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.

Other pages in this section

About this site

My teen age child is rebellious. What can I do?

What can Christian parents do to help their wayward, rebellious teenagers?

Keep the relationship. Maintain communication and affirm your unchanged love. The child knows your standards; nagging will destroy communication.

The Lord (Isaiah 1:2)" TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 1:2) and the prodigal’s father (Luke 15:13)" TARGET="_blank">Luke 15:13) had wayward, rebellious children. Combining these two illustrations provides several suggestions:

1. Continue to communicate as positively as possible (as God did through Isaiah).

2. Expect, long for, and plan for the best (as in both cases). "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man [and his wife] availeth much" (James 5:16)." TARGET="_blank">James 5:16).

3. Refrain from dwelling on and nagging about the negative (as when the prodigal returned).

4. Allow a mature child to make his choices and live with the results. Sheltering him from the results of his choices is counterproductive (as in both cases).

5. Don’t compromise your own standards (God remains the "Holy One of Israel" in Isaiah).

6. When confrontation is necessary, plan to express yourself effectively ONCE (as in Isaiah).

7. Keep the door open for a gracious welcome (as the prodigal’s father).

Two points contrast with both illustrations:

1. Only one parent is in view, but each parent must maintain a united purpose and effort.

2. We are failing parents. Honest admission of our limitations may help reduce resistance to our parenting. Submission to the Lord in the circumstances will help us to learn more of His heart’s longings for us and others who wander from Him. As heartbreaking as the experience is, in the Potter’s hand it can make us more like our Father and more effective as parents.

D. Oliver
Other pages in this section

About this site

Is it not dishonoring to the Lord for a brother to pray publicly with a hand in his pocket?

Is it not dishonoring to the Lord for a brother to pray publicly with a hand in his pocket?

Some may wonder if this question is the kind that should be answered in a forum like this. It is taking place when the eyes of all should be closed. The man praying may be completely unconscious he is doing this. Even if he is conscious of this, he may not regard it as dishonoring to the Lord.

Some relevant Biblical principles may, however, merit mention here. First, as a suggestion to listeners, we know that God has given instruction as to the content of public prayer (1 Timothy 2:1-2)." TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 2:1-2). Therefore, observers should be concerned, as God is, with the content of a brother’s prayers. Since the Scriptures anticipate that believers will say "Amen" when a brother prays (1 Corinthians 14:14-16)," TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 14:14-16), believers should listen carefully to what is said so they can affirm their fellowship with each of the brother’s petitions. Individuals assumed various postures in prayer. The Lord fell on His face (Mat 26:39)," TARGET="_blank">Mat 26:39), Paul kneeled (Acts 20:36)," TARGET="_blank">Acts 20:36), and the publican stood with his hands smiting his chest (Luke 18:13)." TARGET="_blank">Luke 18:13). Our posture in prayer conveys a message of intensity or submission or respect, but the message in the words is of greater importance. Some find it very difficult to speak publicly and we could well overlook their nervous habits for the joy of hearing them leading us in prayer.

On the other hand, the reminder of some principles could help those of us who pray publicly. Bible characters who were conscious of God’s presence were overwhelmed (Isa 6:5;" TARGET="_blank">Isa 6:5; Luke 5:8;" TARGET="_blank">Luke 5:8; Rev 1:17)." TARGET="_blank">Rev 1:17). Speaking to God is of far greater moment than speaking in the presence of fellowmen (Eccl 5:2)," TARGET="_blank">Eccl 5:2), therefore focus on Him rather than them. A greater familiarity with the Lord in private prayer would deliver us from filling the time with well-worn sayings and whatever thoughts come to mind. If prayer grows out of a relationship to our Father (Luke 11:2)," TARGET="_blank">Luke 11:2), consciously speaking to a Father Whom we know will keep us from senseless repetition of "Father," "our God and Father," "our God," and "Lord." Knowing that He is omniscient and is completely aware of our hearts and thoughts (1Ki 8:39)" TARGET="_blank">1Ki 8:39) might prevent us from posturing in prayer or stretching out our prayers when we have little to say.

