What is the relationship between railing and physical abuse?

What is the relationship between railing and physical abuse?

Railing is verbal, therefore it is not physical abuse. Railing, which is verbal abuse, can be as harmful as physical abuse. It may incite a violent response or it may precede physical abuse. The Lord’s teaching in Matthew 5:21," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 5:21, 22 shows the relationship of derogatory language to murder. Railing and murder have the same mother: hatred in the heart. In the Lord’s eyes, they are of the same kind. The degree of punishment differs for each, but they both are alike condemned as deserving hell fire.

D. Oliver
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Is there any scriptural authority for the assertion that Hezekiah wrote some of the Psalms?

Though ecclesiastical commentators seem to be attracted by such theories, we do not know of any authority, scriptural or other, for above assertion, It is enough to read an article in some Bible Dictionary, on the authorship of the anonymous Psalms, to be aware how precarious are the theories advanced. Some psalms speaking of desolation and judgment may be made to fit in with Sennacherib’s invasion, as also with any other invasion.
I believe it is possible to assign authorship to a few of the anonymous Psalms, following Psalms by well-known authors, on internal evidence. Thus it seems clear that Psalm 43" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 43: , is by the author of Psalm 42" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 42: (the same phrase “Why art thou cast down, oh my soul?” occurring in both); Psa. 91, by the author of Psalm 90" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 90: and Psalm 104" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 104: , by that of Psalm 103" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 103: , but as a rule it is safer not to attempt to be wise above that which is written. We believe the Holy Spirit spake by David and the other psalmists: that is the chief point. However, to return to our question, I read the following in a well-known Bible Dictionary,* as a whole reliable: “Book II. (i.e., of Psalms) appears by the date of its latest (I) psalm, Psalm 46: , to have been compiled in the reign of King Hezekiah.” We turn with interest to see on what this statement rests, and we find NIL. The real reason comes out later in the same article as to why Hezekiah’s name is brought in. It comes, I believe, from a misreading of the closing words of Psalm 72" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 72: , “the prayers of David, the son of Jesse, are ended.” But there are at least fifteen subsequent psalms, e.g., Nos. 86, 103, 110, 142, which are entitled “Psalms of David,” i.e., these must be by some descendant of David, so the theory runs, Hezekiah, Josiah, or Zerubbabel, in fact you may take your choice. Now, this will never do, because in the case of Psalm 142" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 142: —the place where David wrote it is indicated, and the Lord definitely ascribes to David the authorship of Psalm 110" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 110: , and as far as we know, though Hezekiah wrote a prayer, neither he, nor the others wrote psalms, and certainly not in a cave. The explanation is simple: the word, Kãlãh, translated “ended” in Psalm 72" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 72: means also fulfilled or consummated; e.g., Ezra 1:1;" TARGET="_blank">Ezra 1:1; Ezekiel 5:13;" TARGET="_blank">Ezekiel 5:13; Daniel 11:36;" TARGET="_blank">Daniel 11:36; Daniel 12:7." TARGET="_blank">Daniel 12:7. The words then refer to the prophetic subject of the Psalm, the Millennial Reign of David’s “Greater Son.” In that hope David’s prayers reached their zenith. He could not sing of anything higher. That infinitely greater Kingdom—the mystery of God’s will—was unknown to Him, when “in the dispensation of the fulness of times (i.e., the eternal state and the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ) all things in heaven and earth shall be headed up in Christ” (Eph. i. io). David prayed many subsequent prayers, but he could never reach a higher level than in that psalm.

W.H.

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How could the Devil have "the power of death"?

In what sense did the devil have "the power of death" (Hebrews 2:14)" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 2:14)?

This page was adapted from an answer at Truth and Tidings Magazine by David Oliver.

The terrible trials of Job show us that Satan had no power over Job in regards to death. Satan had the capcity to kill Job, but only if God had allowed him to (Job 2:6)." TARGET="_blank">Job 2:6). The Greek word for "power" in Hebrews 2:14" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 2:14 is not exousia, translated power or authority. Only God has such power in giving (John 1:4)," TARGET="_blank">John 1:4), sustaining (1 Timothy 4:10)," TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 4:10), and ending (Daniel 5:23)" TARGET="_blank">Daniel 5:23) a life.

In this verse, "power" is the translation of the Greek word kratos, which means "manifested power" (W. E. Vine). It is found 12 times in the New Testament. It is translated "dominion" four times in the King James Version, each time in a doxology.

In Hebrews 2:9," TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 2:9, we read Christ tasted "death for every man" (or for "everything," John Darby). For the Son of Man to bring His creation into its intended order and purpose, He must taste the full bitterness of death. Through one man, Adam, deatg was brought into the world (Romans 5:12)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 5:12) and ruined God’s intended order (Hebrews 2:6-8)." TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 2:6-8). The Last Adam, after tasting death, is the guarantor that the world will be subject to a man.

