How can I confront a person who is lying to me?

How do I deal with a Christian when I believe he has been untruthful with me?

The New Testament statement, "lie not one to another" Ephesians 4:25)," TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 4:25), clearly indicates believers could be untruthful with one another. Examples from Scripture underline God's displeasure with untruthfulness: Cain lied about his brother (Genesis 4:9);" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 4:9); Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:4)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 5:4). To be helpful, it would be prudent, after much prayer, to show the apparently untruthful believer the serious view that Divine Persons have of their action. The suspecting believer is thus attempting to convince him to be transparent and honest. Remember, there is more convincing power in the Word of God than in our own attempts to correct our brother.

H. S. Wells

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In what ways does a believer's sin differ from an unbeliever

In what ways does a believer's sin differ from an unbeliever’s?

Sin always grieves God, no matter who commits it. However, when an unbeliever sins, a record is kept in heaven in view of the Great White Throne judgment. There, the books will be opened and all unrepentant sinners will be judged according to their works and punished with everlasting destruction in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:12,13)." TARGET="_blank">Revelation 20:12,13). When a believer sins, it also grieves the Lord; however, the Lord Jesus endured the full punishment on the cross for the sins of every believer (Romans 8:1)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 8:1). If a believer's sin is intentional and persistent, the Father in love chastises His child for his restoration. A believer filled with sorrow, repentance, and confession values the provision God has made for us: "If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous: and He is the propitiation for our sins" (1 John 2:1, 2)." TARGET="_blank">1 John 2:1, 2). "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1:9).

A. Joyce
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What does the Bible say about "full-time" minister work?

Is a full-time, itinerant, "faith-supported" ministry biblical or relevant?

Such a ministry is biblical and therefore relevant, since the God-breathed Word fully equips us for every age and circumstance (2 Timothy 3:16, 17)." TARGET="_blank">2 Timothy 3:16, 17). The Spirit separated Barnabas and Saul to a distinct work (Acts 13:1-4)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 13:1-4). While Paul had reasons for doing secular work in Corinth and Ephesus (Acts 18:3; 20:34;" TARGET="_blank">Acts 18:3; 20:34; 1 Corinthians 9:12, 15;" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 9:12, 15; 2 Corinthians 11:12)," TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 11:12), the norm is "that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel" (1 Corinthians 9:14)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 9:14). It was therefore appropriate that he and Barnabas would forbear from secular work (verse 6). The gospel was their full-time work. Their’s was an itinerant ministry. Likewise, Timothy and other young men traveled with Paul (Acts 20:4)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 20:4). Although the work had progressed for several decades, there were still itinerant preachers whom Gaius faithfully helped (3 John 5-8)." TARGET="_blank">3 John 5-8). Such men - then and now - consolidate, unify, and further the work of God by moving among existing assemblies and into new work. Timothy and Titus stayed for extended periods in locations that needed assistance. These were temporary assiguments in which they served along with other local men.

The New Testament pattern is that such work received support through the voluntary offerings of assemblies (2 Corinthians 11:8;" TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 11:8; Philippians 4:14-16)" TARGET="_blank">Philippians 4:14-16) and individual believers (1 Corinthians 16:17)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 16:17). To reduce support to a contractual basis lowers the spiritual character of Christian giving and robs the worker of a singular dependence on His Master for all his needs.

D. Oliver
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How could the Devil have "the power of death"?

In what sense did the devil have "the power of death" (Hebrews 2:14)" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 2:14)?

This page was adapted from an answer at Truth and Tidings Magazine by David Oliver.

The terrible trials of Job show us that Satan had no power over Job in regards to death. Satan had the capcity to kill Job, but only if God had allowed him to (Job 2:6)." TARGET="_blank">Job 2:6). The Greek word for "power" in Hebrews 2:14" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 2:14 is not exousia, translated power or authority. Only God has such power in giving (John 1:4)," TARGET="_blank">John 1:4), sustaining (1 Timothy 4:10)," TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 4:10), and ending (Daniel 5:23)" TARGET="_blank">Daniel 5:23) a life.

In this verse, "power" is the translation of the Greek word kratos, which means "manifested power" (W. E. Vine). It is found 12 times in the New Testament. It is translated "dominion" four times in the King James Version, each time in a doxology.

In Hebrews 2:9," TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 2:9, we read Christ tasted "death for every man" (or for "everything," John Darby). For the Son of Man to bring His creation into its intended order and purpose, He must taste the full bitterness of death. Through one man, Adam, deatg was brought into the world (Romans 5:12)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 5:12) and ruined God’s intended order (Hebrews 2:6-8)." TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 2:6-8). The Last Adam, after tasting death, is the guarantor that the world will be subject to a man.

Death reigns as a result of Adam’s sin (Romans 5:17)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 5:17). By dying in obedience (Romans 5:19)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 5:19) to God’s will (Philippians 2:8)," TARGET="_blank">Philippians 2:8), Christ obtained rightousness for each saved person (Romans 5:19)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 5:19) and an eventual physical deliverance for creation (Romans 8:21)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 8:21).

Adam lost his dominion over creation to "that old serpent, called the Devil." He is the "prince (or ruler, English Standard Version) of this world" (John 12:31)." TARGET="_blank">John 12:31). The stench of death spreads over his entire kingdom.

The Devil has exercised his power of death over all of God’s creatures and creation. In a few words, the "power of death" is the devil’s destructive impact on creation as a result of the Fall.

D. Oliver

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Bible Coloring Sheets

Select several of the 350 Bible Coloring Sheets that cover nearly every story in the Bible. These pre-made Bible coloring sheets are in PDF format. The sheets contain a word search activity, a crossword puzzle activity and a Bible coloring sheet.

You may also be interested in Bible worksheets that you can create from a Bible verse.

Word Find

Word Scramble

Crossword Puzzle Creator

Cryptogram Puzzle Creator

Fallen Quotes

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How can we apply Matthew 18 to interpersonal problems?

How can we apply the teaching in this passage to interpersonal problems?

Some principles from this passage apply to resolving an interpersonal problem. However, because all Scripture is "God-breathed" (2 Tim 3:16)," TARGET="_blank">2 Tim 3:16), the application of this passage must be in harmony with the truth in all the Scriptures (Psa 119:160).

If this passage teaches us how to pursue the redress of wrongs against us, it stands alone in the New Testament. When a brother wrongs us, the Lord teaches us to convince him of his wrong (Luke 17:3, 4)." TARGET="_blank">Luke 17:3, 4). If he repents, we are to forgive, even when his expressed repentance seems questionable. Apart from that, the New Testament teaches us to be kind, forbearing, forgiving, and concerned toward those who wrong us (e.g.: Co 6:7)." TARGET="_blank">Co 6:7)." TARGET="_blank">1 Co 6:7)." TARGET="_blank">Co 6:7). In fact, the remainder of Matthew 18" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 18 advocates unlimited forgiveness and shows how inconsistent it is for those whom God has forgiven to exact redress for wrongs others do to them.

In light of this, several limitations guard how these verses apply to resolving interpersonal disputes. First, the primary goal is gaining the brother. To use this passage to demand redress (v. 28) violates the clear statements of the Lord (vv. 22-35).

Maintaining these truths balances the application of this passage to interpersonal problems.Focus on the purpose: to gain your brother. Keep it private: "between thee and him alone." Many personal, family, and financial issues should never be repeated to the church. They will create factions among believers. If the matter does not affect the testimony of the assembly or clearly cross a moral boundary God has established, it is not an assembly issue. Perhaps the strongest limitation in applying this passage is that it presents a one-sided problem. Only one party has sinned. That is hardly ever (never?) the case in interpersonal problems; both have in some way contributed to the wrong. In the presence of the Light of the World, the Holy One to Whom nothing is hidden, he that is without sin in his relationship problems, let him cast the first stone at his erring brother.

D. Oliver
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Where do the eastern religions fit into "mystery Babylon"?

Where do the eastern religions fit into "mystery Babylon"?

Current events may cause us to broaden our thinking about the ways in which God will fulfill His Word. We must be cautious, however, not to read prophecy through the lens of current events. Prophecy is interpreted by consistent, biblical principles.

