Church
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Part 9: The Church and the Sangha — Community as Spiritual Support
Bridging the Light: Explaining Christianity to Buddhists with Clarity and Compassion 1. Introduction Both Christianity and Buddhism recognise that spiritual growth is not a solitary journey.Faith and practice flourish within a community of encouragement, learning, and compassion. In Buddhism, this community is the Sangha — monks, nuns, and lay followers…
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Part 10 – The Laodicean Church: Lukewarm Faith
Key Verse “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — I am about to spit you out of My mouth.”— Revelation 3 : 15–16 (NIV) 1. A…
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Chapter 4 – Doctrinal Conflict and the Coptic Church
Part II – The Christianisation of Egypt 4.1 The Council of Chalcedon (451 CE) and the Schism The fifth century marked a decisive rupture in Egyptian Christianity. The Council of Chalcedon (451 CE) attempted to resolve long-standing Christological disputes concerning the nature of Christ. Building upon the formulations of the…
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5. Serving and Mentoring in Community
Influence, discipleship, and fellowship. Theme: Active participation in church, community, and mentorship. Chapter (6) Family, Friendships, and Community Bible Verses: 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and…
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Chapter 14: The Church as a Countercultural Community — Living Out Kingdom Values
Kingdom Ethics and the Ten Commandments Today Relevance for the Church, Culture Wars, Law vs. Grace, and Christian Discipleship This chapter focuses on the Church’s role as a countercultural community, living out Kingdom values in a society often opposed to biblical ethics. 1. Introduction The Church is called to be…
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19: Church and Community
1. Theme Overview This theme focuses on the biblical vision of the Church as God’s people, living in communal fellowship, worship, service, and mission. It emphasizes the importance of unity, accountability, and mutual edification, portraying the Church as both local congregations and the universal body of Christ. Key Concept: Core…
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7: Idolatry in the Church Today – Cultural and Religious Blending
1. Introduction While ancient idols were often visible—wood, stone, gold—the idolatry of today is often invisible, subtle, and even cloaked in religious language. Within the modern Church, cultural values and non-Christian beliefs can quietly blend with Christian doctrine, creating a form of syncretism that dilutes devotion to Christ. This entry…
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12: Jesus’ Cleansing of the Temple — Confronting Religious and Political Corruption
A Radical Confrontation of Religious and Political Corruption Introduction Jesus’ cleansing of the temple (Matthew 21:12–17; Mark 11:15–19; Luke 19:45–48; John 2:13–22) stands as a decisive and politically charged act challenging the intertwined religious and political powers controlling Jerusalem’s central religious institution. This event symbolically confronts systemic corruption, economic exploitation,…
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4: Francis Chan – Simplicity, House Church, and the Spirit-Led Life
1. Introduction Francis Chan is one of the most recognisable evangelical voices of the twenty-first century who, at the height of pastoral success, chose to walk away from megachurch leadership in pursuit of a simpler, Spirit-dependent, and mission-focused form of Christianity. Chan’s theology reflects a blend of Reformed soteriology, charismatic…
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5: Andy Stanley – Cultural Relevance, Deconstruction, and the Future of Church Communication
1. Introduction Andy Stanley has emerged as one of the most influential—and controversial—figures in modern American evangelicalism, particularly in the spheres of church leadership, communication strategy, and cultural engagement. As the founding pastor of North Point Community Church in Georgia and a frequent speaker on leadership, Stanley advocates for a…
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25. Church
Judges 21:5-6 5 And the children of Israel said, Who is there among all the tribes of Israel that came not up with the congregation unto the LORD? For they had made a great oath concerning him that came not up to the LORD to Mizpah, saying, He shall surely…