How was the Word of God compiled?

Men did not originate God’s Word, but spoke as moved by the Holy Spirit (2Pe. 1:21)." TARGET="_blank">2Pe. 1:21). Beyond their own understanding (1Pe. 1:10, 11)," TARGET="_blank">1Pe. 1:10, 11), men recorded the exact words that God breathed out (2Ti. 3:16)." TARGET="_blank">2Ti. 3:16). What was written, although bearing the marks of the writers’ experiences, abilities, and personality, was in accord with the Word, "forever settled in heaven" (Psa. 119: 89). There seems to be no reason to limit the "volume of the Book" in the Lord’s first words in incarnation (Heb. 10:7)" TARGET="_blank">Heb. 10:7) to the Old Testament. All the contents of the Bible were predetermined before their writing.

The same God who desired to communicate His Word and inspired men to write it is able to compile the sacred writings and preserve them. The way by which the Old Testament was compiled is not clear, but the Lord Jesus gives the divine imprimatur to the books recognized at that time. He said, "The Scriptures cannot be broken" (John 10:35)." TARGET="_blank">John 10:35). He defined the Scriptures that therefore must be fulfilled as the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms (Luke 24:44)." TARGET="_blank">Luke 24:44). Although the order of the Old Testament books recognized at that time was different from the order in our Old Testament, that three-fold division, law, prophets, Psalms, included the 39 books we recognize today. Their inherent spiritual weight, reliability, authority, life-transforming power, and internal and combined consistency marked those books as God’s Word. The Lord Jesus affirmed God’s superintendence in compiling the Old Testament. The same is true of the New Testament, although that is more easily traced historically.

D. Oliver
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Should a girl ask a guy to date her or wait for him to make the first move?

Should a female initiate a romantic relationship or lead during the courtship?

Feminism and society in general do not provide reliable guidance in this matter, but scriptural principles do. Courtship is a special time when a couple forms the framework of their marriage relationship. They are getting to know one another differently and more deeply than they did before. This is the time for the man to inspire his prospective wife’s confidence in his leadership; she learns to trust him because his decisions are for their mutual benefit and she learns to communicate with him in these vital matters. This is likewise the time for the woman to cultivate respect for her prospective husband’s leadership; he learns that she expects and accepts his leadership and that he can openly communicate his feelings regard -ing these issues. A couple makes a mistake to proceed with their relationship if both are not open and mutually comfortable regarding these matters.

A sister initiating the relationship starts the relationship "on the wrong foot." If she has to lead at this point, won’t she have to lead throughout the relationship? Eventually this arrangement will not be fulfilling for her or her partner, nor will it fulfill the biblical model.

Maintaining this principle may be understandably frustrating to a sister. Among several reasons for this, these may present the greatest difficulties: some brothers seem to enjoy the self-gratification of being pursued by women; some seem to have forgotten that beauty of character is more valuable than physical adornment and therefore hardly seem to notice godly sisters who have chosen to avoid worldly means of exploiting physical attractiveness. Despite all of this, prayerfully maintaining God’s ways is always best.

D. Oliver
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What are some examples of deacon work?

What are some examples of deacon work?

Those whom the Lord calls to preach His word are deacons (Acts 12:25)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 12:25). Those who have regular responsibility to preach the gospel or arrange the speakers for assembly gospel meetings are deacons. Those who have primary responsibility to open and teach the believers in assembly Bible Readings are doing deacon work. A man entrusted with the responsibility of superintending an assembly’s Sunday School work serves as a deacon. Sunday School teachers have a spiritual responsibility for imparting divine truth to young people (as do the children’s mother and father), but the structure of the Sunday School is more like an extension of the home than an assembly meeting, so I question if Sunday School teachers are deacons in the spiritual sphere addressed in 1 Timothy 3." TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 3. A brother or sister may be entrusted with the responsibility of arranging a dinner to take care of believers attending an assembly gathering. In that case, they are deacons in the Christian sphere, as was Phebe, but not in the sphere described in 1 Timothy 3." TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 3.

D. Oliver
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Where does the Lord intend me to focus my service?

Where does the Lord intend me to focus my service?

All service begins with devotion to the Lord; serving Him is the ultimate. The Law teaches us this principle: love for God is first and flows out in love for our neighbor (Mark 12:29-31;" TARGET="_blank">Mark 12:29-31; Romans 13:8-10)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 13:8-10). Never did an act of service bring such glory and honor to God as the death of the cross (Philippians 2:6-8)." TARGET="_blank">Philippians 2:6-8). Never has an act of service brought such benefit to others: "With His stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5)." TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 53:5).

The sphere in which we express that service is the assembly. Believers are "to do good and to communicate." This injunction is in the context of an assembly, with submission to elders following it and offerings of praise "outside the camp" preceding it (Hebrews 13:13-17;" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 13:13-17; see also 10:25). The self-sacrificing love that is kind to others ( 1Corinthians 13)" TARGET="_blank">1Corinthians 13) was essential to the functioning of the Corinthian assembly.

Of course, our service is not limited to the four walls of an assembly’s meeting place. "Let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10)." TARGET="_blank">Galatians 6:10). When Paul wrote, essentially all "the household of faith" was in the various assemblies then existing. God intends for our service to focus on the assembly and to flow out from there.

Any service we render to others then must be consistent with the principles of the assembly and as an extension of the assembly’s testimony. That is true of every facet of our lives and will not keep us from serving, but it will channel our service. Joining in any other association or taking any other name than the Lord Jesus Christ in order to serve others denies the sufficiency of the design of God’s house to fulfill our Christian service.

D. Oliver
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What can believers do for a believer who is the subject of damaging rumors?

What can believers do for a believer who is the subject of damaging rumors?

If the rumors are just passing stories that no one would take seriously, let them drift into nothingness. More harm than good might come from telling the person what others said. For example, if the person insisted on knowing who repeated the rumor, he would either be upset with you if you refused to tell him or upset with the person who told the rumor. You have become a talebearer who stirs up strife (Proverbs 26:20)." TARGET="_blank">Proverbs 26:20).

We should always ask for evidence to substantiate rumors about others, especially for persistent, harmful rumors. If supporting evidence is not available, make your disapproval clear. And never repeat damaging rumors (Titus 3:2;" TARGET="_blank">Titus 3:2; James 4:11)." TARGET="_blank">James 4:11). Wrongly damaging the reputation of others is serious (Proverbs 6:16-19)." TARGET="_blank">Proverbs 6:16-19).

Discussing the rumors in a friendly manner with the accused, without assuming the truthfulness of the rumors, would be a kindness, especially when accompanied by a sincere expression of concern that anyone would say such a thing. That would make it easier for the individual to admit that the rumor is true or partly true or else to affirm that it is totally false. Depending on its seriousness, you could even mention the supporting evidence you had been given. Every attempt should be made to contain the problem (Matthew 18:15)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 18:15). If the rumor arose from a clear case of misunderstanding, don't give the wronged person a case against the source of the rumor, but volunteer to try to correct the misunderstanding yourself.

If the rumor appears likely to be true and involves issues of concern to the assembly, a believer is responsible to go to an overseer and kindly, humbly, confidentially, carefully inform him. If the believer did not inform the assembly's leadership, he would be responsible for wrongfully covering the sin (Acts 5:2, 8-10)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 5:2, 8-10). It is a mistaken kindness to support a believer in sinning against God.

When the overseers become aware of a possible problem, they are responsible to thoroughly investigate (Proverbs 25:2)," TARGET="_blank">Proverbs 25:2), visit the individual, and guide the assembly to act in keeping with the facts. The believer who passed on the information to the overseers has no further responsibility and must submit to their judgment (Hebrews 13:17)." TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 13:17).

D. Oliver
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Should a Christian bride-to-be wear a head covering?

Should a Christian bride-to-be wear a head covering?

The apparent viewpoint behind this question is that a head covering on the bride expresses that she submits to the new headship relationship she is entering in marriage. In addition, some may suggest that the bride’s head covering honors God’s establishment of headship in marriage. These are interesting and valuable thoughts, but applying these principles as a mandate for a bridal head covering is beyond the Bible’s teaching. The Scriptures do not mandate a bridal head covering.

Many regard a bridal veil as an expression of modesty, perhaps supporting this from Genesis 24:65." TARGET="_blank">Genesis 24:65. Upholding modesty is very important in our culture, but this passage hardly establishes a mandate. If the bride chooses to wear a head covering to honor the Lord, He knows and appreciates her motive. If she chooses not to wear a head covering, she has not sinned. This is a matter of personal choice.

Such matters should never be divisive among believers!

D. Oliver
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Does Isaiah 45 teach that God made the earth "without form"?

Doesn't Isaiah 45:18" TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 45:18 prove that God did not create the earth "without form"?

