THE SEVEN FESTIVALS OF THE MESSIAH By Eddie Chumney
G-d gave this ceremony of the casting of lots during Yom Kippur to teach us how He will judge the nations of the world prior to the Messianic age known as the Millennium. The nations of the world will be judged according to how they treated the Jewish people. Those nations who mistreated the Jews will be goat nations and they will go into the left hand. Those nations that stood beside the Jewish people will be sheep nations and will enter into the Messianic kingdom or the Millennium. Yeshua taught us about this in Matthew 25:31-46.
Yeshua during His first coming was a type of the goat marked La Adonai. Yeshua was a sin offering to us as G-d laid upon Him the sins of the whole world (Isaiah [Yeshayahu] 53:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Galatians 1:3-4; Hebrews 2:17; 1 John [Yochanan] 2:2; 4:10).
In the ceremony of the two goats, the two goats were considered as one offering. A crimson sash was tied around the horns of the goat marked azazel. At the appropriate time, the goat was led to a steep cliff in the wilderness and shoved off the cliff. In connection with this ceremony, an interesting tradition arose that is mentioned in the Mishnah. A portion of the crimson sash was attached to the door of the temple (Beit HaMikdash) before the goat was sent into the wilderness. The sash would turn from red to white as the goat met its end, signaling to the people that G-d had accepted their sacrifices and their sins were forgiven. This was based upon Isaiah (Yeshayahu) 1:18. As stated earlier, the Mishnah tells us that 40 years before the destruction of the temple (Beit HaMikdash), the sash stopped turning white. This, of course, was when Yeshua was slain on the tree.
See the entire chapter here.
Yom Kippur was observed sunset of September 27 through nightfall of September 28, 2009.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Congresswoman warns of the threat of a one-world currency
Bachmann on the threat of a one-world currency
By John Tomasic 9/29/09 12:13 PM
U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., spoke at the conservative Take Back America conference this weekend in St Louis. She told attendees it would be easy to “defund the left” and warned that “President Obama’s czars want to give away American sovereignty.” She said Obama’s policies have made the greenback so weak that “the international community wants to replace the dollar with an international one-world currency.” She stretched out the words “one world currency” for effect. She didn’t explain how this could be said to be a new effort on the part of the vague “international community” or why a one-world currency was necessarily a bad thing. Conference attendees responded with applause.
The Washington Independent’s Dave Weigel, who shot the video, reports that Bachmann also touched on the priorities of Republicans, should they retake Congress in 2010. They would “pass repealer bill after repealer bill” in order to prevent the creation of a one-world currency and to pull the government back from controlling the “36 percent of private business profits” Bachmann claimed it had taken over.
By John Tomasic 9/29/09 12:13 PM
U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., spoke at the conservative Take Back America conference this weekend in St Louis. She told attendees it would be easy to “defund the left” and warned that “President Obama’s czars want to give away American sovereignty.” She said Obama’s policies have made the greenback so weak that “the international community wants to replace the dollar with an international one-world currency.” She stretched out the words “one world currency” for effect. She didn’t explain how this could be said to be a new effort on the part of the vague “international community” or why a one-world currency was necessarily a bad thing. Conference attendees responded with applause.
The Washington Independent’s Dave Weigel, who shot the video, reports that Bachmann also touched on the priorities of Republicans, should they retake Congress in 2010. They would “pass repealer bill after repealer bill” in order to prevent the creation of a one-world currency and to pull the government back from controlling the “36 percent of private business profits” Bachmann claimed it had taken over.
Apocalyptic Storm Forming in the Middle East
From Joel Rosenberg September 28, 2009
Events are moving so quickly in the epicenter it can be difficult to keep track of, much less understand the big picture. So here it is in a sentence: An apocalyptic storm is forming over the Middle East.
Consider the data points:
Iran has just been caught secretly building a 2nd uranium enrichment facility on a military base in the religious capital of Iran, a city known as Qom;
A growing number of Western military analysts say the design of this new facility — and its secrecy, and location — clearly indicates it was being built by Iran for the purpose of creating nuclear weapons...
See all 10 points Joel Rosenberg raises here.
World religions plead for action at climate talks
While the threats of global terrorism and global financial crises have been the catalyst for global,political unity,climate change is the motivation for global,religious unity...
By DENIS D. GRAY Associated Press
Adherents of the world's major religions urged political leaders, businessmen and individuals Wednesday to renounce short-term gains and greed, telling a U.N. climate conference in Bangkok that reversing global warming is a moral duty.
Meanwhile, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization warned that climate change could cut food production 21 percent by 2050 in poor countries, and the Asian Development Bank predicted that global warming could lead to a surge of migration into the region's already crowded cities.
..."We are one humanity with a single fate," said Stuart Scott, director of the Interfaith Declaration on Climate Change project. The declaration, endorsed by prominent adherents of Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism, was handed to Yvo de Boer, the U.N. climate chief.
By DENIS D. GRAY Associated Press
Adherents of the world's major religions urged political leaders, businessmen and individuals Wednesday to renounce short-term gains and greed, telling a U.N. climate conference in Bangkok that reversing global warming is a moral duty.
Meanwhile, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization warned that climate change could cut food production 21 percent by 2050 in poor countries, and the Asian Development Bank predicted that global warming could lead to a surge of migration into the region's already crowded cities.
..."We are one humanity with a single fate," said Stuart Scott, director of the Interfaith Declaration on Climate Change project. The declaration, endorsed by prominent adherents of Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism, was handed to Yvo de Boer, the U.N. climate chief.
