Angelology and Anthropology TH503
Pastoral Responses
16 February 1999
By Edward G. Rice
Click).. for an index of the questions
1).. Why do artists picture angels as having wings?
A class of angel called Cherubim (Gen 3:24 and Ezekiel 10:1-3) are pictured in scripture as having wings. Ezekiel 10:5 "and the sound of the cherubim's' wings was heard even to the outer court." These seem to be in view in Ezekiel 1:5-6 where it states "Also out of the midst there came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a men, And every one had four faces, and everyone had four wings." Does that mean 4 literal wings? If yes, it also means 4 literal faces. So too, the Seraphim is winged with 6 wings (Isaiah 6:2-7), two used to fly. So the picture of angels with wings is not entirely without warrant, but is at best a speculation for Gabriel and Michael.
2).. How is it that angels appeared to be men, if they have wings?
The appearance of angels to men is often as men talking with them. (i.e. to Gideon in Judges 6:11, or to Abraham in Gen 18:2.).. the 3 men) They had hands, they sat, they ate, they handled a rod, as would a man. However, these did not likely have wings, as it is not mentioned and they would be immediately known as more than men if they had. In Isaiah 6 they (seraphim's) had faces, feet and wings, apparently as a winged man, in Ezekiel they had 4 wings and 4 faces; but are still not described as obtuse of disfigured beings, implying they had an appearance of man.
3).. Should I think of having an angel on my shoulder?
"Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" (Heb 1:14) :Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones' for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven" These indicate the presence of angels (plural) with the saints, however, where Peter's helping angel opened the last gate of his imprisonment :forthwith the angel departed from him.? So one should NOT think of having an angel dwelling on ones shoulder. However, they show up when needed/directed. Thus angels are not seen as ministers of God's regular and common providence , but his special providence. In the sense that there is always someone looking over their shoulder, we can be assured that there is a host of witness' that encompass us. (Heb 11-12) Some of that host are angels, looking over your shoulder.
4).. When and how did the parents of Samson (Judges 13:2-23) come to recognize the nature of their visitors?
Manoah's wife was suspicious of the man at his first appearance and said "his countenance was like the countenance of an angel of God, very terrible." (Vr. 6) Manoah, however dismissed this for the Bible later says :For Manoah knew not that he was an angel of the LORD." (Vr. 16) It seems then, he did not realize the angelic presence till the angel of the LORD "did wondrously" in ascending up in the flame of the offering. Even then Manoah thought he had seen God, rather than the angel of the LORD. (Vr. 22) This is likely a use of "angel of the LORD" that is not a Christophony.
5).. Might I, today, entertain angels unawares?
"Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels (messengers) unawares." (Heb 13:1) The word angels here comes from a Greek word meaning `messengers". To say that every use of the word indicates heavenly angels may be dangerously broad. As in Revelation 2:1-3:21, I contend that this use is with a human messenger in view, (i.e. a pastor, preacher, human messenger) Nowhere else in the Bible did a heavenly angel appear to man without divulging hi heavenly nature. This portion of Hebrews is emphasizing brotherly love, not a quest to go angel hunting as it has been used for.
6).. Was the servant at Dothan (2 Kings 6:17) able to see spirit `bodies'?
Perhaps not, The Bible says "the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha." (Vr. 17) Certainly we expect that these heavenly protectors of Elisha were angels. Elisha was compassed about physically by real "horses and chariots and a great host." Elisha prayed and his servant saw God's flaming horses and chariots in like kind around Elisha. Elisha prayed again and these protectors (he) "smote mans armies with blindness according to the word of Elisha." There should be little doubt that Elisha could have had them more tangibly and physically smitten, whether these spirits had actual bodies or not. If we say he actually saw spirit bodies, they were `of fire' not physical.
7).. Can one rightly say "The Devil made me do it?"
Well Flip Wilson said it often enough. To say so in truth would be to compromise the fact that man is a free moral agent. The Devil is a deceiver, a slanderer and a tempter, so one could clearly say the devil persuaded me to do it, but not the Devil MADE me do it.
8).. Is Satan responsible for all the evil in the world?
Christ said "ye are of your father the devil and the lust of your father ye will do." (John 8:44) Indeed Satan fathered evil, Satan deceived Eve and she sinned, however the Bible states that Adam sinned willingly (but only after Eve's sin). Does the fathering of sin make Satan responsible for all the evil in the world? The heart of man is deceitful and desperately wicked, all on its own. Satan toppled the first domino, and the human race fell. Even when Satan is bound for 1000 years evil will have to be dealt with because man is responsible for his end of the evil in this world.
9.).. Is Satan aware of my thoughts? Can he know the future.
Yes, and Yes. I have been married only 27 years and my wife knows my thoughts, she reads me like a book. Satan has been reading the wicked heart of man for 6,000 years. and through knowledge and practice, (not through magical power or ESP) he knows my thoughts. I have studied God's revealed word in written form for only 38 years and I know the future. Satan has the written word and heard God speak much of it in person. He knows the future. Not with any special magical system but by a superior intelligence and real knowledge of God and His plans. One should take heart in this, within our daily walk, the deceiver can be deceived, he hears what we say,, he sees our expressions and moods, but does not read my mind or know for certain my next utterance or action. God's angels do not know the day nor the hour of His coming. We are certain his arch enemy does not know either.
