About this site

Becky MacLeod

Becky MacLeod - I did not spend a long time in soul trouble at that age, but at the first serious thought I had about the matter I simply trusted, “as a little child,” that Jesus had died for me. Then I got up and went out to play, knowing the matter was settled.
Other pages in this section

About this site

Dale Robbins

Dale Robbins - "As the years passed, I heard more of God and how that anyone could be sure of a place in Heaven if they trusted in Jesus. I began to yearn for this security and peace of mind. However I struggled within myself, thinking that because I had been living a "good moral life" that God should be pleased to accept me in Heaven as I was." (more)
Other pages in this section

About this site

Tom Bentley
Tom Bentley - His personal story about how he was saved as a boy and then called into missionary service. He now serves in the Lord's work in Malaysia.
Other pages in this section

About this site

Sunday School Lesson - Naaman the Leper

Sunday School Lesson - Naaman the Leper. Print a lift-the-flap book and your students will be re-telling the Bible story to you. It's part of the collection of printable Sunday school projects availabe on the Sunday school page .
Other pages in this section

About this site

Six Heartbroken Homes

Six Heartbroken Homes - The Bible contains both positive examples of living well, but it also shows us through these six couples how even the best of us fall into these six common traps. (more )
Other pages in this section

About this site

Why we believe the Bible

Why we believe the Bible - Part of Norman Crawford's mp3 audio series on Creation. The foundation of the Christian faith rests in the reliability of the scriptures. Some of the evidences covered include the doctrine of infalibility, the resurrection and prophecy.
Other pages in this section

About this site

Gospel Hall dot Org exists to share information about assemblies of Christians who gather to the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to raise awareness of the gospel message and teaching about Christian living in a New Testament Church.

FAQs

Did the wise men visit Jesus in Bethlehem?

Where did the wise men (Matthew 2:1)" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 2:1) find the child Jesus— in Bethlehem or Nazareth?

I do not think there can be any reasonable doubt that it was in Bethlehem. Verse i tells us the narrative happened “when Jesus was born in Bethlehem.” It was thither theywere directed by the teaching of the elders (vv. 4-6) and sent by Herod. Nazareth is not mentioned. It was in Bethlehem and its borders that the slaughter of the innocents took place (ver. 16), after the Child and Mary and Joseph had departed into Egypt. From verse 22 we learn that after the death of Herod they would have returned into Juda, but hearing that Archelaus, his son, was reigning in his stead, Joseph was afraid to go thither and being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee and dwelt in a city, now mentioned for the first time—Nazareth.

W.H. .

Other pages in this section

About this site

Are there two types of "rest" in Matthew 11:28-29?

Are the “rests” of Matthew 11:28," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 11:28, 29 two distinct “rests”, or does it mean that the rest is not obtained by soul approach, but by taking the yoke, and learning of the Lord?

I judge that two “rests” are indicated, or perhaps I should say, two distinct stages of rest: the one, rest of conscience for the soul who has never known true rest in Christ; and the other, rest from a restless will, unsatisfied desires and self-seeking service. The word for “rest” is the same in both cases (anapausiS—or up-rest), which might be illustrated by the action of the Good Samaritan: first he relieved the smitten one, pouring in oil and wine, and then set him on his own beast, brought him to an inn (set him down there) and took care of him. This latter action may denote the “rest” (katapausis—down-rest) of Hebrews 3" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 3 and 4, where this root is always used, except in verse 9: “There remaineth, therefore, a rest for the people of God.” The word here means a “Sabbath rest” (Sabbatismos)—the true spiritual thought of the Sabbath—a resting from our own works. This does not describe a future heavenly rest, but a Christ-rest, to be enjoyed here and now by all the people of God.

W.H.

Other pages in this section

About this site

What does the Bible phrase mean - the redemption of their soul is precious?