Death reigns as a result of Adam’s sin (Romans 5:17)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 5:17). By dying in obedience (Romans 5:19)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 5:19) to God’s will (Philippians 2:8)," TARGET="_blank">Philippians 2:8), Christ obtained rightousness for each saved person (Romans 5:19)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 5:19) and an eventual physical deliverance for creation (Romans 8:21)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 8:21).

Adam lost his dominion over creation to "that old serpent, called the Devil." He is the "prince (or ruler, English Standard Version) of this world" (John 12:31)." TARGET="_blank">John 12:31). The stench of death spreads over his entire kingdom.

The Devil has exercised his power of death over all of God’s creatures and creation. In a few words, the "power of death" is the devil’s destructive impact on creation as a result of the Fall.

D. Oliver

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When someone dies, where does his spirit go?

Man is composed of spirit, soul, and body. When he dies where does the spirit go?

The spirit and the soul must not be confused, nor yet divided. They together form the spiritual part of man. When a believer falls asleep he only does so as regards his body. The spiritual part of him, with which the personality is really connected, goes at once to be with Christ (see a 2 Corinthians 5: 8)." TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 5: 8). “Absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” This, of course, cannot refer to the resurrection state, as then no believer will be absent from the body. Paul describes dying as departing to be with Christ which is far better (Philippians 1:23)." TARGET="_blank">Philippians 1:23). It is a most serious denial of God’s truth to describe the condition of the believer who dies, as that of sleep, except as regards his body.

W.H.

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Is wavering faith the reason for unanswered prayer (James 1:7)?

Is wavering faith the reason for unanswered prayer (James 1:7)" TARGET="_blank">James 1:7)?

No. On occasion, God allows us to have what we request. The result is not initially the best for us (Psalm 106:15)." TARGET="_blank">Psalm 106:15). He allows this so we will appreciate the security of His will. What He allows in our life is always only for our good -eventually, it is the best for us. The motive of such prayer was self-will, not faith. Nevertheless, God granted the prayer.

In James 1:6," TARGET="_blank">James 1:6, 7 the tried believer asks for wisdom. Verse three makes it clear that faith is being tried. In verse five, faith is being expressed and strengthened. The enemy of faith is double mindedness, a mind for the values of this world and a mind for the values of the world to come. That's the basic conflict James highlights throughout his book. When the thinking of the world motivates a believer's prayer, he cannot "ask in faith." Faith sees another and eternal world; it asks in keeping with that realm. In response to that prayer, our God gives liberally.

What hinders prayer is a mind that tries to accommodate itself to two worlds: the temporal and the eternal. Faith is not working consistently and the result is receiving nothing from God.

D. Oliver
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How can I help my child choose a career?

How can parents advise children regarding their choice of a career?

Parents are responsible to provide guidance for their children (Proverbs 22:6)," TARGET="_blank">Proverbs 22:6), while allowing for the child’s individuality and responsibility in making choices. Since a child is a stewardship entrusted by the Lord (Psalm 127:3)," TARGET="_blank">Psalm 127:3), a parent seeks the Lord’s, rather than his own, will for that child’s life. A child’s suitable development outweighs a parent’s wish to continue the family business. Positive incentives may help, but self-serving demands or pressure to fulfill a parent’s frustrated dreams don’t.

Modeling and discussing (Deuteronomy 6:7)" TARGET="_blank">Deuteronomy 6:7) the value of responsibility, serving others, and honesty are part of "child training." Countering society’s idolizing of money, self-serving superstars and glamor queens, and amoral heros is important and most effectively achieved by directing attention to historical, global, and local individuals who model Christian ethics.

Parenting is a growing relationship of communication, mutual respect, and love. Such a relationship will guide a child proactively, rather than reactively. In a child’s early years, his unique and useful capabilities should be recognized and encouraged. Without pressuring a child to make decisions beyond his maturity or unnecessary for his age, parents can encourage discussions of these matters. Parents don’t need to squelch a child’s imagination, creativity, personality, or capabilities while helping him to be realistic in his goals.

D. Oliver
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In 2 Corinthians 8:23, does "the glory of Christ" refer to the assemblies or the messengers?

In 2 Corinthians 8:23," TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 8:23, does "the glory of Christ" refer to the assemblies or the messengers?

"Whether ... our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ." If the words are translated literally, these brothers were "apostles of churches, glory of Christ." Mr. Darby therefore translates, "deputed messengers of assemblies, Christ's glory." This suggests the lovely thought that assemblies in some unique sense express Christ's glory. This is consistent with the truth of many New Testament passages. The glory of His headship (1 Corinthians 11:3)," TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 11:3), Lordship (1 Corinthians 12:3)," TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 12:3), and sacrifice (1 Corinthians 11:26)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 11:26) are among the honors that belong to Christ and are uniquely displayed in the assembly. In fact, every detail of the design of the assembly "says, 'Glory"' (Psalm 29:9," TARGET="_blank">Psalm 29:9, NASB).

