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Does Ecclesiastes 3:21" TARGET="_blank">Ecclesiastes 3:21 teach that animals have spirits?

Ecclesiastes is inspired, but records the thoughts of men "under the sun," ideas derived without the benefit of divine revelation. For instance, "the earth abideth for ever" (1:4) is deemed true only when the scriptures are ignored. We cannot, therefore, base doctrine on the statements of Ecclesiastes. Furthermore, the varied translations of this verse, "Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?" leave some questions as to its meaning. These statements may be merely what was commonly accepted in Solomon’s day. Five of the first six times "living soul" is used in Genesis 1" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 1 and 2, it refers to animals ("living creatures," 1:20, 21, 24, 30; 2:19; see also Job 12:10)." TARGET="_blank">Job 12:10). What distinguishes men, though, is that the Lord God "breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul" (2:7) Adam was formed uniquely by God, Who is spirit and directly "breathed" life into him. God’s creative purpose was to make man capable of relating to Himself (1:26; 3:8). This requires that man be a spirit being, for "God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit..." (John 4:24)." TARGET="_blank">John 4:24). The creation, until what is introduced in Genesis 2:7," TARGET="_blank">Genesis 2:7, was material. This indicates that animals are totally material, their body and soul being no different. The soul gives individuality; for man, that involves a spiritual and eternal identity, but only a material and temporal identity for animals. Paul’s statement that our bodies - without our soul and spirit - are "soulish" (literally "natural," I Corinthians 15:44)" TARGET="_blank">I Corinthians 15:44) may support this.

As to an animal’s "spirit," the word is often translated "breath." Its context determines its meaning. "The breath of life" is used of both man (Genesis 2:7)" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 2:7) and animals (6:17; 7:15, 22), but the first is from God and is therefore spiritual, imparting life; the second is physical, indicating what has breathe and is therefore living. This is likely the best way to understand any thought of "spirit" in the animal creation.

D. Oliver
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What is the meaning of BC and AD?

What is the meaning of BC and AD?

The terms B.C. and A.D. are the abbreviations for the years before the birth of Christ and the years since. It is erroneously thought that “A.D.” means “After Death”.

B.C. stands for “Before Christ” which is commonly known.

A.D. stands for “anno domini” or “The year of our Lord” in English. “After Death” would make no sense since Christ died at the age of 33. He therefore died in the year 33 A.D.

Although your study Bible might contain footnotes and references to specific years, the BC / AD system was not implemented until centuries after the birth of Christ. Most of the dates in the Bible are references to the number of years that a king reigned or when he died.

The year 0 B.C. is not believed to be accurate. There were errors made in calculating the dates on our Gregorian calendar that we use today. Most experts believe that Christ was born sometime between 6 B.C. and 4 B.C.

The Bible does not stress the importance of the year, nor the date on the calendar of the birth of Christ. What does divide history and indeed the whole human race is the work that Christ accomplished on the cross.

Hebrews 10:12" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 10:12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God,

In more recent times, the scientific community has tried to do away with naming the years after Christ. The newer secular abbreviations for dividing history have been renamed to CE and BCE. Although the new terminology does not change any numbers of the years, it changes the names of the time periods before and after Christ.

CE stands for "Common Era” “Common” means that convention states we use the Christian dates to measure years.
BCE stands for "Before the common era."

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Why was the Revelation given by God to Christ, Who gave it to John?

Why was the Revelation given by God to Christ, Who gave it to John?

The heart of the Revelation is the vision John saw of the glorified Son of Man (1:13-18). That this revelation did not originate with Himself is in keeping with the Lord’s words during "the days of His flesh" (Hebrews 5:7)" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 5:7): "I seek not Mine own glory" (John 8:50)." TARGET="_blank">John 8:50). His lowliness is unchanged as He sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb 12:2)." TARGET="_blank">Heb 12:2).

In addition, the Father’s purpose is "that all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father" (John 5:23)." TARGET="_blank">John 5:23). The Revelation then is an expansion of the Lord’s words that the Father "hath committed all judgment unto the Son" (v 22). Thus He honors His Son. But the same passage points out that He has authority to execute judgment because He is the Son of Man (5:27). Therefore, this is a vision of the Son of Man (Revelation 1:13)." TARGET="_blank">Revelation 1:13).

