Is a deacon’s work material or spiritual?

Various New Testament passages show that deacon service can be material and physical. Angels ministered to the Lord (Matthew 4:11;" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 4:11; Mark 1:13);" TARGET="_blank">Mark 1:13); Martha served (Luke 10:40;" TARGET="_blank">Luke 10:40; John 12:2." TARGET="_blank">John 12:2. Financial relief (same word) sent from Antioch to Jerusalem was entrusted to Barnabas and Saul who fulfilled this ministry (Acts 11:29;" TARGET="_blank">Acts 11:29; Acts 12:25)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 12:25). Paul and Apollos, however, were ministers (1 Corinthians 3:5)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 3:5). Ministers wait on their ministry (Romans 12:7)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 12:7). In the epistles, the word usually describes a spiritual responsibility. Even Paul’s ministry to the saints in Jerusalem (Romans 15:25)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 15:25) involved an administrative responsibility for the money. In addition, the qualifications for a deacon (1 Timothy 3:8-10)" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 3:8-10) are spiritual, including his "holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience." Deacon work then does not exclude physical and material responsibilities, but its emphasis is spiritual (1 Corinthians 3:5; 12:5;" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 3:5; 12:5; 2 Corinthians 3:3; 4:1; 5:18;" TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 3:3; 4:1; 5:18; Ephesians 4:12;" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 4:12; 1 Timothy 1:12;" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 1:12; 1 Peter 4:11)." TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 4:11).

D. Oliver
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What does the Bible say about interracial marriage?

What does the Bible say about interracial marriage?

Should a Christian date or marry someone from another race? Does skin color matter in a Christian marriage? Does the Bible forbid a black person from marrying a white person or an Asian or Hispanic?

The Bible teaches that there is no such thing as different "races". We are all from one race – the human race. There exits many different cultures, different external physical characteristics and languages in the world, but there is only one human race. It is more accurate to say that there are different people groups based on nationality and culture, but biologically speaking, there is only one race of humans on the earth.

Adam and Eve are the parents of all human descendents.

Gen 3:20" TARGET="_blank">Gen 3:20 The man called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.

1Co 15:45" TARGET="_blank">1Co 15:45 Thus it is written, "The first man Adam became a living being"; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

All humans share another common ancestor in Noah and his family. Noah's three sons and daughters-in-law were told to leave the ark and re-populate the globe.

Genesis 8:16-18" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 8:16-18 "Go out from the ark, you and your wife, and your sons and your sons' wives with you. Bring out with you every living thing that is with you of all flesh--birds and animals and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth--that they may swarm on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply on the earth." So Noah went out, and his sons and his wife and his sons' wives with him.

The New Testament also confirms the fact that we are all one race. Paul was preaching in Athens to a group of Greeks and other groups when he said…

Acts 17:26-27" TARGET="_blank">Acts 17:26-27 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, (27) that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us,

Modern biologist have discovered through the Human Genome Project that the differences between people within the same people group are about the same as variations between them and others outside of their group. Skin color is a very minor difference genetically speaking.

But what do Bible verses mean in regards to the prohibition of marriage between the ancient Jews and the surrounding nations?

In the case of King Solomon, he disobeyed the word of the Lord when he married women from other nations. His disobedience was not because of a difference of race, but because the new wives (which also is poligamy) brought him into idolatry.

1 Kings 11:1-2" TARGET="_blank">1 Kings 11:1-2 Now King Solomon loved many foreign women, along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women, (2) from the nations concerning which the LORD had said to the people of Israel, "You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods." Solomon clung to these in love.

Deuteronomy 17:17" TARGET="_blank">Deuteronomy 17:17 And he shall not acquire many wives for himself, lest his heart turn away, nor shall he acquire for himself excessive silver and gold.

In the days of Nehemiah, there was a mixture of marriages between Israel and surrounding nations. The problem was the same – foreign religions caused the people of Israel to forsake God.

Nehemiah 13:23-26" TARGET="_blank">Nehemiah 13:23-26 In those days also I saw the Jews who had married women of Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. (24) And half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod, and they could not speak the language of Judah, but only the language of each people. (25) And I confronted them and cursed them and beat some of them and pulled out their hair. And I made them take oath in the name of God, saying, "You shall not give your daughters to their sons, or take their daughters for your sons or for yourselves. (26) Did not Solomon king of Israel sin on account of such women? Among the many nations there was no king like him, and he was beloved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel. Nevertheless, foreign women made even him to sin.

The New Testament equivalent command for Christian marriage is found in

2 Corinthians 6:14-17" TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 6:14-17 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? (15) What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? (16) What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (17) Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you,

A Christian should not marry an unbeliever. It does permit that a Christian marry someone from another nationality or another ethnic group or culture.

