Is the head covering a symbol to teach the angels?

Is the head covering a symbol to teach the angels?

The passage simply states that a woman "ought to have a symbol of authority on her head because of the angels" (v. 10, ESV). If we confuse this passage with Ephesians 3:10," TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 3:10, we might add to it the thought of teaching the angels.

Elect angels are very aware of the value of accepting the sphere of responsibility God has assigned to them. This is the principle of headship. They see this principle expressed in the woman’s head covering and appreciate it.

D. Oliver
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Should I seek marital counseling outside of the church?

Is it best to go for marital counseling outside the assembly.

Believing that the assembly is the Lord's flock (Acts 20:28)" TARGET="_blank">Acts 20:28) and that He provides shepherds to care for the sheep, we expect believer's spiritual needs to be met within the assembly. To find spiritual help outside the assembly, especially in a matter so important as resolving marital difficulties, does not allow the Lord to provide the care He desires for His sheep. This places a serious responsibility on the shepherds. "All the counsel of God" (Acts 20:27)" TARGET="_blank">Acts 20:27) in assembly teaching will include scriptural teaching on marriage relationships. Watching for the souls of the believers (Hebrews 13:17)" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 13:17) includes being aware when marital problems exist. Scriptural shepherding will give believers confidence that confidential, sensitive, and competent help is available. On occasion, shepherds may recognize that problems involved in a marriage go beyond spiritual problems. Physical, mental or emotional issues may require professional help outside the assembly. Where possible, such help should come from those whose principles are consistent with the assembly's. Any factor that causes a couple to hesitate in seeking help when needed is potentially disastrous and dishonoring to the Lord.

D. Oliver

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Can a brother be told not to participate in the meetings of an assembly?

Can you give any Scripture for the “silencing” of a brother? For what “crime” is he to be “silenced”? and who is to do it?

This is an important enquiry. I suppose the questioner does not mean literally a “crime,” for surely no one guilty of a serious moral offence against the law could be allowed to preach or teach, even if he were allowed for the time being to remain in the assembly, which could hardly ever be the case. But I suppose what is meant is some brother, against whom, perhaps, no real accusation can be made, but who has been requested not to minister the Word.

Now, of course, we cannot judge of any particular case without knowing the details. I believe in general that no one would be silenced, unless there were good reasons—some manifest lack of gift, some recognised inability to edify the saints, some habit of too lengthy and unprofitable ministry, which had wearied hearers, or some clear moral defect. Sometimes a man may insist on reading and commenting on long chapters of the Bible, or always the same chapter, as we have known in one case, or always the same disputed doctrine, which in an unruly way he persists to inflict upon the saints.

Perhaps Paul refers to some such men in Titus 1:10" TARGET="_blank">Titus 1:10 as ”unruly and vain-talkers and deceivers . . . ,“ and then adds, “WHOSE MOUTHS MUST BE STOPPED.” It is not necessary to fill every line of this indictment, to deserve the form of discipline here prescribed. A man would seem to fall within it, who is known as an unprofit able talker, or as pushing some doubtful or controversial teaching. I do not think this silencing ought to be done by an individual acting on his own responsibility. It is a case where “two are better,” and they should act only as representatives of the assembly.

The phrase, “the liberty of the Spirit,” is sometimes quoted to show that the Spirit gives liberty to anyone who likes to teach, but in their context the words only refer to seeing Christ without a veil. Certainly the Spirit does not give liberty to those whom He has not qualified to speak. However, it does not always follow that the one silenced will never again be able to minister, for sometimes it may be that a young man may have been too quick to come forward into this service, and may develop a true gift later. I know of one such case, where the one silenced (and he submitted himself humbly to the ruling of his elders) became afterwards universally recognised as a true minister of the Word.

W.H.

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Is it wise to counsel a dating couple in fellowship not to sit together in the assembly meetings?

Is it wise to counsel a dating couple in fellowship not to sit together in the assembly meetings?

