Church

Mystery Babylon

Mystery Babylon

The Bible does not leave Mystery Babylon to speculation or modern opinion.

God Himself defines her, describes her, and locates her in Scripture.

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Posted by petra1000 in Bible Difficulty, Bible Study, Bible Teaching
Eph 4:8-10 – The Location of Hades

Eph 4:8-10 – The Location of Hades

This difficult passage has been understood by Bible interpreters in various ways. The best
solution is to compare Scripture with Scripture, which I have endeavored to do in this
study. May the Lord help us to understand these verses. Peter once wrote about Paul’s
writings: “Our beloved brother Paul according to the wisdom given unto him hath written
unto you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some
things hard to be understood” (2 Peter 3:15-16). These three verses might be included
among things which Paul wrote which are hard to be understood. May the Lord give us
understanding in all things (2 Tim. 2:7)!

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Posted by petra1000 in Bible Difficulty, Bible Study, Bible Teaching
Rome Woos Evangelicals

Rome Woos Evangelicals

Rome has always pushed for ecumenical unity, but in recent years the effort has intensified. The Vatican—and even the White House—are speaking in ways that make many evangelicals say, “Maybe the Catholic Church isn’t so different after all.”

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Posted by petra1000 in Apologetics, Bible Study, Bible Teaching, Church
The False Church and Friendship With the World

The False Church and Friendship With the World

I watch the trends in the modern church—not because they excite me, but because I’ve read enough Scripture and seen enough history to know that the so-called “new” is rarely anything more than old compromise with a fresh coat of paint. Sometimes it’s worldly compromise. Sometimes it’s outright heresy. But it’s never new.

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Posted by petra1000 in Apologetics, Bible Study, Bible Teaching, Church
Protecting the Churches From False Teachers

Protecting the Churches From False Teachers

Never has there been a time when New Testament churches are under greater deluge by false teaching. The internet has massively enlarged the ability of false teachers of every sort (not to speak of pure nuts) to broadcast their heresies.

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Posted by petra1000 in Apologetics, Bible Difficulty, Bible Study, Bible Teaching, Church
Divorce – How to rebuild your life – the church

Divorce – How to rebuild your life – the church

Divorce – How to rebuild your life – the church

Divorce is sometimes looked down upon for many religions. There are plenty of people that think you are a bad person because you are not getting a long with your spouse and you may be considering divorce. For these people, they may find it hard to make the decision to get divorced and stay in a relationship that is not healthy for them. This is something that many people may want to seriously think about before they decide to go on through life not being happy.
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Posted by petra1000 in Bible Difficulty, Bible Study, Bible Teaching, wisdom
American Churches ? Entertaining or Truth

American Churches ? Entertaining or Truth

I almost stopped first at a larger church only a block from away from the little church I visited. The large brick church had a parking lot fairly full of cars and several people were going in as I drove by. I can?t say what made me keep driving but only a block away was a little white church with two people sitting on the front steps. As I slowed down to look at the church the two people waved to me and smiled. They beckoned for me to come in. I did.
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Posted by petra1000 in Bible Study, Church
I Cor 14:21-26 – The Purpose of Tongues in the Assembly

I Cor 14:21-26 – The Purpose of Tongues in the Assembly

Problem: What were tongues for? What was the purpose of this gift? The one place in the New Testament which clearly sets forth the purpose of tongues is 1 Corinthians 14:22: “Wherefore, tongues are for a sign . . .”  The preposition translated “for” (eis) here denotes purpose. The verse is introduced by the particle “wherefore” (hoste), which means “for this reason, therefore.”  Paul’s explanation in verse 22 concerning the purpose of tongues is actually an inference based upon his words in verse 21. Therefore, the key to understanding the purpose of tongues must be found in 1 Corinthians 14:21. Verse 21 begins with these important words, “In the law it is written . . .”

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Posted by petra1000 in Bible Difficulty, Bible Study, Bible Teaching
1 Cor 14:1-20 – The Value of Tongues in The Assembly

1 Cor 14:1-20 – The Value of Tongues in The Assembly

1 Corinthians 14:1-20

Follow after charity [love], and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:1).

Continuing his movement of thought from the previous chapter, Paul sets forth a command: “Follow after [run after, pursue, chase, as a hunter would chase after prey or as a runner would run to the finish line to receive a prize] love.” The reason is obvious: “Love edifies [builds up]” (1 Corinthians 8:1). Love seeks to please his neighbor for his good to edification (Romans 15:2). Love seeks the highest and best for the person loved. And God seeks the highest and best for His assembly. Indeed the highest and best gift is that of prophecy (forthtelling and communicating God’s truth to God’s people). Prophecy excels in edificational value!

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Posted by petra1000 in Bible Difficulty, Bible Study, Bible Teaching
1 Cor 3:8 – The Duration Of Tongues In The Church

1 Cor 3:8 – The Duration Of Tongues In The Church

Problem: 1 Corinthians 13:8

In 1 Corinthians 13:8 Paul makes this important statement: “Whether there be tongues, they shall cease [stop].” Tongues will cease! Paul thus predicted that this gift would stop and become inoperative. The big question which must be answered is when? When will tongues cease?

It would have been helpful had Paul been more specific: “Tongues shall cease one hundred years from now!” or “Tongues shall cease in 2000 A.D.” The apostle, however, gave no such date. Obviously, at the time when Paul wrote to the Corinthians (approximately 55 A.D.), tongues had not yet ceased. At that time, God was still giving this gift (1 Corinthians 12:10).
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Posted by petra1000 in Bible Difficulty, Bible Study, Bible Teaching
Confusion in the Pews

Confusion in the Pews

New research shows a troubling trend in America’s churches: regular attendees are increasingly unsure what the Bible actually says. Issues once considered clear-cut —like sexuality, family, and morality— now leave many Christians confused. Even foundational truths seem to be losing their stronghold inside the very institutions meant to teach them.
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Posted by petra1000 in Church