There is “One FAITH”. This is continuing the 7 “ones” in Ephesians 4:1-5. This FAITH, this system of doctrine, was “once and for all time delivered to the saints” (believers) in the first century of Christianity (Jude 3). You and I are to believe it, live by it and teach it until the end of
“There is one body and one spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God …” (Eph 4:4-6 NIV). Last week, we looked at “one body, the church.” Later, Lord willing, we shall study the other 5 “ones.” Today, “One Spirit.” The Spirit is one
The church is called “the body of Christ” (Eph 1:23). Jesus is “the head of the body, the church” (Col 1:18,24). There are no popes, presidents or archbishops in the one church in the Bible. There is one body and one head of the body, Jesus. There are “many members, BUT ONE BODY” (I Cor
Faith is used in two ways in the Bible. First,it is subjective, something personal within us that we receive by hearing the Word of God (Rom 10:17). It is “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see;” without it “impossible to please God” (Heb 11:1, 6). Second, it
God said, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways” (Isaiah 55:8-9). The way Israel worshipped God was detestable: “I did not command or mention, nor did it enter my mind” (Jer. 19:5). This same principle is also stated in the New Testament: “Do not go beyond what is written” (I
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves” (2 Cor 13:5, NIV). Have you ever asked yourself, “Why am I a Lutheran?” A Baptist? A Catholic? Usually people answer, “Because that is what my parents were.” We are commanded to test ourselves: are we “In the faith?” This is a term
The Salvation Army is very visible at this time of year. Many are asking, “Just who are they?” If you look in the Bible you will not find it. It did not exist until William Booth formed it in London in 1878. In 1899 its charter was issued in New York as “a religious and
When storms and hurricanes are approaching, many warnings of danger have gone out, but some pay no attention or take a chance and are killed. Jesus established His church. He issued many warnings about dangers of false teachers who would lead, people astray: “Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but
“Do you love me more than these?” Jesus asked Peter this question. And He asks YOU the same question today. 1. Do you love the Lord more than your kinsmen? Are you willing to leave your family’s church or religion if it is not authorized in the Bible? Jesus said: “He who loves father or
Mona Lisa When famous works of art like Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa are studied with a view of restoring their original beauty,-the more closely they are examined the more evident is the genius of the artist. Today our aim is to unveil the divine genius in the design of first century Christianity and to