Great Babylon of the Apocalypse is the confusion of voices. It is the divided church, squabbling, making merchandise of the saints and of religion. It is the divisional denominational system that has the unbelievers so mixed up that they wonder who they should believe.

Babylon has come into existence from man-made forms, rituals, and governments--church orders that in no way reflect the orders that are established in Scripture. How many 1 Corinthians 14 church services have you been in?  Instead of multiple elders, co-equal, who shepherd the flock, and deacons, we see ministries that lift up men (and women) so Christ is not the one who gets the glory.  We see organizations and persons and doctrines idolized in spiritual fornication.  The humility that was in the apostolic office is gone from these organizations.  Rather than one unified voice of a Spirit-led, Spirit-powered Church, we have thousands of voices of rationalized dogmas and fights over turf and competitiveness.  This is Babylon.

Here is just one example clipped from a news article: "All references to marriage and chastity are gone, along with the language about refusal to repent of sin. The new language speaks instead of submission to the Lordship of Christ and being guided by Scripture and confessions. In any other context, that language might not seem revolutionary, but in this case, it means the denomination's surrender to those pushing for the normalization of homosexuality."  source

Jesus prayed that we would all be one, but we need to become one with the Father and the Son before we can ever become one with each other.  Ephesians 4 shows how we will become one, and it won't be by any ecumenical movement.  Jesus prayed that we become one so that the world would believe.  When we become one, the world will believe.

Revelation 18  
1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.  
2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.  
3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication [speaks of idolatry], and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.  
4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.  
5 For her sins have reached to heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.  
6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double to her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.  
7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.  
8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.  
9 And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,  
10 Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.  
11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:  
12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,  
13 And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.  
14 And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.  
15 The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,  
16 And saying, Alas, alas that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!  
17 For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,  
18 And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like to this great city!  
19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.  
20 Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.  
21 And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.  
22 And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;  
23 And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.  
24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.

Topic: Apocalypse

Luke 2:35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed [Apokalupto: removal of a veil]....

Matthew 24:27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even to the west; so shall also the coming [literal, abiding presence]  of the Son of man be. Theologians often confuse the return of Christ with His parousia, his abiding presence. parousia abiding presence: Parousia, Often Translated As Coming But Literally Meaning Abiding Presence Bible Study: Parousia, The Abiding Presence Of Jesus Not see death?: Doesn\'t the Bible say that some of those...

1 Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation [Apokalupsis: removal of a covering or veil], hath an interpretation. Let all things be done to edifying. Apocalypse (two Greek words, apokalupsis, and apokalupto meaning approximately the same thing) Literally, it means the removal of a covering or a veil. God often provides...

1 Corinthians 14:6 Now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation [Apokalupsis: removal of a covering or veil], or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? Apocalypse (two Greek words, apokalupsis, and apokalupto meaning approximately the same thing) Literally, it means the removal of a covering or a veil. God often provides the interpretation...

1 Corinthians 14:29-33 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.  If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.  And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.  For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as...

1 Corinthians 14:30 If any thing be revealed [Apokalupto: removal of a veil] to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace This indicates a higher level of authority than those who speak by the Spirit of Prophecy. ...

1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you:But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ\'s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed [Apokalupsis: removal of a covering or veil], ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. Suffering is one of many forms of temptation.  When we suffer, we are also drawn...

1 Peter 1:13-16 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation [Apokalupsis: removal of a covering or veil] of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all...

1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith to salvation ready to be revealed [Apokalupto: removal of a veil] in the last time. FREE on-line BOOK (a classic): The Real Faith, by Charles S. Price FREE on-line BOOK (a classic): The Meaning Of Faith, by Charles S. Price This power of God is part of the free gift, that grace of God.  We have access to...

2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled (the veil is the flesh) faces, beholding the glory of the Lord as in a mirror (those who have been created in the image of God), are transfigured into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. Literal God has this for you. Can you receive it? Can you understand it? Do you know what it...