But is it wise to marry someone from another culture?

Every marriage faces challenges because of differences of opinion and different assumptions about the other person. Differences in age, culture, language, family environment all need to be considered and discussed before committing to marry one another. These obstacles may be anticipated and overcome. If you are planning to be married, you should get to know your spouses family very well ahead of time. Your spouse learned a great deal of how a family functions (or malfunctions) from his/her parents. If your fiancé is from another country or culture, you should take your time to adapt yourself to the other culture and make adjustments.

Shad David Sluiter

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How often does a Christian sin?

Does a Christian sin daily? Is it the habit of his life?

Unless comatose, the Christian has strong practical and scriptural evidence of daily sin. "There is not a just man.... that doeth good, and sinneth (continually) not" (Ecclestiastes 7:20). Jesus alone "did no sin" (1 Peter 2:22)." TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 2:22). David prayed, "Cleanse thou me from secret faults" (Psalm 19:12)." TARGET="_blank">Psalm 19:12). Sin is sin, even committed ignorantly or accidentally. It should be confessed to the Lord. David continues in verse 13, "Keep back thy servant from presumptuous (deliberate) sins, let them not have dominion (become habitual) over me." Paul says, "Let not sin therefore reign (become habit) in your mortal body" (Romans 6:12)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 6:12).

The remedy is "Reckon... yourselves to be dead indeed (once for all) unto sin, but alive unto God. ...Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin" (verses 11, 13). "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9)." TARGET="_blank">1 John 1:9).

"Go, and sin no more" (John 8:11)." TARGET="_blank">John 8:11). He enables when He commands the breaking of sin's power.

Paul Mason

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How extensively can a woman serve God in an assembly?

How extensively can a woman serve God in an assembly?

Some scriptural boundaries surround the service any of us contribute to the assembly: maintaining order (1 Corinthians 14:40)," TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 14:40), showing consideration (14:32), and edifying others (14:31). God ordains three additional protective boundaries for sisters: silence in the assembly’s praying and speaking (1 Corinthians 14:34, 35);" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 14:34, 35); not teaching publicly (1 Timothy 2:12);" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 2:12); and not usurping authority over men (2:12b), meaning not taking leadership. Within those boundaries, sisters have a significant service in the assembly.

Prayer is the most important service.

Older women have the responsibility of teaching younger woman (Titus 2:4)." TARGET="_blank">Titus 2:4). Younger believers

may be able to relate better to godly sisters who have retained a youthful outlook combined with spiritual wisdom. This relationship opens the door for giving spiritual help. Sisters are effective in communicating Bible truth to children (2 Timothy 3:15; 1:5)," TARGET="_blank">2 Timothy 3:15; 1:5), whether at home or in the assembly’s children’s work. Phebe had spiritual service entrusted to her (Romans 16:1)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 16:1) as a "deaconess" of the assembly. That may include something so sacred as delivering the Roman letter to Roman believers.

Hospitality is a means of cultivating social and spiritual relationships that give a couple greater opportunities for spiritual service. Single sisters can serve the Lord in this way, as well. The Lord fed His disciples before dealing with the failure of their hearts (John 21:12-15)." TARGET="_blank">John 21:12-15).

Other areas that do not undermine male leadership are planning and providing meals for assembly functions, helping to decorate the assembly’s meeting place, and doing personal work in evangelizing. An assembly could utilize a woman’s abilities in accounting. Elders could wisely encourage a trusted sister to advise a young sister regarding modest clothing. A sister’s handling such issues avoids the potential appearance of impropriety were a man to deal with this subject.

Confidentiality may required elders to keep some information from their wives, but God gave men wives to complete their ability in serving as God intended. A godly wife won’t tell her husband what to do in guiding the assembly, but her counsel will save him from many mistakes. Adam was accountable for ruling the earth (Psalm 8:6)," TARGET="_blank">Psalm 8:6), but God gave the responsibility to Adam and Eve (Genesis 1:28)." TARGET="_blank">Genesis 1:28).

D. Oliver
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Who were the 12 disciples of Christ?

Be the first to give an answer to this question. Write an answer in the comment section below. Please provide your name and if you have a website or blog, be sure to include the URL in your answer.
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Is mistreatment from other believers part of persecution?

Does "the fellowship of His sufferings" (Phi. 3:10)" TARGET="_blank">Phi. 3:10) include being misunderstood, and grieving because of the lack of spirituality and growth in other believers?

Perhaps the best way to consider this question is to differentiate suffering with the heart of Christ from suffering for the name of Christ.

God has always intended that His messengers will not only know the message they deliver but also understand the heart that sends the message. As God’s messengers - and all people - become better acquainted with their God, they are grieved for the things that grieve the heart of God. This includes the groaning of creation, the eternal grief of the lost, and the lack of development, discernment, and Christ-likeness in ourselves and other believers. This is suffering with the heart of Christ.

