The following is a listof ways that God has used to communicate with us in the past. The Holy Scriptures are now completed and provide us with the entire revealed word of God. You should not expect to receive visions, dreams or prophets speaking to God today.

How God communicated His message in the past:

His secret things.
Amos 3:7" TARGET="_blank">Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

At various times and in different ways.
Hebrews 1:1." TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 1:1.God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

By an audible voice.
1 Samuel 3:4-14." TARGET="_blank">1 Samuel 3:4-14. And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.

By angels

Dan 8:15-26;" TARGET="_blank">Dan 8:15-26; …when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man.

By dreams and visions.
Numbers 12:6;" TARGET="_blank">Numbers 12:6; If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.

Men who were under the influence of the Holy Spirit while prophesying.
Luke 1:67;" TARGET="_blank">Luke 1:67; And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied…

Spoke in the name of the Lord.
James 5:10." TARGET="_blank">James 5:10.Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord,

Frequently spoke in parables and riddles.
2 Samuel 12:1-6;" TARGET="_blank">2 Samuel 12:1-6; And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor

Shad Sluiter

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How can we help visitors understand New Testament teaching about assembly reception?

How can we help visitors understand New Testament teaching about assembly reception?

Society’s creed is tolerance. Evangelicals generally see no distinction between the Church, the Body, and the Church of God. These two factors combined make it likely that visitors not familiar with an assembly’s practices will question why they cannot enjoy the privileges of an assembly. Sometimes on short notice and with little time, overseers will have to give a Biblical answer to those questions. Wherever possible, when bringing a visitor to the Breaking of Bread, help him understand what will happen and why. Be prepared to answer with grace and truth. We would all like to effectively answer such questions, but can be assured that a perfect answer won’t persuade every questioner. We have a responsibility to wisely, patiently, considerately help others understand God’s ways. Help is available through prayer and dependence on the Spirit of God.

D. Oliver
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How does an elder

How does an elder’s role differ from a deacon’s?

Deacons are servants who have a particular work to do. The assignment of the work is often evident in the use of the word (Ephesians 3:7, 6:21;" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 3:7, 6:21; Colossians 1:23, 25, 4:7;" TARGET="_blank">Colossians 1:23, 25, 4:7; 1 Thessalonians 3:2;" TARGET="_blank">1 Thessalonians 3:2; 1 Timothy 4:6)." TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 4:6). The deacons in 1 Timothy 3" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 3: are responsible to hold the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience (v 9). They are to be faithful with the truth that God has revealed. While the elders care for the flock and hold "fast the faithful word" to both comfort the believers and protect them from those who contradict the truth (Titus 1:9)," TARGET="_blank">Titus 1:9), deacons have a more general responsibility to "the faith." They serve in communicating God’s Word. The assembly looks to them for spiritual service with preaching the gospel, teaching the saints, working with children and young people, and various related responsibilities. Elders, because they are "apt to teach" (1 Timothy 3:2)," TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 3:2), may also serve as deacons, but deacons are not necessarily elders.

Wise elders will encourage as many as possible who have the ability (or even the potential of ability) and qualifications (vv 8-13) to serve in deacon work. This is not an official position or a title to claim. It denotes a responsibility entrusted by the assembly’s guides. Elders make a mistake when they limit deacon work to themselves, even if it seems easier or others seem hesitant to accept deacon work or the elders have greater ability than others.

D. Oliver
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Is salvation on a different basis in this age, being now by faith and baptism?

Is salvation on a different basis in this age, being now by faith and baptism?

The Old Testament nowhere suggests baptism is a condition for salvation, so that if baptism is necessary for salvation now, this must only be the case since the ascension of Christ.

In Romans 4," TARGET="_blank">Romans 4, Paul shows that justification is through faith by going to the Old Testament. Forgiveness for David and righteousness for Abraham came through faith apart from circumcision or the law (vv. 2-16). If these blessings are on a different basis now, namely faith plus baptism, why would Paul go to the Old Testament to support his teaching? We infer from Romans 4" TARGET="_blank">Romans 4 that in every age salvation is by faith alone and is not dependent on baptism, law-keeping, good works, rituals, or righteous living.

D. Oliver
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In what ways does the Spirit of God lead us?

In what ways does the Spirit of God lead us?