2 Thessalonians 1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed [Apokalupsis: removal of a covering] from heaven with his mighty angels This Scripture appears to be referring to the final and complete unveiling or revelation of Jesus. Apocalypse (two Greek words, apokalupsis, and apokalupto meaning approximately the same thing) Literally, it means the removal of a covering or a veil. God often provides...

Definition of apokalupsis: 602 apokaluqiv apokalupsis ap-ok-al'-oop-sis  An uncovering, removal of a covering.  Source: Thayers Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, 1889 edition Apocalypse (two Greek words, apokalupsis, and apokalupto meaning approximately the same thing) Literally, it means the removal of a covering or a veil. God often provides the interpretation of Scripture within Scripture. There is one Scripture that gives us the key to the word, veil....

Apocalypse (two Greek words, apokalupsis, and apokalupto meaning approximately the same thing) Literally, it means the removal of a covering or a veil. God often provides the interpretation of Scripture within Scripture. There is one Scripture that gives us the key to the word, veil. Hebrew 10:19-20 says, Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he...

To understand the apostles' doctrine, even when the apostles are right there teaching it to us, we need the Holy Spirit of revelation.  Ephesians 1:17-18 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation [Apokalupsis: removal of a covering or veil] in the knowledge of him:  The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what...

Ephesians 3:3 How that by revelation [Apokalupsis: removal of a covering or veil] he made known to me the mystery Apocalypse (two Greek words, apokalupsis, and apokalupto meaning approximately the same thing) Literally, it means the removal of a covering or a veil. God often provides the interpretation of Scripture within Scripture. There is one Scripture that gives us the key to the word, veil. Hebrew 10:19-20 says, Having therefore, brethren,...

It appears to be something that occurs suddenly but that we walk into progressively.  It is receiving what Jesus already paid for.  For those who are faithful, it will be a day of light, and it will be just one more step.  It will not come as a thief in the night.  For the unfaithful, it will come suddenly as a thief in the night.  It will be a day...

The doctrine is not given by man but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. Only God can reveal the interpretation of Scripture: Galatians 1:11-12 "But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." Galatians 1:11-12 But I certify you,...

Galatians 2:2 And I went up by revelation [Apokalupsis: removal of a covering or veil] , and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. Apocalypse (two Greek words, apokalupsis, and apokalupto meaning approximately the same thing) Literally, it means the removal of a covering or a veil....

Romans 8:18-23 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed [Apocalypse, Unveiling] in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation [Apocalypse, Unveiling] of the sons [huios, mature sons] of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same...

Luke 2:29-32 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten [Apokalupsis: removal of a covering or veil] the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. Apocalypse (two Greek words, apokalupsis, and apokalupto meaning approximately the same thing) Literally, it means the removal of a covering...

Revelations 1:1 The Revelation [Apokalupsis: removal of a covering or veil] of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him, to shew to his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel to his servant John Apocalypse (two Greek words, apokalupsis, and apokalupto meaning approximately the same thing) Literally, it means the removal of a covering or a veil. God often provides the interpretation...

In obeying the Spirit of God, we are drawn closer. The flesh dies. We are built up in Christ. The book of Romans is actually a letter from Paul to the church at Rome. Often, reading a single chapter results in a loss of understanding of the context and meaning of what is being said. If you don\'t have time to read everything, please read the bold type. Romans 6:1 What...

We wait for the manifestation, the removal of the veil of the fleshly nature and the redemption of our bodies. The quote is below, but it\'s easier to understand when it\'s in plain 21st century English: Romans 8:18-23 I, Paul, can see that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall absolutely be seen in us when the veil of our flesh is removed.  For the whole hearted expectation of...

Paul speaks of his gospel, and we can be sure from other Scripture that Paul's gospel was the same as the gospel of all the other apostles:   Romans 2:16 \"In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my [Paul\'s] gospel.\"   Romans 16:25 \"Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching...

Romans 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up to thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation [Apokalupsis: removal of a covering or veil] of the righteous judgment of God; Apocalypse (two Greek words, apokalupsis, and apokalupto meaning approximately the same thing) Literally, it means the removal of a covering or a veil. God often provides the interpretation of Scripture within Scripture. There is one Scripture that...

