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If a local church has statements of belief that it admits go beyond the essentials (those core beliefs that unite us all in Christ), have they added to scripture? Are they no longer gathering around the Gospel, and instead gathering around their own specific system of thinking?

Let me give an example: Suppose a local church identifies two categories of doctrines: 1) The core Gospel message and doctrines which unite every believer in the body of Christ; and 2) The doctrines added to the core that unite this particular local body of believers - that one must hold in order to be a member of the local body.

Category 1 would include things like the sinfulness of man, the divinity of Christ, Christ's atonement for our sins, etc.

Category 2...

If we can't fall away, there would be no reason to write epistles to the Churches warning them.

Falling away and into what seems pretty clear here.

1Ti 3:6
Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

1Ti 3:7
Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Jas 5:12
But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
Not to mention having to leave out the 'candles of whole Churches' being put out in Revelation.

We can and we do fall, all the time. We pick ourselves up, ask forgiveness...

There has been much conjecture and error surrounding this person. Some believe that he will come from the RRE, the Revived Roman Empire. However God has judged Rome and God will not be `reviving` it again.

Also the description of the Federation that the anti-Christ leads is quite ruthless -

`After this I saw in the night visions and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet….` (Dan. 7: 7)

Does that describe the EU (European Union) or the force of Islam?

Here are the Biblical details of the anti-Christ –

His nationality – Assyrian.

`…the Lord of hosts will come down to fight for Mount Zion and for its...

Genesis 32:22-32

It's not like I have never read this passage before. But for some reason, it may just be that I'm tired, but I can't wrap my head around why this is significant.

My first question may be naive but was that actually God in human form? I am just confused because God sent Jesus down in the New Testament in human form and that's the only time God has ever claimed to come down to Earth.

My second question is what does it mean? My interpretation of it is this, but I'm not quite sure. God fought Jacob for a long time because maybe Jacob was angry with Him. It's a meaningless effort for us to try to fight Him because God doesn't ever let up. But this theory was debunked when God actually dislocated his hip, Genesis 32:25

I...

The lie: the 5 unwise virgins are unbelievers...

1. Unbelievers are Never considered virgins brides of Christ
2. They are unwise - which means they were wise at first
3. They become unwise when the master is delayed

Since nothing can delay Christ coming to gather his bride then it has to be the teaching of the pre trib rapture that make believers think he is delayed and not coming. Then they become unwise but still virgins..... and loose faith and when the tribulation Jesus (paul waits for in 2thes 1:7) they are caught by the thief in the night who then takes their inheritance from them and they never get it back.

Lukes good and faithful/faithless servant is the same story with more added,
who is the:
1. Good and faithful servant -...

Daniel 9:24-27 - we know this is endtimes because as soon as Israel has paid for the transgressions mentioned here theres an end to sin and everlasting righteousness - which can only happen when God takes over from man...
9:26 this verse tells us about the romans 70ad destruction of the temple and city, and the prince of the romans that shall come
9:27 shall make a covenant (replacing Gods) with many for 7 years
(Many - usa EU islam israel etc)
So ofcourse this rules out an islamic antichrist seen by some....

Daniel also tells us that this roman prince will be able to go peaceable into all the fat places of the world 11:24 - again rules out islam - this is why the king in Rev 6 is given a crown to rule - Given not taken

Theres one...

2thess 1:7 paul asked us to wait with them until Jesus is Revealed from heaven with his mighty angels...

Anyone can see from study that when Jesus comes during the tribulation that He comes on the clouds with his mighty angels.

The 2 men in acts 1 are watching Jesus depart on the clouds and the 2 angels tell them Jesus will come back the same way being seen on the clouds, again the angels speak of the tribulation rapture and tell the believers of the same rapture paul waits for......
But todays believers say no were not gonna wait with paul for that time as were going as soon as we die or in the pre trib rapture...

But this isnt what paul teaches....

Not to mention in 2:1-3 where paul warns people not to believe the rapture comes...

It says in the 10 commandments that we shouldn't put any other GOD before me.

When we worship JESUS and pray to JESUS are we worshiping other GODS?

We put JESUS on the same playing field as GOD is that wrong?, are we worshiping JESUS wrong?

Why are people who say they are Christian so superstitious when it involves demons, devils, and satanic adversaries that are actually idols and thoughts in the heart of evil thinking men?

Hey everyone, I would like to get some opinions from others on something. Our son (18) is a very talented drummer but he's only interested in one type of music - that hardcore death metal stuff.

Well, a talented local band recently contacted him seeking a drummer and he wants to join them. He's obviously not a Christian, nor are any of the band members, so my wife is having an issue with this and doesn't want him to join. I have an opposite view of this but would like opinions. I say let him join and learn from the experience while we pray for his safety and leave it in God's hands. If we don't let him he will rebel and his talents will go to waste. If he joins and gets the exposure then maybe some other band might discover him, which...