Is the role of an elder's wife as significant as her husbands?

Is her role just as significant as her husband’s?

Yes. Eve was equally responsible for the work entrusted to them on creation’s sixth day (Genesis 1:28)." TARGET="_blank">Genesis 1:28). Her role in fulfilling that work was different, but inseparable from Adam’s role. Competition between a man and his wife is unbecoming; marriage should reflect the wonderful union between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:32)." TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 5:32). Each rejoices in the usefulness of the other and supports and encourages the other in fulfilling God’s will.

A husband who fails to appreciate the significance of his wife’s role does not understand God’s intention in his marriage. Having responsibility as an overseer never exempts a man from his responsibilities as a husband. He is equally accountable to the Lord for both roles. Caring for and nurturing his wife (Eph 5:29)" TARGET="_blank">Eph 5:29) will express the kindness, sensitivity, and concern that should mark his shepherding work in the assembly (see 1 Thessalonians 2:7)." TARGET="_blank">1 Thessalonians 2:7). In caring for his marriage, he will be better equipped to "take care of the church of God" (1 Timothy 3:5)." TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 3:5).

D. Oliver

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DIVORCE
Is it clear from Scripture, as some affirm, that divorced persons can under no circumstances be remarried, till the death of one partner?

This is a question that is often being raised in these days, in which the sacredness of the marriage tie has fallen so low in the eyes of an ungodly world, that divorce is treated as a light thing of no account. We may be sure that God’s thoughts on the subject have not changed since He wrote by the prophet Malachi, “The Lord, the God of Israel, saith that He hateth putting away,” as He terms divorce or “dealing treacherously,” (Malachi 2:16)." TARGET="_blank">Malachi 2:16). In reply to the Pharisees, our Lord explains that, if Moses suffered (a man) to write a bill of divorcement and put his wife away, it was a permission “for the hardness of their heart,” but not at all according to the original purpose of God, who made man and wife to be one and remain one, as long as life lasted. He concluded with the clear and determinate words: “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Mark 10:4-9)." TARGET="_blank">Mark 10:4-9).

Are there, then, no circumstances in which God Himself puts asunder what he has joined together? I believe there is one which our Lord points out clearly in Matthew 5:32," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 5:32, and again in Matthew 19:9," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 19:9, in both of which verses, while emphasising the sacredness of the marriage tie, and the sin of divorce, He does make an exception—”saving for the cause of fornication,” and “except it be for fornication.” When that cause arises and is clearly proved, divorce should take place, and when this is so, it is not man putting asunder what God hath joined, but God himself. If so, then the parties are henceforth as truly no longer married, as though they had never been united, or as though one was dead. The question of the remarriage of the guilty party is not under discussion. We have nothing to do with it, for one guilty in so gross a manner clearly must cease from the fellowship of the saints, and be put away into the outside place; but as for the offended party, I believe he or she is free before God to remarry, though only in the Lord.

W.H.

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Is Aaron's miter like the woman's head covering in the church?

What is the relationship of Aarons mitre with the coverings of 1 Corinthians 11" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 11?

The teaching of I Corinthians 11:2-16" TARGET="_blank">I Corinthians 11:2-16 seems to be more a contrast than a comparison. Headship is the core truth of the passage and is distinguished from lordship. Picturing a body, headship points downward from the head and involves the responsibility of the head for the body. God has established an order in which the head takes care of the body. Lordship is complementary to this and points upward to the head. Lordship indicates the responsibility of the body to the head. The body acknowledges this order by subjection. Authority is linked with lordship, administration with headship. Colossian truth is that He is the head of the Body ("looking from the head down") and is therefore the source of our completeness (Colossian 1:18; 2:10, 19)." TARGET="_blank">Colossian 1:18; 2:10, 19). Ephesian truth is that we are in the Body ("looking from the body up") and are responsible to one another and to the Lord (Ephesians 5:21, 22)." TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 5:21, 22).

Second, two spheres of headship are on display in the head coverings in 1 Corinthians 11" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 11: Christ is head of the man; man is head of the woman (verse 3). The temporary covering on the head of the woman and the lack of a covering on the head of the man expresses Christs headship of the man. The short hair of the man and the long hair of the woman express mans headship of the woman. The first sphere of headship requires incarnation and redemption. The second dates from creation (not the Fall).

Interpreting Aarons head covering in light of 1 Corinthians 1" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 1 seems to confuse the issue therefore, since headship is not related to subjection to authority and the covered head displays a New Testament headship.

D. Oliver
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Is

WEAKNESS IN TESTIMONY

Is “The Church of God” in ruins, as held and taught by many?

