Life's
problems seem to have become more complicated and people's expectations
of the church has shifted from 'ministry' to 'therapy'. This has made
the role of pastoring even more challenging...
I'm
into my third decade of professional pastoring. When I started out
I was idealistic about leading people to Christ and discipling them
in their understanding of God's Word and it's implications for their
lives. I thought this responsibility was simple, clear, and Biblical.
I understood the Scriptures which charged me to be a man of the Word
and Prayer with a love for God and people. But I soon found myself
being called upon to resolve disputes between believers; defend why
I had apparently neglected' someone in the church; make complicated
business decisions on behalf of the church; and be available 24/7
to field questions on a range of issues.
My
emotions have been stretched and squashed as I've dealt with the joy
of dedicating children and baptising new believers, and the pain of
being unfairly abused by the disgruntled. All of this has led me to
the conclusion that there are some things that need to be taught about
the pastor-church relationship, but rarely are. In my talks with other
pastors I've discovered that I'm not the only one who has realised
this.
There
are just some things that pastors are unlikely to teach to their churches.
I remember
speaking to a pastor a few years ago who was having extraordinary
trouble with people questioning their authority. It had become a major
destabilising factor in the church. I asked the pastor whether they
had ever taught on the Biblical subject of submission and authority.
The pastor said no. They said that they thought people might think
they were insecure and power-hungry if they ever taught on those subjects.
I recommended an excellent book by John
Bevere ("Under Cover") which powerfully teaches on these
truths.
Churches need to understand Hebrews 13:17
I was
having coffee with another pastor who told me that some people in
his church had become very openly critical of him. There was no particular
issue involved. Although not an old man, this had caused the pastor
to come under terrible stress to the point that he was hospitalised
with a serious heart complaint due to this stress. He said to me,
"People can be so cruel to pastors. They make comments so
critical as if pastors are impervious to insults."
Churches need to understand Philippians 2:14
Trust is Vital
Trust
is perhaps the most vital issue in the pastor-church relationship.
I recently heard a pastor share that he took over a church which had
been through a succession of pastors who had each failed the church
in some way. He found that even after being there for three years
many in the church still put up barriers to the pastor. He God leading
him to apologise to the church on behalf of the previous pastors as
if their failings were his own. As he did this people in the church
began to weep. Something was broken that day. Within six months of
this the church doubled in size to be around 4,000 people! Trust is
important. Some people fear that trusting a man to lead lead will
cause them to be hurt. But ultimately no man is our Shepherd (Psalm
23). And we all need to understand that God plants us in a church
for our welfare. When someone seeks to take advantage of us in a way
not beneficial to our welfare, we can rest assured that our True Shepherd
will guard us as the 'apple of His eye'.
Churches need to understand 1Corinthians 3:17
The Biblical Role
of A Pastor
Pastors
are increasingly called upon to fulfil an extraordinary range of roles
today. But if we examine the Biblical description of a pastor it doesn't
look like a therapist, pyschologist, or analyst. These are specialised
areas requiring specialised skills and training. This doesn't negate
the pastor's obligation to give godly counsel and advice from God's
Word, or to show empathy and concern for people by standing with them
in prayer. But it is unreasonable to place extra-Biblical expectations
upon a pastor. Some may think that this is why they 'pay' their pastor.
But this is also an unbiblical view of professional ministry. Pastors
are not 'guns for hire', they are ministers worthy of support.
Churches need to understand 1Timothy 5:11-16
There are just some
issues which are very difficult for a pastor to teach his people without
seeming like they are insecure or power-hungry. Yet the longer we
don't, the more likely it is that it will cause us and our churches
heart-ache. I am blessed to pastor a church where we have a growing
love and relationship between the pastor and congregation. Despite
all of the challenges of church life, the privilege and joy and leading
and ministering to God's people is too high to be outweighed by any
difficult I might encounter along the way.