Please explain Psalm 49:8" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 49:8

Psalm 49:8" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 49:8 (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)

Verses 6 and 7 circumscribe the power of riches; for all the wealth of the world cannot redeem a brother, nor give to God a ransom for him. The word for “redeem” is not the more usual word gã’al (subst. go’el. Job 19:25;" TARGET="_blank">Job 19:25; Jeremiah 50:34)," TARGET="_blank">Jeremiah 50:34), but pãdãh—to loose, hence to redeem by paying a price, to let go—preserve (Numbers 18:15;" TARGET="_blank">Numbers 18:15; Psalm 25:22)." TARGET="_blank">Psalm 25:22). The word for “ransom” is the atonement word—Kopher.
Now comes the subject of the question (v. 8): “For the redemption (pidyon, same root as pãdãh) of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever.” This certainly seems ambiguous, but the R.V. is an improvement, if more correct: “For the redemption of their soul is costly, and must be let alone for ever.” This almost goes back to the English version known as “the Great Bible” brought out in 1539, under the superintendence of Miles Coverdale (subsequent to his own well-known translation), the Psalter of which is still found embedded in the “Book of Common Prayer” of the “Established Church.” This version runs: “It cost more to redeem their souls, so that he must let that alone for ever.” The meaning then seems plain; Redemption is beyond man’s means, so it is wiser to let that alone. But verse comes in as the positive solution. “But God will redeem (pãdãh) my soul from the power of the grave, for He will receive me.”
W.H.

Other pages in this section

About this site

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

Other pages in this section

About this site

Please explain Romans 11:26, "All Israel shall be saved."

Please explain Romans 11:26," TARGET="_blank">Romans 11:26, "All Israel shall be saved."

This statement occurs in the dispensational section of Romans (chapters 9-11) where Israel, mentioned 12 times, is the main subject. Chapter 9 shows God's sovereignty in Israel's past election. Chapter 10 reveals God's righteousness in Israel's present rejection, because of refusing the gospel and their Messiah. Chapter 11 unveils God's wisdom and faithful ness in Israel's future restoration. God cast off Israel nationally, not individually and finally (11:2). Paul was an Israelite, in the remnant called out to form part of the church with believing Gentiles "according to the election of grace" (11:5). "Blindness in part is happened to Israel..." (11:25). The unbelieving in Israel have been blinded. Those Jews who have believed the gospel have the veil taken from their minds. In like manner, "All Israel shall be saved" nationally, not individually. All believers in Israel who repent and accept the Lord Jesus as their Messiah will inherit the kingdom. Unbelievers in the nation will be destroyed at the second advent of Christ (Zechariah 13:8, 9)." TARGET="_blank">Zechariah 13:8, 9). The setting aside of Israel was according to divine purpose (Hosea 3:4, 5;" TARGET="_blank">Hosea 3:4, 5; Acts 15:14-18)," TARGET="_blank">Acts 15:14-18), but only "until the fulness of the Gentiles (believers gathered from the Gentiles during this church age, the many days," Hosea 3:4)" TARGET="_blank">Hosea 3:4) be come in."

J. Abernathy

Other pages in this section

About this site

How could the Lord acknowledge an assembly when it had departed so far (Revelation 2 and 3)?

How could the Lord acknowledge an assembly when it had departed so far (Revelation 2" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 2 and 3)?

The assembly at Corinth was badly damaged by the influence of the world around it. Galatian believers had been influenced by serious doctrinal error. These and other assemblies, including those in Revelation 2" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 2 and 3, began as assemblies, through God’s work, consistent with the pattern. The Lord determines how far an assembly can depart. He reads the heart and judges righteously. We are not responsible to make that decision. He requests permission of no one and informs no one.

We are responsible, though, to preserve the integrity of the assembly of which we form a part. Whether or not a certain company is an assembly, if its practices and associations will damage young believers or lead any astray, we shouldn’t associate ourselves with that assembly.

David Oliver
Other pages in this section

About this site

What does Ezekiel's vision of dry bones mean?

What is the meaning of Ezekiel 37:1-10," TARGET="_blank">Ezekiel 37:1-10, where we read of the valley which was full of dry bones?

The explanation of this vision is given in verses 11-14 of the chapter. This is a prophesy concerning the national restoration of Israel. God's earthly people have long been buried as a nation and the ten tribes hidden out of sight in many countries of the world. They are spoken of here as "dry bones," "very dry." When the Lord comes back to earth again, these dry bones, so to speak, will be raised and brought to life. Then this prophesy will be literally fulfilled. Israel will be restored to the covenant rights given to that nation by God long ago, and placed and established in the land that God gave to His earthly people.

H. Alves (December, 1963)
Other pages in this section

About this site

Should we pray to the Son or only to the Father?

