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New Covenant Israel is no longer physical (nor literal)!

...efore the historical foundation of Christianity. For example, many of the early Christians taught that Christ had fulfilled the Old Covenant in himself, and therefore superseded it with the New: Justin Martyr (about 100 to 165): "For the true spiritual Israel ... are we who have been led to God through this crucified Christ." Tertullian (ca.160 – ca.220 AD): “Who else, therefore, are understood but we, who, fully taught by the new law, observe these practices,—the old law being obliterated, the coming of whose abolition the action itself demonstrates. . . . Therefore, as we have shown above that the coming cessation of the old law and of t...

The Coming Kingdom of the Son of Man

..., nor the historical position of the Church for millennia. As the Benson commentary (amongst others) puts it: ...until the Son of man shall come — To destroy their capital city, temple, and nation. The destruction of Jerusalem by Titus is often called the coming of the Son of man. See Matthew 24:27; Matthew 24:37; Matthew 24:39; Matthew 24:44; Luke 18:5. "The son of man comes" or the "coming of the son of man" is a phrase only used in one particular way all the way throughout the Gospels: to mean the judgement of God on a nation. This is seen in many places in the Old Testament, often called the Day of the Lord. The same is true here, Jesus is once again...

Is The Rapture Biblical?

...with the historical context of what it means “to meet” royalty in the ancient world, it becomes clear that this is all speaking of the same event of Jesus’ second coming and the first resurrection of the saints, who rule with him in the Kingdom of God on earth – not in heaven or away from everything, but as “priests of God and of Christ … with him a thousand years.” (Rev 20:6). Whatever your views about the “millennial reign” and how that looks, the context here is all within that framework of Christ coming, the saints rising and then ruling with him as he returns to earth. It leaves no room for the modern rapture doctrine of escaping to he...

Melchizedek to Jesus: The Divine Thread of Bread and Wine

...t just a historical commemoration but a foreshadowing of the ultimate Passover lamb, Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice would bring deliverance from the bondage of sin. The elements of the meal — bread and wine — are steeped in symbolism and divine foreshadowing. The Institution of the Eucharist During the Last Supper, Jesus transformed the Passover meal into something new and everlasting. Luke 22:19–20Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is...

Who was the real Santa Claus?

...as a real historical figure known for his wonder-working acts and deep compassion. By sharing his story, we also remember the Father of Lights, who gave us His perfect gift from above—His Son, Jesus Christ (James 1:17; Matt. 2:1-3, 9-11). Merry Christmas everyone!   Further Reading/Sources: The Book of Saints: Amazon.co.uk: Hoagland, Victor: 9780882711294: Books Let’s Stop Celebrating St. Nicholas Punching Arius| National Catholic Register (ncregister.com) Bishop Nicholas Loses His Cool ::: St. Nicholas Center (stnicholascenter.org) Arius | Theopedia Did Coke create the red-suited Santa?: The Coca-Cola Company (archive.org) Coca-Cola and Father...

Why Read The Early Church Fathers?

...accepted, historical orthodoxy, which was quite literally shaped through blood, sweat and tears. It's a wonderful thing to be able to look back millennia and know that what we believe and follow as Christians have been faithfully passed on and preserved for all this time. Many doctrines we now take for granted were actually developed and defended during this time; carefully worded and formed to ensure that the truth of God doesn't get lost, diluted or warped for selfish gain. We owe much to these men of God and can still learn a great deal from them, as they still speak to us today as part of that great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us (Heb 12:1). T...