Why did the Lord forbid seething a kid in its mother

Why did the Lord forbid seething a kid in its mother’s milk?

This is stated three times in the Law (Exodus 23:19; 34:26;" TARGET="_blank">Exodus 23:19; 34:26; Deuteronomy 14:21)." TARGET="_blank">Deuteronomy 14:21). Twice this ritual is contrasted with giving their first fruits to the Lord (Exodus 23:19; 34:26)." TARGET="_blank">Exodus 23:19; 34:26). The other time, this prohibition precedes the statement of their responsibility to bring their tithes to the Lord and to eat before Him at their three harvest festivals. Their tithes, their festivals, and their first fruits all expressed their indebtedness to the Lord. Their fruitfulness in the land depended solely on His power.

This lends credence to the suggestion that seething a young goat in its mother’s milk was a heathen practice. The heathen attributed the prosperity of their flocks to this superstitious ritual, which had no evidence to support its effectiveness.

Believers in the business world are wise to utilize every proven means of success in their work, but never to depend on them, no matter how effective. The Lord wants us to learn dependence on Him in all our endeavors.

D. Oliver
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What role did the the turtle dove and pideon have in Abraham's sacrifice?

Why is it said of Abram in Genesis 15:9-10," TARGET="_blank">Genesis 15:9-10, “The birds divided he not”?

Why were the animals divided, but not the birds?

We see in verse 9 that, preparatory to making a covenant with Abram, the Lord God directed him to take certain sacrificial victims—a heifer of three years old, a she-goat of three years old, a ram of three years old, a turtle dove and a young pigeon. On the slain carcases of these the covenant was to be made. Evidently God had given general directions as to sacrifices and the clean animals to be offered up, as we gather from the knowledge of such things displayed, for example, by Noah, who knew the animals that were clean, that is, fit for sacrifice, and unclean— unfit (see Genesis 7:2, 3);" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 7:2, 3); and the same with the fowls—of the unclean two would suffice, but the clean were to go in “by sevens”—as these latter would be needed for sacrifice (Genesis 8:20)." TARGET="_blank">Genesis 8:20). No doubt, too, the order to be followed was divinely revealed. The very word for covenant, “berlth, from an unused root, “barath” means “to cut, to hew”— that is, the victims were divided—he who made the covenant had to pass between the Victims. In Jeremiah 34:19," TARGET="_blank">Jeremiah 34:19, those who made the covenant passed between the calves—all typical of Christ, the Mediator of the New Covenant.

According to Hebrews 9:17" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 9:17 the covenant is always made on the ground of dead things (i.e. sacrifices). I am convinced that the idea at the back of this whole passage is that of a covenant, not a testament or will in our modern sense, as the next verse seems clearly to show. If we turn to Exodus 24" TARGET="_blank">Exodus 24: , there is no thought of a will being made, but of a covenant being established between Jehovah and Israel. How then could the second covenant be a testament? The R.V., although somewhat hesitatingly retaining “covenant” up to verse 15, translates verse i: “For a testament is of force where there hath been death” (margin, “over the dead”). The word, “dead,” is plural, and therefore must, one would judge, refer to the covenant victims, rather than to the testator of a will—who is a single individual. I suppose that the reason Abram did not divide the birds is that they formed one offering in two parts-_one of which was placed on each side, representing a cut victim. To those who have a deeper appreciation of the work of Christ, the Word divides the victim even between the . . . joints and
marrow (Hebrews 4:12)." TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 4:12).

W.H.

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What does the Bible mean "He that endures to the end shall be saved"?

What is the meaning of our Lord’s words, “He that shall endure unto the end the same shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13)" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 24:13)? Why was this promise made? To what time does it apply?

In interpreting words of Scripture it is very important, before attempting any general application, to understand the original intention of the speaker, that is, first to interpret the words in their context. What then is the “end” spoken of here, and what did the Lord mean by being “saved”?

We notice that the disciples’ question was, “What shall be the sign of thy coming and of the end of the age?” This word (sunteleia) is much the same as is used in the other occurrences of the chapter for “end” (telos), and seems to include the general winding up of things. It occurs before in Matthew 13:39-40" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 13:39-40 and 49 as “the end of the age.” The Lord in His reply warns against mistaking for the end of the coming storm, its premonitory rumblings—”wars and rumours of wars.” “But the end is not yet,” He says (v. 6), for wars, famines, pestilences and earthquakes are only “the beginning of sorrows” (v. 8).

