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21
Dec
2024

What Is Worship? Rethinking a Misunderstood Word

Worship

In the previous article, we observed that no New Testament passage instructs Christians to gather for the purpose of worship. But the issue goes even deeper: the English word “worship” itself fails to accurately capture the original meanings found in the New Testament. I contend that our modern concept of worship rests on assumptions foreign to the New Testament and the early church.

The New Testament portrays Christian assemblies as gatherings for mutual edification, not primarily for worship. Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes strengthening each other’s faith, while Paul’s instructions in 1 Corinthians 14 mention “edification” seven times. Paul concludes with the directive “Let all things be done for edification” rather than prescribing worship as the assembly’s purpose.

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Posted by Eddie Lawrence in Church, Word Studies, Worship
14
Dec
2024

The Purpose of Going to Church is…

Purpose

Why do Christians gather every Sunday morning? Most disciples would say that the purpose of “going to church” is something like this:

  • “Church means getting together with other believers to worship Jesus Christ.”
  • “The primary purpose of the church is worship.”
  • “Glorifying God is the main purpose of worship assemblies.”
  • “The purpose of the local church is for worship.”
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Posted by Eddie Lawrence in Church, Worship
07
Dec
2024

Was the Apostle Paul Anti-Women?

Anti-Women

When it comes to discussions about women in the Bible, the Apostle Paul is a controversial figure in some circles. His letters contain both encouragement for women and passages that, at first glance, seem restrictive. Some readers accuse Paul of being misogynistic, or anti-women. They interpret his letters in ways which make him far more restrictive than he really was. However, a closer look at Paul’s writings, along with the historical and cultural context, paints a more complex picture. Paul was far from anti-women; in fact, his ministry included and elevated women in ways that were radical for his time.

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Posted by Eddie Lawrence in Church Leadership, Women
30
Nov
2024

Do Angels Have Wings?

Angels

Angels are mysterious beings who appear throughout the Bible, sparking awe, wonder, and fear. However, popular depictions of angels stretch beyond what the Bible teaches. Test your knowledge. According to the Bible, are the following statements true or false?

  • Angels have wings.
  • Angels, cherubim, and seraphim are different words for the same kind of being.
  • Angels have spouses.
  • There are both male and female angels.

Keep reading to see if you answered biblically.

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Posted by Eddie Lawrence in Angels, Misconceptions
23
Nov
2024

Is Heaven Our Final Destination?

Heaven

A while back a good friend (and good Bible student) challenged me with a question. He asked, “Where does the Bible say Christians will live eternally in Heaven?” My immediate response was John 14:1-4. However, it turned out this passage doesn’t say what I thought it said.

For many of us, the idea of “going to Heaven” is deeply embedded in our understanding of the Christian faith. Most Christians consider Heaven our ultimate destination. An eternal place in God’s presence that we “go up to” when life on earth ends. But a closer look at the Bible suggests that this traditional idea might be missing something crucial. The Bible’s vision of eternity appears less about leaving Earth and more about a renewed, united Heaven and Earth. A place where God’s presence will dwell among His people.

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Posted by Eddie Lawrence in Eschatology, Heaven