Because Babylon’s roots are so ancient and reach beyond Christian times and regions, it seems to be a reasonable conclusion that "Great Babylon" will embrace forms of belief beyond Christendom. What that will mean and how it will be accomplished arouses our curiosity. Venturing into what has not been revealed is outside the realm of biblical interpretation. We can be certain that "Great Babylon" will exert her influence and control over "peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues" (Rev 17:15)," TARGET="_blank">Rev 17:15), which appears to embrace all the Gentile nations. God has not revealed the specifics of what "faiths" that will include during that future seven-year period.

D. Oliver
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Do people become angels after death? Do children become angels?

No. Angels are spirit beings, while humans are composed of a body and spiritual part consisting of soul and spirit.

Christ taught in Matthew 22:30" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 22:30 that angels do not get married nor have children.

In heaven, there are two distinct groups who live there. Hebrews 12:22-23" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 12:22-23 mentions a “myriads of angels” and “the spirits of righteous men made perfect”.

The story of the Rich Man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31" TARGET="_blank">Luke 16:19-31 tells us that at death a person either goes to the agonies of Hades or to the bliss of God's presence. The Rich Man even asked Abraham to send Lazarus to his father's house, but believers who have died do not return to earth to communicate with anyone. In contrast, God sends his angels to protect and communicate with believers who are still alive (Hebrews 1:13-14;" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 1:13-14; Psalm 91:11-13;" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 91:11-13; Acts 27:23-24;" TARGET="_blank">Acts 27:23-24; Matthew 2:13;" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 2:13; Acts 5:19)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 5:19).

Children who die do not become angels. They die like adults who are saved. They are covered by Christ's work at the cross. A related question to this is "Are children saved who die young?"

Shad David Sluiter

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Why is Joseph

Why is Joseph’s genealogy given in Matthew's Gospel, instead of that of Mary, seeing that Joseph was not the father of the Lord Jesus?

There are, as is well known, not one but two genealogies of Christ in the Gospels. In Matthew 1" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 1: His royal descent is traced from Abraham, through David and the kings of Judah, down to Joseph, His legal, though not His actual father. But in Luke 3" TARGET="_blank">Luke 3 His natural descent is traced from Mary’s own father, Heli, through a different branch of the Davidic family up to Adam. The phrase, “Being, as was supposed, the son of Joseph,” which is parenthetically inserted in Luke 3:23," TARGET="_blank">Luke 3:23, really answers the questions asked above. For since He was supposed, or legally reckoned, to be Joseph’s son, it was necessary that there should be what might be called an official genealogy, through him to David and Abraham, as well as that through His mother, in order that all objections to His claim to be “Son of David” should be silenced. In Matthew’s Gospel Joseph is prominent, and in Luke’s, Mary, not merely in the genealogies, but in the entire narrative, which in each case is as it should be, in view of the Jewish character of the former, and the Gentile character of the latter.

W.R.

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How much intimacy is appropriate for couples who are dating?

What activities and how much intimacy are appropriate for couples who are dating?

Christians should seek God's will for a life's partner during courtship. Dating is the time for learning to know each other and planning for the future. It is not (as in society) simply for a good time, or experimentation, or conquest.

Two words help answer our question: purity and modesty Paul instructed Timothy in 1 Timothy 5:2" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 5:2 to encourage "the younger (women) as sisters, with all purity." In Genesis 24:65," TARGET="_blank">Genesis 24:65, Rebecca, when about to meet her husband-to-be, "took a vail, and covered herself."

A young man should regard his intended as his "sister" during courtship. He should have genuine respect for her that will preserve from violating her purity. An embrace and kiss when greeting or parting is appropriate with his sister and is equally so with his intended. Their greetings may be more than a quick peck on the cheek but they should avoid any activity leading to greater physical intimacy. Both should dress and behave so as not to stir up strong desire in the other. Strong desire may lead to disaster and loss of purity. Couples should avoid circumstances or activities where they would be ashamed to be found. A good testimony is vital.

Couples need time together. Eating out, drives through the country and visiting points of interest afford suitable opportunities. Visiting older Christians will encourage them. The young may also gain insights of great value for their future together.

They need to learn each other's values, expectations and goals. They should recognize and make needed adjustments. These are easier to make during courtship than after marriage. Reading and praying together will promote spiritual bonding and growth and begin a good habit for a lifetime together.

J. Slabaugh

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