Since it identifies us as sons of God (Rom 8:14)," TARGET="_blank">Rom 8:14), being led by the Spirit of God should characterize our lives. Paul’s teaching assumes that all believers are led by the Spirit (Gal 5:18)." TARGET="_blank">Gal 5:18). The Spirit leads us both rationally (through our minds) and mystically (through an inexplicable awareness). The former needs to be emphasized and is more easily explained. If we are not willing for be led by the Spirit daily, we will not likely be sensitive to His leading in "special experiences."

The Spirit of God and the Word of God both reflect the same source and must agree. Generally, therefore, the Spirit leads through the clear directives of Scripture. Thankfully, He not only directs but also enables our walk (Gal 5:16-18)." TARGET="_blank">Gal 5:16-18).

The more we walk in the Spirit, the deeper will be our acquaintance with "the things of the Spirit of God" (1Co 2:10-16)." TARGET="_blank">1Co 2:10-16). As the Spirit unfolds to us the mind of God, we learn through the Word of God the principles by which God works. Increasingly, therefore, the principles of Scripture will guide us. Daily subjection of our will to the Scriptures cannot be distinguished from the leading of the Spirit in our lives. To more fully know the mind of God through His Word is a life-long challenge. The Spirit leads us rationally by enriching our minds with the practical knowledge of God. As we submit, He both directs us and enables us to please God.

One of the greatest difficulties in life is to be honest with ourselves. That is why the mystical leading of the Spirit is difficult to discuss. Too often we attribute our own preference to the leading of the Spirit. The Spirit of God superindends our circumstances and often directs us through them, but always in keeping with the Word of God.

Two verses in Psalm 25" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 25 instruct us in knowing God’s ways. Verse 12 emphasizes reverence for God, acting to please Him. Verse 10 points to meekness. The meek humbly submit to God and totally depend on Him. Who could boast about possessing these qualities? To hear a voice behind us "saying, This is the way, walk ye in it" (Isa 30:21)" TARGET="_blank">Isa 30:21) is always an evidence of God’s grace. Nevertheless, this is not something for which we need to beg God. He desires to lead us through His Word (rationally) and to prompt us as we are sensitive to His will (mystically). Self-consciousness and self-occupation will not produce this. In many ways, this is a sacred secret between the soul and God. We obey His written Word and, through the Spirit, He takes care of the rest.

D. Oliver
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Does an elder "assume" the position of leader or is he appointed?

Should the oversight meeting be open to all elder brethren of consistent walk in life, or only to a few, who “assume” the care and rule of the meeting?

I think one qualified by God for such a work would be very slow to “assume” anything;

1 Timothy 3:1-7;" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1: 6-9;" TARGET="_blank">Titus 1: 6-9; and 1 Peter 5:1-5" TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 5:1-5 give us the qualifications of an overseeing elder: first, he must” desire” it (or “stretch forward” to it, as the original expresses). But that is not enough; he may even be “consistent in walk and life,” and yet fail to manifest the necessary qualification for eldership. Does he rule his home well for instance? or is it a matter of common knowledge, that he is ruled in the home? An overseer of this type is a great hindrance, for sometimes it is the power in the home that seeks to rule the church by his means.

Has he a “good report of them that are without”? Does he “hold fast the faithful Word”? Has he a pastor’s heart, to feed the flock of God?

I think one qualified by God for such a work would be very slow to “assume” anything; he would be apt to do the work, show fitness for it, and have a heart for the Lord’s people, but it would not be for him to push himself into a prominent position; rather his fellowship would be sought. Elders caring for the saints should be on the look out for brethren who are manifesting any spiritual activities, and seek to encourage such, remember that age comes on apace, and that soon perhaps their work will need other hands to take it up.

W.H.

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Is a head covering and woman

Is a head covering and woman’s silence appropriate for every gathering in the assembly’s building?

While many aspects of the assembly’s testimony centers in its place of meeting, the building is not a church nor is it sacred. The building doesn’t sanctify the gatherings in it. If the believers use the building to met when they plan conference meals or discuss building plans or mail tracts, this is not an assembly meeting. On occasion, such gatherings may take place after an assembly meeting. If the ladies choose to retain their head coverings, that doesn’t make it an assembly meeting. In fact, being without a head covering in that circumstance is as appropriate as it is when a sister is walking down the street.

Biblical injunctions requiring a sister’s silence do not apply to such gatherings, because the Christians have not "come together in assembly" (1 Corinthians 11:18," TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 11:18, JND). In such a case, a woman’s wearing a head covering is optional and is in no way at variance with her entering into the discussions.

D. Oliver
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What are the different names of God and what do they mean? Is Jehovah the only true name of God?

What are the different names of God and what do they mean? Is Jehovah the only true name of God?

