There are many different traditions that exist in our world today. What is the relationship between faith and tradition? Does tradition always contradict faith? How did Jesus feel about tradition? Are there Biblical traditions that God expects us to follow? How can we discern when tradition has gone too far? This week we explore these questions and their implications for believers today.
What are the major things that cause division in the Church? Did the early Church experience this? How did they preserve unity amid differences and other things that cause division? What is the recipe for unity and why is unity necessary? Should we strive for unity at all costs? The answers to these questions in this week's study may surprise you.
Is there a war going on that we may not see but experience the effects? Is the idea of the great controversy Biblical? Who are the key players in this conflict? Who will ultimately be the winner in this contest? How does God prepare us for spiritual warfare? Does being a prophet of God mean that one will not experience difficulty or oppression? Does God prevent His people from suffering all the time? How did misconceptions about Jesus' first arrival play a role in the lives of His people? Why did John the Baptist have a moment of doubt? What evidence was given that Jesus was the Messiah?
What was the relationship between Peter, Jesus, and the church? How should we understand Jesus' words that upon the rock would he build his church? Who was this rock? Protestants and Catholics have long debated this passage but what secrets do the Greek manuscripts hold that make the matter more clear? In this study John Spellman goes into depth explaining the passage Matthew 16:18 in a way you may never have heard before. Why does it matter who Jesus is to us? Why is it important that we see Him as the rock?
John Spellman preaches at the Beit Shalom SDA Congregation discussing roadblocks in our faith. How can traditions and customs block us from being able to experience a relationship with God? Should traditions influence how we understand God's Word? What did the prophets think about anything that contradicted the Torah and the testimony? Is it possible that today, with the abundance of YouTube scholars, and misinformation, that many have darkness thinking they have light? While some traditions can be a good thing, many customs and traditions are holding people in darkness.
John Spellman gets ordained as an elder of the Babylon SDA Church on February 11th, 2017.
What does it mean to be a leader? How are leaders to shepherd God’s flock? How does worldly leadership compare with spiritual leadership? What can we learn about leadership from God Himself? Is it really possible to have leadership without partiality? What is the role of an elder? What did Peter learn about leadership from Jesus? How does all this compare with Satan’s rebellion and counterfeit leadership?