While on earth, the Son said, "I have not spoken from Myself" (John 12:49" TARGET="_blank">John 12:49 JND). He was not the originator of His words. He said what His Father commanded Him to say. Highly exalted in the Revelation, He still is communicating what His Father wishes to reveal. His subjection to His Father will never end (1 Corinthians 15:28)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 15:28).

There are likely many other reasons for this order in revealing the Son of Man, but these are sufficient to bow our hearts in worship.

D. Oliver
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Does a lost soul in Hell cease to exist at some point?

Does Matthew 10:28" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 10:28 teach the immortality of the soul?

Matthew 10:28" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
To “destroy” a soul means a loss of everything good. It is the loss of well-being rather than ceasing to exist. Groups such as Christadeiphians deny the immortality of the soul. That is, God can cause a soul to cease to exist. I hardly think Matthew 10:28" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 10:28 touches on the “immortality” of the soul, but rather on its survival, which probably the Christadelphians deny too. Man can kill the body, but to kill the soul is beyond his power. “Fear Him Who can destroy (it does not say kill) both soul and body in hell.”

The word for “destroy” (apollumi) never means “to annihilate” but to render useless for its original object. Thus the same root is applied to “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew10:6)," TARGET="_blank">Matthew10:6), “the marred bottles (Mark 2:22)," TARGET="_blank">Mark 2:22), and to the one who may “lose his life” (Luke 9:24)." TARGET="_blank">Luke 9:24). I believe the true doctrine of immortality has been misrepresented as well as denied. The words, “God only hath immortality” merely mean that He alone has it intrinsically, in Himself, underived, but do not deny that He communicates it to men and angels; but immortality is sometimes used as though it merely meant the faculty of never-ending existence. I believe Adam certainly had the latter at creation, but he clearly did not possess “immortality” for that means “immunity from death.” Now, had he possessed this by creation, the words, “In the day that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die,” would have had no meaning, for he could not have died. It is clear he was capable of death.

The whole crux of the question is, “WHAT IS DEATH?” Is it a ceasing to exist or is it existence out of harmony with, or in separation from, God. Consider what happened when Adam sinned. He did not cease to exist. He did not die physically (that had to be provided for later by cutting him off from the tree of life). Externally and physically he was apparently unchanged. But a marked and mysterious change took place in his moral being. He knew he was naked, and he was afraid of God, and sought to hide from Him. That is, a moral gulf had yawned between him and his Creator. Death is not cessation of existence but separation of existence. This condition of death has passed on the whole human race. Man is alive to the world, but dead to God—Paul reminds the Ephesians of this their state before conversion. Then God raised them up into a new life, having quickened them together with Christ (Ephesians 2:1)." TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 2:1). This accords with what our Lord says happens to him who hears and believes. “He has eternal life . . . He has passed from death unto life” (John 5. 24)." TARGET="_blank">John 5. 24). This eternal life includes immortality. The believer becomes immune from Spiritual death, but he has not yet immortality, physically speaking. That he will receive when Christ comes (see 1 Corinthians 15" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 15:).

The unbeliever will never regain immortality, but will exist in alienation and separation, physical and spiritual, from God for all eternity. “This is the second death.” That this is not a cessation of existence or annihilation of being is clear from many scriptures, e.g., “Where their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched”; “These shall go away into everlasting punishment”; “The devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and they shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever” (Mark 9" TARGET="_blank">Mark 9: Matthew 25:46;" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 25:46; Revelation 20:10" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 20:10 and compare v 15).

W.H.

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Is Jesus the Son of God equal with the Father?

Is Jesus the Son of God equal with the Father?

In dealing with a subject as sacred and profound as this, we must attempt to be clear in the meaning of the words we use. "Equal" is not the same as "equivalent." When two mathematical terms are equivalent, one may be used in the place of the other. In that sense, the Father and the Son are not equivalent. They are two distinct Persons and have distinct roles in the Godhead, yet God is one (Deu 6:4)" TARGET="_blank">Deu 6:4) and there is one God (4:35). The Father and the Son (and the Holy Spirit) are equal in substance and in every attribute. The Son is "the express image of His (God’s) person" (Heb 1:3)," TARGET="_blank">Heb 1:3), meaning He answers exactly to God’s substance. All that God is He is.

