A Slower-paced Life

A few years back I had the privilege of living with a family working in Africa. I spent six months teaching their children so they could focus more on learning the language. We lived in a small village where dirt roads connected clusters of houses. Where the electricity often went out. Where the cutest baby goats ran free through the village. I loved it. I appreciated things about the village and its culture that differed from America. They live a slower-paced and more community-focused life. Most of them don’t have cars so they’re not zipping around like us Americans. They walk everywhere they go and stop to visit neighbors along the way. Even though neighbors live in homes with dirt floors and barely have enough food for themselves they’re so hospitable. If they’re eating, they offer some of their food or if it’s mid-afternoon they may offer tea. The whole community celebrates weddings and births joyfully. The extrovert in me was thriving there and the simplicity of life was something I found I had been craving. But as I spent more time there, I got to know another layer of their daily life. I saw the darkness they lived in because of their spirit worship. I saw the fear that held them captive and their need for the gospel.

Fear and Darkness

Fear and darkness are normal parts of their existence. The religion in the village was a mix of Islam and animism. Many people groups mix animism with other religions such as Hinduism or Catholicism. Missions magazine says, “Practically all indigenous cultures found within the 54 countries on the continent of Africa are based on animism or animistic belief of some kind.” This is why the need for workers in Africa is so high.

The Lexham Bible Dictionary defines animism as, “The belief that inanimate objects, plants, and animals all possess souls.” Practically, this affected daily life in many ways. There was a tree in the village that they couldn’t eat fruit from or touch because an evil spirit inhabited it. One of my friends is terrified of chameleons because of the spirits in them and what they could do. As I walked through the village, I saw little houses built for spirits. They would try to manipulate the spirits to get things they wanted or protection. If someone got a common sickness such as a cold, it was said to be because they had made the spirits angry. If a woman struggled with infertility people prayed to the spirits. In one case there was a woman who was able to get pregnant that was accredited to some spiritual guy in a red hairy costume who would walk around the village swinging a machete and shrieking. It felt as though the people in the village walked around on tiptoes afraid that they may break some unspoken rule. They feared they could have hardship come upon them as a result. The idea of making the spirits angry scared them. This feeds into why there’s a need for workers there.

The Gospel Brings Light

The gospel brings light into dark places. It replaces fear with trust. Unlike the spirits my village friends feared, our God is loving. He’s not waiting for us to trip up so He can bring hardship on us. He knew we’d trip up. He knew we’d sin. That’s why before we were even born, He created a rescue plan. He knew we couldn’t save ourselves. He sent Jesus Christ, His son, to take our punishment once and for all. We don’t have to live afraid that we’re going to step across some line and not be allowed into heaven or have to earn our way back in. That’s the beauty of the gospel. It’s not about us and our performance. It’s about Christ and what He already accomplished. This is the truth that I so badly want my village friends to know. This is why there’s a need for workers in Africa and everywhere else where people are held captive by fear. The Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible says, “Jesus Christ, by his atoning death, resurrection, and heavenly intercession for believers, is the unique liberator from fear.” Even in the Old Testament, we see this. Psalm 112:7 says,

“He will not be afraid of evil tidings;

His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”

Just like the village people we were once in darkness (see Ephesians 5:8). The Bible Knowledge Commentary says of the Ephesians, “They have been rescued out of darkness (Col. 1:13). Now, being ‘in the Lord,’ who is the Light (John 8:12), they too are lights.” It also says, “The light in believers’ lives is the knowledge of God’s salvation, a glory issuing from and seen in the face of Christ and reflected by Paul (cf. 3:18).”

Interested in being part of this work that needs to be done?

Being someone who knows the gospel and has experienced it you have the greatest light in you. How will you spread light in the darkness?  In some places, like this village in Africa, the darkness and fear are clearer. This village I talked about is one of many waiting to hear the gospel. There’s work to be done in your own neighborhood as well. Unbelievers in America can look like they have good and successful lives, but without Christ, they’re still in darkness. As children of light, we’re called to be light in a dark world. What role do you play in that? Is it joining in a work overseas, witnessing to your coworkers, raising your children to love the Lord, or something else?

Whatever your role may be, or even if you don’t know where you fit in yet, Ethnos360 Bible Institute can give you the Biblical foundation you need. The two years of in-depth Bible training can better equip you to share God’s word wherever you are. If you do choose to go overseas, our program is the first phase of Ethnos360’s training. Click below to request a free information packet.

