What does the word “church” mean? What is the biblical definition of the church? What “Church” Means? Jesus once said to His disciples that “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt 16:18) so it is not our church or nay body of believer’s church. It is Jesus’ church and He built it and not even the gates of hell can stop it. The word Jesus used for church was the Greek... Read more
Should anyone be kept form attending a church or ban them altogether? Church Discipline Jesus’ first mentions the church in Matthew 18 and it concerns the matter of church discipline. In Matthew 18:15 He says “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” however, “if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may... Read more
Should the church be run like a business? Is the church really a business? Church Government The church is a non-profit group or body of believers who pool all of their resources, experience, skills, and gifts together for one common purpose; to glorify God and to rescue the perishing of the world, however there must be structure in the church in order to avoid chaos. The Apostle Paul reminds us that “God is not a God of confusion but of... Read more
Here is what the church of Jesus Christ should be praying for. Jesus’ Prayers Jesus was a Man of prayer for sure, often rising early in the morning while it was still dark, and the disciples saw this and so they asked Him how to pray and He gave them the template or model of prayer in Matthew 6:9-13, but what was it that Jesus prayed about so very often. A typical day for Jesus was when, “rising very early... Read more
Here are six Bible verses that speak about the need for unity in the church. First Peter 3:8 “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” When the church is unified by the Spirit of God and by their love for God and for one another, this acts as a powerful bonding agent that helps them endure the storms of life much better as a body and as individuals in... Read more
Is your church a healthy church? Here are some indicators of a healthy church. Humility If you really want to diagnose the health of the church, humility is the pulse of the body. God is opposed to any one and any church that has pride and He will extend His grace only to the humble (James 4:6). The Apostle Peter wrote to “you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one... Read more
Here are a few examples of religious cults. What is a Cult? One cult expert defined a cult as “a highly manipulative group which exploits and sometimes physically and/or psychologically damages members and recruits.” [1] The world defines a cult as any particular group’s beliefs and practices that are sufficiently deviant or novel from that of the mainstream and often have ambiguous laws or requirements, so making a precise definition of a cult is rather difficult. Former members describe the... Read more
Here are five signs that you are in a cult and not the true church of Jesus Christ. Deviant Behavior and Teachings The definition of a cult and a true church of Jesus Christ are nearly opposites of one another. A cult can have deviant behavior and doctrinal practices that are radically different from the mainstream church. Their beliefs and practices are problematic when contrasted and compared with the first century church and many churches today. The word “cult” comes... Read more
What are the qualifications and responsibilities of a church elder? What is an Elder? An elder is the same thing as an overseer, shepherd or a pastor. Every pastor is an elder in some denominations but not every elder is a pastor. One qualification for an elder is that he is older. The name “elder’ means older which is why the Apostle Paul said “He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and... Read more
What are the responsibilities of a church deacon, according to the Bible? What is a Deacon? A deacon is a ministry, position, or office in the church that is given to a man who is trustworthy and has lived a life of exemplary values. The same applies to the deaconess. The word deacon is from the Greek word “diākonos” which means “servant” or as it was known at the time of the establishment of this office, the word meant “a... Read more
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