Jesus, in the Gospel of Matthew, proclaimed that He would build His church, an institution destined to endure eternally, impervious to the assaults of the underworld. This profound declaration underscores the foundational nature of the church, a cornerstone of faith upon which the entire spiritual edifice rests. Peter, whose name translates to “rock,” emerges as […]
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The aroma of strong coffee retrieved from the kiosk in the gathering area hung heavy in the air as Martha settled into her pew. Pastor Thomas, a man with eyes that crinkled when he smiled, was mid-sentence, his voice resonating with the familiar cadence of scripture. Martha, who had been wrestling with a difficult decision, […]
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The Enduring Standard: Qualifications of an Apostle and the Question of Modern-Day Claims: Does your pastor apply the title “apostle” to his ministry? On what basis? Titles are important, and they mean something. Unfortunately, titles have been set aside as being immature or unnecessary because men and women in leadership in New Testament times frequently […]
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Beyond Having a Pastor: Why We All Need a Prophet in Our Lives Ephesians 4:11-12 paints a vivid picture of the church’s structure, outlining the fivefold ministry: “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, […]
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Navigating the Extremes: Finding Balance in Deliverance and Inner Healing: The landscape of Christian ministry is vast and diverse, encompassing a wide range of approaches to healing and spiritual growth. Among these, deliverance, inner healing, SOZO, and related ministries have gained significant attention. While these ministries offer hope and potential for genuine transformation, it’s crucial […]
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Laying Down the Six-Shooters: When We’re Not God’s Sheriff: I can still hear his voice, a gentle rumble seasoned with years of wisdom. “I’ve turned in my six shooters,” he’d say with a wry smile, “I’m not God’s sheriff.” My mentor, a man deeply committed to his faith, was speaking a profound truth about the […]
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The Rise of the Online “Prophet-Police”: The internet has become a powerful tool for connection and discourse within the body of Christ. However, it has also provided a platform for a troubling trend: the proliferation of self-proclaimed “prophet-police” who wield their opinions like sledgehammers, dispensing judgments against ministers, prophetic voices, and even entire movements with […]
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Reconfiguring the Prophetic: In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 9, we encounter a fascinating exchange that sheds light on a pivotal shift in the understanding of prophets and prophecy in the New Testament era. Jesus and his disciples are traveling through Samaria. When the Samaritans refuse to welcome them, James and John, filled with righteous […]
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It’s Prophet-Bashing Season – A Call to Discernment and Grace: Prophets are easy targets when it comes to those seeking the low-hanging fruit of vitriol, criticism, and denunciation of church leaders. Social media amplifies every voice, and the loudest voices often seem to be those tearing down others. Lately, it feels like “prophet-bashing season” is […]
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The King of Kings and Lord of Lords: In a world gripped by fear, anxiety, and national distress, the scriptures offer a beacon of hope, a glimpse into God’s ultimate plan. We see the Commander-in-Chief of Heaven, poised to intervene in the midst of human depravity and futility. He rides a white horse, a symbol […]
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