10).. Should I resist the Devil or flee from him?
The Bible says "resist the devil and he will flee from you". It also says "flee youthful lusts". So we should wisely do both. Dr. Clarence Dole often says "A good run is better than a bad stand anytime". A Korean War Veteran would know to say that . So would a Veteran Christian Warrior.
11).. Are some fallen angels punished more severely than others?
So little is known about fallen angels that it is dangerous to speculate. Some like to use the 6th verse of Jude to divide fallen angels into bad and real bad, but such a division is not supported by scripture. The "prime" of the fallen angels will suffer the same fate as the most insignificant imp, they shall be together in the lake of fire for eternity.
12).. Need we today be concerned about demons?
McArthur and Patent both contended, in war "know your enemy" the bible tells us not to be ignorant of Satan's devices As demons ate the hosts of fallen angels that are sided with and organized under Satan. We should know our enemy, we should not be ignorant of their devices.
13).. What would you do to exorcise a demon?
Although its not popular in the alexandrines texts Matthew 17:21 says "However this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting" This should be a prime ingredient, but it was done by Christ and his disciples with a command in the name of Jesus Christ. Having confronted demon possession I have not been lead to "exorcise" such head to head, as it were. I in retrospect believe such direct confrontations to belong to the apostles only as sign gifts. Dr. Harold Boyd, missionary to Haiti gives testimony of demon relief of individuals, but again, not with a showy exorcising but with weeks of fasting and prayer on his face before God. The "exorcised" individual then showing up clothed and in their right mind. So too is my tact.
14).. What various things were lacking that animals were not like unto Adam? (Gen 2:20)
Aside from the clearly portrayed differences of origin (involving God's breath in man and being in the image and likeness of God) some notable differences would be that animals had 1) no self conscience and 2) no self determination. These two prime differences are parcel to their lack of rational comparisons, lack of reasoning and lack of comprehending concepts about time and space. God gave these to man to make him a steward of his creation. The animal did not receive them.
15).. What characteristics might a "missing link" have?
Noting the differences between animals and man made in the image of God, lets concentrate on mans ability to put rational concepts in an order in order to communicate. A missing link could be a dog (or an ape if you want to go with some physical similarities as well) who would get on the internet and communicate with others even if with simple icons. This only happens in beer commercials and would constitute a modern attribute for a missing link.
14).. What various things were lacking that animals were not like unto Adam (Gen 2:20)
"We(man) hold from God the gift which include all others. This gift is life - physical, intellectual and moral life." Frederick Bastiat "The Law" June 1850 An animal has the first, but intellectual and moral life are God breathed into man and missing from animals. Intellectual life is mans ability for deductive reasoning (yielding self conscience and self determination), Moral life is the free - moral choices found in Gods stewardships test - choice of right and wrong before God, our creator. The animals of Eden and of today are lacking intellectual life and moral life.
16).. Compare and contrast formation of a clone with the formation of Eve from Adam.
A clone (if actually formed with out cheating) is, as it were, a self impregnated egg which forms as offering of identical trait of the original (same gene, sex, blood, DNA, etc.) God took cells from a man and made a different "trait" being that man needed for completion. Same gene pool, same flesh, but definitely different in shape, size, temperament and function. Praise the Lord. All creation has not been the same since. Since Dr. I.M. Doodildigger supposed a clone of a dorian sheep the only change is we all forgot his name.
17).. Might Adam or Eve have had a belly button?
Might have, yes. I believe God made all things existing as if they had aged. I believe Carbon - 14 was created in the midst of Transformation and that rock layers were formed as if they had formed from lava and that chickens were formed as if they had learned to scratch cluck and craw at the sun, ..).. and that man was formed as if he had already been in a womb with a belly button. That's not from scripture but it sure is logical, and it messes with the mind of a geologist I know.
18).. Might Adam and Eve appear physically and intellectually similar to humans today?
They not only might, they must. I will be careful here not to lightly make the error that geologists do, to say that all things continue now as they always have, but Adam and Eve contained the entire 'gene - pool' of all mankind today. They may have contained more as we may have lost some giant gene's and/or some pre-flood gene's narrowing through the line of Noah. (The unregenerate minds have called these Neanderthal man) But all variations of human trait's may fit well into one single gene pool, even as all dog traits can fit in one wolf like dog. Controlled breeding makes a beagle, over controlled breeding produces a poodle.
19).. How is it that man can simultaneously exhibit characteristics of the Creator Father and of the father of iniquity (John 8:44)
Man, created in the image of God, fell to the exact same attraction that the father of iniquity fell to. The lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. In desiring to be independent of or even equal with our Creator, the race of man, though in the image of God, took on the same curse as the father of iniquity.
20).. If God is the Father of all men, why will not all go to heaven?
Genesis is more than a creation account, it accounts the fall of Man from innocence and fellowship with God. Only the acceptance of His Grace will now get man to his Heavenly Father.
21).. How many races exist in the world today?
