My friend is hurting emotionally. How can I help her?

Is there scriptural guidance for giving comfort to others?

In such a critical area of need, the Scriptures must offer a wealth of help. Here, however, are a few limited suggestions.

Use your two ears. For all the criticism Job’s friends deserve, they started their mission well. They were "with him." Their seven days of silence (Job 2:13)" TARGET="_blank">Job 2:13) showed their sensitivity to the greatness of Job’s grief. They were genuine. If you are not genuine, nothing you say or do will help. Their silence offered them an opportunity they apparently missed: be sensitive to others! Your insights into the stages of grief might be valuable, but it’s more valuable to know where the grieving individual is in his unique, uncharted journey of sorrow. Questions or comments that encourage him to express his feelings are vital in giving comfort.

Use your heart. Many lessons come from the Lord’s giving comfort to Mary and Martha (John 11)," TARGET="_blank">John 11), but perhaps the greatest comfort to them before Lazarus was raised from the dead was their assurance that the Lord shared their love for their departed loved one (vv 3, 35, 36). His love for Lazarus was even greater than theirs, but that is not the case for us. Nevertheless, those who sorrow receive comfort in knowing that their loved one had a unique place in your respect and affections. Sincerely recounting an incident that typifies your appreciation of their loved one is a real comfort. Knowing that others recognize the significance of their loss is important to grieving loved ones. Knowing that others regarded their loved one’s life as significant gives comfort.

Use your head. "The heart knoweth his own bitterness" (Pro 14:10)." TARGET="_blank">Pro 14:10). We should never assume we know what another person is experiencing, even if we have gone through that exact experience. If a grieving person knows your experience and states that you know "how it feels," he has opened the door for you to help. But experience alone does not confer a "Master’s Degree in Comforting." Only to the degree a believer gets to know God in his trials (2 Cor 1:4)" TARGET="_blank">2 Cor 1:4) has he made progress in his "Master’s studies." He is not yet a "master." The degrees are conferred at the Bema.

Every trial is a trial of faith. A believer need not have the same experience to give comfort, but His faith must have responded to the Invisible (Hebrews 11:27)" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 11:27) in His own experience. To that degree, he can strengthen the faith of others (see 2 Cor 1:4)." TARGET="_blank">2 Cor 1:4). Your experience with God may not be the help every other believer needs, however.

Use your Bible. Nothing can help like the Scriptures, for we receive hope through their consolation (Rom 15:4)." TARGET="_blank">Rom 15:4). Our objective is not to help a believer - or an unbeliever - to get through his sorrow, but to be spiritually enriched through his sorrow. In trying to comfort others, one size does not fit all. We are dependent on the Spirit to use us to bring to a grieving heart the biblical truth that will meet the need. If this was true for the Lord (Isa 50:4)," TARGET="_blank">Isa 50:4), how much more is it true for us! Ask the Lord for the right words to speak from Scripture.

D. Oliver
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What is the meaning of the text, “Thou has magnified Thy word above all Thy name” (Psalm 138:2)" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 138:2)?

Perhaps this statement will be more easily understood if we use an illustration. The Churches of Macedonia (i.e. the Philippians, etc.) had a good “name” with the Apostle Paul, as liberal givers from their very beginning (Philippians 4:10-16). Yet on an occasion when he sought their help for the supply of the need of poor saints in Juda, they did far beyond his highest expectation, as he tells us in 1 Corinthians 8:1-5." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 8:1-5. In effect, he says of them: “They have magnified their liberality above all their name for it.”
Now, God’s “Name” represents the sum of His manifestations of Himself. As has been said by others, it is the product of His deeds, and is according to His historically manifested glory. In plainer words, it is His reputation for lovingkindness to His people, faithfulness to His promise, etc., as may be seen by its use in such passages as Exodus 16" TARGET="_blank">Exodus 16 and Joshua 7:9." TARGET="_blank">Joshua 7:9. David, who according to its title is the author of Psalm 138," TARGET="_blank">Psalm 138, has already known much of the name and fame of the Lord, both from the history of His people, and from His previous dealings with himself. But on the occasion for which he gives praise so fervently in this psalm, he feels that God has shown His faithfulness in keeping His word, even beyond all that past experience would have led him to expect, and so he says, “I will . . . praise Thy name for Thy loving- kindness and Thy truth; for Thou has magnified Thy word above all Thy name.”
Possibly the occasion may be that which is referred to in 2 Samuel 7," TARGET="_blank">2 Samuel 7, where at least he is found speaking in a strain very similar. He says there, “Thou hast brought me hitherto; and this was yet a small thing in Thy sight, O Lord God; but Thou hast spoken of Thy servant’s house for a great while to come; . . . for Thy word’s sake . . . hast Thou done all these great things . . . to make Thee a name; . . . and let Thy name be magnified for ever” (2 Samuel 7:18-26)." TARGET="_blank">2 Samuel 7:18-26).
W.R.