Being a student at Ethnos360 Bible Institute was an incredible experience for me.

During my two years, I grew in my knowledge of the Bible and my relationship with the Lord. The Lord also grew me in knowing how to live in community. Here at Ethnos360 Bible Institute we have students from various backgrounds and walks of life. Some are local students, and some grew up overseas. Some come hoping to have a better biblical foundation before pursuing a career, and others come as a first step in missionary training. Recently, I got the chance to sit down with two current students and ask how their Bible college experience is going. The two students I interviewed are Paige and Micah. Paige is from the West coast and just a month into her first year. Micah is in his second year and grew up as a missionary kid in Paraguay.

Interview with Current Students

Football game with a classmate and an intern.

What does your average day look like?

Paige: I wake up, go down to breakfast, visit with friends. Make sure I’m doing what I can for dormmates if they’re feeling sick or anything. Go down to chapel because that’s where my classroom is. Go through classes, work through the homework if I have a spare minute.  Go to chapel. Go back to class. Go to lunch. I’m in block A so I get the early lunch which is very nice. Half of my friends are in block B so I will visit with my friends in block A, eat with them and visit with my friends in block B as well. And then I go to English which is in the elective slot. My afternoons vary. Usually, I try to do homework, but like today I ran and got my car from the shop. Or I will help others if they need to do their CM or something. CM is community ministry–a way that we all serve on campus and serve each other just by doing cleaning that’s been designated. My CM is doing the front lobby. So I sweep and mop and vacuum and such. Just keep everything tidy because we’re all living together, and we all deserve to have a clean space so we can best focus on Him and not the dirtiness.  In the evenings we’ll do dinner and then sometimes there’s sports. Volleyball.

Micah: I would describe my day as very structured. I do bus driving before and after school which takes up a lot of time. So I wake up around 5:30, go to work at 6. I will be there until 9. 9 to 12:30 is classes. Lunchtime is kinda a time to relax a little. Catch my breath, visit, catch up with people. I’ll try to go to the gym after lunch and then right from there I go back to work again. And then from work, I usually come back to dinner. If I have dischcrew then it’s dishcrew. Maybe some sports in the evening if I don’t have homework. Otherwise, a lot of my evenings will be taken up with homework and chatting with friends.

Homework with friends.

What’s your favorite dining hall meal?

Paige: Biscuits and gravy. We have it every Wednesday and it’s my favorite.

Micah: I would have to say pizza night. I love pizza.

Anything else? Advice for people if they come to Ethnos360 Bible Institute?

Micah: Get sleep.

Paige: Matt Zowada (a teacher) talked about that in chapel today. He basically just said get sleep and create a routine. You have a lot more freedom than you think for your schedules. You have to set the routine for yourself, and you have to be stricter about it than you think. It’s easy to let college life get to you and you can just watch a movie or go to the beach. But you need to make sure you have boundaries and if you need to do homework you do homework and take time to process it.

Intrigued? Come visit Ethnos360 Bible Institute!

Does our Bible college interest you? Are you craving solid Biblical teaching and intentional community? Come to a campus visit and see if Ethnos360 Bible Institute could be the right fit for you! On a visit, you’ll arrive on a Thursday afternoon and be greeted by your host, a current student. You’ll get to take a tour, visit staff in their homes, sit in classes, eat in the dining hall, stay in the dorms, and play sports in the gym. A glimpse of the whole Bible college in 24 hours. Request an information packet below!

Photo by Shelby Miller on Unsplash

Do you ever find yourself wondering how to study the Bible effectively?

Sometimes I sit down with my cup of coffee, flip through the Bible, and land on a random passage. After reading whatever I landed on, I can feel lost. I might not understand the greater context of the book or how it fits into the whole Bible. Other times I might be tripping over historical-cultural details and I’m left wondering what the passage could mean for my life today. If you’re like me, you’re probably looking for tools to use during your personal devotions. Here’s a list of 10 of the best Christian Bible study books. While the Bible should remain your main source (it’s the only God-inspired and infallible book) these are helpful tools. Use them as you dig deeper into God’s word. I hope they can help answer some of your questions as they have mine!

Christian Bible Study Resources for the Whole Biblical Narrative

Do you want to dig even deeper? Come to Bible college!

All ten of these Christian books are textbooks here at Ethnos360 Bible Institute. During our two-year program, teachers walk students through the Bible. Their approach is chronological. They use the Bible as their main source as well as these books. Through classes, students learn to understand the context of the Bible and how to diligently apply it to their lives. If this interests you, request your free EBI info packet below!

A Symbol Of Promise And Commitment

On July 28th, 2023, I had the honor of saying yes to marrying the man I had prayed that the Lord would bring into my life. This wonderful man had planned a complete surprise for me, as I was headed to Wisconsin from South Carolina. My parents and I drove up and we made a stop in Tennessee on the way. Little did I know that my future husband would be at the most breath-taking spot, waiting for me! After a long and hard summer of being apart, I was overjoyed to see his smiling face. Together, we walked out onto a rocky ledge and had a beautiful view of the mountains and a clear blue river in the valley. He had a question to ask and a ring to give me as a symbol of the promise and commitment that he made to me on that beautiful day! The ring is a beautiful reminder of his guaranteed love for me. It`s a silver band with a heart shaped diamond and blue topaz gracefully laying on each side of the heart. Along the silver band, little diamonds go up each side and it is now hugged by two plain golden wedding bands on the outside. The golden bands give the illusion that they are being held together by the lovely silver band in the center. A beautiful picture of how our relationship with the Lord holds us together. I often can`t adequately describe just how much I love my husband and treasure his dedication and commitment to me as his wife. He spent long hours planning this surprise which made it an incredibly special and memorable moment! It`s a moment I`ll always cherish. Every time I see the ring that He gave me, I am reminded of the commitment that our precious Savior has made to us.

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14

The Bridegroom And His Bride

A biblical marriage is meant to be a picture of Jesus and His beloved Church. Christ lovingly sacrificed Himself for the Church and the Church should joyfully submit herself to His loving authority and care. The submission of the Church to Christ and His Word is always a safe place for her. Just as I was given an engagement ring as a reminder that I belong to my husband, the Lord gave believers the Holy Spirit as reminder that we belong to Him.

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” -Ephesians 4:30

Every believer has the Holy Spirit living inside of them. The Holy Spirit is given upon the moment of salvation. He gives us wisdom and understanding regarding God`s Word. (Ephesians 1:17-18; 1Corinthians 2:10-13). Warren Weirsbe says it well when he writes, “We know that He [Jesus] will come and claim His bride because He has given us His promise and His Spirit as the “engagement ring.” What greater assurance could we want?”

Eternal Life

          Just like a God-intended marriage relationship, the relationship between believers and the Father is secure (Romans 8:38-39). God loved us so much that He gave us His Son. Jesus` death, burial, and resurrection fully dealt with all the believer’s sin (Titus 2:14). We need only to trust in His finished work on the cross for our Salvation, and can then rest securely in His promises (Heb. 6:19).

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” -John 3:16

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand.  The Father and I are one.” -John 10:27-30

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.”-1 John 5:14

Resting In His Promises

At Ethnos360 Bible Institute, we seek to grow closer to the Lord through a deep and thorough study of His Word. God gave us His word, so that we can know Him. EBI is a two-year program where you will go through the Bible chronologically. As you grow in your knowledge and relationship with the Lord you will learn of His heartbeat for all nations and His desire for people to know Him and rest in His promises.

“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” -Jude 1:24

 

Resource: Wiersbe, Warren W. The Bible Exposition Commentary. Vol. 2. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996. Print.

Mercy: Biblical Definition

Both the Old and New Testament reveal examples of God`s Mercy. From Genesis to Revelation, God evidently shows His Mercy when He acts on behalf of those who are in trouble. Mercy is when God, out of His lovingkindness, withholds punishment that we rightfully deserve because of our sin. Lexham Theological Wordbook defines Mercy as, “Taking pity on someone or sparing them from something.” God`s Mercy and compassion cannot be earned by human beings; it is part of God`s nature to be merciful.

God Gives Us The Perfect Example of Mercy

In Genesis, God shows His Mercy to Adam and Eve by providing a covering for them after they had sinned against Him (Genesis 3). In Exodus, God passes in front of Moses and proclaims His Mercy.

“ The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, ⁷ keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.”