The entire creation is waiting for the manifestation, the unveiling, of the sons of God. Romans 8:19  For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. The word, manifestation, is a translation of the Greek word, apocalypse.  The Greek word, apocalypse, means, "the removal of a veil."  The only Biblical reference that explains this metaphor is a reference to Jesus that explains that the...

Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation [Apokalupsis: removal of a covering or veil] of the sons of God. Apocalypse (two Greek words, apokalupsis, and apokalupto meaning approximately the same thing) Literally, it means the removal of a covering or a veil. God often provides the interpretation of Scripture within Scripture. There is one Scripture that gives us the key to the word, veil. Hebrew...

If you understand the meaning of your life, you will be content in every situation because you know without question that you will be satisfied when you awake in His likeness. Psalm 17:15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness. We are now the little children of God, and the apocalypse, that great unveiling or manifestation of the sons...

1 Peter 1:6 & 7  Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found to praise and honour and glory at the appearing [Apokalupsis: removal of a covering or veil] of Jesus Christ FREE on-line BOOK (a...

Topic: Babylon: Worldly Systems

Christians In Democracy The following are a few key points: Democracy is not the answer. Of all the governments in the world, the type of government that the Founding Fathers of the United States formed seems to be the best for the present. The Founding Fathers limited the power of the government. They made it difficult to make huge changes. That is much safer than governments like dictatorship, monarchy, or oligarchy. Unfortunately,...

\"The threat to an open society almost always comes from the Left. The most effective myth of my lifetime has been that the threat to an open society comes from the Right. In light of the fact that nearly every totalitarian regime in the 20th century was of the Left, the effectiveness of this myth is all the more remarkable. Yet, this successful attempt by the ACLU in Connecticut to...

Are Liberals Really Liberated?   Interestingly, the people who like evolution also tend to reject the laws of God, such as, \"Thou shalt not kill,\" which is a major issue in current events (e.g. abortion, euthanasia). They reject, \"Thou shalt not commit adultery.\" When caught in the act, they may openly repent, but only if the repentance itself can be used as a manipulation tool to control the masses. They reject, \"Thou shalt honor...

Topic: End Times

Matthew 24:4-13 And Jesus answered and said to them, Take heed that no man deceive you.  For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.  And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:...

Matthew 24:27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even to the west; so shall also the coming [literal, abiding presence]  of the Son of man be. Theologians often confuse the return of Christ with His parousia, his abiding presence. parousia abiding presence: Parousia, Often Translated As Coming But Literally Meaning Abiding Presence Bible Study: Parousia, The Abiding Presence Of Jesus Not see death?: Doesn\'t the Bible say that some of those...

Mt 24:37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming [literal, abiding presence] of the Son of man be. Theologians often confuse the return of Christ with His parousia, his abiding presence. parousia abiding presence: Parousia, Often Translated As Coming But Literally Meaning Abiding Presence Bible Study: Parousia, The Abiding Presence Of Jesus Not see death?: Doesn\'t the Bible say that some of those alive at Jesus\' time would not see death...

Mark 9:1-7  And He said to them, \"Truly I say to you that there are some of those who stand here who will not taste of death until they have seen the Kingdom of God come with power.  And after six days Jesus took Peter, and James, and John with Him and led them up into a high mountain apart by themselves, and He was transfigured [metamorphoo] before them.  And...

Matthew 16:28-17:5 Truly I say to you that there are some standing here who shall not taste of death until they see the Son of man coming in His Kingdom. . . .  And after six days Jesus takes Peter, James, and John his brother and brings them up into a high mountain away from everyone and was transfigured before them, and His face shone like the Sun, and His...

Matthew 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming [literal, abiding presence], and of the end of the world? Theologians often confuse the return of Christ with His parousia, his abiding presence. parousia abiding presence: Parousia, Often Translated As Coming But Literally Meaning Abiding Presence Bible Study: Parousia,...

Matthew 24:37-41 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.  For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,  And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of...

