I know the Bible speaks of deacons; does it speak of deaconesses (women) in the church?

Sincerely,
Servant’s Heart

Dear Servant’s Heart,

The Bible does speak about deaconesses – but not as an official job title.  The word ‘deacon’ simply means ‘servant’.  In most places of your Bible, the Greek word is simply translated as ‘servant’.  Only in a few places is it translated ‘deacon’… which can be a little confusing.  In 1 Tim 3:8-13, it gives the qualifications for deacons (servants) who will serve the eldership in an official capacity.  These qualifications clearly state that deacons of this sort must be married men (1 Tim 3:12).  These types of deacons are part of the official church leadership, and they fall into a very specific category of servant.

However, the New Testament is full of other types of servants.  Phoebe was a servant of the church in Cenchrea and is described as “a helper to all” (Rom 16:1-2).  This type of deacon isn’t an official job title but is simply a person with a kind and magnanimous servant’s heart who helps others.  In today’s vernacular, we associate the word ‘deacon’ with an official title in the church, and this would only include those who meet the qualifications of 1 Tim 3:8-13 and have been appointed by the church to that position.  However, when we remember that ‘deacon’ means ‘servant’ – we see that, unofficially, the church is full of servants of every shape, size, age, and gender.

I understand the fact that all sins are deadly sins and that we will be judged accordingly.  I know that as Christians, we must repent.  My question is: what about the sins that were committed before baptism?  I understand that baptism washes away sins, but ANY and ALL sins??  What about murder and/or abortion?  Thanks for this website; I know this will help with questions in the future.

Sincerely,
What About The REALLY Bad Stuff?

Dear What About The REALLY Bad Stuff,

Baptism washes away all sins because baptism buries the old you.  Baptism is a burial with Christ (Rom 6:3-4).  The old sinful you is gone when you come out of the water.  Jesus’ death on the cross paid the price for all our sins (1 Jn 1:7).  There is no sin that is beyond the power of Christ’s blood to remove.

5 minutes a day
5 days a week
1 New Testament in a year

There are 261 weekdays in a year, and there are 260 chapters in the New Testament. By reading one chapter, Monday through Friday, you will read the whole New Testament by the end of the year. The Daily Cup series is to help with that goal.

Happy Studying!

"The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup." -- Psalm 16:5

Click here for a pdf of the study schedule - CLICK HERE

5 minutes a day
5 days a week
1 New Testament in a year

There are 261 weekdays in a year, and there are 260 chapters in the New Testament. By reading one chapter, Monday through Friday, you will read the whole New Testament by the end of the year. The Daily Cup series is to help with that goal.

Happy Studying!

"The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup." -- Psalm 16:5

Click here for a pdf of the study schedule - CLICK HERE

Does God stop loving people in hell?  Someone told me that His love turns to hate for those people in hell.  If you could give me some verses, that would be helpful.

Sincerely,
Not A Hater

Dear Not A Hater,

God doesn’t find joy in the death of anyone, including the wicked (Ezek 18:23).  God sent His only Son to pay the price for our sins (Jhn 3:16) and to make a way for all to be with Him in heaven.  There is no indication in the Scriptures that God’s attitude changes after people die.  When people live lives that rebel against God, He recognizes that they don’t want to spend eternity with Him, but He finds no joy in it.