Break Up Your Fallow Ground Our intention in looking at the writings in the book of Jeremiah is to not only gain insight into its meaning for its original recipients, but hopefully to come away with a message for ourselves as spiritual Israel. As discussed previously in our feature series, the primary message that the prophet was to deliver from Yahweh was of Jerusalem’s coming destruction through an invasion from the north. Then the Lord said unto me, Out of the north an evi

Question or Topic In the following verse, does the circumstances of "time and chance" relate only to men in general, or does it also refer to those who are in covenant? Ecclesiastes 9:11 I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. Scripture Ecclesiastes 9:11 Answer This questio

Question or Topic We read the following concerning Pharaoh – "And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to show in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth" (Exodus 9:16). We know that God also is said to have hardened his heart. How do we explain this process to others, based on our understanding of free will? Scripture Exodus 9:16 Answer The ways of providence are one of the most remarkable demonstrations that we have in the

Question or Topic The verse reads: "For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment". Scripture II Peter 2:4 Answer As we consider this question, we look first at some of the meanings of the words involved. The word angel in this passage is from the Greek aggelos {ang'-el-os}, and refers to someone who brings tidings, or a messenger, and by implication a pastor. The word "sinned

Question or Topic Will we actually "see God" if granted immortality? Scripture Exodus 33:11,20 Answer As we attempt to answer this question, I am aware that there are those who feel strongly about this issue. Some feel that we will indeed "see God", while others insist otherwise. In expressing my thoughts on this matter, it is my hope that our readers will be stimulated to provide us with some help on this difficult subject. Moses We will begin by looking at Moses, who provid

Question or Topic We read in Revelation 20:2,7 that "the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan" is bound for a thousand years and then loosed. There are at least two opinions on how these words should be interpreted. How would you recommend dealing with the lack of agreement? Scripture Revelation 20 Answer We would normally avoid this subject. It is one that is very controversial. Whenever brethren attempt to discuss this issue, it often leads to confusion a

Question or Topic There are several instances in the New Testament similar to Luke 8:28 where Jesus is told: "What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high". This phrase also appears several times in the Old Testament. For example, in I Kings 17:18, Elijah is told: "What have I to do with thee, O thou man of God?" The expression seems to be associated with the healing of an affliction that has been brought on through the consequences of either personal sin, or

Question or Topic Why don't disciples of Christ vote? "Whenever we go through an election period I am often asked about voting. I usually manage to skirt the issue, but often end up asking myself again; exactly why do I refrain from voting? I would appreciate some help with this subject." Scripture Hebrews 11:13-16 Answer We recognize that it is not expedient for faithful servants of God to entangle themselves with the affairs of this life. However, we may find it difficult t

Question or Topic What did the Apostle Paul mean when he told the Corinthians: "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"? Scripture I Corinthians 5:5 Answer This chapter contains a very unusual description of a specific case involving a brother who had sinned. The ecclesia was being scolded by Paul for their reluctance in addressing the issue. It is difficult to believe that there could have

Question or Topic "And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene." I am unable to find an Old Testament reference to support this claim. Can you help? Scripture Matthew 2:23 Answer The most direct answer to your question is no. There does not appear to be a direct OT quotation that supports the implication made in Matthew's writing. The critics have long used this verse as an exampl