In the New Scofield Reference Bible, the editors moved the note on the Gap Theory from its place in the old edition (Genesis 1:2)" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 1:2) to Isaiah 45:18," TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 45:18, since this verse seems to offer stronger proof for the theory than any other. Isaiah 45:18" TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 45:18 states that God did not create the earth "without form" (tohu), but Genesis 1:2" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 1:2 states that the earth was "tohu." Thus it would seem that the earth became formless some time after the initial creation. But to understand Isaiah's meaning, we must look at 45:18 in its context. The last phrase of the verse explains the point. Isaiah is speaking of God's design in creation. God did not create the world to be an empty place, but formed it to be inhabited. It was never God's purpose to have an empty world, so He filled it with inhabitants. In Genesis 1:2," TARGET="_blank">Genesis 1:2, therefore, the formless and empty state of the earth on the first day was simply the beginning, not the goal of creation. During the five days of creation that followed, God progressively finished the earth's shape and filled it with creatures. By the end of the sixth day, the earth was no longer "tohu." God had achieved all that He intended, and rested on the seventh day. Further, the context of Isaiah 45:18" TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 45:18 shows why the prophet discusses this truth here. What God starts, He finishes (see 55:11; 66:9). Israel's salvation is guaranteed, because (according to 45:17) it is eternal. It was planned "from the foundation of the earth," and therefore must come about-despite present appearances. Just as God accomplished His creative purpose for the earth in six days, so He will perform His saving purpose for Israel in due time.

D. Vallance
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What does it mean to be "in Christ"?

What does being "in Christ' mean?

Occurring 39 times in the New Testament, the phrase "in Christ" means a believer partakes in all that Christ has done, all that He is before the Father, and all that He ever shall be. The moment a person is saved, God views that individual as being "in Christ" (Ephesians 2:13)." TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 2:13). He stands before God in all the acceptability of Christ Himself (1:6). This is positional truth; the believer's spiritual condition can never alter this.

2 Corinthians 5:17" TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 5:17 states, "If any man be in Christ he is a new cre ation" (JND). Here the immediate context links this statement with the work of Christ, "He died for all," thus describing our position at conversion. Ephesians 1:3" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 1:3 says we are "blessed with all spiritual blessings... in Christ." These are inexhaustible, yet possessed by all "in Christ." However, our spiritual condition affects our enjoyment of these. I Corinthians 3:1" TARGET="_blank">I Corinthians 3:1 shows that, in spite of such blessings, believers can become carnal and careless, thus stunting spiritual growth. Even in this condition, nothing can change our position "in Christ." The truth of 1 Thessalonians 4:16," TARGET="_blank">1 Thessalonians 4:16, "the dead in Christ shall rise first," encourages us that, even if we "fall asleep," we will be raised at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, so that being "in Christ" will only bring us into further blessings. Thus, being "in Christ" is a precious truth that is unchangeable; it commences with conversion, continues throughout life, and finally transports us into His glad presence to be "with Christ" forever.

S. Wells
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Books of the Bible Games

Using a special deck of Bible game cards that you can download from this site , you can help your Bible class students learn the Books of the Bible through games. Seven card Games for learning the names of the books of the Bible.

1. Memory print two sets of these cards. Turn them face down and find the pairs. Use only New Testament cards for a shorter game.

2. Go Fish or Old Maid Print two sets of Bible cards. Shuffle and deal. Use the traditional rules. Use only New Testament cards for a shorter game.

3. Lay them straight. Sequence race Shuffle the deck and give each team (or player) 10 cards. When the dealer says “go”, lay them out in order. The first team to put them in order wins.

4. Uno or SkipBo inspired game - similar to the popular card game except with fewer rules and different cards from books of the Bible.

5. Phase 10 inspired game - similar to the popular card game, but with Bible cards and different phase goals.

6. Solitaire - adapted from the classic single player game, but with Bible books.

Check out the other 200+ games, puzzles and Bible lessons in the Sunday school seciton of this site.

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Is Song of Solomon about the Church and Christ?

Who are the speakers in the Song of Solomon? Some say they are Christ and the Church; others, God and Israel. Who is the questioner in Song of Solomon 5:9" TARGET="_blank">Song of Solomon 5:9?

The Song of Songs is not, of course, a mere love-song; nor is it a song of espousals, but a marriage song. Certain companies of persons are introduced and take part in the dialogue, e.g., the watchmen, the daughters of Jerusalem; but the Bridegroom and the bride are the principals. Who are they? The Church was an unrevealed mystery in the Old Testament, so may safely be ruled out.

Surely there can be no doubt that we have in this Book, a beautiful picture of the affections of Jehovah toward the true Israel, and the response of the bride. “I am married to you, saith Jehovah” (Jeremiah 3:14)." TARGET="_blank">Jeremiah 3:14). “Thy maker is thy husband” (Isaiah 54:5)." TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 54:5). The watchmen of the city seem to represent men of the world with no sympathy for the bride, while the daughters of Jerusalem may stand for nominal Israel. These distinctions being made, the inspired language of the Book fits in well with the affections of a believer to-day toward Christ, when enjoying communion with the “Lover of his soul.” The spiritual believer knows how to use the Book in this way to his own soul’s blessing and to the glory of Christ.

W.H.

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