Israel’s Hope – The Body of Christ
March 24th, 2011 | Eschatology | 2 Comments
The Body of Christ - The Hope of Israel
It is claimed by some that the body of Christ, i.e. the church of Christ was not prophesied in the Old Covenant. They believe that the body of Christ is an accident, a temporary stop-gap measure as a result of the Jesus' failure to establish the kingdom of God. This view ignores a fundamental premise of scripture. Paul's preaching consisted of no other things than those which Moses and the Prophets said would come (Acts 26:22-23). But, Paul preached the body of Christ. Those who claim the church is an accident cannot ...
Birth Pangs of Romans 8:22|A Church in Labor
Birth Pangs of A Church in Labor
What are the birth pangs of Romans 8 indicative of relative to the creation? This is a very significant term. It helps to set the context, time and significance of the events of Romans 8:18-23. The passage is related to an event which often is misunderstood and misapplied. Fortunately for us, we have a context in the Old covenant which sheds light on the meaning of the passage. We'll get to that in a moment.
At least four times in the New Testament, the inspired writers call attention to the birth pangs of the church. ...
Flesh and Blood Shall Not Inherit the Kingdom of G...
November 5th, 2010 | Eschatology | 4 Comments
The Kingdom of God and Resurrection
1 Corinthians 15 is butchered by most interpreters, especially the text regarding inheriting the kingdom of God, (v. 50). In this writing, I want to suggest another angle from which to consider the meaning of inheriting the kingdom so that the focus is not on human bodies coming out of graveyards. This view distorts the chapter and runs far amiss of what the apostle had in mind.
Flesh and Blood and the Kingdom of God
As we examine the context of 1 Corinthians 15:50, we should question why Paul uses the concept of "flesh and blood" as ...
Spiritual Gifts Discernment
May 18th, 2010 | Eschatology | 5 Comments
Spiritual Gifts Discernment
In Paul's list of spiritual gifts discernment of spirits is among those listed, (1 Cor. 12:10). What is this particular gift of the Spirit and how was it used? Clarke's commentary says it is a gift by which the person so privileged could discern a false miracle from a true one; or a pretender to inspiration from him who was made really partaker of the Holy Ghost. It probably extended also to the discernment of false professors from true ones, as appears in Peter in the case of Ananias and his wife. (Adam Clarke, First Corinthians, p. 259, ...
Spiritual Gifts and Apostolic Authority, What̵...
May 14th, 2010 | Spiritual Gifts | 4 Comments
Spiritual Gifts and Apostolic Authority What's Missing? That something was very special and unique about apostolic authority in the New Testament is clear from reading through several passages. They belong to a special group for sure. Even in the category or list of spiritual gifts, they are always designated separately to distinguish them from all the rest. The apostleship was a uniquely exclusive spiritual gift.
"And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues." (2 Cor. 12:12). As gifts, the apostleship was preeminent.
Signs of ...
