By Elizabeth Prata
SYNOPSIS
I discuss the common phrases “Judge not!” and “Only God knows the heart” used by those defending false teachings. I argue that such phrases taken out of context often are attempts by individuals to shield themselves from confronting uncomfortable truths about their beliefs. I discuss the importance of discernment and correct judgment, skills which protect the Church from false doctrines and promote spiritual integrity.
Continue reading “Thou Shalt Judge”By Elizabeth Prata
SYNOPSIS
Paul’s letters reflect his deep affection for the Roman Church, as he greets many individuals, including Tryphena and Tryphosa, who were likely sisters. Their names suggest a background of luxury, yet they embraced the Gospel and served the Lord. This highlights God’s knowledge of all believers and the unifying power of the Gospel.
Continue reading “Little Known Bible Characters #8: Tryphena and Tryphosa”By Elizabeth Prata
SYNOPSIS
Christian celebrity culture is complex, with historical examples like John the Baptist and Paul showing genuine fame while Simon Magus demonstrated misguided fame. While some ‘celebrity’ leaders genuinely point to Christ, others succumb to deceit and false teachings. Christians are urged to examine their leaders’ character, ensuring alignment with godly principles and repentance practices, and also to constantly examine one’s own self.
Continue reading “The Double-Edged Sword of Christian Celebrity-ism”By Elizabeth Prata
SYNOPSIS
The article discusses how the Bible engages our five senses to connect us with God’s nature and teachings. It emphasizes the importance of hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, and eating in spiritual life, illustrating that just as physical sustenance is vital, spiritual nourishment from scripture is essential for believers’ growth and fulfillment.
Continue reading “Taste and See: The Spiritual Nourishment of Scripture”By Elizabeth Prata
SYNOPSIS
The resignation of G3 President Josh Buice amid scandal has shocked many, revealing his misuse of anonymous accounts to slander fellow Christians. The G3 Board emphasizes the need for integrity in leadership as they plan for the ministry’s future. What lessons can the layman learn when a leader falls?
Continue reading “G3 President Josh Buice resigns amid scandal”By Elizabeth Prata
SYNOPSIS
The author reflects on Pope Francis’ visit to America, expressing concern over the decline of biblical knowledge among pastors, as evidenced by a LifeWay survey showing only 37% are doctrinally sound. The piece warns of growing apostasy within Christianity, highlighting the need for continued protest against Catholicism and a return to biblical teachings.
Continue reading “Pope Francis and American Christianity: A Critical Response”By Elizabeth Prata
SYNOPSIS
I was asked to write a fable or an allegory for the ministry Exposit the Word as a tract. In it, I narrate a visionary judgment experience where I confront Christ after death. My allegory self realizes that being “good” isn’t sufficient for heaven. Jesus reveals my sins, declaring me unqualified for entry.
Continue reading “The Judgment Seat of Christ: A Life-Altering Allegory”By Elizabeth Prata
SYNOPSIS
A reader had asked me a question, my response focuses on the significance of the spiritual gift of discernment within the church. This gift helps identify and warn against false teachers, which is crucial given the prevalence of false doctrine in the New Testament. A by-product of training one’s self in discernment is that the Christian values the word of God even more. All believers should cultivate discernment, recognizing the balance between vetting teachers and focusing on Jesus.
Continue reading “Understanding Spiritual Gifts: The Role of Discernment”By Elizabeth Prata
The thread of Christianity depends on a unity from one generation to the next of mutual understanding of our important words. Hence the Word of the Week.
The simple definition:
Omniscience: God’s knowing all things that are proper object of knowledge, including all future events. Definition from Biblical Doctrine, MacArthur & Mayhue, p. 935
Longer definition & explanation:
God’s omniscience is his perfect knowing of himself, all actual things outside himself, and all things that do not become reality in one eternal and simple (not having any parts but having distinctions) act (exertion of energy). One should note that this definition does not say that God knows things that are “possible”, because in God’s eternal mind and plan there are only actual things, not possible things. He does know what would have occurred if circumstances had been different, but since in his mind and plan they would never occur, they are not ‘possibilities’. Source ibid.
Omniscience is considered by most theologians as an incommunicable attribute of God, though some disagree and believe omniscience will be communicated to us in glory. (Bavinck, Shedd, Hodge, Berkhof).
God’s omniscience is a demonstration of and affirmation of His sovereignty. He knows all because He is the first cause of all. Every plan in the universe originates from God’s all-knowing mind.
While in some ways it is a fearful thing to understand that God is omniscient, in many other ways, it is comforting. He is in control. He loves His believers, even though He knows us and He knows what we think, say, and do, now and in the future. He loves us sinners anyway.
O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
3 You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
5 You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
(Psalm 139:1-6)
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Further reading
Previous entries in the Word of the Week Series-
8. Heresy
7. Orthodoxy
6. Glorification
5. Sanctification
4. Propitiation
3. Immanence
2. Transcendence
1. Justification
By Elizabeth Prata
SYNOPSIS
This discussion highlights the often negative portrayal of Job’s wife, emphasizing her grief after losing everything along with Job. Despite Mrs. Job urging her husband to abandon his faith, my essay calls for a compassionate understanding of her character. It warns against allowing adverse circumstances to weaken our faith, and I encourage women to provide support to their family during trials.
Continue reading “Job’s Wife: A Call for Compassion”
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