© Dr. Andrew Corbett, 6th October 2003 |
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WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM PENTECOSTALS?
Why do some people believe? Every Christian has a story of conversion. For some Christians their story is a journey from atheism to belief in the God of the Bible because of the evidence. For others, like Abdu Murray, their conversion story from Islam to Christianity was based on the credibility of the Bible. Then for those like Sy Rogers, former homosexual and formerly a Gay Rights activist, his conversion to Christianity was based on the love and acceptance he experienced in a Christian community. Many people become Christians for reasons like these, but, by far, the most common reason, at least statisticaly, is some kind of Pentecostal encounter. [Read full article] |
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Heaven and Hell are commonly presented as either the benefit or the consequence of how a person responds to God. It's as if people think that the whole point of religion is to get people into Heaven and to keep them out of Hell. From this "religious" perspective, Heaven is Ultimate Bliss, Paradise, Perfect Beauty - while Hell is Fire, Eternal Punishment, Anguish, Torment, and The Devil's Domain.
In recent times there has come a lot of push-back regarding the very notion of Hell as it perceived by many. Among Christians who have rejected the classical view of Hell are several well-respected writers including...[read full article] |
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Where is human history going? Many people believe that the Bible has not only accurately predicted human history to this point, but that it predicts a coming 'Golden Age'. This possibly impending event is called: "The Millennium". But there are very devout Bible readers who think this kind of reading of Scripture is actually a gross misreading of the Bible, and that what the Bible really says about the future may surprise - and even shock people today.
The "Millennium" is the touchstone for how people label themselves when it comes to interpretting Bible prophecy. Depending on how they regard the Millennium, they will classify themselves either as, (i) Premillennial; (ii) Amillennial; or, (iii) Post-Millennial. Within these Millennial categories there are people who take a "fundamentalist" view, generally known as "Dispensationalists" and there are others who take a "Reformed" view, generally known as "Historicists", or the position I will argue for- "Preterist"... [read the full article] |
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The problem with approaching a particular text of the Bible with a preconceived notion of what it means is that it can hinder us from appreciating its actual meaning. I think this might be the case with the Second Peter 3:12 text...
[more] |
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Are we already in the New Jerusalem as Full-Preterists claim? [read] |
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Much damage to the credibility of the Bible has nearly been done by those who twist the contents of the Book of Revelation to force it to sound like it refers to the events of our present day. Time and time again, so called Bible-Prophecy teachers have been left with egg on their faces as their ridiculous speculations have proved to be completely wrong. Our Administrator forwarded onto me a copy of an email we were sent claiming that our understanding of the Book of Revelation was wrong and that we would be humiliated by the Lord when the Rapture took place on October 17th 2009. [Read] |
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I remember in my youth about hearing of a group of Pentecostals who made this the touch-stone of whether someone was baptised correctly or not. Today there are "Jesus-Only" groups who insist that what appears to be a Trinitarian formula is actually code for "Lord (The Father) Jesus (The Son) Christ (The Holy Spirit)", which is why, they appeal, the Trinitarian version is no where used in the Book of Acts. [read] |
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If you were downtown and looked across the street over the parked cars and saw someone you knew rushing intently to push a little old lady over, what would you think of that person? Would your opinion of this person change if you later discovered that the cars you were looking over obscured your view of this person actually pushing this little old lady out of the way of a speeding sports car which was hurtling towards her and about to hit her? Sometimes, a bigger picture changes the entire picture!
