THE MEANING OF “THE HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE” IN 1 TIMOTHY 3:2, Pt. 2

This view is similar to the one described above[1] except it bars from the office of elder those who experience a post-conversion divorce for any reason and remarry. While widowers and pre-conversion divorcées are not barred from the office of elder, post-conversion divorcées are ineligible. Hanson[2] and Wiersbe[3] are proponents of this view. Several rationales are put forward to support this view. One rationale is that a Christian who has been divorced and remarries is no longer the husband of [...]

2021-09-17T12:01:38+00:00June 28th, 2021|

THE MEANING OF “THE HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE” IN 1 TIMOTHY 3:2, Pt. 1

by Dr. Andy Woods It is important to correctly interpret the phrase “husband of one wife” in 1 Timothy 3:2.* There are at least three reasons for desiring a correct interpretation. First of all, this phrase was obviously of great concern to Paul. It appears first on the list of qualities necessary for church leadership in both the Timothy and Titus letters (1 Tim. 3:2, 12; Titus 1:6). Second, how one interprets this phrase will greatly impact the lives and [...]

2021-09-17T12:02:12+00:00June 1st, 2020|

DOES COLOSSIANS TEACH KINGDOM NOW THEOLOGY?

by Andy Woods Another New Testament text[1] employed by “kingdom now theologians” is Colossians 1:13, which says, “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.” A parallel passage is found in Acts 26:17–18. Here, the Lord defines Paul’s ministry as follows: “the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you, to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to [...]

2021-06-27T14:54:49+00:00May 20th, 2020|

THE CONSEQUENCES OF KINGDOM NOW THEOLOGY

by Andy Woods As we move on to the final leg in our journey,[1] recall that we began by noting why this trend of equating God’s present work in the church with the Messianic kingdom is a matter believers should be concerned about since this theology not only radically alters God’s design for the church but it is also the seedbed of many major false doctrines that have sadly entered Christ’s church. Earlier, we called attention to Alva J. McClain’s [...]

2019-06-26T16:10:16+00:00April 13th, 2018|

IS THE KINGDOM REALLY “WITHIN” YOU? (Luke 17:20-21)

by Andy Woods We now begin an extended analysis of Luke 17:20–21,[1] which represents a key proof text utilized by “kingdom now” theologians seeking to scripturally prove a spiritually present manifestation of the kingdom. A statement made by Christ conceivably arguing that the kingdom has already come in spiritual form is found in Luke 17:20–21. These verses say: Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, “The [...]

2019-02-10T01:23:56+00:00January 17th, 2018|

IS THE RAPTURE IN THE OLIVET DISCOURSE? Pt. 2

by Dr. Andy Woods Thus far we have seen that Matthew 24:40-41 should not be given a rapture interpretation based upon the place of the Olivet Discourse in Matthew’s overall argument and based upon an examination of the textual details within and surrounding Matthew 24:40-41. This section furthers this same thesis by noting the inadequacy of the arguments for a rapture interpretation of Matthew 24:40-41. Such arguments include the use of paralambanō in verses 40-41, the rapture is in view [...]

2019-02-10T01:30:48+00:00June 9th, 2017|

Is The Rapture In The Olivet Discourse? Pt. 1

by Dr. Andy Woods Did Jesus ever refer to the rapture? When this question is asked, the following passage usually comes to mind: Matthew 24:40-41. The purpose of this article is to show that although Christ did refer to the rapture elsewhere (John 14:1-4), he did not refer to the rapture in Matthew 24:40-41. He did refer to the rapture in John 14:1-4. Thus, this article represents an examination of Matthew 24:40-41 as a potential rapture passage and seeks to [...]

2019-02-10T01:32:05+00:00March 31st, 2017|

CONTEMPORARY ISSUES: THE BIBLE AND VOTING, Pt. 2

By Andy Woods Now that we have completed our discussion of social issues and foreign affairs matters, we now move into a consideration of economic matters. Economic Matters Because of biblical prohibitions against stealing and covetousness (Exod. 20:15, 17) as well as the scriptural promotion of economic self-sufficiency through labor (Gen. 3:17-19; 2 Thess. 3:10; 1 Tim. 5:8), I typically inquire whether the candidate will use the all-encompassing power of the state to take the income from the earner and [...]

2019-02-10T02:37:51+00:00August 26th, 2016|

CONTEMPORARY ISSUES: THE BIBLE AND VOTING Pt. 1

By Dr. Andy Woods The general election cycle will soon be upon us this Fall. Before we are unduly swayed by intense campaign ads, now is the time to develop a biblical philosophy of governance. Now is the proper time to ask the question, “How do I know if the person I am voting for, as he or she pursues public office, properly represents a biblical worldview?” How do I determine who, among the various competing political candidates, better reflects [...]

2019-06-26T16:21:54+00:00June 6th, 2016|