to go from the Holy Land to Egypt than it would be to go in any other direction. God, of course, ordained it. The fastest refuge would be Egypt. It also brought a fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 11:1). As aside- light, God has given promises to the Arab people as well. The last verse of Isaiah 19 reveals this with a prophetic coming blessing for Egypt and other neighboring lands. Remember that after all God chose Israel not as an end in herself but as Genesis 12:3 reminds us, that "in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." Q. Oakland, Calif. " Why is there no mention of fish when Cod de stroyed the earth by the flood. Are fish any specific kind of symbol?" A. Not in Scripture so much as per haps in the early days of the Chris tian church. Of course we find fish in astrology and such superficial things today. When God destroyed the earth, He did not destroy the sea. The fish went on living, ex cept for any which may have been destroyed by the cataclysmic breaking up of the fountains of the deep. Q. Oakland, Calif. "In Luke 1:20 the angel Cabriel struck Zacharias dumb when he questioned him. Why did not the same happen to Mary? (Luke 1:34)." A. This does not indicate any par tiality on the part of God. Zachar ias was troubled. He wanted a sign since he and his wife were older. Perhaps the request was more than he bargained for since he was not able to speak until the child was born. There was an apparent lack of belief which was an unfortunate trait for a priest. Mary really ex hibited more faith in the matter when an even greater miracle would have to take place.
Q. Colville, Wash. "According to my understanding, it sounds like the Sermon on the Mount prom ises that works will gain one salva tion." A. Matthew 5 through 7 gives us the full text for this tremendous message of our Lord. We must un derstand the purpose of Matthew's Gospel, written under the inspira tion of the Holy Spirit. Here the testimony is given to the Jews rela tive to their coming king. There are more references here from the Old Testament than in any of the other gospels. The message of Christ formed what we might call the "constitution" of His earthly kingdom. If the nation of Israel had not rejected their Messiah this Ser mon on the Mount would have come into effect. Because of their unbelief, the kingdom was post poned. Such an understanding is absolutely vital in order to realize the dispensational significance to what our Lord was saying. This is not to minimize the tremendously practical aspects of the message. There are important principles in volved for us as Christians today. We should heed them as well. We do not, however, follow the teach ings to their ultimate finality (i.e., "If thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out," etc.) The principles are there for our spiritual growth. No man is ever saved by good works. Once we have received Christ, however, we should show forth good works for all to see. Q. Flint, Mich. "Deuteronomy 14:2 6 has been perplexing to me. Does the Lord want us to buy strong drink?" A. We can answer this with a very resounding "NO"!! Strong drink is a tool of the devil. Only God Him- Page 11
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