Is it scriptural to teach that when we come together to remember the Lord, our worship should be directed to the Father only, and that even hymns addressed to the Lord Jesus should not be sung?

Our Lord when censuring certain leaders in Matthew 15:9," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 15:9, applied to them the words of God through Isaiah, “In vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” And there are many rules being laid down in connection with worship to-day, regarding which the last clause of this quotation might fittingly be used; since they are nothing else than “the commandments of men.”

Of such the teaching referred to in the question is a typical example; for there is no command whatever in the Word of God to the effect that the Son should be excluded from worship. On the other hand, there is the statement that “All men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father”; and also many examples of worship directed to Christ, such as Hebrews 1:6;" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 1:6; Matthew 2:11;" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 2:11; Matthew 28:9,17;" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 28:9,17; Luke 24:52," TARGET="_blank">Luke 24:52, etc.

If it be objected that none of these examples has reference to a breaking of bread meeting, we ask the objector to point out where in the Scriptures is the word “worship” at all used in connection with such a meeting? It will then be possible to consider what special limitation, if any, is placed on our worship in that connection.

W.R.

Other pages in this section

About this site

Is the living bread from heaven, the same as the bread of the church communion?

Is Paul’s reference to the body and blood of Christ related to John 6:53-56" TARGET="_blank">John 6:53-56?

In John 6:53" TARGET="_blank">John 6:53 and 54, eating the flesh of the Son of Man and drinking His blood are necessary and sufficient conditions for having eternal life. That is describing what took place once; at the moment of conversion, we took the death of Christ to ourselves and received all its benefits. In verse 56, feeding on Christ and His death is characteristic of all who are saved. This, linked by some to Israel’s initial and continued eating of the Passover, is individual. "Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us" (1 Corinthians 5:7)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 5:7). Our redemption is individual, as is our appropriation of the Lamb. The annual Passover shares the feature of remembrance with the Lord’s Supper, but, although instituted at the Passover, it does not replace the Passover or fulfill it.

At the Lord’s Supper, the assembly unitedly blesses and partakes of the cup and bread, thus expressing the blessings they share. Being a corporate act, it is therefore distinct from what the Passover expresses and from the personal communion of which the Lord speaks in John 6:56." TARGET="_blank">John 6:56.

In addition, John 6" TARGET="_blank">John 6 speaks of eating in a spiritual sense, 1 Corinthians 10" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 10 of eating physically.

D. Oliver
Other pages in this section

About this site

Must an assembly act with unanimous consent?

Must an assembly act with unanimous consent?

The assembly should act with unanimous consent. Godly overseers know that their leadership does not flow from official power but from spiritual weight (1 Peter 5:3)." TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 5:3). A shepherd's consistent character, honesty, and concern for the Lord and His people gains the confidence of God's flock. His own humble submission to God's Word sets the pattern that leads others to submit to God's Word (Acts 20:28)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 20:28).

The ideal is for a well-fed flock to recognize the care of those who feed it, to gladly follow their servant leadership (Mark 10:42-45)," TARGET="_blank">Mark 10:42-45), and to unite around its shepherds in crisis. To our shame, wherever human responsibility is involved, the picture is less than ideal. Both shepherds and sheep have the liability of the flesh within (Romans 7:18)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 7:18). A lack of assembly unanimity may reflect the limitations of either the shepherds or the sheep, or, more likely, both.

In Hezekiah's times, God prepared the hearts of the people and, from their low spiritual condition, brought them to a united spirit of worship (2 Chronicles 29:36)." TARGET="_blank">2 Chronicles 29:36). Wisdom waits on God to so work that His people will be united around His Word. Men who force their way rather than waiting on God to open the way give evidence of self-will. This cost Saul his kingdom (I Samuel 13:11-14)." TARGET="_blank">I Samuel 13:11-14).

The sad condition may arise in which a united, humble oversight must move forward in dependence on God and guide the assembly to act when some in the assembly still dissent. Such a condition should lead all in the assembly to a spirit of brokenness before God. Something is wrong and each should be asking, as the disciples did (Mark 14:19)," TARGET="_blank">Mark 14:19), "Is it I?"

D. Oliver
Other pages in this section

About this site

Other pages in this section

About this site

[ Back ]

Main Menu