Questions and Answers Are there 2 kingdoms because the Bible says that there is a heavenly kingdom, yet the Bible also says that the church is the kingdom? Did the church of the first century disappear after the first century and resurface out of the Protestant movement when Alexander Campbell left his Presbyterian roots to go only by the Bible in the 18th century? Can a homosexual be saved? Can women teach and preach? Do we have a right to judge? Does Satan have the ability or authority to read our minds and plant evil thoughts? From where did Christ ascend: Bethany or Olivet? How did the lions keep their mouths shut when Daniel was in the den? How should we dress according to the Bible? Is God the author of good or evil? Is smoking o.k. from the Bible stand point? Knowing that musical instruments in worship is forbidden by God, is it acceptable to play Christian/Gospel music or listen to Gospel music that is in the form of "rock and roll," bluegrass, country, pop and other areas of music? What are the ways one can be divorced? What can one do when they have anxiety or worry about things in life? What does it mean in Hebrews 13:2 which says, "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” What is the "day" mentioned in Hebrews 10:25? What is the origin of Satan? What is the purpose of fasting and should it be observed today? Where can one learn more about faith? Where did the Pharisees come from? When the Bible says to love thy neighbor as thyself, what do you do when they are gay (Homosexuals or Lesbians)? When we die, do our souls just sleep in the ground with the body? Why did God allow the dinosaurs to go extinct? Why does the Church of Christ contend so much for what you call Truth and why do you try to bind your interpretation on everyone else? Will Christians know one another in Heaven? Why did God decided not to destroyed the world with flood again? Does any sin merit a public confession? Are there 2 kingdoms because the Bible says that there is a heavenly kingdom, yet the Bible also says that the church is the kingdom? Paul said, “And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever.” (2 Tim. 4:18) Likewise Peter said, “For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (2 Pet. 1:11) So what is the kingdom? Well, we know that Christ is the King over the kingdom. (Col. 1:18) Second, the scriptures tell us that the church is the kingdom. (Matt. 16:18ff), but are there 2 different kingdoms? This answer is no. Christians (ones added to the church by the Lord) have been translated meaning that they are citizens in the kingdom. (Col. 1:13, 14) The kingdom on earth is not a physical kingdom, but a spiritual one and when faithful Christians die, they will go to Abraham’s bosom and be reunited with the brethren there. Likewise when the world is destroyed, the kingdom will be collected from those living on earth at the time and those in Abraham’s bosom to be delivered to the Father and all be given entrance into Heaven which is the heavenly country where God has prepared the kingdom a city to dwell in. (Heb. 11:16) Now, we know that only the faithful will be there (Rev. 2:10). And, we know that the kingdom is a spiritual place where flesh and blood cannot dwell. (Rom. 8:1-16) This is why no man will every destroy the kingdom neither can it be moved because once the church was established, it will continue on for all eternity. (Dan. 2:44) Robert Notgrass Back to Top Did the church of the first century disappear after the first century and resurface out of the Protestant movement when Alexander Campbell left his Presbyterian roots to go only by the Bible in the 18th century? There is no doubt that when the Lord came to establish the church during the Roman Empire, that trouble was soon to follow. After A.D. 100 Christians began to be burned alive by the Roman Emperor Nero and since the apostles died out, the church was no longer under the purity of the apostles which meant that many would come and pervert or change the church. (Acts. 20:28-30) However, this did not cause the church to disappear. Between A.D. 100-150, the apostolic fathers (those who knew apostles) continued to keep the purity of the gospel even though Gnosticism (which relied upon man’s wisdom and not God’s) had broken out among the church. But, false teachers did not stop church growth even between A.D. 150-250, when Christians were forced to worship in secret and in underground Christian cities because Roman Laws declared the Church of Christ as an illegal church. In A.D. 260-311, Christianity was legalized and were given free rights to worship God, but it was not until A.D. 292 that persecutions stopped. This later made easy access for the Catholic Church to be born incorporating paganism into the worship of God while claiming that they are the church of A.D. 33. This opened doors of the 1,000 year reign, sinful babies, infant baptism, Celibacy, Easter Celebrations, and many others, but the church survived. In A.D. 469, when the Saxons invaded Britain overthrowing Christianity, they killed the Christian king Arthur the Great who was known and written about to only go by the Bible. Even during the Crusades of 1073 to gain Jerusalem back from Mohammad and the Muslims, Christians such as Gundulphus 1025, Berengar of Tours 1088, Pierre de Bruys 1140, Henry of Toulouse 1150 and several others were still found being persecuted as recorded in the Catholic church records of persecutions for preaching the whole council of God. Furthermore, in 1166 Christians are seen persuading Henry II and teaching autonomous congregations, practicing baptism for the remission of sins (which no other church did) and called themselves the true church of Christ. This church as well as the Church of Christ in Oxford 1157, the Hill Cliffe Church of 1357, the Wales church of Christ in 1417 and many others were established before Martin Luther in the late 1490's, John Calvin 1500's, the continental Anabaptist movement of 1525, before the reformation of 1517, and before the English separation from the Catholic church in 1596. Also a Catholic priest Abraham 1428, Thomas Begley 1431 from London, Richard Wick 1439, Brabram 1499 were all charged with heresy for preaching the whole council of God and burned alive by the Catholic church. The fact is that restoration of the church established by Christ has always been in motion. Now, in the 1600's denominations such as Presbyterians, Baptist, Methodist, Quakers and many others fled to America after the Catholic church tried to destroy them all during 8 civil wars. But, while they were fighting, a famous preacher for the Lord’s church emerges in the middle 1600's in England, Henry Denne. Also, a book entitled ‘Believers Baptism from Heaven and of Divine Institution’ was written in 1691 by Hercules Collins, a minister of a church of Christ in Wapping, England who stated that the church of Christ had been practicing baptism for the remission sins for the past 2 centuries which was before the catholic church labeled the Anabaptist who rebelled against the church because of their differences in baptism. Now, In 1701 a picture is seen labeled the church of Christ in Monksthorpe, 1653. Other churches of Christ would include the church of Christ at Loughton (1663) and the Wall End church of Christ 1662 who still worships there today. Also, John Milton who wrote ‘Paradise Lost’ left his Presbyterian religion and became a member of the Lord’s church in the 1600's. But, during the 1600's the Lord’s church was labeled as and independent, separists or dissenting church. Now, all of these churches mentioned is documented in believing that: the body of Christ is the universal church, that it was founded by Christ and must wear a name that honors him, Christ is the only creed (the bible) and must be scriptural in organization, each congregation is autonomous and partake in the 5 commands of worship, no clergy laity allowed and that Gospel preachers wear religious titles, water baptism was the final act of the new birth of water and spirit, faithful local churches encourage members to live godly loves upholding biblical standards for morals, plead for complete obedience to Christ and seek unity based upon the apostles teachings including stopping religious error from flourishing. Now, this sounds exactly like the teachings of Churches of Christ today. Now, Alexander Campbell as well as others in the early 18th century did much work for the church, but this obviously is not the restart of the kingdom? In 1755, Robert Sandeman began to restore NT Christianity and by 1763, he established the Lord's church in Boston, Massachusetts, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Danbury, Connecticut. Now Thomas Campbell did not arrive until 1807 and while Alexander Campbell believed it was possible to restore the church of the New Testament by using the Bible as a blue print, he did not come to America until September 29, 1809. Now, when they came to America, they found men already involved in pleading for the complete restoration of the first century church of Christ, to speak where the Bible speaks, to be silent where the Bible is silent and renounce the practice of calling themselves names after their earthly leaders, that everyone obeying the Scriptures should be called "Christians." (Acts 11:26), and would be, by the Lord, added to His church (Acts 2:47) in baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). So they did contribute to the cause of Christ, but so does everyone who is a Christian today. Also, there is tombstone evidence that shows William Rodgers joined the church of Christ in cane ridge by 1807, 2 years before Alexander Campbell came to America in 1809. Likewise the Old Philadelphia church of Christ in Mississippi began in 1804, in Arkansas state records for Davidsonville County have registered a church of Christ in 1806 as well as another church of Christ in Randolph county, Arkansas, 1806. Matt. 16:18, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” So, the church has never disappeared and was never restarted by Alexander Campbell. It has always been here and it is proven in several documents, photos, church records and many other writing throughout history. Robert Notgrass Back to Top Can a homosexual be saved? The Bible teaches that homosexuality is a sin. Looking at Rom. 1:26-32 we read, “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” In that regard, homosexuality is no different from any other sin. Now, if one lives a life of sin, then one cannot expect to be saved because the wages of sin are death (Rom. 6:23). Well, some say that one is born a homosexual and that they cannot help being one. However, God says otherwise. Why would God warn us not to be together with the same sex if we could not control ourselves? You see, while God is not a respecter of persons, it is only when one repents of sin and is converted that one may come into a state of salvation (Acts 3:19) and not before then. This requires one to be baptized and to be forgiven of sin (Acts 2:38, Romans 6:1-11). Therefore in that regard, a person