Other, Not Listed Categories

Ask your question at the Bottom of the Page.

Q. What do you think about the belief in the baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues? [Sheila]

A. Baptism of the Holy Spirit: Joel 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: 2:29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. and Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: Acts:2:18: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: and  Truly the Baptism of the Holy Spirit still is with us and still pouring out blessings. This being the physical evidence of a Spiritual and desired control over your actions. Simply put. Galations 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. And such a thing is happening even today that was foretold by Joel and in the chronicals of Acts.

As for tongues, lets look at the scriptures concerning this. Yes tongues were a gift of the early church because they where necessary at that time. The completed Word of God hadn't arrived on the scene yet. 1st Corinthians 13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

Now that the Word of God (The Bible) has arrived the tongues are no longer needed and are done away with.

[Timothy]

Q. The Bible teaches that we are supposed to be willing to suffer wrongly sometimes without complaining. The question is, when should we suffer wrongly, and when should we confront those who have treated us unfairly? [Anon]

A. When what is happening to us goes against what God told us to do. Acts 5:27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, 5:28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

[Timothy]

Q. My wife and I will on occasion while out at dinner or an evening at home enjoy a glass of wine or an alcoholic beverage. I was wondering if you could give me some insight as to what the bibles position is about alcohol?? thank you. [Jon Meyer]

A. I had to check out the references of some bible historians to complete this question and got differing answers and received no help there. I sometimes get a kick out of some scholars who quote the scriptures without rightly dividing the Word. It could be that this is one of the most argued points in the scriptures. Not one of the ones I referenced went to the original translations and here especially is where we have to reference the Hebrew & Greek. My references are the Strongs Concordance & the Davis Dictionary of the Bible.

• Yayin = [Hebrew] Intoxicating Fermented Wine
• Killayown = [Hebrew] Dealing with Consumption of Wine "fermented or unfermented".
• Oinophlugia = [Greek] Drunkenness

Proverbs 20:1 Wine (yayin) is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

Proverbs 23:30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine (yayin). 23:31: Look not thou upon the wine (yayin) when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 23:32: At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.

Habakkuk 2:15 Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness! Thou art filled with shame for glory: drink thou also, and let thy foreskin be uncovered: the cup of the Lord's right hand shall be turned unto thee, and shameful spewing shall be on thy glory. (referencing the word yayin)

Mark15:23 And they gave him to drink wine (killayown) mingled with myrrh: but he received it not. "medicinal"

John 2:3 And when they wanted wine (killayown), the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine (killayown). 2:4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. 2:5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. 2:6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. 2:7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. 2:8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. 2:9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, 2:10: And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. "unfermented, not refering to the word (yayin)"

Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine (killayown), wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

1st Timothy 5:23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine (killayown) for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. "medicinal"

1st Peter 4:3: For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine (oinophlugia), revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

What is the Bibles position on alcohol or strong drink? Avoid it unless it's medicinal or unfermented.

[Timothy]

Q. I know that the Bible says for a woman to be silient in the church and to ask her husband questions when she gets home. But does that mean that she is not to preach? I also read that she is or allowed to teach other women and children, so does that mean she is not allowed to teach men? [Anon]

A. In the Church the woman is to remain silent. 1st Corinthians 14:34 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. 14:35 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. In the Church means in the "Congregation". To preach in the congregation is therefore forbidden to a woman.

Paul went a step further in 1st Timothy 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 2:10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 2:11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 2:13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 2:14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.

The answer to your last question is found in 1st Timothy 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. The age when a man becomes a man is usually evident and when he becomes a man must be taught by the elder men of the church and not by a woman according to Gods Word.

Much to my dismay though, many use these verses to cut down the womans role in the church which is as important as that of a man. The woman has just as vital a role in the church as the man and with the God given gifts they have to rear children and feel with their hearts, as some of us men don't seem to be willing to have, they even play a more important role in such cases. Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 31:11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 31:12: She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 31:13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 31:14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 31:15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 31:16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 31:17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 31:18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 31:19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 31:20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 31:22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. 31:23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 31:24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 31:25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 31:27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 31:28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 31:29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

[Timothy]

Q. Does astral projection go against the Bible? I've never had one, but I would like to know your opinion. Thanks [Jason Beasley]

A. Yes it does! In the theories of astral projection its said that: "In astral projection the astral body leaves the physical. The astral body is one of seven sheath bodies we all have - as we are all muti-dimensional. These bodies include the physical, mental, causal, etheric, emotional, spiritual." (Six) But the Bible says: 1st Corinthians 15:40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 15:41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 15:43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. (2) There are only two!