Typhoon Ketsana Leaves Trail of Destruction Across Southeast Asia
By VOA News 30 September 2009
One of the deadliest storms in years has extended its path of destruction across Southeast Asia, blowing down villages in Cambodia, unleashing mudslides in Vietnam and submerging much of the Philippines capital.
Officials say the death toll is at 298 and rising.
Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has issued an urgent call for local relief efforts in response to Typhoon Ketsana, which officials say killed at least 41 people there.
In Vietnam, the storm damaged nearly 170,000 homes and flattened crops across six provinces. At least 350,000 people have been displaced by the storm.
Quakes Rock Indonesia & South Pacific Region
More than thirty 4.0+ Magnitude after shocks/quakes rock Samoan Islands after 8.0 magnitude quake:
Southern Sumatra struck by 7.3 Magnitude quake:
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Marian Apparition Message: Do not to judge who is right or wrong
Miracle on the mountain: ‘My Mother is here’ By June Keithley Castro Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines—I was there on Sept. 7 when more than 1,000 Marian devotees huddled for hours in the rain, under umbrellas and tarpaulins on a mountain in Batangas.
They were waiting to see if their beloved Mama Mary would appear once again to Canada-based Emma C. de Guzman, who holds healing sessions twice a year in a shrine on Mount Batulao, which pilgrims call their “Mountain of Salvation.”
They didn’t wait in vain.
On the eve of the feast that Catholics celebrate as Mary’s birthday, signs and wonders seemed to indicate that she had indeed appeared for the fifth year in a row to this humble woman who had worked for years as an overseas contract worker.
Mother Mary also wanted them to know that just as rain would wash away grime and make all things new, so would their sacrifices and prayers help destroy evil and even renew the land.
...Mary went on to say that she wanted them to stay simple, and not to judge who is right or wrong...
MANILA, Philippines—I was there on Sept. 7 when more than 1,000 Marian devotees huddled for hours in the rain, under umbrellas and tarpaulins on a mountain in Batangas.
They were waiting to see if their beloved Mama Mary would appear once again to Canada-based Emma C. de Guzman, who holds healing sessions twice a year in a shrine on Mount Batulao, which pilgrims call their “Mountain of Salvation.”
They didn’t wait in vain.
On the eve of the feast that Catholics celebrate as Mary’s birthday, signs and wonders seemed to indicate that she had indeed appeared for the fifth year in a row to this humble woman who had worked for years as an overseas contract worker.
Mother Mary also wanted them to know that just as rain would wash away grime and make all things new, so would their sacrifices and prayers help destroy evil and even renew the land.
...Mary went on to say that she wanted them to stay simple, and not to judge who is right or wrong...
King Abdullah’s interfaith dialogue initiative 2009
Interfaith dialogue to strengthen the world peace and stability, Al-Turki
Malegaon: Highlighting the significance of the interfaith dialogue initiated by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Abdullah Al-Turki, secretary-general of the Makkah-based Muslim World League (MWL) said the conference would contribute to strengthening world peace and stability, reports Arab News, Saudi Arabia's leading English daily.
In a statement on the occasion of the fourth interfaith conference Al-Turki said the Geneva meet is a continuation of efforts that began in Makkah to promote interfaith dialogue.
As many as 166 religious leaders, academics and other prominent personalities from around the world, including the US, the UK, China, Italy, India, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Japan and the Philippines, will take part in the event, which is scheduled to be opened by the president of Switzerland.
...In addition to the MWL secretary-general, Bandar Al-Aiban, president of the Saudi Human Rights Commission, Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the World Council of Churches, and Abdul Rahman Al-Zaid, MWL’s assistant secretary-general, will address the opening session.
...The participants of the Geneva summit include William Baker, president of Christians and Muslims for Peace in the US; David Rosen, director of inter-religious affairs at the American Jewish Committee; John Esposito, head of Muslim-Christian Understanding; Terje Roed-Larsen, director of the Institute of Peace; and Larry Shaw, chairman of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Mohammad Hamid Ansari, vice president of India; Pramjeet Singh Sarna, president of Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib; Kuniaki Kuni, president of the Association of Shinto Temples in Japan; Xue Cheng, vice chairman of the Buddhist Association of China, writes Arab News.
Malegaon: Highlighting the significance of the interfaith dialogue initiated by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Abdullah Al-Turki, secretary-general of the Makkah-based Muslim World League (MWL) said the conference would contribute to strengthening world peace and stability, reports Arab News, Saudi Arabia's leading English daily.
In a statement on the occasion of the fourth interfaith conference Al-Turki said the Geneva meet is a continuation of efforts that began in Makkah to promote interfaith dialogue.
As many as 166 religious leaders, academics and other prominent personalities from around the world, including the US, the UK, China, Italy, India, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Japan and the Philippines, will take part in the event, which is scheduled to be opened by the president of Switzerland.
...In addition to the MWL secretary-general, Bandar Al-Aiban, president of the Saudi Human Rights Commission, Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the World Council of Churches, and Abdul Rahman Al-Zaid, MWL’s assistant secretary-general, will address the opening session.
...The participants of the Geneva summit include William Baker, president of Christians and Muslims for Peace in the US; David Rosen, director of inter-religious affairs at the American Jewish Committee; John Esposito, head of Muslim-Christian Understanding; Terje Roed-Larsen, director of the Institute of Peace; and Larry Shaw, chairman of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Mohammad Hamid Ansari, vice president of India; Pramjeet Singh Sarna, president of Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib; Kuniaki Kuni, president of the Association of Shinto Temples in Japan; Xue Cheng, vice chairman of the Buddhist Association of China, writes Arab News.
