What Does God Want Us to Do?

Who Are the James in the Bible?

The Different Men Named James in the Bible The name James is prominent in the New Testament, referring to several key figures in early Christianity. Understanding who they are provides insight into their unique roles in biblical history and the growth of the church. James, the Son of Zebedee Also known as James the Greater, he was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles and the brother of John. Matthew 4:21 describes how Jesus called James and John to follow Him while they were fishing with their father. James was part of Jesus’ inner circle, present at significant events like the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-2). He was martyred by King Herod, as recorded in Acts 12:2. James, the Son of Alphaeus Known as James the Lesser, he was another of Jesus’ apostles (Mark 3:18). While less is recorded about him, his inclusion among the twelve signifies his role in spreading the Gospel. James, the Brother of Jesus This James, also called James the Just, was a leader in the early church and likely the author of the Epistle of James. Galatians 1:19 identifies him as "the Lord’s brother," and Acts 15 shows his leadership during the Jerusalem Council. Why Understanding Matters Each James played a vital role in the New Testament narrative, from apostolic ministry to church leadership. Their lives reflect faithfulness to Christ, courage in adversity, and commitment to spreading the Gospel, as emphasized in 1 Corinthians 15:58: "Be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord."

Are the Assyrian Church Monophysites or Miaphysites?

Understanding the Assyrian Church: Monophysite or Miaphysite?The Assyrian Church of the East is neither Monophysite nor Miaphysite. Instead, it adheres to a Christological position known as Nestorianism, which distinguishes it from other theological traditions that arose after the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD. To understand this, it’s important to explore the definitions and historical context of these terms.Defining Monophysitism and MiaphysitismMonophysitism: This belief holds that Christ has only one nature, typically a divine one, after the Incarnation. This view was condemned by the Council of Chalcedon.Miaphysitism: Miaphysitism, upheld by the Oriental Orthodox Churches, teaches that Christ has one united nature that is both fully divine and fully human. This view is distinct from Monophysitism and aligns with the theology of figures like St. Cyril of Alexandria.The Assyrian Church’s PositionThe Assyrian Church follows the teachings attributed to Nestorius, emphasizing a clear distinction between the divine and human natures of Christ. This doctrine rejects the union described by both Monophysites and Miaphysites, advocating a "two-natures" Christology without fusion.While not aligned with the Chalcedonian or Oriental Orthodox traditions, the Assyrian Church’s theology highlights its unique historical and theological development. Its perspective on Christology reflects its desire to preserve the full divinity and humanity of Christ without conflating the two natures.

When Does the Bible Say Life Begins?

When Does the Bible Say Life Begins? The Bible does not provide a specific, explicit answer to the modern question of when life begins. However, there are several verses that suggest the sanctity and value of life from the moment of conception. One key verse often cited is Psalm 139:13-16 (KJV), where David says, “For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” These verses highlight that God is intimately involved in the formation of life from the very beginning. The Concept of Life in the Womb In biblical times, the idea of life was often tied to the development of the fetus in the womb. The Bible consistently portrays the unborn child as being a person, known by God even before birth. In Jeremiah 1:5 (KJV), God tells the prophet Jeremiah, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee.” This suggests that God's knowledge and plan for an individual extends before their physical birth. Spiritual and Ethical Implications The Bible emphasizes the value of life as sacred, with God being the Creator of all life. The importance of life, both in and out of the womb, is further reinforced in verses like Exodus 21:22-25 (KJV), which discusses the consequences of harm to a pregnant woman and her unborn child. The passage indicates the seriousness with which God regards the protection of life at all stages. While the Bible does not explicitly define a specific moment when life begins, it portrays the unborn child as a precious life, known and loved by God.

What is Church Planting Movement?

What is Church Planting Movement? Church Planting Movement (CPM) is a strategy for rapidly multiplying churches, typically within an unreached or under-served area. It focuses on establishing new churches by empowering local believers to start new congregations, often with a focus on disciple-making and community outreach. CPM is often associated with missionary efforts, but it can also be a tool used by established churches to plant new congregations in specific regions or cities. Principles of Church Planting Movement CPM is based on several key principles that emphasize multiplication, sustainability, and indigenous leadership. These principles include:Discipleship: The process of making disciples is at the heart of CPM. Believers are trained to share the Gospel and disciple others who will, in turn, start new groups and churches.Multiplication: Instead of adding churches one by one, CPM focuses on multiplying new believers and churches rapidly. Each new church is encouraged to start more churches.Indigenous Leadership: Local leaders who understand the culture and language of the community are empowered to lead and shepherd new churches, ensuring the movement is culturally relevant and self-sustaining.Simple Church Models: New churches often begin with simple models of worship and ministry, making them accessible and sustainable for new believers. Success Factors for Church Planting Movements Several factors contribute to the success of a Church Planting Movement, including:Prayer and Faith: Strong prayer support and faith in God’s ability to multiply His church are foundational elements in CPM.Contextualization: The message of the Gospel must be adapted to the local culture, making it understandable and relevant without compromising the core message.Community Engagement: Engaging with the community and addressing their needs often paves the way for church growth. This includes not only evangelism but also social services, education, and other forms of outreach. Key Bible Verses: Matthew 28:19-20Acts 1:8Romans 10:14-15 The Global Impact of Church Planting Movements CPM has seen remarkable success in various parts of the world, particularly in regions where traditional methods of church planting have been less effective. By empowering local believers and using simple, reproducible strategies, CPM has led to rapid church growth, often in areas with little to no Christian presence.