You need to be careful to weigh the right against the wrong. If you believe the Word of God then the Word of God should be the measuring stick you use to measure with. You were right in asking.

[Timothy]

Q. Tim, How many stone tablets did God print the ten commandments on? [Ron Watson]

A. That one is easy Ronnie! Exodus 34:1 And the Lord said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest.

[Timothy]

Q. Hello, I have an old friend I have been witnessing to for years. His latest kick is this. "Why would I want to go to heaven and sit around on a cloud playing a harp and watching my friends and family burning down in hell?" He is of course referring to Lazarus being able to see the rich man in torment asking to speak to his brothers so they would avoid hell. I have explained that we are now in the New Testament (covenant) times and what that means, that when we die we do not become cartoon angels floating around on a cloud, etc. I guess I just need a new approach to convince him that heaven will not have a window overlooking hell! Thanks and God Bless, [Larry Bradford]

A. This may take a minute to explain Larry! It may seem that I'm going to an altogether different subject to answer your question, but we need to understand what I'm about to explain in order to answer your it. The very thought that our Lord had to go to the place called hell isn't a popular teaching but all the same, scripturally true. There were two places in hell by the way, Torment and Paradise (also called Abraham's bosom). Simply put, Old Testament saints were looking forward in faith to the cross, New Testament saints have seen the promise of redemption from sin. The Old Testament saints who were faithful to God had to have a place to wait for the Redeemer. Paradise was the place of waiting. Torment on the other hand was the place where lost souls waited for judgment. Luke 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

The best place to start would be in the book of Hebrews. Paul, explaining about the sacrifice that the Savior had made to make mankind acceptable to God who could not look on nor tolerate sin. Before the Savior came the Lord himself instituted sacrifice of innocent animals. The sacrifices could not possibly do anything except push these sins forward one year. Hebrews 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. 10:2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. 10:3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.

So, therefore, those who died, looking forward to the promise of the final sacrifice could not possibly be in the presence of a Just and a Holy God so God made Paradise which indeed was in the center of the earth in hell.  They were waiting for the final sacrifice for their sins and therefore were imprisoned by these sins. The Lord had to go there also to preach to the souls there the same as on this earth. 1st Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 3:19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;

Now with that said, once Jesus arose victorious over death, hell, and the grave there was no more a need for these souls to remain in this place. No longer a need for them to be anywhere near this torment! Jesus took them back to Glory (Heaven)! John 17:22: And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

And where is Jesus? Acts 2:32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

Now, to sum up what this was all about! In paradise when it was in hell, they were able to see this torment. Now being in heaven with God, there is no more gulf to look over to see into hell! Because of the perfect sacrifice the Lord Jesus made we are now in the presence of the Most High God!!!

[Timothy]

Q. In 2 Corinthians. 5:17 It is saying that i am a new creature, old things are passed away, behold all things are become new! what old things - are there any exceptions & what new things? What are the meaning of these things? [Anon]

A. 2nd Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. What's the question???? Plain as day isn't it??? THEREFORE IF ANY MAN BE IN CHRIST, means that if you are saved and a child of God, HE IS A NEW CREATURE or been reborn by the Grace of God! OLD THINGS ARE PASSED AWAY, we died with Christ, BEHOLD, ALL THINGS ARE BECOME NEW, We are raised up with Christ a new creation!

Q. Gideons International regard themselves as ,an extended arm of the local church, But aren't these organizations really operating outside the authority and control of the local church?

A. The following is the statement made by the Gideons. I found it on one of their websites @ http://www.seflin.org/christian/bible.5.html:

Gideons International, National Headquarters: 2900 Lebanon Rd. Nashville, Tennessee 37214

The Gideons International, founded in 1899, serves as an extended missionary arm of the church and is the oldest Christian business and professional men's association in the United States of America. A board of distinguished Christian laymen, international in makeup, supervises the worldwide Gideon ministry, ensuring an efficient, economical operation. A non-profit organization, The Gideons International is generously supported by pastors and churches, who realize that an indispensable element in winning people to Christ is to present them with the gospel message. Every dollar contributed by members of the church is used to make it possible for others to have their every own copies of God's Word.

