Has prophesy been fulfilled in our lifetime?

Has prophesy been fulfilled in our lifetime?

This is an important and necessary question regarding the mystery view. Old Testament prophecy and New Testament prophecy centers around Israel. Both refer to specific events, times, seasons, persons, and places. New Testament statements fulfilled in this age or in our lifetime are of a different kind. For example, Second Timothy three describes "last time conditions." These are moral features that will characterize evil throughout this present period, up to the Rapture. That is likewise the character of what the Lord unfolds in Revelation 2" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 2 and 3. It may therefore be preferable to refer to this as the mystery view rather than the "prophetic view."

Distinguishing these two types of forecasts is crucial. We have no authority to state that present events fulfil the specific prophecies that center around Israel. After the Rapture, God will raise up prophets (Joel 2:28)" TARGET="_blank">Joel 2:28) whose ministry will be to identify, for example, events or persons saying, "this is that" (fulfilling specific Scriptures), as Peter did at Pentecost (Acts 2:16)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 2:16). The gift of prophecy is not functioning today. Those who attempt to exercise it have brought the subject of Bible prophecy into public shame.

D. Oliver
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What becomes the role of those God has used in planting an assembly?

What becomes the role of those God has used in planting an assembly?

The assemblies in Crete were apparently exposed to the attacks of those who contradicted sound doctrine (Titus 1:9)." TARGET="_blank">Titus 1:9). Paul was concerned that the men who led the flock would be able to stand against such men and thus preserve the assembly for which they were responsible. Titus had a part to play in this by his teaching (2:1), but the goal was that each assembly would have men within it who possessed this capability. The role of those who plant and nurture a young assembly is to so strengthen that assembly that it will be able to function and flourish without him (or them). In speaking to the Ephesian elders, Paul makes it clear that this is also the Spirit’s goal (Acts 20: 28-32)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 20: 28-32). Remarkably, God is able to accomplish this despite the native characteristics, even of Cretans (Titus 1:12)." TARGET="_blank">Titus 1:12).

The instruments the Spirit is using in this work need sensitivity so they neither rush ahead of the Spirit’s working nor lag behind it. Circumstances differ and the rate at which this good work progresses differs from case to case. Those who are not familiar with a particular work may not be fitted to understand the timing of the Spirit’s work. Nonetheless, the goal remains the same.

Paul speaks of himself as having a role like a mother (1Th 2:7)" TARGET="_blank">1Th 2:7) and a father (v 11) in the development of the Thessalonian assembly. Parents work toward the day when their child will be able to function on his own and make choices consistent with the truth they have taught him. Some parents can so control a child that they limit his maturing. Sometimes parents step in too quickly when they see some unsteadiness in their mature child. Eventually, parents must trust the power of the principles they have instilled in their child and commit him to God in prayer. They trust God’s power and wisdom to continue the training required. Epaphras certainly practiced this (Col 4:12, 13)." TARGET="_blank">Col 4:12, 13).

David Oliver
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Why did Aaron wear a mitre?

What is the typical significance of Aarons mitre and the bonnets of his sons (Leviticus 8:9, 13)" TARGET="_blank">Leviticus 8:9, 13)?

Although the Lord is a priest after the order of Melchisedec (Heb. 5:6)," TARGET="_blank">Heb. 5:6), Aarons priesthood was typical of Christs (2:17). The mitre on Israels priest was of linen, the same material as his breeches and coat (Exodus 39:27)." TARGET="_blank">Exodus 39:27). Although some have suggested that Aarons mitre portrays subjection, it may be better to see in it a complete righteousness in our representative as he appears before the presence of God for us (Hebrews 9:24)." TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 9:24). His head, controlling His body, also speaks of wisdom. The One in Whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom (Colossians 2:3)" TARGET="_blank">Colossians 2:3) exercises that wisdom on our behalf, consistent with perfect righteous. The "beauty of holiness" is seen from head to foot in the priest.

