Biola Broadcaster - 1973-11

There is a much higher love even than what we express for those whom we love here on earth. We will be so occupied with the glory of heaven, the wonderful grace of Jesus Christ, and God's majesty that our love will be focalized en­ tirely on the Saviour. There will not be a moment to think about condi­ tions in hell. While we are down here we certainly should be think­ ing about unsaved loved ones, praying for them more diligently and witnessing in an inspiring and challenging manner. Heaven is on­ ly a place of supreme joy where the Lord Jesus Christ will be the cen­ ter of our hearts and minds and throughout all eternity. There is every indication, too, that we will know our loved ones in heaven. We shall know even as also we are known (I Corinthians 13:12). Q. Santa Cruz, Calif. "In Romans 8:15 we have the phrase 'Abba, Father.' What does this mean?" A. It is a transliteration of an Ara­ maic word of parental affection. The Spirit of Cod, through Paul, is telling about the different charac­ teristics of one who has been brought into an eternal relation­ ship with God through faith in Christ. It is a close and tender fam­ ily word of endearment. Sometimes in Jewish homes it would even be translated "Papa." Only those who have personally and fully trusted in Christ can call Him this. They only have been born again into the fam­ ily of God. Q. Fresno, Calif. "In Genesis we read that a serpent spoke to Eve. How would such communication

be possible?" A. First of all, the serpent was not a snake as we know these creatures today. This came as a result of the fall (Genesis 3:1 ff). Apparently, at one time, the serpent was possibly one of the most attractive animals in all God's creation. It may have unwittingly lent itself to Satan as he spoke through it. Of course, no snake today can physically articu­ late words to a human being. Those days were under an entirely differ­ ent dispensation. God allowed cer­ tain things to take place which do not occur in this age. The most im­ portant thing is that because it says it in the Word of God we believe it with all our hearts. Q. Boise, Ida. " From Psalm 23 what does the phrase mean 'Thou pre- parest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies'?" A. Although well loved, this portion of Scripture is sometimes not really understood. David was a shepherd who had rescued some of his en­ dangered flock from wild animals. His point was that "Just as I care for my sheep, so are we by our God." This phrase is an assuring picture of God's providence. While ene­ mies may seek to hinder us yet the Lord will never allow His children to be overcome. He takes care of our every need both material and spiritual. Q. Phoenix, Ariz. "In the miracle recorded in John 9 about the blind man, was the clay lesus used pos­ sessed with some healing mate­ rial?" A. No, the substance our Lord em­ ployed had no curative power in and of itself. The Saviour could just

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