If overseers entrust deacon work to a person who is not "blameless," what can other believers do?

If a believer knows of something that disqualifies an individual from doing a work entrusted to him, tell the elders courteously. They may not be aware of what others have observed.

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).

Having fulfilled his responsibility regarding the overseers’ decision, the dissenting believer should further fulfill his responsibility to submit to his guides (Hebrews 13:8)." TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 13:8).

D. Olive

Does God give someone their faith as a gift so they can be saved?

What is "the gift of God" in Ephesians 2:8" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 2:8?

This has often been discussed. Philippians 1:29" TARGET="_blank">Philippians 1:29 states that it "was given" to the Philippians to believe on Christ. That is not the teaching of Ephesians 2:8," TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 2:8, however. The grammar doesn’t seem to support this. If the antecedent of "that" ("that not of yourselves") were faith (Greek: "pistis," feminine), it would be feminine. Faith is not the theme of the passage, so the context would not point to that, either.

The passage deals with grace, but saying that grace is not of ourselves is redundant. It is evidently of God and, by definition, undeserved.

The gracious provisions of salvation (verses 4-6) will be unfolded eternally (verse 7). Being saved, resulting from grace and received by faith, is not accomplished by works, but by God Himself. This is further supported by verse 10, because they were God’s workmanship. What grace made them - as a result of their being saved - had the imprint of God’s hand. He did the work.

Simply put, their being saved was the gift of God.

D. Oliver

What is the Christian’s role in politics?

What is the Christian’s role in politics?

The world system and its principles are opposed to God (John 14:17; 15:18, 19;" TARGET="_blank">John 14:17; 15:18, 19; 1 John 2:16)." TARGET="_blank">1 John 2:16). We have been taken out of it (John 17:6, 16)." TARGET="_blank">John 17:6, 16). We are called to be distinct from it (2 Corinthians 6:17;" TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 6:17; Romans 12:2)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 12:2). The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ stands between it and us (Galatians 6:14)." TARGET="_blank">Galatians 6:14). Although some of these passages refer to the religious world, we are assured that "the prince of this world" (John 12:32; 14:30; 16:11)" TARGET="_blank">John 12:32; 14:30; 16:11) controls every aspect of the world (1 John 5:19);" TARGET="_blank">1 John 5:19); therefore, the principles apply broadly.

"In the days of His flesh," what was the Lord’s role in the political world? He was aware of its injustices (Luke 13:1-3)" TARGET="_blank">Luke 13:1-3) and of the "undesirables" in authority (Matthew 22:16-21)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 22:16-21). The political Jews tried to draw Him into that, but He used both occasions for a spiritual message. The truth of salvation which He preached eventually changed social problems, like slavery, but that was not His focus. We are not reading too much into His words, "I pray not for the world" (John 17:9)," TARGET="_blank">John 17:9), to recognize that those taken out of the world system by salvation are His present concern and not the world system itself.

He was crucified through bribery, political intrigue, political weakness, expediency, and laws opposing God’s truth. Even then His servants did not resist (John 18:36)." TARGET="_blank">John 18:36). This was based on a principle: His kingdom was not from this world. And neither is ours. "Our conversation (citizenship, politics, enfranchisement, voting rights) is in heaven" (Philippians 3:20)." TARGET="_blank">Philippians 3:20).

In the first century of Christianity, the few wealthy believers who could participate in politics never received any encouragement to do so or to raise funds so others could. The pervasion of democracy now makes such involvement available to all. The present, prominent involvement of believers in politics, as much as we appreciate their confession of faith, does not change scriptural principles.

D. Oliver

Is our Bible with its sixty-six books complete?

Is our Bible with its sixty-six books complete?

It would be difficult to find a verse to prove that 66 books complete the Bible. However, careful research of the material shows that it is indeed complete with no other books to be added.