Some valuable wisdom may underlie this advice, but it does sound like the kind of rule that some religious groups have handed down for generations. Such traditions can create a religious hypocrisy (Mark 7:6-8)." TARGET="_blank">Mark 7:6-8). Rather than making rules, why not apply Biblical principles?

Being in love is a wonderful blessing, part of the Lord’s gracious provision for the human family (Genesis 2:24;" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 5:31-33)." TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 5:31-33). It is part of the normal development of the spiritually-significant relationship of marriage (5:25, 28). It is therefore not a foreign intruder into a spiritual life. A couple’s behavior, however, should reflect their concern for their testimony before the world. Paul says, "Give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all" (Romans 12:17," TARGET="_blank">Romans 12:17, ESV). Another principle comes from Paul’s pen, "Flee youthful passions" (2 Timothy 2:22" TARGET="_blank">2 Timothy 2:22 ESV). Considering these principles, a couple is well-advised to limit public displays of affection to fit comfortably within acceptable standards among believers. The world’s standards in courting are not relevant (Romans 12:2)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 12:2).

A principle that relates to all our assembly gatherings comes from the Lord’s words, "For where two or three are gathered together unto My name, there am I in the midst of them" (Mat 18:20" TARGET="_blank">Mat 18:20 JND). In all our meetings, we are in the Lord’s presence. Although the assembly is on earth, our place of worship and prayer is in heaven, in the immediate sanctuary of God’s holy presence (Hebrews 10:19, 20)." TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 10:19, 20). We enjoy an intimate relationship with our Father, but the standards of holiness in the presence of God have not changed. The same holy creatures Isaiah saw crying "Holy, holy, holy" in God’s presence (Isaiah 6:3)" TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 6:3) have not changed their occupation at the conclusion of this present age (Rev 4:8)." TARGET="_blank">Rev 4:8). When God’s presence among men was introduced (Exodus 25:8; 40:34, 35)," TARGET="_blank">Exodus 25:8; 40:34, 35), God maintained the standard of behavior in His presence. Nadab and Abihu offered "strange fire" before the Lord (Leviticuis 10:1), apparently acting with a lack of self-control (v 9). God maintained a distinction between "common" behavior and behavior in His holy presence (v 10). In our irreverent age, we need the reminder of the Scriptures on this matter. Being preoccupied with others while in the holiest of all is not suitable. Whether or not a couple sits together, they can easily become more aware of each other’s presence than of the presence of God.

Biblical principles do not establish a rule about couples sitting together. They do, however, instruct courting couples and all of us that we must seek the Lord’s help so that God has His proper place of undistracted honor and occupation when we meet together. Lacking the self-control needed so that God is first in our thoughts and desires dishonors Him. We all need a greater awareness of God’s presence and of the holiness that is fitting there.

D. Oliver
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What is the significance of Ezekiel

What is the significance of Ezekiel’s being called "son of man"?

The Lord addresses Ezekiel as "son of man" about 93 times. The only other person God addressed in this way was Daniel and on only one occasion (Dan 8:17)." TARGET="_blank">Dan 8:17).

The title, literally rendered "son of Adam," may express God’s tenderness to Ezekiel, in light of his frailty and the failure surrounding him. The title is linked with favor (Psa 8:4, 5). Psalm 80" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 80 would inform Ezekiel that the Son of Man will eventually visit and bless the nation (v 17). While Ezekiel witnessed God’s glory departing, the title may have encouraged him since He was linked with the Messiah, Who would one day bring back that glory.

In addition, Ezekiel had a number of likenesses to the Lord Jesus. The ministry of both began at 30 (Eze 1:1)." TARGET="_blank">Eze 1:1). Neither functioned as a priest in the nation due to the nation’s departure (see Psa 110:2, 4). Each was God’s messenger. Ezekiel spoke to the nation, knowing they would not hearken. The Lord came to "His own" knowing that rejection awaited Him. Both were faithful and foresaw the glory departing from the land (Mat 23:38)." TARGET="_blank">Mat 23:38). How encouraging that those who are faithful to God, yet appear unsuccessful, are a fragrant reminder to God of the faithful Witness (Rev 1:5)," TARGET="_blank">Rev 1:5), Whom some deemed a failure.