The bonnets of Aarons son are of the same material as Aarons mitre, but are distinguishable. Because his sons are related to him, they have this same righteousness "garment" as they move in Gods holy place. Perhaps this suggests that, although there is a difference between us and our representative, yet we have a link with him and therefore enjoy complete acceptance in Gods presence. Appearing for us in Gods presence is what Christ is essentially, but the complete favor that rests on us is conferred on us because of him.

D. Oliver
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How should preachers treat people who are not in the assembly?

How should preachers treat people who are not in the assembly?

Since the New Testament doesn’t teach a division between clergy and laity, the same principles written for all Christians apply to preachers. All are to be kind to each other (Ephesians 4:32)" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 4:32) and serve others in love (Galatians 5:13)" TARGET="_blank">Galatians 5:13) and lowliness (Ephesians 4:2)." TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 4:2). Therefore, preachers, along with all believers, should attempt to avoid anything that a visitor could interpret as unkind or condescending. Since Christians are to "esteem other better than themselves," every visitor to the assembly should receive respect and personal attention. At a minimum, that means every believer should attempt to welcome the visitor (without being overwhelming) and to address the visitor by name. James warns against special treatment for wealthy visitors (James 2:1-4)." TARGET="_blank">James 2:1-4). If a personable, prominent, popular politician visited, how many handshakes and requests for photographs would he receive? How often would believers tell others of that visit? Should another visitor with a different status, appearance, creed, personality, race, or lifestyle receive a lesser welcome?

Paul makes it clear that the Corinthians’ behavior in their gatherings should have a positive impact on both the unlearned and unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:23-25)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 14:23-25). The unlearned are not in the assembly and they are not unbelievers. Therefore, these principles apply to believing and unbelieving visitors. If they witnessed speaking in tongues, they would have a negative impression of the believers, concluding they are mad - deluded. If they heard men prophesying, they would recognize God’s presence among His people. The outcome desired for these visitors was for them to become worshipers, aware of God’s presence in the assembly. Every interaction with visitors should create a positive impression and contribute to this desired outcome.

In speaking publicly, preachers are responsible to model this kindness, lowliness, respect, and purpose (1 Timothy 4:11-13)." TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 4:11-13). This Biblical standard tests the matter and manner of all preaching. Paul implies (1 Corinthians 14:15-33)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 14:15-33) that the preachers’ words and actions form the visitors’ impression of the God this congregation worships.

D. Oliver
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What did the disciples understand by the phrase "gathered together unto My Name"?

What did the disciples understand by the phrase "gathered together unto My Name" (Matthew 18:20)" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 18:20)?

The disciples did not lack acquaintance with the Old Testament. Their minds may have gone to the promise regarding Israel's future kingdom in Jeremiah 3:17," TARGET="_blank">Jeremiah 3:17, "At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the Lord; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the Lord, to Jerusalem." This is reminiscent of the Lord's words to Israel when they came to the promised land, "Unto the place which the Lord your God shall choose . . . to put His name there, even unto His habitation . . . thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings" (Deuteronomy 12:5, 6)." TARGET="_blank">Deuteronomy 12:5, 6). The Lord's name testifies to who He is.

It's reasonable to assume that the disciples understood that the place of public worship and of God's dwelling was now to be place of public testimony of which the Lord Jesus was the subject.

D. Oliver
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sunday school coloring pages

We have over 320 pictures in the collection of coloring pages for Sunday school. Click here .

Sunday School coloring pages are a good way to retell a story. However, there are other Sunday school activities with these pages.

1. Lessons outlines and Activities.

Lesson plans - A kick-start to help you prepare for next class.
Printable activities - Crafts, foldable paper models, worksheets, more sunday school coloring books, PowerPoint and other items to make your lesson more interesting and active.

2. Sunday School Bible Verse Puzzle Maker.

You can turn a Bible vese or chapter into a Sunday School class activity in a 3 mouse clicks.

