Q . Medford, Oregon — “Are ‘the times of the Gentiles’ and ‘the fulness of the Gentiles’, the same thing?” A. While the latter part of these phrases is the same yet that is where the similarity ends. Luke 21:24 speaks of “the times” in the prophetic ad dress of our Lord Jesus. Romans 11:25, 26 speaks of “the blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob.” The former is a political term dating f rom Nebuchadnezzar’s supremacy over the people of Israel until the coming of the King of kings and Lord of lords, our blessed Saviour. The ter minal points are clearly indicated in Daniel 2. The latter reference has an altogether different signification re ferring to spiritual matters and God’s final restoration of His chosen people following this age of grace. Q . Portland, Oregon — “A friend gave me a religious hook with which I do not agree theologically. I have no use for it but should I thank the friend and keep it since it is not in line with my beliefs.” A. “Of the writing of books there is no end.” This seems to be true with some volumes which are merely “re ligious.” You should certainly thank the person who gave the book to you. Tell her that you appreciate the thoughtfulness but that you cannot
agree with it. It might be a good reference work for discerning study. Do not leave it out where undiscern ing hands can easily pick it up. She was generous and doubtless sincere in her gift. Q . San Francisco, California — “A neigh bor of ours recently got a divorce after years of quarreling and incom patibility. A friend said, ‘Well at least he had the courage to call it quits.’ What do you think of a remark like that? Is there any Scriptural basis for it?” A. Such a remark is certainly “off the cuff” and not very enlightening nor considerate. There is not any Scrip tural basis for it whatsoever. The ex treme position on divorce holds that under no circumstances should such be granted. Then there are those who seem to feel that it can be a possibility on the slightest provocation. Scrip ture gives only one basis for divorce. This is on the grounds of infidelity. Quarreling and incompatibility is a very serious matter and can make a shambles out of a home. Yet such cir cumstances require counseling from a Godly minister with the Bible. It is not easy. There has to be a giving in on both sides. Q . Vancouver, British Columbia — "Do you think that alcoholism is a sin?” A. Alcoholism is a disease that has been caused by sin. The body of a Christian is the temple of the Holy Ghost. This situation is taken en
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