Baptist Pastors have errantly said three from Shem Ham and Japeth, white, black and Mongol; they have said five to also include Jew and Arab. Clearly their is one race from Adam, and it is a fallen race. Our old nature wants to discriminate the race into groups.
22).. Can selective breeding produce a super human race?
Well, selective breeding of dogs produced a beagle (O.K. it also blundered onto a poodle) seperating various traits in humans may produce some divergent trait emphasis, but the gene-pool of the human is not so diversified. Whats more, genius is not hereditary, several attempts to localize and "breed" genius' has resulted in morons (excuse the term) we could not define a super human race let alone target one, even Einstein couldn't remember his home address and got lost going there. If God had bred towards a super race Satan would try to duplicate and replicate; but God carefully followed a seed and ended up with the nation of Israel. Man could do no better. Instead Satan prompts us to destroy Israel.
23).. How did Cain and Seth find wives?
I expect that there was not a difficult decision process to follow but I am also sure they followed the advice of their parents. They married according to Adam and Eves selections. They married a sister. Only in the past 4,000 years has this become a poor decision, and that because of a narrowing of the gene-pool into distinct lines.
24).. Do I have a soul, or am I a soul?
Both in common vernacular and in Bible Theology you are a soul. The soul epitomizes the essence of your being and thus the vernacular "there were 29 souls on board." One could equally ask "Does God have a Father, or is God a Father." Although both phrases are true the latter better captures the essence of God. I am a soul.
25).. Does man have a spirit before he is born-again?
There are those who contend that our spirit is the spark of divinity within us. They think it comes attached, or they think it is added at birth, or they think it comes at new birth. I believe that all of man is made in the image of God and we thus have soul, body, and spirit always, even as God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit always.
26).. Who was responsible for Mozart's' musical ability?
Well if man was, via genes or environment, you can be sure we would be producing more Mozart's. If Satan some how was responsible by his control of this world via his dominion, he would certainly be arranging greater human talents to war against God in this world. All the gene's intelligent, and characteristics of man were in place in Adam. Five thousand years later God brings these created abilities together with a character and talent building environment to allow such an one as Mozart or you or I. Marvelous.
27).. Are observations of philosophy or psychology always wrong?
There are so many vivid examples that I want to answer yes. However, these are, in general, produced by the natural mind, with its intelligence and analogical reasoning based on observations and influences. They are not often based on Revelations, and are thus often prone to gross error.
28).. Illustrate authoritative teaching as different from beneficial teaching.
If I may reword the question let me contrast teaching and preaching and suppose that will illustrate each. Teaching is the communication of knowledge and information. It may be taken or left by the student but the information is effectively communicated. Preaching is the same, but with an added authority that pushes the student towards a desired life changing decision. It may not get them there but there should be little question about the intention.
29).. What of stories of those who claim to recall a previous existence as a different person?
Where reputable one should certainly respect the integrity of such a person. Most people have experienced some level of de-ja-voh, even if they cant spell the French name for this phenomenon. So lets explore three leading causes of this been-here-before phenomenon. First, the ability to perform deductive reasoning is simply the ability to plug into a new circumstance the lessons we previously learned by experience. After years of doing this without conscience effort our mind eventually says out loud .).. I have done this before. Second, though we may not have experienced a circumstance directly, we did mentally whereby the mind vividly portrays what we imagine it must have been like previous. We then often confuse what was imagined with what was / is real. Lastly, if one vividly recalls impossible detail of another time, he is likely being influenced by one who was there, not a ghost but a demon.
30).. Why are breeders concerned about the spirit of a race horse? Why are certain breeds of dogs frequently vicious?
Even the question illustrates well that certain propensities, attitudes, even motivations or demeanors. (that we often call the spirit and separate from looks or intelligence) are handed on via the physical aspects of pro-creation (i.e. good or bad breeding) . Although these propensities toward competitions or viciousness are recognized as hereditary, they still cannot be selectively breed into or out of some, any better than you can nail jello to a wall.
31).. Would the world be better if society killed off all misfit humans before they have children?
No, for two (O.K. three) reasons. First, if not foremost, who shall constitute the council that determines the definition of 'miss-fit'. One must now consider what is meant by 'certain inalienable rights' to every man and given by God. Secondly, if its very clear that selective breeding is not all 'science'. As surely as two "fits" can produce a "miss-fit", we know that two miss-fits can produce a 'fit'. Thirdly, we cannot even determine what fit \ misfit characteristics are produced by heredity and which by environment. Nail more jello to the wall.
32).. Explain and refute immaculate conception.
The concept that Mary, the mother of God had to be sinless to produce a son that is sinless is called 'immaculate conception'. It is only a tolerable line of reasoning for a short time, but it has hung around for 2000 years. It is a line of reasoning with no Biblical support whatever. It is refuted first rationally .).. if true for Christ, then so for Mary-who had a sinless mom and dad, then so for Heli who had to have a sinless mom and dad and so on it goes. Second it is refuted scriptural, Jesus, who received his sinless nature from God, not man (or even woman) had to die for the sin found in the human race, which included Mary who also needed a savior is she acknowledged in her adoration in Luke 1:47.
33).. Explain: Choice before conception, not after.
