BLH from S.D. asks:
I was reading in Revelation 2:6 where it says that Jesus hates the deeds of the Nicolaitans. Who are the Nicolaitans?
Bill replies;
Thanks for the question BLH. I've wondered about that myself many times. To understand what Jesus is relating here to John, who wrote the book of Revelation, we need to remember that the New Testament was written in the Greek language.
The word Nicolaitans is derived from a combination of 2 Greek words; "nikao" which means to conquer, and "laos" which means, the people, or laity, what we call laymen, or in other words, not the clergy.
It appears that Jesus never intended for the church which was originally an equal brotherhood to be divided into clergy and laity.
What was "deeds" in the church at Ephesus in Rev. 2:6 had become "doctrine" in the church at Pergamos in Rev. 2:15.
This points out to us how difficult, and how necessary it is to hold fast to Jesus original teachings, and not let our faith in God, become a faith in man and man's institutions.
Again, thanks for that thought provoking question. Have a blessed day.
Bill
Monday, January 12, 2009
DS from Louisiana asks:
I was reading in the Bible where a man asked Jesus for time to go bury his dead father before following Jesus, and Jesus told him to, "let the dead bury their dead, but you come follow me."
Don't you think this is just a little harsh?
Bill replies;
Thanks for the question DS. To start with, what I think doesn't really matter, what matters is what the Word says. This story is found in Matthew 8:19-22 and also in Luke 9:57-62.
To understand what Jesus is saying here, we need to look at the context in which He said it.
Jesus had just healed a leper, (Matthew 8:2-3), He had healed the centurion's servant, (Matthew 8:5-13) and He had healed Peter's mother-in-law, then a whole bunch of people that evening.
There was surely a lot of excitement among those following Jesus, as they were caught up in the enthusiasm of the moment, and wanted to be a part of it.
Jesus was pointing out to this disciple, and thus to us that following Him came at a cost. He/we would need to be prepared to put following Jesus ahead of our daily concerns if he/we were to be effective in serving Jesus.
Hope this helps.
Bill
I was reading in the Bible where a man asked Jesus for time to go bury his dead father before following Jesus, and Jesus told him to, "let the dead bury their dead, but you come follow me."
Don't you think this is just a little harsh?
Bill replies;
Thanks for the question DS. To start with, what I think doesn't really matter, what matters is what the Word says. This story is found in Matthew 8:19-22 and also in Luke 9:57-62.
To understand what Jesus is saying here, we need to look at the context in which He said it.
Jesus had just healed a leper, (Matthew 8:2-3), He had healed the centurion's servant, (Matthew 8:5-13) and He had healed Peter's mother-in-law, then a whole bunch of people that evening.
There was surely a lot of excitement among those following Jesus, as they were caught up in the enthusiasm of the moment, and wanted to be a part of it.
Jesus was pointing out to this disciple, and thus to us that following Him came at a cost. He/we would need to be prepared to put following Jesus ahead of our daily concerns if he/we were to be effective in serving Jesus.
Hope this helps.
Bill
Sunday, January 11, 2009
BJR from Texas says:
Very nice! Congratulations on this new venue.
Bill replies;
Thanks BJR, we are really excited about the website. Laura has done a great job with it. We are so fortunate to have so many talented people in our church who are willing to help.
The website opens huge possibilities to spread the gospel message of God's love for His creation with the "world".
Very nice! Congratulations on this new venue.
Bill replies;
Thanks BJR, we are really excited about the website. Laura has done a great job with it. We are so fortunate to have so many talented people in our church who are willing to help.
The website opens huge possibilities to spread the gospel message of God's love for His creation with the "world".
Sunday, January 4, 2009
JP in India asks;
"Bro Bill, I would like to communicate with fellow servant of Christ." Please see pictures I send you of our ministry. I would like to hear about your ministry so to pray for you."
Bill replies;
Bro JP, It was good to hear from you. Wow, you are busy overseeing 50 recently planted churches, serving orphans in your Favor The Helpless Ministry home, taking care of the needs of destitute widows, and even trying to help folks with HIV/AIDS.
May God richly bless you in all you do there. You are , as our Lord said, "Laying up treasures in heaven," with each soul you reach for Christ, and each "helpless one" that you serve.
"Bro Bill, I would like to communicate with fellow servant of Christ." Please see pictures I send you of our ministry. I would like to hear about your ministry so to pray for you."
Bill replies;
Bro JP, It was good to hear from you. Wow, you are busy overseeing 50 recently planted churches, serving orphans in your Favor The Helpless Ministry home, taking care of the needs of destitute widows, and even trying to help folks with HIV/AIDS.
May God richly bless you in all you do there. You are , as our Lord said, "Laying up treasures in heaven," with each soul you reach for Christ, and each "helpless one" that you serve.
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