Before that “end” there must intervene terrible persecutions against the disciples of the Lord (of whom those addressed were the living representatives), and all will not pass through these unscathed: “many shall be offended,” and shall even apostatise from the faith. “And many false prophets shall arise, and shall deceive many. And because inquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure to the end” (i.e. of this great tribulation)—that is, shall not apostatise—”shall be saved,” in the sense, I believe, of being preserved alive.

Apostasy will not be the means of safety, but standing firm. This sense of physical preservation we find in other places. “God is the Saviour of all men, specially of them that believe,” “Eight souls were saved by water” (i.e. Noah and his family); and in this chapter also at verse 22 we read: “Except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved, but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened”—reminding us of Paul’s words on the ship in Acts 27:31" TARGET="_blank">Acts 27:31 “Except these (the sailors) abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.”

We may notice in closing that the scene of these happenings will be Judaea; the temple will be rebuilt, and when a special sign spoken of by Daniel the prophet is seen, let all the disciples “flee into the mountains” (v. 16). It will be “the time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7)." TARGET="_blank">Jeremiah 30:7). Let them pray that their flight be not on the Sabbath day. Before the end, the Gospel of the Kingdom will be proclaimed everywhere as a witness. No doubt, the words we are considering may be used by extension to-day.

The best proof of reality is continuance in the faith. “Enduring to the end” is the outward and visible effect of the new-birth. It is those who are most truly in Christ who will feel most their need of being kept by the power of God, and consequently their faith will be in exercise. There were false professors in the early churches, who forsook the assembling of themselves with their brethren, and it is to be feared that such exist to-day. Jude speaks of them. They may boast of their correct knowledge of God, but alas their works sometimes seem to give the lie to their profession. The prayer of the true believer will be increasingly and to the end, “Hold Thou me up and I shall be safe!”

W.H.

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Does a husband guide or lead his wife apart from a right example?

Does a husband guide or lead his wife apart from a right example?

Whether a husband or wife, a parent, a Sunday School teacher, a preacher or elder, or a brother or sister in Christ, none of us has the ability to bring greater spiritual help to others than what we practice ourselves (1Ti 4:12, 16)." TARGET="_blank">1Ti 4:12, 16). Can a husband who finds fault with the other believers in the assembly hope to help his wife feel comfortable in the company of those believers? Will an elder expect his wife to submit to the teaching of the elderhood (namely, the teaching of the Word of God) if she sees that his life is not spiritually consistent with the Word of God? Does a husband who will not submit to the Scriptures in one aspect of his life have any "weight" in helping his wife to obey the Lord? She could easily sense that his interest in her obedience is only for the sake of appearance, since reverence for the Lord hardly characterizes him.

Examples of humbly submitting to the Lord and delighting in His will and Word are the strongest influence for good in any believer’s life. Our steps provide much better guidance than our words, no matter how loud, strong, persuasive, or apparently sanctimonious they are (Mat 23:3, 13)." TARGET="_blank">Mat 23:3, 13).

D. Oliver
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Gospel Hall FAQ

What is a Gospel Hall?

Gospel Hall the name of the building where Christians meet to “gather to the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Matthew 18:20)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 18:20). The churches who meet in Gospel Halls are sometimes referred to as Plymouth Brethren churches.

For simplicity sake, http://www.gospelhall.org/ is much easier to remember than http://www.christiansgatheredtothenameofourlordjesuschrist.org/

Where can I find a Gospel Hall?

You can look at the section called Assembly Directory on this site.

Why the name Gospel Hall?

The word “Hall” is a general name for a public building. Since the Gospel is preached regularly in a Gospel Hall, the name is appropriate for its use. To distinguish the church (group of people) from the building, the name is distinguished. Some assemblies choose to name their building a “Gospel Chapel” or use the name of the town or street such as “Smithville Hall”. Gospel Hall is a common name used in many English speaking North American assemblies.

Are you associated with the Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall?

