When and how often should Christians remember Jesus' death in the Lord's Supper (communion)? Should we commune on the first day of the week (Sunday) or on the seventh-day Sabbath? Denominations may have the unleavened bread and fruit of the vine weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually. This study examines the teaching of Christ regarding the time and frequency for partaking of the Lord's Table.
Does the Bible contain evidence to convince us it is true? Did the writers of the New Testament claim to testify as eyewitnesses of the things they wrote? How important is eyewitness testimony? How can we know whether the testimony of witnesses is valid?
Everything you can experience with your physical senses will someday pass away. Only things you cannot see are eternal. So what should be your priorities in life? Possessions, wealth, pleasures, entertainment, sports - all are temporary and will end. Pleasing people, popularity, even life and good health will end. Only serving God leads to eternal rewards and lasting blessings.
Jesus' miracles, resurrection, and fulfilled prophecy give powerful evidence proving He was the Divine Son of God. But His life and character also offer proof. His claims, moral purity, and teaching demonstrate He was not a liar, hypocrite, or lunatic but was exactly who He claimed to be.
Should we eat roast lamb in the Lord's Supper? What if people say it was done in the Old Testament and would aid our worship? There is a Lamb in Revelation and people can honor God with their talent in cooking the lamb. And where does the Bible say not to? But all these same reasons are used to justify instrumental music in worship. If we can see why not to eat roast lamb, then why use instruments?
What spiritual lessons and Bible principles can we learn from one of the greatest tragedies in history?Introduction:
This announcement was made by Philip Franklin, vice president of the White Star Line in New York. He referred to the sinking of the luxury ocean liner the Titanic, which sank in the North Atlantic on the morning of April 14, 1912, after hitting an iceberg. Of the 2200 people on board, over 1500 of them died.
Even today, almost a century later, this tragedy stirs the interest of multitudes, as illustrated by recent movies, books, and documentaries.
What does it mean to be reconciled? What causes us to be enemies alienated from God? What has God done to achieve our forgiveness and what must we do to receive it? What should we do when sin alienates us from other Christians? How important are communication and forgiveness?
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The story of Joseph and his brothers is a bittersweet story about reconciliation. Because of jealousy, Joseph’s brothers plotted to kill him but instead sold him as a slave into Egypt.
Years later, by God’s providence, Joseph became governor of Egypt. His brothers came to Egypt to buy food during a famine. They did not recognize Joseph, but he recognized them and went to great lengths to test them to see if they had changed. Eventually he made himself known to them and they were reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 – “Be ye reconciled to God.”
To “reconcile” means to “exchange … hostility for a friendly relationship” – Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich. Sin alienates or separates people from God. We need to cease being God’s enemies and develop peace. The gospel plan to achieve this is called “the word of reconciliation.”
Sometimes people become alienated from other people. They become enemies, no longer in friendly relations. They too need to be reconciled.
God has a plan to reconcile people to God and a plan to reconcile people to people.
Does God's sovereignty mean people have no choice about salvation? Calvinist creeds say God determined to save individuals eternally or to condemn them regardless of their choice, conduct, or character. Is this what the Bible says or does God choose to give people the free will power to choose to meet the conditions of salvation? Did Jesus die to offer forgiveness to all people and then invite us to choose to accept that salvation by obeying His teaching?
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Many denominations exist that differ in origin, authority, doctrine, and organization. Where did they come from and why are they here? How do they compare to the church built by Jesus Christ in the New Testament? What does God's word say about their existence?
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