This does not, however, seem to be what Paul refers to in this passage. Rather, he is suffering for the name of Christ. Paul suffered both as a result of man’s resistance to the gospel (Acts 16:16-23)" TARGET="_blank">Acts 16:16-23) and also because of the Jews animosity against the Gentiles and the truth of Jew and Gentile’s being united in the Church the Body (Acts 22:21, 22;" TARGET="_blank">Acts 22:21, 22; Colossians 1:24)." TARGET="_blank">Colossians 1:24). This seems to better fit the context, which includes the possibility of martyrdom.

D. Oliver
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Is Israel ever going to be removed from it's land again?

Does the Bible teach that Israel will never again be removed from its land?

The promises to Abraham concerning the Land make it clear that it will be Israel's forever. The Scriptures show that this promise will be made good when Christ returns in glory and the Spirit is poured out on the nation (Luke 21:24;" TARGET="_blank">Luke 21:24; Matthew 24:31;" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 24:31; Isaiah 32:15-20;" TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 32:15-20; Jeremiah 30:4-11; 31:31-37; 39:25-29;" TARGET="_blank">Jeremiah 30:4-11; 31:31-37; 39:25-29; Micah 4:4-7;" TARGET="_blank">Micah 4:4-7; Joel 3:20;" TARGET="_blank">Joel 3:20; Zechariah 8:3-8)." TARGET="_blank">Zechariah 8:3-8). The Land's being theirs eternally does not necessitate its being theirs permanently now. They have returned in unbelief. The recovery mentioned in Deuteronomy 30:1-6" TARGET="_blank">Deuteronomy 30:1-6 is dependent upon confession and restoration. The recovery of Isaiah 11:11" TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 11:11 is simultaneous with "that day," mentioned earlier in the chapter. Neither condition has been fulfilled in the current "regathering" of Israel to the land, therefore this may not be the prophesied regathering. A principle of prophecy is that God gives foretastes of a fulfillment before the actual fulfillment.

Israel must be in the land to fulfill the terms of Daniel's 70th week, but we have no Scriptural authority relating this to those currently there. Believers should not be shaken if Israel were driven into the sea, as the Arab nations have long threatened.

A. Higgins

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Is the Pope the Antichrist?

Is the Pope the Antichrist?

The antichrist is a prophetic figure that the Bible predicts will become the last satanic-inspired dictator of the God-opposed worldwide government of the last days of the Great Tribulation. Some scriptural references to this coming world leader are found in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12;" TARGET="_blank">2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; Revelation 6:1-2;" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 6:1-2; Revelation 13:1-18;" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 13:1-18; Daniel 7:20-27;" TARGET="_blank">Daniel 7:20-27; Daniel 8:1-27." TARGET="_blank">Daniel 8:1-27.

Many Bible scholars have tried to determine who this person may be. Since the times of the protestant revolution, the Pope has been a favorite target because of his name as the “Vicar” of Christ on earth.

The Catholic Church relies on the Pope to be the representative of Christ on earth. This “Vicar of Christ” or “Vicarious Christ” means that he takes the place of Christ. Protestants love to apply this Vicar title to the term “Anti-Christ” since “anti” is the term to mean “takes the place of”. In the sense of the meaning of the word, the Pope takes the place of Christ or becomes the “Antichrist”. This virulent language appeared in Protestant literature since the Protestant Reformation and appeared for centuries in the notes of the popular Geneva Bible published by Protestants in Geneva, Switzerland.

Being the Vicar of Christ, the Pope claims to speak “ex cathedra” or “from the chair” in regards to matters of belief or doctrine. Speaking this way, he claims to be infallible, without error.

Protestants find this teaching to be in grave error. No man is infallible. The apostles words were inspired, but since their passing, Scripture is complete. The extent that the Pope agrees with the Scriptures is the only extent that he speaks the truth. Catholics therefore believe, for example, that Mary ascended to heaven at the end of her life because November 1, 1950, the Pope declared this to be so.

Shad David Sluiter

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What is exorcism? Can a believer cast out demons?

Exorcism is the practice of expelling a demon from a person who is controlled, or possessed by the demon. Several examples of exorcism are mentioned in the Bible – all in the New Testament during the period of Christ’s ministry and the following years with the disciples.

The Christian should resist the devil, but not by exorcism. Instead, the weapons we have been given are our ability to resist in the power of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives and by the liberating power of salvation through the proclamation of the gospel to the lost ones.