who has lived the life of a homosexual, but has repented and stopped living that life, may be saved. Notice that Paul said, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Cor. 6:9-11). However, if one is living the life of a homosexual and is unrepentant of such a life, they are not washed, they are not sanctified nor justified and eternal torment is the only reward that they can expect from God (Revelation 21:8). So, a homosexual would need to repent and turn to God before facing the judgment. Otherwise, they are lost as any other sinner would be. Remember that God loves the person, but always hates sin and homosexuality which includes lesbianism and bestiality is immorally wrong and is a sin and individuals who practice such things will never inherit the kingdom of God according to God. Robert Notgrass Back to Top Can women teach and preach? In the New Testament, God’s handmaidens were among those receiving miraculous benefits of the Holy Spirit in the age of miracles which was prophesied. “And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:” (Acts. 2:18) However, Paul forbad a woman to usurp authority over the man. “Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve.” (1 Tim. 2:11-13) Now, the Scriptures are abundant with references to women teaching. However, they were forbidden to teach or pray “over the man.” Philip had 4 daughters who prophesied. “And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.” (Acts 21:9) Priscilla and Aquila taught Apollos “And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.” (Acts 18:26) However, these women did not usurp authority by doing so over the man. Furthermore, the wives of the prophets could not interpret their husbands and thereby usurp authority. “Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.” (1 Cor. 14:29-35) Robert Notgrass Back to Top Do we have a right to judge? “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” (Matt. 7:1) It is clear that Jesus did not intend to forbid judgment of all kinds because he said in Jn. 7:24, “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” Has anyone every told you that you were wrong or made a mistake? This is judging. Can you imagine what the world would be like if no one judged anyone? We would have murderers, rapists, and many others who are in prison back out onto the street. Furthermore, it would not be wrong for someone to break into your house and it would be wrong to defend your house because that is judging another. Judgments issuing from civil courts, when not in violation of God’s higher laws, are to be accepted. (Rom. 12:1-ff) Now, the Bible tells that we are to prove all things (1 Thess. 5:21) and how can we prove all things if we cannot say what is right and what is wrong because calling something right or wrong is judging? Now, we know that as a tree is known by it fruit (Matt. 3:16-20), so do we judge of the character of men by their conduct. For, “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?” (1 Cor. 6:2) John an inspired apostle, judged an evil man in the church, Diotrophes (3 Jn. 9) Furthermore, Paul admonished Titus and said, “A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” (Tit. 3:10, 11) Also, it is the duty of the church to withdraw from those who “walk disorderly” (2 Thess. 3:6-12) and this, of course, requires passing judgment upon the conduct and disposition, of the person, or persons, involved. (Rom. 16:17) Now, there are occasions when it is necessary, for the good of the brotherhood, to speak boldly and positively against men, women, and movements in the church which threatens the peace and purity of the church. The Bible teaches that we are to charge or command not to teach other doctrines or fables. (1 Tim. 1:3, 4) Also, the Bible commands that we fight the “good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.” (1 Tim. 1:18-20) Furthermore, Paul said, “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting (harping upon) about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.” (1 Tim. 6:3-5) Again the gospel calls out and judges Hymenaeus again publically as well as Philetus who erred from the gospel and taught profane and vain babblings and other ungodliness to overthrow the faith of some. (2 Tim. 2:15-18) Now, how is it possible not to judge another when the Bible clearly teaches to judge with righteous judgment? Furthermore, do we not read the book of Titus where it says, “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.” (Tit. 1:9-11) Now, to fail to do this righteous judging, when the Cause we love is attacked by those who would corrupt or destroy it, is to abandon his duty as a Christian and become treasonous to our trust. Paul positively declared that we “judge” them that are within: meaning within the church. (1 Cor. 5:12) This means that actions are required to make an appraisal of the character and conduct of those particularly involved. When Jesus said, “Judge not,” he forbade unkind, unjustified and improper censure resulting from hasty and superficial investigation, and without regard for the well-being of the person, or persons criticized. Jesus warned, “For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” (Matt. 7:2) People who are kind and forgiving toward others usually experience tolerance from others themselves; those who are harsh, censorious and critical toward others find that others exhibit much the same disposition toward them. So, how can we keep those who seek to completely destroy our faith and the church out of our lives without righteous judgment? We can’t! Robert Notgrass Back to Top Does Satan have the ability or authority to read our minds and plant evil thoughts? Well, I know that we have free will and that we allow ourselves to make bad choices but the question is: does the Devil have this ability? No, I don't believe so. At one time, Satan certainly had such power even to the point of having demons possess individuals against their own free will. However today, Satan has been bound by Christ and no longer exercises the same kind of power he once had. The Hebrew writer said, “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;” (Heb. 2:14) Through Christ's death, he bound the power of the Devil. Consider if you will that John wrote, “And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,” (Rev. 20:2). Satan's direct power over the mind of man has been removed. Otherwise, we could say before God at judgment that it was not me that sinned, it was the Devil: “He made me do it.” Now with these things said, this does not mean that Satan has no influence on men today. Peter advised us to, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1 Pet. 5:8). Thus, we are to resist him and his influences on our lives. Now today, we are tempted by means of our own lusts. For, “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” (Jam. 1:13-15) This rises from within ourselves. Satan certainly can place things in our path that he knows will tempt us, but those temptations come from desires and thoughts that we originate. Remember, Jesus said that it was out of the human heart that evil comes in our lives ( Matthew 15:18-20). This is where we need to focus our efforts, not upon worrying whether or not Satan can directly put evil thoughts into our minds. Robert Notgrass Back to Top From where did Christ ascend: Bethany or Olivet? Luke records that the Lord went into Heaven from a place as far as to Bethany or over against Bethany. “And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.” (Lk. 24:50) However, Luke also records that upon the Lord’s ascension, the disciples returned unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet. “And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.” (Acts 1:9-12) Notice that Luke in Acts does not say from which side of the Mount of Olives the Lord ascended. Now, on the western side of the mountain, it was a Sabbath’s Day journey from Jerusalem. However, on the eastern side of the mountain, the road leads down to Bethany, “over against Bethany” which means in the direction of Bethany. The return trip of the apostles to Jerusalem would take them back over the mountain from the eastern side of the mountain where they could see Bethany to the western side of the mountain where Jerusalem was. Robert Notgrass Back to Top How did the lions keep their mouths shut when Daniel was in the den? Daniel was a man of God and was made the 1st president over the entire realm and over the other 2 presidents because he had an excellent spirit. However, because of jealousy, the presidents and princes sought to find fault with Daniel. And since they could not find fault with him, they appealed to Darius to make a decree that anyone who worships any god other than their fire god, that individual would be put into a den of lions. “Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.” (Dan. 6:8) This means that once the law was written (according to the Medes and Persian Empire), it was unchangeable. However, Daniel did not keep this law and therefore he was sent to the lion’s den. Daniel was placed in the den of lions even when king Darius really wanted to deliver him from such a terrible place. For, Darius was concerned for Daniel, but Daniel was not concerned because he was confident that God would take care of him. Therefore, while Daniel was in the lion’s den with 600+ pounds of ferocious lions walking about, Daniel recorded, “My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.” (Dan. 6:22) An angel had come to the rescue of Daniel by the will of God and since the people saw the power of God, the king was glad to release Daniel. But, the king not only released Daniel, he also made an address to the people under his kingship and throughout the world. Daniel records, “Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.” (Dan. 6:25-27) Because of Daniel’s great faith and the power of God using angelic force to stop the lions from devouring Daniel, King Darius told all to fear the living God. Robert Notgrass Back to Top How should we dress according to the Bible? Solomon wrote, “And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.” (Prov. 7:10) Notice that Solomon addresses the harlot’s attire who was lying in wait for a man, caught him, kissed him and enticed him with sweet words (Prov. 7:12-20). She used the seductiveness of revealing or suggestive clothing to entice another. Now in the beginning, God made man and woman (Gen. 1:26; 2:13) and joined them in marriage one to another by which they were naked and not ashamed (gen. 2:24-25). Yet, when Adam and Eve sinned and became ashamed of their nakedness, they sewed together aprons of fig leaves (Gen. 3:7). However, despite this effort to clothe themselves, they were still naked in the eyes of God by which he clothed them more adequately by making coats of skins (Gen. 3:21). Thus, God showed them what was acceptable to wear. Over the millenniums, when one views the television today, there is lewdness of dress exhibited by men, women and sadly even children. Oddly enough, parents even encourage their children to parade