That they are two distinct Persons is quite evident in many Scriptures, including at His anointing (Mat 3:16, 17)" TARGET="_blank">Mat 3:16, 17) and transfiguration (17:5). Peter tells us that the voice on the Mount of Transfiguration was the Father’s, speaking from heaven (2Pe 1:17, 18)." TARGET="_blank">2Pe 1:17, 18). The Father’s voice came from heaven and the incarnate Son was on earth, while the Spirit descended from heaven to earth at His anointing. These three distinct Persons are equally God; the Father (Psa 102:24a, compared with Heb 1:10)" TARGET="_blank">Heb 1:10) and the Son (John 20:28)" TARGET="_blank">John 20:28) are both addressed as God

The leaders of the Jews knew that, when the Lord Jesus referred to God as His Father, He thus claimed equality with God (John 5:18)." TARGET="_blank">John 5:18). Of course, those unbelieving men didn’t always have their theology right, so we can accept their statement only if it agrees with God’s. "But unto the Son He saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever" (Heb 1:8)." TARGET="_blank">Heb 1:8). The speaker in this passage is God (v 1), the Father to this King (v 5), and He addresses the Son as God.

The psalms enumerate the unique works of God (Psa 105) and His unique attributes (Psa 139). The Gospel of the Son of God, John’s Gospel, demonstrates that our Lord did those works and possessed those attributes.

"I and my Father are one" (John 10:30)" TARGET="_blank">John 10:30) expresses the equality of the Father and the Son.

D. Oliver
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Doctrine and Beliefs of Gospel Hall

I am having a little trouble finding you doctrine info on your website. Where can I find the information on what you believe?

Benn

----

The page at http://www.gospelhall.org/faqs/faqs/your-first-visit.html would give you some information on the doctrine, style and priorities of assemblies.

We believe the Bible is the inspired, once-for-all revealed word of God. We teach that Salvation from sin is through the death of Christ on the cross. Works of any kind do not save, but provide evidence of the reality of the dwelling of the Spirit of God. We believe that the church is a group of called-out believers who share common doctrine and maintain a good testimony of honesty, good works and respect among neighbors and friends. The pattern of believers found in the Acts and Epistles is our model. There is no creed or organization other than the Bible that we follow. We believe Christ will return at some day, known only to God, to rapture all beleivers.

Shad Sluiter
www.gospelhall.org

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Sentence Scramble Maker

The sentance scramble maker program will take any sentence that you make and turn it into a word scramble program like those you find in the newspaper. The sentence scramble maker is designed to make Bible verses into word scramble puzzles, but you can use any sentance you like and scramble it.

Click here to go to the Sentence Scramble Maker.

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What is a good way to talk to a friend about spiritual matters?

In what ways can I witness more effectively?

PERSONAL TESTIMONY: A good testimony is essential, before even opening your mouth: "Having your conversation (manner of life) honest ... that ... they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God..." (1 Peter 2:12)." TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 2:12). Your words will only have the weight your life has built into them. Honesty, integrity, consistency, and compassion are important characteristics to build into relationships with others. While "just living" as a silent witness is not enough, it is the background to effective witnessing.

KNOWLEDGE: Know what you are talking about, and talk about what you know. A young convert can be effective by staying simple, telling what the Lord has done for him. To be more effective, learn more of God's word (2 Timothy 2:15)." TARGET="_blank">2 Timothy 2:15). The Scriptures make a person .wise unto salvation."

WISDOM: It takes God to open the ear to receive the gospel. Don't turn someone off before you even have the opportunity to tell them the work of Christ. Since salvation is God's work, leave room for the Spirit to do His work. "He that winneth souls is wise" (Proverbs 11:30)." TARGET="_blank">Proverbs 11:30). Witnessing is not saving; in your zeal, don't go beyond what God has called us to do. "Salvation is of the Lord" (Jonah 2:9)." TARGET="_blank">Jonah 2:9).

Jon Procopio

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Is confidence of value in the service of God?

Is confidence of value in the service of God?

Self-confidence is a plague in divine service (Jeremiah 17:5)." TARGET="_blank">Jeremiah 17:5). When a believer relies on his presumed ability, his service for God can produce nothing (John 15:5)." TARGET="_blank">John 15:5). When a believer, because He feels inadequate, does not serve in a work God has given him, he too is a liability and equally self-reliant.

Confidence in God is indispensable. When a believer - parent, preacher, spouse, or elder - knows that God has given him a responsibility, he should have confidence that God will provide the grace and ability to accomplish the divine intention for that work (Judges 6:14)." TARGET="_blank">Judges 6:14). Could a believer wish for more, or less, than that?

D. Oliver
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