This is what reading the Book of Revelation is like for some people. They have their understanding of the Book of Revelation obscured by their lack of understanding about history, Biblical language, and even modern opinions [read]... |
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The Book of Esther is controversial Biblical book. Why is it in the Bible? There is not even a direct mention of "God" in it. This has led some to question whether it even belongs in the Bible. But what these critics have missed is one of the most profound messages from God in all of Scripture. [Read]
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CIRCLING AROUND
THE MARRIAGE
SQUARE
- Why Marriage Is Between A Man and a Woman-
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Arguing against same-gender couple “marriage” feels like arguing against square-circles. Yet this is what we are being asked to do. This can be done in three ways. Firstly, we can reiterate why marriage is between a man and a woman. This is like being asked to defend the roundness of circles. Secondly, we can argue from nature that marriage is naturally between a man and a woman. This is like arguing that round things are circular. Thirdly, we can argue that two people of the same gender cannot ever be considered “married”. This is like arguing that even though a square claims to be a circle its claims are hampered because it has four sides. [Read full article] |
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In age of scientific enlightenment, does the Bible story of Creation have any credibility? After all, it is now claimed that, science has explained nearly all of the mysteries of life from a naturalistic point of view by showing how life began, how life evolved and how the universe came into existence...[more] |
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The Bible is uniquely prophetic. No other religious or holy book makes predictions of the future like the Bible does. This phenomenon has led some Bible teachers to over-emphasise the Bible's ability to predict the future. The rise in claims of the Bible's prophetic detail coincided with its increased availability. When medieval scribes increased production of Bible copies the number of prophetic speculations also increased. When the Gutenberg Bible revolutionised the way Bibles were produced from the 1500s, there was similarly a marked increase in the number and variety of prophetic speculations...[more] |
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Some Christians regard the Church as God's "Plan 'B'" and that He has some unfinished business to complete with Israel. This has become big business! Those who promote the Biblical concept of one means of salvation and therefore one covenant people of God are derided as Replacement Theologians but this is totally ironic when you realise who is really doing the replacing...[more] |
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During his Presidential Election campaign, President-Elect Barak Obama criticised taking the Bible "literally". Many Post-Moderns are using the same criticisms to justify their various sexual proclivities...[more] |
THE PROSPERITY GOSPEL IS BANKRUPT!
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Many people think that the Prosperity Gospel - as preached by many televangelists - is all about money. But this is the least dangerous aspect to this spiritually toxic peddling... [more] |
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Almost without exception, preachers promote the idea that the Song of Solomon is loaded with sexually erotic symbolism and allegory that extols the joys of monogamous marriage. If this be true then it is completely out of step with the overall revelation of God's story of redemption! [more] |
THE TODD GOSPEL -
DELVING INTO CHARISMANIA |
Exploring the ministry of Todd Bentley and the claims of the Lakeland "Revival" [Read] |
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Many of the "new" atheists are now making a lot of noise about Bible Prophecy. Theologically liberal scholars have long fuelled the atheists' assertions that Bible Prophecy is really just fabricated history made to sound like predictive prophecies. But now they've gone a step further! In fact, for some of them, they've made these new claims about "failed" Bible prophecies central to their arguments for atheism... [more] |
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Is Preterism "Over-Realised" Eschatology? Mark Driscoll, considered one of the best preachers in the world today, recently implied that Preterism was "over-realised" eschatology. His concern was that Christians holding this position would no longer engage culturally or in evangelism with the world. But this criticism should not be directed at Preterists since they are largely not dis-engaged! [Read] |
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Disappointment With Dispensationalism [more] |
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What is the difference between Islam and Christianity? [more] |
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What has "holiness" got to do with how we understand Bible prophecy? It may well be holy relevant! [more] |
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Does Bible Prophecy Matter Anymore? Afterall, most Bible Prophecy teachers have failed to match up their interpretation of Bible Prophecy with their forecasts of the future. It's time to explore the predictions and theology of Bible Prophecy teachers such as John Hagee...[read] |
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The tide is now turning when it comes to how we understand Bible Prophecy...[Read] |
