In this episode we take a closer look at early church gatherings and how they differ from today’s worship services. Drawing from New Testament passages and Dr. Tom Wadsworth’s research, we uncover the original purpose of Christian assemblies—mutual edification and encouragement. Could our modern focus on performance-style worship be missing the mark? Join us as we explore what God truly intended for His people when they come together. Read: https://ready4eternity.com/performers-and-pew-warmers-is-this-what-god-intended/ https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

Did you know that the New Testament never instructs Christians to gather for “worship” as we often define it today? In this episode of Ready4Eternity, we explore the surprising truth behind the Greek words translated as “worship” in Scripture. Words like proskuneo, latreuo, and sebomai were tied to Jewish temple rituals—practices the early church intentionally left behind. Instead, the New Testament paints a picture of worship as a way of life: reverent, godly living that honors God in spirit and truth. Join us as we uncover the meaning of the sebo word group, examine why early Christians didn’t adopt temple rituals, and consider what this means for modern church gatherings. If you’ve ever wondered if worship is more than a Sunday morning activity, this episode will challenge your perspective and deepen your understanding of worship in the new covenant. Read: https://ready4eternity.com/24-7-worship-why-early-christians-didnt-need-sunday-services/ https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

Have you ever wondered why modern churches call their gatherings “worship” when the New Testament never uses that term for Christian assemblies? This episode unpacks the Greek term leitourgeo—often translated as “worship” or “serve”—and its roots in temple service. Drawing on Dr. Tom Wadsworth’s research, we explore how this word relates to priestly duties in the Bible and why equating it with modern “worship” misses the mark. Discover the difference between service and worship, the New Testament’s focus on ministry and mutual edification, and how understanding leitourgeo can reshape our view of church gatherings. Tune in for a thought-provoking journey into the language and meaning behind biblical texts! Read: https://ready4eternity.com/your-church-isnt-a-temple-so-why-call-your-gatherings-worship/ https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

What does the Bible really mean when it talks about “worship”? In this episode of Ready4Eternity, we dive into two Greek words, latreuo and latreia, often translated as "worship" or "serve." Drawing from the research of Dr. Tom Wadsworth, we explore how these terms were used in their original context, both in the Old Testament’s Septuagint and the New Testament. Discover why worship in the Bible was historically tied to sacrifice and how the New Testament redefines this concept for Christians today. Far from being confined to rituals, worship becomes a daily offering—a life of service, integrity, and love that reflects God’s character. Read: https://ready4eternity.com/serving-not-just-singing-the-new-testament-truth-about-worship/ https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

What did "worship" mean to first-century Christians, and why doesn't the New Testament instruct believers to gather for worship as we understand it today? Discover how the original meaning of proskuneo—prostration and physical homage—differs from modern practices. We'll explore its roots in the Old Testament, its connection to temple rituals, and why this word is absent from descriptions of early church gatherings. This episode sheds light on the New Testament's focus on mutual edification, not ritualistic homage, offering fresh insights into the true purpose of Christian assemblies. Read: https://ready4eternity.com/bowing-down-or-building-up-rethinking-worship-in-the-new-testament/ https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

What does it really mean to worship? In this episode, we explore how the New Testament's original language and intent challenge our modern assumptions about worship. We trace the English word "worship" back to its roots and uncover how its evolving meaning has shaped our understanding of Christian gatherings. You'll learn about the five key Greek words often translated as "worship" or "serve" in the Bible, their connections to temple rituals, and how early Christians redefined worship in light of Christ’s sacrifice. Join us as we uncover how honoring God goes far beyond religious ceremonies—it’s about living a transformed life. Read: https://ready4eternity.com/what-is-worship-rethinking-a-misunderstood-word/ https://ready4eternity.com/the-purpose-of-going-to-church-is/ https://ready4eternity.com/what-is-worship-rethinking-a-misunderstood-word/ https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

In this episode, we explore the biblical distinction between the birthright and the blessing, two concepts often thought to be the same. Through the story of Esau and Jacob, we uncover how these two inheritance traditions played a crucial role in ancient family leadership and the unfolding of God's promises. Read: https://ready4eternity.com/birthright-and-blessing-are-they-the-same-thing/ https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

In this episode, we explore the biblical perspective on God’s presence among sinners, challenging the notion that He avoids sin entirely. Through examples from Scripture—ranging from the Garden of Eden to Jesus’ earthly ministry—we see how God chooses to remain near humanity, even amidst our flaws, to work toward redemption. Read: https://ready4eternity.com/is-it-true-that-god-will-not-allow-sin-in-his-presence-part-2/ https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

In part one of this episode, we examine the widely accepted idea that "God will not allow sin in His presence." Despite its prevalence in Christian circles, this teaching is not actually supported by the Bible. Join us as we dive into Scripture to explore where this misconception comes from and why it doesn't align with biblical truth. Read: https://ready4eternity.com/is-it-true-that-god-will-not-allow-sin-in-his-presence-part-1/ https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

