cording to His purpose. Those of us who are blessed with good health, however, must realize that it is so easy to give advice when we aren’t going through similar trials. Illness and depression are very real condi tions. We must rest on such reassur ing promises as, “Thou will keep Him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trust- eth in Thee.” There is no better solu tion for overcoming despair than to fix one’s mind upon the Lord Him self. How easy it is for us to dwell on self! Only where our hearts are directed constantly toward Him can we overcome these periods of depres sion. If the condition persists we would suggest counsel with a doctor, a Christian psychologist, or psychia trist who might be able to give pro fessional assistance. If it is a spir itual condition, however, there is no “short cut” ; we must keep our minds and hearts stayed on the things of Christ. Q. Kansas City, Mo. — "Matthew 18: 23:35 has been a puzzle to me. Since a debt forgiven is considered paid, how can God revive a debt against one whom He has forgiven?” A. The setting here is Peter’s com ing to our Lord Jesus and asking how often he should forgive his brother’s sin. The disciple wondered about seven times. The Saviour told him he should lose track and not count for the number should at least be 490. The Lord is showing how that man’s forgiveness is seldom forthcoming. God, however, is just the opposite. The standard is given for us in Ephesians 4:32. If you have trusted Christ for salvation, you know forgiveness on the basis of the Word of God. You will never have that sin brought before you for condemnation. This passage teaches us that we must never put a limit on the amount God will for give. We are to be constantly forgiv ing the other person. 13
ter, we shall have the Gospels in utter confusion. God is the sovereign Creator and Redeemer. Everything, including Satan, is answerable to God. Nothing is hidden from Him. This is one meaning of the Kingdom of God. It also signifies, however, those who willingly submit them selves to the Lord. As an example. Abraham believed God and it was counted unto him for righteousness (Gen. 15:6). If we do not know Je sus Christ by faith, if we have not by experience known His saving grace through conversion, we are not in the kingdom of God. The term “Kingdom of Heaven” actually comes from the prophecy of Daniel showing us that the heavens do rule. It sig nifies the rule of the heavens on earth. John the Baptist preached it, Christ preached it, and the twelve preached it. It is the Messianic king dom. In this, however, is both pro fession and possession. There are both wheat and tares. Those who are in the Kingdom of Heaven by faith in Christ are in the Kingdom of God in actuality. There is an over lapping, but the Kingdom of God is entered now through faith. Be lieve on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. Q. Tacoma, Wash. — “I have had a physical impairment which has left me depressed and incapable of serv ing and helping. What can I do to overcome these feelings of depres sion?” A. We are very sympathetic with this individual as well as the many others who are in similar circum stances. We can say with Job, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” We can also assure ourselves with the knowledge that “His ways are not our ways.” He makes no mis takes. He desires for us that which is His very best. We can boldly state that we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to those who are the called ac
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