Clearly from scripture the formation of an individual (body, soul and sprit) occurs at conception. To purposely destroy this newly conceived individual is ruthless; it is sin. Our society has parted from this clear concept for two reasons. First is the muddy Christian Theology arguments about when and how a human body- soul- spirit are formed. Muddy doctrine results in solid sin. Secondly, Mans selfish nature causes him to watch out for himself and disregard all others. That ugly nature has arisen by majority above the new- nature of Christendom in our Society and choice (selfishness) is elevated above life. (Godliness and Sanctity.)
34).. Does size matter for murder?
It has been said "God made man but Smith and Wesson made them equal." There are shades of truth in that when it comes to murder. Our society is now making the murder of some (i.e. police, blacks, queers) of higher consequence than murder of others, (poor, whites, straights) but size has not yet been put to majority vote. Size does not matter for murder.
35).. Is the fetus (infant) guilty of sinful acts related to conception?
No. Such a concept probably arose from Psalms 51:5 "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity: and in sin did my mother conceive me." However this is pointing to our sinful nature being passed on in the human race, not of an act of sin per say.
36).. Are there likeness' to language in the animal realm?
No. Despite what you see Flipper or Lassie do on TV, language use requires application of abstract and deductive reasoning which goes way beyond memorization and association, and even you can deduce that this is a run on sentence. I dare you to get your dog to figure that out.
37).. Can animals think bad thoughts or have wrong desires?
Animals are not created in the image of God, and never got to "be as gods, knowing good and evil." They are amoral; without moral life. Our pets may disobey us, even maliciously and rebelliously disobey, even wait until we are not looking. It even looks like sin, what they did on the carpet, but these perceptions are applied by us who are responsible for moral right and wrong. They are not.
38).. Might one child be born with a more tender conscience than another?
The conscience is the internal judge of our soul in regard to a moral standard. It interacts with our intellect, sensibility and our will but directly controls none of them. To say that we all start with an equal amount of intellect, or sense or self-will is erroneous. So too, to say we all start with an equal conscience is unfounded.
39).. Is it all right to proceed to do something if my conscience does not object?
Is the internal judge of soul in regard to a moral standard always right? Does it always work properly with a level of conviction for each standard not met? Does it always measure against a moral standard that is identical to God's? No, No, No, and No.
40).. If your wife's conscience is troubled, should you renege?
Renege = 1) to make a denial 2) to break ones word; go back on a promise 3) to reverse a stand or plan; back out; back down.
A wife is a help-meet (appropriate - suitable) and as such she looks at things from a different angle which should not be ignored. I wouldn't make a hard and fast rule here but one should at least proceed cautiously and with open communication about why the conscience is troubled. The cost of violating your wife's conscience is usually higher than even violating your own.
41).. Why ate some children more naughty than others?
For 3 reasons. 1) Children are individually different, different in sense - (sensibility and emotion) intelligence (ability to reason deductively) and will (strong will - submissive will) these three come in various shapes like other physical features. 2) A child's will, intellect, emotion or sense and conscience is formed different by upbringing and environment and 3) We dont understand what is inherited and what is found in upbringing because the two are incredibly intertwined.
42).. If parents teach a child to steal, who is responsible?
We want to say the parent is but we must not. The most remarkable thing about a human is our ability to step outside of ourselves and make some deductions about what we are doing, call it self awareness, or self conscience. Despite all the influences on our will, it is we, ourselves that own the will. At an early age the child will see the result of what is going on and will have opportunity to discern right from wrong, selfish from selfless and make a choice. We own our will and cannot blame mom.
43).. How come there is some good in the worst man?
No one is as bad as they could be. That part that's not called bad, no matter how minutely small it is, is called good, sometimes you cant even see it with a naked eye, all you can do is suspect its there.
44).. Can we be guilty of another mans sin? Of influencing another to sin? Of causing another to stumble?
#1 No. We can play all levels of the accomplice, but each man owns their own free will to choose and must be responsible for their own intents and acts. (one could force (by threat of life say) another to sin (murder say) Such would be against their will and we would be guilty of forcing their unwilling act.) #2 and #3 sum so parallel that I'd combine them. One can certainly be guilty of influencing sin and or causing another to stumble, such guilt (inspected), should cause guilt(imported)
45).. Is any human act ever fully free from sin?
Some scripture "the plowing of the which is sin" "your righteousness is as filthy rags" not all human acts are sinful acts, however man, outside of Christ's righteousness, can not do anything except miss - the - mark of God. And missing-the-mark is called sin. In a broad jump, some jump good, some jump bad some may refuse to jump at all. We like to hang around those that jump good. But when the goal was to jump the Atlantic ocean, all fall equally short, and France isn't even aware of the attempt.
46).. What errors of earning works righteousness were opposed in churches the first century?
I am sure there were many but predominately the works-for-salvation had to do with keeping the Jewish laws, particularly debated was circumcision. This lying of some physical requirement to the receipt of a free spiritual gift is still an abundant error today. Baptism, magical words of phrases, special places of worship, candles stain glass etc. etc. we naturally try to attach something physical. We need the super-natural to get this stopped.
47).. What does a human agent actually convey in a sacramental system?