3. Online Study Bible

Bible search, commentary, dictionary and other tools to help you prepare a lesson for your next class.

4. Newsletter for Sunday School Teachers - The Encourager

Get a weekly class activity in your mailbox. There are two options for the Encourager:

4. Sunday School Teaching Help

The Sunday School Helper is an online book with ideas for organizing a lesson, maintaining discipline in the classroom, selecting an appropriate Bible verse, learning styles and much more.

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Will believers reign on the earth in the Millennium?

To whom does "us" and "we" refer in Revelation 5:10," TARGET="_blank">Revelation 5:10, "And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth"?

The manuscripts used in Darby’s translation, for instance, change "we" to "them" and omit "us." The sense of the passage, therefore, is that the Lamb has made those He redeemed with His blood (verse 9) kings and priests to God; those redeemed ones will reign on the earth. We need not be upset to learn that, in subsequent years, scholars found more reliable manuscripts than those used for our beloved Authorized Version. God’s truth stands immutable: "For ever, 0 Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven" (Psalm 119:89)." TARGET="_blank">Psalm 119:89). The manuscript changes are very minor and, as in this passage, affect no doctrine, but only our understanding of the passage.

D. Oliver
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Are people on the Broad Way condemned?

Does Matthew 7," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 7, verses 13 and 14 depict the condition of the lost?

Let there be no doubt about this. The people who heard the Lord were unbelievers who were in danger of being excluded from the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 7:22, 23)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 7:22, 23). They recognized that the key issue was authority (v 29), because He stated that inclusion in or exclusion from the kingdom depended on whether or not they built on His words (vv 24-27). He warned them that purveyors of false teaching would lure them down the wide, easy road of destruction. He called for submission to His word and a resultant righteousness based on His teaching, not on the compromised teaching of men (Matthew 5:20-48)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 5:20-48). Any who would walk this narrow way must enter through the narrow gate. Apart from a new life, no one can live righteously in God’s sight (Rom 8:7, 8)." TARGET="_blank">Rom 8:7, 8). Any who attempted to live the righteousness the Lord taught would only discover their need of a Savior (3:19). The first 8 chapters of Romans bring us to universal guilt (3:19), a righteous standing by personal faith (5:1), and righteous living by the power of the indwelling Spirit (8:4, 9, 13-15). Previous to His Mountain Message, the Lord had taught Nicodemus these things (John 3:1-21)." TARGET="_blank">John 3:1-21).

Viewing the Lord’s words in the context and in light of other Scriptures, the message to the lost is clear. Only by submission to His Word (repentance), a new birth, and a righteous life (that attests to the reality of their new life) will individuals be in heaven. Apart from that, no matter what else they have or do, they will end in destruction, will perish (the root word for destruction) in hell forever.

D. Oliver
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Where are the ten lost tribes of Israel?

THE TEN TRIBES

Were the ten tribes restored after their dispersion?

Is it true that they were never restored? (see Acts 7: 27;" TARGET="_blank">Acts 7: 27; Acts 5:21;" TARGET="_blank">Acts 5:21; Acts 2:36" TARGET="_blank">Acts 2:36 *).

It is clearly impossible in this column to track out the deplorable delusion of “British Israelism,” which is occupying so many minds to-day with earthly hopes and national ambitions, to the exclusion of Christ and the HEAVENLY calling of the church. This church is being called out from all nations, including the British Empire, which, however, as a whole, is fast apostatising from God. At the same time, I think it is quite indefensible to contest this error by denying that the tribes of Israel were ever lost. All admit numbers of them seceded to Judah, but it is equally certain they existed as a separate kingdom till 721 B.C., when they were carried away by Shalmaneser into Assyria. They were no skeleton tribes then, but able to resist a siege of three years to their capital by the greatest world power of the time (2 Kings 17:6)." TARGET="_blank">2 Kings 17:6). The fact that the generic name of Israel is sometimes applied to the remnant of Judah, etc., who returned from Babylon, proves nothing; they were as truly descended from Israel as the other tribes, and they were the representatives of the whole nation in the land. This explains the expression the questioner refers to “as to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