If by the “Church of God” is meant “the Church which is His Body,” the statement is quite erroneous, for that is preserved for ever. But “Church of God” is used by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:9;" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 15:9; Galatians 1:13," TARGET="_blank">Galatians 1:13, in an extended sense of all Christians he could get at, though the term generally refers to the local expression of the Church. Thus, in 1 Corinthians 10:32," TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 10:32, the inhabitants of the city are divided into “Jews,” “Greeks,” and “the Church of God” (see Acts 20:28;" TARGET="_blank">Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 1: 2; 11:22)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 1: 2; 11:22).

We have, too, the expression the “Churches of God” (see `1 Corinthians 11:16;" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 11:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:14)." TARGET="_blank">1 Thessalonians 2:14). The expression, “IN RUINS,” would apply rather to some WORLDWIDE ORGANISATION. When that breaks down, they say the Church is in ruins, but it is THEIR ORGANISATION. None of God’s assemblies, low as their state was, was ever said to be in ruins, though Ephesus was warned lest her lampstand be removed. The testimony, too, is of a remnant character, and in weakness; but such as it is, it is not “IN RUINS,” nor ever need be. Such an expression is not applied in the Scriptures to a Church of God.

W.H.

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How can I maintain a pure life while trying to reach out to people who are not saved

How can I be scripturally "safe" as I contact neighbors socially with the gospel?

Avoid both condemnation and compromise. When, for conscience sake, we decline some activities with a "No thank you, I'm a Christian," we unnecessarily condemn others by implying we are better than they. "No, thank you," is quite sufficient! Joining in any activity or function where our Lord would be unwelcome or would not go compromises God's truth. This renders any witnessing ineffective (Matthew 5:16)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 5:16).

Be friendly and kind; show interest in them; build a relationship with them. Shopping, helping with a project in the yard, or inviting them to a family picnic does not compromise Christian principles. One-on-one contacts, rather than neighborhood group activities, provide a better opportunity to speak of spiritual things.

Right from the start, as you seek to build a relationship, show how much you appreciate your salvation, thus making salvation as attractive as it is (1 Peter 2:9)." TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 2:9). Draw them to Christ. This will also preserve you from situations that could damage your testimony.

When discussing salvation, don't attempt to tell all at once. One point clearly made now and further points later are more effective. Promote two way conversations.

Stress that the Bible is God's Word. Show them verses as you discuss them. Eventually emphasize that sin bars them from heaven and results in eternal judgment. A primary objective is to help them recognize they are lost. Then they will appreciate the Savior's substitutionary death for their sin.

J. Slabaugh

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Will there be regrets in Heaven for believers?

Will Christians who waste their lives feel regret in Heaven for all eternity? Yes.

The key passages on the rewards of the believer at the Judgement Seat of Christ is found in 1 Corinthians 3:11-15" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 3:11-15 and in the parables of reward mentioned in Luke 19" TARGET="_blank">Luke 19 and Matthew 25." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 25.

1 Corinthians 3:11-15" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 3:11-15 teaches security for a believer as well as losses that occur when a believer's work is evaluated by God as worthless…

(11) For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (12) Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw-- (13) each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. (14) If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. (15) If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

Observations about the Judgment Seat of Christ:

The foundation is Christ. A believer doesn't worry about building his salvation or collecting enough good works in order to enter heaven.
The works are judged, not the person. The believer is not going to pass through fire or suffer torments of hell to purify him. In the day of reckoning God will look at motives and actions that one has done on the earth and those actions will be put through the fire, not the person himself.
The person whose works are shown to be worthless will be saved even though it will be like escaping from a fire with nothing but the bare necessities.

"He will suffer loss" is the key phrase that answers the question about regrets in heaven. Believers will lose out on something great. But what is the loss? Matthew 25" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 25 and Luke 19" TARGET="_blank">Luke 19 tell us what is at stake.

Luke 19:11-27" TARGET="_blank">Luke 19:11-27 As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. (12) He said therefore, "A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. (13) Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, 'Engage in business until I come.' (14) But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, 'We do not want this man to reign over us.' (15) When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. (16) The first came before him, saying, 'Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.' (17) And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.' (18) And the second came, saying, 'Lord, your mina has made five minas.' (19) And he said to him, 'And you are to be over five cities.' (20) Then another came, saying, 'Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; (21) for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.' (22) He said to him, 'I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? (23) Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?' (24) And he said to those who stood by, 'Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.' (25) And they said to him, 'Lord, he has ten minas!' (26) 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. (27) But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.'"