"God" may be the first name that comes to mind when thinking about God, but his names throughout the Hebrew Old Testament teach us much more about his character than one name can contain. Here is a list of many well known names of God and what they mean.

El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty) “The Mighty One of Jacob” (Genesis 49:24;" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 49:24; Psalm 132:2,5)." TARGET="_blank">Psalm 132:2,5).

El Gibhor (Mighty God) (Isaiah 9:6)" TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 9:6) – the name of Christ Jesus in the famous prophecy of the child to be born.

El Elyon (The Most High God) Deuteronomy 26:19" TARGET="_blank">Deuteronomy 26:19 – the highest point to which anyone can be exaulted.

Adonai (Lord, Master) Genesis 15:2;" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 15:2; Judges 6:15." TARGET="_blank">Judges 6:15. Usually translated as Lord with only the first letter capitalized.

Yahweh (Lord, Jehovah) YHWH Deuteronomy 6:4;" TARGET="_blank">Deuteronomy 6:4; Daniel 9:14" TARGET="_blank">Daniel 9:14 – Usually translated as LORD with all capital letters. “I Am who I Am” (Exodus 3:14)." TARGET="_blank">Exodus 3:14).

Jehovah Nissi (The Lord My Banner) "The Lord Our Banner" (Exodus 17:15)" TARGET="_blank">Exodus 17:15) as in the colors under which the army marches.

Jehovah-Raah (The Lord My Shepherd or Jehovah-Rohi: " Psalm 23:1)" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 23:1)– David's most famous Psalm gives us the title of the ever-present Lord in our lives.

Jehovah Rapha (The Lord That Heals) Exodus 15:26" TARGET="_blank">Exodus 15:26 – “I am Jehovah who heals you". God promised supernatural protection against the diseases that fell upon the Egyptians. God was called Jehovah Rapha after the bitter waters of Marah were cleaned by the tree thrown into the water.

Jehovah Shammah (The Lord Is There) Ezekiel 48:35" TARGET="_blank">Ezekiel 48:35 – Jerusalem was once the dwelling of the holy presence of God. God abandoned the place for a while, but returned in Ezekiel 44:1-4." TARGET="_blank">Ezekiel 44:1-4.

Jehovah Tsidkenu (The Lord Our Righteousness) Jeremiah 33:16" TARGET="_blank">Jeremiah 33:16 – God is the giver of righteousness to sinful man. Salvation through Christ is provided 100% by God without any merit or credit given to man.

Jehovah Mekoddishkem (The Lord Who Sanctifies You or makes you holy. Leviticus 20:8;" TARGET="_blank">Leviticus 20:8; Ezekiel 37:28." TARGET="_blank">Ezekiel 37:28.

El Olam (The Everlasting God) Psalm 90:1-3" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 90:1-3 – “From everlasting to everlasting, You are God.”

Elohim (God) Genesis 2:4;" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 2:4; Psalm 59:5" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 59:5 – a combination of YHWH and “Lord” making him the Lord of all Lords. “Creator, Mighty and Strong” (Genesis 17:7;" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 17:7; Jeremiah 31:33)" TARGET="_blank">Jeremiah 31:33) – the plural form of Eloah, which introduces the doctrine of the trinity.

Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Will Provide) Genesis 22:14" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 22:14 – Abraham called God Jehovah Jireh after he provided Abraham with a ram to offer in stead of Isaac his son.

Jehovah Shalom (The Lord Is Peace) "The Lord Our Peace" (Judges 6:24)" TARGET="_blank">Judges 6:24) – Gideon gave the Lord this name.

Jehovah Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts) Isaiah 1:24;" TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 1:24; Psalm 46:7" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 46:7 – The leader of hosts is the commander of all living creatures.

Shad David Sluiter

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What are the titles and names of Jesus Christ?

The Lord Jesus Christ has many titles and names. A person who is Almighty God cannot be described in just one name. Here are some of the names that describe his being...