their nakedness in public view which includes but is not limited to: mini skirts, string bikinis, thongs, push-up bras, low cut blouses, and all those clothes, that as one designer said, gives us a, “look at me attitude.” Furthermore, there are many who wear their clothes so tight that you can actually read the labels of their undergarments! Thus, we live in a sexual world by which we are bombarded with sexual billboards, sexual song lyrics, sexual commercials laced with sexual innuendoes and with mothers who claim, “if ya got it, flaunt it!” They have forgotten God and they have forgotten what God showed Adam and Eve as being acceptable. Peter commanded to, “not fashioning yourselves according to your former lusts . . . be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living (1 Pet. 1:13-16 ASV). Yet we live in a world, by which many Christians, sadly, show little concern for their manner of dress and present themselves shameful and embarrassing to God. Now while stating this claim, notice that the Bible says nothing about current styles and many would classify the styles of the Bible as: “That was then . . . that is too old fashion . . . those are out of date . . . things have changed since then,” but has God really become too old fashion? I hope this is not what we are trying to say. The fact is, God has always demanded a certain dress code. In the Old Testament, the priest had a high standard of modesty (Lev. 8:6-9) because he commanded the priest to be set apart by their dress. This command was to Aaron, his sons and priest after them. So, they were to be clothed by God’s standards. Thus the question is, by whose standards are many Christians living by, when they wear clothing so tightly that the entire chest of a woman is exposed or you see on a man what his mother and father saw at birth? Now, some may say, “Well that is under the Old Testament and not under the New Testament.” O.K. First of all, “whatsoever things are written afortime are written for our learning . . . “ (Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:11-12). Second, whatsoever (meaning everything) ye do in word (meaning by your voice) or deed (meaning an act of doing), do all in the name of the Lord (Col. 3:17). Now, when one wears something that is immodest, would he still wear it in front of Jesus’s face? Third, the New Covenant calls Christians priest (Rev. 1:6). Therefore my question is: Who was the person who said that it does not matter what the priest (Christians) under the New Testament wear? Were is the book, chapter and verse for backing it up? Thus, if Christians are to be the royal priesthood and holy nation (1 Pet. 2:9), are we not also to be, “holy in all manner of conversation (which means living)” (1 Pet. 1:15-16). In addition, wasn’t it the apostle Paul who commanded that, “women adorn themselves in modest apparel” (1 Tim. 2:9-10)? The fact is, God wants purity out of his children. He does not want the Christian’s body to become an instrument of lust (Matt. 5:28). He desires Christians to glorify God in our bodies and in spirit because they belong to him (1 Cor. 6:19-20). So, is God’s requirement for proper dress difficult to understand or are there those who are trying to find some sort of loophole in the Gospel so that we may wear something inappropriate? If Christians are to exhibit Christ in their lives, then before they leave the house, they need to look in the mirror and hold a Bible right next to them and ask, “Is this acceptable to God?” When thinking about our decency think of it this way: Our mates (husband and wife) ONLY have privileges of viewing and touching that which is to be covered (1 Cor. 7:4-5). NO ONE ELSE IS PERMITTED TO HAVE THIS RIGHT. Therefore, why should we tempt another to lust? Let’s keep ourselves clothed in modesty according to God’s standard and not to our own! Robert Notgrass Back to Top Is God the author of good or evil? Well, first of all, “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” (1 Cor. 14:33) Second, “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” (Deut. 32:4) Third the Scriptures says, “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:” (Jam. 1:13) So, according to these Scriptures the answer to this question would be, NO. However, Solomon wrote, “Out of the mouth of the most High proceedeth not evil and good?” (Lam. 3:38) The prophet Jeremiah wrote, “Now therefore go to, speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you: return ye now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good.” (Jer. 18:11) Likewise, Isaiah records, “I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.” (Isa. 45:7) In addition, the Scriptures talks about evil in a city and claims that the Lord had done it (Amos. 3:6) Also, it mentions, “Wherefore I gave them also statutes that were not good, and judgments whereby they should not live;” (Ezek. 20:25) So, the Scriptures records that God is the author of good and evil, but what does this mean? Well, Jesus said, “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.” (Matt 7:18) The word “evil” has more than one meaning. It means punishment and it also means sin. The Scriptures tells us that God does not sin nor does he tempt others to sin. However, he does punish those who sin and in that way inflicts evil (punishment or judgment) upon them. Notice these verses: “Because of the sins of Jeroboam which he sinned, and which he made Israel sin, by his provocation wherewith he provoked the LORD God of Israel to anger.” (1 Kgs. 15:30) Job records, “But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.” (Job 2:10) Again Isaiah said, “I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.” (Isa. 45:7) So, while God brings peace and happiness to those who obey him, he also brings calamity (tragedy) upon those who disobey him and a good example of this was Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel records, “While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.” (Dan. 4:31, 32) Robert Notgrass Back to Top Is smoking o.k. from the Bible stand point? Smoking as well as many other things are habit forming, yet does the Bible say anything directly about smoking? Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16) Now the question is: “Is smoking a good work which glorifies God?” Our lives are to be of service to God. Paul said, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Rom. 12:1, 2) Therefore, since one is to glorify God and we are to present ourselves holy and acceptable to God, what verse does a smoker use to justify his use of tobacco? Perhaps he uses the verse, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Col. 3:17) Perhaps he tells others of the scriptures that say, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor. 10:31) Did Jesus smoke? Does smoking spread the kingdom of God further? Now, some may say that ‘those who are obese and eat too much is just as much of a sin as smoking, right?’ Well, the answer to this is No. Severe gluttony can damage the body, but smoking does so much more damage. First of all we must consider what is obese. For, in the world today obesity is measured by athletes and the perfect body of lean muscles and little to no fat. However, these standards are ever changing for only 100 years ago one who was considered average then, would today be classified as clinically obese. Secondly, smoking unlike eating causes harm to other people. Tobacco itself has been labeled a drug and those standing around you or riding in the car with one that smokes has no greater health than one who wraps his lips around a car’s exhaust pipe. Tobacco is a deadly drug that harms, destroys, and denigrate himself not to mention the influence that one displays to others. Tobacco has power over the user. The apostle Paul mentioned that he would not be brought under the power of anything, except the power of God. (1 Cor. 6:12) Paul knew that when something has power over us that controls us meaning that we cannot do without it, it has too much power. Therefore, we need to “Exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” (Heb 3:13) And there are 3 facts of sin. The power of it which allures and fascinates. (Rom 7:21) It decieves sowing pleasure, but conceals the pain and shame. (1 Tim 2:14) It enslaves and leads men into captivity by paralyzing their will and blinds the intellect. (Gal. 4:3) The stain of it which is not seen on our reputation, but on the body because disease leaves its fingerprints on the soul and stains the conscious. (1 Tim 4:2) The guilt of it not only from a man’s own conscious, but from the Heavenly testimony and what the Lord will hold against us as we stand guilty of the sin that was done. (Rom. 3:23) But, what about those who smoke for recreational purpose or once in a while and do not smoke several packs a day . . . that should be O.K., wouldn’t it? Tell me, why would anyone ingest a product containing poison like cyanide, arsenic, insecticides, disinfectants, and fertilizers? There is nothing attractive about a human chimney, puffing noxious fumes and poisoning the public. “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Cor. 7:1) “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” (1 Cor. 6:20) If smoking has power over us that we cannot quit and if it does not glorify God, then it is sin for all things should be done to the glory of God. We are to let our Christians lights shine before all men, not a lighted cigarette before all men. Robert Notgrass Back to Top Knowing that musical instruments in worship is forbidden by God, is it acceptable to play Christian/Gospel music or listen to Gospel music that is in the form of "rock and roll," bluegrass, country, pop and other areas of music? Well the Scriptures of God says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Col. 3:16) Now, instrumental music is not commanded, it is not by faith, not in the name of Christ, not in doctrine, not in truth, not by hearing, not apostolic, not practiced in the New Testament, not mentioned in New Testament worship and not authorized as worship. Therefore, musical instruments in worship offends God and is an abomination because those who practice such things, transgresses the law. However, this question does not deal with the worship assembly. We are talking about singing or listening to these types of songs outside of the worship. Substantially, worship is defined as “an act of reverence” (Matt. 2:2). So, if one listens to this type of music (with instruments) or plays an instrument out of his home (while singing songs such as these), why are you singing them in the first place? Now, if the use of mechanical instruments toward God in worship is sinful, it must also be concluded that when one is playing or listening to songs of praise to God, their heart begins to be focused on God. And when the heart is focused on God as the object or the path that we sing or play to, then worship in song is present. For, worship is never confined to the building. Worship is an act of reverence and therefore what a Christian does by singing songs of praise to God with