Observations about the parable:

The servants are waiting in faith that their master will return. The kingdom is coming and the master of the house will be calling his servants to account for how they acted while he was away.
Each servant was given the same amount of money – one talent. A talent is a measurement of weight, 125 pounds to be exact. It was a sizable amount of wealth that he entrusted to each servant. The equal amount of wealth is similar to the things we all have equally – one life, one reputation, one family, one set of friends etc.
Each servant brought different results. The most diligent earned 10 times the original amount.
Each servant received further authority in the Kingdom of God directly proportional to the results of their work. In the age of the Millennium, Christ will reign over the earth and his saints will reign with him (Revelation 20:4)." TARGET="_blank">Revelation 20:4). 1 Corinthians 6:3" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 6:3 states simply "we will judge angels". Clearly, we will share the job of ruling with Christ Himself.

In other scripture references regarding rewards, the symbol of authority, the crown, is the reward of a believer. The believer who is faithful here will be given more and greater work to do for Christ in the future. James 1:12" TARGET="_blank">James 1:12 says that those who endure trials will receive "the crown of life". 2 Timothy 4:8" TARGET="_blank">2 Timothy 4:8 says that Paul is expecting a "crown of righteousness" 1 Peter 5:4" TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 5:4 says that shepherds who faithfully guided the flock will receive an "unfading crown of glory". Revelation 2:10" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 2:10 says that faithful martyrs will receive a "crown of life". Rewards are not mere medals that decorate uniforms; the reward is a position of responsibility, to be trusted by God to carry out his will.

5) The loss of promotion for the final servant left him completely empty in the coming kingdom. We lose what we don't use. "From the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away." (v.26) Comparing the phrase in 1 Corinthians 3:15" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 3:15 "He shall suffer loss" with this parable shows that the loss is further work to be done for the Lord. The cup of cold water will not be forgotten. Neither will the lazy Christian who wasted his life.

Matthew 25" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 25 contains a similar parable to Luke 19," TARGET="_blank">Luke 19, but with a few notable differences.

Matthew 25:14-30" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 25:14-30 "For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. (15) To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. (16) He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. (17) So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. (18) But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. (19) Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. (20) And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.' (21) His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' (22) And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.' (23) His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' (24) He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, (25) so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' (26) But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? (27) Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. (28) So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. (29) For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. (30) And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

Differences in the two parables:

The servants in this parable receive different initial amounts. This shows that some of us have natural advantages such as more money, better parents, special skills or abilities etc. In regards to punishment of the wicked, Christ said "Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more. " (Luke 12:48)" TARGET="_blank">Luke 12:48)
The servants who were pleasing to their master doubled their money. Each fulfilled his responsibility to what was expected although the actual quantities were different.
The final servant is much different in this parable. His actions proved that he was a "slothful servant", unworthy of even being in the kingdom. He was cast into outer darkness, words used to describe the fire and abandonment of Hell (see also Matthew 22:13;" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 22:13; Matthew 3:42, 50;" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 3:42, 50; Matthew 24:51)" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 24:51) The lazy servant did not lose his salvation, but rather, through lack of good works he showed that he never was a true believer.

One might ask, "Can a person be called a believer who doesn't do anything for God?" The true believer will always show fruit in his life, even if it is a small amount. "He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty." (Matthew 13:23)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 13:23).

Other verses

Other places in scripture give us more understanding on the loss of rewards for the believer:

1) Believers can receive both bad and good for their rewards.

2 Corinthians 5:10" TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

2) Wages are given to the believer for his labor. Heaven is not the reward for the faiththul, but the faithful will be rewarded in Heaven.

1 Corinthians 3:8" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 3:8 He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.

3) God is a fair judge. He will not miss any single work done for him.

Hebrews 6:10" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.

4) Rewards, even though given for service, are not really deserved in the sense that a paycheck or wages are deserved. Good works of a Christian are the expected results of someone redeemed by God.

Luke 17:9" TARGET="_blank">Luke 17:9 Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? (10) So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'"

5) Rewards are given for things done with a good motive, without thinking of the reward itself.

Luke 6:35" TARGET="_blank">Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.

6) Some have suggested that tears mentioned in Revelation 21" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 21 refer to the end of a time of sadness after the Judgment Seat of Christ. However, the verse refers not to sad events in heaven that cause tears, but the results of sin on earth that caused sadness. Death, mourning, crying and pain are all earthly emotions that will cease when God creates a New Heaven and a New Earth (Revelation 21:1-5)." TARGET="_blank">Revelation 21:1-5).