Mt 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the [literal, abiding presence] of the Son of man be. Theologians often confuse the return of Christ with His parousia, his abiding presence. parousia abiding presence: Parousia, Often Translated As Coming But Literally Meaning Abiding Presence Bible Study: Parousia, The Abiding Presence Of Jesus Not see death?: Doesn\'t the Bible say that some of those alive at Jesus\'...

Luke 2:35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed [Apokalupto: removal of a veil]....

1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you:But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ\'s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed [Apokalupsis: removal of a covering or veil], ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. Suffering is one of many forms of temptation.  When we suffer, we are also drawn...

It appears to be something that occurs suddenly but that we walk into progressively.  It is receiving what Jesus already paid for.  For those who are faithful, it will be a day of light, and it will be just one more step.  It will not come as a thief in the night.  For the unfaithful, it will come suddenly as a thief in the night.  It will be a day...

Romans 8:18-23 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed [Apocalypse, Unveiling] in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation [Apocalypse, Unveiling] of the sons [huios, mature sons] of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same...

Romans 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up to thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation [Apokalupsis: removal of a covering or veil] of the righteous judgment of God; Apocalypse (two Greek words, apokalupsis, and apokalupto meaning approximately the same thing) Literally, it means the removal of a covering or a veil. God often provides the interpretation of Scripture within Scripture. There is one Scripture that...

The entire creation is waiting for the manifestation, the unveiling, of the sons of God. Romans 8:19  For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. The word, manifestation, is a translation of the Greek word, apocalypse.  The Greek word, apocalypse, means, "the removal of a veil."  The only Biblical reference that explains this metaphor is a reference to Jesus that explains that the...

Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation [Apokalupsis: removal of a covering or veil] of the sons of God. Apocalypse (two Greek words, apokalupsis, and apokalupto meaning approximately the same thing) Literally, it means the removal of a covering or a veil. God often provides the interpretation of Scripture within Scripture. There is one Scripture that gives us the key to the word, veil. Hebrew...

Haggai 2:7-9 And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.  The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.  The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith...

Topic: The Church, What Is It and What Is Its Purpose

Romans 8:18-23 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed [Apocalypse, Unveiling] in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation [Apocalypse, Unveiling] of the sons [huios, mature sons] of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same...

Haggai 2:7-9 And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.  The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.  The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith...

The Church can come into fullness. Fulfillment will happen God\'s way. Whoever will may come. There are no guarantees for the unfaithful, those not full of faith. God\'s pattern is more than a pattern. It is the very method of bringing us to salvation. God restored all the following: Spiritual rebirth by grace through faith: (read article) Freedom from worldly constraints, forms, rituals, rules, dead works Baptism in water: (read article) Baptism in the Holy...

It is important that we are obedient to the Spirit of God as He reveals the order in the Scripture.  We are learning to hear His Voice and respond to it.  It is also important to note that no one can select his or her own calling or gift.  No one can decide to have an office in the Church or a gift of the Spirit or a certain ministry. ...

As already mentioned, the Body of Christ is Christ the Body.  When we can discern the Body of Christ, it opens a door for us to see more clearly in the realm of the Spirit.  While our fleshly nature thinks that we have a real identity outside of the Body of Christ, this is not reality.  The reality is that our identity is in Christ, specifically, the Body of Christ...

Discerning the Body of Christ is righteousness. \"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth to a holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together...

Many are captive to the religious systems of this age. About half of all Christian churches teach more liberalism than they teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many who teach the gospel of Jesus Christ are intent on proving that they have the completeness. The word, "peace," in Jeremiah 6:14, means "completeness." It is the Hebrew word, "Shalom," which is used for "hello" and "goodbye" but means "completeness."  Note also that they...

Teachings of Scriptural Christianity Biblical Christianity\'s Teachings on God: The Only God is triune, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, everywhere-present, and has always existed. No person can find purpose or meaning in life or be fulfilled outside of a relationship with God. God is love and wants a personal relationship with every person. Biblical Christianity Teachings on the Perfect Creation: God created the universe and everything in it,...

Now concerning spiritual gifts [lit. spirituals], brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb [incapable of speaking] idols, even as ye were led. So God speaks. (some caveats about hearing God\'s Voice) Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but...