Conveyed is the idea that there is something physical, an act, a little magical symbol or token, that I can do, or eat, or wash with or count, that will earn some special `in' or improved relationship with God. Thus we are careful to recognize baptism and communion, as ordinances not sacraments.
48).. What remnants of Romanism are sill left in some Protestant groups?
The top 10
10. Praying to saints
9. Mary is our intercessor
8. Mary was sinless
7. Spiritualizing and Stealing Promises afforded to Jews
6. Indulgences or Acts get us an In-with God
5. liturgical worship
4. Infant Baptism washes away sin nature
3. Baptism is the washing away of sin
2. Communion is the magical reception of the body and blood
1. Salvation by works
49).. Since man was assigned dominion over the earth, is there any limit to mans use of this world?
Yes, two or three. First, there are some natural laws that God set in place that will limit man no matter how resourceful he gets. 2nd, Satan wanted to set on the mount of the congregation to the north (rule over man) and to some extent, for a time, God allowed him to be the prime and power of the air on this earth and influence, if not hold, mans kingdoms. 3rd, God has in times past stepped in and put some limits on how far man could go into evil, and He does now with the restraining power of his spirit.
50).. Does man have a right to treat his own body in any way he chooses?
Walk your naked body out to main street and find the answer to be NO. Because we are social beings, our lives affect those around us and even the right to treat our own body in any way we choose has some restrictions for the good of our society (others)
51).. How come God has different laws in different dispensations?
In order to objectively demonstrate that mankind cannot `hit-the-mark' with his conscience in control, with the government or social rule in control, with great promises in place or superb set of laws, not even with free grace or an iron fisted rule of Jesus Christ himself, to demonstrate that man falls short in all these modes, God takes man through various rules in different periods of time. Man is given every opportunity under several dispensations but always falls short before an unchanging God.
52).. How do unsaved men discover moral law?
It is written within us, waiting for a response. "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them, for God hath shewed it unto them. (Rom. 1:18-19)
53).. If God hates divorce (Mal. 2:16), "he hateth putting away" how could he permit it?
The Lord was asked the same and answered "Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives; but from the beginning it was not so." So divorce was by special allowance by God in the law. Allowed because the human heart can be very hard. When that cold hard heart has committed fornication "putting away" a wife would be allowed. When the cold hard heart will not reconcile, become forgiving as a Christian is commanded to do. A divorce is allowed this is a biblical divorce, a divorce where re-marriage does not constitute adultery. Such a biblical divorce is impossible for two saved individuals who are commanded to forgive and not to harden ones heart.
54).. Does God allow us to do things He does not approve?
Yes he does, but there is always a plate of consequences that we must belly-up to.
55).. Why does it seem to be a thrill to do what is forbidden?
I have often wondered why this is so. I think its because it provides a fleeting opportunity for our intellect our sense and our will to all point at our conscience and laugh, saying "see we got away with it Scott-free" The conscience cannot effectively produce guilt when every one is against him and that is a thrill. A thrill short lived however.
56).. What does it mean when the preacher says all sin is against God?(Psa. 51:4 "Against thee, thee only have I sinned")
Sin is missing Gods moral law of right and wrong. When I miss His mark, I sin against Him. When I steal my neighbors car I have wronged and violated my neighbor but sinned against God. When we say I sinned against my neighbor (as we do) we begin to muddy the clear definition of the term sin. Its a very muddy definition already in our society.
57).. Is every Christian under God's law?
In the sense that the law brings condemnation, No, a Christian is not under condemnation. But one must not conclude that a Christian has no commandments. Jesus said "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in His love." (John 15:10)
58).. How do we learn God's law for us?
In John 14 Jesus emphatically promised the presence of His Holy Spirit. In that exhortation he said "If a man love me, he will keep my words..." He also said "He (the Holy Spirit) shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." I know that's from a King James translation so for those who cannot understand it; We learn God's law for us by abiding in Christ.
59).. Will the Holy Spirit ever lead contrary to the Bible?
Although a pastor's wife (SBC) once told me that the spirit told her it was all right to teach the adult class, The Holy Spirit in actuality will never lead contrary to the Bible, in fact he does not speak of himself, but speaks from God's Word only! I do believe a spirit did speak to her on this issue, but it was either her spirit or a spirit from hell.
60).. Why has self-rule not always been successful in other countries?
Americans have considered "self rule" to be synonymous with Democracy, and our promotion of `democracy' has been disastrous in many countries. We are not even a democracy here but a republic (most people need to go learn what that means!). Self-rule by any definition will be unsuccessful when the purpose of government law is not completely understood, ( most people need to go learn what that purpose is, reference "The Law" by Bastiat)
61).. Identify legislative, executive and judicial aspects in the government of a local Church.
In America we have given some balance to the republic by creating these three branches of Government. God strove to rule in Israel with a theocracy, i.e. with God Himself in charge of the nation. Jesus Christ is the theocratic ruler in the Church. He is the head of the Church, the executive, the legislative, and the judicial branch. Man needs those branches to maintain a balance of power away from on person or group. God needs no such balancing act and can be trusted for righteous execution of leadership, righteous laws and righteous judgment. What a marvelous judge he is. (Ref. Psalm 67)
62).. Can sin be recognized without acknowledging God?
