Biola Broadcaster - 1972-06

heinous as the other. Gossip, as an example, can be considered as much of a blight as the sin of adul­ tery. Christ can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities (He­ brews 4:15). It does not matter in which way the enticement came, He was without sin. As far as the immoral thoughts with which one is tempted, it is little wonder due to the growing looseness in matters concerning sexual attractions. It is absolutely shameful the way people are ex­ ploiting this entire matter. God re­ minds us that it is one thing we ought not to talk about when He says, "Let this not be mentioned among you." Let us keep our minds on that which is pure (Philippians 4:8). As with any kind of sin this must be dealt with on a moment- to-moment basis. You cannot ex­ pect to have victory all the week with one simple prayer on Sunday. It requires victory through the in­ dwelling presence of the Holy Spir­ it. Our minds are to be fixed on things above and not on things physical from the earth. If you are an older person, pray for our young people that they may be kept pure and holy. Q. Perris, Calif. "Why are there no apostles in the church today?" A. Some of the cults and sects erroneously claim that there are. First of all, the Bible tells us that a true apostle had to have seen personally the risen Christ (Acts 1:21, 22). This was true, too, with Paul, who met the Lord on the road to Damascus. He was given this special authority by the Sav­ iour (I Corinthians 9:1). Certainly there is no one living today who has companied with our Lord Je­ sus, living from the day of His res­

urrection until this moment. It is an absolute physical impossibility. Apostles, therefore, ended with the first century. Q. Perris, Calif. ’"What is the word 'that' referring to in I Corinthians 13:10, 'But when that which is per­ fect is come then that which is in part shall be done away." A. We believe it has reference to the complete Word of God in its entire canonical inspiration. When Paul wrote this letter, through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Word had not been completed. Only a portion of the New Testament was finished. Q. Seattle, Wash. "In I John 5:16, regarding the sin unto death, why is it that the Apostle does not rec­ ommend praying for the individ­ ual?" A. The secret is found in the mean­ ing of the words, "sin unto death." This involves not just any sin. It is a transgression which issues in ac­ tual physical expiration. The con­ text reveals the Spirit speaking about the strong assurance we have in knowing that when we pray God hears us (5:14). First of all, the use of the word "brother" (vs. 16) indicates that this is com­ mitted by a Christian. When Jere­ miah saw Israel deep in sin he wanted to pray for them. God told him that they had sinned away too many opportunities of His grace and mercy. Cod's patience and longsuffering had been exhausted. They had forfeited the opportunity of life itself. Because they had op­ posed His will there was no pur­ pose of their being on earth at all. Someone has facetiously said, "If you do the will of the Lord, He will Page 17

Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker