The Bible Line - February 20, 2018

Justin, Bangor, Maine - What is the biblical purpose or objective for the believers that meet on the first day of the week (Sunday service)? In other words, should the intent and objective be to create an environment where unbelievers feel welcome and are able to understand the teachings of the pastor and the songs sung in worship or should the weekly meeting of believers be strictly for the teaching of God's word, the edification of the saints, with the overall purpose of bringing glory and honor to God. There is a relatively new church in the area where I live in New England that is growing rapidly. Though the gospel is preached and the Word of God is taught, there are lots of theatrics involved in the worship service to include LED lights flashing, a full band that is very talented but the songs contain very simple and repetitive lyrics (e.g. God is Good, etc.) The pastor refuses to preach deeper theological sermons because, as he states, "the new people and new Christians wouldn't understand." There are no hymns and the pastor points out every week the number of people in his congregation and how this church is the biggest around and growing. He states very clearly that this weekly gathering is a place where the believers are to bring the non-believers in to hear the gospel and they cater to the unbeliever during the Sunday service. When questioned on why he doesn't go deeper into the Scriptures his response is that people are getting saved and that's all that matters. On the flip side, the church I attend focuses more on training and teaching the believers and making sure the believers' needs are met in the church during the Sunday morning service. Though not to say that the church I attend is not without faults. What is the correct biblical model for the weekly gathering of believers? Any biblical advice that you can offer concerning this matter would be greatly appreciated.

We had a caller who said that they read an article that said Jesus was crucified on Wednesday, spent 3 literal days in the tomb so was raised on the Jewish Sabbath, Saturday, and that Good Friday originated by the Catholics.  Can Pastor Broggi please comment?

When Jesus went and preached to spirits in prison, 1st Peter 3:18-22, did He physically descend into hell or was He looking down into hell from righteous Sheol?

Are the Masons antithetical to the Christian faith?

A caller has a sad situation but her main question is, "Does God get angry when people go through things that make them question His will?"

Why is it important that there are "types of Christ" listed in the Old Testament?

Lisa, Hilton Head, SC - As a believer, can I use the power of scripture to rebuke Satan against the strongholds I witness to a close family member. If so, what scriptures?

A caller would like to know which Scriptures refer to the dispensation of the church and what Scriptures refer to the dispensation of the Kingdom Age?

Jonathan, Gadsden, AL - What is your view of the new Christian Standard Version of the Bible?