At that time large numbers of Jews were scattered throughout the civilised world. The Lord was not sent to these, for He never stepped outside the promised land, but He of course fulfilled His mission perfectly to such as were within its limits. In the prophets, Israel and Judah are constantly distinguished (e.g., Jeremiah 3:8-14;" TARGET="_blank">Jeremiah 3:8-14; Zechariah 10:6;" TARGET="_blank">Zechariah 10:6; etc.). To faith the twelve tribes existed still even to New Testament times, and do still, though mostly lost to sight.

The breaking of the covenant between the two nations of Judah and Israel was only finally consummated at the crucifixion, i.e., when “Beauty” was cut off, “Bands” cut asunder, and (see carefully Zechariah 2:10-14)" TARGET="_blank">Zechariah 2:10-14) “the brotherhood between Judah and Israel” broken. That state of alienation will continue till the restoration of both in the last days. In Isa. 27." TARGET="_blank">Isa. 27. 13 we read, “They shall come which were ready to perish (Heb. ‘abhadh. see R.V. Marg., ‘lost.’ This is the first meaning Gesenius gives to the word—like ‘a wandering sheep which gets lost and disappears,’ and quotes this verse in support) in the land of Assyria.”

If you lose a thing, it is not a bad idea to look for it where you lost it. There is no record, biblical or historical, of the tribes of Israel ever having returned to the land, or having migrated to other lands, or being scattered, as the Jews have been; in fact, they are called “OUTCASTS of Israel,” in distinction from the “DISPERSED of Judah” (Isaiah 11:12-16)." TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 11:12-16). It is only in Ezek. 37:16-22," TARGET="_blank">Ezek. 37:16-22, after the vision of the dry bones, that is, in quite the last days, that the two peoples are once more reunited— “For Judah, and the children of Israel, his companions (i.e., the seceders to Judah from the other tribes), and for Joseph, the stock of Ephraim and all the house of Israel, his companions” (i.e., the great majority of the ten tribes). I think a careful consideration of this passage alone is sufficient to show that up to that point, the two leading companies will have been separate peoples, leading a distinct existence, and with no attempt to coalesce. It is noticeable that in Zechariah 12:1" TARGET="_blank">Zechariah 12:1 when the Lord comes in glory to deliver Jerusalem, only “Judah and his companions” will have returned to the land, and they are addressed as “Israel” in erse 1.

*

Acts 4:27" TARGET="_blank">Acts 4:27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

Act 5:21" TARGET="_blank">Act 5:21 And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

Act 2:36" TARGET="_blank">Act 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

W.H.

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Would assembly-sponsored summer camps be helpful?

Would assembly-sponsored summer camps be helpful?

The New Testament provides us with all the teaching God intended for the functioning and service of the local assembly. One cannot find any teaching or references to assembly-sponsored summer camps in Scripture. The primary activity in summer camps has been recreational, rather than spiritual. A number of such camps do have campfire gospel messages for the young people every evening. The campfire environment tends to have an emotional impact on young people. Unfortunately many children and teenagers, who have vacationed at church-sponsored summer camps, have made campfire professions which have turned out to be false. Such professions have often hindered them from coming to Christ until they have given up their false professions and admitted they were lost. It would be much safer and more profitable to hold daily children's meetings or Gospel meetings for teenagers in a manner that would reach their hearts and consciences rather than their emotions. Summer camps are very common in the evangelical, denominational religious world. God warns His people both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament of the danger of copying the practices of the religious world around us. This has always resulted in a gradual drift from God's plan for His people and eventual discipline from the hand of God.

A. Joyce

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We have over 320 pictures in the collection of coloring pages for Sunday school. Click here .