Plain Talk Vol.1, No.8, Pg.7 - Cedar Park Church of Christ

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Vol. 1, No. 8
August, 1964

QUERIES and ANSWERS

Bro. Turner:
When one is born of water and the Spirit, is he, at the same time, born of God? M.J.

Reply:
"Born of" is used in the Bible primarily with reference to the "begetting," the planting of seed, perhaps because of the greater importance attached to male lineage. Figuratively, it may refer to attitudes, influences, or elements involved in "fathering" a result or course of action. It is also used (more rarely) in reference to the mother, or elements from which the product is delivered. (1 Jn. 3:9 Jas. 1:19 Jn. 8:38-f. Gal. 4:24-f.)

One is born of water and Spirit by receiving and obeying the word (seed) of God; hence these expressions may refer to the sane "coming forth". We should not, however, limit so rich a figure to some simple overt act.

Bro. Turner:
What-is the meaning of "lords over God's heritage"-1 Pet. 5:3?

Reply:
God's heritage is, of course the local church of which the elders under consideration are shepherds. (See R.V.: "neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you")

The original language means "lord against" and carries the idea of oppression, of using the rights of a lord to bring down others that self might be exalted.

The same word is used in Mk.10:42 and Matt. 20:25 where Jesus says the Gentile rulers "exercise lordship over them" "dominion over"; and Jesus says "it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant." (Matt. 20:26)
1 Pet. 5:3 does not deny that the elders (bishops) "rule" (i.e., take the lead of; 1 Thes.5:12) but it forbids hostile rule or lordship, as exemplified in Mk.10: Matt.20:, above.

Sir:
Would you care to comment on the enclosed? (a church bulletin with mimeographed copy of a F.F. editorial)

Reply:
Different people have differing reasons for writing, or reproducing such material. Significantly, I have seen no reproduction of fine editorials on "Church Action vs Individual Action"; "Learning From Sad Experience" (re. "intercongregationa1 committees and 'boards' of various kinds" rft) and such like, from same paper.

But inflammatory matter gets special attention. The time and space may better have been spent studying the actual issues involved, and making an effort to produce scriptures for one's practices. Perhaps then the efforts of some to stem the tide of transgression would be better understood, and more kindly treated.

This is not to question direct and forceful attack upon what one holds to be error. We invite constructive scriptural criticism-- our invitation for Bible study stands unanswered.

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Bro. Turner: When one is born of water and the Spirit, is he, at the same time, born of God? M.J. Reply: "Born of" is used in the Bible primarily with reference to the "begetting," the planting of seed, perhaps because of the greater importance attached to male lineage. Figuratively, it may refer to attitudes, influences, or elements involved in "fathering" a result or course of action. It is also used (more rarely) in reference to the mother, or elements from which the product is delivered. (1 Jn. 3:9 Jas. 1:19 Jn. 8:38-f. Gal. 4:24-f.) One is born of water and Spirit by receiving and obeying the word (seed) of God; hence these expressions may refer to the sane "coming forth". We should not, however, limit so rich a figure to some simple overt act. Bro. Turner: What-is the meaning of "lords over God's heritage"-1 Pet. 5:3? Reply: God's heritage is, of course the local church of which the elders under consideration are shepherds. (See R.V.: "neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you") The original language means "lord against" and carries the idea of oppression, of using the rights of a lord to bring down others that self might be exalted. The same word is used in Mk.10:42 and Matt. 20:25 where Jesus says the Gentile rulers "exercise lordship over them" "dominion over"; and Jesus says "it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant." (Matt. 20:26)		1 Pet. 5:3 does not deny that the elders (bishops) "rule" (i.e., take the lead of; 1 Thes.5:12) but it forbids hostile rule or lordship, as exemplified in Mk.10: Matt.20:, above. Sir: Would you care to comment on the enclosed? (a church bulletin with mimeographed copy of a F.F. editorial) Reply: Different people have differing reasons for writing, or reproducing such material. Significantly, I have seen no reproduction of fine editorials on "Church Action vs Individual Action"; "Learning From Sad Experience" (re. "intercongregationa1 committees and 'boards' of various kinds" rft) and such like, from same paper. But inflammatory matter gets special attention. The time and space may better have been spent studying the actual issues involved, and making an effort to produce scriptures for one's practices. Perhaps then the efforts of some to stem the tide of transgression would be better understood, and more kindly treated. This is not to question direct and forceful attack upon what one holds to be error. We invite constructive scriptural criticism-- our invitation for Bible study stands unanswered. [Previous Article] [Next Article]