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The Purpose of Life
The Purpose of Life Website Ministry
The following links are either to sites that I have found very helpful in one way or another,
(enough for me to support them with a link here), or they belong to those I have
corresponded with that, in some areas, have similar beliefs as myself, some of whom I
personally know.
The list is quite selective, but some of these sites have pages supplying numerous links to many other good sites and various resources. I've added some thoughts and comments where appropriate. As much as I don't like 'labels' I've tried to group the links into categories for convenience.
Of course, I do not necessarily accept everything taught on these sites, and there is a mixture of various doctrinal viewpoints (e.g. some teach Universal Reconciliation, while others teach Eternal Hell). So I leave it up to you, the 'searcher,' to discern for yourself as to what you accept as truth. Hopefully, there's a broad spectrum of material here on a variety of subjects to cause one to think bigger!
The list is quite selective, but some of these sites have pages supplying numerous links to many other good sites and various resources. I've added some thoughts and comments where appropriate. As much as I don't like 'labels' I've tried to group the links into categories for convenience.
Of course, I do not necessarily accept everything taught on these sites, and there is a mixture of various doctrinal viewpoints (e.g. some teach Universal Reconciliation, while others teach Eternal Hell). So I leave it up to you, the 'searcher,' to discern for yourself as to what you accept as truth. Hopefully, there's a broad spectrum of material here on a variety of subjects to cause one to think bigger!
As I live in the UK, I thought it would be good to list some UK UR sites here, as the majority are usually based
in North America. Other sites are listed below. If you are aware of any others please let me know. I prefer to
use the term "Universal Reconciliation/Restoration" rather than "Universalism" as the former terms are more
scriptural. "Universalism" is a broad umbrella term that includes many ideas that are unbiblical.
Universal Reconciliation Sites in the UK
The Prophetic Telegraph - Arthur and Rosalind Eedle
Bible Studies for Growth in God - Robert Beecham
God's Plan For All - David and Zoë Sulem
Not Just Notes - Tony Idemudia Asakpa
Bible Studies for Growth in God - Robert Beecham
God's Plan For All - David and Zoë Sulem
Not Just Notes - Tony Idemudia Asakpa
The Riddleblog - Dr Kim Riddlebarger. Some good resources from the Reformed Covenant Theology
perspective, with a focus on Eschatology (Last Days). I would agree with a large portion of Kim's teaching. I
would recommend his book A Case For Amillennialism: Understanding the End Times. I would also recommend
the book that Riddlebarger often quotes from - The Bible and the Future by the late Anthony Hoekema.
Other UR sites
Associates for Scriptural Knowledge - The writings of Ernest L. Martin and David Sielaff
Publishers of the Concordant Literal New Testament. Though I was
greatly influenced by the teachings of A. E. Knoch and the CPC for a
time, and I still greatly respect Knoch's work, I no longer accept their
'Ultra-Dispensational' views, though, which places a division between
Paul's ministry and the Twelve Apostles.
Reformed Covenant Theology
Grace Universal - Bob Cope
Tentmaker Ministries - Gary Amirault
Hell is Not Endless! - Rodger Tutt
God's Kingdom Ministries - Stephen E. Jones
Noble Chit Chat - Ken Barber
Hell is Not Endless! - Rodger Tutt
God's Kingdom Ministries - Stephen E. Jones
Noble Chit Chat - Ken Barber
Charles and Paula Slagle
Is, Was and Will Be - Mike Vinson
Exposing Those Who Contradict - L. Ray Smith
God's Golden Knight - Mark Farquharson
Is, Was and Will Be - Mike Vinson
Exposing Those Who Contradict - L. Ray Smith
God's Golden Knight - Mark Farquharson
Articles/Online Books
A Short History of Universal Reconciliation by Dr Stephen E. Jones - An excellent place to start for those who
wish to know the truth about what the majority of the early Christians really believed....and it wasn't the
doctrine of Eternal Torment in Hell! This will help to dispel the lie that 'Universalism' has always been viewed
as heresy! It just ain't so!
I met Stephen a few times and visited his home when he was living near Seattle during my visits to the US in 1995-96. He has been blessed with much knowledge and understanding, especially concerning the Divine Law and Typology. He leans very heavily toward the beliefs of Israel Identity/Manifest Sons/Universal Restoration (though I hate putting people in boxes and giving them labels - sorry Stephen!). I greatly value his knowledge and insight, even though fundamentally, I do not accept the Israel Identity/Manifest Sons movement's core doctrines.
The Judgments of the Divine Law by Dr Stephen E. Jones - This short book shows that God's Kingdom will bring about Universal Restoration in accordance with God's righteousness and love. Included is a very useful chapter looking at the views of some of the 'Early Church Fathers' on human destiny.
I met Stephen a few times and visited his home when he was living near Seattle during my visits to the US in 1995-96. He has been blessed with much knowledge and understanding, especially concerning the Divine Law and Typology. He leans very heavily toward the beliefs of Israel Identity/Manifest Sons/Universal Restoration (though I hate putting people in boxes and giving them labels - sorry Stephen!). I greatly value his knowledge and insight, even though fundamentally, I do not accept the Israel Identity/Manifest Sons movement's core doctrines.
