Christian Doctrines

  Introduction There are two views of the types or numbers of Covenants between God and man. Reformed (Covenant Theology) sees Scripture structured around three overarching covenants (Redemption, Works, Grace), emphasizing God’s unified plan of salvation. Dispensational Theology sees multiple biblical covenants tied to distinct dispensations (periods of God’s administration), such as Edenic, Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, and New Covenants, often distinguishing between Israel and the Church.  The difference between the Reformed (Covenant Theology) and Dispensational Theology 1. Core Idea: One unified redemptive plan vs Multiple distinct administration 2. Key Questions: How does God save? vs How does God govern history?  3. Israel & Church: One people of God (continuity) vs Distinct Peoples (discontinuity)  4. Eternal Focus: Very Explicit vs. Implicit but less systematized.  Reformed (Covenant Theology) Definition: Reformed theology interprets ...

The ark of the covenant in the Old Testament symbolizes God's presence and his dwelling with His people. In Exodus 25:22, God says, “I will meet with you there above the mercy seat.”  It contained the Tablets of the Law (Ten Commandments), a pot of manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded.   The Ark was placed in the Holy of Holies within the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Only the high priest could approach it, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement. The golden cover of the Ark, called the mercy seat , was where the blood of sacrifices was sprinkled, symbolizing atonement and God’s forgiveness. The Ark often went before Israel in battle or travel, signifying God’s leadership and protection. The Ark was lost after the destruction of Solomon's temple by the Babylonians in 587/586 BCE. Some say that the Ark was looted and carried to Babylon with other temple treasures. Others say that Jeremiah hid the Ark in a cave before the destruction. (2 Maccabees 2:4–8) ....

  Was there enough time for Jesus to be captured, brought to Sanhedrin for trial, then brought to Pilate for trial, then brought to Herod, bring Him back to Pilate, then carrying his cross to Calvary, and to be nailed at 9am? Yes, remarkably, the sequence of events from Jesus’ arrest to His crucifixion at 9 a.m. (the third hour, Mark 15:25 ) fits within the early morning hours—though it was a compressed and intense timeline. Here’s how it likely unfolded: 1. Early Morning (around 4:30–5:00 a.m.) Jesus is brought before the Sanhedrin at dawn ( Luke 22:66 ). They quickly condemn Him and send Him to Pilate ( Luke 23:1 ). 2. First Appearance Before Pilate (around 5:00–5:30 a.m.) Pilate questions Jesus but finds no fault. On learning Jesus is a Galilean, he sends Him to Herod ( Luke 23:6–7 ). 3. Before Herod Antipas (around 5:30–6:00 a.m.) Herod mocks Jesus but doesn’t pass judgment. Jesus is sent back to Pilate ( Luke 23:11 ). 4. Second Appearance Before Pilate (around 6:00–6:30 a.m.) ...

There were two women who went to Jesus tomb to look at the tomb. They don't know if they can roll away the stone or will the guards allow them to go close. Seismic Shifts  1. Fear to Peace (Matthew 28:5-9). The peace will be the presence of God. The presence of Jesus in the storm. 2. Disciples to Brothers (Matt 28:7,10) One can be many years in church but still behave like an apprentice. Family will not leave the church due to conflicts. The Church is not perfect but it bond us together. The family brings us accountability. 3. Worship to Mission (Matt 28:9-10; 17-20) God may tell us not to do what our plans or prevent us from executing our plans.  God has a better plan for our lives.  4. Grief to Joy (Matt 28:8) Joy should come to you when we worship and praising God. Sometimes God ask us to give everything, and we may have grief or pain to give, but when we do it, God will give us joy. 

Why Couldn’t Mary Touch Jesus? Purity and Priesthood In order to understand Jesus’ very different instructions to Mary and Thomas, we need to understand the purity requirements for the Jewish High Priest on the Day of Atonement. The High Priest was forbidden to come into contact with anything that was ceremonially unclean in order to avoid being disqualified to enter God’s presence the following day. So much depended on this ritual purity! After His resurrection, Jesus (as our ultimate High Priest) would shortly be ministering in the heavenly tabernacle (Heb 9:11). It is significant that Jesus appeared to the disciples and told Thomas to touch him after eight days, because it takes seven days to ordain a priest (Exod 29:35). Jesus and the Heavenly Tabernacle The most-likely reason for Jesus’ instructions to Mary had to do with the fact that He was determined to enter the heavenly tabernacle in a ready-to-serve, consecrated state. Defilement would not be a sin, but it would have disqual...

Easter is a celebration of Jesus death and resurrection.  What is the power of the cross?  1. Satan is defeated (Col 2:5) We stand without fear when we face evil. That's the reason we can ask the demons to leave on the name of Christ. 2. Through the cross our sins are forgiven. (Col 2:13-14) 3. The instrument of utter pain and Shame has become the instrument of absolute gain. (Luke 25: 35-41). This is what grace is about. 4. The fear of death is banished. (Heb 2:14-15) We can help these people by sharing the gospel. 5. Death is conquered. (1 Cor 15: 54-57). Death is the last enemy, and was conquered by Jesus.  6. Everlasting life is assured. (Rom 8:23) Normal human response is to live long. But with Jesus we will live eternally. The cause of death is sin.  We are not in charge of when we die, so you cannot wait to receive Jesus. How to know when we die well. It's when people are very joyful, peaceful, and hopeful when we die.  7. Hope and a future is guaranteed....