The Base Metal of Campolo's Christian Socialism
The Base Metal of Christian Socialism
by Joel McDurmon, The American vision, Sep 25, 2009
I am currently at work revising and expanding my free ebook God versus Socialism so that American Vision can produce a print version. The book will nearly double in length to about 150 pages and will expand the Bible’s criticism of socialism into at least three of the major voices of Christian socialism today: Jim Wallis, Tony Campolo, and Ron Sider. Each of these three men call themselves Evangelicals, profess to believe the Bible and the classic doctrines of the apostles’ creed. Each claim to only teach what the Bible teaches on poverty and politics, to have “no particular political agenda,” and yet the policies each proposes always line up point-by-point with the platform of the Democratic party. Yet since they put it forth under the guise of the Bible, Campolo argues that not to support his favored liberal legislation is “sinful.” I think there’s something fishy here.
Last week I wrote about the Fabian socialists and their effort to be wolves in sheep’s clothing. They wished to advance Marxism and socialism without being detected as atheistic revolutionary socialists. The attempted to subvert the Christians by using biblical ideas and Christian language to present socialist ideas that actually contradict the Bible. The three men I cover stand in this tradition. What follows—a brief excerpt from my upcoming book—will show that this has been going on for a long time. Socialism got its foothold in this country through active, concerned Christians duped by the propaganda wrapped in Bible verses...
A True and Orderly Gospel Church
A Short Treatise Concerning a True and Orderly Gospel Church
Benjamin Griffith
Griffith, Rev. Benjamin, was born in Wales, Oct. 16, 1688, and emigrated to America in 1710. He was baptized May 12, 1711. He was ordained pastor of the Montgomery church, Bucks Co., Pa., Oct. 23, 1725, and remained with this community till his death, which took place Oct. 5, 1768.
Mr. Griffith was an able minister, with a respectable education. He read extensively the works of the great Puritan divines, and he made considerable use of his own pen. He wrote a work on "Vindication of the Resurrection of the Same Body," an answer to "Simon Butler’s Creed," and a refutation of a pamphlet called "The Divine Right of Infant Baptism." He also wrote "A Treatise of Church Discipline," which was published with the Philadelphia Confession of Faith, and which has been regarded as a work of very great merit. Mr. Griffith was among the foremost Baptist ministers in his day...See what the Faith of Our Fathers looked like...and look at yourself, your church for any resemblance.
See also Church Polity or The Kingdom of Christ by J. L. Reynolds, 1849, CAMPONTHIS: THE OLD GOSPEL COMPARED WITH THE NEW...discerning what it means to be a true follower of Jesus Christ
Friday, September 25, 2009
A Marriage Saved By Biblical Counseling By a Biblical Pastor
Pastor Ken Silva shares the testimony of an individual who Pastor Silva had been counseling over a 3 year period. A situation that commonly ends up in divorce, results in repentance, reconciliation and renewal.
Truly, the power of God, demonstrated through a Biblical pastor and a family saved from destruction.
Read it here at Apprising Ministries.
Truly, the power of God, demonstrated through a Biblical pastor and a family saved from destruction.
Read it here at Apprising Ministries.
New world economic order takes shape at G20
Reuters
By Lesley Wroughton
PITTSBURGH (Reuters) - The Group of 20 is set to become the premier coordinating body on global economic issues, reflecting a new world economic order in which emerging market countries like China are much more relevant, according to a draft communique.
Leaders of the G20 developed and developing nations also agreed to make the International Monetary Fund more representative by increasing the voting power of countries that have long been under-represented in the world financial body, said the draft G20 communique obtained by Reuters.
Following are some of the implications of the decisions:
* The shifts reflect a recognition by the United States and Europe of a new global economic reality in which emerging market economies play a bigger role, especially in the aftermath of the global financial crisis that hurt developed economies more than developing ones.
* By making the G20 the new global economic coordinator, countries are committing to maintaining cooperation even after the global financial upheaval and recession recede. The G20 was upgraded from a ministerial to a leaders-level forum only last year as the crisis deepened.
* Adopting the G20 as the new economic steering committee raises questions over the whether or not the Group of Eight, which makes up the world's industrial countries, will eventually be faded out. Diplomats said the G8 would continue to function but would focus on non-economic issues.
* The agreements are big wins for U.S. President Barack Obama, hosting his first international summit. Since his election last year, he has pushed for changes in the global financial architecture to recognize the increasing economic clout of China and other emerging markets.
By Lesley Wroughton
PITTSBURGH (Reuters) - The Group of 20 is set to become the premier coordinating body on global economic issues, reflecting a new world economic order in which emerging market countries like China are much more relevant, according to a draft communique.
Leaders of the G20 developed and developing nations also agreed to make the International Monetary Fund more representative by increasing the voting power of countries that have long been under-represented in the world financial body, said the draft G20 communique obtained by Reuters.
Following are some of the implications of the decisions:
* The shifts reflect a recognition by the United States and Europe of a new global economic reality in which emerging market economies play a bigger role, especially in the aftermath of the global financial crisis that hurt developed economies more than developing ones.
* By making the G20 the new global economic coordinator, countries are committing to maintaining cooperation even after the global financial upheaval and recession recede. The G20 was upgraded from a ministerial to a leaders-level forum only last year as the crisis deepened.
* Adopting the G20 as the new economic steering committee raises questions over the whether or not the Group of Eight, which makes up the world's industrial countries, will eventually be faded out. Diplomats said the G8 would continue to function but would focus on non-economic issues.
* The agreements are big wins for U.S. President Barack Obama, hosting his first international summit. Since his election last year, he has pushed for changes in the global financial architecture to recognize the increasing economic clout of China and other emerging markets.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Is Rick Warren a False Teacher, and Is 40 Days the Answer?
