A diocese is an administrative territorial unit governed by a bishop in the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and some Lutheran churches. The word “diocese” comes from the Greek term dioikesis, meaning “administration” or “management”. In the early church, dioceses were centered around major cities where the bishop resided. The bishop is the leader and overseer of the diocese. He is responsible for the spiritual welfare and growth of the diocese and has authority over the clergy and church members within its borders. The bishop may appoint priests, deacons, and other ministers to assist in caring for the various parishes and…
Author: Matt Primack
Papias of Hierapolis was an early Christian writer who lived approximately between 60-130 AD. He was bishop of Hierapolis in Asia Minor and a contemporary of Polycarp, Ignatius of Antioch, and possibly the Apostle John. Unfortunately, Papias’ writings have not survived except for fragmentary quotations in later works. From these fragments, we can piece together some information about his life and teachings. The main source of information about Papias comes from the Church History of Eusebius of Caesarea written in the 4th century. Eusebius quotes Papias’ own words that he received information from “the elders” or early followers of Jesus.…
The Bible and Mind Control: A 9000 Word Perspective The title “Is the Bible mind control?” raises some important questions that deserve careful consideration from a biblical perspective. This approximately 9000 word article will explore what the Bible says about issues related to mind, thought, free will, obedience, and control – both divine and human. To start, it’s important to define what is meant by “mind control.” In common usage, mind control refers to coercive techniques that subvert a person’s autonomy and independent thinking. Mind control aims to promote compliance and obedience through manipulation, indoctrination, and exploitation. From a biblical…
Unity in Christ refers to the spiritual bond and relationship that Christians share through their common faith in Jesus Christ. Though Christians may differ in denominations, traditions, cultures, etc., their unity comes from their connection to Christ and their identity as children of God. This unity is a gift from God but also requires effort on the part of believers to maintain. The basis for Christian unity The foundation for Christian unity is our salvation through Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that Jesus died for the sins of all and rose again, offering redemption to all who believe in Him…
The covenant of works refers to the agreement that God made with Adam in the Garden of Eden before the fall into sin. Under this covenant, Adam was required to perfectly obey God’s law in order to remain in fellowship with God and earn eternal life (Genesis 2:15-17, Hosea 6:7). If Adam obeyed, he would be rewarded with life. If he disobeyed, he would be punished with death. Adam’s obedience was to be rewarded by life with God in the Garden, while disobedience would be punished by death. The covenant of works promised life for perfect obedience and death for…
Jesus used the metaphor of sheep and wolves to describe His followers and the dangers they would face in the world. This imagery comes from Matthew 10:16, where Jesus says, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” To understand what Jesus meant by this statement, it’s helpful to examine the characteristics of sheep, wolves, and the relationship between them. Sheep are known to be gentle, quiet, docile creatures that flock together and follow a shepherd. In contrast, wolves are cunning predators that hunt sheep. Sheep…
Finite godism is the belief that God, while infinite in certain respects, is also finite or limited in other respects. This view stands in contrast to the more traditional concept of God as an absolute, infinite, and unlimited being. There are several key aspects to the finite godist perspective: God’s Power is Limited Finite godists argue that while God is very powerful, His power is not absolute or without limits. There are certain things that God cannot do, such as make a rock so heavy He cannot lift it, create a square circle, make 2+2=5, or override the free will…
A chiasm (also called a chiastic structure) is a literary device used in biblical Hebrew poetry and other ancient literatures to add emphasis, highlight contrasts, and bring out deeper meaning. The term comes from the Greek letter chi (X) which is used to describe the crossing pattern of words and themes in a chiasm. In a chiasm, the verses or passages are structured in an X-shaped, mirror pattern rather than a linear sequence. The passages first focus on one theme, then move to a second theme, and then come back and revisit the first theme. This creates a symmetry which…
Rioting, which involves violent public disorder and destruction of property, is unfortunately a reality in our fallen world. Though the Bible does not specifically address “rioting” as we know it today, it does speak to the issues of lawlessness, rebellion, and mob rule. A biblical perspective on rioting reveals some important truths. The Bible condemns lawlessness and rebellion The Bible makes it clear that God is a God of order, not chaos. There are numerous passages that speak against lawlessness, rebellion, and inciting violence: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which…
The doctrine of papal infallibility is one of the most controversial teachings in the Catholic Church. It asserts that under certain conditions, the Pope can speak infallibly on matters of faith and morals. This belief raises important questions for many Christians seeking to understand what the Bible teaches. Does Scripture support the Catholic claim of an infallible papacy? Let’s explore what God’s Word has to say. What is papal infallibility? According to the First Vatican Council in 1870, the Pope can speak ex cathedra, meaning with supreme apostolic authority, regarding doctrine and morals. When invoking infallibility, the Pope must (1)…