...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 18

Question: You know the Ecclesiastes/Solomon scripture that says, there's a time for everything under the sun, a time to die, a time to dance, and so forth? Well my question is, what does the part mean that says: there's a time to gather stones and cast away stones. What does that part mean?

Answer from Polly: I believe Ecclesiastes 3:5-6 to be figuratively speaking of the Gentiles. The Gentiles, once "castaway stones" were in due time, made part of the Spiritual Building (Ephesians 2:19-22) and children of Abraham (Matthew 3:9); so the restored Jews hereafter (Psalm 102:13-14, Zechariah 9:16, Galatians 3:26-29). It seems to fit also with the Stone the builders rejected (Psalm 118:22, Matthew 21:42) and then Jesus Christ (the Capstone) rebuilt the Temple in three days upon His Resurrection (John 2:19) Another interpretation is referring the stones to the gathering and rejecting of building materials. Solomon then spoke of the display of affections, probably of a man to a woman and perhaps also of a woman to the man meaning they went about searching for a thing or giving it up as lost and about keeping a thing or throwing it away. This interpretation seems to involve man's interest in things or affection for persons.

Question: What is the story and lesson of Jacob and Rachel?

Answer from Polly: Genesis chapter 27 through chapter 33 is a story lesson that starts back when Jacob's mother, showing favoritism to Jacob over Esau, deceived Esau and the boys' father. In turn Laban retaliated (unknowingly) by giving Jacob the sister of the woman he truly loved and had worked for. In another turn, Jacob tricked Laban out of livestock and favored Rachel's son, Joseph, over all his other sons. Jacob was forced to bow before Esau, his favorite wife died and eleven of his sons deceived him into thinking his favorite son, Joseph was dead. Jacob lived a long, hard life of wrestling with God and with people. However, to struggle with God is a gift of grace to us all; it means He has not abandoned us; despite our imperfections He continues to guide and shape us; His discipline means the relationship with Him is active. A good lesson for us all is to listen to God and do what He says without argument or disagreement and thus saving a lot of heartache and wasted time. We are in God's plan and the road is paved that He maps out for us if only we would learn to stay within the "righteous lane". "What I have said that will I bring about; what I have planned that will I do" (Isaiah 46:11).

Question: Why was it a practice for a woman to "lie at a man's feet"? I.e. Ruth at the feet of Boaz. Is this a custom today? What is/was the purpose?

Answer from Polly: The uncovering of the feet was a ceremonial act that was completely proper. This was not only a sign of "proposal" but of submission to Boaz. Ruth had put herself under the protective wing of Yahweh (Ruth 2:12) and now she asked to be put under the wing of Boaz. In the phrase "the corner of your garment", the word "corner" translates "wing". Nothing happened that was improper and Ruth was within her rights to ask Boaz to "redeem her husband's land" through marrying her as this was the practice of proposal in that day. Boaz accepted the proposal by "covering" her with his blanket.

Question: A friend of mine told me that Ezekiel is bizarre and should not be in the bible. How do I respond to that thoughtfully and sympathetically

Answer from Polly: I would suggest you use the book of 2nd Timothy. "Evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived; but as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of because you know those from whom you learned it. From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ALL SCRIPTURE IS GOD-BREATHED AND IS USEFUL FOR TEACHING, REBUKING, CORRECTING AND TRAINING IN RIGHTEOUSNESS SO THAT THE MAN OF GOD MAY BE THOROUGHLY EQUIPPED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK" (2 Timothy 3:10-17). Study the Scripture for yourself and gently instruct those who oppose without quarreling praying that you might save them from the evil one (2 Timothy 2:14-26). God inspired the writing of the Scriptures and arranged it the way He wanted it to be; He also warned against changing His Word (Revelation 22:18-19).

Question: Where can I find scripture to help my friend: He is miserable and thinks bad things always happen to him. One thing after the other goes wrong. Can having a negative attitude contribute to bad things happening? He is so miserable he can't appreciate the good in his life, a pretty wife and 2 healthy kids. I'm just looking for some tool to help him out of this funk and help him to live a more postive happy life. Thank you, LA.

Answer from Polly: The tongue is one of the most difficult members of the body to control (James 3:5-12) and "words" control much of one's thinking and our thoughts control our actions. If we can renew our minds or change our attitudes (Romans 12:1-2) we can change our actions and the course of our lives. Speak to your "mountain" of troubles (Mark 11:22-24). You are snared by the words of your mouth (Proverbs 6:2); death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21); as a man thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7, King James Version). "They" overcame by the word of their testimony (Revelation 12:11). This is referring to the testimony of Jesus which every believer has. The confession or declaration that Jesus is Lord! This is the only way to overcome the devil and keep from falling under his power of negative thinking (Ephesians 4:27, 2 Timothy 2:26). Learn to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5) and "let the Word of Christ dwell in you" (Colossians 3:16).

Question: Psalm 47:2 What does "the Lord most high is terrible" mean?

Answer from Polly: The Lord is "terrible" in the sense that He is sovereign and awesome and His awful majesty is to be feared. The sovereignty of God would be too terrible for us to comprehend or face were it not exercised by His Son from a mercy seat (Hebrews 10:19-22, 7:25, 9:12-14). God is the KING and the JUDGE and holds men responsible for their deeds and no one can stand in His anger. Those who refuse to obey Him will have reason to fear His terrible anger (Psalm 76:7-9). "They called to the mountains and the rocks, 'fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come and who can stand"' (Revelation 6:16-17)? The "they" in this passage are the unbelievers from all walks of life. Their fear was so great they would rather be killed by a falling mountain than to face the wrath of the Lamb and "their" wrath; referring to the Father/Son in the final and Great Tribulation. Nahum 1:2-6 is a great explanation of God and His characteristics, power, indignation and fierce anger.