Paul’s Four Revelations which all have to do with the Church of God: The Identity of the Church as the mystical body of Christ; composed of believers from among the Jews and Gentiles, united to one another in one body, and to Christ the glorified Head, by the indissoluble link of the Holy Ghost sent […]
Apostle. The word ‘apostle’ means ‘sent one‘ or ‘messenger’. It can be used for any messenger, or it may refer to specific offices. Here are a few examples of its general application: Titus and other brethren; “they are deputed messengers of assemblies” (2 Cor. 8:23). Epaphroditus; “your messenger” (Phil. 2:25). Any sent one; “neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him” (John 13:16). […]
Two Orders of Manhood. The first man and the second man are abstract terms that describe two different orders of manhood. The terms come from 1 Cor. 15:46-49: “Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the […]
Related: Pharisees; Sadducees; Herodians Leaven. Leaven in scripture is always a symbol of evil, and often of evil doctrine as well; e.g. “beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees” (Matt. 16:6). As in physical baking, leaven is characterized by its infesting and spreading character. Yeast works in this way to create evenly spaced bubbles in […]
Related: New Creation; Eternal State The Sabbath is a vastly important subject, tying together Old and New Testaments. The Sabbath was the pride of the Jew. It was ordained of God (Exodus 20:10) in his merciful consideration for man’s blessing (Mark 2:27). God knew man’s heart, that it was so driven by greed that man […]
Main article: Key Players and Terms in Prophecy Related: The King of the North; The Vintage Judgment Gog and Magog is a reference to Russia, who will come down at the end of the indignation (1335 days from the middle of Daniel’s 70th week) to attack the land of Israel. We know this is […]
Eucharistic Theology. There are a number of theological views on the Eucharist. Real Presence. This belief is that somehow (and there are a variety of theories) the bread and wine either become or are the literal body and blood of Christ. I believe these views are unsupported by scripture, and come from those who do […]
Main article: The Sufferings of Christ Christ’s Martyrdom Sufferings are what our Lord suffered as an innocent victim of man’s cruelty, especially in the last week leading up to the cross, which is often called the Passion Week. These sufferings were not only physical. We must remember that the Lord perfectly felt the wicked […]
Related: Predestination, Foreknowledge, Corporate Election Election. Election is the truth that believers in Christ were elected, or chosen, by God for blessing. “According as he has chosen us in him before the world’s foundation” (Eph. 1:4). Election is the choice of one out of many. It has the thought of selection. God’s sovereign choice […]
Related: Cleansing Footwashing. The very first subject brought out in the upper room ministry (John 13 – 17) is footwashing, which represents the work of refreshment and removing daily defilement for the maintenance of communion. It comes first before the rest of the upper room ministry, because we cannot enjoy Christ with defiled feet, […]
Main article: Millennium and Eternal State Related: The Intermediate State; Heaven The Father’s House is the eternal dwelling place of God that will be shared with the redeemed (John 14:2). Is it where the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit will be for all eternity, in the circle of divine light and love. When Jesus […]
Main article: Preliminary Events in Prophecy Related: The Great Tribulation The covenant. The leader of the revived Roman Empire, called “the prince that shall come”, will be instrumental getting a treaty or “covenant” online between his people (Rome) and “the many”, which refers to the Jews. “And he shall confirm a covenant with the many for one week;” Daniel […]
Related: Prayer Paul’s prayers. Not including benedictory prayers at the ends of his epistles, Paul records twenty-eight of his prayers! It is nice to trace these prayers through his writings. We are very thankful for them because they give us: (1) an insight into the heart of the apostle, and (2) a pattern for the way we should pray. […]