Question 170: From H. A. C.
Answer: The kingdom of heaven and kingdom of God may be in some cases interchangeable terms. The first is found only in Matthew, it is heaven’s rule on earth. The kingdom of God is more general and looks at things in relation to Him. Each passage should be looked at in its connection to understand its meaning.
Question 171: What does “the end” mean in John 13:1? J. J.
Answer: Christ’s love is eternal, it cannot cease, nor change. It is proved in what it did on the cross (Eph. 5:25). In the present by what it is doing. (Eph. 5:26). In the future by what it will do (Eph. 5:27).
In the glory we will still feast and delight our souls in His love. So here on the journey until it end, we can count on Him to care for and provide all we need, spiritually and temporally. There is no end to His love. “The end” here must therefore mean all the way through. (See also Heb. 7:25.)
Of Him and His love will we sing,
His parses our tongues shall employ
Till heavenly anthem’s we bring
In yonder bright regions of joy.
Question 172: From H. M. F.
Answer: The New Translation rendering of 1 Timothy 4:7-8 is: “But profane and old wives’ fables avoid, but exercise thyself unto piety; for bodily exercise is profitable for a little, but piety is profitable for everything, having promise of life, of the present one, and of that to come.”
Question 173: H. A. C.
Answer: Mark 9:44,46,48. Refers to the end of the wicked.
Their worm tells them of sins commited, of warnings despised, of neglected opportunities of being saved. The memory of them is like the gnawing of a worm that never dies. The fire is the place of torment they are cast into (Rev. 21:8). Both fearful realities for all eternity.
Question 174: From N. S. C.
Answer: We have neither bishops nor deacons now. When such were appointed by the apostles or their delegates, the thought was that a man who had a plurality of wives was not suitable for office in the assembly. It was common at that time, and even yet in other lands, to find some, when converted, had to put away other wives except one, and often had to support those put away. Any having more than one at a time were not eligible. He was to be able also to rule his house, having his children in subjection. It was not a question of a widower, or a bachelor. Though in most cases we see that a man of household experience would be the best suited for the office. Paul was not married; he was an evangelist, a pastor, a teacher, an apostle and a prophet; He was as a nurse cherishing her children, and as a father comforting them. We do not need officialism in the Church of God. The activity and energy of love in the soul finds the way to accomplish the work.