Throughout Scripture, God reveals His merciful character:

-God is “the Father of mercies” (2 Cor. 1:3)

-God is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:4)

-God`s mercy is great (Daniel 9:9; 2 Samuel 24:14)

-God is merciful upon those who are underserving of it (Romans 9:15-16)

God showed us His great Mercy when He gave His only son to die for a world of people who are in trouble. God knew that because of our sin, we are separated from Him and He took pity on us. He sacrificed His only Son so that we could have a relationship with Him. God placed the punishment we rightly deserved on Jesus (1 Peter 2:24)! We need only to trust in Christ and His finished work on the Cross to be saved. Christ died and rose again so that we could be free from Sin and free to have a relationship with the Father. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6).” My sin debt is paid in full by Christ alone and I`m fully relying on Him for my salvation. Because of Christ, I have eternal life. God be praised!

How Should Believers Show Mercy?

How should we as believers show mercy to those around us? Scripture tells us that we were enemies of God, yet He chose to have compassion upon us. We can show compassion to others by telling others about Christ and showing concern for them in their suffering. We should make it our aim to be Christ-centered rather than being self-centered. Believers should show others that they care by listening to them and sharing truth with them. Other practical ways to show care can be by meeting needs in the form of assisting someone with health issues, financial issues, or speaking kindly to someone who needs to be comforted during a critical time in their life. If we are to be imitators of Christ, then we should strive to excel in being merciful.

“Be merciful even as your Father is merciful (Luke 6:36).”

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8.”

Learn More About God`s Unfailing Compassion

Here at Ethnos360 Bible Institute, we seek to love God, His Word, and others by sharing the Gospel with them. In the Great Commission, Christ tells His followers to go and make disciples of “all nations.” As believers, we have a deep desire for others to know of God`s mercy and His grace. At EBI, you will go through two years of chronological Bible teaching which will give you many examples of God`s unfailing love and compassion towards those who are unworthy to receive it. To learn more about the Bible School, request a free information packet today!

What Is The Church?

The term church comes from the Greek word, ekklesia. Ekklesia in a literal sense means, “A called-out assembly.” The Church is made up of a body of believers in Jesus Christ. Lewis Sperry Chafer writes, “The deeper spiritual use of the word church refers to a company of saved people who are by their salvation called out from the world into living, organic union with Christ to form His mystical body over which He is the Head (Chafer, p. 127).” The church has nothing to do with what kind of building people meet in, however; it has everything to do with the assembly of people and Christ in whom they have placed their Faith (Romans 16:5).

Why does the Church exist?

As believers, we want to be a part of a church that seeks the glory of God and follows after His Word. A good church must be faithful to God`s Word. A good church is focused on Christ as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2), teaches Scripture faithfully, confronts sin and error, and eagerly awaits His return. There are three major functions or purposes of the church. The church is to bring glory to God, to train believers in understanding God`s Word, and to fulfill the Great Commission.

The Purpose Of The Church: Glorifying God

God`s has a primary purpose in history and that is to bring glory to Himself. (Eph. 1:6;12;14). He is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, and His majesty transcends anything that our finite minds could ever imagine. He alone is worthy of ALL praise, honor, and glory. The Church exists to bring glory to God by staying true to His Word. What could this practically look like? It could look like worshipping Him in song and speech, serving one another by acts of kindness, or standing up for what is true, etc.

Ephesians 3:21: “to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

The Purpose Of The Church: Faithful In Teaching Scripture

Believers, hear this, do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together (Hebrews 10:25). Do not let anyone tell you that church is unimportant or that it is “not essential.” A good church is vital to a believer’s walk and growth in their relationship with the Lord. God communicates with us through His Word. The world system is full of unbiblical ideologies and worldviews that go against what God says is true and right (Ephesians 6:12). We combat those satanic views by knowing and using God`s Word correctly in the face of evil (Matthew 4:1-11). We go to church to be equipped to go out into the world, live according to God`s word, and tell others about who God is along the way (Psalm 119:105; John 17:17; Isaiah 40:8; Col. 3:16; 1 Peter 2:2; Ephesians 6:17). Church is where believers grow, it`s where they have accountability, and it`s where they have fellowship with their brothers and sisters in Christ.

“To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, ¹³ until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, ¹⁴ so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. ¹⁵ Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, ¹⁶ from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” Ephesians 4:11-16

The Purpose Of The Church: Fulfilling The Great Commission

Jesus gave His followers a commandment in Matthew 28 to go unto all nations and make disciples. God`s desire is for people to know Him (Luke 19:10; 2 Peter 3:9)! He is our supreme authority, and He gave us the responsibility of sharing the Gospel with those who do not know Him. Christ is the Son of God and the head of the church. He has paid a great price for us, and we belong to Him. We should be faithful to follow Him and His command as we watch and wait for His return (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

¹⁶ Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. ¹⁷ And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. ¹⁸ And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20

The Purpose Of The Church: Reaching The Nations

Here at Ethnos360, we desire for people from all over the world to know Jesus as their Savior. We want to see a thriving church for every people! Take time to prayerfully consider coming to Ethnos360 Bible Institute where you learn about God`s plan and see His heartbeat for the Nations. Request your free information packet today!