The Scriptures came not "by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved" by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21)." TARGET="_blank">2 Peter 1:21). Thus, the inerrant Word is divine and inspired (2 Timothy 3:16)," TARGET="_blank">2 Timothy 3:16), making it authoritative and binding.

God superintended the compilation of these manuscripts, so that 40 writers over approximately 1500 years produced the Bible.

The Lord quoted from these writings during His temptations (Luke 4:4, 8, 12)." TARGET="_blank">Luke 4:4, 8, 12). After His resurrection, He expounded "in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself" (Luke 24:27)," TARGET="_blank">Luke 24:27), proving that these writings are the inspired Word of God.

Other versions such as the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament) and the Vulgate (the Latin translation of Old and New Testaments from the original languages) include a "collection of religious writings" known as the Apocrypha. However, there is no record that the Lord ever quoted from the Apocrypha. This, in itself, indicates these are only historical writings and not divinely inspired.

Thus these 66 books are a unique and complete volume, dovetailing perfectly without contradictions or errors. Let us value and study them, as God’s complete and inspired Word.

S. Wells

How can I raise an honest child?

What can a parent do to cultivate honesty in a child?

The first Principle in the development of any moral virtue is the example of the parent. Manoah's wife must be a Nazarite if she is to have a Nazarite son (Judges 13)." TARGET="_blank">Judges 13). Be honest in all your dealings, even with your children.

Praising good role models, especially within the assembly, is vital. Hold up their virtues, especially if it has cost them. Take every opportunity to teach from the Word of God the value of honesty and morals. "Sharpen by repetition" is the expression of Deuteronomy 6:6-9." TARGET="_blank">Deuteronomy 6:6-9. Do not sermonize. The Word of God is to control the home, mold our behavior, and be the theme of our family discussions.

Look for opportunities. Use current events to help children appreciate the long range effects of sin and the effects of any behavior being universalized. When evil seems to triumph, have the child consider what would happen if everyone behaved in this manner. Prayer, patience and discipline are vital. Praise honesty but don't "reward" it with material gifts.

A. Higgins

Why does only Matthew mention people raised from the dead when Jesus died?

Why is this fuller account only in Matthew?

Matthew 27:50-53" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 27:50-53

The events at the cross on that day were not typical acts; rather, they fulfilled the types concerning the Lord’s death. The rending of the veil was not a typical act in an earthly sanctuary which showed that the death of Christ gave access to God in the heavenly sanctuary. The rent veil showed that the death of Christ ended the typical sacrifices of the Old Covenant. God was finished with those types; they were fulfilled in the once-for-all offering of the body of Christ (Hebrews 10:10)." TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 10:10). We do not enter the heavenly sanctuary through a rent veil nor through the "rent body of Christ." We enter through the veil, that is to say His flesh (v 20). It is a living way (v 19), by means of a living Christ.

Matthew writes for the Jews, Mark for Roman proselytes (like Cornelius), and Luke for Gentiles. The Gentiles needed to know that the Jewish system of sacrifices had ended. Instead of being excluded from the value of the offerings, they have an equal claim on divine blessings because of the cross. Mark and Luke therefore include the rending of the veil.

On the other hand, the Jews needed confirmation that their sacrificial system had ended. That may be the reason that Matthew tells about the darkness (Matthew 27:45)" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 27:45) and the earthquake (v 51). When the sacrificial system was initiated, it was with a thick cloud (Exodus 19:16)" TARGET="_blank">Exodus 19:16) and a quaking mountain (v 18). The God Who spoke then, spoke now with the same "presence" and power. He ended that sacrificial system. The second confirmation ("in the mouth of two of three witnesses . . .") was the appearance in Jerusalem of saints returned to life. The Law came with the threat of death (Exodus 19:12, 21)" TARGET="_blank">Exodus 19:12, 21) at Sinai. The end of the legal system of sacrifices came at Jerusalem through the life-giving "word of the cross" (1 Corinthians 1:18," TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 1:18, ESV).

D. Oliver

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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