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The Marriage Supper of The Lamb may have some sombre implications for the idea of 'SAME-SEX' 'MARRIAGE'...[read] |
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What does the expression mean "new heavens and a new earth" mean? [Read] |
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To properly understand "the end" we need to properly understand the beginning. The latest installment from Hank Hanegraaff makes much of the idea that Paradise has been lost and must be 'restored'. The idea that Paradise was "perfect" has some serious implications for how we understand the Bible! [more] |
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Prophecy or Just Failed Fortune-Telling...[more] |
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The seven feasts of Israel each foretold of a major prophetic event relating to Jesus Christ. Some have been fulfilled, others are yet to be. [Read] |
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The American experiment with Prohibition is frequently touted as the best example of why prohibition of any kind does not work. But this reasoning completely misses the point of Prohibition and fails to acknowledge that we still have various forms of Prohibition today- and for good reason! [more] |
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Is Climate Change A Sign of the End Times?...[more] |
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Will Jesus Come This Year? No. But if I'm wrong, you can let me know this time next year...[read] |
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People's ideas about what the Bible says about the future can be tested by how their predictions have and will fair...[read] |
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Some people argue that the Devil is not bound and that believers can temporarily bind Satan. But is this Biblical? [Read] |
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Who are the two witnesses of Revelation 11? [read] |
MILLENNIUM MYTHS |
The lion and lamb shall both eat straw? Does this imply that animals will be resurrected to enoy a future millennium along with the redeemed and that there shall be no more death during that period? [Read] |
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Is there such a thing as a Just War? Should Christians be involved in armed conflict? [Read] |
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Why is it that the most well-known verse in the Bible was the subject of a recent U.S. Supreme Court Trial?
[read] |
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The 'baptism in the Spirit', is it synonymous with regeneration or subsequent to it?
[Read] |
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Is there a contradiction between Genesis 1 & Genesis 2? The Bible is emphatic that God is the Creator.
It's entire message of redemption is founded
upon this truth. If God is not Creator then
the Scriptures have no authority at all- [more] |
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Who is the person identified in Scripture as "666"? Is it the same person identified by Paul as the "man of sin" in 2Thessalonians 2? |
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The "Eschaton" is "the end". Some regard the 'eschaton' as being entirely fulfilled- while others regard the 'eschaton' as being entirely future. I believe both are wrong. |
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Kingdom Technology? Learning from Judges 1:19 for today...The world is changing. There are rapid changes in technology which rather than threaten the church's mission could actually enhance it |
The Need for a Neo-Reformation of Good Manners...
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One of William Wilberforce's main achievements was a campaign to reform the manners and morals of his day. Perhaps it's time for a neo-reformation of manners today... |
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Dan Brown's DaVinci Code is claimed by its author to be based on fact, if it is then Christianity is without any basis! But... |
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There are many people who link the age of the earth to the end of the world... |
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An overview of how superstition has disguised itself to creep into the church |
The Tests of Truth
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How do we know what is truth and what is error? Can we know the truth? [more] |
THE TRINITY EXPLAINED
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This is one of the most fundamental teachings of Christianity, yet...[more] |
ABOUT RU486
(The "Abortion Pill")
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Understand the flawed philosophy of those promoting RU 486...[Read] |
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Some Christians feel that any fantasy or fiction is wrong for the Christian. With the launch of CS Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia, we need to explore this crucial issue... |
The Date of Revelation's Authorship?
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Put simply, a 95AD date for Revelation's authorship is impossible! It must have been written mid 60s...[Read] |
"ELs" or Relativistic Education Theory- What does it mean?
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Tasmania is one of the first states in Australia to introduce a Relativistic Education Philosophy. What does this mean for educational schooling and society? [read] |
Who Do We Blame?
