Questions (continued) not change God’s pattern or statutes. In the New Testament the Word of God tells us that the ruler, or gover nor, is a “minister of God.” Again, “he beareth not the sword in vain.” Per haps our readers have heard of the society matron who was asked what she thought about capital punishment. Her answer is typical of the sentimen tality so often seen today as she said, “I’m for it, just as long as it isn’t too severe!” Q . Sun Valley, California — “W ill you please explain ‘the burden of the Lard! (Jeremiah 23:33).” A. This is a very vital part of Jere miah’s prophecy. He saw the people of God committing such offensive be haviour with their apostasy and moral declension that he spoke of the visita tion of God’s wrath upon the nation. The Lord does not willingly grieve or afflict the children of men. When He has to punish His own, the Lord does it with a great deal of sorrow and it is a literal burden upon His heart. Hence, the burden upon the heart of the Lord and His prophet. A. Woodburn, Oregon — “What is a Jew? Is there a difference between a Jew and a Hebrew? Is it proper to refer to one who has been converted as a ‘Hebrew Christian’?” A. Yes, one who has come to know the Lord from among Israel is properly called a Hebrew Christian. The differ ence between a Jew and a Hebrew is merely technical. In most Biblical ref erences they are equivalent. Abraham is called a Hebrew because he passed over from Mesopotamia into the land of Canaan. The word “Jew” comes from Judah, one of the tribes of Jacob. The name soon spread to include all of the nation. (Just as the word “Yan kee” once had a localized meaning in the United States. Today it would refer to all Americans.) Romans 2:28 gives us the correct Biblical definition, “For he is not a Jew, which is one outward ly; neither is that circumcision, which
BIBLE TEACHER RETURNS
Dr. Walter L. Wilson, beloved Bible teach er, returns to the Biola Hour soon with a brand new series on “Strange Lessons from Nature." Standing is Mr. Ed Steele, Biola Extension Director. is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and cir cumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” God views an individual as a Jew when he trusts Christ, when the Holy Spirit resides by faith, and when the Lord is given the praise, honor and glory. Q . Madera, California — “Did God create two worlds?” A. In II Peter 3:6, 7 we read, “Where by the world that then was, being over flowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store.” This may possibly lead someone to think there are two worlds. The con text, however, clearly reveals that it was not two worlds but simply the world that existed before,the flood as compared with the world that exists today. Another possibility might be Genesis 1:2, “And the earth was with out form and void.” Some translators make it to read, “The earth became without form and void.” But this was still the same world which had been put back into order. There is no Scrip- 16
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