I believe when they state that they a missionary arm of the church, they aren't speaking of the local congregation but the entire Body of Christ. As far as I know though, the Gideons are still doing a wonderful work in making sure that Gods Word is available to all. The Scriptures tell us in such a case: Romans 10:14: How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

[Timothy]

A. Is cremation of the Human Body Biblical or should a Christian be buried in the ground? [Mike Walters]

A. Mike, I don't see anywhere where it is prohibited in the scriptures! The only mention that I have found of any type is the burial though! I don't reckon it really matters, because we are plainly told that our bodies are to return to the their original form when we die the natural death! Job 10:9 Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay; and wilt thou bring me into dust again? This is a common statement in the scriptures as to man returning to the dust he was created from.

[Timothy]

Q. Dear Brother Tim. We find in Exodus that when Moses was leading the children of Israel out of Egypt, at one point God called Moses up to Mt. Sanai to give him the laws. While he was there as you will recall the children made the golden calf and God's anger burned against them and He wanted to destroy them until Moses interceded for them. Now after a long introduction my question is this and your answer is purely as mine would be speculative, based upon the Holy Scriptures. Why did God repent? God is unable to sin or for that matter do any wrong! I have toyed around with a few notions of my own, so see what you can come up with for me. P.S. Your web page is outstanding. [Joe Davis]

A. Hello Brother Joe, This ones easy! The verse you are talking about is Exodus 32:14 And the Lord repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people. In "Our Modern English Language" the word repent is defined as:

1. Feel sorry for sin and seek forgiveness
2. Feel sorry for; regret; repent ones choice or choices.

Now let's look at the "17th Century Version of English" the Bible was written in! This excerpt is from the 1913 Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary which was still in tune with the older English;

Re*pent" (r?-p?nt"), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Repented; p. pr. & vb. n. Repenting.] [F. se repentir; L. pref. re- re- + poenitere to make repent, poenitet me it repents me, I repent. See Penitent.]

1. To feel pain, sorrow, or regret, for what one has done or omitted to do. First she relents With pity; of that pity then repents. Dryden.
2. To change the mind, or the course of conduct, on account of regret or dissatisfaction. Lest, peradventure, the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt. Ex. xiii. 17.
3. To be sorry for sin as morally evil, and to seek forgiveness; to cease to love and practice sin. Except ye repent, ye shall likewise perish. Luke xii. 3.

Look at definition (2. To change the mind, or the course of conduct, on account of regret or dissatisfaction.) Can we not persuade our Lord as Abraham did to try to save the Cities of Sodom & Gomorrah? Genesis 18:25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? 18:26: And the Lord said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes. Doesn't this tell us that the Lord "will change his mind" if He so desires. Doesn't he have the right to? He is God and He will do what pleases Him and if it pleases Him to hear the cry of his children, so be it.

That was a good one Joe, Got any others?

[Timothy a.k.a. Timmy]

Q. I have a young man in our home Bible study that is a marijuana user - he justifies his usage from Genesis 9:3... my husband & I believe that he would stop using this drug if he had Biblical scripture that condemned it,s use... we need help!!!! [Connie Morrow]

A. OK, then lets get to the scriptures and see what we will see. I'm not going to even mention the fact that this weed stones you out of your good senses. That it makes your mind forget that there is a proper conduct that a Christian should follow. Lets look at it from the Legal point of view. IT IS ILLEGAL. The Lord expects us to obey the Laws of the Land! Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 13:2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 13:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

This person is using the scripture passage that defines "food", not Whoopee Weed!!!!! Genesis 9:3 Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. Marijuana is no different than strong liquor. It makes you DRUNK! Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. and also in Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

Tell him that if he is a Christian, shouldn't he take the scriptures as they say and not make his own meaning. Then again, could it be that he really isn't saved? Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 7:19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 7:20: Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Sounds like maybe someone needs to hear the plan of Salvation one more time to be sure!

[Timothy]

Q. Hi my name is Kirk I have two questions. The first is what you see in the Bible about UFOs. Does the Bible give any insight into what people claim to be witnessing? Is it possible for there to be life somewhere else in the universe. My second question is about Bible Numerics. Maybe you have heard about Grant Jefferys book The Signature of God or maybe you have heard of the secular book The Bible Code 2. Is it possible that the Bible has codes within itself predicting the future etc. If not what could people be seeing in the Hebrew God Bless and thanks. [Kirk]

A. As far as I can tell, nothing. Oh, there are many who would tell you the Ezekiel's wheel was the vision of a flying saucer but I don't put much faith in these claims. To me, this is an example of the power of God.

