Category Archives: Index

American Megachurches: Multi-ethnicity

It’s interesting to ponder why the mega-churches would be more successful at blending the races than others. Do they make a special effort? Is it about being big? Or the quality of the programs? Part of it has to be … Continue reading

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MDR: Is there grace for divorce?

Grace applies to all Christian issues. 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 teaches that a pre-conversion divorce and remarriage is not held against the converts by God. In Hebrews 8:12, speaking of Christians, God says that he “will remember their sins no more.” Baptism … Continue reading

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American Megachurches: Continued Growth

While Churches of Christ and Baptist Churches — among many others — are in numerical decline, megachurches are growing. Over the last 5 years, they’ve grown on average 50% (about 10% per year)! What does this tell us? * If … Continue reading

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American Megachurches: Introduction

The Leadership Network and Hartford Institute for Religion Research of the Hartford Seminary have released a joint report on American megachurches by Scott Thumma and Warren Bird called “Changes in American Megachurches: Tracing Eight Years of Growth and Innovation in the Nation’s Largest-attendance … Continue reading

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MDR: 1 Corinthians 7, Summary

Now that we’ve wrestled with all of chapter 7, we need to summarize: 1. Marriage is not a legal relationship. It is a relationship that derives from Eden — a time before sin, before government, and before churches and preachers. … Continue reading

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Scientific Creationism: John Cleese Weighs In

Thanks to Chris Guin.

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MDR: 1 Corinthians 7, Part 6 (virgins and widows)

Paul next considers virgins and widows. And although he now leaves the topic of divorce, many have argued that these passages defend the traditional teaching on divorce. 28b But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and … Continue reading

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Communion Meditation: Hope and Power

The Lord’s Supper is all about hope — the hope we have in the resurrection of Jesus: Jesus conquered death! But Jesus conquered more than death: (Col 2:15)  And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle … Continue reading

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MDR: 1 Corinthians 7, Part 5 (retaining the place the Lord has assigned)

We next consider Paul’s instruction that “each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him.” What does this say about the conversion of a wrongly divorced and remarried couple? 17 Nevertheless, each one should retain … Continue reading

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MDR: 1 Corinthians 7, Part 4 (the Pauline “Exception”)

Now before we go on to Jesus’ teachings, we need to consider other portions of 1 Corinthians 7: 12 To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer … Continue reading

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