It is a sad thing to see Christians fall away and forsake the assembly of the saints. We often wonder why someone would leave. An article posted today on the Christian Courier website looks at some of the reasons.
Click here to read the article: Why People Quit Church
Over the past few years, there has been some discussion about a new form of institutionalism among brethren.
The traditional form of institutionalism involves local churches sending funds to an organization (orphan homes, colleges, etc.) to help them do their work.
The modern form of institutionalism has Christians forming or using human organizations to do spiritual works (evangelism/edification). An example of this that has drawn much scrutiny is the Guardian of Truth Foundation, which is in the business of publishing and selling books, hosting an annual lectureship (like a congregation would a gospel meeting). The problem with this arrangement is simply that God has already established an organization through which Christians can work collectively in these spiritual works. That divinely ordained organization is the local church.
There is a new website that has been set up with articles and audio sermons relating to this topic. This website has been put together by Aaron Erhardt and Tim Curry. I am grateful for their work in this and I encourage you to check out the material contained there.
You can also visit Truth Magazine Lectures for material that I have collected, and some that I’ve written, on this issue.
One very common idea in the denominational world is the doctrine of Premillennialism. The prefix “pre” means before. The second part of the word – “millennial” – refers to the thousand year reign of Christ. The doctrine of Premillennialism states that Christ will one day return and reign on earth for a thousand years before the final judgment and that we are living in the time before this period.
There are a few variations of this doctrine. These variations usually have to do with the timing of the “tribulation” and the “rapture.” But all the variations have one thing in common – the belief that Jesus will come again to establish His kingdom and reign for a thousand years.
There are several problems with this doctrine when we compare it with what the word of God teaches. Let us notice some of these problems:
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Paul instructed the church in Ephesus to be “diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). He then went on to explain the reason for unity and the basis of it.
Our unity must be based upon the following:
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As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday in this country, we tend to be more mindful of the blessings we have. We have many things to be thankful for and we ought to recognize God as the source of these blessings (James 1:17).
With this in mind, I want to briefly look at Colossians 3:15-17. These three verses contain three reminders to us to be thankful. These verses also give reasons why we should be thankful to God.
There is an interesting description of the Lord’s people in the book of Acts. In a few places, the Lord’s church is called, “The Way.”
Saul went to Damascus “so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem” (Acts 9:2).
Later, after Saul (then Paul) became a follower of Christ, he was preaching in Ephesus. “But when some were becoming hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the people, he withdrew from them and took away the disciples” (Acts 19:9).
Answering his accusers before Felix, Paul said, “But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our Fathers” (Acts 24:14).
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The New Testament instructs us of the importance of assembling with the local church. The Hebrew writer warned that we must “not [forsake] our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25).
The assembly is important. Let us notice why it is important.
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What does “propitiation” mean? How is “justification” connected to salvation? What does “sanctification” look like in our day-to-day lives? The Bible uses some powerful words to describe God’s plan to save mankind. However, these words are not always easy to understand, especially when they are not part of our everyday vocabulary. This book explores key Bible terms that unlock the message of the gospel.
Big Words in the Bible examines five important words – Propitiation, Reconciliation, Sanctification, Justification, and Resurrection – using plain language to see how the Scriptures describe these concepts and how the apostle Paul employs them in his letter to the Romans. This book also contains an appendix with eleven additional articles to explore these topics further.
Whether you are new to the Bible and want to grow in your understanding or want a simple way to explain these core gospel doctrines to others, this book will be helpful. With a focus on the Scriptures, Big Words in the Bible helps break down these fundamental topics to shed light on the life-changing message of the gospel and the salvation found in it.
Available in print and digital format.
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If you have further questions about using any of the material on this site, please contact me.