Conclusion

Believers are saved by grace, through faith, not of works. But from the moment of salvation to the end of life, God is watching for spiritual growth and service done with a good motive until the day he calls us home. He will then test the works of every believer by fire. That which remains will result in greater service in the Kingdom. Those who waste their lives here will suffer the loss of being what God designed us for. The person that God is molding me into will become the person I will be for all eternity.

Shad David Sluiter
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What should a believer do when others speak against fellow believers ?

What should a believer do when others speak against fellow believers ?

Believers often discuss assembly activities and therefore the Christians involved. As always, the fear of God should govern our tongues at such times. Romans 16" TARGET="_blank">Romans 16 shows us the sweetness of Paul’s spirit; his remarks express appreciation for assembly saints and their labors for God. Appreciate God's grace seen in others (Acts 11:23)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 11:23). "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves" (Phil 2:3)." TARGET="_blank">Phil 2:3).

Malicious conversation against fellow saints, particularly overseers, is unacceptable (Eph 4:30-32)." TARGET="_blank">Eph 4:30-32). A response upholding these believers may silence such criticism. At the least, you can express your disagreement by silence or a quiet suggestion that we "speak not evil one of another" (James 4:11)." TARGET="_blank">James 4:11). In addition, privately express your concern to the offender in an inoffensive way that encourages submission.

Deliberate malice to blemish the character of another believer is very serious. Those speaking against others require shepherd visitation (1 Thessalonians 5:14)." TARGET="_blank">1 Thessalonians 5:14). Failure to respond to such shepherding invites the extreme, sad discipline of excommunication as a railer (1 Cor 5:11)." TARGET="_blank">1 Cor 5:11).

J. Smith

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Was it justice that Elijah killed soldiers sent to arrest him?

How can we reconcile with human ideas of justice the destruction of the two captains and their fifties?

Were they not only doing their duty in carrying out the orders of their king? Why should they be destroyed with lightning for that? (see 2 Kings 1" TARGET="_blank">2 Kings 1: ).

The key to this difficulty is found, I believe, in ver. 1, in reference to the third captain, who was spared. “Go down with him,” the angel said, “be not afraid of him.” It seems clear from this that Elijah did well to be afraid of the other two captains and their companies, who would have exceeded their mandate, which was simply to bring the prophet to the king, by killing him themselves :—lynching him in fact. Elijah thus acted in his own defence in the spirit of a prophet of judgment, enforcing the law and its penalties. What was fitting for him was not so for James and John, the servants of the Saviour of men, for they were “of His Spirit.”

W.H.

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Can a sister in the assembly say "Amen" to a brother's prayer?

Does a sister violate the truth of 1 Corinthians 14:34-35" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 14:34-35 when she says "Amen" audibly after a brother's prayer?

No.

We read in verse 16 of the same chapter, "Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks?" Clearly, it was customary for assembly saints to say "Amen" at the close of a brother's prayer, praise, or thanksgiving. In Nehemiah 8:6" TARGET="_blank">Nehemiah 8:6 we read, "And Ezra blessed the Lord, the Great God. And all the people answered Amen, Amen." "All" must have included the women.

When we say, "Amen," at the close of a brother's prayer, we express our agreement, therefore we must listen and understand what he has said. It would be good if every assembly saint were as ready to say "Amen" as New Testament saints were, but we should never use "Amen" as a political tool. The less politics we have in an assembly, the better.

W Gustafson

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Does a husband guide or lead his wife apart from a right example?

Does a husband guide or lead his wife apart from a right example?

Whether a husband or wife, a parent, a Sunday School teacher, a preacher or elder, or a brother or sister in Christ, none of us has the ability to bring greater spiritual help to others than what we practice ourselves (1Ti 4:12, 16)." TARGET="_blank">1Ti 4:12, 16). Can a husband who finds fault with the other believers in the assembly hope to help his wife feel comfortable in the company of those believers? Will an elder expect his wife to submit to the teaching of the elderhood (namely, the teaching of the Word of God) if she sees that his life is not spiritually consistent with the Word of God? Does a husband who will not submit to the Scriptures in one aspect of his life have any "weight" in helping his wife to obey the Lord? She could easily sense that his interest in her obedience is only for the sake of appearance, since reverence for the Lord hardly characterizes him.

Examples of humbly submitting to the Lord and delighting in His will and Word are the strongest influence for good in any believer’s life. Our steps provide much better guidance than our words, no matter how loud, strong, persuasive, or apparently sanctimonious they are (Mat 23:3, 13)." TARGET="_blank">Mat 23:3, 13).

D. Oliver
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Will there be regrets in Heaven for believers?