The purpose of this page is to set aside some of the definitions of the word, church. When the Bible is speaking of the Church, it is not speaking of a building. When the Bible is speaking of the Church, it is not speaking of an organization or a denomination. When the Bible is speaking of the Church, it is not speaking of the people. When the Bible is speaking of the Church, it is not speaking of the...

What are the Scriptural Christianity Teachings? What is the good news (gospel) and why should I care? What was the price that was paid so that I could be forgiven? Did Christ Both Die And Rise From The Dead? What Will Be The Last Enemy To Be Defeated? Why did Jesus really pay such a price? Are all who call themselves Christians free from religious systems of this age? How great is God's love? How does the...

This is God\'s process, and it does not happen by human effort. We cannot strain to yield. We must let God do the work in us. When we fail, we get up and walk again. When our brother or sister misses the target, we help them to get up and walk again. We restore them. If one walks away from God, we look to God for how to bring them...

1 Timothy 1:3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine 1 Timothy 6:3. If anyone teaches a different doctrine, and doesn't consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus... Ephesians 3:5 Which in other generations was not made known to the which in other generations was not made known to the children of...

  2 Corinthians 11:13 and Revelation 2:2 speak of false apostles.   Acts 13:6, 2 Peter 2:1, Mark 13:22, Mathew 24:24, Mathew 24:11, Luke 6:26, Isaiah 44:25, Jeremiah 50:36, Jeremiah 23:16, Jeremiah 23:21, and many other Scriptures speak of false prophets.   Acts 20:29, 2 Peter 2:1, 2 Peter 2:12, and Matthew 7:15 speak of false teachers.   Ezekiel 34:2-10, Ezekiel 34:17-22, and John 10:12-13 speak of...

The Five-Fold Ministry or 5-fold ministry has become a popular subject in some circles, although the major revelation concerning this subject was unveiled by the Spirit of God about the middle of the twentieth century.  Many of the newer human interpretations of this Divine revelation have modified the Truth to allow some people to cater to considerations of money, power, pleasure, and prestige.  The original revelation concerning apostles, prophets, evangelists,...

God has a method for bringing us to maturity in Him. His plan is that we would be transfigured by the renewing of our minds. For this process, He has given gifts of the Spirit to the members of the Body of Christ, so that there is none that has preeminence. All are necessary. His method is that every member have one or more gifts and that those gifts be...

Search The Scripture And You Will Find That It Says A Lot About Apostles--and They Are For Today, Not Just The Past. An apostle must be set by God.  No one can appoint himself to the office of the apostle.  It is NOT an office that glorifies the individual now, any more than it was in the early days of the Church.  There is no such thing as a maverick apostle or a chief...

God has a pattern for the Church, and that pattern is in Scripture.  His pattern is important to Him....

There Is Only One Scriptural Church Government Order.  There Are Many Man-engineered Orders For Church Government.  Scriptural Church Order: There is only one order defined in Scripture for the Church.  That order of authority is the Spiritual order.  It is the order of the Holy Spirit.  In the Kingdom of the Heavens, when it fully comes, this Spiritual order will become the order of the government of the entire earth. ...

The Bible doesn\'t really say much about pastors (as a noun).  It talks about elders (plural) who are to pastor (a verb meaning to care for as a shepherd cares for sheep) the local church members.  Pastors (as a noun) are only mentioned among the five traveling ministries/offices in Ephesians 11.  Something happened during the dark ages to destroy the order of the church.  New ideas were introduced by people...

God's Way is not a smorgasbord from which the Christian may pick and choose.  For each person, God pulls back the veil of the flesh so the person can see some element of the Kingdom of God.  The person either receives the revelation or not.  We are all on the road somewhere.  Many are stuck in a rut because they continually reject what God has revealed to them.   Many rejected...

The apostolic age is an assumption that support the theological position that miracles, tongues, the power of God, apostles, prophets, the gifts of the Spirit, the leading of God\'s Spirit, and many other things are no longer available to the church. Duration: Ephesians 4:11-13 The apostles will be here until we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God to a perfect man...

