If you’ve spent any time paying attention to the agonizing death throes of liberal Anglicanism, it should come as no surprise that its latest brilliant idea to staunch the bleeding involves not just ignoring Scripture, but intentionally thumbing their noses at it.
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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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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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 . . .”
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!
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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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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