Absolutely Not. Unlike a Kingdom Hall, the teachings at the Gospel Hall are based on salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from good works or membership in any organization.

What are the beliefs at the Gospel Hall?

God's Word is the foundation on which a healthy church is built. Our mission is based on the commands of the Lord Jesus to worship, preach the gospel, help believers learn more about Him and honor the Lordship of Christ. Some of his words include

Matthew 18:20" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Matthew 28" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 28

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

1 Corinthians 1123" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 1123 …the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come.What is a church service like?

What are the Services held in a Gospel Hall?

Following the pattern of the first churches in Acts, church meetings in the gospel hall will include devotional worship on Sunday, Bible studies, Gospel preaching, pastoral teaching for believers, reports from missionaries and meetings for elders of the church.

Every Sunday, the assembly will meet to break bread. This meeting is either called the “worship meeting”, “breaking of bread” or the “remembrance meeting” based on Jesus’ actions and 1 Corinthians 11:23-26." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 11:23-26. The focus of this meeting is Christ - his divine character, death, resurrection and Lordship. Each man will take turns in leading the congregation in prayer, reading a scripture or choosing an appropriate hymn. After a set period of time (30 to 90 minutes depending on the size of the assembly), someone will specifically thank God for the bread which symbolizes the Lord’s body. The loaf of bread is handed around the congregation so everyone can take a piece. Similarly, someone offers a prayer of thanks for Christ’s blood which is symbolized by the cup. It too is shared and then placed back on the table. Someone will close with a hymn or prayer or both. This is the Lord’s pattern of worship for the church (Matthew 26:26-38;" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 26:26-38; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 11:23-26). It allows for the practice called the “Priesthood of all believers” (1 Peter 2:5-9)." TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 2:5-9). Far from being an entertaining experience, the breaking of bread is an expression of reverence where Christians enter the Heavenly Sanctuary, that is the Holiest of All, to offer praise through the value of the blood of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 13:10-15)." TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 13:10-15).
The ministry meeting is a teaching meeting for the “edification, exhortation and comfort” (1 Corinthians 14:3)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 14:3). One person will take 30 to 60 minutes to read a portion of the Bible and teach the meaning, its context and apply it to daily living. The teaching meeting typically is scheduled after the Breaking of Bread. Many assemblies will conduct an annual Bible conference where hundreds of believers will meet in a rented auditorium for a more intensive or in-depth session of teaching.
Sunday evening is the customary time for a Gospel Meeting. At the Gospel Meeting two speakers will preach from the Bible regarding salvation themes – sin, the soul, redemption, the character of God, eternity, faith, assurance etc. From time to time, the assembly will conduct a series of nightly gospel meetings that may last several weeks. Sometimes these are conducted in the Gospel Hall. Often they are in community buildings, tents or schools.
An assembly will usually conduct a prayer and bible study meeting one evening mid-week. The correspondent for the assembly typically will read a few thank-you letters from missionaries and preachers who have received financial support from the assembly. Several of the men will lead the congregation in prayer for various needs. The assembly will then conduct a bible study on a portion of scripture or specific subject. One person will give a short synopsis of the topic and then the remaining time is an open forum to compare ideas on the meaning of the chapter. This is the forum to learn bible doctrine, ask questions, and consult commentaries or dictionaries.
Sunday school classes are typically offered on Sunday mornings during the same time period as the ministry meeting. Very often families who are not part of the assembly get their first impression of the assembly meetings through their children. The goal of a Sunday school is to plant the gospel message into young minds that might not have any other source for their spiritual knowledge.
The elders of an assembly meet periodically to pray, discuss the needs of the people in the assembly, schedule “house calls” for infirmed believers, plan the assembly calendar and discuss other matters.

What type of church government exists at the Gospel Hall?

The leadership of the church features servant-leaders called elders. According to the Bible in 1 Timothy 3" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 3 and Titus 2," TARGET="_blank">Titus 2, the men who lead a church must be of good moral character, able to teach the bible and care about the people of the church. These leaders are ultimately responsible for the doctrine taught in the church, the integrity of the use of funds and pastoral care of the church.