Sources:

https://www.spiritandtruth.org/teaching/Ecclesiology_by_Andy_Woods/018_The_Purpose_of_the_Church_1/20180401_018_ecclesiology_transcript.html?x=x

https://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-the-church.html

https://youtu.be/HblDVFgkrsw?si=0ptTirkLdgg3hZBk

Systematic Theology: Vol. VII Doctrinal Summarization by Lewis Sperry Chafer. P. 127.

Who Were The Bereans?

Scripture tells us, in Acts 17, about Paul and Silas preaching the Gospel to those at a Jewish Synagogue in Berea. This was on Paul’s second missionary journey when he encountered them. Previously, Paul and Silas had preached to the Thessalonians where some believed, and others formed a mob, that pushed them out of that region. It was soon after they were kicked out of Thessalonica that they arrived in Berea to preach to the people there. Paul commended the Bereans and called them more noble than those in Thessalonica. Although it’s a short section of Scripture where the Bereans are mentioned, what did they do that made Paul commend them?

Why Did Paul Commend Them?

When Paul preached the Gospel to the Bereans, Scripture says they received the truth with “eagerness.” They were hungry for the Gospel, but the Bible didn’t stop there in describing their response to hearing the good news about Jesus. The Bereans were eager to hear the truth about Jesus, but they also searched and examined the Old Testament Scripture and compared it to what Paul was teaching. They tested Paul’s teaching against the guidelines of God’s Word and Paul commended them for seeking guidance and direction from the Lord, not men. Paul carried authority as an apostle, yet he still praised their unwavering diligence in staying true to Scripture.  As believers, our ultimate authority is God’s Word, and we should always search the Scriptures to test ideas that come our way. Our worldview should be shaped by His word. The Bereans grasped God’s Word willingly and eagerly, which is why Paul called them “more noble.”

“Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” -Acts 17:11

What Can We Learn From Their Example?

In our current and ever-changing culture, many thoughts and ideas are thrown at us daily. Ideas are like seeds…they can grow into a worldview that turns into a way of life. So be cautious about what you fill your mind with because the thoughts of your heart will determine your actions and it affects your daily living. Just like the Berean’s tested Paul’s teaching, we should investigate the teaching of those around us and compare it with the principles of the truth found in God’s Word (Gal. 1:8). Our priority is to uphold the truth and live according to it as we walk through a dark world.

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech and put devious talk far from you. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.” -Proverbs 4:23-27

 “Ideas are like seeds. They might seem small; they might seem insignificant; they might even go unnoticed by all except those who hold them in the moment. But let there be no doubt: both ideas and seeds are incredibly powerful. From seeds dropped in fertile ground grow the mighty oaks that anchor the land, altering the course of the rivers and wind. And from ideas planted in the fertile soil of the human mind grow the thoughts and convictions of mankind, altering the course of history for the world and the individual.” –an excerpt from Ken Ham in One Race, One Blood (pg. 7).

“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” -Psalm 118:8

Be A Berean!

Here at Ethnos360 Bible Institute, we value God’s word and seek to align our lives according to His truth. We place our confidence and trust in God`s word over man’s word. Take time to prayerfully consider taking the next step in coming to Ethnos360 Bible Institute! Request your free information packet today!

Suffering: Why? What Does The Bible Say About Suffering?

I just recently moved back to Wisconsin from South Carolina. I had the privilege of staying with my family for most of the summer and although we had many sweet moments together… it was also an extremely challenging summer for all of us. My youngest brother had open heart surgery and was in and out of ICU a number of times. It`s always painful to watch someone you love so dearly go through hard things. Suffering is a big part of the world we live in, it happens, and it hurts. You don’t have to go far to see that the world is a very broken place filled with pain and heartache. Many people are faced with the question: “Why does suffering exist?” As Christians, how should we view suffering?

