Q. Bremerton, Wash. "Is there any Scripture that says the communion cup must be real wine and not the grape juice most churches use?" A. No, there is absolutely no such teaching in the Bible. We believe it is best to use grape juice. Even that, however, is not necessary since it is only symbolic. Jesus said, "This do in remembrance of Me." Missionaries, away from all civili zation, have had to use coconut, berry, or other kinds of liquid. The element itself is quite irrelevant. What it denotes for our lives is what is important. The same idea holds with the bread. What really matters is the Person who is being remembered on the occasion. Q. Bainbridge Island, Wash. "When Mary was carrying the baby Jesus was the Trinity still active? I have wondered if there were nine months of time when Jesus could not intercede?" A. This interesting question touch es on the important area of syste matic theology known as Christol- ogy. Philippians 2:5-11 shows us His deity and humanity interre lated. When Christ came to this earth He made Himself of no repu tation. This means He emptied or divested Himself of His glory alone. He could not possibly cease to be Cod. He simply set aside the inde pendent use of His attributes. Hu manity could not stand the un veiled glory of His presence in any other manner. Yes, when Mary was carrying the baby Jesus the Trinity was indeed still active. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are very active. There were not even nine seconds when the Lord Jesus could not do any thing that is an attribute of deity.
In the virgin's womb, with one word, He could have dismissed the worlds. Just stop and ponder His majesty and sovereignty. Q. Tacoma, Wash. " Concerning Acts 1:12, was a Sabbath journey different from a trip made on any other day of the week? How far was it from Olivet to Jerusalem?" A. This term "Sabbath day jour ney" is mentioned only here in Scripture. Under the law of Moses, there was a certain allowable dis tance one could go on the seventh day of the week. The reason for this was to keep people from for getting the importance of worship ping Cod rather than pursuing their own selfish pleasures. The ac tual allowable distance was about five furlongs, or 3,000 feet, which was the approximate distance from Jerusalem to the Mount of Olives. Q. Denver, Colo. "What is the dif ference between spiritual gifts and talents? How can I find out what mine are?" A. While there are a variety of opinions on the subject, it would appear that the spiritual gifts come at the time of salvation. Talents could fall into the same category and a great distinction need not be made. When a person does not use what the Lord has given him, the opportunity may be taken away and given to another. The Holy Spirit empowers us to use these abilities in a way that will bring honor and glory to the body of Christ. Several things may help you to determine your spiritual gifts. First of all, there should be a consistent study of the Bible. If we are to
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