In this episode, we explore the common practice of selecting pastors through search committees and compare it to the New Testament model. Discover why appointing pastors from within the congregation may be the more biblical approach and how churches can move toward this ideal. Read: https://ready4eternity.com/selecting-pastors-the-new-testament-way/ https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

This episode examines a often-overlooked interpretation of 1 Timothy 5:19, consistent with the King James Version's translation from 400 years ago, regarding accusations against church elders. It explains how the verse may be instructing that formal accusations be made in front of witnesses, rather than requiring multiple witnesses to the alleged sin itself, potentially allowing victims of abuse to come forward even without corroborating eyewitnesses. Read: https://ready4eternity.com/accusations-against-pastors/ https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

This episode discusses the critical yet often neglected practice of holding pastors accountable for their sins, as commanded in 1 Timothy 5:19-21. We explore the reasons behind the church's reluctance to rebuke sinning pastors, emphasizing the importance of fair and impartial accountability, and the potential consequences of failing to address pastoral misconduct. Read: https://ready4eternity.com/holding-pastors-accountable/ https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

This podcast episode explores the biblical qualifications for pastors, examining the criteria outlined in 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and discussing why these qualities are essential for church leadership. We examine the importance of selecting pastors who embody these biblical standards, contrasting them with the problematic traits of unqualified leaders, and emphasizing the need for churches to prioritize God's wisdom in choosing their spiritual guides. Read: https://ready4eternity.com/is-your-pastor-biblically-qualified/ https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Tom Wadsworth to explore a vital yet often misunderstood topic: the true purpose of early Christian gatherings. Many of us assume that worship has always been the central focus of church meetings, but Dr. Wadsworth’s research reveals a different story. Together, we discuss how modern church practices have shifted away from the original biblical model, which prioritized mutual edification and spiritual growth and excluded temple-based worship rituals. Dr. Wadsworth breaks down the disconnect between the New Testament assemblies and today’s church services, the meaning behind key Greek words for worship, and why reclaiming the biblical intent of gathering matters for Christians today. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Tom Wadsworth to explore a vital yet often misunderstood topic: the true purpose of early Christian gatherings. Many of us assume that worship has always been the central focus of church meetings, but Dr. Wadsworth’s research reveals a different story. Together, we discuss how modern church practices have shifted away from the original biblical model, which prioritized mutual edification and spiritual growth and excluded temple-based worship rituals. Dr. Wadsworth breaks down the disconnect between the New Testament assemblies and today’s church services, the meaning behind key Greek words for worship, and why reclaiming the biblical intent of gathering matters for Christians today. ▬ Contents of this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 00:00 - Intro 02:39 - Tom's background of research and dissertation development 04:55 - The purpose of gatherings 06:58 - Understanding worship language and edification 08:52 - The difference between ancient and modern gatherings 11:10 - The worship anomaly 15:12 - Are worship and edification mutually exclusive? 17:09 - If you're not getting something out of the meeting, maybe you're not the problem after all 19:10 - Greek words for worship 26:15 - Martin Luther's translation work 28:30 - Why weren't these worship words used in the early church? 31:38 - God's people as temples 32:40 - How can we be sure these words didn't take on new meaning? 39:30 - Christianity is a way of life 40:43 - The shift toward worship services as we know them 45:33 - How we got off track and the continuing reformation 50:18 - Why is this important to the average person? 52:08 - How does this affect our modern churches? 55:50 - Ignore the walls, focus on the people 57:15 - Pushback and responses 1:00:00 - How small groups affect edification 1:03:10 - Conclusion The Assembly: How We Got Worship Wrong: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBymWQLP-rkGoTzyS81-MIi5q63Aq4UgI&si=tuXacmFHhkGv72vW Tom's web site: https://www.tomwadsworth.com/ https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

This podcast episode explores the controversial topic of whether unmarried men can serve as pastors, examining biblical qualifications and common objections. We consider key scriptural passages and argue that while single men can teach and preach, being married with children is a necessary qualification for pastoral leadership according to the New Testament. Read: https://ready4eternity.com/may-an-unmarried-man-be-a-pastor/ https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

This episode explores the contentious topic of women serving as pastors, examining biblical passages and interpretations that have traditionally excluded women from this role. We examine various arguments for and against women pastors, ultimately concluding that while the Bible permits women to teach and preach, it specifically reserves the role of pastor for married men, based on the requirements outlined in 1 Timothy and Titus. Read: https://ready4eternity.com/what-does-the-bible-say-pastors-are-supposed-to-do/ https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