Now for us to say that we are the only creatures that God has created would be arrogant!  God only knows! The facts are that God inspired and led the writing of the scriptures and it would seem to me that if God had wanted us to dwell on such things, he would have given us the information about it. He has created the universe with all its wonders and that should satisfy us! We can't read into the Bible what isn't there. For your first question, please reflect on the passages below. Wayne has asked to answer your second question.

Jeremiah 51:15: He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by his understanding. 51:16 When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens; and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth: he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures. 51:17 Every man is brutish by his knowledge; every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them. 51:18 They are vanity, the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish.

[Timothy]

I am not trying to make light of you or your question, because I feel you are truly seeking to learn. The problem is that man thinks he is smarter than All Mighty God and has found extra wisdom that is not apparent to the average man. He has not, God tells us in 1 Corinthians 3:19. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, For it is written, He taketh the wise in there own craftiness. The Bible is a road map for man to find his way to God, it does not reveal the whole wisdom of God, only that which is necessary for sinful man to come to a Righteous and Holy God. So the first thing you must be sure of is that you are a Born Again Child of God, Washed in the Blood of The Lord Jesus Christ, then if you ask God to reveal His will to you through the Word Of God the Holy Spirit will guide you in searching out the meaning of His Word. If you have any questions concerning salvation please, please write back and ask, we are here to try and spread the Word of God, and the Salvation message that Jesus Christ died to save lost men and women, and to keep them out of a literal burning Hell!

[Wayne]

Q. In Mat. 13:56 it refers to Jesus sisters. Do we know who they are how old etc. Are His sisters mentioned in the bible any where else. Is there any other record other then the Bible that talks about them? Thanks in advance for your time and effort. [Chris White]

A. Chris, so far I have only found two references in the scriptures. We don't seem to have a mention of their names or ages in any document or historical record that we can find! The verses we found are as follows:

Matthew 13:55 Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? 13:56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?

Mark 6:2 And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? 6:3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. 6:4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.

I will keep studying this one and get back to you if we find any more.

[Timothy]

Q. What is your opinion on face painting. It is only mentioned in reference to Jezebel. [Ruby Peacock]

A. Lets look into it! Great amounts of makeup on a ladies face has always been a uncomfortable thing for me to deal with, both scripturally and personally. I guess it reminds me of the old sayings about a painted lady which refers back to that old gal Jezebel.  2 Kings 9:30 And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window. Jezebels name has always been sonomious with a lady who was out for any and all men and didn't mind what measures she took to get them.

As for those ladies who put their makeup on thick, there are honestly some who do it because of blemish, scars, or a skin condition and there is nothing wrong with that if it makes them feel comfortable. But there are some Christian ladies who cake it on with a cement trowel because they want to and to be honest with you it is in my opinion that it is a shame. Number one, it draws attention to them and not to the Lord, and number two they are making themselves look like a woman who professes anything but Godliness. 1st Timothy 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 2:10: But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

Now as an old time preacher said in a sermon once "It don't hurt nothin to paint up the barn a little after it has had a few seasons in the sun". A little makeup never hurt anyone but if it makes you look like a lady who has on her mind anything but doing God's will, well, you get the picture!

[Timothy]

Q. Hello my name is Victor from Malaysia. I would to know more about Hosea. Sow for yourselves righteousness Reap in mercy Break up your fallow ground For it is time to seek the Lord Till He comes and rains righteousness on you. Could you please explain whats the meaning of this verse.

A. First lets look at the word "FALLOW" as it is used in this verse. "Hosea 10:12: Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you."

For a farmer to make fallow ground he first plows it then leaves it alone for a season or two to let it get a chance to recover from all the planting that has been done on it. This is in order for the weeds to die out and for the soil to become productive again.

This is so true with our christian lives that sometimes we have to prepare ourselves with the word of God (THE PLOW) and then wait on the Lord to plant for the harvest when He sees fit.

This is also a verse telling us to be patient and wait on the Lord to do his Holy Will!

[Timothy]

Q. What does the bible teach concerning the spiritual gifts and does it say that they are for today or not. Have you ever experienced the power of the holy spirit in your life for example healing or miracles such as in the new testament Is there any such power for people who give their lives to follow Jesus. If so explain in practical terms What do you think about the gifts that are spoke about such as prophetics visions tongues. The last question is Are you experiencing any victory over the things that you want to change in your life [Anon]

A. Your Question has no one easy answer, it is a complex study and will require much explanation. But I will try to show you what The Lord has let me see. First of all the spiritual gifts you are refering to can be found in Marks Gospel chapter 16 verse 17,18 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Let me start out saying that I believe what the Bible says in Second Timothy 3:16,17 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, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Now having said that let me start out by explaining that if the Bible Student does not take the Bible and study it by the dispensations of time that GOD has used in His dealings with men you can get confused.

