|
 We
receive lots of mail with comments or questions that we consider
unsuited for full page treatment. We answer some privately;
others accumulate — awaiting a day like this, when you
may judge the merit of each.
For example:
"If
a "Christian" willfully sins, has he been
"overtaken" in a fault? Are the spiritual obligated to
restore such an one?" I believe "willful" has
been misunderstood. Heb. 10: 26 concerns a rejection of Christ
(Cf. v.28-29), not a single act. The truly "spiritual"
will work to save all who can be touched by gospel truth.
Regarding "disembodied righteous spirits" or the
"state of the dead" — I did not comment because
stirring arguments over this is fruitless. We have our hands
full teaching folk to prepare for death and judgment, and
however God wishes to care for our spirits between the
two will be O.K.
"How
can we appeal to one who has no regard for the Scriptures?"
Brother, you may not realize it, but you are talking about the
overwhelming majority of the world's population. Your life: the
joy, hope, confidence, purity, and completeness of it; must
testify to the desirability of Christianity, and cause
unbelievers to become interested in its source. Give this one
extra thought. (Matt. 5:13-f)
"Why
do some brethren offer prayer at the taking up of collection?"
Maybe they think this makes our giving more "an act of
worship." I do not concur with such thinking. Maybe they
think this a good time to thank God for the material blessings
we have
| |
received. That has some merit. Maybe
they think this will cause brethren to give more freely. If so,
it is a form of coercion I deplore. Personally, I do not favor
the practice.
"Should
a Christian own a part of J. C. Penney's where they sell shorts
and swim suits?" If that bothers your conscience, sell
out. I do not believe stock in a reasonably legitimate business
makes the holder responsible for the use that may be made of
products sold. Government bonds (in a sense, all paper money)
represents "stock" in a government that engages in
things unbecoming to a saint.
"Should
men of a church stand in the back of the auditorium, counting
attendance, while others are singing and praying?" When
such numbers are considered desirable and useful in promoting
church work, the operation should be done at a time and in a way
least disturbing to more important things. Perhaps they should
ask the querist to suggest a better time and way to get the
operation done.
"Discuss
'prayer and fasting' as it applies to brethren today."
Saints in Antioch fasted and prayed in preparation for sending
forth Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:3); who, in turn, prayed with
fasting at the appointment of elders (14:23). Paul apparently
fasted often, although some of this may have been of necessity
(Cf. 2 Cor. 6:5; 11:27). We do not see this as a "church
ordinance" but as "time off" from daily affairs,
to meditate and prepare for more dedicated spiritual service
(Cf. 1 Cor. 7:5 K.J.).
[Previous
Article] [Next
Article]
|
