The Church (Ekklesia) Jesus is Building
Articles
Defining “The Elementary Principles of the World” (Article)
This article will be an investigation into the nature of “the elementary principles of the world” (ta stoicheia tou kosmou) – a phrase penned by Paul, the apostle. We will look into the meaning of the Greek word, stoicheia; review the passages of scriptures in which Paul uses the term “elementary principles of the world”; reference the major interpretations of the term; state what seems to be the most consistently accurate meaning of the term; and discuss the sacralization of
Tribulation (Article)
Jesus told us that “in the world you will have tribulation”. (John 16:33) He also told us that as this age draws to a close, the tribulations would grow worse. (Matthew 24) Do not say, “It can never happen here.” The Church in Western nations are not exempt. In the opening lines of the Book of Revelation, the apostle John identified himself as “your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus” –
Captivating Phrase, A (Article)
“The weakness of God” (1 Corinthians 1:25) – this is, indeed, a captivating phrase penned by Paul the apostle in his letter to the Church. This article is about weakness, meekness, the powers of darkness (Ephesians 6:12), “a people being formed by the Lord” (Isaiah 43:21), and the commission of the Church. (Ephesians 3:10)
Weapons of OUR Warfare, The (Article)
“10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armour of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armour of God,
Nature of New Covenant Gathering, The (Article)
From surveying the Scriptures, walking in the New Covenant – in both our individual and collective lives – seems to involve: Knowing God (Jeremiah 31:33; 9:24) Being Born of the Spirit (John 3:3-8; Romans 8:9) Being Led by the Spirit (Romans 8:14; Cf. John 5:19, 30; 6:38; 8:28; 12;49; 14;10) Being Governed by (in both our individual and collective lives): “The Law of Christ” (1 Corinthians 9:21; Galatians 6:2) “The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus” (Romans
God’s Eternal Plan & Purpose (Article)
The Divine Perspective Seeing from God’s Point of View Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes: “He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.”[1] I believe we can understand Solomon to be saying something like this: “It seems like there is a purpose to creation[2], and although Man cannot totally understand it now, God
The Even GREATER Commission for the Church (Article)
Concerning the title, “The Even GREATER Commission for the Church” ….[1] We are all familiar with what is called the Great Commission – to preach the gospel and make disciples. In his epistle to the Church in Ephesus, I believe Paul is explaining what could be called the “Even Greater Commission”.[2] Paul wrote: “… the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the
Gathering (Article)
The New Testament Scriptures – Descriptive or Prescriptive? Do the New Testament Scriptures command us to gather and worship God according to the Conventional Church “Worship Service”? I would like to give my answer – or answers – and then explain why I have arrived at these answers: The answer is NO – the New Testament scriptures do not command us to gather and worship God in this way – or in any other prescribed way. The New Testament scriptures