Bible Q&A: What’s the Difference Between Paul’s Usage of “Church of Christ” and “Church of God”?

Why does Paul address the church as “the church of God” rather than “the church of Christ”?  (1 Cor. 1:2; 2 Cor. 1:1)  In these passages he is speaking to all the saints.  Aren’t the saints the church of Christ? Christ IS God (John 1:1, 14).  Therefore, the terms “church of Christ” and “church of… Read More Bible Q&A: What’s the Difference Between Paul’s Usage of “Church of Christ” and “Church of God”?

Casting Crowns Before The Throne

There’s a reason Revelation is the last book of the Bible and the last book which was likely written by the inspired authors other than perhaps the gospel of John.  It’s a book which was “signified” (Revelation 1:1), meaning that it’s chock full of symbolism and figurative language which confound many.  Yet I propose the key to understanding Revelation is by turning first and foremost to the rest of the Bible for clues as to what these symbols mean.  I’ve found that doing so makes Revelation not only relevant to both its original readers in the church two thousand years ago, but also relevant to my own spiritual walk and thus very encouraging.… Read More Casting Crowns Before The Throne

James: Are We Joyful During Hardships?

What about us, Christians? Take a moment as you sit in the church pew reading this bulletin article and open your Bibles to 2 Corinthians 11:23-28. Read all of what that aged apostle – Paul – went through to brings souls to Christ. The jails. The beatings. The whippings. The scars on his back. All the danger he was in. The hunger. The thirst. The sleepless nights. The cold. The heat. And yet…“I rejoice and share my joy with you all. You too…rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.” Think about the hardships and trials you go through in your own life. Think about what tests your faith. Are you willing to endure? Are you willing to “consider it all joy”? Are you willing to allow it help you grow into what God would have you to be?… Read More James: Are We Joyful During Hardships?