Jesus Tomb

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Elton Fairfield - "I am a Christian."

"I didn't buy that status, nor did I work for it. I was not born into it, even though both my parents are devoted Christians. I am a Christian because there was a moment in my life when I accepted the fact that the death of Jesus Christ was for my sins."

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How to write your testimony effectively - Telling your own story is perhaps one of the most effective methods in sharing the gospel message.  It's Biblical, attractive and effective if done right.  “The problem with some writing isn’t that it’s bad writing. It’s just boring,” - Ginger Kolbaba, managing editor of Marriage Partnership magazine...

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Suzy Fitch

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What is the meaning of “the last shall be first and the first last, for many are called but few chosen” (Matthew 20:16)" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 20:16)?

The surface meaning of the first sentence, which occurs also in Matthew 19:30," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 19:30, is that the position will be reversed; the last taking the first place and the first taking the last place, but this is not at all what the parable teaches.

What is in view is rather the equality of last with first, and of first with last, and I submit that this is exactly what the words mean; the last shall be as the first, and the first as the last. Those called in the early days of our Lord’s ministry, and those called in the last days of the Christian era, will be on an equality.

The closing words are undoubtedly difficult, but I believe they mean, that, as far as character of service goes, though the number of those called is great, those chosen for special service, like the apostles, are few in number. Such will undoubtedly receive special awards in the Kingdom, e.g., as above, “sitting on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” As far, however, as the common blessings of the redeemed are concerned— Eternal Life, Membership of Christ’s Body, Sonship, etc. there will be equality, though the differences implied by rewards will be eternal.

W.H.

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CHILDREN AND THE RAPTURE

Is it scriptural to say that the children of believers shall be caught up when the Lord comes?

Some evangelists say they will, while others say they will not. I mean children not old enough to understand.

Does not the difference of view among the Lord’s servants arise from the fact that there is no clear revelation in the Word of God? It would seem unthinkable that the small children of unconverted parents throughout the world should be all caught away when the Lord returns, for if any go all must go. It is equally unthinkable that the irresponsible children of Christians, the subjects of believing prayer, should be all left behind when their parents are taken, for if any are left all must be left. Can we not leave the matter to God in the assurance that the Judge of all the earth will do right? In the meantime diligently point the little ones to the Saviour.

W.H.

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THE SEALING
Is the sealing of the Holy Spirit in this dispensation, a sealing on the forehead, seen outwardly, or is it experienced inwardly?

Does not John Bunyan refer to an outward sealing in the Pilgrim's Progress?

The sign of the old covenant was circumcision, an outward mark in the flesh. It is said in the case of Abraham to have been the “seal of the righteousness of the faith, which he had yet being uncircumcised” (Romans 4:9)," TARGET="_blank">Romans 4:9), which was of course exceptional, as infants of eight days old have no righteousness. The Lord seals His people as His own by giving them His Holy Spirit. “In whom having believed ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise” (Ephesians 1:13" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 1:13 R.V.; see also Ephesians 4:30;" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 4:30; and 2 Corinthians 1:22)." TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 1:22). This is not an experience subsequent to conversion, but at conversion; nor is it an outward mark on the flesh, but a spiritual reality, which no doubt will come out in life. John Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress” is an allegory: that is, a spiritual truth conveyed under the form of a literal story. We should get into no end of difficulties, if we interpreted the figures literally.

Are all sinners, for example, to wade through a literal “Slough of Despond” on their way to the wicket gate? Besides, even Bunyan must be checked by the Word of God, and no less, “experiences” that pious persons claim to have passed through. There is no such thing taught in the Bible, as a Christian “being sealed on the forehead,” and for anyone to claim such a thing is a mistaken pretension, which he should seek grace from God to abandon.

W.H.

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Do you not think a distinction should be made between those in fellowship and those not in fellowship (children excepted)?

Should not those breaking bread sit near the table and not in the last row of seats, while children and the unsaved occupy the front row?