The men who serve as elders are recognized in their role by informal consensus of the church by their pattern of living. Elders usually serve as “unofficial” elders for years before being recognized for their work. That is, he teaches, encourages, mentors, supports and cares for people long before his elder status is recognized as “official”.

This method of recognition is based on the words in 1 Timothy 3" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 3 verses 1 and 6 “This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work”. It is a work, not a position. “Not a novice…” means he is proven trustworthy to the other people of the assembly.

Is the Gospel Hall part of a denomination?

No. Each Gospel Hall building is owned and maintained by the local church that meets there. Although a loose link of friendship exists between many of these churches, there is no central office or membership organization to report statistics, finances or doctrinal creed statements. There is no official list of assemblies.

The historical heritage shared at the Gospel Hall comes from the early 1800’s United Kingdom group known as the Plymouth Brethren. Some historical information about early Plymouth Brethren can be found at http://www.brethrenonline.org/. There are many other brethren history sites, some of which are here http://dmoz.org/Society/Religion_and_Spirituality/Christianity/Denominations/Plymouth_Brethren/

Each assembly is a unique story of the people who were saved in a community because of sound gospel preaching. No one history defines the entire group of assemblies worldwide. So while the Plymouth Brethren of England may be defined as the starting point for the movement, there are others who were similar. The assemblies represented on this page take their history from men in Scottland. See the history section of the online book Gathering Unto His Name for more details.

Where can I find a Gospel Hall?

You can look at the section called Assembly Directory on this site for North American assemblies of believers.

Some other directories for assemblies include:

www.gospelhall.org.uk/ (United Kingdom)
www.geocities.com/andyabel/assemblies.html (United Kingdom)
http://www.bibletruth.net/ (United States)
http://www.assemblynews.com/ (Australia)
christianbrethren-nsw.org.au (Australia)
http://www.keralabrethren.net/ (India)
www.biblebeliever.co.za/Brethren%20Assemblies%20Main%20Index.htm (South Africa)
http://www.elimgospel.com/ (Malaysia)
www.mycgc.info/english/links.asp (Malaysia)
www.palabrasdevida.cl/listado.html (Chile)
http://www.brethren.org.nz/ (New Zealand)

Who are Open Brethren and Exclusive Brethren?

For a history student, the terms “Exclusive” and “Open” refer to groups of assemblies who have formed lines of membership based on doctrinal differences. The "open" brethren believe that each assembly (church) is an independent entity. Each group handles its business of teaching, finances and receiving new members as an independent action from other assemblies.

The "exclusives" believe that since each assembly is part of the body of Christ, in order to maintain unity of the body, a decision rendered by one assembly needs to be recognized by all others in order to maintain the fellowship of the body. The practical results of their views are chronicled in the various books and articles about the Brethren but you will not find their story here. Exclusive assemblies often use the name “Gospel Hall” for their building, but these assemblies have very little relationship to the assemblies listed on this site. You can read about the exclusive brethren on their own web site at http://www.theexclusivebrethren.com/

Is a Gospel Hall part of the “exclusive brethren” or “open brethren”?

Most of the assemblies listed on this site could be called “conservative open brethren”. Exclusive assemblies often use the name “Gospel Hall” for their building, but these assemblies have very little relationship to the assemblies listed on this site.

The Gospel Halls are “open” in the sense that any person may join the fellowship who has experienced salvation from his/her sin through faith in Christ Jesus. It is also required that a Christian's life and beliefs conforms to the general pattern of godly New Testament living. Believers who are unknown to the elders of an assembly are welcome to the fellowship if they first have a meeting with elders to discuss their standing in regards to salvation, relationships with others and their standing on doctrines of the bible.

The Gospel Halls are "open" in the sense that each assembly is independent. That is to say, a decision made in one assembly does not need to be ratified or reviewed by other assemblies.

The Gospel Halls are “exclusive” in the sense that a person may not join the fellowship if their beliefs and life reputation are either known to be in error or unknown to the assembly. A person may attend assembly gatherings as a visitor, but is not invited to speak from the platform, pray publicly, contribute financially or share the bread and wine at the Lord’s Supper.