Going back to the beginning we can see that God created the heavens and the earth (Gen. 1:1). He created everything in just six days, and He made man in His image (Gen. 1:26). God saw everything that He made to be “very good” (Gen. 1:31). God told Adam and Eve that they could eat of anything in the garden except fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

“See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food.” -Genesis 1:29

“And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” -Genesis 2:16-17

Before the fall of mankind there was no death, pain, or suffering, but Adam and Eve disobeyed God, and because of that, sin came into the world. The reality of sin is the reason we see so much suffering and heartache in the world today. As we look at the world around us… we eagerly long for restoration.

Romans 8:22-25, “For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.  And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.  For in this hope, we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”

Suffering: Reminds Us Of Our Dependence Upon God

God allows Christians to experience suffering and it gives us a chance to trust Him (Job 2; 2^nd Corinthians 12:8-10; 1 Peter 4:12-13). Suffering is part of life, and everyone experiences pain and sorrow at some point in their life. Suffering reminds us of our dependence upon the Lord. We desperately need Him to carry us through as we wait eagerly for our eternal home. As believers, the suffering in this life makes us long to see Christ our Savior face-to-face.

Suffering: Saved From Eternal Suffering

Jesus Christ came to die on the Cross for the sins of the world and He was raised from the dead so that we could walk free from the penalty of sin. Anyone who trusts in His finished work on the cross is saved. As believers, we never have to fear suffering for eternity because Jesus paid our sin debt in full and now we can spend eternity with Him. Jesus Christ is our hope of eternal light and life in the midst of suffering in a present dark world.

“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen…

For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling (2 Corinthians 4:17-5:2)”

As my family and I went through hard times with my little brother, one thing stood out to me. Christ and His steadfast love for us. On the night before my little brother had heart surgery, he said: “Mom, I`m not worried, I trust the Lord with whatever happens.” The Lord can be trusted, and He wants us to take His peace… even when times get tough. A man by the name of John Newton gives us a good perspective when it comes to trials of various kinds. In 1774, in a letter to a pastor, Newton wrote:

“Health is good while the Lord preserves it—and sickness is still better when he appoints it. He is good when he grants our wishes and multiplies our comforts—and he is good when he sends us trials and crosses. We are short-sighted and cannot see how many and what important consequences depend upon every turn in life; but the whole chain of events are open to his view.

When we arrive in the land of glory, we shall have an affecting retrospect of the way by which the Lord our God led us through this wilderness. We shall then see that whenever we were in heaviness, there was a need-be for it. We shall then, I doubt not, remember, among our choicest blessings, those things which, while we were here, seemed the hardest to account for, and the hardest to bear. Perhaps we were sinking into a lukewarm formality, or spiritual pride was springing up, or Satan was spreading some dangerous snare for our feet. How seasonable and important at such a time, is the mercy which, under the disguise of an affliction, gives an alarm to the soul, quickens us to prayer, makes us feel our own emptiness, and preserves us from the enemy’s net!”

While we cannot dismiss the reality of suffering and hardship here on earth, we can keep a heavenly perspective and find joy in the hope we have in Christ.

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4.

What Does The Bible Say About Suffering?

Here at Ethnos360 Bible Institute, we love God`s word and we acknowledge it as the foundation for understanding suffering, the world we live in, and the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Along with two years of chronological Bible teaching, EBI offers several different options for students to take electives. Electives such as “Understanding Suffering” and “The Love of God.” Come experience what it’s like on campus by signing up for a Campus Visit Weekend! Request your free information packet today!

How To Become A Missionary? A Firm Foundation

Are you a believer who has a desire to learn more about missions? Many questions arise for someone who is looking to be a missionary, but we can and should rely on God`s word to give us the answers to many of the questions we face.

Questions such as:

1. “How do I become a Missionary?”
2. “What does life on the mission field look like?”
3. “In what capacity can I serve?”
4. “What are some needs that could be met through the skillsets that the Lord has given me?”
5. “Where do I start when it comes to being involved in missions?”
6. “What does it mean to be a missionary?”
7. “What is the Mission of the Church?”

 

1. The mission of the church is to bring glory to God (^“In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, ¹² so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. ¹³ In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, ¹⁴ who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:11-14).
2. The mission of the Church is to make disciples. (“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20).

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells a parable of the man who builds his house on a rock and compares him to a man who builds his house on the sand. The house built on the rock withstood the storm whereas the house built on the sand collapsed. Which man would you want to be?