Will those thousands of pastors who spent thousands of dollars and hours of watching Rick Warren on the big screen now dare to show these free videos to their congregations for the real story about what's driving the purpose driven church?
James Sundquist, author of Who’s Driving the Purpose Driven Church?, has recently posted the audio and video/powerpoint presentation of his talk at the Southwest Radio Ministries Conference.
Part I
Part II
HT: Biblical Thought.com
James Sundquist, author of Who’s Driving the Purpose Driven Church?, has recently posted the audio and video/powerpoint presentation of his talk at the Southwest Radio Ministries Conference.
Part I
Part II
HT: Biblical Thought.com
Rick Warren, Pope Benedict Named as Profound Spokespersons For All The World Religions
Dr. Robert D. Crane, Chairman of The Center for Understanding Islam names Rick Warren and Pope Benedict IV as "two of contemporary Christianity’s leading lights echo all the teachings of Islam that have constituted the essence of all the world religions..."
Dr. Crane states "...[T]he glue that holds Muslims together as a community or umma and brings persons of diverse religions together... is their common purpose in life .
Dr. Crane highlights Rick Warren's leading of the inaugural prayer and Warren's address of the 2009 conventions in both ISNA (Islamic Society of North America) and the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC).
Crane then introduces "[A]nother profound spokesperson for all the world religions...Pope Benedict XVI"
Chief Rabbi Rebbe Abraham Izaac Kook was also cited by Dr. Crane as the example of "truth as the source of love, and love as the source of justice.
...The Rebbe always sharply defended the validity of both Christianity and Islam as religions in the plan of God, and proclaimed that, “the brotherly love of Esau and Jacob [Christians and Jews], and Isaac and Ishmael [Jews and Muslims], will assert itself above all the confusion [and turn] the darkness to light.”
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The Jewish Fall Feasts: Repentance, Trumpets and Judgement
CORRECTION:
This post originally referenced the work of Eddy Chumney. It has been removed due to an alert received regarding Chumney's broader theology.
CAMPONTHIS: THE OLD GOSPEL COMPARED WITH THE NEW...discerning what it means to be a true follower of Jesus Christ
CAMPONTHIS: THE OLD GOSPEL COMPARED WITH THE NEW...discerning what it means to be a true follower of Jesus Christ
Adapted from J. I. Packer - on the gospel according to John Owen
Introduction:
by S.J. Camp
The debate of late has been on the content of the gospel and the call of the gospel. Some want to make the assumption that any kind of gospel presented is acceptable no matter how lacking in substance of message for God will use anything in bringing salvation to lost people. One writer claims that a beloved evangelical leader was converted by one obscure verse from the book of Ecclesiastes. Listen, no man is converted by such whimsical, romantic notions or casual verse reading that have nothing to do with the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul says, "The gospel is the power of God unto salvation..." It must be the gospel proclaimed -unadulterated and unfettered - to bring Christ to men. "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ..."
We have a charge beloved to proclaim the gospel by the whole council of God and that we must. Fear no man; pay homage to no man, be swayed by no man; but let your conscience and heart be governed by the Lord Jesus Christ alone. Let not your tongue be muzzled by those who seek to control you, rather than serve you. The Word of God is like a fire... and here, it will not be quenched. The Word of God is also a hammer; and may we pound it aloud for all to hear!
Read the rest of this urgent message here.
Adapted from J. I. Packer - on the gospel according to John Owen
Introduction:
by S.J. Camp
The debate of late has been on the content of the gospel and the call of the gospel. Some want to make the assumption that any kind of gospel presented is acceptable no matter how lacking in substance of message for God will use anything in bringing salvation to lost people. One writer claims that a beloved evangelical leader was converted by one obscure verse from the book of Ecclesiastes. Listen, no man is converted by such whimsical, romantic notions or casual verse reading that have nothing to do with the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul says, "The gospel is the power of God unto salvation..." It must be the gospel proclaimed -unadulterated and unfettered - to bring Christ to men. "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ..."
We have a charge beloved to proclaim the gospel by the whole council of God and that we must. Fear no man; pay homage to no man, be swayed by no man; but let your conscience and heart be governed by the Lord Jesus Christ alone. Let not your tongue be muzzled by those who seek to control you, rather than serve you. The Word of God is like a fire... and here, it will not be quenched. The Word of God is also a hammer; and may we pound it aloud for all to hear!
Read the rest of this urgent message here.
God's Church, God's Way
Matthew 16:18
15He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Matthew 18
15 "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
Matthew 28:16-20
16Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Acts 2:36-47
36Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified."
37Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself." 40And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation." 41So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
42And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Acts 11:29-30
29So the disciples determined, everyone according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. 30 And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
Acts 14
21When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. 23And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
Acts 6
1Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."
5And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 7And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
Acts 15
3So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers.4When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them.
Acts 15:5-7
5But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, "It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses." 6 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. 7And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, "Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.
Philippians 1
1Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 3:7-9
7Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil. 8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
1 Timothy 5:16-18
16If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows. 17Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer deserves his wages."
Titus 1
5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
1 Corinthians 12
27Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31But earnestly desire the higher gifts.
Ephesians 1
21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Ephesians 3
7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, 10so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 3
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 5
22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies.
James 5:13-15
13Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
Acts 12:5
5So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.
1 Peter 5
Shepherd the Flock of God 1So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you
Acts 20:28
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
Acts 7:44
"Our fathers had the tent of witness in the wilderness, just as he who spoke to Moses directed him to make it, according to the pattern that he had seen.