The Gospel Halls are “exclusive” in the sense that unity and fellowship between assemblies is maintained by sharing common doctrines. For example, if one assembly began to promote speaking in tongues or promoted a teaching for a works-based salvation, other assemblies would no longer cooperate with them in evangelism, conducting confereces or by providing financial help when needs arise.

The majority of "open brethren" assemblies in North America meet in a building named “Gospel Chapel”. These assemblies share much of the same doctrine as a Gospel Hall, but may have a less direct approach in gospel preaching and some may have an open policy of fellowship with all other churches in their community. Outside of North America and in other languages, there is a variety of names applied to buildings for groups that meet in a similar manner.

More information

You can find teaching, news from various assemblies at these publications

Truth and Tidings (USA) http://www.truthandtidings.com/
Words in Season (USA) http://www.saved.com/wis/
Precious Seed (UK) http://www.preciousseed.org/
Uplook (USA) http://www.uplook.org/
Assembly Testimony (UK) http://www.assemblytestimony.org/

You can read another FAQ about the brethren at http://www.brethrenonline.org/faqs/Brethren.htm

Who wrote this FAQ?

Shad Sluiter is the author and site manager for http://www.gospelhall.org/. You may send feedback on the contact form. Since no official brethren headquarters exists, there will be different opinions about the accuracy and tone of language used in these answers. I believe many assemblies who meet in North American Gospel Halls will agree with the statements on these pages. Your mileage may differ depending on the city where you live.

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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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Are humans naturally good or evil in nature?

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 and email address in your answer.

Answers will be reviewed.

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What is our condemnation in Adam?

What is our condemnation in Adam?

Romans 5:15-19" TARGET="_blank">Romans 5:15-19 establishes a comparison and contrast between Adam and Christ. In verse 15, they are compared, since both act to bring a consequence to many. They are federal heads who act as representatives of all their "constituents." Verse 18 summarizes the contrast: one man, one act of trespass, condemnation to all in him versus one Man, one act of righteousness, justification to all in Him, resulting in life. One part of this contrast is missing regarding Adam, the result. That is given in verses 17 and 15, death. The condemnation is not Adams sin imputed to us; it is death.

In fact, verse 19 makes clear that Adams one act defined our standing as sinners, not our guilt through the imputing of his sin. Likewise, Christs one act that satisfies Gods righteousness defines our standing as righteous (not through the imputing of His righteousness).

No unbeliever will be condemned at the Great White Throne for Adams sin. The acts of these federal heads were not our acts, nor did we act in them; they aded as our representatives.

D. Oliver
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Should a person who is being disciplined by the assembly be present at the discipline meeting?

Should a person who is being disciplined by the assembly be present at the discipline meeting?

Yes. Not every form of New Testament discipline involves putting an individual away from the fellowship. How could an assembly rebuke a fellow-believer (1 Timothy 5:20)" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 5:20) who is not present? In the case of excommunication, an individual remains part of the assembly until the assembly has acted to put him away Silently attending such a gathering might indicate submissiveness to and concurrence with the assemblys action. It may also convince a person of the sensuousness of his sin and of the saints concern for him. No one can force a person to attend; advising him to do so would be wise.

D. Oliver
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How can I live at peace when my brother and I disagree?

Can believers live together peaceably when they differ on some personal issues of Christian living about which both have strong emotions?

Yes, we can because the Lord enjoined it (Mark 9:50)," TARGET="_blank">Mark 9:50), but only by applying Scriptural teaching to ourselves. The crux of the matter is not the right or wrong of another believers actions. Our behavior toward others is as important as their obedience to Christ. Another believers disobedience to truth doesnt justify our disobedience to the Lords command to love and serve our brother (John 13:34, 35)." TARGET="_blank">John 13:34, 35). Showing him patiently and scripturally "a more excellent way" is loving service. Even when motivated by a desire to uphold truth, behavior directed against another believer denies significant truths.

Lowliness (regarding ourselves) and forbearance (regarding others) accompany the wisdom that produces peace (Ephesians 4:2, 3;" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 4:2, 3; James 3:17)." TARGET="_blank">James 3:17). Peace with my brother doesnt depend on his obedience to the Lord or on my obedience to my brother, but on my obedience to the Lord (Proverbs 16:7)." TARGET="_blank">Proverbs 16:7).

D. Oliver
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