The apostle in writing to the Church of God at Corinth recognised a “within” and “without” (see 1 Coronthians 5: 12-13). The one, hitherto called a brother, is put away from among the people of God as “a wicked person.” Such a one should also be separated from by the saints in the various relations of life—”not to keep company. . . with such an one no not to eat” (1 Corinthians 5:11)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 5:11)—nor should he be received in the house, nor wished God-speed (2 John 1:10)." TARGET="_blank">2 John 1:10). Is not this principle to extend to the Lord’s table? Is there not to be a difference then, very clearly marked, between those recognised as “in fellowship” and others not breaking bread?

Are worldlings and believers to be mingled there as in the religious denominations? Have not the words, “What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness; what communion hath light with darkness. . . what part hath he that believeth with an unbeliever?” (i.e., not necessarily “infidel” in the modern sense) (2 Corinthians 6:14, 15)," TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 6:14, 15), any application to such an occasion when the saints are gathered to the name of their Lord, and He is in a special sense in their midst? Surely they have. The saints belong to and love Him, and are met according to His command to remember Him. May they not then hope to do so, undisturbed by and unmingled with those who are still of the world and at enmity with Him?

If, as our correspondent asserts, “those breaking bread sit on the back row of the hall, and children and unsaved ones sit at the front, and these hand the bread and the wine to those in fellowship,” does not this bespeak a serious lack of godly order? How can it be claimed by the elders that “all things are done decently and in order”? and how can confusion be avoided or proper care be exercised, as to those who partake of the bread and wine? Let not the unsaved be given a place which may deceive them into supposing that all is mostly well with them, or countenance given to what most of them think at heart, that there is no difference worth speaking of between those who “think they are saved” and themselves. It is not a world-feast at all. It is “the disciples coming together to break bread” (Acts 20: 7)," TARGET="_blank">Acts 20: 7), in remembrance of their Lord whom the world rejected. Doubtless the world should have entrance to the hail, but only as spectators of what is in reality a testimony against themselves. Can it be imagined to be godly order that such should be in a position even to be allowed to pass the bread and the wine to others? It is Opening the door in the churches of the saints to the Babylonian Confusion, which exists in Christendom.

W.H.

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What is Deliverance Ministries

"Deliverance" ministers address personal problems in people that are believed to be caused by demons or Satan.  The routine for binding a demon is something like a psychiatrist practicing exorcism.
First the deliverance minister may ask a few questions about the person and his/her problems.  "How long has this been occurring?" "When is it most frequent?" etc.

It is assumed that the person needs deliverance from a demon to cure the problem whether it be unexplained pain or a bad habit such as alcoholism.  
The deliverance ministries approach then tries to begin a conversation with the demon trying to evoke a response from the demon.  If this begins to sound like a prohibited practice in scripture, then you are correct.  Notice a few verses from the Bible here:

Leviticus 19:31" TARGET="_blank">Leviticus 19:31  "Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the LORD your God.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12" TARGET="_blank">Deuteronomy 18:10-12  There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer  (11)  or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead,  (12)  for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD. And because of these abominations the LORD your God is driving them out before you.

Leviticus 20:27" TARGET="_blank">Leviticus 20:27  "A man or a woman who is a medium or a necromancer shall surely be put to death. They shall be stoned with stones; their blood shall be upon them."

1 Corinthians 10:20-21" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 10:20-21  No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons.  (21)  You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.

The minister of a deliverance ministry may then try to intimidate the demon through speaking loudly, commanding in an authoritative voice, invoking the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.  

If there are not quick results, the practitioner may schedule future sessions to talk to the demons again.  
Other forms of deliverance may be in the attempts to bind Satan from entering into a new church or preventing him from attacking a house.

One may seriously question whether such practices border on the spells and charms that cults prefer to practice rather than praying to the Lord to protect and prosper.

If you are feeling the need of God's protection, pray directly to Him, not to Satan or to his demons.  The Lord's own example of prayer for the Disciples includes the phrases:

"lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" (Matthew 6:9-13)" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 6:9-13)

Some verses for you to read for comfort include:

Psalm 139" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 139 – the omnipresent, omnipotent God of the Universe knows you better than you know yourself.

Psalms 91:1-4" TARGET="_blank">Psalms 91:1-4  He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.  (2)  I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."  (3)  For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.  (4)  He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

The most important protection that God can provide is the salvation of your soul.  See other questions regarding salvation for eternal security.

I know Christ took our sins on the cross, but for some reason I'm not sure if I'm saved. 

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