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.
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. 7:2525Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 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 4:7-87But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 8For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. (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.
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. 21:88But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Revelation 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.