Evangelism – Page 15 – The Gospel First

‘catholicity’ – Institutional, Incarnational, or Impossible

‘catholicity ‘(small ‘c’) is used in at least two ways among non-Roman Catholics: 1) the spiritual unity of the universal church, i.e. the unity of all believers in the gospel of Jesus Christ; 2) the continuity of a particular church group with the apostolic church. Wikipedia offers this explanation of the second definition of catholicity:

The Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Anglicans, Lutherans and some Methodists believe that their churches are catholic in the sense that they are in continuity with the original universal church founded by the Apostles. The Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox churches all believe that their church is the only original and universal church. In “Catholic Christendom” (including the Anglican Communion), bishops are considered the highest order of ministers within the Christian religion, as shepherds of unity in communion with the whole church and one another (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholicity). Continue reading “‘catholicity’ – Institutional, Incarnational, or Impossible”

By what process does man acquire the knowledge of God?

For an accurate knowledge of God we are dependent upon God’s self-revelation. Revelation implies a difference between God’s knowledge and man’s knowledge. Let me explain by asking and answering a few questions regarding knowledge:

What does God know? His knowledge is comprehensive and self-contained. (God never learned anything.)
How does God reveal what He knows? God’s revelation is both natural and special. Natural revelation is the disclosure of His power and glory in the created universe. Special revelation is the disclosure of His redemptive purposes, primarily through Scripture. In the past special revelation included appearances of God and the incarnation of Jesus Christ.
What do men, as creatures, know? Generally, all of his knowledge is limited and derived. He is dependent upon God for knowledge.
What can a lost man know? Continue reading “By what process does man acquire the knowledge of God?”