Bible Questions and Answers
with
Malcolm L. Hill, President
Tennessee Bible College

Question

“I go to church with some people who will not speak to each other. Some will not speak to me. Will we all be in heaven like this?”

Answer

People who act like this cannot be right. It has been puzzling to me as to how they think they could be doing right. Surely, they know better than this. The Bible teaches that one cannot hate his brother and be a Christian. One who so acts and so does must be pretty shallow, or his religion is surface. Either of these is bad.

Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and to do good to them (Matt. 5:43-45). He teaches his followers to speak to those who will not speak to them (Matt. 5:47). If we are Christians we will respect what Christ has to say along this line. How could anyone miss what Jesus is teaching in the above passages? Surely, these things are not so deep that one cannot understand them. How much plainer could they be stated? One has to have some help to miss this and I know where that help comes from, as well as you do. The devil has entered the hearts of those who conduct themselves in such a fashion.

There is a good lesson about this and it took place the night Jesus was betrayed. Judas came with an unruly mob after Christ. The Lord had been praying in the garden of Gethsemane. When Judas came to Him he said, "Hail, Master" and kissed him. It is noteworthy that Jesus let Judas kiss him. There are those in the church today that will not speak to the righteous, much less the wicked. When they act like this, they are not doing as the Master did, not only on this occasion, but throughout His life.

When Jesus was hanging on a cruel and unjust cross, He prayed for those who had placed Him there. There were those who spit in His face and laughed at Him, while on that cross; but He still loved them. This is the example for Christians to follow.

When the people stoned Stephen to death, he prayed for those who were unjustly killing him (Acts 7:51-60). Now, how can anyone think he or she is a Christian and do right the opposite. One has to be down the road of "don't-care" a long way to act in any other fashion. If we cannot live together in peace, and love, and unity, and friendliness on earth, it is not going to be possible to live in heaven together. For us to think otherwise is to kid ourselves.

When people will not speak to others, in most cases, it is due to a guilt complex. They have done others wrong and have tried to justify themselves in it. Sometimes the people you help the most will do you the dirtiest. But, Christians cannot get down on this low level of life. Sinners might, but the righteous cannot.

Hold your head up and be nice to others, regardless as to their response. You will be a winner by do doing! God will be pleased with you.

Question

“How far does God hold the Christian accountable for managing his possessions and his money?”

Answer

This is a very unusual question but it is a good one. Many there be who do not care what God has to say about earthly goods and possessions. The time will come when they will have to face the issue but it will be too late, in most cases.

Money and possessions have always been touchy subjects for almost all. Many are quick to attack the rich about their wealth but a man can be poor and still have the wrong attitude about earthly goods.

Wealth is very deceptive. It will cause people to do and act in a way unbecoming. Some who have earthly goods in abundance act like they own the whole world. Others so blessed get the big head and strut their walk. Some with wealth seem to think they are God and therefore they have the right to command and direct everything. Often, some of the wealthy feel that they can do and act as they wish and sill God will let them into heaven.

God has news for all the wealthy of earth. Here is a part of His news to them: "Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share. Storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life" (I Tim. 6:17-19). It is certain rich people cannot take it with them but they can send it ahead by giving liberally and helping God's cause. All it would take to place everyone on an equality, with reference to earthly wealth, would be two or three nuclear bombs. All of these stingy, miserly, stubborn, self-willed, deceived, wealth-holders need to remember what God has said. There is going to be a payday someday for all of us including the rich and wealthy.

We are all held accountable both for now and the future, when it comes to what we possess. God commands that we be faithful stewards (I Cor. 4:2). A steward is appointed to take care of the goods of another. Christians are God's stewards. He expects us to use His goods that He has trusted to our care and keeping in a right way. God's children have no right to spend what God has entrusted to them in a selfish way. Christians that leave all their wealth to unbelieving children or kinfolks will give an account to God for such. Sometimes God's children will leave their wealth to the state or some ungodly institution. For this they will give an account. To do things like these is but to be an unfaithful steward of God. It is good to have earthly wealth but there with it goes tremendous responsibilities before God.

If you have Bible questions please send them to us at: tbc@tn-biblecollege.edu