The Church has many functions, but it has two main purposes: The purpose to assure that the called are born into God's family. The purpose to assure that the born grow up to Christ's fullness. Romans 8:28-29...

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Church?   The strengths of the Church are:   Obedience to God through the power of the Holy Spirit.     And understanding of Scripture through the power of the Holy Spirit.     The orders of the church as God has laid them out in Scripture.     Hope in the promises of Scripture.   The weakness of the Church are:   Disobedience, ungodliness, and...

It seems as if the Scriptural order of the Church is widely rejected by religious people.  There are several reasons. First, any precept of God is spiritual in nature.  Spiritual things must be revealed.  They are not reasoned out.  Even the Scripture says that spiritual things must be spiritually discerned.  How can someone walk according to something they can't understand.  Every Christian should be in constant prayer for God's continual unfolding revelation.  There are things that...

Scripture defines the Church and its purpose. It is the Bride of Christ, but God\'s purpose is that it become totally clean and without defect first. God\'s purpose is for total unity in the Church. God\'s purpose is the the Church is the Kingdom of God. It is the final holy temple of God. Without the Church that is built according to the pattern, you will never find fulfillment. To...

Romans 8:28-29 The purpose is that those who have been born are conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. Research indicates that many are leaving the traditional churches because those churches are not meeting this need. No amount of human effort could make it happen, but God has a plan. God has a method. God has a way. God has a pattern for everything and His pattern is the only way.  Hebrews...

God's Way is not a smorgasbord from which the Christian may pick and choose.  For each person, God pulls back the veil of the flesh so the person can see some element of the Kingdom of God.  The person either receives the revelation or not.  We are all on the road somewhere.  Many are stuck in a rut because they continually reject what God has revealed to them....

Jesus prayed a prayer in John 17: 21, and that prayer will be answered in the affirmative. Jesus didn't pray a foolish or unacceptable prayer in John 17:21. All His prayers will be fulfilled. The one prayer in which He prayed, "Not my will but Thine be done... " was his prayer for release from the cup, and that was probably prayed more for our sakes than His, showing that the...

God is not so much concerned with numbers of members in a church.  He is concerned with your growth.  God has given the church what is needed to make this growth take place, but much of the church is taken up with the money, power, and prestige or religion, so they don't listen to God's voice. 1 Corinthians 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly...

Our walk is a walk of submission, because God created us to be joined to Him in a mighty relationship of His soveriegn love and our submission to His love.  God is love.  He leads, we acknowledge Him, so faith comes opening the door to His free gift (grace) of righteousness, which is His love.  His love, the free gift of righteousness, does righteousness through us.  By degrees, our eyes...

The Greek word for church, Ekklesia, literally means \"called out or summoned, assembled with a purpose.\"  The disorders in Jesus\' church will fall away, disorders that have been introduced by human ideas.  These human-generated disorders will be replaced by the orders of God, which are the orders of Scripture.  Then, we will find that, just as the Bible says, the church is the very method by which we come into complete...

As with the home, God has an order for the Church, and that order is in the Scripture.  There may be more that needs to be revealed from Scripture, but some things appear to be quite easily understood in the light that God has given today.  We believe that the Holy Scriptures teach:   The 5 apostolic ministries(Ephesians 4:11)   The nine gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8-10)   Local congregations...

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;   Ephesians 2:20 Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Church.  There can never be any other foundation.  And we must be careful how we build because our work will be tested by fire.  The apostles are built on the foundation of Jesus.  So many organizations have creative little ways to define their doctrines, but...

Unity is righteousness. God\'s Way: apostles; prophets; evangelists; pastors teachers equipping the believers for the work of ministry, which is for building of the body of Christ UNTIL... And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  For the perfecting (equipping) of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till (Until) we all come in...

Can these be counterfeited? Yes.  Every gift of God can be and is counterfeited by the human mind and by powers and principalities.  Even salvation itself is counterfeited.  Worship is counterfeited.  The Bible is counterfeited with false translations.  Ministries are counterfeited.  Healing is counterfeited.  Miracles are counterfeited.  Prophecy is counterfeited.  Tongues are counterfeited.  And, of course, apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are counterfeited.  This makes the real no less real, but, in...