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What New Testament books are most important as keys to other books?

What New Testament books are most important as keys to other books?

John unfolds truths regarding the Godhead and its interrelationships. He majors on eternal life, faith, and the Word of God. The Lord discloses the Rapture in John; Paul develops this in 1 Thessalonians. The teaching in John 13" TARGET="_blank">John 13-17 lays a basis for most of Pauls epistles. Johns other writings complete his gospels presentation.

Romans develops the foundations of the gospel, introduced in the gospels. Its doctrine and dispensational truths explain Gods ways in the Acts. Its dispensational section argues for Gods dealings with Israel in the Revelation and the Old Testament prophets.

1 Corinthians, "the Charter of the Church," completes the gospel records on the resurrection of Christ and complements 1 Thessalonians regarding the Rapture. Most important, it integrates Matthew, Acts, 1 Timothy and almost all New Testament assembly teaching. It is inseparable from 2 Corinthians.

Ephesians captures Gods eternal purpose for the Church, the Body, and our position in Christ. This relates it to John, 1 Corinthians, Philippians, and Colossians. The Church, as body, building, and bride completes truth from Genesis and climaxes in the Revelation.

Hebrews interprets many Old Testament prophecies and types. It elucidates much of Leviticus. Above all, it unites many Old and New Testament truths regarding Christs person and work.

D. Oliver
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When an unmarried, cohabiting couple with children is saved, what should they do about marriage?

When an unmarried, cohabiting couple with children is saved, what should they do about marriage?

The presence of children complicates this situation. A physical relationship apart from the life-long commitment of a legal marriage is sin. For the couple’s testimony and spiritual progress, they must end their physical relationship. Two other factors influence the issue of whether or not they continue to live separately, but under the same roof: the gospel’s testimony may suffer damage if the community perceives that it "breaks up families"; the children may suffer emotional distress through the sudden absence of one of the parents.

Although the presence of children increases the pressure on the couple to choose marriage, they, too, should evaluate whether their past relationship is a sufficient foundation for marriage. If their relationship in the past has been psychologically damaging to the children or has involved physical abuse, is there now solid reason to believe that making their relationship permanent will not compound the damage the children or partner have suffered?

If the couple decides to marry, the best advice is to marry quickly and normalize home life as soon as possible. They will need continued scriptural and emotional support.

D. Oliver
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What does it mean to be "in Christ"?

What does being "in Christ' mean?

Occurring 39 times in the New Testament, the phrase "in Christ" means a believer partakes in all that Christ has done, all that He is before the Father, and all that He ever shall be. The moment a person is saved, God views that individual as being "in Christ" (Ephesians 2:13)." TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 2:13). He stands before God in all the acceptability of Christ Himself (1:6). This is positional truth; the believer's spiritual condition can never alter this.