Advocate (1 John 2:1)" TARGET="_blank">1 John 2:1)

Almighty (Revelation 1:8;" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 1:8; Matthew 28:18)" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 28:18)

Alpha and Omega (Rev 1:8;" TARGET="_blank">Rev 1:8; Revelation 22:13)" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 22:13)

Amen (Revelation 3:14)" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 3:14)

Apostle of our Profession (Hebrews 3:1)" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 3:1)

Atoning Sacrifice for our Sins (1 John 2:2)" TARGET="_blank">1 John 2:2)

Author of Life (Acts 3:15)" TARGET="_blank">Acts 3:15)

Author and Perfecter of our Faith (Hebrews 12:2)" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 12:2)

Author of Salvation (Hebrews 2:10)" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 2:10)

Beginning and End (Revelation 22:13)" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 22:13)

Blessed and only Ruler (1 Timothy 6:15)" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 6:15)

Bread of God (John 6:33)" TARGET="_blank">John 6:33)

Bread of Life (John 6:35;" TARGET="_blank">John 6:35; John 6:48)" TARGET="_blank">John 6:48)

Bridegroom (Matthew 9:15)" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 9:15)

Capstone (Acts 4:11;" TARGET="_blank">Acts 4:11; 1 Peter 2:7)" TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 2:7)

Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20)" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 2:20)

Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4)" TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 5:4)

Christ (1 John 2:22)" TARGET="_blank">1 John 2:22)

Creator (John 1:3)" TARGET="_blank">John 1:3)

Deliverer (Romans 11:26)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 11:26)

Eternal Life (1 John 1:2; 5:20)" TARGET="_blank">1 John 1:2; 5:20)

Faithful and True (Revelation 19:11)" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 19:11)

Faithful Witness (Revelation 1:5)" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 1:5)

Faithful and True Witness (Revelation 3:14)" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 3:14)

First and Last (Revelation 1:17;" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 1:17; Revelation 2:8;" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 2:8; Revelation 22:13)" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 22:13)

Firstborn From the Dead (Revelation 1:5)" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 1:5)

Firstborn over all creation (Colossians 1:15)" TARGET="_blank">Colossians 1:15)

Gate (John 10:9)" TARGET="_blank">John 10:9)

God (John 1:1;" TARGET="_blank">John 1:1; John 20:28;" TARGET="_blank">John 20:28; Hebrews 1:8;" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 1:8; Romans 9:5;" TARGET="_blank">Romans 9:5; 2 Peter 1:1;" TARGET="_blank">2 Peter 1:1;1 John 5:20;" TARGET="_blank">1 John 5:20; etc.)

Good Shepherd (John 10:11,14)" TARGET="_blank">John 10:11,14)

Great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20)" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 13:20)

Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14)" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 4:14)

Head of the Church (Ephesians 1:22; 4:15; 5:23)" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 1:22; 4:15; 5:23)

Heir of all things (Hebrews 1:2)" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 1:2)

High Priest (Hebrews 2:17)" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 2:17)

Holy and True (Revelation 3:7)" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 3:7)

Holy One (Acts 3:14)" TARGET="_blank">Acts 3:14)

Hope (1 Timothy 1:1)" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 1:1)

Hope of Glory (Colossians 1:27)" TARGET="_blank">Colossians 1:27)

Horn of Salvation (Luke 1:69)" TARGET="_blank">Luke 1:69)

I Am (John 8:58)" TARGET="_blank">John 8:58)

Image of God (2 Corinthians 4:4)" TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 4:4)

Immanuel (Matthew 1:23)" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 1:23)

Judge of the living and the dead (Acts 10:42)" TARGET="_blank">Acts 10:42)

King Eternal (1 Timothy 1:17)" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 1:17)

King of Israel (John 1:49)" TARGET="_blank">John 1:49)

King of the Jews (Matthew 27:11)" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 27:11)

King of kings (1 Timothy 6:15;" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 19:16)" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 19:16)

King of the Ages (Revelation 15:3)" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 15:3)

Lamb (Revelation 13:8)" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 13:8)

Lamb of God (John 1:29)" TARGET="_blank">John 1:29)

Lamb Without Blemish (1 Peter 1:19)" TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 1:19)

Last Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 15:45)

Life (John 14:6;" TARGET="_blank">John 14:6; Colossians 3:4)" TARGET="_blank">Colossians 3:4)

Light of the World (John 8:12)" TARGET="_blank">John 8:12)

Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5)" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 5:5)

Living One (Revelation 1:18)" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 1:18)

Living Stone (1 Peter 2:4)" TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 2:4)

Lord (2 Peter 2:20)" TARGET="_blank">2 Peter 2:20)

Lord of All (Acts 10:36)" TARGET="_blank">Acts 10:36)

Lord of Glory (1 Corinthians 2:8)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 2:8)

Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16)" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 19:16)

Man from Heaven (1 Corinthians 15:48)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 15:48)

Mediator of the New Covenant (Hebrews 9:15)" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 9:15)

Mighty God (Isaiah 9:6)" TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 9:6)