the accompaniment of any instrument (other than the heart) and not call it worship, makes God unconvinced. Furthermore, ask yourself this question: What kind of light are you allowing to shine when a friend hears you listening to religious songs with musical instruments, but at the same time, you turn to him or her and condemn them for doing the same thing each Sunday? We would lose our position to be effective because we would be practicing as they are, just not on Sunday. Now, do not mistake me, the sin does not lie within the instrument. The sin occurs when we introduce or direct our singing of praise to God with that instrument because this puts our hearts on heavenly things and becomes praises of worship to him. And if you do not think so, try singing Jesus is Lord and any place where it mentions Jesus or Lord, insert your name there and you will see that your mind will quickly stop singing that song. Furthermore, if a person is alone and singing with focus on hallelujah praise Jehovah, I would fail to see how that person is not worshiping, praising, Jehovah. In addition, if the spiritual song is not to sing to him, then honestly, what is the point of singing the song in the first place? Also, if a person is processing the words through their heart while listening to the spiritual song, but played on CD along with a piano, guitar or any other instrument, it is still praise to God. Thus, what heart would allow instruments into one praise or worship and not the other? I believe that the world has tried to make a mockery of the Godhead by using them for the purpose of entertainment by which they have no authority to do so. Robert Notgrass Back to Top What are the ways one can be divorced? When looking at divorce, I had not realized it before, but every state in America has their own reasons for divorce; and they are not always the same. For example: In Alaska one can get divorced for: Adultery, mental illness that proceeds 18 months, drug abuse, failure to consummate (sexually fulfil) the marriage, conviction of a felony, willful desertion of at least 1 year, cruel and/or inhuman treatments, if one in the marriage is personally insulted by the other, and drunkenness. Now, in New York it is different. The only reasons are: If both parties are legally separated for more than 1 year. Adultery. Willful desertion of at least 1 year. Imprisonment for 3 or more consecutive years. Cruel and inhuman treatment. Now, that is just 2 states in America. But, let’s notice other areas of the world: In China First of all, in order to get a divorce, they must first liquidate all properties into cash. All except their clothes. If one is a bigamists (marries another while still married). Family violence by any family member. Anyone caught in gambling or drug-abuse. Both parties have lived separate lives for at least 2 years. In Africa The man is required at the time of divorce to give the woman the funding to maintain her current lifestyle by his salary and anything of the property she deems hers: no exceptions. Then, all of the remaining man’s possessions are confiscated by the government and sold leaving him with nothing. In Germany divorce is granted only by: Irresponsible attitudes Incompatibility. In Pakistan Islam does not believe in unlimited opportunities for divorce on trivial reasons. They believe that God has condemned the Muslims who use their legal rights of divorce except on legitimate grounds and in unbearable condition only. All of these from America to China, Africa, Germany and Pakistan shows that there are many variations to how one can be divorced. So out of all of this confusion, rules and regulations, which ones are we able to pick? Well, what does God say? Jesus said, “Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.” (Matt. 19:9) Now, this is not sexual immorality as used in some translations. Fornication is the Greek word “porneia” which means sexual intercourse. This is the only meaning for fornication. That is it. This means that there is no other way that one can be divorced. Now some may say, “Well, my husband is abusive and has threatened me . . . Can I get a divorce? The Bible ask you, “Is this fornication?” If not, then no you cannot. Some may ask, “Well, what about annulments?” An annulment is a termination of an official and legal proceeding and if it is not for fornication, it is still a divorce. Fornication is just that, fornication. Well, some may say, “You know, my wife is just not as sexy as she use to be” or “We are not compatible anymore,” now can I get a divorce? The Bible still have the same answer for everyone: “except it be for fornication.” There are no exceptions to this rule! What part of “Except it be for fornication is unclear to the lawmakers and the people of the land? You know Jesus reminds us, “Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” (Matt. 19:6) Peter also reminds us, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) Now, some may claim that this is not fair, but the simple truth is that God intended marriage to be between 1 man and 1 woman for life. It is not something that is to be dealt with lightly. Marriage is a union that God takes very seriously. Now, along these same lines, there is only one other reason for someone to remarry. The apostle Paul speaking with all authority said, “The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.” (1 Cor. 7:39) Death of a spouse is the only reason other than one committing fornication in marriage that one may become remarried. But, when the Christian remarries it is only to be in the Lord meaning that they are to be Christians less the worldly spouse tempt the Christian to live worldly again and pull him away from his first love, which is Christ. Robert Notgrass Back to Top What can one do when they have anxiety or worry about things in life? Jesus instructs us not to worry about tomorrow, about food, clothing, etc . . . “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?” (Matt. 6:25) “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:” (Matt. 6:26, 28). We should all remember to just take one day at a time. “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” (Matt. 6:34) And instead of being anxious, we should stop to pray. Paul said, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7) We are to cast all our cares or anxieties on the Lord. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Pet. 5:6-7) You know, there are secrets that can be discovered when seeking tranquility (quietness). The psalmist said, “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” (Psa. 37:3-7) We ought to understand that anxiety really weighs a person down. “Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.” (Prov. 12:25) “A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.” (Prov. 14:30) “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” (Prov. 17:22) Robert Notgrass Back to Top What does it mean in Hebrews 13:2 which says, "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” ‘Who are these angels today (Guardian)’ and ‘Are they present now’? First of all, when this verse is kept in context, it discusses that we are not to neglect our duty of showing hospitality to strangers because (1) God commands us and (2) we might never know who may be influenced to obey God. Showing hospitality means that if one needs help, we help them usually never with money, but with the buying of food, clothes, being friendly, kind, and open to talking or spending time with that stranger. Secondly, in the first century, there were some individuals who showed hospitality to angels and never knew that they were angels. In Genesis 18:2-10, Abraham showed hospitality when visited by 3 men who were actually angels of the Lord to tell them that they would soon have a child. Also, in Genesis 19:1-3, Lot saw 2 men in the streets where he tried to show hospitality to them who were in fact, angels. With this said, do we have guardian angels today who watch or protect us? The word guardian is not mentioned in the Scriptures except in such translations as the NIV, NKJ, NLT, NRS, RSV, and the ESV which is always in reference to a servant, leader, or bishop (which is an elder). In Hebrews 13:17 it states, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Elders in the church watch for the souls in that congregation that the members may continually serve God with a pure heart. In addition to this, is it possible to be tempted and sin? If so, it would be logical to say that if we had guardian angels protecting us, we would be unable to sin and be unable to get hurt. Therefore, if one did have a guardian angel, what purpose would he serve? He could not tell us anything else in regards to the scriptures for they are able to make one perfect (2 Tim 3:16, 17). He could not get us out of trouble or to keep one from sinning because it would eliminate our free will. He could not comfort us because it would eliminate God, prayer and the scriptures. (Rom. 15:4) Therefore, it can be concluded that we have no reason to believe that angels travel about the country in human form today, testing God’s people about their hospitality or bringing protection to individual’s lives, but in the miraculous age of the first century, it might have been possible. But what about those who say that angels “Watch over me” or when we feel protected by something that some will say, “Well that’s my guardian angel”? If one truly believes this, then they would be giving praise to an angel and not to God who created that angel. Furthermore, God watches over us, hears our prayers, has given us his word, and he tells us to watch for our own selves to not be deceived by corruption and sin. Furthermore, he tells how to overcome sin and all of this is done without a guardian angel. Therefore, what would a guardian angel do? Just sit and drink coffee with us? If so, like those in the past, we would never know who was and who was not a guardian angel. But what about ministering spirits? In Hebrews 1:14 it says in regards to angels, “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” When this verse is kept in context, it tells that Christ is superior to the prophets, angels, Moses, Joshua, and to Aaron. For, this was said to Jewish Christians then to dissuade them from departing the system of faith and going back to the Mosaical law and the Aaronic priesthood because they were far inferior to Christ. However, angels are ministering spirits, but it is clearly in the realm of providence. How they work in the realm of providence is not revealed to mankind in the scriptures and the Hebrew writer of 1:14 shows that we are not to be enticed by angels and the work they do, but rather, to show that Jesus Christ is superior to them in every way. For, Angels are servants of God who do not serve the world, but are servants for the sake of ministering to Christianity and serving His will. Robert Notgrass Back to Top What is the "day" mentioned in Hebrews 10:25? Is this mention of the day referring to Worship on the first day of the week or some other time? Some say that this the Lord’s day. Some