Ephesians 2
but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
2 Timothy 1:13
13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 6:17
17But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed
Hebrews 2:1
Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.
Hebrews 10
:19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
1 Corinthians 2
4and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
Wisdom from the Spirit
6Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age,who are doomed to pass away.
2 Corinthians 1:24
Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith.
2 Corinthians 13
5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
2 Peter 1:19
And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts
1 Timothy 4:6
A Good Servant of Christ Jesus 6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.
2 Timothy 3:15
15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings,which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:27
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel
Titus 1:9
9He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
Ephesians 6:4
4Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
2 Timothy 3
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
Romans 15:4
4For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Romans 15
14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. 15But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God 16to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. 18For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed
2 Thessalonians 2:15
15So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.
Colossians 1
24Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.
Colossians 2
6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
8See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
Revelation 3:3
3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.
Hebrews 11:10
10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.
Revelation 1:19-20
19 Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. 20As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
Revelation 4:3-5
3And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. 4Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. 5From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God
Revelation 19:6-8
6Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,
"Hallelujah!For the Lord our God
the Almighty reigns.
7Let us rejoice and exult
and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his Bride has made herself ready;
8 it was granted her to clothe herself
with fine linen, bright and pure"—
Revelation 21
1Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."
Revelation 21:14
14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Matthew 18
15 "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
Matthew 28:16-20
16Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Acts 2:36-47
36Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified."
37Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself." 40And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation." 41So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
42And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Acts 11:29-30
29So the disciples determined, everyone according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. 30 And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
Acts 14
21When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. 23And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
Acts 6
1Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."
5And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 7And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
Acts 15
3So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers.4When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them.
Acts 15:5-7
5But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, "It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses." 6 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. 7And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, "Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.
Philippians 1
1Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 3:7-9
7Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil. 8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
1 Timothy 5:16-18
16If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows. 17Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer deserves his wages."
Titus 1
5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
1 Corinthians 12
27Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31But earnestly desire the higher gifts.
Ephesians 1
21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Ephesians 3
7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, 10so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 3
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 5
22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies.
James 5:13-15
13Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
Acts 12:5
5So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.
1 Peter 5
Shepherd the Flock of God 1So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you
Acts 20:28
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
Acts 7:44
"Our fathers had the tent of witness in the wilderness, just as he who spoke to Moses directed him to make it, according to the pattern that he had seen.
Ephesians 2
but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
2 Timothy 1:13
13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 6:17
17But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed
Hebrews 2:1
Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.
Hebrews 10
:19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
1 Corinthians 2
4and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
Wisdom from the Spirit
6Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age,who are doomed to pass away.
2 Corinthians 1:24
Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith.
2 Corinthians 13
5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
2 Peter 1:19
And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts
1 Timothy 4:6
A Good Servant of Christ Jesus 6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.
2 Timothy 3:15
15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings,which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:27
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel
Titus 1:9
9He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
Ephesians 6:4
4Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
2 Timothy 3
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
Romans 15:4
4For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Romans 15
14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. 15But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God 16to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. 18For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed
2 Thessalonians 2:15
15So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.
Colossians 1
24Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.
Colossians 2
6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
8See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
Revelation 3:3
3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.
Hebrews 11:10
10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.
Revelation 1:19-20
19 Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. 20As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
Revelation 4:3-5
3And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. 4Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. 5From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God
Revelation 19:6-8
6Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,
"Hallelujah!For the Lord our God
the Almighty reigns.
7Let us rejoice and exult
and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his Bride has made herself ready;
8 it was granted her to clothe herself
with fine linen, bright and pure"—
Revelation 21
1Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."
Revelation 21:14
14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
Evangelical Enemies Within
J. Gresham Machen on the Internal Enemies of the Church from Christian Research Network:
“[W]hat is the trouble with the visible Church? What is the reason for its obvious weakness? There are perhaps many causes of weakness. But one cause is perfectly plain–the Church of today has been unfaithful to her Lord by admitting great companies of non-Christian persons, not only into her membership, but into her teaching agencies. It is indeed inevitable that some persons who are not truly Christian shall find their way into the visible Church; fallible men cannot discern the heart, and many a profession of faith which seems to be genuine may really be false.
But it is not this kind of error to which we now refer. What is now meant is not the admission of individuals whose confessions of faith may not be sincere, but the admission of great companies of persons who have never made any really adequate confession of faith at all and whose entire attitude toward the gospel is the very reverse of the Christian attitude. Such persons, moreover, have been admitted not merely to the membership, but to the ministry of the Church, and to an increasing extent have been allowed to dominate its councils and determine its teaching. The greatest menace to the Christian Church today comes not from the enemies outside, but from the enemies within; it comes from the presence within the Church of a type of faith and practice that is anti-Christian to the core.” (spend the next six and a half minutes reading the rest here)
Listen to Mike Corley and Pastor Scott Reiber discuss the true meaning of liberalism; what it is?, are all liberal philosophy’s the same?, is liberalism simply just “unbelief”?
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS PROGRAM!
See related articles, THE DEVIL BEHIND THE PULPIT & Albert Mohler-Two Rival Religions?
“[W]hat is the trouble with the visible Church? What is the reason for its obvious weakness? There are perhaps many causes of weakness. But one cause is perfectly plain–the Church of today has been unfaithful to her Lord by admitting great companies of non-Christian persons, not only into her membership, but into her teaching agencies. It is indeed inevitable that some persons who are not truly Christian shall find their way into the visible Church; fallible men cannot discern the heart, and many a profession of faith which seems to be genuine may really be false.
