Joseph Mattera
-
10 Biblical Promises for a Blessed 2024
The Scriptures provide us with numerous conditional promises and commands that, if followed, will ultimately ensure a blessed future. This doesn’t imply that walking with God will shield us from all challenges or suffering. It pertains to the rewarding outcomes of specific actions and lifestyles. As we step into 2024, adhering to Scripture’s teachings is …
-
10 Essential Qualities for the Jesus-Driven Church
In Romans 8:29, the Word of God teaches us that believers were predestined to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. Since the book of Romans was written to the church in Rome, we understand the subject of the verse as the corporate body of Christ. Hence, local congregations are called to become Christlike …
10 Essential Qualities for the Jesus-Driven Church Read More »
-
Has God Called the Church to Rule the World?
Over the last two decades, I’ve been hearing more and more people equate the New Testament term for church, also called the ekklesia, primarily with influencing secular politics (like instituting a Christian theocracy). This is because the etymology of this word had to do with the way the Greek citizens would assemble to make public …
-
Beware These 10 Heretical Views Regarding Jesus
Having a biblical view of Jesus during this Christmas season is essential. Unfortunately, many people in Christianity have erroneous concepts: Some think He was a created being, some think He was just a good teacher, some think He was fully divine and not human and some believe He was fully human and not God. Jesus …
-
10 Examples of How the Story of Jesus Has Universal Appeal
Jesus, as the Creator, has his DNA embedded in the fabric of reality. As the logos or divine template, He is the cosmic archetype imprinted on all living and nonliving entities. An archetype is a universal pattern manifesting across cultures in symbols, themes and characters. The following are 10 examples of how the story of …
10 Examples of How the Story of Jesus Has Universal Appeal Read More »
-
7 Signs You Are in a Counterfeit Church
The words “Christianity” and “church” trigger many thoughts in people’s minds. Some of the ways these words are defined contradict or compromise the faith, as described in Jude. Jude 1:3: “Beloved; when I gave all diligence to write to you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write to you, and exhort …
-
10 Signs of the Lack of a Biblical Worldview
Throughout the years, I have discovered that the average Christian and a large number of church ministers lack a biblical worldview (BWV). BWV refers to interpreting every aspect of life through the lens of Scripture, i.e., your view of politics, the sanctity of life, marriage, economics, education, science, and law derived from biblical principles. Here …
-
15 Ways the Cross Inverted Worldly Kingdoms
The cross, a symbol so deeply etched into our consciousness, has, in modern times, become a mere accessory, a piece of jewelry worn casually. Its current representation is akin to someone donning a replica of an electric chair or a guillotine as a necklace. This trivialization overshadows the profound impact the cross had on human …
-
6 Reasons Why the Church Should Embrace the Cross of Christ
Preaching on the cross of Christ has fallen out of favor in recent decades. Dispensational “hyper grace” teaching even dismisses passages employing Christ followers to take up their cross as not applicable in the church age (Mark 8:34). However, the cross of Christ holds eternal significance for Christians, representing sacrifice, redemption and the ultimate expression …
6 Reasons Why the Church Should Embrace the Cross of Christ Read More »
-
7 Reasons to Believe in a Pre-Gospel Covenant Between God and the World
The concept of a pre-gospel covenant between God and the world highlights the belief that God had a covenantal relationship with humanity even before the advent of the gospel. In this article, we will explore compelling reasons that support the notion of a pre-gospel covenant, shedding light on God’s interaction with the world before the …
7 Reasons to Believe in a Pre-Gospel Covenant Between God and the World Read More »
-
10 Primary Pain Points for Pastors
Pastors play a vital role in shepherding and caring for their congregations. While much attention has been given to the rare instances of abusive pastors, it is crucial to recognize that most pastors are among the most loving, sacrificial, and dedicated individuals one could encounter. However, even these remarkable individuals face numerous challenges that can …
-
7 Types of Men from Godless Cultures
Emotionally emasculated men deviate from their inherent male role and identity, rendering themselves ineffective or weaker due to insecurity or being dominated by a boss, peer pressure or their spouse. In Job 38, God exhorted Job to stand up like a man so He could address him, emphasizing specific masculine traits that God expects men …
-
7 Areas Where the Church Must Bridge Critical Gaps
Since 1980, I began serving God in leadership. I have observed severe gaps in the church in at least seven major areas If not corrected, the critical gaps in these areas will significantly limit the ability of the church to fulfill the Great Commission and our preparation for the bodily return of Jesus. 1. The …
7 Areas Where the Church Must Bridge Critical Gaps Read More »
-
Why Love Does Not Define God
Today’s preaching from Christian pulpits is filled with compromise, often because of the wrong presentation of biblical love. Since love is a powerful motivating force that can drive people to the limits of their abilities and existence, it needs to be defined correctly in the church lest believers fall into grave error regarding our teaching …