say that it is the fall of Jerusalem Some say that it is the day of judgment. Now, if this “day” is meant to be Sunday, then we are ordered to obey the command to exhort another and increase the exhortation as the weekend nears. But the statement of the verse shows that the exhortations were done in the assemblies so the day approaching must be some other day. Some Bible students make the case for the “day” being the day of Judgment. However, we have no open or observable way of seeing this day approaching. There is to be no sign in nature indicating Christ’s second coming (Matt. 24:35-39; Mk. 13:32-33). There is no way for us to know when the judgment day will occur. We only know that with each passing day, the end of time is one day nearer. So, if the judgment is the “day” mentioned by the Hebrew writer, with each passing day, we are to increase our exhorting, but again, the exhorting’s are done in the assemblies. Some Bible students make a case for the “day” as being the day of our death. Although we all know that we shall die, we do not know what day that will be. We can only know that with each passing day, we are one day closer to our departure from the earth and with the coming of each new day, our current sojourn is that much shorter. In the light of this verse, we are to increase our exhortations, however, there is a limit to the amount of exhorting we can do. However, there is a strong case that can be made for the “day approaching” as being the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans. We can read from Matt. 24:3-34 and Lk. 21:20-22 and see that the Lord had predicted the destruction of Jerusalem even to the point of giving many signs of that day. This event would be of great interest to the Hebrew Christians because it would be a time they could identify that this destruction was drawing near because the descriptions given by the Lord were becoming true. Also, ancient records show that no Christian died in the destruction of Jerusalem, because of the warning signs Christ provided. Thus it is recorded in historical books that, “When the whole congregation of the Church in Jerusalem, according to an oracle given by revelation to approved persons among them before the war, were commanded to depart from the city and inhabit a city which they call Pella, beyond the Jordan, to which when all those who believed in Christ had removed from Jerusalem, and when the saints had totally abandoned the royal city which is the metropolis of the Jews, then the Divine vengeance seized them who had dealt so wickedly with Christ and his Apostles, and utterly destroyed that wicked and abominable generation” (Eusebius). Now, Hebrews was written between A.D. 63-65 just 5 or so years before the destruction and during a time of persecution in Jerusalem and Palestine. The Hebrew writer mentioned that all their goods would be spoiled and should rely upon a better enduring substance in heaven (Heb. 10:34). The thing is: many were discouraged and some had quit assembling with the church because of what was about to take place. This was wrong because it: Set at naught God’s ordinance to assemble (Acts 2:42; 20:7; John 20:20-22); It deprives the absent member of many spiritual blessings. It sets the wrong example (Matt. 5:12-16; 1 Tim. 4:12). Now, there are several statements in the New Testament which seem to refer to the day of Jerusalem’s overthrow, which lends acceptance to the “day approaching” of the text being that occasion. These verses may indeed have the fall of Jerusalem in mind. Romans 16:20: “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” Philippians 4:5: “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” James 5:8: “Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” 1 Peter 4:7: “But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” Robert Notgrass Back to Top What is the origin of Satan? This is a very interesting question. First of all, we see that Satan makes his first appearance in the Garden of Eden in front of Eve who in turn tempts Adam. Read: Gen. 3:1-6, “Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.” Here, Satan slandered God and tempted Eve which resulted in both Adam and Eve sinning. Since that time, man has continued to sin, “For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.” (Rom. 3:23) Now, another account is found in Job 1 where Satan is fully preparing himself to tempt God’s servant, Job. The name Satan means “Adversary” and it is implicated in the Scriptures that he is the enemy of God. He is called the devil (meaning slanderer) or Apollyon (meaning destroyer and deceiver). This describes his purpose and work. In addition to these names, he is also described as the angel of the bottomless pit (Rev. 9:1); the prince of the world (Jn. 12:31); a liar and a murderer from the beginning (Jn. 8:44); and the god of this world. (2 Cor. 4:4) So, we know what and who Satan is, but where did he come from? It is believed by many that he is an angel who was puffed up with pride (1 Tim. 3:6) and was cast out of Heaven. Notice these verses: “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;” (2 Pet. 2:4) “And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.” (Jude 6) “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” (Rev. 12:7-9) Now, according to these things, it can be suggested that Satan became the leader of all fallen angels who were also in rebellion against God. However, how do we know that any of these fallen angels was Satan? First of all, Rev. 9:1 talks about a star that fell from Heaven and refers to that star as, He. Second, when we look back at the book of Job, it says, “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.” (Job. 1:6) Now, not only was this He a star fallen from Heaven, we notice here in Job that Satan stood among the sons of God who also stood before the Lord. In addition, we know that Satan had access to the ear of God. Zachariah records, “And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel. And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.” (Zech. 3:1-4) Fourth, 1 Kings 22 may shed more light on this subject. It speaks about how Judah and Israel agreed to fight Ahab’s brother Benhadad and how they inquired of Jehovah to do things right, so they called for the prophet of God. However, the King of Israel, Ahab, did not like the prophet that was sent him, Micaiah and said that this prophet spoke evil even when the prophet tried to assure him that he only spoke what the Lord told him to speak. Now listen, “And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.” (1 Kgs. 22:19) All the host are angels. “And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner.” (1 Kgs. 22:20) Notice here that the righteous angels did not want to entice Ahab. However, one did, “And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him.” “And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so.” (1 Kgs. 22:21,22) There was an angel in the midst of them who was willing to do evil. So, let’s puts some pieces together: We know that angels sinned and were cast down and left their first estate or habitation. We know that Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. Notice Matt. 25:41 that hell is prepared for the devil and his angels. We also notice that a star fell from Heaven which was not a ball of fire, but labeled as a, He. We can also see from Job 38:7 that the “morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Finally, that Satan was labeled with the sons of God also called the host of heaven who had access to the ear of God telling God that he would sin willingly as if he had nothing to lose. Now, we know that angels do not have the ability to repent because they have everything they could ever desire and can not die. Yet, when an angel refuses to be subject to God, he his sinned and is exiled because they have no excuse and this is exactly what happened to Satan. Furthermore, we know that Satan is not like Jehovah (without beginning) because Neh 9:6 states, “Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.” Robert Notgrass Back to Top What is the purpose of fasting and should it be observed today? Jesus said, “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” (Matt. 6:16) The hypocrites which included the Pharisees, were claiming that by fasting, it showed their profound righteousness and godliness, but it really demonstrated their poverty in these spiritual qualities. They were putting on a show to gain favor with others, but Jesus showed them for what they really were . . . hypocrites. Jesus goes on and says, “But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” (Matt. 6:17-18) Jesus takes the issue of fasting and puts it entirely in the private, personal realm. So, when and if his disciples fasted, they were to do it in secret. Thus, in the public eye, there was not to be any indication they were fasting. They were to keep themselves washed, normally clothed and they were not to disfigure their faces as the hypocrites do. You see, it was common for those fasting in ancient times to wear sackcloth and put ashes on their heads. So, their tears and sweat would mingle with the ashes to disfigure their faces. This lead to the sad countenance, together with their audible mourning and rough clothing, would make it very apparent to all that they were fasting. So, if they were fasting, they were seen as being spiritual giants which was the intended impression. Now, instances of fasting are found in the history of most heathen people and in the Bible. Does God command us to fast today? Is it to be observed as a religious rite? The word fast or fasting occurs 14 times in the Old Testament and 30 times in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, Israel fasted when there was a famine, war, pestilence or death. We read of Christ, Cornelius, the saints fasting, not to mention Zaccheus who fasted twice each week. Generally, fasting during these times was on the second and fifth days of the week and lasted through the day, beginning at sunset of the preceding day. Now, did Christ institute any fasting days for the church? No. And there is no direction by the Divine or apostles to continue to observe regular fasting. Yet, the Pharisees criticized Jesus and his disciples because they did not fast as much as the Pharisees. They asked Jesus, “. . . Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink? And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.