\"A horrible and shocking thing has happened in the land: The prophets prophesy lies, the priests rule by their own authority, and my people love it this way. They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. \'Peace, peace,\' they say, when there is no peace.\" Jeremiah 5:30-31, 6:14. It\'s notable that the word that is translated \"peace\" in this verse is the word, Shalom. Shalom...

If They Are Forbidden From The Spirit, They Will Partake Of Flesh. People are starved for reality, for real contact with God and real power for righteousness by the Spirit of God. Some well-meaning pastors and teachers try to protect their flock from any further experience in God. They insist that the theoretical and the intellectual experience is all that is needed. The people of God are literally starving to death...

In some cases, people are being taught that only certain parts of the Bible are valid. What is considered valid or not valid can vary widely across organizations. Some organizations want to get rid of the creation account and what the Bible says about the age of the Earth. Some want to get rid of apostles, prophets, and gifts of the Spirit. Others want to get rid of speaking in...

Humanistic Speculations Whether a member of the New Age, the Humanist movement, the Intellectualism movement, the Agnostic movement, the Atheist movement, or whatever the movement (we\'re referring to ungodly anti-Christ movements), an incredible thing seems to happen almost every time the ungodly express themselves. They first assert that they stick to facts, then they smoothly transition to a fictional story, and then they insist that the story is a fact....

So what is the meaning of life? You were designed and made for better than what you have been experiencing. You probably know intuitively that we are living far below what God has planned for us. You were designed and made for glory, to have the power of the Spirit of God flowing through you. Your spirit was made to be joined to the Spirit of God. Your mind, your...

When we think seriously of our individual relationship with Jesus, it might seem like this is such an individual walk that there is no need for the church.  That is not the case in any way.  The church is a vital part of the walk.  We quickly come to the point where the Holy Spirit puts the church on our hearts.  We can see the mighty opposition of all Satan's...

2 Corinthians 10:18 tells us that an apostle must be an apostle by more than just his own commendation and appointment. Acts 6:1-7 records the setting of a number of deacons to help the apostles. Galatians 2:8-9, Acts 9:26-30, and Acts 13:1-2 show that the apostles were on guard against false apostles, but Peter, James, and John discerned the call on Paul and a door opened so...

Question:     My question is this. Our church is beginning to tolerate just about anything. Our Pastor is wanting our board (deacons) to only have the duty of financial matters. He wants all other responsibilities himself. He wants to leave scriptures out of our by-laws that relate to dealing with sin in the congregation. He has a young man at this moment sitting out of our praise and worship team...

Question: What is the church? How it should be governed. what kind of worship is most pleasing God? Describe the different answers given in the 17th century church of England to these questions. what was the outcome of these controversies? What challenges to traditional theology were experienced in the 17th century and 18th century? and what effects could be seen in the life of the Christian church? what was the usual...

Even in the early church, there were false apostles. Notice that the counterfeit did not make the genuine any less genuine.  And there are false apostles today, but the counterfeit does not make the genuine any less genuine.  This is written because some use the false apostles as an excuse for man-made church orders that cannot be found in the Bible. 2Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming...

I heard a Christian say that she is trying to practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty. I realized that God isn\'t random or senseless. He doesn\'t need our ideas. He is full of ideas. He doesn\'t want us to use our imaginations to come up with a vision out of our own hearts. He wants us to see a heavenly vision that starts and ends with Him. With these...

There was a man who got a job as pastor in a medium-sized church.  The man had a vision for the big city near his church, so he said.  He generated a lot of support for his vision among pastors of other small churches and became a bit of a folk hero among them.  He spoke with lots of passion.  In these circles, various winds of doctrine would sweep through...

There was a Christian radio personality who used his position on the airwaves to preach against any modern-day apostles. The word, apostle, means \"one sent.\" In other words, he was preaching against any who seem to be sent by God. He claimed that anyone who does not believe what he believes (and a lot of what he believes is very speculative) does not have the Spirit of God. He claimed...

