...We Answer
Not every answer might comply with everybody's way of seeing things. Then I kindly ask you to hold it with Paul, who said in 1 Corinthians 13 that we now see in part. All of us answering here, stick to the basic faith statements as defined in the Apostle's Creed, yet further to that we know that there are also Biblical topics not related to salvation itself, that different people understand and see differently. So please keep this in mind in case you "stumble" over a certain answer - we would like you to be blessed by the challenge of different aspects!
Answer Set 10
Question: Ecclesiastes 3:1, 3, & 8 say, 'There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heaven. a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build. a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.' Does this mean that God won't stop people from killing another person on this earth because 'there's a time to kill'?
Answer from Polly: By the word 'activity' Solomon meant people's deliberate, willful acts. God has given man the free will to choose good/bad; Christ/Satan; Heaven/hell and etc. Sadly most have not chosen peace and yes, God will allow (not cause) war and killing. Matthew 10:34 indicates that political, religious and philosophical differences would divide human beings and generate strife (Matthew 24:6), culminating in a period of great tribulation (Matthew 24:9-26) and then the end of the world as we know it will come (Matthew 24:27-39). Human peace efforts have failed because the world has largely ignored the Word of God (Psalm 119:165, John 14:15, John 14:6). The first world peace that will be on this earth will be when the devil is chained in the abyss during Christ's 1000 year reign of peace on earth (Revelation 20:1-6). I do not say that we should not continue to pray for peace but unless the entire world population turns to God, this peace will only come with Christ.
Question: To whom does the text refer to in Isaiah 14:12-22 and what are we to understand from it?
12 How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! 13 You said in your heart, I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. 14 I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High. 15 But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit. 16 Those who see you stare at you, they ponder your fate: Is this the man who shook the earth and made kingdoms tremble, 17 the man who made the world a desert, who overthrew its cities and would not let his captives go home? 18 All the kings of the nations lie in state, each in his own tomb. 19 But you are cast out of your tomb like a rejected branch; you are covered with the slain, with those pierced by the sword, those who descend to the stones of the pit. Like a corpse trampled underfoot, 20 you will not join them in burial, for you have destroyed your land and killed your people.The offspring of the wicked will never be mentioned again. 21 Prepare a place to slaughter his sons for the sins of their forefathers; they are not to rise to inherit the land and cover the earth with their cities. 22 I will rise up against them, declares the LORD Almighty. I will cut off from Babylon her name and survivors, her offspring and descendants, declares the LORD.
Answer from Polly: This is referring to Satan who at one time, when the earth and heavens were formed, was Lucifer. Lucifer was anointed as a guardian cherub and walked among the fiery stones (in front of the throne of God) and was the model of perfection and beauty (Ezekiel 28:12-19). He decided to rise above God and take His place and was kicked out of heaven along with 1/3 of the angels that followed his lead (Isaiah 14:12-15, Revelation 12:4-9). We are to understand that Satan and his followers are here to deceive the world (John 10:10, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12, John 8:44). Those who follow after Satan instead of God will meet the same end as Satan (Revelation 20:10, 14-15). Therefore, do not harden your heart against God (Hebrews 3:7-19), unite yourself with the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:17) and obey His commands (1 Corinthians 7:19b).
Question: What is the full meaning behind the scripture in Acts 10:35? Sincerely in Christ, Donna
35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
Answer from Polly: There is considerable debate about Peter's words that God accepts men from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. This teaches that reverent fear of God is the first responsibility toward God the utmost in trusting Him ('The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom' - Proverbs 9:10). Acts 10:35 is parallel to Micah 6:6.
In the Old Testament the Jews were chosen people, the special recipients of His promises and revelation. Here in Acts, Peter stated that God's program was reaching out to the world through the church and He does not show favortism. God's acceptance of such people refers to His welcoming them to a right relationship by faith in Christ (Acts 10:1 through Acts 11:15).
Question: What are the principles that guide the Christian in disciplining his life? What are some of the main motivators for a Christian to discipline their life? What shouldn't be a motivator for discipline?
Answer from Polly: The Bible starts (Genesis 2:17) and ends (Revelation 22:18-19) with discipline which is being in obedience to God. A few of the principles to guide the Christian are: Honor the Sabbath and keep it holy (Exodus 20:8); seek the Lord (Jeremiah 29:13); love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind (Matthew 22:37); fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23); meet together (Hebrews 10:25); imitate God (Ephesians 5:1-13); tame the tongue (James 3:5-12) and all of Romans chapter 12. The motivation to discipline is the same with the additions of: you have been chosen by God (1 Thessalonians 1:4); you will be rewarded for serving Him (Ephesians 6:4-5); He rescued you (Colossians 1:13-14); forget what is behind (Philippians 3:13); His Holy Spirit motivates you (John 14:26) and nothing can separate the Christian from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). You should NOT be motivated by: anger (James 1:19-21); doubt (James 1:6); every spirit (1 John 4:1-6); false teachings (2 John 10:11); and do not grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:29-32).
Question: How can I face people who didn't like me to be in their company?
Answer from Polly: I do not fully understand your question but if you are a Christian and someone has thrown you into confusion by shunning you then God will deal with them (Galatians 5:7-10). You must continue to live by the Spirit because your sinful nature has been crucified with Christ (Galatians 5:16-26). We (Christians) are all one Body and must not give the devil a foothold; get rid of bitterness, rage and anger and forgive others just as God forgave you (Ephesians 4:25-32). If you are a Christian and the others are not, then separate yourself from them (2 Corinthians 6:14-17), because you are not trying to please man but God who tests your heart (1 Thessalonians 2:4).
Question: In Psalm 1 verse 5 it says 'Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.' What exactly does this mean?
Answer from Polly: This Psalm is in reference to Revelation 20:1-6, the Millennium Reign of Christ on earth. The 'dead in Christ', those who did not walk, stand or sit in the counsel of the wicked, ungodly sinners (Psalm 1:1) will reign and judge with Christ in the 1000 year reign but the 'dead wicked' (Psalm 1:4) will remain dead until this time is past. Therefore the wicked will not 'stand in the judgment' of the world with Christ in the Millennium (Psalm 1:5). Notice this says they will not 'stand IN judgment' not that they will not BE judged which will come in Revelation 20. They will be thrown into the lake of fire which is the second death (Revelation 20:5, 14-15).