(Lk. 5:33-35). From this passage we learn that: Fasting was inconsistent with the joy which should characterize the disciples while the Lord was with them. Now, an occasion would come when, because of grief over his leaving, they would fast which was evidence of their attitude of the mind and disposition of heart. Jesus kept trying to show the Pharisees that the old patch of Jewish practices should be affixed to the new garment of Christianity (Lk. 5:36-39). Thus, Christ removed fasting from the public realm and classified it as a matter of private devotion. He taught that it is to be observed, if at all, in private without revealing to others and was for the good of one’s own soul. But, it is not a command nor are there penalties for those who do or do not wish to partake in fasting. However, while some may see fasting as a blessings, others do not. But if one is to fast, it should be done for the glory of God. You know, on the sermon on the mount, Jesus gave instructions to the disciples on how to give, how to pray and how to fast, just as if they were of equal obligation. Yet, while prayer and giving are seen as items of public worship and fasting is not, it reveals that fasting be used in the area of private devotions and be restricted to such usage. But make no mistake, fasting does have an important part in the life of the disciple as Jesus indicated. Fasting that is done to the glory of God is rewarded by which its chief purpose is to strengthen us in times of trial and adversary, on all occasions of sorrow and grief, and to turn around attention away from the desires of the flesh to the nourishment of the soul. Therefore, fasting, properly engaged in, can be a source of great spiritual blessing, a discipline of the will and an exercise producing great inward strength, and power. All of us on occasion, should with firmness, put out of our hearts every illusion of worldly desire, and fleshly appetite, and with prayer and fasting, draw near to God and claim his support and guidance in life. Such an experience would make us all infinitely stronger, richer in faith, and vastly better equipped to live the Christian life. Therefore, in view of the fact that neither time nor manner of observance is given for fasting, we must conclude that these are matters to be determined in each instance, and by each person participating. Robert Notgrass Back to Top Where can one learn more about faith? First of all there are two kinds of faith. We have a personal faith, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1) Secondly, Christianity is built on the system of faith which is the Gospel. When Jesus saw the centurion’s confidence that a word from the Master would heal his servant, “he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” (Matt. 8:10) Now, we can learn about faith by reading the whole council of God. However, if one desires a certain concentration of area that we can read about personal faith, we can begin in Hebrews 11. For, Hebrews 11 is known for its unsurpassed definition and depiction of faith and has been labeled as the “Hall of Faith.” It speaks of the worlds that were framed by God. It speaks of Abel, Enoch, Sara, Rahab and many others. For, faith is not something that just falls on us and therefore, we have it. In each case where faith is evident, it is evident by something they did. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:” (1 Pet. 1:3-8). We must remember that faith is not lifting hands up and relying upon emotionalism to guide us safely through life. Faith is practiced. The more we read and study God’s word, the more faith we have in Him. Therefore, the more we practice our Christianity in service to God, the more faith we have in our eternal home in Heaven. For, “without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Heb. 11:6) Therefore, may we ever manifest the same kind of simple trust in God and endurance for righteousness and faith as those mentioned in Hebrews 11. Robert Notgrass Back to Top Where did the Pharisees come from? The name Pharisee is not found anywhere in the Old Testament, yet by the beginning of the New Testament, they have supreme influence among the people, hold the majority vote in the Sanhedrin and are politically powerful holding the reins of government, and ones who claimed to hold to the law of God. Well at one point, there was a group who called themselves the Assideans which name means, “Godly men or Saints.” This name is made evident in 1 and 2 Maccabees in which they were mighty men of Israel who voluntarily devoted themselves to the law. (1 Maccabees 2:42) In addition, these Assideans were the first among the children of Israel to seek peace during the time of the religious freedom revolution lead by Judas Maccabees around 145 BC, yet, they had deceived others by nourishing the war and was seditious by which they brought no peace and many Jews were slain. (1 Maccabees 7:13-17; 2 Maccabees 14:6) Now earlier around 444 BC, just shortly after the Babylonian captivity, the priesthood formed the center of the new religious life by which they showed reverence toward Deity again and began to practice the commands of the Lord conducted by the tribe of Levi. These priest kept themselves pure from intermarriages with heathen nations and from unclean foods, but also added temple taxes because of the Sabbath (Neh. 10:31, 32) and the Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacle festivals (Neh. 6, 8, 10). So, because of these changes, Nehemiah recorded, “the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God.” (Neh. 9:2-3). Therefore, these priest became known as the separated ones because they had separated themselves for the service of God and continued to be conservators of their ancestral religion. Now, looking forward to these “separated ones” in 158 BC, the high priest Alexander could not restrain himself in his commitment to God, defiled himself and willfully mingled sexually with the Gentiles (2 Maccabees 14:3). He attempted to liberate the traditions of the priest which brought about a split in the “separatists” and a new priestly party name came forth known as the Sadducees, who assumed a haughty position, stood upon their priestly dignity, cared little for the real spiritual and temporal wants of the people, but only sought their own elevation of wealth and preservation, allying themselves for this purpose with foreign nations, and embracing anti-national opinions and feelings such is that of the Roman Province because at that time, it was not an empire. Therefore, this change in the priesthood, brought about a smaller group of united people, who stood firmly, independently of these priest, who desired to keep the law and to practice their ancestral customs; and it is this party whom the opposite section the Sadducees continued to call by name, the “Separated.” Well, the group labeled the, “Separated or Separatists,” had the appearance of piety and thorough knowledge of the law, yet, they knew very well how to affect the people and secure the popular favor (Lk. 11:43) by using women to acquire considerable political influence, which became very manifest even during the history of the Jewish dynasty. This group of separatists became known as the Pharisees which is what the name Pharisee means. So, their was two religious groups: the Pharisees and the Sadducees (rivals), which shortly after, the Essenes, a very small group broke away making 3 schools of religion which ranged from being more moderate to more strict in their observances. But, it was the Pharisees whose influence greatly increased over the whole land (Lk. 5:17) by which they later controlled the majority of the Sanhedrin (Acts 5:34, 23:6). Thus, the Pharisees, who were noted for their self righteousness and pride (Matt. 9:11), showed their bitterness and became very dangerous to the church and persecuted it. But while, it was the aim of Jesus to call men to the law of God itself as the supreme guide of life, the Pharisees, upon the false appearance of maintaining it intact, multiplied the littlest of their rules and discrimination to such an extent, that they hemmed in the whole life of Israel and lost sight of the original traditions. This is why Jesus called them a generation of vipers (Matt. 3:7) and were frequently rebuked by him (Matt. 12:39). The Pharisees became persistent enemies of our Lord and bitter and they could not bear his doctrine and influence among the people. And this is how the Pharisees came to be. Robert Notgrass Back to Top When the Bible says to love thy neighbor as thyself, what do you do when they are gay (Homosexuals or Lesbians)? Homosexualism and lesbianism is an ever growing discussion in and out of the church. It is to the point where some never speak of it and others support it. However, when these individuals move next door to you what do you do? In the Old Testament, hospitality was as important then as it is today. We can read that when hospitality was extended to those of same sex practices, violence was executed by homosexuals according to Gen. 19:1-4 and especially in Jdgs. 19:22-26 whereby, since they could not take the men, they took a man’s concubine and used, raped and abused her all night long until the morning because they were refused their desires of the man. Now, this is not to say that we should be in any danger of those who are engaged in homosexual behaviors. But, to see how the past reacted to such behavior is to notice in the days of the Assyrians when homosexuals were castrated for their behavior. In addition to this, America in the 1800's decreed that if a man was found to be a homosexual he was killed. Now, I do not believe that it should go to such extremes because homosexuals are still human beings. However, the Bible clearly shows that homosexuality is sinful because it rejects the created order that God made for male and female and that procreation is to be within the confines of the marriage between husband and wife. Furthermore, Rom 1:18-32 speaks of women and men who leave the natural use and indicates to the world that they that practice such things are shameless acts. This is further seen when we read about cities such as Sodom and Gomorrah which were both destroyed because of such wickedness. (Gen. 19:24) Henceforth, Homosexuality and Lesbianism is an abomination (Lev. 18:22) Therefore, what should we do? Do we stay or leave our homes? In the church, Christians often devote themselves to be politically correct instead of defending God’s view on homosexuality. We are to hate and abhor sin, but love the sinner. (Rom 12:9; Eph. 5:11, 12) However, when a Christian family lives next to this type of public behavior, we must see who is being influenced by it. While it is true that Christians should treat everyone with kindness and respect possessing a genuine love deep in our souls for those who disobey God, it is very often easier said than done. And this becomes especially hard when you have children, friends, or family around when right next door they witness two boys kissing and massaging one another in the front yard or conducting homosexual parties. Should we expose our children to such things? Furthermore, what if right next door to you there was a major drug house where people sat around the yard influencing our children and their friends and others to do drugs, would this be acceptable? No, because this is against the laws of the land. Therefore, those who abuse themselves with drugs and those who abuse themselves with homosexual actions may not be seen the same regarding the laws of the land, but both are seen as illegal and soul destroying in the eyes of God. Both violate his will and this does not mean that we should be subject to this kind of view. There is only one word and one word alone that describes what we should do: keep away from sin lest you fall into the same pit. (2 Pet. 3:17) Homosexual behavior is sin and unfortunately today, anyone who speaks out against their lifestyle are looked upon as uncaring and inconsiderate. But, these individuals who lead such lives within the homosexual cult seeks to destroy that which God created for them. Therefore, Christians must take a stand against such behavior. Taking a stand not against the person, but the behavior because it is sin and rejects Christ’ authority and directions. But Jesus said, “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” (Matt. 5:44). However, this does not mean that we go looking for trouble. But, if your conscious bothers you or you see that you, your family, friends, and relatives are being influenced by it . . . living next to homosexuals should be avoided at all cost which may include moving from your home. For we must learn to look at all things Biblically and not tolerate immoral behaviors which the scriptures say is wrong. However, when anyone speaks out against or criticizes the things that the homosexuals are doing, right away they are accused of being homophobic. This simply is not true. Christians are not to fear or hate anyone. We are to love all people, yet despise and hate sin. Paul states, “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.” (1 Cor. 8:9) This verse was in reference to idol meats. However, if we cause another person to stumble, then we are wrong in the action. Likewise, if we live next to those who publically practice homosexuality and we stay just to stand our ground, while others around us suffer and are weakened by it, then it is wrong to live next to them. For, “when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.” (1 Cor. 8:10) Therefore, It would be unwise having a clear conscious to live next to those who practice such wickedness for fear that they may corrupt us, our families, or those who come to visit at our Christian homes. Robert Notgrass Back to Top When we die, do our souls just sleep in the ground with the body? A man once lived in the grave for 4 days by which Jesus spoke that he should be restored and by which he again walked among the living (Jn. 11:39-44). This was a living argument in favor of the divine power of the Savior. I am sure that many asked him what it was like, but as Paul said, “How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter” (2 Cor. 12:4). Thus, Lazarus was also forbidden to reveal what he may have remembered from his death. Now, in regards to where the spirit goes, some say that they cease to exists while others say that they sit in the ground for storage waiting for the resurrection . . . Which are we to believe, or it is neither? Well at death, the soul or spirit departs from the body and lives on while the physical body decays back into the ground. If this was not true, then the soul would simply be staring at worms and dirt because after a while, there is nothing of the physical body left for the spirit to cling to. So, we know this is not true. On the other hand, the soul does not die as some claim by the Scriptures because often the word soul means, “individual” as it does in Ezek 18:4, 20; as it does in 1 Pet 3:20 with the 8 souls saved by water, and many other places. Yet, if the soul does departs from the physical body, how do we know that the soul departs from the body? Well, let’s notice these evidences: James said, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” (Jam. 2:26) Moses recorded that when Rachel was in labor, that, “it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin” (Gen. 35:18). Where did the life force within her go if it departed? Again, “And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.” (1 Kgs. 17:22) Thus, the soul returned and again the boy lived in the body. Remember that it was God who had Solomon write, “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.” (Eccl. 12:7) When speaking of the spirit departing the shell of man, Jesus told the penitent thief, “. . . Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Lk. 23:43). Jesus and the thief both died that day, yet both were together in spirit in the same place. Later Jesus said, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” (Lk. 23:46). Jesus’ body was lifeless and there was something inside Jesus that departed and went into the hands of the Father. This does not mean into Heaven, but thy hands means into the father’s power, protection or security. Also notice that, Stephen cried out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” (Acts 7:59) His spirit was being forced from the body by the cruel stones hurled upon him by the mob. Then Paul said, “though our outward man perisheth, our inward man is renewed day by day” (2 Cor. 4). Here Paul shows that one side of man’s nature is failing him while the other side of man’s nature is taking on new life and strength. Thus, while death means separation from living love ones, faithful companions, friends, parents, a child; while it is also the end of abilities and opportunities on earth, IT IS NOT THE END OF ALL THINGS! Now, to further this study, where does the soul go because some claim that when one dies, he goes immediately to its eternal destiny. Thus, if it is a righteous spirit, it goes immediately to Heaven. But, if it is a wicked spirit, it goes immediately to Gehenna. However, the scriptures teach that the spirit goes into an intermediate place (the place between earth and heaven) and remains there until the great day of judgment. Now, while we often speak or put very little emphasis about judgment, Jesus teaches that “when he comes, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness and of judgment” (Jn. 16:8) Luke said that God hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world. (Acts 17:31) In Matt. 25, it states that all nations shall be gathered before Christ by which he separates the sheep and goats. Furthermore, Jesus said that “men of Nineveh” shall rise in judgment with the present generation which lived 500 years before them (Matt. 12:41). The Queen of the south shall rise in judgment with the present generation which lived 1,000 years before them (Matt. 12:42). Sodom and Gomorrah will be in the same judgment as those living during the days of Christ indicating the same judgment (Matt. 10:15). Both Peter and Jude declared that angels which have sinned have been cast down into pits reserved for judgment (2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6). Therefore, men are not judged at death and sent onward to their final destination of Gehenna or Heaven. For, “God knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation and reserve the unjust until the day of judgment to be punished” (2 Pet. 2:9). Both are held until judgment, but if not in the ground, then where? Hades has often been mislabeled as the final torment place for the sinner. But in actuality, Hades is the unseen world or the spirit world. Every single soul that dies goes into hades. Hades is broken into two realms: First, Tartarus is the place where the wicked are held until the day of judgment. This is where the angels that God cast out are being held or reserved (2 Pet. 2:4). Tartarus means a dungeon or a prison house where one is held captive. Yet, it is not the place where one goes after judgment because that word is Gehenna (Matt. 5:22, 29; Lk. 12:5). The second area of Hades is Paradise where Jesus and the thief went into when they died. Now, we know that this is not heaven, because while Jesus was there 3 days, he tells Mary that he had not yet ascended to the Father meaning that the Father does not dwell in Paradise (Jn. 20:17). The word Paradise means a pleasure garden or Eden. So while there are two sections of Hades: Tartarus and Paradise, there is also a great gulf (gap or chasm) that separates the two which one can read about in the story of Lazarus and the rich man (Lk. 16). It was a division of the two areas by which nothing passed between them. Lazarus paid no attention to the rich man after death and we read that Abraham told the rich man that his opportunities were all gone meaning that his doom was sealed. So, Lazarus was in Abraham’s bosom (Paradise) which is another way of speaking where the righteous go (Matt. 8:11). The rich man was by no means happy after his death living in torment (Lk. 16:24). Thus, the spirit does live on after the physical body is no more and the Bible proves that we do not stay with our physical bodies, but that, we go to the hadean realm either in torment or in peace until God brings forth the great day of judgment. Robert Notgrass Back to Top Why did God allow the dinosaurs to go extinct? This is an excellent question because there are some that may be thinking or perhaps struggling with the facts that surround our world. Well, we know that these animals did exist because there is an abundance of evidence that man walked around on the earth with these creatures. The Bible even contains some information about them and we can read of the evidence seen in the book of Job. Now, what exactly happened to the dinosaurs? Was it a huge asteroid or meteor? No, because what effected them would have also effected us. But the truth is, we really don't know what happened to the dinosaurs. We know they lived on the earth at one time, but that they stopped living on the earth at a certain period of time. We know that most fossils are buried deep within the ground. Now, there have been some people who have advanced some theories as to how they died. One of those theories is that the global flood produced a climate change on the earth in which the dinosaurs could no longer survive. Now, we know that most of the dinosaurs died outside of the ark because Moses was allowed to only bring 1 male and female of each animal on board. And, we know that dinosaurs were on the ark because the book of Job was written after the flood and some dinosaurs still existed at that time (Behemoth and Leviathan). So, it could not have been something that happened in a short period of time. A second theory is that they existed after the flood and that men just hunted them to extinction. Well, we know of species of animals that have been hunted to extinction in recent centuries such as the Dodo bird. There have been other species that have been hunted to near extinction such as the Humpback whale and the Bald Eagle and elephants have been on the endangered list for some time. Thus, it is very possible that men hunted these animals for various by-products and in such a way they became extinct. But, the bottom line is that the Bible does not specifically tell us how these creatures died out. We know that God created them and that they lived upon the earth, but how they died, the Bible does not say and we will just have to be happy with that answer. Brother Bert Thompson in a paper, wrote this statement regarding dinosaurs: “We feel it the safer course to simply say that we do not know specifically why the dinosaurs died out, or when. It is best to