Most of all, the purpose of responding to this question is not to foster criticism of public prayers, but to encourage all of us to a greater appreciation of moving and speaking in the presence of "the great God." Let all who can respond to the privilege of praying publicly do so, but ever aim for deeper acquaintance with our Father, more genuine awe of His presence, and greater power with God in prayer.

D. Oliver
Other pages in this section

About this site

Funny Bible Questions

Funny Bible Questions grouped into eight categories:

Funny Bible Questions 8

Funny Bible Questions about Adam and Eve

Funny Bible Questions 7

Funny Bible Questions about Banking and Finance

Funny Bible Questions 6

Funny Bible Questions about Moses

Funny Bible Questions 5

Funny Bible Questions about David

Funny Bible Questions 4

Funny Bible Questions about Famous Places

Funny Bible Questions 3

Funny Bible Questions about Bible Names

Funny Bible Questions 2

Funny Bible Questions about Sports

Funny Bible Questions 1

Funny Bible Questions about Noah

Other pages in this section

About this site

Does God treat people differently in different ages?

When God deals with different people in different times, do His dealings ever overlap?

"Unto the King of the ages,... be honor and glory unto the ages of eternity" (1 Timothy 1:17," TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 1:17, Newberry), indicates that the Sovereign of the universe has designated distinct ages and He controls and dispenses all in all the ages. Such principles as repentance, faith, and submission to God abide in every dispensation. Likewise, the gospel of the grace of God in this age and the gospel of the kingdom in a coming age are both founded on atonement. How God works distinguishes these periods. Since the Church is a wholly new entity and not an extension of Israel, each has its own peculiar and distinct dealings from God. In the present age, God is forming the Church. When this masterpiece is complete, God will deal with the nation of Israel in a distinct way Although God's ways are always consistent with each dispensation, events in one age can foreshadow events in the succeeding age. We may be observing events today that foreshadow prophetic scriptures yet to be fulfilled. To borrow from another, "If it were not that we knew that the clock of prophecy cannot commence until the Church is raptured, we would have thought it had already commenced." "How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out" (Romans 11:33)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 11:33)!

A. Hull

Other pages in this section

About this site

Should a Christian voluntarily vote?

Should a Christian voluntarily vote?

This has probably never been more relevant than now. Evangelical leaders are insisting that Christians vote. They purport to teach this from the Bible. This is different from assembly teaching in the past, so respect and wisdom ask, "What has changed?"

Two suggestions may help us regain our perspective. First, the history of democracy in North America has roots in Christian principles, thus the designation, "Christian countries." A "mixed multitude" formed without a clear gospel has produced a constituency that makes the political world appear friendly to God. Pluralism and humanism, however, now threaten this "Christian government." Evangelicals see a "good world" becoming corrupted. More biblically, the world is removing its mask. Christian principles had weight in the past because of the gospel’s spiritual impact on society, not because the world had changed. Being "the salt of the earth" does not require Christian involvement in the world. The Christian preserves the culture by the truth he represents and presents. The world needs the gospel that grants life, rather than laws that guide living.

Second, evangelicalism’s present emphasis on political involvement appears to result from a shift of understanding and emphasis regarding future events. A growing part of evangelicalism no longer understands that the Lord’s coming precedes the tribulation and the millennium. This places a greater emphasis on improving the present world. It also blurs the distinction between God’s dealings in the past with an earthly people Israel and in the present with a heavenly people. The citation of Old Testament passages to support political involvement witnesses to this. Even evangelicals who believe in a pre-tribulation Rapture have been unduly influenced by those with wrong views of future events. Added to this is the danger that prosperity has historically made Christians more at home in this world. Rather than looking for the imminent coming of Christ, we become increasingly involved in the world.

The past teaching that Christians should not voluntarily vote is based on sound biblical principles. Christians are separate from a world system which is opposed to God and is not redeemable apart from the coming of Christ. Christians are not directed to improve the world, but to proclaim the gospel that condemns it and offers salvation from it.

