Are the natural disasters, terrorism and wars today the "beginning of sorrows" referred to in Matthew 24.8?
To answer this question, it is helpful to look at the prophetic discourse of the Lord Jesus found in Matthew chapter 24. The disciples enquired of the Lord "what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world [age]?" (v 3). The structure of the Lord's reply falls into three phases. In verses 4 to 8 we have, I suggest, the first half of the tribulation period and, in verses 9 to 28, the second half of that seven-year event is described. Then, in verses 29 to 31, we have the Second Advent, the Lord's appearing in glory at the end of the Tribulation. Thus we have the beginning, the middle and the end of the Tribulation. We believe that, strictly speaking, the term "the beginning of sorrows" refers to the early stages of the tribulation period, or the first half of it at least. It is true that natural disasters, terrorism and wars have characterised this poor world over the centuries, and the nearer we get to the end of the age, the more world conditions will get worse.
We draw attention to Luke 21.9-11, where the Lord says "But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by". (Or, as we have it in the Revised Version, "the end is not immediately".) "Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences …". Expect these things from time to time but, because there shall be great and supernatural signs, do not suppose that every famine and every earthquake means the end of the age is therefore of necessity come. During the time leading up to the commencement of the Day of the Lord there will be, of course, repeated times of sorrow, but they will not be as intense and extreme as the "beginning of sorrows" mentioned by our Lord in Matthew 24.8.
John J Stubbs
Until recently our assembly had a weekly Prayer Meeting with the brethren praying and the sisters in silence but, a few weeks ago, it was decided that they should separate, with the men and the women praying in different rooms. I feel very uneasy about this situation and would appreciate your views.
In the New Testament it is always envisaged that a local church should comprise both men and women. Thus, when specific instructions are given as to conduct in the assembly, reference is made to both men and women. Paul, when writing to Timothy, says "I will therefore that men [the male persons] pray every where…" (1 Tim 2.8) and, in the same context, "Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection" (v 11).
This enables the truth of headship to be demonstrated. Paul teaches "… the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man …" (1 Cor 11.3). He goes on to say "For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God" (v 7) but, also, "For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head …" (v 10). Power or authority in this context means the symbol of authority; this is not her authority to pray or prophesy in the assembly. The God-given position of the man must be upheld, and is demonstrated by the covered head of the woman.
There is no authority in the New Testament for an assembly to meet in two or more separate companies; thus as lambs and sheep feed together, so brothers and sisters gather together. 'House Groups' are not envisaged either and, sadly, there have been instances when such an arrangement has eventually led to division among the people of God. Surely there should be a clear demonstration of unity in a company of believers!
Such a situation, as set out by the questioner, can arise because of women having a desire to express themselves, and considering that this 'loophole' avoids contravening the teaching of Scripture. However, it should be borne in mind that brethren should realise their responsibility to participate audibly in the assembly gatherings, as failure to do so can lead to frustration on the part of the sisters. As Horatius Bonar wrote, "Pray, brethren, pray!"
David E West