But it is not this kind of error to which we now refer. What is now meant is not the admission of individuals whose confessions of faith may not be sincere, but the admission of great companies of persons who have never made any really adequate confession of faith at all and whose entire attitude toward the gospel is the very reverse of the Christian attitude. Such persons, moreover, have been admitted not merely to the membership, but to the ministry of the Church, and to an increasing extent have been allowed to dominate its councils and determine its teaching. The greatest menace to the Christian Church today comes not from the enemies outside, but from the enemies within; it comes from the presence within the Church of a type of faith and practice that is anti-Christian to the core.” (spend the next six and a half minutes reading the rest here)
Listen to Mike Corley and Pastor Scott Reiber discuss the true meaning of liberalism; what it is?, are all liberal philosophy’s the same?, is liberalism simply just “unbelief”?
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS PROGRAM!
See related articles, THE DEVIL BEHIND THE PULPIT & Albert Mohler-Two Rival Religions?
Monday, September 14, 2009
Vatican: Christians and Muslims Can Unite Against Poverty, Hindus Call For Global Partnership
Vatican Information Service
CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS: TOGETHER IN OVERCOMING POVERTY
VATICAN CITY, 11 SEP 2009 (VIS) - The Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue today published its annual Message to Muslims for the end of the month of Ramadan. The Message is signed by Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran and Archbishop Pier Luigi Celata, respectively president and secretary of the council, and has as its theme this year (1430 AH / 2009 AD): "Christians and Muslims: Together in overcoming poverty".
The Message has been published in twenty-four languages. Excerpts from the English version are given below.
"This message of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue has become a tradition cherished by us all, which is looked forward to each year and this is certainly a cause for joy. It has become, over the years, an occasion of cordial encounter in many countries between many Christians and Muslims. It often addresses a matter of shared concern, making it therefore conducive to a confident and open exchange. Are not all these elements immediately perceived as signs of friendship among us for which we should thank God?"
"....As believers, the desire to work together for a just and durable solution to the scourge of poverty certainly also implies reflecting on the grave problems of our time and, when possible, sharing a common commitment to eradicate them".
"A careful study of the complex phenomenon of poverty directs us precisely towards its origin in the lack of respect for the innate dignity of the human person and calls us to a global solidarity, for example through the adoption of a 'common ethical code' whose norms would not only have a conventional character, but also would necessarily be rooted in the natural law written by the Creator in the conscience of every human being.
"It seems that in diverse places of the world we have passed from tolerance to a meeting together, beginning with common lived experience and real shared concerns. This is an important step forward".
The president of Universal Society of Hinduism, Rajan Zed pointed out that world religions should develop a global partnership to stamp out hunger and poverty, promote gender parity, battle AIDS and other diseases, bring about environment sustainability and ensure universal basic education. Zed stressed that religions needed to redouble their efforts in poverty eradication as poverty and suffering were more pervasive than previously estimated. Economics, politics and markets should also take an ethical approach.
See also: Evangelicals Echo Pope's Call for Globalization
See more on the rise of The Fourth Kingdom.
CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS: TOGETHER IN OVERCOMING POVERTY
VATICAN CITY, 11 SEP 2009 (VIS) - The Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue today published its annual Message to Muslims for the end of the month of Ramadan. The Message is signed by Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran and Archbishop Pier Luigi Celata, respectively president and secretary of the council, and has as its theme this year (1430 AH / 2009 AD): "Christians and Muslims: Together in overcoming poverty".
The Message has been published in twenty-four languages. Excerpts from the English version are given below.
"This message of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue has become a tradition cherished by us all, which is looked forward to each year and this is certainly a cause for joy. It has become, over the years, an occasion of cordial encounter in many countries between many Christians and Muslims. It often addresses a matter of shared concern, making it therefore conducive to a confident and open exchange. Are not all these elements immediately perceived as signs of friendship among us for which we should thank God?"
"....As believers, the desire to work together for a just and durable solution to the scourge of poverty certainly also implies reflecting on the grave problems of our time and, when possible, sharing a common commitment to eradicate them".
"A careful study of the complex phenomenon of poverty directs us precisely towards its origin in the lack of respect for the innate dignity of the human person and calls us to a global solidarity, for example through the adoption of a 'common ethical code' whose norms would not only have a conventional character, but also would necessarily be rooted in the natural law written by the Creator in the conscience of every human being.
"It seems that in diverse places of the world we have passed from tolerance to a meeting together, beginning with common lived experience and real shared concerns. This is an important step forward".
The president of Universal Society of Hinduism, Rajan Zed pointed out that world religions should develop a global partnership to stamp out hunger and poverty, promote gender parity, battle AIDS and other diseases, bring about environment sustainability and ensure universal basic education. Zed stressed that religions needed to redouble their efforts in poverty eradication as poverty and suffering were more pervasive than previously estimated. Economics, politics and markets should also take an ethical approach.
See also: Evangelicals Echo Pope's Call for Globalization
See more on the rise of The Fourth Kingdom.
Pope Organises Vatican Art Summit
BBC News:
The Pope has announced plans to hold a summit later this year with around 500 international artists.
The move is believed to be an attempt by the Vatican to mend relations with the contemporary art world.
It's being seen as an overture by the Vatican to mend relations with the contemporary art world after Pope Benedict XVI condemned a sculpture by German artist Martin Kippenberger of a crucified green frog.
Editor's note: The pope's bowing to the arts in attempts at unity after condemning such a blasphemous display?
It's obvious what the Vatican's priorities are...maintaining influence and power in the global community.
The Pope has announced plans to hold a summit later this year with around 500 international artists.