The Judgments of the Divine Law by Dr Stephen E. Jones - This short book shows that God's Kingdom will bring about Universal Restoration in accordance with God's righteousness and love. Included is a very useful chapter looking at the views of some of the 'Early Church Fathers' on human destiny.
The Early Christian View of The Saviour - A very informative and enlightening article about Universalism in the
early centuries of the Church by Gary Amirault (Tentmaker website).
An Analytical Study of Words - A good resource book for understanding the real meaning for 'hell,' 'forever and ever,' etc. There is also a list of the Bibles that translate the Greek words aion and aionian more accurately.
Universalism: The Prevailing Doctrine of the Christian Church During Its First Five-Hundred Years - An excellent resource book originally written by J.W. Hanson in 1899.
Summary of Conclusions - 31 extremely good reasons for accepting the historical doctrine of Universal Salvation as belonging to the early church.
An Analytical Study of Words - A good resource book for understanding the real meaning for 'hell,' 'forever and ever,' etc. There is also a list of the Bibles that translate the Greek words aion and aionian more accurately.
Universalism: The Prevailing Doctrine of the Christian Church During Its First Five-Hundred Years - An excellent resource book originally written by J.W. Hanson in 1899.
Summary of Conclusions - 31 extremely good reasons for accepting the historical doctrine of Universal Salvation as belonging to the early church.
Zionism
Benny Hinn & Healing Ministries
Christian Charities
Stephen Sizer - I recently came across Stephen's site in March 2008. He is becoming well known for his
strong stance against Christian Zionism and the system of Dispensationalism. I was excited to discover that
my own findings and beliefs in recent years, and my eventual rejection of Dispensationalism, reflected in my
revised writings, were confirmed by what I read in Stephen's articles. My views are very much in accord with
Stephen's teaching. I would highly recommend his book Zion's Christian Soldiers? The Bible, Israel and the
Church.
Jews Not Zionists - This site contains some very sobering material and documentation in relation to the
founding of the modern State of Israel, some of which is extremely horrifying. Many religious Jews can see
that the violent, terrorist tactics of the founders of the modern state of Israel are wicked and lawless, and
they also recognise that the Jewish race is in exile for her sins. Yet, in contrast to this, numerous Christian
Zionists show full support for Israel in complete contradiction of Jesus' teaching and the laws of God!
Are today's Jews true Israelites? - This article contains some extremely important and eye-opening
information on the origin of modern 'Zionism' and the true facts concerning the genealogy of the majority of
'Jews' today. Fundamentally, I do not agree with the beliefs of the British Israel/Identity movements, but the
overall facts in this article are intriguing and thought provoking.
The Struggle for the Birthright - This is an online book by Dr Stephen E. Jones available on his website God's Kingdom Ministries. This book contains a lot of historical and spiritual information concerning the descendants of Jacob and Esau, and the roots of modern Zionism and the State of Israel.
The Struggle for the Birthright - This is an online book by Dr Stephen E. Jones available on his website God's Kingdom Ministries. This book contains a lot of historical and spiritual information concerning the descendants of Jacob and Esau, and the roots of modern Zionism and the State of Israel.
Articles/Online Books
Metro Ministries - The incredible work of Bill Wilson amongst the poor children of New York and other areas of
the world.
Release International: The Voice of the Persecuted Church - A UK based Christian charity that supports persecuted Christians from around the world. One of the main acts of monetary giving in the Early Church was supporting fellow believers in genuine need, particularly due to persecution.
Stepping Stones Nigeria - A UK based charity helping the persecuted children of Africa, particularly those branded as witches by 'pastors' and shamans. This organisation is not overtly Christian, but ironically they are doing the work of Jesus by helping the poor and oppressed - those being, shockingly, the innocent children abused by 'christian' pastors and their flock!
Release International: The Voice of the Persecuted Church - A UK based Christian charity that supports persecuted Christians from around the world. One of the main acts of monetary giving in the Early Church was supporting fellow believers in genuine need, particularly due to persecution.
Stepping Stones Nigeria - A UK based charity helping the persecuted children of Africa, particularly those branded as witches by 'pastors' and shamans. This organisation is not overtly Christian, but ironically they are doing the work of Jesus by helping the poor and oppressed - those being, shockingly, the innocent children abused by 'christian' pastors and their flock!
The Conflict of Ages: A Treatise on the Dichotomy of Military Service and the Kingdom of God - A
straightforward consideration of Christian Pacifism, both biblically and historically. I totally agree with the
author's conclusions. True disciples of Jesus are to be Ambassadors for Christ, and not warriors of the State.
Miscellaneous
N. T. Wright Resource Page - Numerous resources relating to Tom Wright, one of the world's leading biblical
scholars who is now Research Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at the School of Divinity,
University of St Andrews in Scotland. From what I've heard or read of his work so far, I am very much in
agreement with his views on many biblical subjects.