And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 NASB Conformed – Paul’s term, syschematizesthe, is a word about shaping behavior. It’s not really about doctrines of dogma or…
One of the assignments I gave after a class on the history of the formation of the Christian Church at Louisiana Bible College was to write a paper on the question, “Should the Church survive?” Deb Dale’s response is insightful. I thought you would find it useful. Should the Church Survive? By Deb Dale, July…
“I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” Matthew 16:18 NASB Church – It’s no surprise to most of us that the word “church” is a paradigmatic expression without textual support. I have written many investigations…
I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. Matthew 16:18 NASB Church – There are only two places in the gospels where the word ekklesia is used. This is one of them. But today we won’t…
While in Oxford, my daughter spotted this figure on the ceiling of one of the college chapels. It certainly appears to be a demonic face, laughing at the audience of worshippers below. The same ceiling also had dragons and other mystical creatures in the ceiling. One has to wonder just how much pagan intention was…
“I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one.” John 17:15 NASB Take them out – “Judaism is God’s perennial question-mark against the condition of the world.”[1] God has invited us to be His partners in redeeming the world. That means we must question…
They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42 NASB Continually devoting – This is a mouthful of Greek–proskarterountes. The word is derived from pros (toward) and kartereo (to be strong, steadfast and firm). The picture we see from this word is…
but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. 1 Timothy 3:15 NASB Household of God – How are you supposed to behave in the…
For behold, the kings assembled; they came on together. Psalm 48:4 ESV Assembled – The kings marched together in order to pass before the city of God. What was the result? They were astonished, humbled, afraid. They fled in terror and confusion. No nation stands before Him. David’s declaration of the majesty of the Lord…
So then, some were shouting one thing and some another, for the assembly was in confusion and the majority did not know for what reason they had come together.Acts 19:32 NASB Assembly – What is the Greek word for “church”? Ah, ekklesia, you say. Everyone knows that. The church is the ekklesia of God. Does…
