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We have a number of established fellowships planted in our city of about 185,000, founded and pastored by individuals who were not recognised as pastors in their previous denominations but have gathered sufficient followers to purchase land and buildings. These fellowships raise up leaders to...

Yeah, a manufactured calling was the term used at Ministry Training College. The fruits of such become obvious.

Mat 7:15-16 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. (16) By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? FWIW, The Bible teaches plural servant leadership. 1Pe 5:1-5 Therefore I exhort...

Ok. Because a denomination ordains and credentials someone who meets their criteria that does not legitimise them as a pastor in the Biblical sense. There is nothing legitimate, in the spiritual sense that I thought this thread was referring to, about persons in same-sex relationships ordained...

There are no perfect pastors, but some obviously have gifts that make them good pastors, and the fruit of this is produced in the congregations they minister to. A good pastor prefers to guide, edify, and comfort rather than control. This shepherd would prioritise person-orientation before...

Some good things did come out of Age of Reason, or The Enlightenment as it was also known, but things that Christians accept by faith, including the integrity of Scripture, were subject to much criticism, reform, and derision. Wkpd link& quote: The Age of Reason, so-called Anthony Collins, one...

Poor old Paul. Add in chains.

Yes, my experience is the places of Paul in God's Plan along with those others, James, John, Jude, & Peter, whose epistles have been preserved, cannot be fully appreciated when their material is restricted to liturgical and ceremonial usage, which is why we still study and discuss them. In...

I like to discuss Paul and his place in God's Plan. Neither he nor the various ekklesias he interacted with had a canon of New Testament Scriptures, nor centuries of doctrinal theses to guide them, and with the revelations, signs, and wonders of the Holy Spirit attending Paul's ministry on the...

If I may just add some contextual material from the previous chapters, which are sometimes overlooked, we are made aware of the many unpleasant experiences that continually pressed upon Paul. 2Co 11:30 (NJKV) If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity. 2Co 11:30...

Yes, there is an inherent fleshly expectation of special treatment that comes with Christian Service, especially among those whose giftings are pronounced, as were Paul's. Being selected and used by the Lord in Apostleship, with revelations, visions and miracles in evidence, any tendency to...

Yes, as we know, every Christian community, fellowship, gathering, group, and relationship is subject to differences of opinion and belief. Sometimes these lead to a parting of the ways, other times they are put aside to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Eph 4:1-3 I...

The context of references to Job in other books of the Bible lead me to believe Job was a real person living in a real place who had real things happen to him as the Book of Job relates. Here's a link to a good article on the subject: Book of Job: Fact or Fiction I don't know or care what the...

Hi Angelina 1239, I've spoken on Paul's thorn in the flesh many times, and have these notes below on file. THE PERSECUTION OF THE APOSTLE PAUL: A Painful Thorn In The Flesh. 2 Cor 12:7 The context of the preceding chapters and particularly the list of challenges faced (see below) lead up to...

There are some scenes of horror in the Bible: Some involve visions: Dan 10:7-10 And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision; but a great terror fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. (8) Therefore I was left alone when I saw this...

In the mirror, same as always.

Also the Bible doesn't mention the Bible. What's that about?

God has planned that we be made in His own image, meaning according to His design. Everything in Creation is predestined but that does not exclude the God-given ability for us to make choices. We exist as what we are, who we are, and when we are because of Creative Momentum. One of the many...

I regularly reflect on Paul's life and ministry. Single, celibate, and sent. Certainly a hard act to follow unless God gives a measure of faith to endure and enjoy a similar sojourn. Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more...

Straight answer, Yes, hence these exhortations: Eph 4:27 Do not give place to the devil. Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 1Pe 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion...