Question:
How can we prepare for the remembrance meeting?

Answer:
“This do in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19). The ability to participate in remembrance meeting is one of our most precious privileges and is a direct response to our Lord’s request.

When we accept the Lord Jesus as our personal Saviour, we become “lively stones” and members of a “holy priesthood,” with a purpose: “to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). We are a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), and “a kingdom, priests unto God and His Father” (Revelation 1:6; Scofield note) and collectively “are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22). As spiritual priests we are granted access “to enter the holiest by the blood of Jesus… through the veil…” (Hebrews 10:19,20) where we may offer those spiritual sacrifices.
When we gather to remember Him, we are told to “draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:22). We are not to bring unjudged sin to the Lord’s table, but understand that “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). We are not to participate in the remembrance meeting in a casual or ((unworthy” manner (1 Corinthians 11:27), but are to behave with sobriety, knowing that the Lord is present at the meeting (Matthew 18:20).
Everyone must prepare. Preparation for the remembrance meeting includes accepting the Lord as your Saviour, then “examining yourself’ for unjudged sin (1 Corinthians 11:28), and “judging yourself’ for your failures (1 Corinthians 11:31; Hebrews 4:12) with confession to the Father (1 John 1:9) through your Intercessor, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1,2) before the meeting begins.As a priest, during the meeting, you then should accept the responsibility that the Lord has laid upon you; that is, make yourself available as a vessel for the action of the Holy Spirit to actively participate in the role of service outlined for you. All the men should be available to the Lord, whether to speak a word, share a thought, give a prayer, announce a hymn, or whatever action the Spirit would direct. The priest is not speaking for himself (as prior to the meeting in privacy), but rather is speaking for the group as we serve the Lord’s request. As a priest, do not hesitate because of youth or because you feel you have no special gift (1 Corinthians 12:7- 11). Speak as the Spirit directs, for if you are doing His will, the words will come simply and automatically. Whether you stammer the first nervous words as an infant learning to speak or as a seasoned older brother, the words you speak will be accepted as sweet incense if you allow the Spirit to direct the thought. Sometimes you may feel nervous because you can’t quote a lot of Scripture during a prayer or a word of praise, but remember that the Lord doesn’t need you to quote Scriptures—but rather desires that we simply remember Him in a way that is not intimidating to any of His children.

Question:
How does knowing prophecies help us?

Answer:
“The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night….Seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless” (2 Peter 3:10-14).

The only foundation for our faith is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:10-13), and “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10). The right study of prophecy is seeing that all prophecy points to the glorification of Christ, and only if Christ is our Object and Goal will we be helped in our spiritual lives.

Question:
What is a good Christian?

Answer:

One who is better at doing (producing) Christ-like things, the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22, 23).

We should exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, which is the result of the Spirit within us.

Some people may have more opportunity to show the fruit of the Spirit to others, and others are good Christians privately. But we all should live our lives before the Lord.

“When Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect” (Genesis 17:1).

To “walk before” the Lord means that every step we take we should realize that He is behind us all the way, protecting, caring for us and also rejoicing over us (Zephaniah 3:17). A sense of our loving Lord following us will cause us to want to please Him and thus “be . . . perfect.”

Question:
What does it mean to “grow in grace?”

Answer:
It means to:

1. “Walk in all the ways which the Lord your God hath commanded you…that it may be well with you” (Deuteronomy 5:33).
2. “Like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4).
3. “His delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night” (Psalm 1:2).
4. “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).
To “grow in grace” is delighting, trusting, committing, and resting in Jesus. Jesus said, “Abide in Me, and I in you….Without Me ye can do nothing” (John 15:4, 5).

Question:
How did you get saved?—By what YOU did?

Answer:
No, but by what Christ did on the cross of Calvary.

“Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24). “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit” (1 Peter 3:18).
We can’t lose our salvation by what we do either.First Corinthians 5:1-5. If we (Christians) sin, our body may die, but our spirit will be saved. This passage doesn’t even say the person was seeking forgiveness.

Question:
Where should you draw the line concerning being yoked with unbelievers?

Answer:
Second Corinthians 6:14 says, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers.”

Jesus ate with publicans and sinners, but he did it to heal their sin sickness (Matthew 9:10-13). He was showing them mercy and love, as He does to us.Also, “a woman in the city, which was a sinner…stood at [Jesus’] feet behind Him weeping” because of her sins (Luke 7:36-39). At all times, even when we deal with precious souls, we need to “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22), because “Be not deceived: evil communications [associations] corrupt good manners” (1 Corinthians 15:33).

Question:
If a person is saved, but not walking in Christ, if he dies will he go to heaven?

Answer:
Ephesians 2:8 says that salvation is a “gift of God,” and God does not take His gifts back (Romans 11:29).

Saved from what?—Saved from perishing (John 3:16, 17). Saved from wrath (Romans 5:9).
It is possible to live for Christ. “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2). If we are “born again,” we can’t be unborn. He will treat us as His children, train and discipline us. He calls us: “My son” (Hebrews 12:5), and a perfect Father (God) won’t kick His son out of His family.

Question:
Regarding Revelation 3:21: Why do those who overcome sit with Christ on His throne? What does it mean? Is this talking about judging or ruling with Him?

Answer:
All overcomers will sit with Christ on His throne because God’s grace has purposed us for this blessing. All believers are overcomers (1 John 5:4,5) and we are taught in Scripture that presently we suffer with and for Him, but when He comes in His glory to reign over the earth, we shall reign with Him (see Romans 8:17; 2 Timothy 2:12).

Presently Christ is sitting on His Father’s throne in Heaven (Ephesians 1:20; Hebrews 1:3; Revelation 3:21); etc.), but when He comes in power and glory to set up His kingdom, He will sit upon His own throne (Matthew 19:28; 25:31). He will sit there as King of kings and Lord of lords, and by His grace He will associate us with Himself.
Just as Eve shared dominion with Adam, so we will share dominion with Christ over His universal kingdom. I do believe this is speaking then of “ruling” with Him. He will give us positions of authority in His kingdom and these will be determined by our faithfulness to Him in the present age of suffering and overcoming. (The judgment seat of Christ for believers—1 Corinthians 3:10-14; 2 Corinthians 5:9,10—will reveal all that was done for Christ and the rewards received will be manifested when we return with Christ to reign.) But we must ever remember that it was His grace which gave us to believe and to become overcomers, and thus when the crowns for faithfulness are received there will be a casting of the crowns before the throne with these words on our lips, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created” (see Revelation 4:10, 11).

Question:
Second Peter 3:18 says, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen.” – What does it mean to grow in grace?

Answer:
To grow means to increase. When we grow in grace, along with the knowledge of Christ, we continually grow. We become more like Christ in being gracious to others. The more we get to know the Lord, or the closer we get to Him, the more we learn about Him.

Question:
What is a Christian?

Answer:
A follower of Christ (Acts 11:26).

CHRIST I Am Nothing.
A Galatian was someone from Galatia, and could say: “We live in Galatia.” A Christian is someone who lives in Christ (Ephesians 1:1-10). You can be saved and not be a true follower of Christ, living for Christ. Satan can use the term “Christian” to mean other things.
The Spirit of God tells us that “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch” (Acts 11:26), and in verses 19-30 we are told some things that were true of the Christians at Antioch. Some of the things that are mentioned about them are that they:
v.20, preached (talked) about Christ;

v.22, had ears to hear;

v.23, had purpose of heart to cleave to the Lord;

v.26, taught the Word;

v.29, sent relief to Christians in other lands who had trials.A Christian is one who lives Christ.

Question:
Anyway, what is judgment? My dad once told me that judgment is God saying what He thinks of something. Does judgment involve punishment for sin, or is that what condemnation involves?

Answer:
It is not hard to understand why the Spirit of God saw fit to have the New Testament written in the Greek language, because that language gives clear meaning to each word. At least four different Greek words are all translated “judgment” in our Bibles, and each of them have different meanings. This is why a good dictionary of these words is such a big help in understanding what the Spirit of God is saying in the Scriptures.

Joe Butler told me years ago about three books that have been a big help to me, and I am now telling you about them. You don’t have to be a Greek scholar to use them. Those three books are titled: “Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Greek Words,” “The Word Study New Testament” by Winter, and “The Word Study Concordance” by Winter. What a help they would be to every young person who is a serious student of the Word, and I trust all of you are. The books are quite expensive but anyone who would like to know more about them can write to IN TOUCH, or order them from “Moments With The Book,” P.O. Box 322, Bedford, PA 15522.
I haven’t really answered your question, but I notice that Webster’s Dictionary gives the same meaning you have expressed. “Judgment” being a decision made based on certain facts. While “condemnation” is the placing of guilt and to sentence to punishment. I also notice that in Vine’s dictionary some of the Greek words translated “judge,” “judgment,” and “condemnation” mean what your dad said that judgment is “what God thinks” or decides, but other words mean what you suggest: to sentence to punishment.What do others think about these words?

Question:
Is the Bible the whole, complete, true Word of God?

Answer:
God gave the apostle Paul the privilege to make known the last truth God has to reveal, and that is His “eternal purpose” which is regarding the church, the bride of Christ: “Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit” (Ephesians 3:11, 5). Paul says: “Which was given to me to complete the Word of God” (Colossians 1:25, J. N. Darby translation). Paul was not the last one to write part of the cannon of Scripture (John was when he wrote “The Revelation of Jesus Christ”) but Paul presented the last truth (which was about the church) to be made known and that completed the body of truth of God’s Word.

The written Word can be distinguished from the living Word, the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:1, 14), but they cannot be separated from each other. “For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword…and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do” (Hebrews 4:12, 13).”The Word of the Lord endureth forever” (1 Peter 1:25). The Lord will preserve His Word, as He has down through the years, against the efforts of the enemy to get rid of it. The fact that He has preserved it, is evidence in itself that it is God’s Word.

Question:
Who were some of the greatest Christians that ever lived? What made them outstanding?

Answer:

Abraham, because he was a pillar of faith. He was willing to offer up his only son after he was told he would be “the father of many nations” (Genesis 17:4). We can have the same faith as Abraham (Galatians 3:6, 7). By faith in God’s Word Abraham saw the day the Lord would come to this world (John 8:56). “For faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17).

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, were three young men “on fire” for the Lord. Actually they weren’t on fire, but those who put them into the furnace were. But they were willing to die for what they believed. (See Daniel 3.)

The Apostle Paul, 1 Corinthians 2:4, 5. His faith was based on the Spirit and power of God. God used him to write many books in the New Testament. In Luke 7:40-43 the Lord tells the story of two people who both had debts. One person was a bad sinner, and one wasn’t so bad. Paul was the “chief of sinners” but we all were dead in sin. If you had been the only sinner, Christ still would have had to die for you. Sins are not the debt, sin is. James 2:10 shows that if we commit only one sin, it will keep us out of heaven.The difference between bad sinners and not so bad sinners isn’t how much sin we have, but how much we realize how much sin we have. We don’t go to hell because of our sins, but because we reject Jesus. All five of the above examples of the greatest Christians realized what the Lord had done for them. Matthew 5:22 and 28 makes us realize how bad we are. Where do we see how serious sin is to God? At the cross!

Question:
I also don’t understand verses 13 and 14. What does it mean when it says, “The love of Christ constrains us?” Does that mean that the love of Christ is what motivates them? And in verse 13 what are they beside themselves about?

Answer:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words tells us that the Greek word “sunecho,” translated “constrain” in 2 Corinthians 5:14, means to “hold together, confine, secure, to hold fast, to constrain.” The Spirit of God also uses this Greek word in Acts 18:5 to show the effect the Word of the Lord had upon Paul where we are told that he was “pressed in spirit” (A.V.), or “constrained by the Word” (R.V.) to testify to the Jews “that Jesus was the Christ.” In like manner in 2 Corinthians 5:14 we are told that the “love of Christ” constrains us.

I believe you are correct when you say: “motivates us,” or empowers, holds us together, etc. so that we do not live unto ourselves but unto Him who died for us and rose again. Therefore, how important it is that we are continually taken up with Christ’s love for us.Regarding your question about verse 13, we believe that we are told in the start of the section which begins with verse 9, what would have made them to be beside themselves. “Wherefore also we labor, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.” Vine’s Dictionary again helps by telling us that the Greek word translated “labor” means “to endeavor,” “make it our aim,” and “are ambitious.” Verse 13 is saying the same thing. “For whether we are beside ourselves, it is to God.”

Question:
When we get to heaven, how much will we understand? Will there still be confusion? Is it Scriptural that we will continue to learn throughout eternity?

Answer:
First Corinthians 13:11, 12 tells us, “Then shall I know even as also I am known.” First John 3:2 says: “When He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.” Revelation 21:6, 7 says, “I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son.”

The relationship between us as Father and sons will exist throughout eternity. We can’t possibly know all about God. He is the Creator and we are the created. His thoughts are far higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8, 9). But God “reveals” many things to us by His Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:9, 10). “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law” (Deuteronomy 29:29). By the Spirit of God indwelling the believer, he has the capacity to know all things (1 John 2:20, 27), and “there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed” (Matthew 10:26).
But what shall be revealed in the coming day in the glory? — “The glory of the Lord shall be revealed” (Isaiah 40:5; 1 Peter 4:13). Sin has kept His glory from being manifest on this earth, but soon “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8) will be proclaimed “King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15).
Everyone who is in His presence in heaven will have “fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalm 16:11). The Psalmist David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, also says: “As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness” (Psalm 17:15).Paul, who is held in high esteem as a mature Christian, had the desire, “That I may know Him” (Philippians 3:10). There are depths we will never know, but there is much we will know of Christ as we search the Scriptures and desire to know Him better. God will show us what He wants us to know, and what He chooses to withhold from us is according to His own Divine and perfect will. But this shouldn’t stop us from asking the Lord to know more. Once we get a taste of how wonderful Christ is, we will want to know more.

Question:
I also don’t understand 2 Corinthians 5:13 and 14. What does it mean when it says, “The love of Christ constrains us?” Does that mean that the love of Christ is what motivates them? And in verse 13 what are they beside themselves about?

But in John’s gospel, Jesus says that judgment has been committed to the Son. “For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son…” (John 5:22). How can I reconcile this with 1 Corinthians 6:1-4?
Anyway, what is judgment? My dad once told me that judgment is God saying what He thinks of something. Does judgment involve punishment for sin, or is that what condemnation involves?

Answer:
John 5:22 tells us that the Son only has the authority to judge people in all that they are and have done in their life of rebellion against God. And He will mete out righteous judgment after time has run its course (Revelation 20:12). But remember verse 24 which says that believers will not come into judgment (the word condemnation in the KJV should be judgment).

In 1 Corinthians 5 we are taught that believers are both competent and responsible to judge what they observe in the lives of other believers. One who is called “a brother” may be counted as a wicked person because of immorality. All evil deeds must be judged for what they are and the evil doer, though a brother, must be put outside of all fellowship with other believers until he is restored. When God teaches us righteousness by His Word, we are competent and responsible to judge evil wherever we see it and refuse fellowship with those who do it. After all, does Christ have fellowship with evil? and if we have fellowship with evil how can we have fellowship with Christ? In Galatians there was evil doctrine. Paul was inspired to give us God’s truth that those who taught it must be “cut off.” In Second John the elect lady was to refuse all association with the deceivers who brought not the doctrine of Christ. Other Scripture also teaches us that association with evil will defile, or ruin us as to being pure for Christ (see 1 Corinthians 15:33). So, in these things we are both competent and responsible to judge what we see, to refuse the evil and those that bring it, even though they may be true believers. For, again, our fellowship together with the Lord can only be enjoyed in the holiness of His truth.
In 1 Corinthians 6:1-4 we are told about a future day when in Christ’s kingdom we shall judge both the world and angels. Of course, then we shall be sinless and holy like He is. How it all will happen we are not told. We are told, as far as I can see, only the fact of it.

Matthew 7:1, 2 ought to be mentioned, because this Scripture forbids us to judge. Is this contradictory to the other Scriptures that teach us that we must judge? Not in the least. For here we are forbidden to judge because this has to do with things that we cannot see. I believe this has to do with things that are in one’s heart, where only God can see. So we are neither competent nor responsible here. In fact, if we do judge here, then we are being presumptuous, for we are intruding where only our God can go.Much more could be said on this subject. But I hope enough has been said so that our responsibility to the Lord in this matter is well understood, for what can be more important than our testimony to Him?

Question:
When we pray, to Whom should we address our prayer? Father, Son, Holy Spirit? Why do we pray “in Jesus name”?—The Scriptures tell us to ask in His name in John 14:13, 14, and 16:24, 26.

Answer:
We are not told in the Scriptures to pray to the Spirit. We pray “with” the Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:15), and the Spirit intercedes for us “according to the will of God” (Romans 8:26, 27). And the Holy Spirit speaks to us through the Word and makes His mind known at special times according to the principles of the Word (1 Corinthians 2:13).

