If we were disposed to accept this as a literal statement, we might well do as the old Spanish explorer, Ponce De Leon, did–search for the Fountain of Perpetual Youth! And we might have the consoling thought that surely there would be enough water in this river of the water of life to put out … Continue reading “What about the “River of the Water of Life, clear as crystal?” (`Rev. 22:1,2`) Is it an actual river? If so, how may one get a drink out of it?”
Which day should be observed as the Sabbath Day, the first day or the seventh day of the week?
It would depend upon the religious belief of the one who asks the question. To the Jew the seventh day (Saturday) is the one to be observed, as it was commanded in the Law that was given to the Israelites that they should keep the seventh day as a holy day. That Law is still … Continue reading “Which day should be observed as the Sabbath Day, the first day or the seventh day of the week?”
We read in the Bible that as Lot and his wife were fleeing from Sodom, his wife looked back at the city and was instantly turned into a pillar of salt; can that be literally true?
We see no reason for thinking otherwise than that the statement with reference to Lot's wife is a literal one. We can conceive of no reason why the record should be otherwise than literal. The Great Master, Himself, referred to the incident and made no criticism of the narrative (`Luke 17:32`). Why then should we … Continue reading “We read in the Bible that as Lot and his wife were fleeing from Sodom, his wife looked back at the city and was instantly turned into a pillar of salt; can that be literally true?”
Who are “The spirits in prison?” (`1 Pet. 3:19`.)
The "spirits" or spirit beings, are the ones referred to by the Apostle in the following verse as having been disobedient during the antediluvian period of time, in the days of Noah. Turning back to the early records of the Scriptures, we find that in `Gen. 6:1-4`, it is narrated how and in what manner … Continue reading “Who are “The spirits in prison?” (`1 Pet. 3:19`.)”
Kindly explain `Matt. 25:29`; “From him that hath NOT shall be taken away even that which he hath.”
This verse occurs in the Parable of the talents, and if we supply the word increased after not, the thought is clear. During the Gospel Age–that period between the going away and the coming again of Christ Jesus–His servants have been entrusted with the Gospel of the Kingdom. All professing Christians have obligations and responsibilities … Continue reading “Kindly explain `Matt. 25:29`; “From him that hath NOT shall be taken away even that which he hath.””
We read in the 10th chapter and the 8th verse of the Gospel of `John` the following words of the Savior–“All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers.” Who are referred to by the terms “thieves and robbers?”
The Lord Jesus was narrating a parable illustrating certain arrangements and conditions. Every sheepfold must of necessity have a door or gate and this would be for the use of the shepherd and the sheep. As stated in verse 1, any person attempting to enter the sheepfold in any other way than by the door … Continue reading “We read in the 10th chapter and the 8th verse of the Gospel of `John` the following words of the Savior–“All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers.” Who are referred to by the terms “thieves and robbers?””
What is the meaning of the expression found in `Dan. 12:7`–“Time, times and a half?” How long was a “time?”
A year, or "time," according to the old Hebrew method of preserving chronological records, was ordinarily a year of twelve lunar months of approximately thirty days each, or 360 days. In the symbolic prophecies of the Scriptures, a day stood for a year. (See `Eze. 4:1-8`; `Num. 14:33,34`.) A "time" therefore, of three hundred and … Continue reading “What is the meaning of the expression found in `Dan. 12:7`–“Time, times and a half?” How long was a “time?””
The Lord Jesus taught the Christians to pray, “Thy Kingdom Come, Thy will be done on earth.” Does that mean that all Christian people should join together and vote for the election of only Christian men to office in order that the will of God might be done on the earth?
The true footstep followers of the Lord Jesus are called to a "heavenly calling" (`Heb. 3:1`), to the "high calling of God" (`Phil. 3:13`.) They are running for the office of joint heirship with Christ Jesus in His Kingdom. The Apostle Paul was one of these runners. He realized that a man cannot well run … Continue reading “The Lord Jesus taught the Christians to pray, “Thy Kingdom Come, Thy will be done on earth.” Does that mean that all Christian people should join together and vote for the election of only Christian men to office in order that the will of God might be done on the earth?”
Does God give orders for the weather every day?
No; nor does He every day order the stars in their courses, nor the earthquakes, famines and pestilences. At the present time, because of sin, the entire course of nature is permitted to be out of joint, so far as this earth is concerned. Our weather is not ideal at all times; God knows this … Continue reading “Does God give orders for the weather every day?”
I am sure all Christians want to do the will of God, but how can we determine his will in our affairs?
If we have not wholly become God's people by consecration, His message to us is, "This is the will of God, even your sanctification" (`1 Thess. 4:3`). If we are His people we are to search His Word, which has been written for our benefit. In it He says, "Trust in the Lord with all … Continue reading “I am sure all Christians want to do the will of God, but how can we determine his will in our affairs?”