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I fled Northern Ireland to Australia thirty years ago due to violence and attacks on our family. We got here and have more trouble with churches than with terrorists so we dicided ten years ago to retrn home. Being Christians I, the wife wanted to sell the house quickly and I promised God I would give Him a tenth of the price. Since then we have suffered so much carry on in our lives that we ended up buying another home and to date I have not kept my promise to the Lord due to not having it. Now since eight years ago I find it difficult walking and sufer from numb feet. The Lord through a prophet said He had healed me but this is four or five years ago and I still suffer terribly with my feet and hands. Coud these be related please?
M
Australia
Dear Muriel:
I'm sorry that you have apparently had a multitude of problems. Let me state that I believe that if a person makes a promise to God, but the promise is impossible to keep, then that person is not held accountable. One has a duty to keep his promise, not only to God, but also his fellow man as best he can: circumstances change. God is fully aware of this, and you have the perfect right to ask for forgiveness if you are a member of the church of Christ.
"The Lord said through a prophet?" Well, we know one thing: he was a false prophet, wasn't he? The prophet told you that your numb feet were healed? I'd think you could tell that for yourself - either they are numb or not. The Lord speaks thoroughly through His written Word. No, I do not believe the two are related: you have a medical condition on the one hand, and a false prophet on the other. I surmise that this so-called prophet specializes in telling people what they want to hear. I hope you didn't pay him anything. Please stick with the Bible, and the Bible alone - you won't go wrong.
Sincerely,
Brent Jobe, DVM
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Answers by Expert:
Brent Jobe, DVM
Expertise
Specifically able to help one defend the plan of salvation, especially immersion for the remission of sins with emphasis on both the English and Greek. Very able to assist someone in refuting the doctrine of salvation by faith only before and without any further acts of obedience. Capable, but certainly not a scholar, in other areas of doctrine: church organization, music in worship, eternal security, etc, but do not claim the same degree of knowledge of these subjects. I would view myself, as well as the church that I attend, as very mainline, possibly (and hopefully) tending toward conservative. I can express the liberal viewpoint, if one so desires, although I believe it to be dangerous and divisive.
Experience
Avid reader and possess original editions of most debates concerning baptism and faith alone. I am familiar with both sides of the issue, and have probably heard every argument advanced against the necessity of baptism. I truly feel that I can help other members of the church who may have been asked difficult questions, and I will take the time to thoroughly answer - in English, Greek, and possibly ancillary statements, though uninspired, from 1st, 2nd, and 3rd century Christians. Member of the church for about 30 years - 6th generation at the same congregation.
Organizations
Religiously, none other than the local congregation. Professionally, of course, quite a few, but none that would apply in this context.
Education/Credentials
I am a veterinarian (DVM) by profession and have practiced for twenty years. Almost all of my religious education other than the usual (family, attending services) was derived at the feet of Foy E. Wallace, Jr. If I cannot answer your question, I have direct contact with Judge Alan Highers and Dr. Jimmy Allen, both men of considerable knowledge and debating experience: if I am not satisfied with my answer, I can call upon them for additional information. The writings and sermons of N. B. Hardeman are among my favorites.
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