Our Lord gives a clear answer to this question in `Luke 10:29-37`. He describes a man in distress and need. A priest came along and seeing the man passed by on the other side as if he were afraid he would be contaminated by even paying attention to the sufferer. A Levite did likewise. Then … Continue reading “One of the commandments of the Bible reads, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” How may I know who is my neighbor?”
Please explain this Scripture found in `1 John 3:8`: “Whosoever is born of God doth not sin; for His seed remaineth in him; and he cannot sin because he is born of God.”
A better translation from the original Greek manuscripts renders the passage thus: "No one who has been begotten by God practices sin; because His Seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been begotten by God." This begetting takes place at the time of the receiving of the Holy Spirit. In other … Continue reading “Please explain this Scripture found in `1 John 3:8`: “Whosoever is born of God doth not sin; for His seed remaineth in him; and he cannot sin because he is born of God.””
What is the Scriptural method of ordination? It seems to me that the laymen should have something to say as to who shall be their representatives. Have the clergy arrogated to themselves privileges in this connection to which they are not entitled?
Priestcraft, and not the teachings of our Lord and His Apostles, is responsible for the division of the church into two classes, called "clergy" and "laity." It is still the spirit of priestcraft that seeks to lord it over God's heritage in every way possible–proportionately to the density of the ignorance prevailing in any congregation. … Continue reading “What is the Scriptural method of ordination? It seems to me that the laymen should have something to say as to who shall be their representatives. Have the clergy arrogated to themselves privileges in this connection to which they are not entitled?”
Ap Paul claimed to be an Apostle, specially called of God, who saw Jesus, and that the choice of Matthias to be the successor of Judas, by the Eleven, was before the descent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, are we to consider him (Paul) as the successor of Judas, remembering that there were to be but twelve Apostles, and that Matthias was not afterward heard of?
It is evident from the Scriptural account that the Eleven were acting without due warrant and authority in selecting Matthias to be the successor of Judas. They had been instructed to tarry at Jerusalem and wait for enduement from on high by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and it was during this waiting period and … Continue reading “Ap Paul claimed to be an Apostle, specially called of God, who saw Jesus, and that the choice of Matthias to be the successor of Judas, by the Eleven, was before the descent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, are we to consider him (Paul) as the successor of Judas, remembering that there were to be but twelve Apostles, and that Matthias was not afterward heard of?”
How shall we understand the scripture: “And they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more” (`Isa. 2:4`)
The Prophet Joel foretold just the conditions that we see about us in the world today (see `Joel 3:9-11`). The Lord Jesus also informed His followers that "wars and rumors of wars as well as dreadful calamities would continue all down through the centuries until the time of His second advent (`Mat. 24:6,7`), and then … Continue reading “How shall we understand the scripture: “And they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more” (`Isa. 2:4`)”
Is it proper for a Christian to engage in physical exercises, or physical culture? I would like to have your thought on this matter and, if possible, any Scriptures bearing on the subject, as I know of some people who seemingly think it a sin to devote any thought to the care of the body.
The mind or will is the master of the body. The condition of the mind is largely affected by the condition of the body. A sound mind in a sound body is the ideal condition. To keep the body and the mind in proper condition, it is essential that they be exercised, for it is … Continue reading “Is it proper for a Christian to engage in physical exercises, or physical culture? I would like to have your thought on this matter and, if possible, any Scriptures bearing on the subject, as I know of some people who seemingly think it a sin to devote any thought to the care of the body.”
Please explain the Scripture, “The poor ye have always with you.” (`John 12:8`.) Does this mean that there will always be poor on the earth?
Jesus was addressing His disciples, and through them all consecrated Christians. At Jesus' second coming all of His faithful followers, then remaining on the earth, will be taken away to heavenly conditions, as He stated that He would go away to prepare a place for these, and He would come again for them, and when … Continue reading “Please explain the Scripture, “The poor ye have always with you.” (`John 12:8`.) Does this mean that there will always be poor on the earth?”
Were Adam and Jesus in any sense representatives of the race?
Adam, as the federal head of his family, was its representative in Eden. This is demonstrated by the fact that all of his posterity are involved in everything affecting him. Thus the sentence of death which directly passed upon Adam affected and impaired every one of his offspring. Jesus was not a representative in this … Continue reading “Were Adam and Jesus in any sense representatives of the race?”
Does the religious wave over the country indicate anything, or is it a “flash in the pan?”
We believe that it is indicative of much that is important to the welfare of the entire race of mankind. Not that we anticipate that it will result in converting the race to Christianity, or "save the world for Jesus," but that it indicates that mankind in general is longing after the higher and holier … Continue reading “Does the religious wave over the country indicate anything, or is it a “flash in the pan?””
What did Christ mean when He referred to John the Baptist as Elijah? (`Mat. 17:11,12`) Is this an evidence that He recognized reincarnation as a truth?
The theory of reincarnation is nowhere taught in the Scriptures. Our Lord Jesus and the Apostles never, in all their teachings, said a word about reincarnation. As to the meaning of the Savior's words referred to in the question, we recognize that He was calling to mind the prophecy of `Mal. 4:5,6`. John the Baptist … Continue reading “What did Christ mean when He referred to John the Baptist as Elijah? (`Mat. 17:11,12`) Is this an evidence that He recognized reincarnation as a truth?”