The Lord tells us in John 16:24 that we now have the privilege to pray “in” Jesus’ name, and what weight He, “the Son of His love” (Colossians 1:13, J.N. Darby translation) has with the Father as He intercedes for us (Romans 8:34)!
In John 16:26, Jesus says that He will not pray to the Father for the disciples but that they can go to their Father with their prayers themselves. Since His death, resurrection, and glorification, we by the Spirit (Who indwells every believer—Romans 8:9) now cry “Abba Father” (Romans 8:15). Jesus instructs us to pray, “Our Father” (Luke 11:2). Paul thanked “God” many times in his epistles (Colossians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:2; etc).
We also now have the privilege to pray to the Lord Jesus Christ. (A) Stephen prayed to Jesus, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit…Lord lay not this sin to their charge” (Acts 7:59, 60). (B) Paul thanked “Christ Jesus our Lord” (1 Timothy 1:12), and said at his conversion: “Who art Thou Lord?” The Lord answered, “I am Jesus.” Then Paul said: “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” (Acts 9:5, 6). (C) All believers when led of the Spirit pray, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).
Jesus and the Father are one in purpose and whoever has seen Jesus has seen the Father (John 14:9-11), for He hath declared the Father (John 1:18). If we could fully understand the Trinity of the Godhead we would be God. But the Spirit of God has told us some valuable and beautiful truths about the wonderful relationship the Father and the Son have had from eternity past. And this relationship can never change. In Proverbs 8:25-30, “wisdom,” who is the Son (1 Corinthians 1:30), is speaking: “Before the mountains were settled…Then I was by Him [the Father] …and I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him.” What beautiful harmony and bliss they have enjoyed in the endless ages of eternity past and will enjoy throughout eternity future! Even when Jesus was here on this earth, we are told that He was “the Son of man which is in heaven” (John 3:13). His mind and heart were with His Father in heaven while He walked on this earth, and while here He delighted in doing His Father’s business (Psalm 40:8; Luke 2:49). When He had “finished the work” His Father gave Him to do, the Father restored to Him the glory which He had with His Father “before the world was” (John 17:4,5).

Question:
What does it mean when it says that “we have known Christ according to the flesh”? Or what does it mean to regard someone according to the flesh? According to our flesh or according to their flesh?

Answer:
This question is asking for the meaning of 2 Corinthians 5:16. Verses 15 and 17 must be read along with verse 16 in order to understand the truth of verse 16. The entire human race was dead in sin before God and so Christ had to die if any were to have the life that God gives, by faith in Christ Jesus so as to be able to live unto Him. God’s work of redemption includes a new creation within those who have been redeemed by Christ. These are, therefore, able to live unto God. They have the glory before them which is now where their home is. They no longer belong to this world for they have been translated into the kingdom of the Son of His love (Colossians 1:13). They were in the flesh. Now they are in Christ.

Those who belong to this world we really do not “know,” for they are “after the flesh.” And that is all they are, flesh. They belong to this sinful age (world), are dead in sin and can only live according to their sinful lusts. They are doomed to eternal perdition. This is why we cannot really have any true friends among Adam’s race, who are the unsaved.

 

But those who have been redeemed by Christ, we know in a new way. They ARE Christ’s, a new creation in Him. Heaven is their home. They don’t belong to this age (world). And even though they are living on this earth with sin dwelling in them and with the possibility of committing sin, we don’t know them “after the flesh,” for sin has been judged and put away. We know them as God knows them: IN CHRIST, because the old things have passed away and everything has become new. This is because of being IN CHRIST, of course.
Our knowledge of believers then is what is according to the new creation and not the old. Ephesians 5:21 also teaches us this: “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.” We need to respect and accept what we see of Christ in one another.

However, when we consider all of this in relation to Christ, the question of sin in His Person must be left out, for sin never did nor could defile Him in any way. Yet, He came in the LIKENESS of sinful flesh and offered Himself as a sin offering to God and put away sin forever by the sacrifice of Himself. So He, the True Man, lived and died in this sinful world in a body of flesh and blood, but He never belonged to it just as we do not since we are in Him. And we will never know Him as a Man alive in this world as the disciples of the Bible once did, but never will again. “Though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we Him no more.”
So this 16th verse is teaching us that we know Christ as glorified and one another as glorified together in Him according to God’s eternal purpose, and in no other way.Let the truth of this verse challenge us daily to walk only in the Spirit so that we may truly love one another for our common edification and encouragement, putting away all selfish interests.

Question:
When was the marriage ceremony first initiated?

Answer:
One of the first recorded weddings was when Laban gave Leah to Jacob (Genesis 29:22-30), and made a feast.

Ephesians 5:23-32 shows that marriage is a figure of Christ’s union with His bride, the church.
How does God see marriage? Is the marriage ceremony just a custom we practice?—In the first marriage, God brought the woman to the man and they became “one flesh” (Genesis 2:22-25).
What is a definition of marriage?—When a man and a woman live together as man and wife. The laws of the land are given to us to maintain godly order in marriage, and we should follow these legalities in getting married (Romans 13:1).Jesus attended the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-10), and thus gave His sanction to the wedding and the marriage. He also supplied the wine that brought joy to the feast. Only He can bring true joy to a wedding and a marriage.

Question:
Who is on the Lord’s side?

Answer:
This question was once asked by Moses (see Exodus 32:26—read the whole chapter to get the context in which it was asked) and we see that those who were on the Lord’s side were willing to put God first, above family, friends, and neighbors. Moses also said in verse 29, “Consecrate yourselves today to the Lord.” To “consecrate” is to “dedicate.” It also has the thought of being “set apart.” To be “on the Lord’s side” involves being “set apart” to Him.

Before one can be consecrated to the Lord, and thus be on the Lord’s side, one must be born again (John 3:3,5). Until one is born again, he/she is actually an enemy of God and is AGAINST the Lord. Read Romans 8:7 and Colossians 1:21. These verses describe our condition before we are born again and we see clearly that it is one of enmity against God. The flesh [the fallen Adamic nature] hates God and is not subject to Him. But when the new birth occurs, a new nature is given enabling the child of God to love Him and to be subject to Him. This love for the Lord results in consecration to the Lord and putting Him first in our lives.

There is no middle ground to occupy. We are either “on the Lord’s side,” or we are “against Him.” Jesus stated this emphatically in Matthew 12:30, “He that is not with Me is against Me.”

Question:
Ephesians 5:18—What similarities are there between being drunk and being filled with the Spirit?

Answer:
1. You do things you normally wouldn’t do.
2. The more you get, the more you want.

3. Boldness (inhibitions are removed).
What is our purpose when going on vacation?—The Lord said to His disciples, “Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat” (Mark 6:31).
He said come apart and rest awhile, not go from Him. Along with getting rest, a change of scenery, and time alone with the Lord, maybe the Lord has directed us to vacation at a place to do His work—give out tracts, show and tell about Christ!Is it possible to do His work while resting? — Mary did while sitting at His feet.

Question:
If Jesus did not die for sin, what would become of the world?

Answer:
We can say on the authority of the Word of God that had not Jesus died for sin, the whole world would be consigned to the lake of fire for all eternity. “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23) and “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). This is the two-fold penalty for sin and had not Jesus endured this penalty on the cross of Calvary, God’s holiness would have demanded that the world, which is made up of sinners, be “cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15).

The Bible says that “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). This verse is speaking of God’s intrinsic holiness and because God is holy, He cannot tolerate sin. He must judge sin. But thank God that we also learn that “God is love” (1 John 4:8), and that His love found a way to redeem sinful men from the judgment they so richly deserved (see John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:9, 10). The cross of Christ, where Jesus died and was judged for sin, is that way. Without it, no one would escape the two-fold penalty for sin. All, without exception, would experience the wrath of God abiding upon them for a never-ending eternity (see John 3:36b—this is the doom of all who refuse to avail themselves of God’s provision of salvation through His beloved Son).

Question:
Should we always accept what an older person tells us if he has Scripture?

Answer:
We should search the Scriptures ourselves to make sure it is right (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15).

In order to help others, our walk must be right—not just our talk.

Question:
Do women have to wear head coverings when praying in private?

Answer:
We have instruction regarding head coverings in 1 Corinthians 11:1-16, where we learn about the headship, or positions of authority, that God has established in creation. The book of Corinthians is full of teaching concerning the assembly God’s people. In fact, the portion that immediately follows verse 16 in chapter 11 directly addresses one of the assembly meetings. Therefore, we can be certain that the instruction regarding wearing head coverings should be carried out when there is praying or prophesying in public meetings of the assembly.