2 Corinthians 5:17" TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 5:17 states, "If any man be in Christ he is a new cre ation" (JND). Here the immediate context links this statement with the work of Christ, "He died for all," thus describing our position at conversion. Ephesians 1:3" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 1:3 says we are "blessed with all spiritual blessings... in Christ." These are inexhaustible, yet possessed by all "in Christ." However, our spiritual condition affects our enjoyment of these. I Corinthians 3:1" TARGET="_blank">I Corinthians 3:1 shows that, in spite of such blessings, believers can become carnal and careless, thus stunting spiritual growth. Even in this condition, nothing can change our position "in Christ." The truth of 1 Thessalonians 4:16," TARGET="_blank">1 Thessalonians 4:16, "the dead in Christ shall rise first," encourages us that, even if we "fall asleep," we will be raised at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, so that being "in Christ" will only bring us into further blessings. Thus, being "in Christ" is a precious truth that is unchangeable; it commences with conversion, continues throughout life, and finally transports us into His glad presence to be "with Christ" forever.

S. Wells
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What does an assembly lose when its sisters fall short of the involvement God intends for them?

What does an assembly lose when its sisters fall short of the involvement God intends for them?

Failing to properly enfranchise our sisters will have several deleterious effects. An assembly will lack warmth without the development of godly women. A generation of younger believers may be lost to the assembly because they have missed the gentle touch and advice of godly sisters. Women who view themselves as second-class Christians weaken the homes and the coming generation, their own children.

"In like manner" (1 Timothy 2:9)" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 2:9) places the effective public prayers of the men (v. 8) beside the value of the modest godliness of the women (v. 9). An assembly cannot survive without effective prayer meetings or without godly sisters who adorn themselves with good works (v. 10). What an asset to testimony is lost when women fail to realize their value to the assembly!

Sisters’ failure to contribute to the assembly as the Lord intended hinders their spiritual development. All in the assembly suffer loss from this. In addition, sisters whose spiritual growth is stunted will likely rob the Lord of the glory He receives when headship is displayed as taught in 1 Cor. 11: 3-16." TARGET="_blank">1 Cor. 11: 3-16.

D. Oliver

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Does once-saved-always saved give permission to sin?

Doesn't teaching eternal security give license to sin?

Part of the reason for John's first epistle is to refute the false notion that since believers know God spiritually, they can freely sin physically. John shows that life from God cannot be characterized by sin. "Whoever has been begotten of God does not practice sin, because His seed abides in him" (1 John 3:9," TARGET="_blank">1 John 3:9, JND). Divine life imparted at salvation precludes a life of sin. Paul asked. "Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound" (Romans 6:1)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 6:1)? He shows that our new standing in Christ (6:1-14), our new service, not to sin but to righteousness (6:15-23), and our new supply of power by the indwelling Spirit (8:1-16) preclude a Christian from living under the power of sin.

D. Oliver

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Do people become angels after death? Do children become angels?

No. Angels are spirit beings, while humans are composed of a body and spiritual part consisting of soul and spirit.

Christ taught in Matthew 22:30" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 22:30 that angels do not get married nor have children.

In heaven, there are two distinct groups who live there. Hebrews 12:22-23" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 12:22-23 mentions a “myriads of angels” and “the spirits of righteous men made perfect”.

The story of the Rich Man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31" TARGET="_blank">Luke 16:19-31 tells us that at death a person either goes to the agonies of Hades or to the bliss of God's presence. The Rich Man even asked Abraham to send Lazarus to his father's house, but believers who have died do not return to earth to communicate with anyone. In contrast, God sends his angels to protect and communicate with believers who are still alive (Hebrews 1:13-14;" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 1:13-14; Psalm 91:11-13;" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 91:11-13; Acts 27:23-24;" TARGET="_blank">Acts 27:23-24; Matthew 2:13;" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 2:13; Acts 5:19)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 5:19).

Children who die do not become angels. They die like adults who are saved. They are covered by Christ's work at the cross. A related question to this is "Are children saved who die young?"

Shad David Sluiter

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Can a believer be possessed by a demon? Can demons attack us?

Can a believer be possessed by a demon? Can demons attack us?
Possessed? No.
Attacked? Yes.

Demons may enter the body of an unbeliever and take control of his thoughts and emotions but the Chrisitian is protected from Satan and his angels for the following reasons:

#1 Christians are indwelled by the Holy Spirit

1 John 4:4" TARGET="_blank">1 John 4:4 says

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

"He that is in you" refers to God, and more specifically, the Holy Spirit who indwells the believer since the moment of believing in Christ through the gospel.

