Thessalonians to withdraw from those walking disorderly (2 Thessalonians 3:6)" TARGET="_blank">2 Thessalonians 3:6) and not to keep company with them (verse 14). When therefore the assembly must deal with an individual whose behavior endangers the behavior of others (1 Corinthians 5:6-8;" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 5:6-8; 2 Thessalonians 3:11)" TARGET="_blank">2 Thessalonians 3:11) or who needs to learn the seriousness of his sin (2 Thessalonians 3:14)," TARGET="_blank">2 Thessalonians 3:14), social contact must be limited. In all other cases, saints should cultivate social contact with each other (Hebrews 13:1-3)." TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 13:1-3).

D. Oliver
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What is Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras is the French translation of “Fat Tuesday”. Those who know Spanish can see the resemblance in Martes (Tuesday) and grasa (fat). Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras occurs the day immediately preceding Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. In mid February, the pagans in the Roman empire celebrated the Lupercalia, a circus-like festival. Like other holidays, the Roman Catholic religion decided to adopt the practices of the pagans rather than offend the newly "Christianized" masses.

Mardi Gras is celebrated for a few weeks, depending on the location in the world, in a festival called Carnival. Unbridled partying, drunkenness, sex and debauchery are the features of this festival. Freqently Carnival is celebrated in Central America, South America and Southern Europe where Catholic traditions are strong. New Orleans is the largest and most famous Mardi Gras celebration in the United States. Elaborate costumes and barely clothed women are common in Mardi Gras parades.

Since the Catholic teaching of Lent stipulates that the faithful refrain from sinful practices, fast and pray during the 40 days of Lent, Mardi Gras has been a tradition for centuries to have a huge party just before the days of Lent. Think of it as one last binge before giving something up for 40 days.

There is either a serious misunderstanding or ignorance of God’s word in the combination of Mardi Gras and Lent. The Bible says that Christians should avoid willful sin and uncontrolled behavior all of the year, not just during Lent or Holy Week.

“Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” Romans 13:13-14" TARGET="_blank">Romans 13:13-14

When is Fat Tuesday?
March 8, 2011
February 21, 2012
February 12, 2013
March 4, 2014
February 17, 2015

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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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How can I begin a conversation about salvation?

What are some effective ways to begin a conversation about spiritual things?

In dealing with a soul, five basic things are required: the power of God; the guidance of the Spirit; a knowledge of the Scriptures; prayer; and common sense. Consider his surroundings, circumstances, nationality (if possible), and vocation. Be relaxed (the Lord sat, John 4);" TARGET="_blank">John 4); be pleasant; be passive; show an interest in things that interest him. Follow Paul's advice (1 Corinthians 9: 19-22)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 9: 19-22) by becoming all things to all men. Never elevate yourself, but elevate him and win his confidence by asking secular questions he can answer, expressing gratitude to him for enlightening you, and recognizing his attainments. Never argue. As you do this, pray to God, as Nehemiah (2:4) did, for an opening to sow the Seed. To a fireman, talk fire. Praise his bravery, then bring before him the fire that never shall be quenched (Mark 9:43)." TARGET="_blank">Mark 9:43). To a coal miner, talk about digging and that you were afraid to work in a mine, then tell of a man in the Bible who dug (Luke 6:48)." TARGET="_blank">Luke 6:48). Wearing a suit among business people will gain respect and a ready ear. In a mining village or on a farm, leave your tie at home, lest you appear "important." Have a suitable tract ready.

R. Surgenor

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Did God forbid the Jews to loan money?

Could you throw any light on the apparent contradictions between the 12th and the 44th verses of Deuteronomy 28:12," TARGET="_blank">Deuteronomy 28:12, 14? We often hear the former quoted in support of the Jews being money-lenders down the course of time. The position in verse is in exactly the opposite order from that of verse 12.

That is so. In verse 12 we read: “Thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow,” and in verse : “He (i.e. the stranger that is within thee) shall lend to thee and thou shalt not lend to him.” The positions are reversed, because the conditions are altered. In verse 12, Moses is enumerating the blessings which will accrue to Israel upon obedience, and though the obedience of the nation was very far from perfect, yet for the sake of the godly, and especially of the Messiah, God did accord them a measure of prosperity, though whether we ever hear of Israel actually lending “to many nations,” I very much doubt. But in verse 44 (beginning back from verse 15) Moses is enumerating the disabilities—the cursings on those who disobey, and these have been terribly realised in the great majority of the people. The idea that all Jews are wealthy is a superficial one. Many have accumulated wealth, it is true, in countries like our own and the United States, where they live and carry on business on equal terms with others. In many lands, however, they are hampered and handicapped, with the result that the mass of Jews at the present day are very far from being able to lend, and are reduced to living on a very low scale, on the debtor rather than on the creditor side, if ever the latter. Verse I2 is, moreover, national; verse , individual. I think when above considerations are weighed, even the appearance of a contradiction disappears.

W.H.

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What becomes the role of those God has used in planting an assembly?

What becomes the role of those God has used in planting an assembly?

The assemblies in Crete were apparently exposed to the attacks of those who contradicted sound doctrine (Titus 1:9)." TARGET="_blank">Titus 1:9). Paul was concerned that the men who led the flock would be able to stand against such men and thus preserve the assembly for which they were responsible. Titus had a part to play in this by his teaching (2:1), but the goal was that each assembly would have men within it who possessed this capability. The role of those who plant and nurture a young assembly is to so strengthen that assembly that it will be able to function and flourish without him (or them). In speaking to the Ephesian elders, Paul makes it clear that this is also the Spirit’s goal (Acts 20: 28-32)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 20: 28-32). Remarkably, God is able to accomplish this despite the native characteristics, even of Cretans (Titus 1:12)." TARGET="_blank">Titus 1:12).

The instruments the Spirit is using in this work need sensitivity so they neither rush ahead of the Spirit’s working nor lag behind it. Circumstances differ and the rate at which this good work progresses differs from case to case. Those who are not familiar with a particular work may not be fitted to understand the timing of the Spirit’s work. Nonetheless, the goal remains the same.

Paul speaks of himself as having a role like a mother (1Th 2:7)" TARGET="_blank">1Th 2:7) and a father (v 11) in the development of the Thessalonian assembly. Parents work toward the day when their child will be able to function on his own and make choices consistent with the truth they have taught him. Some parents can so control a child that they limit his maturing. Sometimes parents step in too quickly when they see some unsteadiness in their mature child. Eventually, parents must trust the power of the principles they have instilled in their child and commit him to God in prayer. They trust God’s power and wisdom to continue the training required. Epaphras certainly practiced this (Col 4:12, 13)." TARGET="_blank">Col 4:12, 13).

David Oliver
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