The Bible describes a series of events which define the return of the Lord. One such line of prophecy is called "birth pangs", being likened to the onset of human birth. This is a very interesting metaphor, because many of the events of human labour are easy to identify, and by their nature, continue to intensify and are irreversible.

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Part 2 of a brief outline comparing the old and new temples of God.

Part 1 of a brief outline comparing the old and new temples of God.

All sciences have tools or documented comparisons so any device or formula can be calibrated against a proven measure or standard. The reality of bible salvation is based on a series of promises and actions which God has promised through His Holy Spirit, of which He confirms. God is well aware of human failure and has thus calibrated His word and blessings with signs and evidence outside of intellectual and emotional factors alone. Like the Prime Meridian (the 0 degree line of longitude) used for all charting and travelling on the earth's surface, the church needs a fixed starting point of reference, or natural wisdom will corrupt spiritual truths.

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There are two main identities that God reveals about himself when dealing with us on a personal level. The first identity he takes on is "Father" and the second main identity he takes on is "Friend". God takes on these identities so he can be better visualised and easily understood. These identities make it a lot simpler to know how to approach him and what to build our expectations upon. The salvation message of repentance, water baptism and the receiving (anointing) of the Holy Spirit gives us new status, or a fresh start.

The world is full of fake news and fake gospels. We can't always fact check the news, but we can always fact check the salvation gospel and its content: by comparing the Bible with the works God is doing with his people.

Part 2. It should not be surprising that the church of God is structured on the same principles as the family unit. Almost all the benefits and challenges of a family are also part of church life. The Bible offers some wonderful insight.