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When Mark Latham released his much fan-fared "Diaries" many people were appalled by mega blame-shifting. But is what he has done just symptomatic of what is happening in Australia? [Read] |
Intelligent Design
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Controversy rages over this apparent war between science and religion. But is Intelligent Design and how did rise to such prominence? [Read] |
Abortion- Its All About The Language |
Those advocating for Abortion rarely use appropriate language. [Read] |
What Principles Determines Public Policy? |
When Politicians make decisions and enact legislation, do they do on the basis of a principle? [Read] |
The Tragic Case of Terri Schaivo |
What principles should have been applied during this tragedy, and what lessons can learn from this tragic case? [Read] |
Are All Religions Essentially The Same? |
Can we pursue multi-culturalism without engaging in a religious discussion? Is it reasonable to consider that in the midst of gloabalisation that we simply regard all religions as having the same merit? [Read] |
Why Marriage And The Traditional Family
Really Does Matter |
Are all family compositions equal? Can two people of the same sex equally parent as a married man and wife (father and mother) can? [Read] |
The Indian Ocean Tsunami Disaster
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Some say that this was a sign of the end or even God's wrath being poured out on the unrighteous heathen. Read why these two ideas are wrong. [Read] |
The Most Embarrassing Verse In The Bible
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Entire web sites are set up by atheists who take pleasure in pointing out to Christians that their Bibles are wrong - based on just one verse of Scripture, which C.S. Lewis admitted was "the most embarrassing verse in the Bible!" Read the first chapter of this timely eBook and then order your own copy for just $3.95 [Read] |
Five Proofs For The Existence of God
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In December 2004 it was announced that the long time British Professor and Philosopher, Antony Flew, regarded by many as the world's leading and most acclaimed atheist, had renounced his atheism in favour of Theism (belief in God). [Read] |
Are We Trying To Christianise Non-Christians?
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There is a growing political movement of Christians engaging in politics. The claim is being made by some Christians that this is a wrong direction for the Church because you can not "christianise" non-Christians by expecting them to keep the same standards as Christians. [Read] |
Are There Apostles Today? |
Many people today are claiming to be apostles. What does the Bible really teach about Apostles? Are there apostles today? What was the Apostolic function, and is this what is being proposed today? Read Dr Corbett's major work on the history and ministry of the Apostle - now available for viewing online or downloading as an eBook for just $A10 via a secure online Paypal transaction. [Read] |
Why Left Behind Should Be Left Behind!
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Matthew 24:34 almost single-handedly cancels out any possibility of the Left Behind series having any credibility. [Read] |
Homosexuality And The Moral Law |
Many people wrongly confuse religion with morality. They are in fact two separate facets. What the Gay Lobby unwittingly attempts is to silence the religious opposition to their practices by redefining morality (confusing it with religion), but by doing so they in fact are admitting that there is a Moral Law that needs (in their opinion) to be redefined. [Read] |
Alcohol |
What the Bible Says About Alcohol [Read] |
Morality? |
What Is Morality? [Read] |
Dystressed? |
Handling Dystress [Read] |
Church Discipline |
Church Discipline [Read] |
Character |
The Importance of Character [Read] |
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Dealing With Depression [Read] |
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Importance of Pentecost [Read] |
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Shepherding [Read] |
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Pressing In [Read] |
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Is Homosexuality Genetic? [Read] |
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Can Morality Be Legislated? [Read] |
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When Grace Becomes Disgrace [Read] |
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Pulling Down Strongholds [Read] |
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Why I Hate Divorce [Read] |
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Revival? No Thanks! [Read] |
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What's So Amazing About Barnabas? [Read] |
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About Israel & the Church [Read] |
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Understanding Ethics [Read] |
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How To Handle A Crisis [Read] |
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Increasing Your Capacity [Read] |
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The Plan of God [Read] |
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The Value of the Smaller Church [Read] |
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Examining Spiritual Warfare [Read] |
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Increasing Church Income [Read] |
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Help For The Indebted [Read] |
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The Sabbath Question [Read] |
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Pastoring [Read] |
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Demons [Read] |
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Gay Adoption? [Read] |
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Christianity and Politics [Read] |
Why The Rapture Has Ruptured! |
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The belief in the rapture is a recent phenomena in Christian thought. Previously all such Scriptures were seen in a different light. [Read] |
