Q&A Session on Biblical Topics: Key Insights and Discussions
In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll explore various biblical topics discussed during a recent Q&A session at the West Huntsville Church of Christ. These insights, provided by Glenn Colley, offer valuable guidance on important issues facing Christians today.
Unqualified Elders vs. No Elders
When considering church leadership, a crucial question arises: Is it better for a congregation to have unqualified elders or no elders at all? The answer, according to Glenn Colley, is clear – it’s better to have no elders than to compromise on God’s standards for leadership.
This situation can be compared to Abraham and Sarah’s dilemma. It was better for them to wait for God’s promised son than to take matters into their own hands with Ishmael. Similarly, a church should patiently wait for qualified leaders rather than appointing those who don’t meet biblical standards.
Colley emphasizes that by adhering to God’s qualifications for elders, we demonstrate our commitment to following His Word. Compromising on these standards can lead to a slippery slope of disregarding other biblical teachings, which would be far worse than temporarily lacking elders.
The Letter to Laodicea (Colossians 4:16)
In Colossians 4:16, Paul mentions a letter to the Laodiceans that is not included in our Bible:
“After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.”
While this may raise questions about missing biblical content, Colley reassures us that we can trust in God’s preservation of His Word. He states, “The Holy Spirit has made certain that we have just what we need.”
Colley emphasizes that we must trust God not only for giving us the truth through the Holy Spirit but also for preserving it. He argues that if we conclude that we don’t have the entire Bible or the necessary truth for salvation, we’re implying something negative about God’s power or care for His Word.
He cites Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, a light unto my path,” to illustrate the purpose of God’s Word in guiding us to heaven. Colley concludes that God, who had the power to inspire men to give us the truth, also has the power to preserve it for all generations until the Judgment Day.
Candace: Name or Title?
In Acts 8, we encounter a reference to “Candace, the queen of the Ethiopians.” The question arises whether Candace is a name or a title. Colley confirms that historical evidence suggests “Candace” was actually a title, similar to “Pharaoh” or “Caesar,” rather than a personal name.
Interestingly, Colley shares an anecdote from Linsky’s commentary about the impact of this title on missionary history. In 1853, Pastor Louis Harms of Herensburg, Germany, named a missionary vessel “Candace” after this reference in Acts 8, demonstrating the far-reaching influence of this biblical passage.
Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage in the Gospels
A significant portion of the Q&A session was dedicated to the complex topic of Jesus’ teachings on marriage, divorce, and remarriage, particularly in Matthew 19:9:
“I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
Colley addresses the contention that these passages might not be applicable to Christians today because Jesus was still under the Old Testament law when He taught them. He firmly refutes this idea, providing several examples of Jesus teaching principles that were clearly intended for the future church:
- The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7): Colley describes this as “a prelude to the kingdom,” preparing people for the church.
- Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus about being born again (John 3): This teaching was not about being a better Jew but about entering the kingdom of God.
- Instructions on church discipline (Matthew 18): Jesus mentions the “church” (ecclesia), clearly looking forward to its establishment.
- The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20): Jesus instructs His disciples to teach new converts “to observe all things I have commanded you,” indicating that His teachings were for the future church.
Colley concludes that Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 19 about marriage and divorce was indeed preparing people for life in the church, not merely clarifying the old law. He points out that the disciples’ shocked reaction (“If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry”) indicates that Jesus was teaching something significantly different from the prevailing understanding of the Old Testament law.
Applauding After Baptisms
The question of whether it’s appropriate to applaud after baptisms sparked an interesting discussion. Colley acknowledges that while many congregations do applaud, their congregation at West Huntsville does not.
He views this as a matter of judgment but offers his perspective:
- Baptism is closely associated with Christ’s death (Romans 6:3), making it a solemn occasion.
- There are two times in Christian life when we get especially close to the cross: during the Lord’s Supper and when witnessing a baptism.
- The way we rejoice at a sports event (with loud cheering and high-fives) might not be appropriate when we’re close to the symbol of Christ’s sacrifice.
Colley suggests that there are other ways to express joy at baptisms, such as singing hymns. He emphasizes that while rejoicing is certainly appropriate, the manner of expression should reflect the gravity of the moment.
Enjoying Life’s Pleasures While Others Suffer
Christians often grapple with how to enjoy life’s blessings while being aware of others’ suffering. Colley addresses this by referencing 1 Peter 3:10:
“For, ‘Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.'”
He argues that it’s not wrong to enjoy life and the good things God has provided. However, he emphasizes the importance of balance and moderation, citing Philippians 4:5: “Let your moderation be known unto all men” (KJV).
Colley suggests that while we’re not required to live in poverty, we are called to be cheerful givers and maintain a benevolent spirit. The key is to find a balance between enjoying God’s blessings and being generous towards others in need.
Using Transgender Pronouns
In today’s cultural climate, Christians may face pressure to use preferred pronouns that don’t align with a person’s biological sex. Colley takes a firm stance on this issue, stating that it’s wrong to use transgender pronouns that we know are inaccurate.
He bases this position on Romans 1:32, which warns against approving of sinful practices. Colley argues that using pronouns that affirm a false gender identity could be seen as endorsing behavior that contradicts God’s design.
To illustrate his point, Colley draws parallels to other situations:
- Calling a house squatter the owner of the house they’re illegally occupying
- Addressing a young Mormon missionary as “elder” when they don’t meet biblical qualifications
- Calling a Catholic priest “father” when Jesus instructed not to call anyone on earth father
Colley emphasizes that while we should always treat others with kindness and respect, we must also remain true to God’s created order and the truth of His Word. He advises finding a balance between truth and love in our interactions with others.
In conclusion, these topics highlight the importance of carefully studying Scripture and applying its principles to our daily lives. As we navigate complex issues, may we always seek God’s wisdom and strive to honor Him in all we do.