how to obey a heavenly Father. They are not too young to learn what sin is. A child will accept by faith many things we adults may find stumbling blocks. The earliest possible age should be the time to bring these matters to a child’s attention. Q. Seattle, Wash. — “Could you please discuss the commandment ' T h o u shalt not kill.’ I have some friends who say that this means murder. Also, are we to pray for world peace ? Will God profit the United States if we repent or are we deceiving our selves when we say that there will be world peace in our age? I believe we’re wasting our time praying for world peace. Isn’t this contrary to Scripture?” A. There are some who have erron eously tried to translate Exodus 20: 13 to mean other than what it really is, including some who have tried to escape military service by claim ing that they are conscientious ob jectors based on this verse. Capital punishment is clearly taught in the Bible, not only from Genesis 9:6, but also in Romans 13. The command ment does refer to murder and not to judicial punishment. There are a half dozen words in Hebrew which are translated in this same manner. As far as world peace is concerned, we certainly are to pray for it be cause we are exhorted to do so (I Tim. 2:1-4). God will always regard repentance, but there is no indica tion in the Bible that a whole nation is going to repent except for Israel in the final day. (In Old Testament times, the Ninevites did repent and the Lord spared them.) The Bible tells us, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” We are made spiritually wealthy with the riches of Christ. Q. Sacramento, Calif. — “What does II John 1 mean by the term ‘elect lady’?’’
Q. Wichita, Kans. — “In the Bible, where is the Scripture found which refers to cars and airplanes and also something about horseless carriages shining in the street, and airplanes flying as eagles?” A. You may have in mind Nahum 2:4; 3:1-3. We do not believe that this portion refers to modern-day automobiles or other modem modes of transportation. There are some interesting comparisons here, but that is about as far as one can go. Q. Hillsborough, Kans. — “In Deuter onomy 6:18 and also 10:20 we find the words 'and shall swear by his name.’ But in Matthew 5:8 and U we read ‘swear not at all.’ (This is also in James 5:12.) Will you please explain the difference in the meaning so that I can teach my children what is right as to the use of this word." A. First of all, profanity is never God’s will. In Deuteronomy God con siders that the people of Israel are going to come in certain judicial situations where they will need to make strong statements to be con firmed by an oath. Christ said that instead of swearing in the name of the Lord, with the possibility that one might overstep in using the name in an unbecoming way, that the best way was to stay away from it all together. Q. Hayward, Calif. — “How do we ex plain to children, in language they can understand, that we are all sin ners needing Jesus Christ as Sav iour? I believe it is wrong to let children believe that we are all going to heaven. A t what age should one explain this to children?’’ A. First of all, with a small child emphasize the love of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. They should cer tainly be told when they do wrong, for they must learn obedience from an earthly parent if they are to know
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