leave the matter an ‘unknown’ since certainty is impossible.” Robert Notgrass Back to Top Why does the Church of Christ contend so much for what you call Truth and why do you try to bind your interpretation on everyone else? Well, what is Truth? We ought all agree that Truth is knowable. For Jesus said, “. . . to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (Jn. 8:31-32). However, not only is Truth knowable, Truth has been revealed. David said, “Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.” (Psa. 86:11) Jesus prayed to the Father to, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (Jn. 17:17) Plus, we are reminded by Paul to, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” (2 Tim. 2:15, 25-26) So, Truth is knowable and if truth is from God, then Christians should scour God’s Word in their quest for the truth which it possesses. Yet, Truth is also absolute. There are several ways that the Bible proves that it is absolute. For example: The Bible teaches that it is possible to distinguish between truth and error making Truth absolute and attainable (1 Jn. 4:1-6). The Bible teaches that men must not preach any message other than the truth making Truth absolute and attainable (Gal. 1:6-9). The Bible teaches that men must both believe and obey the Truth making Truth absolute and attainable (1 Pet. 1:22). The Bible teaches that men can learn the Truth (Jn. 8:32). It teaches that men can walk in the Truth (3 Jn. 4). It teaches that men may learn the Truth, live by it for a time and then desert it (Heb. 3:12). So, if Truth is absolute and it is, then there are two necessary implications: First, Truth is not subjective meaning that it is not based or modified within the minds of mankind. Second, Truth is unchanging. So, if Truth is knowable, absolute and attainable, it must also be exclusive. It is said by Atheism and skeptics of the secular world as well as the division of the religious world, that we all cannot have the Truth. But, if all cannot have Truth, then all do not have Truth. So, if all do not have Truth, it must be exclusive. Thus, since it is exclusive, it is also necessarily condemning. When reading our Bibles, we see that Noah was given a simple task by God which was to build an ark (Gen. 6). We see by this story that 8 were saved, because there were many who would not heed to the Truth that a flood was coming from God to destroy mankind. Yet, notice that in Heb. 11:7, “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” Thus, we contend for the Truth because it is the Truth that God gave man. Now, we come to the second part of this question: WHY DO YOU TRY TO BIND YOUR INTERPRETATION ON EVERYONE ELSE? The thing is: Only Truth can be bound, but who has the authority to bind? First of all: God, is the authority (Period)! The Father who is in Heaven is the author of Truth and therefore, he has ultimate authority over it. Even Jesus himself said, “For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.” (Jn. 12:49-50) So not only did Jesus speak the Father’s will, the Holy Spirit took the very words through which the Father wanted to pass on the Truth and inspired men to write, “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Pet. 1:20-21) Therefore, since all Truth is by the Father, it is natural that the Bible claims that, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Tim. 3:16-17) So, the flow of authority flows out from God the Father, to Jesus and/or to the Holy Spirit through inspired men who penned the Bible which was given to uninspired men (mankind). Therefore, what uninspired men receive today is the same that God gave in the beginning: The Truth. Second, men are subordinates meaning that they are to assist in the subject of authority and Truth. The apostles were told by Jesus that he would give unto them, “. . . the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matt. 16:19) Now one might ask the question, “If the apostles could bind, and thereby set forth truth, would that not remove God from being the source of all Truth? Well, the thought of the original languages answers this question well, for they were responsible to bind on earth or loose on earth that which had already been bound, or loosed, in heaven. They were not given free reign to do as they wanted. Second, in matters of authority, elders are given the authority to rule which excludes everyone else (1 Tim. 5:17). Billy Joe Bob is not the ruler or spokesperson for any congregation. If there is one man or two who are seen as rulers or leaders of the congregation and have not the role of eldership, they are dictators and controllers of that which God says they have no control over. Elders are to rule and they are to do things that are expedient toward the growth of the kingdom, but even they cannot enact laws that supercede God’s law. Third, Christians are also given the allowance or ruling in their own lives as far as matters of conscience is concerned. However, they too are not given a ruling thumb in any areas where God has already set forth definite rules. Thus, the understanding concerning the binding of Truth is this: God has given it, and men, all men are subordinate to it or they are in contempt of God’s will. Now, how do we approach that which is bound in heaven? First of all, we live it ourselves. We do not deny what is bound, we do not argue with what is bound, we do not change what is bound and we do not forsake what is bound. We accept it for what it is: Truth! Solomon penned, “Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” (Prov. 23:23) When we try to write our own rules, we undermine Truth and thereby tell God that his way is not as good as my way. We are to give our hearts, time and efforts to learn Truth. We are to obey the Truth regardless of what biases may have been planted in our pasts that might prejudice us against it; we adapt to it rather than adapt it to us. We must love it for what it can provide: salvation. Second, we must proclaim it to others. What do we preach? As preachers of the restoration movement were fond of saying, “We speak where the Bible speak and are silent where the Bible is silent.” When we learn Truth, and know it, then we have the responsibility to preach it and only it. But, notice what we do not preach: We do not preach any doctrines that are of human origin. We do not preach anything that is fallible. And, we do not preach our own opinions. Paul said, “But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.” (2 Tim. 2:16) And the thing is: Truth is intolerant and exclusive. Prejudice is Truth’s greatest enemy. “One man said, the way of truth is like a great road. It is not difficult to know it. The evil is only that men will not seek it.” In the Lord’s Church, the Church of Christ, there is only one brand of truth: God’s Truth. This Truth is not by any wisdom of men, but rather, by God himself who is the author of it! Robert Notgrass Back to Top Will Christians know one another in Heaven? If we are to see those who we love and are faithful to God no more, who have left the land of the living, who have passed beyond the door of death never to return to earth again, if there is no future recognition, then the moment of parting at the grave becomes the hour of final separation. Furthermore, if there is no recognition in Heaven, then all faithful souls will be total strangers, every memory we now possess will be obliterated, and every bond severed, and as strangers, we will enter Heaven and live forever and ever. It cannot be, that when our loved ones leave our physical hands, and our hearts make testimonies to the love and affection we feel for them, and the memories that are deeply established in our hearts, that it is all for vain. The fact is that, the soul longs for the assurance of a happy reunion beyond the door of death. Therefore, we search for evidence in the scriptures that such a longing is not a delusion nor a fantasy. And it is in the Bible where it tells us that heaven is a place of reunion. Notice the expression, “and he was gathered to his people” as it is mentioned in regards to the death of: Abraham (Gen. 25:8), Ishmael (Gen. 25:17), Isaac (Gen. 35:29), Jacob (Gen. 49:33), Aaron (Numb. 20:24) and Moses (Numb. 27:12-13). Now while some say that this just means that they died and were buried together, this does not fit the facts because Abraham was buried in a cave at Machpelah (Gen. 25:9) which was not the burial place of his ancestors! They had been buried in Ur of the Chaldees (Gen. 11:26) which at the time, was on the other side of the known world (roughly 900 miles by foot). Also, Moses died by himself on the mountain by which no man knew the place where he was buried (Deut. 34:6). Next, notice David’s reaction to the death of his son in which he says, “Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me” (2 Sam. 12:23). David was showing that he would be reunited with his son showing personal recognition. Then, notice the mount of transfiguration where Peter, James and John recognized the identity of Moses and Elijah whom they had never seen before. (Lk. 9:33) Interestingly, Luke records that they were called “men,” not spirits. Then, there is the Rich man and Lazarus. Now, some say that this is just a parable and not fact. Yet, whether a parable or fact is irrelevant. It shows mankind what happens at death otherwise, it would be worthless for these truths (Jn. 17:17) to be mentioned in the Bible. Notice that the Rich man knew Lazarus, he knew Abraham, he remembered his brothers, he had sight, he cried, and Abraham told him to “remember his life that he had lived” (Lk. 16:25). Finally, notice Matt. 8:11: Jesus said, “That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.” Now, what would be the point of sitting with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob if we had no idea of who was who in Heaven? No, This further proves full recognition. When faithful Christians come together in Heaven, we will know each other by name including all those we have never met from the beginning of time until the very end of it. Therefore, when we die, it is never goodbye because there will be a day, when we will gather together once again in Heaven with God, forever to stay. Robert Notgrass Back to Top Why did God decided not to destroyed the world with flood again? In Genesis 6, God saw that which he had created, mankind, had turned against the Creator. It was this that saddened Him. "And GOD saw that the wickedness of man [was] great in the earth, and [that] every imagination of the thoughts of his heart [was] only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them." (Gen. 6:5-8) God knew that if man was allowed to continue, that they would never recover which would not have paved any way for His Son to come to the earth and to die on the cross for the sins of the world which was first prophesied in Genesis 3:15 which says, "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." So, God had destroyed all that was in the earth by water, except the eight souls and those animals inside the ark. He had cleansed the world and sho