When sin is defined with a consideration of moral right and wrong there is an internal knowledge involved and sin may be recognized without acknowledging God. When considering sin as falling short of God's standard, there is also an internal awareness of this standard in us, and it may be recognized without conscious acknowledgment of God.
63).. Is all evil in this world sinful? Yes Why do you ask?
64).. At the Great White Throne judgment might God overlook any sin?
The wages of sin (singular) is death. At this judgment every wage will be paid in full. No sin and no sins will be overlooked.
65).. What is the relation of heart sins to act sins?
Jesus said that to look at a woman with lust is to be guilty of adultery. There are 3 things that differentiate this sin from the actual commission of the act. Such a sin is only between you and God. It is sin but a sin within oneself. Such a sin does not invoke the physical scars that results from the act, although there are spiritual scars and mental scars left on the mind. Lastly such a sin has not entangled another individual in ones vile act. Following through the thought (heart) sin into the act of sin will bring on multiplied wickedness.
66).. Are sins mentally enjoyed overlooked if the act is not carried out?
They are not overlooked. Jesus said they bring the same judicial guilt that the acts bring. I believe the punishment (penalty) gets higher as we walk down the trail of sin till we get to the act. When we take up the act, the sin , the guilt and the penalty are multiplied.
67).. Can I have self respect and not sin?
Much has been said and written about a Christina and self-esteem. The Bible never addresses a self-respect problem directly but says much about repentance and pride. We are in a battle of definitions here so let's suffice to say some self-confidence' is normal and necessary but all would likely tie the term `self-respect' to sin of pridefullness.
68).. Is self-centeredness often still a problem for a mature believer?
Whether you consider the world the flesh of the devil as Paul listed them of the devil , the flesh and the world as Jesus illustrated them in the parable of the sower. Self is always in the center and will be a problem till Jesus takes us out of this world.
69.).. Was the flesh of Jesus different from our flesh?
No. As Dr. Vanhetloo (who heard it from Dr. Monroe Parker) put it He was just as much man as if he were not God, and he was just as much God as if he were not a man. Although sinless, his flesh was the same as ours.
70).. Can any free agent initiate a sinful thought or act?
Consider God, as a free agent, yet unable to sin. Consider righteous angels as free agents yet confirmed in righteousness that is, they cannot presently choose to sin; they had their test toward sin and choose wisely. Even as Satan and his fallen angels cannot choose their previous estate, righteous angels cannot now choose to join them, So there are some free agents that cannot initiate a sinful act. Humans, however are sure not one of them. Since the fall, we major in initiating sinful acts.
71).. Why did God relate the sins of so many leaders in the Old Testament?
The complete revelation of the characters in the OT allows us to recognize that God, could even do wondrously with a cow farmer from Addison NY. It illustrates the cost, penalty and forgiveness of sin which reveals God's nature to us and reveals God's Son to us. The purpose of the OT is to reveal mans need of a redeemer and God's graciousness in providing one. That is done divinely with this revelation of sins of so many leaders in the OT.
72).. What about the charge that there is pornography in the Bible?
Certainly there are portions of scripture which so violate our social norms of conversation that it embarrasses us to read them in mixed company. That, by no means determines them to be impure in what is trying to be communicated. It is far from lust producing pornography except in the most deviant of minds.
73).. Why does "No; don't do that!" so often stimulate a child to try again?
"Ye shall be as gods knowing good and evil." Since that attraction was dangled in front of Eve 6,000 years ago, to do ones own choosing of right-n-wrong has been the heart of all humans. When someone else steps in to restrict our own selection of what we may do, our heart reacts with rebellion and we are stimulated to try again; child or not.
74).. How important is humility in sports or entertainment?
"Its not important whether you win or loose, its how you play the game." Most people on a playing field have heard that or said that, only a few really believe it. The assault on ones ego that comes with a loss is devastating to some individuals. Such do not seem to improve with several losses, but most of the humility that I have came from bruised egos around competitions or over confidence in self.
75).. Distinguish between retaliation and justice.
Justice involves two commodities mission from retaliation).. The first is authority. When one violates anothers person or property there is a law violated and there can be no law except there is an authority of enforcement . The second lacking quality in retaliation is often called "due-process". Investigation for the truth is part of justice. Such is often missed from retaliation.
76).. If I thought it, why not do it?
There are degrees of guilt and degrees of penalty. All sin, thought or committed bring judicial guilt, but scars and penalties, consequences and results are deeper and costlier with commission. See #65 above for more elaboration of this point.
77).. If I choose a lesser sin instead of a greater sin, is it still sin?
The answer is the question. I have been told from my youth that there are no lesser or greater sins with God. That is true in that any choice of sin brings equal separation from God, however the severity of penalty (or for a believer the level of chastisement coming) does vary for various sin. Your attitude in "choosing" the lesser sin will increase the consequences because of the deliberate rebellious choice.
78).. Can a Pastor or Evangelist know for sure when a man is unreachable?
Can a man know the mind of God? I believe so. Those who I have heard call someone unreachable were more in the flesh and discouraged or disgusted than in the spirit. They spoke with contempt rather than compassion. Charles Finney gave testimony that God told him not to pray further for an individual, and I believe him. It is at the least very unusual,,.).. but so to was Finney's walk with God.