“And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” Matthew 7:26-27

Jesus said that the man who built his house on the rock was wise and the man who built his house on the sand He called foolish. Jesus was making the point that the only lasting foundation for life is adhering to His word and abiding in Him.

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.” Matthew 7:24-25

Adhering to God`s word will give you a solid foundation that will withstand the storms and trials of life. God has given us His word as a guide, and we can respond to any situation that arises because we have His promises to stand upon. 1 Corinthians 3:11 says, “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

How To Become A Missionary? Studying And Understanding God`s Word Is A Crucial Step

A deep understanding of God`s Word is crucial in a life of ministry. Although the Lord can use a university degree or training in a specific trade… that`s not the most important aspect of ministry, the foundation of ministry is your relationship with the Lord through an understanding of His word.

Picture this: You receive a letter from someone who loves and cares for you more than anyone in the world… do you pick a piece of the letter and throw the rest of the letter out or do you read it all the way through? Most would choose to carefully read all of it with the intent to understand it well. Our Creator wants us to know Him, so He wrote a letter to us. We should never neglect to study God`s word from start to finish so that we can understand the big picture. The Bible is God`s love letter to us and He intended for us to read it from beginning to end. As we read Scripture and journey through the biblical narrative, we begin to understand God`s mission and are better equipped to become a part of it.

The first step to becoming a missionary is to know God`s word which holds the key to eternal life. Throughout Scripture, we see that God reveals who He is. His goodness and faithfulness are very evident as well as His other characteristics. His Word is true, and we can trust Him over our feelings. It makes sense that we want to deeply know God`s love letter to us before going and telling others about who God is. Walking with the Lord is important when it comes to ministry. Christ and His word are essential when it comes to a life of ministry and missions. From start to finish, God`s word reveals who He is and how we can trust Him and His perfect plan. As we study God`s word and watch His story unfold, we have a better understanding of what God`s mission is and how we best fit into His plan.

John 6:66-69 “After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God”

Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Isaiah 40:8: “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”

James 1:22 “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

Psalm 119:130, “The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.”

Psalm 18:30, “This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.”

Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and Earth will pass away but my words will not pass away.”

 

How To Become a Missionary: Filled with the Knowledge of the Glory of the Lord!

Scripture tells us, “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.” Habakkuk 2:14. The Lord desires to have a relationship with people and He wants us to tell others about how great He is! It`s truly a joy and a privilege that the Lord has asked us to join Him in making His name known among the nations!

Next Steps: Come To Ethnos360 Bible Institute!

At Ethnos 360 Bible Institute, we desire to be a part of God`s plan to bring the Gospel to all people. The first step in training with Ethnos360 is two years of chronological Bible teaching. You won`t regret spending two years of your life going through Scripture deepening your relationship with the Lord and starting new relationships with other believers! At EBI, we value having a firm foundation in understanding the Bible and building solid relationships with those around us. Sign up for a Campus Visit weekend today and get a glimpse of what campus life is like!

Maybe Today?

In just one week, I`ll be able to return home to see my family in South Carolina. I`m excited to see all my brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews, and parents. I can picture seeing the pink and white Mountain Laurels that line the driveway to our house. I can picture being greeted by our puppy dog and seeing the mountains in the backdrop where our house sits on a hill. When I walk in, it will be a sweet family reunion, and I`ll see a sign that hangs over the door that says, “Perhaps today.” When I see the people that I love, I`m reminded that when Christ comes for His church, I`ll see my brothers and sisters in Christ, and perhaps it could be today. There`s an old hymn called Maybe Today that tells us about three realities concerning the Rapture: reunion, resurrection, and imminency.

“Maybe today, My Lord will come for me,

Maybe today, My Savior I shall see,

Maybe today, from Sin I shall be free,

Jesus will come and I will go home it may be today.”

What is the Rapture: Introduction

Eschatology is a big word meaning the study of the end times. There are different aspects within Eschatology such as the Rapture and the Second Advent. Many believers don’t spend much time studying these doctrines because there are different views on subjects like the Rapture that often cause division among believers. Many get the doctrine of the Rapture and the Second Advent confused as being the same event but Scripture describes them as two different events. Although there are different views regarding Eschatological events these doctrines are important to study simply because they are found in God’s Word and, as believers, it`s our responsibility to study them.