There have been to date five dispensations that HE has used 1) innocence, 2) conscience, 3) Human Govt, 4) Promise, 5) Law. And the Sixth the one we are currently living under is called the Grace dispensation. I will not go into detail on all of these here in this reply instead I will concentrate on the last two.

At the time of CHRISTS appearing the Nation Israel was under the Law (5). Now the Jews worshiped GOD thru the Temple Worship and by the Miracles preformed through Gods Profits. But JESUS came to fulfill the Law and to redeem the Nation. Christ by the way He lived His Life Without Sin is spoken of in;

John 1:29 Behold the Lamb of GOD, which taketh away the sin of the world. We see if we study out the whole Messianic Prophecies that Christ was the Lamb Slane from the foundation of the world. After His Crucifixion when the Nation had rejected the Son of God. He Started the Grace Dispensation or Church Age (6). Now the Men being refered to in the Gospel Of Mark quoted earlier were the Apostles who were sent to the Lost Tribes of Israel. These Men had the task of bringing the Jews to Jesus. They were given these Gifts so that Law believing Jews would accept that they were from GOD. But that was only for a period of time, a time of transition from Law to Grace, Even though Peter opened the door to the Gentiles(non Jews)in Acts 10:14-48 He nor any of the original Apostles were given the message about the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ that was reserved for the Apostle Paul in Acts 9:15,16

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my names sake:

If you study the writings of Paul you will find the theme that Salvation is by Grace thru Faith, It is a Gift of GOD not of works lest any man should boast Ephesians 2:8,9. So we see by this that the New Testament Church is guided by Faith in the Finished Work of The Lord Jesus Christ and not by miracles. This is not to say that I do not believe God can no longer work miracles, but that the people who follow after someone who claims to preform miracles and those who claim to preform miracles are not following by Faith:

Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen Heb. 11:1. In my own Life I have seen the Power Of GOD first when he took a drunken, women chasing, God hating sailor and Saved my soul, and made me a new creature in Him. Second and I will try to be brief and not name all the times was when my youngest son was five months old and he stopped breathing and his heart quit. I was at the zoo with my family and we had just fed him, when he got choked and due to medical problems we were not aware of at the time he choked himself to death. I knelt down and asked GOD that if He wanted me to have my son, that He was going to have to provide the means for me to keep him. And HE did Praise GOD by having a Doctor from another State at the zoo at just the right time. Not only that but when he was later examined by the Hospital they said that there was no damage to his brain, or any of his organs due to his heart stopping not just once but THREE times!

So to sum all of this ramblings up I do believe God works thru the Prayers of His People for Healing, and what ever is needed in the life of the believer not through miracle workers/ healers who you see everywhere if they are real why are our Hospitals overflowing and our children dying of drugs. Gods people have fallen down on there job of praying too but that is the method that God is using in this Dispensation of Grace.

And in closing let me add that God has worked in my life, and is continuing to work in my life to make me a vessel worthy to serve Him not by my power, but by the Power off the Holy Spirit

[Wayne]

Q. Is there anything in the bible concerning 3 degrees of glory. Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial. If so, who goes to which ones? [Anon]

A. I'm not quite sure what you meant by "who goes to which ones?". If you are refering to 1st. Corinthians 15:40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another., This is where Paul was making a comparison as to how the natural body and the ressurected bodies differ. I am not quite sure how we could take this as degrees of glory unless we were taking the verse out of context.

The Holy Scriptures need to be taken as a whole or not at all. If we were to say that this verse was teaching us that one person is going to be in a different place  in Heaven than another if they were born again, that is not so at all. We, who have received the gift of eternal life by accepting Jesus as their personal Savior are part of the BODY of Christ or the BRIDE! Christ is not going to separate the parts of his body nor is the Bride Groom going to separate himself from the Bride.

Yes there are hidden truths in the scriptures, These hidden truths are to be sought after and not fabricated from one verse. In 2nd Timothy, chapter 2 We are told plainly to "(14) Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.(15): Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.(16): But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness." The key words are rightly dividing. Give it some thought!

[Timothy]