79).. Ought we to give up on anyone while they are alive and will listen. (Heb 9:27)
Every one is someone's loved one. Every one ought to have every opportunity that we can provide, especially realizing that God is not willing that any should perish. If that's His will it ought to be ours.
80).. Does one sin condemn me to eternal hell?
No. We are not condemned because we sin. We are condemned because we are sinners. We are not sinners because we sin, even one little sin. We sin because we are sinners. Jesus died for our sin, not our sins. We need not list out sins for repentance, only recognize we are sinners.
81).. Why should the Gospel be preached at a funeral? (Interestingly I answered this question on my way to a funeral)
It will not benefit nor harm the deceased. If it were possible to check with them they would plead for the Gospel to be preached, no matter what their previous beliefs. So for a few days around a funeral everyone is forced to consider eternal matters and their own brevity on this earth. A clear presentation of the Gospel is (1) a comfort to believers, (2) direction to the unsaved and (3) extremely memorable for years. Preach it at every funeral.
82).. Would Adam and Eve have lived forever if they had eaten of the fruit of the tree of life?
"And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life." (Gen 3:22-24) He put man out "to keep the way of the tree of life." To read the Bible literally is to recognize that the tree of life had some relation to living forever. A lot of people say yeah-but, yeah-but, but it is clear here that the tree, at the very least, symbolically , if it did not actually, provided eternal life. I have heard a lot of opinions, not completely accepted any. I believe it is better to say "We don't know" than to lock onto an opinion that twists other doctrines or violates hermeneutical rules of interpretation.
83).. If the bread and cup are only symbols, is God concerned about how they are used?
"Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily , shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord." (II Cor 11:27) Clearly God is very concerned about His symbolism.
84).. Am I responsible for sins of my parents?
Responsible; no; however we carry scars, both physical, spiritual and emotional results, of the sins of parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. Sin chosen and executed sets in motion some laws and consequences that walk through generations. Why? "for the LORD they God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and forth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments." (Exod 20:5b-6)
85).. Why has God made the United States so prominent in the World?
On July 4th 1776, in the city of Philadelphia, the Declaration of Independence was signed by 56 courageous men who closed this solemn document with these words: "With a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and or sacred honor." In 1892 in a Supreme Court Decision, Church of the Holy Trinity V. United States , it was documented more clearly as follows: "Our laws and our institutions must necessarily be based upon and embody the teachings of The Redeemer of mankind. It is impossible that it should be otherwise; and in this sense and to this extent our civilization and our institutions are emphatically Christian..).. this is a religious people. This is historically true. From the discovery of this continent to the present hour, there is a single voice making this affirmation.).. that this is a Christian Nation.
86).. Does the Bible identify an age of discretion?
No, it does not. The Bible seems to be strangely silent in this area, although many others are not. It seems that those 19 and older were responsible for their own decisions at Kadish Barneah; responsible to break from their parents decision and make their own. But this would not bear on an age of discretion. Jewish tradition honors age 13, however this also seems to have no Biblical support. When one understands sin, one can understand repentance and substitutional atonement.
87).. Can a child be saved if he does not later remember the occasion?
To such a ones parent I may say yes; but to such a one I would say no. Many have been told they are saved because of something in their childhood. I am married, I know because I was there when the vows were exchanged. If I could not recall that day and had no other evidence's I'd say I'm not likely married. If I recalled that Day, but had no wife I'd question what had happened. If I could not recall it but had a wife assuring me that she was mine, I'd rest assured. If the question is entertained one is not resting assured. If there is no wife to be found I'd not promote an assurance based on a forgotten event.
88).. Can a pastor comfort parents who have lost an infant without giving a false hope or increasing their despair?
When the Bible is silent it is wise that a preacher of the Bible be silent as well. This is most effectively done by assuring parents the God of all the earth will do right and not wrong. God is Just, and In God we Trust!
89).. How was Jesus as a youth different from other His age in Nazareth?
I remember the mental quandary of recognizing that the God of the Universe, robed now in flesh, had to learn the Hebrew Alphabet. Jesus was sinless. As a primary, junior and teenager he was sinless. As a sinless youth he could learn remarkably more efficiently than a sin laden youth. Jesus set aside his omniscience to take my place as a human. Awesome!
90).. How was Jesus able to know the thoughts of men?
Jesus did not take on the attributes of Omniscience until after his resurrection, however he was indwelt by the Spirit of God and operated as we can in His Spirit while in the flesh of man. He knows the thoughts of men because he, better than anyone, new the heart-mind-soul of the Father. He did that by the power of the indwelling Holy Ghost of God. I believe this world has yet to see what a man wholly surrendered to God, wholly filled with and controlled by His Spirit can do in this century. . . millennium.
Submitted By
Edward G. Rice
9483 County Rt 97
Hammondsport NY 14840
16 Feb 1999
1.. Why do artists picture angels as having wings?
2.. How is it that angels appeared to be men, if they have wings?
3.. Should I think of having an angel on my shoulder?
4.. When and how did the parents of Samson (Judges 13:2-23) come to recognize the nature of their visitors?
5.. Might I, today, entertain angels unawares?