The more general consensus of translators, however, is that these men who accompanied Titus were honorable men, expressing the glory of Christ. Nameless, they carried a financial gift to Jerusalem, having been sent by the churches for this purpose (in this sense, they were -apostles," sent ones). They set the standard for all who serve God's people in whatever capacity; they expressed the glory of Christ. Since the context is the commendation of these men, this is more likely the meaning of the passage.

D. Oliver
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Does a person have to be told he is a sinner in order to be saved?

Is preaching about human sinfulness necessary in the gospel message?

The Spirits work convicts of sin (John 16:8)." TARGET="_blank">John 16:8). The disciples preached that men should repent (Mark 6:12)" TARGET="_blank">Mark 6:12) while the Lord was on earth. Before His ascension, He sent them to preach repentance and remission of sins (Luke 24:47)." TARGET="_blank">Luke 24:47). Paul preached "repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 20:21)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 20:21). To the Jews in Jerusalem, Peter highlighted their crucifying the Messiah (Acts 2:36)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 2:36). To the Jews in Asia, Paul emphasized their historic disobedience to God (13:17-29) and to the Gentile philosophers their sin of idolatry (17:22-30). The Lord faced the Samaritan woman with her perceived need and with her sins (John 4:13-16)," TARGET="_blank">John 4:13-16), as He also did with the rich ruler (Luke 18:18-22)." TARGET="_blank">Luke 18:18-22). The Lord focused on Nicodemus sin, his spiritual ruin (John 3:3)." TARGET="_blank">John 3:3). The Spirit does not reveal truth about Christ while a soul resists the truths of guiltiness (because of sins) or ruin (because of sin).

Popular evangelical preachers are increasing their insistence that the gospel should make seekers comfortable and address only the hearers perceived need. In general, societys thinking justifies sin and obscures the divine line between right and wrong. These conditions demand a greater, rather than decreased, emphasis on mans sinfulness. Unbelievers, even while struggling to be saved, have not yet repented or submitted to God. Clearly presenting the sacrifice of Christ and the simplicity of salvation will not deliver an unrepentant sinner. The preaching of the gospel balances these valuable truths regarding Gods remedy with the convicting presentation of mans ruin.

D. Oliver
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Is the Internet a worse influence than television for a Christian?

We often hear ministry warning against television, but isn’t the Internet worse?

The Internet’s pollution is both worse and constantly available; however, its email service and volumes of information can be spiritually and educationally helpful. This highlights an important difference. We could hardly watch the news coverage, commercials, and programming of television without being bombarded by its unbiblical values, but we can use the Internet without accessing its corruption. One alternative for believers is that some software and some Internet providers limit access to the Internet’s defilement; nevertheless, computers in the work place and in public libraries still provide full Internet access. In an increasingly immoral world, we must, as never before, teach and motivate one another and our children to make right choices, avoiding the serious consequences of choosing otherwise. We can "use," but not "abuse" (1 Corinthians 7:31)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 7:31) the Internet, a choice that hardly exists with television.

D. Oliver
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How could elders fulfill their responsibilities without being overburdened by "other things"?

How could elders fulfill their responsibilities without being overburdened by "other things"?

The example in Acts 6" TARGET="_blank">Acts 6 is clear, simple, and effective. Applying the principles may not be as easy as it appears. The Lord indicates that leadership is liable to exert control and to somehow obligate others to submit to it (Luke 22:25)." TARGET="_blank">Luke 22:25). His model of leadership is different: "So shall it not be among you" (Mark 10:43)." TARGET="_blank">Mark 10:43). The mind of those whom the Lord has made leaders is a servant mind (vv 43b, 44). Sometimes a sincere desire to "hold the truth" can be expressed in a carnal way by tightly holding the reins of control in the assembly.

The apostles shared their responsibilities where it was possible to do so. They could not share their apostolic responsibility, but they did share deacon service that was not essential to their apostolic responsibilities.

While overseers are responsible to "guide the flock" (Heb 13:7," TARGET="_blank">Heb 13:7, mg), others can carry out many responsibilities under the elders’ guidance. Matters such as handling money, maintaining, decorating, or constructing a building in which to meet, planning meals, working with children, and preparing for gospel outreach can be entrusted to others. Some who are younger, capable, and willing, whether male or female, could effectively do this work.

The apostles’ example emphasizes that the primary qualifications for handling any responsibilities related to the assembly are spiritual (Acts 6:3)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 6:3). If elders feel that no others are spiritually qualified, they have a shepherd’s responsibility to foster such spiritual growth. And if elders feel that no one is willing to do the work, they would be wise to set a different tone in the assembly, making it clear that others are appreciated, needed, and welcomed in the assembly. Encouragement works wonders (Heb 3:13," TARGET="_blank">Heb 3:13, JND)!

D. Oliver
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