Now in direct response to the question, we are not given specific instruction regarding the wearing of head coverings in times of private prayer, only in the public realm of assembly gatherings. Since God has not given us clear instruction regarding the wearing of head coverings during private prayer, this matter must be one that the Lord wants us to decide on an individual basis.
Some women believe that they should wear head coverings when praying in private since the truth of headship still exists even when no man is present. They want to continue to express their God-given place in His order of headship since they know that the angels are still watching them, even when no one else is present (1 Corinthians 11:10). However, other women believe that God can see their desire to be in their proper position in God’s order of headship and so do not need to outwardly express this belief by wearing a head covering when they are privately praying.Therefore, since Scripture does not directly address the wearing of head coverings while in private prayer, God will show His will regarding this matter to all who desire to do that will (John 7:17). May our desire be to do all to the glory of God in this particular matter.

Question:
Benefits of Christianity (continued): (All of these benefits the believer has and the world does not have.)

Answer:
1. The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22, 23).
2. Persecution a privilege as we live for Christ (1 Peter 3:14 & 4:14).

3. The Spirit indwells the believer (John 14:16-33).

4. The bond with other Christians (John 17:21).

5. The prospect of being with Christ in the glory (John 17:24).

6. To be separated unto Him by the Word (John 17:17).
We need to have a balance between the Word and the Spirit. We can’t have one without the other. We each need to be a skilled workman to blend the Word and the Spirit together.
When we’re saved, we get the Spirit. He doesn’t come and go (Romans 8:9). But we should be “filled” or controlled by the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). We may have the Spirit, but not have spirit, and vice versa.
He doesn’t give the Spirit by measure (John 3:34). You either have Him or you don’t have Him—you can’t cut Him in half. The more we take away self, the more the Spirit can shine through us. Not that we get more of the Spirit, but that He gets more of us.The Spirit is the “seal” of ownership (Ephesians 1:13, 14), having the Spirit shows that we are God’s. “Sealed” in verse 13 is in the past tense. “Filled” in Ephesians 5:18 is an ongoing thing.

Question:
Does God hear the prayers of an unbeliever?

Answer:
No. “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me” (Psalm 66:18). “The Lord is far from the wicked: but He heareth the prayer of the righteous” (Proverbs 15:29).

God graciously promises: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to ALL MEN liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5). However, we are told that in the coming day, “Then shall they call upon Me, but I will not answer; they shall seek Me early, but they shall not find Me” (Proverbs 1:28). “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2). John 9:31 says, “Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth His will, him He heareth.”We praise God that we by faith can approach God due to Christ’s work on the cross for us. “For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19).

Question:
What is the difference between a young man and an old man?

Answer:
1 John 2:12-14:

Young men are fighting, but when learning to use the sword, they don’t always use it rightly for they are practicing.
The babes in Christ know their sins are forgiven.
The young men overcome the wicked one through the Word, so get to know the Word.
The old men or fathers are taken up with Christ, He who is “from the beginning.” So young men, when we mess up, all is not lost. Learn to know Christ better in the Word, and learn from the experience. Be Peters not Thomases.

Question:
In Romans 8:26, what does it mean when it says, “…but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered”?

Answer:
The Holy Spirit which lives in us (believers) intercedes for us to the Father. The first part of Romans 8:26 says: “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought.” He fully understands our needs and tells the Father what they are with groanings that can’t be told to us.

The Holy Spirit which lives in us (believers), also for example, “comes in” and gives us the “right” words to say when witnessing to someone else, etc. As the Lord told His disciples: “But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Spirit” (Mark 13:11).

Question:
Can we also do good when doing bad?

Answer:
God can bring good out of our mistakes.

Examples:
Moses hit the rock instead of speaking to it, but the water still came out:
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink. . . . And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also” (Numbers 20:7-8, 11).
Peter cut off the servant of the high priest’s ear, but glory was brought to God by healing the ear:

“Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus” (John 18:10). “And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And He touched his ear, and healed him” (Luke 22:51).

What can we do before we act?—Pray.

 

What happens if we pray and still mess up? We should act according to the principles of the Word. We don’t need to pray about things that we are told in the Word to do or not to do. Just do (or don’t do) them.

Question:
Could Jesus have sinned? If not, what was the purpose of Him being tempted by Satan in the wilderness? (Luke 4:1-13).

Answer:
No, Jesus could not have sinned because the Scriptures say, “In Him is no sin” (1 John 3:5). He is “holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens” (Hebrews 7:26). He “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin [or sin apart]” (Hebrews 4:15).

The reason He was tempted by Satan was to prove that He could not sin. 1 John 3:5 reads: “And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin.”