All questions from readers are welcomed, and deserve attention. However, not all require a full page; so here are a number of “shorties”. Dear Bro. Turner: In the case of an adulterous marriage where there are children; if the man became a eunuch via surgery, may he continue to live in the house and support his family? Reply: Typewriter for Sale! And the job goes with it!! The man’s desire to meet his material obligations is commendable as is his willingness to take drastic measures to avoid further sexual relations. (We are assuming a genuine penitent heart.) This may be a solution and again it may raise new questions as complex as the first. Is the sexual relation the only thing involved in adultery? Definable factors are necessary for the discussion of this and all subjects; but there is more to marriage than pure mechanics. Too, I believe the willing eunuch of MAT.19:12 may refer to self - containment-- abstinence rather than (or as well as) mutilation. The reception of such ideals involves factors that some "cannot receive" (vs.1, 12b) , meaning they lack the dedication necessary. In the final analysis God, who sees the heart, will render just judgment. Dear Bro. Turner: Have the elder’s authority to dissolve the church over which they have been appointed without the desires of the members? Reply: Apparently some specific case is in the mind of the querist and I have neither qualifications nor desire to meddle in this.

In principal elders make decisions in the realm of human judgment and expediencies on behalf of the church. They are given this right by (1) scriptures which authorize their place and work, and (2) by the church, in the act of selection and appointment (1TI.3:5; ACT.21:20; 14:23). "Without regard for the members" suggests an arbitrary rule which would be wrong if this is the case (1PE.5:3). A local church cannot be dissolved except by consent of its members-as nothing exists to "dissolve" but their agreement to work and worship together. Taking their property no more dissolves a congregation than burning a house dissolves a home or marriage. Local churches may "merge" by consent of their members with the same authority by which they first formed. Dear Bro. Turner: Please comment on baptismal certificates. "May they read, "in imitation of the example" of our Lord? Reply: Baptism anticipates a new life and "better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof" (ECC.6:8). There are sound, practical reasons, and perhaps some sentimental reasons, for record keeping; but it is a mistake to encourage a "certificate" sort of Christianity. We should let each day bear testimony to our spiritual growth, and look ahead for opportunity to serve; remembering the death of the "old man" as incentive to keep alive the "new". There is a sense in which Christ’s baptism is exemplar, although this was a special case and impossible to duplicate in detail. We are immersed because the inspired word "baptize" demands that, and the apostles taught it. (ROM.6:4) [Previous Article] [Next Article]

	Created on 8-Dec-00	Page last updated