Examples of exorcism

Some of the examples include people who were casting out demons (Mark 9:38)," TARGET="_blank">Mark 9:38), Jesus commands to the 70 evangelists (Matthew 10)," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 10), the false accusation that Jesus was empowered by Beelzebul to be able to cast out demons (Luke 11:15-19)" TARGET="_blank">Luke 11:15-19) and Paul’s ability to cast the demon out of a slave girl (Acts 16:16-18)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 16:16-18).

Mark 9:38-40" TARGET="_blank">Mark 9:38-40 John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us." (39) But Jesus said, "Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. (40) For the one who is not against us is for us.

Matthew 10:8" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.

Luke 11:15-19" TARGET="_blank">Luke 11:15-19 But some of them said, "He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons," (16) while others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign from heaven. (17) But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. (18) And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. (19) And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges.

Acts 16:16-18" TARGET="_blank">Acts 16:16-18 As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. (17) She followed Paul and us, crying out, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation." (18) And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And it came out that very hour.

Why show this power?

In order to demonstrate Christ’s power over the Prince of Darkness, he cast out demons. For example he says in Luke 11:21" TARGET="_blank">Luke 11:21 -22 “when one stronger than he (Satan) attack him and overcomes him…” He also gave this power to authenticate the 12 disciples in the eyes of the people. He says in Luke 10:17" TARGET="_blank">Luke 10:17 “I have given you authority”

Luke 10:17-20" TARGET="_blank">Luke 10:17-20 The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!" (18) And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. (19) Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. (20) Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

Christ’s ultimate triumph over Satan was accomplished at the cross. From the very beginning of time, God had given a curious prophecy regarding the power of Christ over Satan. This verse is known as the protevangelium, meaning "The First Gospel."

Genesis 3:15" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 3:15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel."

The “offspring” or “seed” of the woman is Christ the Messiah or the Promised One. The offspring of Satan is the group of his agents – fallen angels. The bruising of Christ’s heel refers to his wounding at the cross. The bruised head – or crushed head – is the ultimate triumph over Satan’s power. His “power” resides in the manipulation of the laws of sin and death against humanity. Bruising Satan’s head is a mortal wound, while bruising the heel is a painful, but less serious wound. Satan is defeated when Christ gives us eternal life.

The instructions to the church in the epistles tell us that Satan is a defeated foe. However, we are not encouraged nor commanded to cast out demons. Instead we are to put on armor to stand against Satan.

Ephesians 6:11" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

We should resist the devil and his work of provoking jealousy and covetousness by submitting ourselves to God. The devil is using our own fleshly desires and selfishness against us. His tools are found within our own being. By denying him access to our selfishness, we can defeat him.

James 4:6-7" TARGET="_blank">James 4:6-7 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (7) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Ephesians 4:25-27" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 4:25-27 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. (26) Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, (27) and give no opportunity to the devil.

We should be aware of him, and strengthen our own faith in response to his attacks.

1 Peter 5:8-9" TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (9) Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

A new weapon in Christian victory over sin

The lack of instructions for expelling him from possessed people is a noticeable contrast to the activities of Christ and the disciples during His earthly ministry. The new weapon that we are given in our spiritual battles is the Holy Spirit. With Him residing in every believer we have a way of resisting the devil and new power to submit to God. The focus of our spiritual conflict is on the battle between fleshly desires and the Holy Spirit.

A new weapon in victory for the lost ones

An unconverted person, living in spiritual darkness and tormented by the ways of the devil, can be freed by the power of the gospel. A drug addict, alcoholic or a person in involved in cults is clearly being manipulated and driven by Satan. The Christian’s response and duty is not to try to drive away demons, but to set him at liberty through faith in Christ.

Remember the words of the Lord at the start of his ministry? As he begin his ministry he demonstrated his power over Satan. He finished his work by redeeming us through his death on the cross.

Luke 4:18-19" TARGET="_blank">Luke 4:18-19 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, (19) to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

Paul announces his mission statement as opening the eyes of those in darkness, not through exorcism, but instead through the power of the forgiveness of sins in the gospel.

Acts 26:18," TARGET="_blank">Acts 26:18, 22-23 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. (22) Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: (23) That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

Conclusion

The Christian should resist the devil, but not by scolding him, or "binding" him, or by exorcism. Instead, the weapons we have been given are our ability to resist in the power of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives and by the liberating power of salvation through the proclamation of the gospel to the lost ones.

Shad Sluiter

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Seed Sowers Videos

SeedSowers Videos are memory books from the Mexican short missions trips by the Seed Sowers Organization.

There are two locations to find these videos online:

Yahoo videos for SeedSowers 2009 Veracruz and 2010 Obregón
YouTube videos for SeedSowers 2004 Chihuahua, 2005 Hermosillo, 2006 Hermosillo, 2007 Guadalajara .

You can see the detials about upcoming trips at www.seedsowersonline.com

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Yahoo videos for SeedSowers 2009 Veracruz and 2010 Obregón

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