The move is believed to be an attempt by the Vatican to mend relations with the contemporary art world.
It's being seen as an overture by the Vatican to mend relations with the contemporary art world after Pope Benedict XVI condemned a sculpture by German artist Martin Kippenberger of a crucified green frog.
Editor's note: The pope's bowing to the arts in attempts at unity after condemning such a blasphemous display?
It's obvious what the Vatican's priorities are...maintaining influence and power in the global community.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
THE DEVIL BEHIND THE PULPIT
DR. WALTER MARTIN: THE DEVIL BEHIND THE PULPIT
By Pastor Ken Silva, at Apprising Ministries
You can see these people in the cults and the occult if you have any degree of discernment at all because they are outside the church. But how do you see the Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Episcopalian professor of theology? How do you get him in a place where you can find out his theology is? The moment you question him he reverts to orthodox terminology. And then if you press him for the definition of the terminology, he claims you’re being suspicious, bigoted, and unloving.
So the average layman is defenseless, they’ve got to take what comes from behind the pulpit, and recommended by his church authorities, because the moment he opens his mouth, he’s accused of being divisive in the church, unloving and disturbing the fellowship of the faith. When it is the devil behind the pulpit, not the victim in the pew that’s responsible for it. (Cult of Liberalism, CD Rom, Available Walter Martin Religious InfoNet )
Editor's note: "...the moment he opens his mouth, he’s accused of being divisive in the church, unloving and disturbing the fellowship of the faith. When it is the devil behind the pulpit, not the victim in the pew that’s responsible for it."
The devil is also behind the idle threats, intimidation efforts, breaches of confidentiality, secret meetings, excluding the congregation from the hearing the complaint, mediation services cancelled without explanation. Families, children crushed. And no one asks what happened...why are teachers and families missing?
All because the "pastor's authority" was challenged.
Ezekiel 22
23 And the word of the LORD came to me: 24"Son of man, say to her, You are a land that is not cleansed or rained upon in the day of indignation. 25 The conspiracy of her prophets in her midst is like a roaring lion tearing the prey; they have devoured human lives; they have taken treasure and precious things; they have made many widows in her midst. 26 Her priests have done violence to my law and have profaned my holy things. They have made no distinction between the holy and the common, neither have they taught the difference between the unclean and the clean, and they have disregarded my Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them.
No Easy Peace
By Mike Ratliff, Christian Research Network:
Genuine Christians are regenerate. They are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). This means a great deal, but what it does not mean is that Christians have instantaneous and complete victory over our enemy within, which is the flesh. The Puritans understood this very well. John Owen’s masterpieces The Mortification of Sin and Indwelling Sin in Believers show Christians why they have trouble with the sin which clings so close.
In our day there is a great deal of false teaching going around to the effect that God doesn’t really care about the sin in professing Christians. After all it was all paid for at the Cross, right? The problem is that that argument is totally unbiblical. Repentance is part of the true Christian walk. The other extreme is the false teaching that it is possible for Christians to become perfect in this life even to the point of never sinning. That too is a totally unbiblical teaching.
The truth is in the middle. All true Christians are forgiven and are viewed by God as righteous in His eyes. This is possible because He has imputed Christ’s righteousness to their account. However, as John makes very clear in 1 John 1:9-10, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”
See the rest here.
Genuine Christians are regenerate. They are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). This means a great deal, but what it does not mean is that Christians have instantaneous and complete victory over our enemy within, which is the flesh. The Puritans understood this very well. John Owen’s masterpieces The Mortification of Sin and Indwelling Sin in Believers show Christians why they have trouble with the sin which clings so close.
In our day there is a great deal of false teaching going around to the effect that God doesn’t really care about the sin in professing Christians. After all it was all paid for at the Cross, right? The problem is that that argument is totally unbiblical. Repentance is part of the true Christian walk. The other extreme is the false teaching that it is possible for Christians to become perfect in this life even to the point of never sinning. That too is a totally unbiblical teaching.
The truth is in the middle. All true Christians are forgiven and are viewed by God as righteous in His eyes. This is possible because He has imputed Christ’s righteousness to their account. However, as John makes very clear in 1 John 1:9-10, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”
See the rest here.
Ashamed of The Gospel...And Proud of It
Chris Herlinger, Religion News Service recently reported on the leadership shakeup at Manhattan's famous Riverside Church. The church's roots go back to modern pragmatist Harry Emerson Fosdick. Fosdick's liberalism attracted financial help of John D. Rockefeller, who financed the construction of interdenominational church.
Brad Braxton, selected as pastor last year, (compensation package is a mere $600,000 ) was thought able "to invigorate the flagship pulpit of progressive Protestantism."
Now, it seems the congregation has grown weary of their rising star. Herlinger reports that "some parishioners found him a little too energetic. He talked a lot about Jesus and perhaps a little too much about scripture. Some critics even used the dreaded f word—fundamentalist—to describe him..."
"... (Braxton) asserting that he is baffled that a minister (Braxton) who has publicly championed gay marriage could be labeled a biblical fundamentalist. "
"...Anonymous e-mails made the rounds among some of the 2,400-member congregation, implying that Braxton was a theological conservative, even a fundamentalist."If you're impassioned and use the name Jesus, you're [seen as] a right-wing Christian," said one Riverside parishioner, a Braxton supporter who asked not to be quoted by name because tensions are still high. Most "old-style" liberal Protestants, she said, are simply "not comfortable with zeal."
Editor's note: Truly, the slow train of modern day church growth schemes on the tracks of biblical compromise has, as it's many destinations, churches that are headed where Riverside Church seems to be going, the final destination: apostasy.