God’s addressing Ezekiel in this way so often would be very encouraging. In his difficult service, he was unique and special to God.

D. Oliver
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How does one "hide a multitude of sins"?

In James 5:20," TARGET="_blank">James 5:20, what is the meaning of "shall hide a multitude of sins"?

Both here and in 1 Peter 4:8" TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 4:8 covering "a multitude of sins" clearly alludes to Proverbs 10:12," TARGET="_blank">Proverbs 10:12, "Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins." The Greek translation of this proverb uses the same word for "cover" (or veil) as in these New Testament passages. Covering, then, is contrasted to "stirreth up." Hatred looks for ways to cause problems; love looks for ways to avoid problems.

Love doesn’t tolerate or encourage sin (1 Corinthians 13:6)," TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 13:6), and, undeniably, 1 Corinthians 5" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 5 teaches that sin affecting the testimony and integrity of God’s dwelling must be exposed and judged.

Love "is not easily provoked" in reacting to wrongs, however (13: 5). In 1 Peter 4:8," TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 4:8, love enables a believer to put a veil over "a multitude of" wrongs against him personally. In this way, he does not look at those wrongs, but acts as if they hadn’t been committed.

The problem in James 5" TARGET="_blank">James 5 is unrighteous action that has incurred God’s hand of discipline (verses 15, 16). By recovering this individual from the error of his way, the wrongs he has done will be veiled from the view of others. We should make every attempt to righteously protect the testimony of fellow-believers.

D. Oliver
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Should Christian

Should Christian’s take a fatalistic view of political elections?

Godly living includes subjection to governmental authority (Romans 13:1;" TARGET="_blank">Romans 13:1; Titus 3:1)" TARGET="_blank">Titus 3:1) and prayer for the salvation of rulers and all men (1 Timothy 2:1-4)." TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 2:1-4). The Lord Himself was interested in the affairs of the political world (Luke 13:1-3, 32; 19:12-14)," TARGET="_blank">Luke 13:1-3, 32; 19:12-14), but the only specific involvement is His teaching that His disciples pray, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth" (Matthew 6:10)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 6:10). We are therefore concerned about God’s will being carried out in governments, including in elections. To this end we pray.

To be fair, though, the argument that Christians shouldn’t vote because they might be opposing God’s will in an election is weak. By the same logic, a Christian could hardly dress himself for fear of violating God’s will on a given day that he wear black shoes instead of brown shoes. We seek to know God’s will, pray for it, and do it. If it were right for Christians to vote, they should seek to ascertain God’s will for an election, pray for it, and vote accordingly. The weak link in that statement is not the difficulty in ascertaining God’s will, but the premise. Christians shouldn’t voluntarily vote.

D. Oliver
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How to link to the Online Bible at Gospel Hall dot Org

GospelHall dot Org provides a free online Bible search service at http://www.gospelhall.org/bible You can use the Online Bible from your own web pages by linking directly to the search result pages. Once you learn how to set up these links you will be able to link Scripture references directly to matching passages and search items directly to search results.

Creating a Basic Link

An example of a basic link to the Online Bible.

<a href="http://www.gospelhall.org/bible/bible.php" mce_href="http://www.gospelhall.org/bible/bible.php">Read the Bible Online. Click here.</a>

Creating a link to a specific passage

An example of a link to a specific scripture.

