Gospel Hall dot Org exists to share information about assemblies of Christians who gather to the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to raise awareness of the gospel message and teaching about Christian living in a New Testament Church.
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We can't have children, but my friends are hinting that it is time. What should I do? How can a couple who is unable to bear children respond to well-intended hints that it is time for them to be parents?
Those who cannot have children will know how devastating such a comment can be. The example of the Lord and the statements of Scripture teach us to respond to evil with blessing, not responding in kind (1Pe 3:9)." TARGET="_blank">1Pe 3:9). This person probably meant well and was attempting to express interest, encouragement, maybe even confidence. Depending on the Lord to give help, the couple could simply express appreciation for the concern expressed and ask for the help of that person in prayer. The Lord will know how to answer the prayer in ways the person praying may not understand.
For the benefit of the well-intentioned individual who thrust a knife into the heart of this couple, many passages, if heeded, would have sealed his lips. One will do. Christians are to consider the effect of their words on others and to limit their communications to what is beneficial ("good"), strengthening ("edification"), and enabling ("ministering grace to the hearers," Eph 4: 29)." TARGET="_blank">Eph 4: 29). None of us is perfect (James 3:2)," TARGET="_blank">James 3:2), but Christian grace will increase our sensitivity to others.
D. Oliver -
If a person believes in "falling away", can they really be saved? How can a saved person believe in "falling away?"
This is possible only because of wrong teaching.
Those who propagate the "falling away" doctrine are wrong about many things. They believe one will lose his salvation when he sins. Wrong! This implies that the work of Christ is insufficient. They teach that to believe in eternal security means one can live a wicked, immoral life and still get to heaven. Wrong! "How shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein" Romans 6:2" TARGET="_blank">Romans 6:2? Christ's death FOR us was also our death TO sin. A person who is saved abhors sin and has no desire to continue in it.
Few who hold this doctrine are saved because this basically means salvation is by works. Some among them recognized they were unable to merit salvation. God revealed to them salvation through the finished work of Christ. They believed and were saved. The wrong teachings they hear hinder them from appreciating the wonderful truth that salvation is eternal. Let us pray that God will reveal this to them also.
J. Slabaugh -
What is the difference between redemption and propitiation? What is the difference between redemption and propitiation?
Beginning at the end of 2004, Truth and Tidings printed our brother Lloyd Cain’s helpful series on great gospel words. A few brief comments at this point might once more "put us in remembrance of these" great gospel truths. Both truths are outcomes of that once-for-all work the Lord Jesus accomplished on the cross.
Redemption focuses primarily on the blessing the one who trusts Christ receives. Propitiation points to what God has received from the death of Christ, whether or not a sinner trusts Christ.
Redemption paints the sinner as a slave of sin and emphasizes three truths through three New Testament words. When Paul speaks about being redeemed from the curse of the law (Gal 3:13)," TARGET="_blank">Gal 3:13), the word tells us of the purpose of redemption. We have been bought out of the slave market of sin, delivered to serve righteousness. Paul again tells us that we have been justified through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (Rom 3:24)." TARGET="_blank">Rom 3:24). This word emphasizes the power of redemption, delivering us completely. The third word draws our thinking to the price of redemption. Paul says "He gave Himself that He might redeem us" (Titus 2:14)." TARGET="_blank">Titus 2:14). What a price! Peter uses the same word to tell us we are redeemed "by the precious blood of Christ" (1Pe 1:18, 19)." TARGET="_blank">1Pe 1:18, 19). God is the loving, yet righteous One Who paid a great price to deliver and bless us.
Propitiation emphasizes the holiness and majesty of God, Who has been dishonored and affronted by sin. So infinite is the value of the sacrifice of Christ that in that death God has received full satisfaction for the offense of all sin! That satisfaction is through the blood of Christ Jesus (Rom 3:24, 25)," TARGET="_blank">Rom 3:24, 25), addresses our sins and the world’s (1Jo 2:2)," TARGET="_blank">1Jo 2:2), and is the foundation of all blessing that will ever result from the death of Christ (1John 4:10)," TARGET="_blank">1John 4:10), as pictured in the blood sprinkled on the mercy seat (the propitiatory, Heb 9:5;" TARGET="_blank">Heb 9:5; a related word).