Galatians 2:2 And I went up by revelation [Apokalupsis: removal of a covering or veil] , and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. Apocalypse (two Greek words, apokalupsis, and apokalupto meaning approximately the same thing) Literally, it means the removal of a covering or a veil....

God\'s way has the Scriptural structure and order and a sure foundation. God is a God of order. He has an opinion on everything, including how the foundation of His Church will be laid. No man can send himself to this work. 2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of...

Is God All Powerful? Is God Omnipotent? Genesis 18:14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return to thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son. Luke 18:27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. Revelation 19:6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of...

Under the order of local elders and deacons according to the Scriptural pattern, we no longer have the useless overhead of massive salaries and building costs. We are able to give two thirds of the tithe money for mission work and care of the poor throughout the world. Most of the money the we use locally is available to help those who are in need. Very little goes for overhead...

Notice that the anointing of oil is reserved for the elders of the church. The elder is also a bishop. This order was changed by men after the order had been established by God. Interestingly, there is no mention ever of a single elder or bishop in a local church. There is no mention of a chief elder. There is no mention of a locally abiding pastor, although the elders...

I have a question about James chapter 5 verses 13 and 14. In verse 13 we are told that if we are afflicted to pray and if we are merry to sing psalms. However, in verse 14, instead of praying for ourselves when we are sick, we are told to call on the elders.   In 13 we do the praying and rejoicing ourselves, but not in 14.   Why does it...

Mt 16:18 And I say also to thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Mt 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it to the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be to thee as an heathen man and a publican. Ac 2:47 Praising God, and having...

Don\'t Miss The first step The Church can come into fullness. Fulfillment will happen God\'s way. Whoever will may come. There are no guarantees for the unfaithful, those not walking in the Spirit by grace through faith. God\'s pattern is more than a pattern. It is the very method of bringing us to salvation.   God restored all the following: Spiritual rebirth by grace through faith: (read article) Freedom from worldly constraints, forms, rituals, rules,...

To many, it seems that the church is not fulfilling its purpose.  The reason Christians are leaving many church organizations is because there is no scriptural way provided by which they may grow to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, which is spoken of in the Scripture. Yet, the Bible plainly lays out the way.  The churches, in many cases, prefer man-made ways to the Bible.  That means that...

Have you considered that your life has a purpose and God knows it and wants to reveal your purpose to you? Do you know your purpose in life?  Are you happy, fully satisfied and completely fulfilled... or do you want something more?  If you continue to think as you have always thought, then you will continue to get what you have always got.  Is it enough?  You can find out...

God so loved the world, that is the cosmos, the universe and its order, that He gave His unique Son so that whoever believes into Him should not die but should have the life of the coming age, an uncreated life that does not end. And how do we believe into Him? It is \"into\" in the original language. Well, who is Christ?  Christ is the Head of the Body in...

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 God loved you (put your name in here) so much that he gave His only unique Son so that if you (put your name in here) believe in Him, you won\'t die, but you will have a Aionial life. This is a specific kind...

Jesus said, "You must be born again."  Nicodemus didn't have a clue what Jesus meant.  He asked, 'How can I be born again?"  It's a great question.  The answer is, "you must believe in Jesus for deliverance from your sins."  Being born again is getting started on the road to spiritual success.  Once you get started, hopefully, you take ground, hold the ground, and go on to total victory. ...

Question: I have been a member of a denominational church for about 19 years. How can I introduce foundational truth about the Five Fold Gifting to the house and still be submitted to my Pastor? I am sold out for God and I do not want Him to say to that I did not do as he has commanded me to do. Now I know that my commission is great. I...

1 Corinthians 13:1 \"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity [agape love], I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.\" 1 Corinthians 13:5 \"[agape love] Doth not behave itself unseemly\" Romans 5:5 \"And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us.\" Hope is...

The apostles and the 5-Fold Ministry, What a concept. Do apostles and the 5-Fold Ministry exist in the Bible? As you will see, apostles and the 5-Fold Ministry do indeed exist in the Bible. There are those who would like to ignore apostles and the 5-Fold Ministry. Can we pick and choose those parts of the Bible that we want and leave the rest, sort of like a cafeteria Christian? There...