Questions (continued) er of two boys who find, their greatest- joy in watching television, naturally they see more than their share of violence. Is there any method we can use to counteract this grow ing menace to our youth?” A. There is a very simple and effective method: turn the television off! But we hasten to add that this comment is not made in a light-hearted manner. It is a tremendous problem which exists. (The same was somewhat true in ‘the area of radio several decades ago.) You must exercise parental discipline and authority as to the type of programs which are watched. This will take a lot of real strength of character and definiteness Of conviction, but the Lord will give you strength and wisdom. The television stations and producers will have to give an account to Al mighty God because of the poor in fluence exerted upon the lives of our young people. Q , Los Angeles, California — “W ill you please tell me where it says anything about Christ having brothers and sis ters? I know it’s in the Bible but I can’t seem to find it.” A i In a spiritual sense they are men tioned in Matthew 12:50, “For whoso ever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, a n d mother.” (Notice that our Lord left out the word “Father.’’ He had no earthly or natural father.) In Matthew 13:55 and Mark 3:31 there are references to His half brothers and sisters. Q . Van Nuys, California — “Is it correct to say that if Jesus Christ is not your Lord, then H e is not your Saviour?” A. The two words are different in meaning. The Lord Jesus Christ must first of all be our Saviour. The word “Lord” refers to His being Master or Ruler. Certainly He should be our Lord but there are many times when we are in rebellion toward Him. We are not saved by making Jesus Christ Lord of our life, but by His being our
Saviour. This is a technical matter, for if Christ were Lord of all at all times, we would be living sinlessly perfect lives. The goal of every Chris tian, however, should» be that even as we have accepted Him as our Saviour, we ought to make Him the Lord of our lives, in so far as we possibly can, bj yielding moment by moment to His perfect direction. Q . Coalings, California — “W hen was the devil'cast out of heaven?” A. Perhaps our listener is thinking of Luke 10:17, 18 when the 70 came back to our Lord with great joy say ing, “Lord, even the devils (demons) are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.” The Lord was stating a truth yet to be ful filled. The actual time of Satan’s cast ing out is yet future. “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon (Satan); and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found anymore in heaven” (Rev elation 12:7, 8 ). This event takes place after the church is taken from this earth. It is one of the primary reasons why the tribulation time is going to be such an agonizing, awful, awesome period. Satan was cast out of the third heaven, according to Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28, when he sinned. This was before man was created. But he is still in the second heaven from which he will be cast out after the church is gone. Q . Richmond, California — “W ill you please explain where one goes after death?” A. Concerning unbelievers Scriptme tells us that they go to the abode of the dead or “Sheol.” The New Testa ment corresponding word is “Hades.” Once composed of two portions or compartments, Paradise was emptied at Christ’s death and believers were taken to glory with Him.' So far as the unrighteous dead are concerned, their spirits now go to Hades awaiting the final judgment that is spoken of 28
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