Church & Last Things

The Strength of the position - Pre Tribulation Premillenial

2008-10-21T14:55:00.004+08:00

Premillennialists fall into two primary categories: historic premillennialism and dispensational premillennialism. In general, Premillennialism is committed to the concept of an earthly reign by Jesus Christ of approximately a thousands years. Premillennialism sees Christ as physically present during this time and believes that Jesus Christ will return presonally and bodily to start the millennium.

The key passage for premillennialism is Revelation 20:4-6. Premillennialists observe that here is evidence of a 1000 year period and 2 resurrections (one at the beginning and the other at the end)From this Rev 20:4-6, the Greek word is used in reference to both resurrections and hence they must be of the same type.

Premillennialists agree that the world situation will be at its very worst just before Christ comes to establish the millennium.

The strength of this position is that there are no blibical passages with which premillennialism cannot cope or which it cannot adequately explain. In other words, there are passages from the Bible to give support on this position. The basis for this position is indeed solid.

What is the Universal Church? How should the Church reflect her unity to the world?

2008-10-09T16:50:00.004+08:00

The universal church is made up of all the believers in Jesus Christ worldwide. The word "church" can be explained as of ownership and literally means “belonging to the Lord.” This Greek word is only used twice in the New Testament and is never used directly naming the church (1 Corinthians 11:20; Revelation 1:10).

The universal church is the name given to the church worldwide. The understanding of the universal church is not so much in the assembly itself but rather in those constituting it.

Now how should the church reflect her unity to the world through ecumenism? First of all, we must know that the church of Jesus Christ is one church. Secondly, spiritual unity of the believers of Christ should demonstrate love and fellowship among each other. Hence, despite of our differences, cooperation among the body of Christ is essential.

Indeed, there will be always disagreement and different opinions regarding some doctrinal understanding. Compromising of our belief and doctrinal teaching is not the best way to resolve tension and disagreement. Hence, we always need to learn to relate to each other rather than quick to refute.

In conclusion, ecumenical movement has helped the church to be united in a common task and purpose - world evangelization. However, the distinctiveness of our doctrinal teachings must be upheld and shall not be compromised. It is because despite of all the differences, there is always ONE thing that bridges us together: the love for God and people. Therefore, let the love of Christ fills our hearts all the days of our lives.

Christian Theology by Millard J. Erickson

The Rightful Model of the Church Governance

2008-09-18T00:00:00.005+08:00

According to Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary, the meaning of theocracy can be explained as - to direct government of the nation of Israel by God Himself or His earthly representatives. Throughout the Bible, the understanding of God's rule on earth is vividly shown/ In Israel's early days, God ruled through men such as Moses, Aaron, and Joshua. Later, He ruled by using a group called judges and prophets of God. However, the people pf Israel demanded to have a king (1 Sam 8:5) to rule over their nation. God answered their prayer. As a result, theocacy has been replaced by monarchy.

One Bible commentator says that: "One of the purposes of the New Testament is to show God's kingly rule reestablished in Jesus Christ, the Prophet, Priest, and King appointed by God (Luke 24:19; Heb. 7:7:17; Rev. 19:16)." Hence, I think that the rightful model of church governance is theocratic governance.

From the Old to New Testament, God's original intention was that He would be the divine King to govern His own people. Nevertheless, in the New Testament, God has appointed the apostles to take care of the church for they were chosen by God as the earthly representatives. As for the church today, I believe that God has appointed pastors and deacons to take care of His people. It is because they have been called and elected by God. God's desire for church governance is indeed the theocratic governance for we are His people.

The Temple of the Holy Spirit

2008-09-01T23:47:00.000+08:00

The church is the temple of the Holy Spirit. How does this teaching relate to us? At the Day of Pentecost, the church was birthed forth. The church is indwelt by the Spirit both individually and collectively. The Holy Spirit imparted His life to the church.

Now through the indwelling of the Spirit, firstly, the nature of the Spirit would be found in the church such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness self-control. So we could cultivate the “fruit of the Spirit “by allowing Him to work in us. Secondly, Holy Spirit is the One that conveys power to the church and us to be witnesses for Jesus Christ. Lastly, when the Holy Spirit dwells in the church, He would help us to be sensitive to the leading of the Lord.