Ephesians 1:13-14" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 1:13-14 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, (14) who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

#2 Christians are no longer under the power of Satan

Colossians 1:13-14" TARGET="_blank">Colossians 1:13-14 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, (14) in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

But what about demon-possessed people in the Bible?

There are a number of examples of people who were possessed by a demon, but none of them were believers. The demoniacs of Gadara (Matthew 8:28;" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 8:28; Mark 5:2)" TARGET="_blank">Mark 5:2) are them most startling examples of demon possession. These show us the extreme change that came upon them once Christ had driven the demons from them. These were not mere problems such as "demons of depression" or "demons of mental illness" or "demons of alcoholism", but true possession of a demonic spirit.

Were Ananias and Sapphira possessed by Satan?

Were Ananias and Sapphira believers? Yes. They were true followers of Christ, who possessed eternal life and are now in heaven. They were in the "congregation of those who believed" (Acts 4:32)" TARGET="_blank">Acts 4:32) and were involved with the Holy Spirit (v. 3), but remained hypocrites. They sinned under the influence of Satan. Satan did not indwell or possess them, but he rather slyly suggested this sin of hypocrisy in their mind or heart.

What does delivered unto Satan mean?

1 Corinthians 5:4-5" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 5:4-5 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, (5) To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

This discipline of sin the Church is further explained at the end of the passage.

1 Corinthians 5:12-13" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 5:12-13 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? (13) But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

Delivering one to Satan is therefore to put someone out of the communion, the protection and godly influence of the church and to let the believer live in the world, outside of the fellowship of the church. He is once again in Satan's realm.

A believer can be attacked by Satan, as seen in the story of Job in Job 1:1-20." TARGET="_blank">Job 1:1-20. He suffered the loss of home, business, health and family as a direct result of Satan's work. Ananias and Sapphira were the victims of his mental attacks. Believers must guard against his spiritual attacks (Ephesians 6:11-18)" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 6:11-18) which are best combated by learning and holding to good doctrines.

Shad David Sluiter

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How is the Lord Jesus Christ a priest like Melchisedec?

What is the significance of "Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec" (Psalm 110:4)" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 110:4)?

Aaronic priests served in an earthly sanctuary with repeated sacrifices under an old covenant. By comparison and contrast, Christ’s priesthood is linked with a heavenly sanctuary, a final sacrifice, and an eternal covenant (Hebrews 7-10)." TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 7-10). Israel’s high priest transferred his office to his son. Our Great High Priest (4:14) is unique. Melchisedec, like the Son of God, did not derive His office from ancestors nor delivered it to successors, since his genealogy and posterity are not recorded (Genesis 14:18;" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 14:18; Hebrews 7:3)." TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 7:3). The Bible’s first priest, Melchisedec, is from a mold into which no one else fits. The original (the mold), in God’s purpose, is His Son.

Melchisedec was both a priest and king. The meaning of his name and title, King of Righteousness, King of Peace (7:2) is significant (Psalm 72:3;" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 72:3; Isaiah 60:17)." TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 60:17). He appears after the Bible’s first war and battle, involving a confederacy of kings (Genesis 14;" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 14; Psalm 2:2)." TARGET="_blank">Psalm 2:2). He assures Abram of God’s ability to give him the land of promise. All of this reminds us of a coming day when our Lord will be a priest on His throne (Zechariah 6:13)." TARGET="_blank">Zechariah 6:13). Until then, we enjoy the benefit of His priesthood.

The single, defining act of Melchisedec’s priesthood was blessing Abram (Hebrews 7:1)." TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 7:1). By lifting Abram’s vision to "the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth," he strengthened the pilgrim’s faith to withstand the coming trial.

Assured by an oath of the immutable God (Hebrews 7:21)," TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 7:21), our Lord’s priesthood "after the order of Melchisedec" is non-transferable, eternal, millennial, and spiritual, strengthening faith in the Unseen.

D. Oliver
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