Morning Star (Revelation 22:16)" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 22:16)

Offspring of David (Revelation 22:16)" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 22:16)

Only Begotten Son of God (John 1:18;" TARGET="_blank">John 1:18; 1 John 4:9)" TARGET="_blank">1 John 4:9)

Our Great God and Savior (Titus 2:13)" TARGET="_blank">Titus 2:13)

Our Holiness (1 Corinthians 1:30)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 1:30)

Our Husband (2 Corinthians 11:2)" TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 11:2)

Our Protection (2 Thessalonians 3:3)" TARGET="_blank">2 Thessalonians 3:3)

Our Redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 1:30)

Our Righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 1:30)

Our Sacrificed Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 5:7)

Power of God (1 Corinthians 1:24)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 1:24)

Precious Cornerstone (1 Peter 2:6)" TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 2:6)

Prophet (Acts 3:22)" TARGET="_blank">Acts 3:22)

Rabbi (Matthew 26:25)" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 26:25)

Resurrection and Life (John 11:25)" TARGET="_blank">John 11:25)

Righteous Branch (Jeremiah 23:5)

Righteous One (Acts 7:52;" TARGET="_blank">Acts 7:52; 1 John 2:1)" TARGET="_blank">1 John 2:1)

Rock (1 Corinthians 10:4)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 10:4)

Root of David (Revelation 5:5;" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 5:5; Revelation 22:16)" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 22:16)

Ruler of God’s Creation (Revelation 3:14)" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 3:14)

Ruler of the Kings of the Earth (Revelation 1:5)" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 1:5)

Savior (Ephesians 5:23;" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 5:23; Titus 1:4;" TARGET="_blank">Titus 1:4; Titus 3:6;" TARGET="_blank">Titus 3:6; 2 Peter 2:20)" TARGET="_blank">2 Peter 2:20)

Son of David (Luke 18:39)" TARGET="_blank">Luke 18:39)

Son of God (John 1:49;" TARGET="_blank">John 1:49; Hebrews 4:14)" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 4:14)

Son of Man (Matthew 8:20)" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 8:20)

Son of the Most High God (Luke 1:32)" TARGET="_blank">Luke 1:32)

Source of Eternal Salvation for all who obey him (Hebrews 5:9)" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 5:9)

The One Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5)" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 2:5)

The Stone the builders rejected (Acts 4:11)" TARGET="_blank">Acts 4:11)

True Bread (John 6:32)" TARGET="_blank">John 6:32)

True Light (John 1:9)" TARGET="_blank">John 1:9)

True Vine (John 15:1)" TARGET="_blank">John 15:1)

Truth (John 1:14;" TARGET="_blank">John 1:14; John 14:6)" TARGET="_blank">John 14:6)

Way (John 14:6)" TARGET="_blank">John 14:6)

Wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 1:24)

Word (John 1:1)" TARGET="_blank">John 1:1)

Word of God (Revelation 19:13)" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 19:13)

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What happens if an assembly is slow or mistaken in recognizing an elder?

What happens if an assembly is slow or mistaken in recognizing an elder?

Elders are fallible humans, as is the individual who thinks they are mistaken. If that individual knows facts of which the elders are not aware, he should graciously inform them. He must also recognize that self-seeking may cloud his perception.

Otherwise, the examples of Saul and David help us. Samuel anointed Saul, an unprofitable leader. Saul reflected the condition of a people who wanted to imitate other nations and valued stature and strength above spirituality. Saul’s leadership was detrimental to Israel and to David personally. Psalm 12" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 12 expresses David’s sorrow due to such unrighteous rule. The response therefore of godly believers to perceived mistakes in recognizing elders is two-fold: self-searching (recognizing that everyone in an assembly shares some responsibility for its faulty spiritual condition)and supplication (God is their only recourse).

Every person who assumes leadership will answer to God for that responsibility. David did not rebel against Saul nor did he count it proper to harm or embarrass Saul. God will deal with the wrong man in leadership. Meanwhile, David trusted the Lord his God (1 Samuel 30: 6)" TARGET="_blank">1 Samuel 30: 6) when the path of God’s purpose for him seemed hopelessly delayed (27:1). David was not the king until God united His people to make him king (2 Samuel 2:4)." TARGET="_blank">2 Samuel 2:4). Until that time, God was at work in David.

The biblical response in these circumstances is waiting on God and submitting to Him and to the individuals God holds accountable for leadership (Hebrews 13:17)." TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 13:17).

D. Oliver
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