This episode explores the controversial interpretation of 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, challenging the traditional view that women should remain silent in churches. Through careful examination of biblical context and historical practices, we uncover a more nuanced understanding of women's roles in early Christian communities and their implications for modern church leadership. Read: https://ready4eternity.com/women-are-to-keep-silent-in-the-churches/ https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

This podcast episode explores the interpretation of 1 Timothy 2:11-14, arguing that the passage refers to husband-wife relationships rather than women's roles in church leadership. The episdoe examines the original Greek text, and related biblical passages to challenge traditional interpretations and discuss the intended meaning of Paul's words for Christian marriages. Read: https://ready4eternity.com/does-the-bible-really-say-a-woman-is-not-permitted-to-teach-a-man-part-2/ https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

In this episode, we lay the groundwork for a deeper understanding of 1 Timothy 2:11-14, challenging traditional interpretations that have missed the point of Paul's teaching. This foundational discussion sets the stage for our next episode, where we'll explore how these insights reshape our view of Paul's message and its implications for the modern church. Read: https://ready4eternity.com/does-the-bible-really-say-a-woman-is-not-permitted-to-teach-a-man-part-1/ https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

Ever wondered if your pastor is wearing too many hats? Discover what the Bible really says pastors should focus on and why some duties might be distractions from their true calling. https://ready4eternity.com/what-does-the-bible-say-pastors-are-supposed-to-do/ https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

This episode explores the controversial topic of women preachers by delving into the biblical distinctions between preaching and pastoring. Through careful examination of New Testament language and context, the episode challenges common misconceptions and offers a thought-provoking perspective on the roles of women in spreading the gospel. Read more: https://ready4eternity.com/does-the-bible-permit-a-woman-to-preach/ https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

The New Testament never refers to a congregation’s leader as a preacher! Discover the distinct roles of pastors and preachers and why most Christians use these terms interchangeably. Read more: https://ready4eternity.com/your-pastor-probably-isnt-a-preacher/ https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

Uncover why the New Testament’s interchangeable use of pastor, elder, overseer, and steward challenges modern church titles and hierarchies. This episode reveals that the way modern Christians use these terms are not the way the New Testament uses them. Read more: https://ready4eternity.com/pastor-and-other-words-the-bible-uses-to-describe-an-overseer/ https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

Is the clergy-laity divide biblical? There's a surprising gap between modern church leadership practices and New Testament teachings. Read more: https://ready4eternity.com/is-the-clergy-laity-distinction-biblical/ https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

Dive into the enigma of Melchizedek, a mysterious biblical figure who has sparked centuries of speculation. This podcast discusses the theories surrounding his identity, from being the pre-incarnate Christ to Noah's son Shem, and explores the intriguing implications of his unique priesthood. Read more: https://ready4eternity.com/who-was-melchizedek/ https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

Uncover the mystery behind the all-caps "LORD" in your Bible and dive into the ancient Hebrew name that's too sacred to speak. From forgotten pronunciations to hidden meanings, this podcast reveals the fascinating history encoded in those four holy letters. Read more: https://ready4eternity.com/why-is-lord-often-in-all-caps-in-the-bible/ https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

Explore the ancient Near Eastern ritual of "cutting a covenant" and its significance in the story of Abraham. Discover how this strange ceremony involving halved animals reveals God's extraordinary commitment to fulfill His covenant, even at the cost of His own life centuries later. Read more: https://ready4eternity.com/the-bizarre-story-of-abraham-cutting-animals-in-half/ https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

The true lesson of Cain and Abel's sacrifices may not be what you think. Join us as we reexamine this familiar biblical story, uncovering an often-overlooked perspective that offers a fresh take on this story. Read more: https://ready4eternity.com/the-real-reason-god-rejected-cains-offering/ https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

In this episode, we delve into the true nature of Moses' sin at the rock of Meribah, challenging common interpretations. Read more: https://ready4eternity.com/the-sin-that-kept-moses-out-of-the-promised-land/ https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

In this podcast episode, we explore the common misconception that Jesus was crucified on Mount Moriah, the site of Solomon's temple. We discuss into the theological connections between Isaac and Jesus, examining the parallels and foreshadowing in their stories. Read more: https://ready4eternity.com/was-jesus-sacrificed-on-mount-moriah/ https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

Jewish (and Christian) tradition says that the binding of Isaac took place on what is today the Temple Mount. Does the Bible support this claim? Read more: https://ready4eternity.com/did-the-binding-of-isaac-happen-on-the-temple-mount/ https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

Welcome to the introductory episode of "Ready4Eternity: Blog Narration!" In this podcast, we're bringing the biblical studies from our blog at https://Ready4Eternity.com to the audio format. For now, this podcast is an experiment, or a trial run. If you'd like for this to become permanent, leave some encouraging words on Facebook or X (Twitter): https://x.com/Ready4Eternity https://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.