What Is The Rapture: Historical Background

Acts 17 tells us about the establishment of the church in Thessalonica. Paul and Silas traveled to Thessalonica on Paul`s second missionary journey. There they preached the Gospel in a Jewish synagogue, and some were persuaded (Acts 17:4). Those who did not believe drove Paul and Silas out of the city, so shortly after the Church was established, Paul had to leave (Acts 17:1-13). You can imagine how concerned he was about the church because he wasn’t able to remain in Thessalonica for very long after the church was born. One of the reasons that he wrote the letter to the Thessalonians was to check on them. He wanted to encourage and comfort them in their walk with the Lord. Considering the historical background of Thessalonians, it`s interesting to note that Paul was teaching new believers about the doctrine of the Rapture (1 Thess. 1:10; 4:3; 5:23). It`s an important doctrine even for new believers, and it is meant to be a comfort to us as believers in Christ.

What is The Rapture: Different From The Second Advent

In first Thessalonians 4:13-18, Paul talks about the Rapture of the church. The word rapture comes from the word Rapturo, which is taken from the Latin translation of Scripture. Rapturo translates into Greek as Harpazo which means “caught up” in English.

Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:17

The Rapture of the Church is different than what is known as the Second Advent of Christ. One difference between the Rapture and the Second Advent is that the Rapture involves the catching away of believers before the Tribulation begins (1 Thess. 4:13-17) and the Second Advent involves Christ coming down to Earth after the seven-year Tribulation (Zech. 14:4). Another difference in the Rapture and Second Advent is that the Rapture is where Jesus comes back for the Church, whereas the Second Advent is when Jesus comes to the Earth with His church (Rev. 19:14). The Rapture is God`s rescue plan for the Church and the Second Advent is God`s rescue plan for Israel (1Thess. 1:10; Matthew 23:37-39). It is important to note all the differences between the Rapture and the Second Advent. In the Rapture, Christ comes to take the church out of harm’s way, and in the Second Advent Christ returns to destroy evil and establish His Millennial Kingdom.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!  See, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’ ”-Matthew 23:27-39

“On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west by a very wide valley, so that one half of the Mount shall move northward, and the other half southward.” Zechariah 14:4

Paul describes the Rapture of the Church as being a comfort to believers. When I`m reminded that I live in a fallen world, the reality of being taken out of harm’s way by my Savior is comforting to me.

What Is The Rapture: Important And Comforting

Paul taught the doctrine of the Rapture to brand new believers in the Thessalonian church indicating that it is an important doctrine. He wanted them to know about the reality of the Rapture in the midst of a difficult life because it was designed to be comforting, not a point of division among believers. On the one hand, the Second Advent involves Jesus coming back to judge a Christ-rejecting world. On the other hand, the Rapture is a rescue operation designed to be a comfort to a believer’s heart.

“Therefore comfort one another with these words” -Thessalonians 4:18

What Is The Rapture: Reunion

Paul tells us about the Rapture taking place in the twinkling of an eye. I think about what will happen at that moment and who I will see again. It will be such a sweet time of fellowship between me, my family, my friends, and other believers in Christ. As believers, we should be longing for this glorious event.

“…We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet”- 1 Corinthians 15:51-52

“For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18

What Is The Rapture: Resurrection

At the point of the Rapture, all believers will receive new bodies, the body that God intended for us before sin. The body that we have now is not fit to experience eternity with God. This body we have now is temporary and worn out; heaven is eternal, and we must have a resurrected body to spend eternity with God. Romans talks about how we groan for the redemption of our bodies and the resurrection is part of the hope that a believer has in Christ.

“…but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.  For in this hope, we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”- Romans 8:23-25

What Is The Rapture: Imminency

The Rapture is imminent. Imminent simply means that it can take place at any moment and that it is the next thing to take place on God`s timeline. (1 Thess. 4:13-18) We can see from the text that Paul anticipated participating in the Rapture of the Church. It is interesting to note that he uses the first-person plural in reference to the coming of the Rapture. (1 Cor. 15:51);1 Thess. 1:10; 1 Cor. 1:7; Philip. 3:20).

“Then we who are alive, who remain, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17

“You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.” James 5:8

“Behold, I am telling you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” 1 Corinthians 15:51-52.

At Ethnos360 Bible Institute, we desire to be a part of God`s plan to reach all of the nations with the truth of the Gospel. Ethnos360 recognizes God`s word as the ultimate standard of truth. The first step in training with Ethnos360 is two years of chronological Bible teaching. EBI hosts Catch the Vision weekends, which allows people to experience life as a student at Ethnos360 Bible Institute. Request your free EBI info packet today!