The Great Apostasy

This work has been written in the hope that it may prove of service to missionary elders in the field, to classes and quorum organizations engaged in the study of theological subjects at home, and to earnest investigators of the teachings and claims of the restored Church of Jesus Christ. This religious book is written by James E. Talmage, an English chemist, geologist, and religious leader who served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1911 until his death. Contents: Introduction: The Establishment of the Church of Christ The Apostasy Predicted Early Stages of the Apostasy Causes of the Apostasy.—External Causes Considered Causes of the Apostasy.—External Causes, Continued Causes of the Apostasy.—Internal Causes Internal Causes.—Continued Results of the Apostasy.—Its Sequel

The Great Apostasy Considered in the Light of Scriptural and Secular History is a 1909 book by James E. Talmage that summarizes the Great Apostasy, Mormon doctrine, from the viewpoint of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Talmage wrote his book with the intention that it be used as a teaching tool within the LDS Church's Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association and the Young Women's Mutual Improvement Association. The book is "in many ways quite derivative" of B. H. Roberts's 1893 Outlines of Ecclesiastical History. Both writers borrowed heavily from the writings of Protestant scholars who argued that Roman Catholicism had apostatized from true Christianity. Talmage's book has been described as "the most recognizable and noted work on the topic" of Latter-day Saint views of the Great Apostasy.

From the outset, the implications of Standing Firm through the Great Apostasy are terrifying. In fact, the most alarming aspect of this book is its utter plausibility. As Steve Gallagher leads his reader through a systematic and piercing examination of Scripture, the Great Apostasy emerges, not as a future event of which to be forewarned, but as the very essence of today's postmodern Church. In this thorough, and sometimes disquieting, investigation of the biblical predictions about the Great Apostasy, readers quickly come to realize what the Bible clearly reveals: there will be a Church within the Church during the end-times. Today, like tares in the wheat field, false adherents are growing up alongside true believers. But how will we know them? What is the hallmark of the Apostate Church? What are the distinguishing qualities of its rank and file confessors? This is where Gallagher is at his best. By mining the treasure-laden writings of biblical scholars from past centuries and carefully examining the sacred Scriptures, he presents the reader with a classic portrait of the Apostate Church: a prevailing self-centeredness, widespread sensuality, and rebellion to authority. At first glance it seems unthinkable that such words could be attached to the lives of confessing Christians. But by the end it becomes all too clear that those who would cause "the way of the truth to be maligned" sit in our pews, sing in our choirs and stand in our pulpits.

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The theory goes like this: Just a few centuries after Christ's death, around the time the Roman Empire converted to Christianity, the true Faith suffered a catastrophic falling-away, so obscured by worldliness and pagan idolatry, kicking off the Dark Ages of Catholicism, that Christianity required a complete reboot. This theory is popular]] but it's also fiction. This idea of a "Great Apostasy" is one of the cornerstones of American Protestantism, along with Mormonism, the Jehovah's Witnesses, and even Islam. Countless millions today profess a faith built on the assumption that the early Church quickly became broken beyond repair, and needed restoration to the "pure" teaching of Jesus and the apostles. Amid imperial intrigue, military menace, and bitter theological debate, a hero arises in the form of a homely little monk named Athanasius, who stands against the world to prove that there could never be a Great Apostasybecause Jesus promised his Church would never be broken With the touch of a master storyteller, Rod Bennett narrates the drama of the early Church's fight to preserve Christian orthodoxy, while powerful forces try to smash it.

The first in a new Bible study series from Verse By Verse Ministry International (vbvmi.org). This 12-week VBVMI Group Study on End Times features thought-provoking teaching of core biblical concepts in prophecy. The workbook prepares both individual students and small groups for a deeper study of eschatology by examining key ideas and highlights from the book of Revelation, Daniel and other scripture. Students will gain a foundational understanding of God's plan for Israel, the Church and the end of the age. The VBVMI Group Study series is designed to suit the needs of students new to a study of end times while still offering a challenge to experienced Bible students. Each lesson in this study includes a video available to stream for free over the internet. The videos feature the teaching of Stephen Armstrong, acclaimed for his unique and gifted approach to explaining the Bible. The 12 videos are available for viewing or download for free at: http://www.vbvmiendtimesstudy.org. A printable PDF copy of the workbook may also be downloaded for free.

Many Christians think of end times prophecy as a gigantic, intimidating puzzle -- difficult to piece together and impossible to figure out. But every puzzle can be solved if you approach it the right way. Paul Benware compares prophecy to a picture puzzle. Putting the edge pieces together first builds the 'framework' that makes it easier to fit the other pieces in their place. According to Benware, the framework for eschatology is the biblical covenants. He begins his comprehensive survey by explaining the major covenants. Then he discusses several different interpretations of end times prophecy. Benware digs into the details of the Rapture, the Great Tribulation, the judgements and resurrections, and the millennial kingdom. But he also adds a unique, personal element to the study, answering questions as: -Why study bible prophecy? -What difference does it make if I'm premillenial or amillenial? If what the Bible says about the future puzzles you, Understanding End Times Prophecy will help you put together the pieces and see the big picture.

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