David Oliver -
How will married believers relate to one another in heaven? How will married believers relate to one another in heaven?
The Scriptures do not give us much direct teaching about this; however, we can be certain that in heaven the Lord will not take from us what brought righteous joy on earth. Would he remove the love that so enriches a believer’s life here? In a Christian’s marriage that love is a fruit of the Spirit’s working in the believer (Galatians 5:22," TARGET="_blank">Galatians 5:22, Ephesians 5:25" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 5:25 - same root words).
If we are assured from Scripture that we will know each other in our eternal state (Matthew 17:3, 4)," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 17:3, 4), then believers will know and love their spouses to at least the same degree as they did on earth. How that will compare to a believer’s love for the many other fellow-believers may be difficult to answer, but at least the love for a spouse will not be less than it was on earth. We will find no disappointments in what grace has provided for us eternally in Christ! The grace of God - His very character - assures us of that.
D. Oliver -
how should we handle alcohol and smoking habits before our children? Having unsaved in-laws at holiday gatherings in the home, how should we handle their alcohol and smoking habits before our children?
As a believer you are responsible for your home and children as part of your testimony Parents are to raise children in the Lord's fear and love (Ephesians 6:4)." TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 6:4). Smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages are clearly inconsistent with Christian testimony (Colossians 3:5" TARGET="_blank">Colossians 3:5 and 1 Peter 4:3)." TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 4:3). While you cannot change your in-law's behavior, you can control the sphere of your responsibility. It is better that you kindly and clearly inform any invited guests who may normally smoke or drink alcohol that you have established principles in your family refraining from these. Ask them to respect your rules (1 Timothy 3:4)." TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 3:4). Consistency with your convictions will make a definite impression and provoke consideration of your faith and devotion.
J. Smith -
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 -
What translations of Scripture help in understanding its message? Do other translations of Scripture help in understanding its message?
Yes, but be careful! You must know what you are reading. Is it a literal translation or a paraphrase? Does it employ "dynamic equivalence?" Were the texts in the original language reliable? God's Word was given by verbal inspiration to men who wrote down the message. Those original writings do not exist, but copies do. Our responsibility is to ensure we are reading the most accurate translation of the most accurate copies.
With God's Word, every word matters; therefore, using a literal translation is imperative (KJV, NKJV, RV, DARBY, SPURRELL, NASB). Sometimes the literal may be hard to understand because of idioms in the original language, so a paraphrase can help. Also, some versions employ a "dynamic equivalence," where the translator uses words that convey to the modem mind what was understood by readers of the original text (NIV). Be aware, however, that a paraphrase or "dynamic equivalence" includes the editing committee's own interpretation. That could introduce a bias which limits or changes what the Spirit intended in the original text.
Stan Wells -
Do people in Hell go insane? Would the powers of reasoning be lost in the torments of a literal fire?
The implications of the question are so overwhelming that they forbid our answering this in some theoretical or philosophic manner. Eternal realities can only be expressed by the Word of God. The other danger which we must avoid is trying to understand eternal experiences by earthly temporal ones. Luke 16" TARGET="_blank">Luke 16 reveals to us a man in hell. Along with having other faculties, he is evidently able to think, remember, recognize responsibility, and draw conclusions. He remembers five brethren. If he was the eldest, this shows his sense of responsibility for their welfare. He recognizes and logically deduces that if they follow the same path as he has, they will also be in hell. He formulates a plan, "Send Lazarus..." which he assumes will convert them. All of this argues for the preservation of reasoning.
Just as the body was used as a vehicle for sin and therefore must participate in the suffering, so the mind and reasoning, employed to keep God at bay throughout life, must be preserved to suffer. Suffering upon earth frequently dulls the mind and destroys the body. The God who will prevent the destruction of bodies in eternal fire will also prevent the destruction of reasoning.
A. Higgins -
Can a single person be an elder? Can a single person be an elder?
Yes. If the Spirit has developed shepherd care in the heart of a single brother and the brother expresses that care in a character consistent with 1 Timothy 3:1-7," TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9," TARGET="_blank">Titus 1:6-9, and 1 Peter 5:13," TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 5:13, God apparently has called him to that work.
