ECCE

      The phrase "comparing spiritual (things) with spiritual," comes from 1 Corinthians 2:13, describing, not the teaching of man' words, but the teaching of the Holy Spirit. The message today will be from the Book of Ephesians, comparing the contents of that Book with other scriptures therefore comparing spiritual with spiritual. When studying scripture, it is good to begin with what scripture says about itself: "All scripture is given by inspiration ( theopneustos - divinely breathed in) of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof ( elegchos - a proof, evidence, that by which a thing is proved or tested), for correction ( epanorthosis - restoration to an upright or right state), for instruction ( paideia - instruction, training, nurturing, chastening, correction) in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished ( exartizo - equip fully [as a teacher], complete) unto all good works." (2 Tim. 3:16-17).      The Churc...

      There are two types of doctrines in the Church. True doctrine, based upon the Word of God and given to the Church through apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, equips the Church to do the work of the ministry, as Ephesians Ch. 4 tells us. False doctrines destroy the work and purpose of the Church and hinder the kingdom of God from being received.      Jesus called first His twelve disciples together and "gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases...And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing everywhere." Jesus also told them that if anyone does not receive them, they were to shake that city's dust from their feet when they left "for a testimony against them." ( Lk. 9:1-6 , excerpt).      This authority given by Christ was not limited to just the twelve disciples. Jesus also later appointed seventy to prepare the way for Him in every place to which He also ...

             The Pharisees and Sadducees, who represented the religious leadership, came to Jesus and demanded that He show them a sign from heaven. He had even recently fed thousands from a small amount of food, but still they demanded a sign. Jesus acknowledged that they were able to discern the day's weather from the meaning of a red sky at morning or night, but added: "...O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall be no sign given unto it, but the sign of Jonah." He later said to His disciples: "Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees." His disciples thought He was speaking of bread that they had not brought with them, but after His correction ("O ye of little faith..."), the disciples then "understood ...how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine ( ...