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Experiencing God

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Denominationalism refers to the existence of separate and distinct organizational branches within a broader religious tradition. In a Christian context, this term describes the various expressions of the faith that have developed differing doctrinal emphases, liturgical practices, and organizational structures while still upholding foundational elements such as the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Denominationalism in Christianity encompasses a range of fellowships, from ancient traditions such as the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches to more recent groups established during and after the Protestant Reformation. Many of these groupings arose from theological disputes and reform efforts stemming from differing interpretations of Scripture and worship practices. Despite variations, most denominations affirm the authority of the Holy Bible, including central teachings on redemption and the shared commitment to proclaim the good news of salvation. Although denominations...

Joy Made Full

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  Joy is defined as a delight of the mind arising from the consideration of a present or assured approaching possession of a future good. In its natural form, it can also be referred to as gladness or exultation, depending on its degree. When speaking of possessions, it is contentment. When joy is derived from some comical occasion or amusement, it is mirth; if it arises from considerable opposition that is overcome in the pursuit of the good we desire, it is then called triumph. When joy has so long possessed the mind that it is settled into a temper, we call it cheerfulness. These types of joy are related to some natural condition. Then there is a spiritual joy, derived from the Holy Spirit, and it is directly related to the quality of the believer's ongoing fellowship with the Son through the Spirit. He Must Increase John answered and said, "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am no...

Wisdom & Understanding

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  The beginning of wisdom is [KJV - wisdom is the principal thing] : Acquire wisdom [ chokmah – relates to prudence in secular affairs, skills in the arts, moral sensitivity, and experience in the ways of the Lord]; and with all your acquiring, get understanding [ biynah – comprehension, discernment of good & evil, can be acquired & increased]. Prize her [ salal – exalt] , and she will exalt [promote] you; She will honor you if you embrace her [show of affection] . “She will place on your head a garland of grace; She will present you with a crown of beauty .                       Proverbs 4:7-9 According to Vines Expository Dictionary, chokmah is the knowledge and the ability to make the right choices at the opportune time. The consistency of making the right choice is an indication of maturity and development. Biynah is the object of knowledge, in the sense of w...

Great Chasm Fixed

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  Existentialism, a family of philosophies that seeks to define the meaning and purpose of life without considering life after death, is associated with several 19th- and 20th-century European philosophers who shared an emphasis on the human subject, despite their differences. Among the 19th-century figures now associated with existentialism are philosophers Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche, who criticized rationalism and concerned themselves with the problem of meaning. Mid-20th-century philosophers, including Jean-Paul Sartre, Martin Heidegger, Albert Camus, and others, championed the position in more recent times. Existentialist philosophy encompasses a range of perspectives, but it shares certain underlying concepts. Among these is the idea that personal freedom, individual responsibility, and deliberate choice are essential to the pursuit of self-discovery and to determining life's meaning. Although these varying philosophies have evolved over recent times, they hav...