This question stems from the words, "the husband of one wife" (1Tim. 3:3;" TARGET="_blank">1Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:6)." TARGET="_blank">Titus 1:6). Three considerations clarify this statement: the context; a comparison; a construction. The context in 1 Timothy 3:2" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 3:2 describes moral character. The overseer’s character must be blameless, vigilant, sober, of good behavior. Dealing with hospitality, Paul doesn’t say he must show hospitality (that would describe acts), but that he must be given to hospitality (describing a characteristic). "Apt to teach," judging by its only other usage (2 Timothy 2:24)," TARGET="_blank">2 Timothy 2:24), likewise appears to describe character. The following verse also deals with character and that seems to be the emphasis through verse 6.
By comparison, the expression in 1 Timothy 5:9" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 5:9 is "the wife of one husband." The description of the woman here and of the man in 3:2 is consistent. First, this can hardly apply to polygamy, since that doesn’t involve a woman’s being married to more than one man. It hardly seems fair for Paul to state that a true widow who will receive financial support from the assembly can only have been married once. Five verses later, he advises younger widows to marry. If, in later life, they were again widowed, by obeying God’s Word to remarry they became ineligible for financial assistance, even though they otherwise qualified. The expression then must describe her as a woman who was obviously faithful to her husband before her widowhood and retained that dignity when she became widowed. The overseer, by comparison, must be above reproach in relating to women.
The construction of Titus 1:6" TARGET="_blank">Titus 1:6 and 7 is instructive. Verse 7 insists on the irreproachable character of an overseer. Verse 6 is a conditional clause, "if any be blameless" in family life. If married, he must evidently be faithful; if a parent, the respect in which his children hold him supports his character.
D. Oliver -
How do we "make disciples" and fulfill the Great Commission? What is the most important help in "making disciples"?
The responsibility to "make disciples" extends "to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19, 20)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 28:19, 20). We need every available spiritual means to encourage all believers to "obey all things."
New believers retain their former personality traits. Some love to learn something new (Acts 17:21);" TARGET="_blank">Acts 17:21); others like the challenge of advancing beyond others (Galatians 1:14);" TARGET="_blank">Galatians 1:14); still others love to fit into their new-found society and they eagerly conform (Acts 8:13)," TARGET="_blank">Acts 8:13), while the timid can be intimidated (Diotrephes did this, 3 John 1:9, 10)." TARGET="_blank">3 John 1:9, 10). Playing on these natural traits cannot produce spiritual results. The Lord predicates discipleship on this condition: "if any man will come after me" (Luke 9:23)." TARGET="_blank">Luke 9:23). Hearts drawn to Christ by an all-consuming devotion gladly embrace all He commands (John 14:15, 23)." TARGET="_blank">John 14:15, 23). Fostering devotion to Christ, coupled with patient, practical teaching, is essential to making disciples.
D. Oliver
An Address List of some North American assemblies Locate an assembly in North America. The directory features assemblies who usually call their meeting place a Gospel Hall, however, others are welcome to submit their contact information. Additions and corrections are welcome by either adding an item in the directory or sending a message via the contact form.
Sunday School Teacher Newsletter. The Encourager provides monthly ideas used by other teachers to help you present the Bible in an interesting way. Also be sure to check out the extensive Sunday school lesson ideas, printable projects, worksheets and Power Point lessons in the Sunday School section.
Online Study Bible. Search through various versions of the Bible. You may view 2 versions side-by-side in a parallel format or view one of several commentaries. Additionally, there are several Bible dictionaries including W.E. Vine's Greek Dictionary of NT Words, American Tract Dictionary, Easton's Bible Dictionary, the International Bible Enclyclopedia and Torrey's Topical Index of the Bible.
Downloadable PodCasts of MP3 audio messages. These audio messages feature personal stories of salvation, Bible teaching, gospel preaching, missionary reports and others. These messages were selected as a representative sample of the kind of preaching you will hear at a Gospel Hall.
These sound files are downloadable, which means you can either open and listen to them online or save them to a computer and then copy them to an iPod or MP3 player.