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Christian ethics is also referred to as moral theology. It incorporates natural law ethics, which is built on the belief that it is the very nature of humans – created in the image of God and capable of morality, cooperation, rationality, discernment and so on – that informs how life should be lived, and that awareness of sin does not require special revelation.

All 4 blessings of GRACE were procured by the atoning death of Christ and the virtues of that death are imparted to man by the Holy Spirit. JUSTIFICATION: Forgiven – declared rigtheous REGENERATION: Born again – New life in Christ SANCTIFICATION: Progressively becoming more Christ-like GLORIFICATION: the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed

So far, we have looked at: Ephesus: the doctrinally astute church which had left its first love. Smyrna: the persecuted, poor – but spiritually rich church. Now we will examine: Pergamum: the compromising church.

DIFFERENT VIEWS IN CHRISTIANITY ON THE ATONEMENT (Part 1)

The word ‘woke’ began appearing in the early1900s and was derived from a dialect known as African-American Vernacular English (AAVE). ‘Woke’ initially referred to being alert to racial prejudice and discrimination. The word was first printed in a 1962 New York Times essay, “If You’re Woke You Dig It” by William Melvin Kelley and Mirriam-Webster added the word to its dictionary in 2017. In the 2010s it came to encompass broader perceived social inequalities, such as sexism and LGBT rights. The word ‘woke’ became entwined with the Black Lives Matter movement. Instead of just being a word that signaled awareness of injustice or racial tension, it became a word of action.

As Christians we have a race to run. We need to persevere until we reach the finishing post. We must count the cost before we enter the race. Many begin the race but fall away before the end. It is those who persevere who receive the prize. God has promised blessing to those who persevere, who remain faithful to Him and His word. Will you endure?

10 ways in which God uses suffering. God uses Suffering to motivate us to change. God uses Suffering to teach us obedience. Hebrews 5:7-8. In the days of His flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to Him who was able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence. Although He was a son, He learned obedience through what He suffered. God uses Suffering to accomplish His purposes. God uses Suffering to enable us to comfort others. God uses Suffering to advance the Gospel. God uses suffering to test the genuineness of our faith. God uses suffering to keep us humble and to intensify our prayer life. God uses suffering to sanctify us. God uses suffering as a means for us to glorify Him.

The name Smyrna may have been taken from the ancient Greek word for myrrh, smýrna, (Strabo, Stephanus of Byzantium) which was the chief export of the city in ancient times. Myrrh is bitter to taste but sweet to smell. It has an association with sorrow and death and was used to embalm the dead (John 19:39). The church here faced bitter persecution and death, but emitted a fragrant testimony of faithfulness to Christ.

With each appearance on the journey to Damascus, the revelation of Jesus grows clearer.

Some disturbing incidents in Calvinist history including the troubling case of Michael Servetus.

The word “mentor” is defined as “a wise and trusted counselor or teacher.” Scripture gives us numerous examples of mentoring. A disciple is someone who follows a mentor, role model or teacher. Hence the followers of Jesus call him Rabbi (teacher).

4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.

We continue with our look at:Perseverance of the Saints (more commonly called “Eternal Security” or “Once saved, Always Saved”) vs Falling from grace

The letters to the 7 churches have a similar structure. - An address to a particular church. - An introduction of Jesus. - A statement regarding the condition of the church. - A verdict from Jesus regarding the church. - A command from Jesus to the church. - A general exhortation to all Christians with a promise of reward.

Now we will look at: - Irresistible Grace vs Resistible Grace and - Perseverance of the Saints (more commonly called “Eternal Security” or “Once saved, Always Saved”) vs Falling from grace

Though most today do not remember Albert McMakin – the impact of Billy Graham, who was invited by him to a meeting in 1934, is still felt today.

A look at Limited Atonement vs Unlimited Atonement

The gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke are referred to as the synoptic Gospels (seeing with the same eye) because they include many of the same stories, often in a similar sequence and in similar or sometimes identical wording. They stand in contrast to John, whose content is largely distinct.

Last time we looked at: Total Depravity vs Prevenient Grace Now we will look at Unconditional Election vs Conditional Election

The glorified Jesus appears to the apostle John on the island of Patmos - a Roman penal colony where John has been banished to by the Emperor Domitian - in the nineties of the 1st century AD.

A look at Total Depravity, Original Sin, Pelagianism and Prevenient Grace.

The Revelation [apokalypsis] of Jesus Christ… Its title “Revelation” is derived from the first word of the Koine Greek “apokalypsis”, meaning “unveiling, uncovering or revelation”. The book is also (incorrectly) called the Apocalypse of John (should be Jesus).

The primary function of Christian leadership in the church is to train the body to do the work of ministry. It’s not about doing the ministry ourselves but about raising up others to step into what God has called them to do.

A message of salvation, sanctification and preparation to serve God – to do the ministry He has prepared us to do.