See more on the Rockefeller motive and influence on American Protestantism here.
Brad Braxton, selected as pastor last year, (compensation package is a mere $600,000 ) was thought able "to invigorate the flagship pulpit of progressive Protestantism."
Now, it seems the congregation has grown weary of their rising star. Herlinger reports that "some parishioners found him a little too energetic. He talked a lot about Jesus and perhaps a little too much about scripture. Some critics even used the dreaded f word—fundamentalist—to describe him..."
"... (Braxton) asserting that he is baffled that a minister (Braxton) who has publicly championed gay marriage could be labeled a biblical fundamentalist. "
"...Anonymous e-mails made the rounds among some of the 2,400-member congregation, implying that Braxton was a theological conservative, even a fundamentalist."If you're impassioned and use the name Jesus, you're [seen as] a right-wing Christian," said one Riverside parishioner, a Braxton supporter who asked not to be quoted by name because tensions are still high. Most "old-style" liberal Protestants, she said, are simply "not comfortable with zeal."
Editor's note: Truly, the slow train of modern day church growth schemes on the tracks of biblical compromise has, as it's many destinations, churches that are headed where Riverside Church seems to be going, the final destination: apostasy.
See more on the Rockefeller motive and influence on American Protestantism here.
Friday, September 11, 2009
UN wants new global currency to replace dollar
By Edmund Conway, Economics EditorThe Telegraph
The dollar should be replaced with a global currency, the United Nations has said, proposing the biggest overhaul of the world's monetary system since the Second World War.
In a radical report, the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has said the system of currencies and capital rules which binds the world economy is not working properly, and was largely responsible for the financial and economic crises.
It added that the present system, under which the dollar acts as the world's reserve currency , should be subject to a wholesale reconsideration.
Mary of Rome: Manila's Mediatrix of All Grace
The Roman Catholic Church celebrates Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 12. From American Catholic.org:
This feast is a counterpart to the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus (January 3); both have the possibility of uniting people easily divided on other matters.
The feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary began in Spain in 1513 and in 1671 was extended to all of Spain and the Kingdom of Naples. In 1683, John Sobieski, king of Poland, brought an army to the outskirts of Vienna to stop the advance of Muslim armies loyal to Mohammed IV in Constantinople. After Sobieski entrusted himself to the Blessed Virgin Mary, he and his soldiers thoroughly defeated the Muslims. Pope Innocent XI extended this feast to the entire Church.
In the Philipines, this memorial is dedicated to prayer and fasting for peace and national unity.
It is a day people will beg the Lord through the intercession of Mary, when “Mediatrix of All Grace,’’ to grant us what we need as a nation to attain peace, unity, and progress.
Learn more of The Mary of Rome here.
Evangelicals Echo Pope's Call for Globalization
A group of Evangelicals have declared their support for Caritas in Veritate (Charity in Truth), Pope Benedict XVI's social encyclical.
The Center For Public Justice published, Doing the truth in love: an evangelical call for response to Caritas in Veritate . The document applauds the pope's call for ethical and sustainable globalization. It calls on other Evangelicals to "read, wrestle with, and respond to Caritas in Veritate and its identification of the twin call of love and truth upon our lives as citizens, entrepreneurs, workers and, most fundamentally, as followers of Christ."
It also makes this alarming, half-truth statement:
"In Christ's death and resurrection, God removes all that stands in the way of right relationships between God and the world, among humans, and between humanity and the rest of creation. Human development is included in this restoration of all things to right relationship."
The inference is that globalization-driven human development is an automatic result of Christ's resurrection! It also ignores the Biblical essentials of "repent, believe and obey". It also implies that globalization is part of the restoration of all things, which according to Revelation 21, only occurs after the first heaven and the first earth pass away.
The document affirms the pope's call for civilized, equitable globalization. It also calls for new models of global governance. The sixty eight signatories include professors of universities and seminaries in North America and the UK.
Some familiar interfaith personalities endorsed the document:
See more on the Evangelical-Ecumenical compromise here.
The Center For Public Justice published, Doing the truth in love: an evangelical call for response to Caritas in Veritate . The document applauds the pope's call for ethical and sustainable globalization. It calls on other Evangelicals to "read, wrestle with, and respond to Caritas in Veritate and its identification of the twin call of love and truth upon our lives as citizens, entrepreneurs, workers and, most fundamentally, as followers of Christ."
It also makes this alarming, half-truth statement:
"In Christ's death and resurrection, God removes all that stands in the way of right relationships between God and the world, among humans, and between humanity and the rest of creation. Human development is included in this restoration of all things to right relationship."
The inference is that globalization-driven human development is an automatic result of Christ's resurrection! It also ignores the Biblical essentials of "repent, believe and obey". It also implies that globalization is part of the restoration of all things, which according to Revelation 21, only occurs after the first heaven and the first earth pass away.
The document affirms the pope's call for civilized, equitable globalization. It also calls for new models of global governance. The sixty eight signatories include professors of universities and seminaries in North America and the UK.
Some familiar interfaith personalities endorsed the document:
- Richard Mouw, President, Fuller Theological Seminary
- David Neff, Editor in Chief, Christianity Today
- Jim Wallis, President, Sojourners
The fact that Evangelicals are once again aligning with Rome clearly is evidence that the concept of Sola Scriptura and martyrs of The Reformation and have no place in post modern Evangelicalism.
See related articles:
Pope, on Eve of G-8, Calls for New Order With ‘Real Teeth’ , Pope To Propose International Agreement on Globalisation , Pope Calls For Global Authority Over World's Natural ResourcesSee more on the Evangelical-Ecumenical compromise here.