1 Timothy (Program #7)- The Prediction of the Decline of the Church
In reading the Bible, sometimes it is the short, simple words that can provide the greatest insight into the richer meaning been conveyed. For example take the little word “but”. In Chapter 4 of 1 Timothy, Paul begins with this three letter word, the clear implication been that what is about to be spoken is in start contrast to what’s been previously presented. And likely no way in scripture is the contrast between two adjoining verses any more start than these passage. Listen as the apostle Paul turns from one of the highest revelation in the entire Bible to one of its’ darkest portions.
In Chapter 3:15-16 Paul says, “But if I delay, I write that you may know how one ought to conduct himself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and base of the truth. And confessedly, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, preached among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory. But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and teachings of demons.”
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