Joseph Mattera
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10 things many institutional churches miss
The following are my general observations to aid the Church in its quest to restore New Testament patterns.
7 biblical models of Kingdom advancement in adversity
Noah spent decades building an ark after God warned him concerning events that were not yet possible in his contemporary ecosystem (a deluge of rain causing a universal flood). Consequently, he became a social outcast while constructing a boat to save his household (Hebrews 11:7).
10 reasons why socialism, Marxism are antithetical to biblical Christianity
The following are ten reasons why socialism is antithetical to the tenets of biblical Christianity.
8 lessons learned from the Hillsong scandal
Many of the Hillsong churches, including NYC, were built upon the mega personalities of their lead pastor. Whenever a church is built upon one person’s charisma and influence, it becomes dangerous because its foundation dissipates if that pastor resigns.
4 biblical and unbiblical forms of Christian nationalism
Christian nationalism is biblical if it is based upon influencing one's nation through bottom-up community service, advanced problem solving, along with Gospel permeation that then results in the exaltation of Christ in every sphere of society.
8 keys to having a global hermeneutic
Too often, many Americans read the Bible through the lens of American culture. This negatively affects the proper interpretation of Scripture, drowning out the voice of the original meaning of Scripture.
8 urgent global prayer targets
Up until now, the policy of “mutually assured destruction” has stopped the world’s superpowers from engaging one another in battle. Please pray that Putin will not resort to utilizing nuclear weapons to save face because, thus far, they are losing the conventional war.
10 things the global crisis has revealed about the Church
Alas, despite multiple thousands of conservative evangelicals rallying for days of fasting and prayer, they did not get the result they were looking for. My only conclusion is that much of the prayer was probably not in line with the will and heart of God.
8 lessons churches can learn from the book of Acts
The early Church did not skip a beat, but continued to thrive after mass persecution broke out against them. Even though they were forced out of their homes and lost everything, their mind was on spreading the Gospel!
7 effective lies the devil tells believers
The most common demonic method is unfounded accusations and slander against spiritual authority. If the devil can isolate the sheep and pull them away from their proper covering, then the wolves can come and devour them