<a href="http://www.gospelhall.org/bible/bible.php?passage=Genesis 1:1-5" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 1:1-5">Read Genesis 1:1-5" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 1:1-5</a>

You may substitute your own choice of scripture instead of "Genesis 1:1-5" Here are some examples

Single verse <a href="http://www.gospelhall.org/bible/bible.php?passage=John 3:16" TARGET="_blank">John 3:16 ">For God so loved the world...</a>
Entire chapter <a href="http://www.gospelhall.org/bible/bible.php?passage=Luke 19" TARGET="_blank">Luke 19 ">Read Luke 19" TARGET="_blank">Luke 19 online</a>
Range of verses <a href="http://www.gospelhall.org/bible/bible.php?passage=John 3:1-16" TARGET="_blank">John 3:1-16 ">Conversation in John chapter 3</a>

Creating a link to a specific Bible version

A link to a specific scripture looks like this. Specify the Bible version with the parameter &ver1=

You may choose the following versions of the Bible. If you do not specify a Bible version, the default choice will be KJV.

<a href="http://www.gospelhall.org/bible/bible.php?passage=Genesis 1:1-5" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 1:1-5&ver1=kjv">Read Genesis 1:1-5" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 1:1-5 in the King James Version</a>

KJV - King James Version
ASV - American Standard Version
BBE - The Bible in Basic English
DBY - John Nelson Darby Translation
ESV - English Standard Version
GFR - Gospels for Readers (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John only)
WEB - World English Bible
YLT - Young's Literal Translation

Creating a link to two Bible versions

Specify the second Bible version with the parameter &ver2= Use the list of abbreviation above.

<a href="http://www.gospelhall.org/bible/bible.php?passage=Genesis 1:1-5" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 1:1-5&ver1=kjv&ver2=bbe">Read Genesis 1:1-5" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 1:1-5 in the King James Version and the Bible in Basic English.</a>

Create a link to a search phrase

An example search for phrase "heaven hell" in King James Version

<a href="http://www.gospelhall.org/bible/bible.php?search=heaven+hell">Search for the words "Heaven Hell" in the King James Version </a>

Commentary Explanations

An example of how to display commentary explanations of the passage.

<a href="http://www.gospelhall.org/bible/bible.php?passage=Genesis 1" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 1&commentary=jamison">Display Genesis chapter 1 and the Jamison Commentary</a>

You may use the following commentaries. Not all commentaries contain information for every verse, but all of the commentaries have comments for the first verse of every chapter in the New Testament.

commentary=jamison
commentary=barnes
commentary=darby
commentary=kelly
commentary=robertson

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What does the Bible say about sex before marriage? or premarital sex?

Be the first to give an answer to this question. Write an answer in the comment section below. Please provide your name and if you have a website or blog, be sure to include the URL in your answer.

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Should a pastor scare his congregation by preaching about Hell?

Should a pastor scare his congregation by preaching about Hell?

That depends on why he is doing it and what he is preaching. Hell is definitely worth preaching about, because it is real. God's great salvation made possible through the death of Christ on the Cross is a salvation to rescue guilty sinners from going to hell. If there is no hell to preach, then salvation has no meaning. Thank God that the awfulness of hell is balanced by the wonder of God’s love for us and the miracle of Jesus’ sacrifice for us on Calvary. Preach one without the other and you have heresy.

Some preachers like to promote their own agenda using the fear of hell to bring their point home. A great crime is committed by anyone who, for example, would suggest that not attending a certain church or not paying a certain amount of money, or even committing a certain sin the preacher does not like will guarantee that a person will go there.

When a person says, “Go to hell!”, they are doing exactly that, seeking to make whatever bothers them about someone else worthy of God’s ultimate judgment. This is called “taking the name (authority) of the Lord in vain”, and God says in the 10 Commandments that that sort of carelessness will not go unpunished (Exodus 20:7)." TARGET="_blank">Exodus 20:7).

The fear of the Lord who can “destroy both body and soul in hell” (Matthew 8:28)" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 8:28) should sober us up so much that we are most afraid to misrepresent God in the matter. So let us preach it faithfully, but also fearfully, with reverence and balance and complete biblical accuracy.

Alfred Corduan

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Main Menu

How to link to the Online Bible at Gospel Hall dot Org

Creating a Basic Link

Creating a link to a specific passage

Creating a link to a specific Bible version

Creating a link to two Bible versions

Create a link to a search phrase

Commentary Explanations