True spiritual growth cannot be measured by material possessions. Money can’t buy love, joy, or any of the other fruit of the Spirit. So, let’s set aside the misguided notion that wealth equates to divine favour and refocus on what truly matters—setting our mind on the things of God which brings true life and peace.
The problem of Africa’s “handout slave mentality” necessitates a new way of thinking. Individuals can escape the cycle of dependency and embrace growth by rediscovering the true meaning of hospitality. Thus, encouraging self-sufficiency with an attitude of gratitude to what God has already provided and not the desire to have that which isn’t yours—also known as covetousness—
While incorporating alternative entertainment, churches must ensure they remain aligned with the core principles of the Great Commission, focusing on spreading the Gospel and nurturing spiritual growth. By striking a balance between entertainment and spiritual objectives, churches can create authentic worship experiences that inspire the younger generation, promote discipleship, and maintain a holistic approach to their ministries.
Within the tapestry of Indian Christianity, the vibrant colours of culture intermingle with the threads of faith. However, in the midst of this beautiful fusion, we must acknowledge that certain unchristian behaviours have found their way into churches today. Influenced by the cultural landscape of India, these behaviours can distort the true essence of Christianity and hinder its transformative power. From caste-based discrimination to ritualistic practices, the unmasking of these behaviours is crucial for fostering an authentic expression of the Christian faith. #indianchristianity
While there have certainly been instances of hierarchy in the church throughout history, there have also been voices that have pushed back against this and advocated for a more egalitarian model. From the earliest days of the church, Jesus’ emphasis on servant leadership has been a powerful influence on Christian thought, and this has continued to shape the way that Christians think about church leadership today.
Ancestral worship can lead to superstition as individuals may seek to placate their ancestors or seek their favor through various practices. From a biblical perspective, such practices can lead to a lack of trust in God and a reliance on superstitions that are not in line with God’s will. Therefore, it is important for individuals to understand the fundamental principles of their religious beliefs and seek to align their practices with these principles.
The decline of biblical preaching in favour of motivational philosophy is a concerning trend for the Christian Church. The shift away from the gospel message towards self-help and personal success can lead to a distorted understanding of salvation and a reduced emphasis on the need for repentance making salvation an option.
Jesus’ comparison of the days of Jonah and Sodom to the present time serves as a warning to his listeners to be ready for the coming judgment and to repent of their sins. It also emphasises the importance of listening to the message of Jesus and responding to it with repentance and faith.
So, which side do you fall on? Join us for a lively debate on the merits and pitfalls of contextualisation in the church. Engage with both perspectives and come to your own conclusion about the role of culture in worship. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and grow in your faith.
The interpretation of Ephesians 4:11 as gifts rather than offices is a valid one, and that the roles mentioned in the passage should be understood as gifts that are given to individuals for the benefit of the Body of Christ.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to spread the gospel and plant home groups in the UK. Contact us today to learn more and to apply to be a part of this exciting outreach program.
The Tabernacle is a visible picture, or model, showing us how we come to God through Jesus. From the foundations of the world, there’s only been one way. Jesus is the way.
Apollinarianism granted Christ a human body but not a complete human soul. But if Christ was to have a real incarnation it was necessary that He add to His divine nature not merely a human body but also a human mind or soul; for humanity consists not merely in the possession of a body but of a body and soul.
An irrational abject attitude of mind toward the supernatural, nature, or God, proceeding from ignorance . . . a belief in magic or chance, or the like is the definition of superstition.
The Gospels indicate that Jesus’ full humanity as David’s heir, and full divinity as the ruler of the universe, relate closely to his role as Christ and to the “good news” or “gospel” he announced.
The divinity of Christ says, because He is Lord, because He is God, what He says about himself and about who we are and what the way of salvation is, is authoritative and final. Christianity is definitely Jesus. Without Jesus it would not exist.
So now, you are in God’s work but lost, no feelings and you can’t feel your faith so what do you do? You have to depend on gimmicks and amusements to keep your “employers” (the church board) believing in you, for many of them are using you like Micah from the book of Judges – replacing the works of Christ as the mediator.
Jesus Christ tells us, “Upon this rock will I build my Church.” What did the Lord Jesus Christ mean when He spoke of this foundation? Did He mean the Apostle Peter, to whom He was speaking?
It is impossible to conceive a Saviour more suited to the wants of man’s heart than our Lord Jesus Christ—suited not only by His power, but by His sympathy—suited not only by His divinity, but by His humanity.
The disciples had seen mighty signs and miracles. They had seen the dead raised with a word—and lepers healed with a touch —the blind receiving sight—the dumb made to speak—the lame made to walk. They had seen thousands fed with a few loaves and fishes. They had seen their Master walking on the water as on dry land.
How many clergymen work hard in their profession for a few years, and then become lazy and indolent from the love of this present world?
The drive of man to establish himself by his own efforts, even when these efforts are religious in character, belongs to the sphere of the old man. Yet there is a place for good works.
The presence of God is a dreadful and a fearful thing; yes, his most gracious and merciful appearances; how much more then when he shows himself to us as one that dislikes our ways, as one that is offended with us for our sins?
In matters pertaining to his salvation, the unregenerate man is not at liberty to choose between good and evil, but only to choose between greater and lesser evil, which is not properly free will. The fact that fallen man still has ability to do certain acts morally good in themselves does not prove that he can do acts meriting salvation, for his motives may be wholly wrong.
We are dead! Dead is a strong word, but it is not my own coining and invention. I did not choose it. The Holy Spirit told Paul to write it down about the Ephesians: “You hath he quickened who were dead” (Eph 2:1).
It is our deep conviction that the vital question most requiring to be raised today is this: Is man a totally and thoroughly depraved creature by nature? Does he enter the world completely ruined and helpless, spiritually blind and dead in trespasses and sins?
Now God says “do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind”. But the world says, “come lie with me and satisfy the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and fulfil the pride of life… you don’t even have to leave the church congregation.” Having intercourse right at the altar like Absalom did to David to shame him – they are now sleeping with other gospels of prosperity, social-economic and dominion spirits that lead the Father’s children astray.
This remission of all sins is not limited to past sins only, but to all sins—past, present, and future. If it were not so, then justification would have to be repeated over and over again, and the imputation of the righteousness of Christ would be lowered to the level of the animal sacrifices of the old covenant. Therefore it has to be offered over and over again for the continued presence of sin.
Grace from the Work of Christ is NOT to be understood as grace to be external enlightenment or instruction graciously provided for humanity by God. God does not just demand that human beings should be “perfect”, which is a vague term. Rather, God graciously provides specific guidance as to what form of perfection is required – such as keeping the Ten Commandments, and becoming like Christ. Grace thus informs humanity what its moral duties are (otherwise, it would not know what they were); it does not, however, assist humanity to perform them, because there is no need for such assistance.
Therefore, those who truly understand the Gospel will not downplay doctrines, to do so is to minimise how much they will know about the Gospel. Could it be that those who are arguing for the “Gospel” at the expense of “doctrines” are simply trying to find a way to justify their opposition to some of our distinctive beliefs or avoiding to disclose their ignorance.
THEOLOGY SCHOOL 