6.. Was the servant at Dothan (2 Kings 6:17) able to see spirit `bodies'?
7.. Can one rightly say "The Devil made me do it?"
8.. Is Satan responsible for all the evil in the world?
9.. Is Satan aware of my thoughts? ... Can he know the future.
10.. Should I resist the Devil or flee from him?
11.. Are some fallen angels punished more severely than others?
12.. Need we today be concerned about demons?
13.. What would you do to exorcise a demon?
14.. What various things were lacking that animals were not like unto Adam? (Gen 2:20)
15.. What characteristics might a "missing link" have?
14.. What various things were lacking that animals were not like unto Adam (Gen 2:20)
16.. Compare and contrast formation of a clone with the formation of Eve from Adam.
17.. Might Adam or Eve have had a belly button?
18.. Might Adam and Eve appear physically and intellectually similar to humans today?
19.. How is it that man can simultaneously exhibit characteristics of the Creator Father and of the father of iniquity (John 8:44)
20.. If God is the Father of all men, why will not all go to heaven?
21.. How many races exist in the world today?
22.. Can selective breeding produce a super human race?
23.. How did Cain and Seth find wives?
24.. Do I have a soul, or am I a soul?
25.. Does man have a spirit before he is born-again?
26.. Who was responsible for Mozart's' musical ability?
27.. Are observations of philosophy or psychology always wrong?
28.. Illustrate authoritative teaching as different from beneficial teaching.
29.. What of stories of those who claim to recall a previous existence as a different person?
30.. Why are breeders concerned about the spirit of a race horse? Why are certain breeds of dogs frequently vicious?
31.. Would the world be better if society killed off all misfit humans before they have children?
32.. Explain and refute immaculate conception.
33.. Explain: Choice before conception, not after.
34.. Does size matter for murder?
35.. Is the fetus (infant) guilty of sinful acts related to conception?
36.. Are there likeness' to language in the animal realm?
37.. Can animals think bad thoughts or have wrong desires?
38.. Might one child be born with a more tender conscience than another?
39.. Is it all right to proceed to do something if my conscience does not object?
40.. If your wife's conscience is troubled, should you renege?
41.. Why ate some children more naughty than others?
42.. If parents teach a child to steal, who is responsible?
43.. How come there is some good in the worst man?
44.. Can we be guilty of another mans sin? Of influencing another to sin? Of causing another to stumble?
45.. Is any human act ever fully free from sin?
46.. What errors of earning works righteousness were opposed in churches the first century?
47.. What does a human agent actually convey in a sacramental system?
48.. What remnants of Romanism are sill left in some Protestant groups?
49.. Since man was assigned dominion over the earth, is there any limit to mans use of this world?
50.. Does man have a right to treat his own body in any way he chooses?
51.. How come God has different laws in different dispensations?
52.. How do unsaved men discover moral law?
53.. If God hates divorce (Mal. 2:16), "he hateth putting away" how could he permit it?
54.. Does God allow us to do things He does not approve?
55.. Why does it seem to be a thrill to do what is forbidden?
56.. What does it mean when the preacher says all sin is against God?(Psa. 51:4 "Against thee, thee only have I sinned")
57.. Is every Christian under God's law?
58.. How do we learn God's law for us?
59.. Will the Holy Spirit ever lead contrary to the Bible?
60.. Why has self-rule not always been successful in other countries?
61.. Identify legislative, executive and judicial aspects in the government of a local Church.
62.. Can sin be recognized without acknowledging God?
63.. Is all evil in this world sinful?
64... At the Great White Throne judgment might God overlook any sin?
65.. What is the relation of heart sins to act sins?
66.. Are sins mentally enjoyed overlooked if the act is not carried out?
67.. Can I have self respect and not sin?
68.. Is self-centeredness often still a problem for a mature believer?
69... Was the flesh of Jesus different from our flesh?
70.. Can any free agent initiate a sinful thought or act?
71.. Why did God relate the sins of so many leaders in the Old Testament?
72.. What about the charge that there is pornography in the Bible?
73.. Why does "No; don't do that!" so often stimulate a child to try again?
74.. How important is humility in sports or entertainment?
75.. Distinguish between retaliation and justice.
76.. If I thought it, why not do it?
77.. If I choose a lesser sin instead of a greater sin, is it still sin?
78.. Can a Pastor or Evangelist know for sure when a man is unreachable?
79.. Ought we to give up on anyone while they are alive and will listen. (Heb 9:27)
80.. Does one sin condemn me to eternal hell?
81.. Why should the Gospel be preached at a funeral? (Interestingly I answered this question on my way to a funeral)
82.. Would Adam and Eve have lived forever if they had eaten of the fruit of the tree of life?
83.. If the bread and cup are only symbols, is God concerned about how they are used?
84.. Am I responsible for sins of my parents?
85.. Why has God made the United States so prominent in the World?
86.. Does the Bible identify an age of discretion?
87.. Can a child be saved if he does not later remember the occasion?
88.. Can a pastor comfort parents who have lost an infant without giving a false hope or increasing their despair?
89.. How was Jesus as a youth different from other His age in Nazareth?
90.. How was Jesus able to know the thoughts of men?
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