D. Oliver
Other pages in this section

About this site

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

Other pages in this section

About this site

What was the wise woman

What was the wise woman’s line of reasoning in 2 Samuel 14:4-14" TARGET="_blank">2 Samuel 14:4-14?
The woman followed the example of the prophet Nathan in 2 Samuel 12:1-7," TARGET="_blank">2 Samuel 12:1-7, by getting the king to decide a hypothetical case which Joab and she had invented. When he did so, she told him (v. 13) that he was setting a bad example to the people of God, by not acting himself in accordance with the decision he had given in the case of others, and bringing home the banished Absalom, En verse i she backs this with another argument. God Himself, she points out, has devised means that His banished be not expelled from Him (referring doubtless to the cities of refuge which God had provided so that the manslayer should not have to leave the country). Why then should not David act as God does?
She thus struck two chords that were sure to find an echo in David’s heart. He would wish to set God’s people a good example, and he surely would like to act as God did. Had he not shortly before sought out the grandson of his bitter enemy, Saul, in order that he might show “the kindness of God” to him (2 Samuel 9: 3)" TARGET="_blank">2 Samuel 9: 3)? Of course her reasoning was bad, for she was persuading him to act at the expense of justice; and God’s “means” were not for wilful murderers such as Absalom. But “the king’s heart was toward Absalom” (v. i), so he was not difficult to persuade. His son was brought back, and all seemed well. But two factors had been ignored, the claims of God’s broken Law, and the unchanged heart of the offender; and the result was a harvest of sorrow to be reaped later.
With regard to the first two clauses of v. 14, she apparently meant to suggest that, like water spilt on the ground, that which was past, i.e. the death of Amnon, could not be recalled. Possibly also, that life is too short to be wasted in a prolonged quarrel.

W.R.

Other pages in this section

About this site

Does 1 Peter 3:3 apply only to the women's style of dress?

ADORNMENT

Do the exhortations in 1 Peter 3:3," TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 3:3, and 1 Timothy 2:9" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 2:9 refer to sisters only, or is it scriptural for a brother to adorn himself with a beautiful chain and badges, bracelet watch and gold rings?

One has heard it remarked, and that by way of warning, that we too often read the exhortations of the Bible for other people, rather than for ourselves. Thus parelts know all the Scriptures about the obedience of children, but there are exhortations to parents and specially to fathers. Likewise with masters and servants, let each study first in the fear of God their own special duties and then both will run more easily. Certainly, 1 Peter 3:3" TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 3:3 does primarily apply to the wives—the exhortation running on, as is clear, from ver. I: “Likewise ye wives,” and I presume, then to women in general, but in verse 7 we read, “Likewise ye husbands”, and certain exhortations are then addressed to them which are very important.

So in 1 Timothy 2" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 2: “the men” (i.e. brethren) are to pray in every place—that is of course—lead in prayer—”holding up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” Then the apostle expresses the will of God to the women, and begins with the manner in which they should attire themselves. We might have said with our natural will and intelligence, that men needed the exhortation as much as women, but clearly the Holy Spirit judges otherwise. Some men may be effeminate and very vain, but there is clearly as a rule a stronger tendency in the female temperament, to adorn herself in the way forbidden, than in the opposite sex.

W.H.

Other pages in this section

About this site

Was Moses "slow in speech" or "mighty in word"?

In Exodus 4:10," TARGET="_blank">Exodus 4:10, Moses complained of “slowness of speech” but Stephen in Acts 7" TARGET="_blank">Acts 7:. says he was “mighty in words and in deeds.” Is there not a contradiction here?

Someone has said that Moses took forty years in Egypt learning all the wisdom of the Egyptians, then forty years in Midian learning that he knew nothing after all, and then forty years in the wilderness in learning what God could do with a man who had learned he knew nothing. There is no contradiction here, or anywhere else in the Scriptures. We read first what Stephen says of Moses, that he was “mighty in words and deeds,” that is, during his Egyptian period; then what Moses says of himself. Perhaps there are good speakers to-day who are genuinely diffident, and are quite unaware they are eloquent. It does not matter, if they think so, as long as they are all the more cast upon God and fulfil their ministry. Possibly the reverse is true of some of us. We think we can speak and would do well to be more often silent. In fact, the word is addressed to all “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”

W.H.

Other pages in this section

About this site

Main Menu