...enlightens me to better understand Gods word. Over the last seven weeks Theology really made me dig deeper to fully get a clearer understanding, and broader insight of the Christian way of life. Every week I grasp on to different things; some in which I did not know nothing about and others where it enrich my mind as a teaching tool. Within this paper, I would discuss three topics that I found to be the most intriguing. The topics that will be discussed are; does the Bible have authority? If a person is a Christian, does it matter how they live their life? And what can your local church do to better communicate God’s love to your community? As you read this paper rely on your mind to indulge on the importance of God and how all three topics are surrounded by his will. II. Section One (Does the Bible have authority?) The B-I-B-L-E yes that is the book for me……A lot of people say the Bible is the authority, but you have to keep in mind that God ordained the holy men to write as they was moved by the holy spirit, and yet to remind his people of his love. Often people make the Bible their god instead of God, in other words the real authority is God; He just often shows us what to do or how to live through the Bible.Authority can be described as power to influence or command thought, opinion, behavior, or convincing force (Webster, 2002); it is illustrated in the with a good deal of elasticity. The bible is a collection of sixty-six books written by man. The bible is one book...
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...Introduction Many thoughts come to mind as I ponder the question of what it means to be a Christian. Sinfulness, forgiveness, faith, grace are just a few topics involved in being a Christian. Specific things must happen for one to become a Christian. Scripture is clear about how to become a Christian, (“If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9 NIV) “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 NIV)). After doing so, however, what does a Christian look like in their day to day living? What things does a follower of Christ actively do and participate in that reflects who they are and who’s they are? Two things that are important for me to engage in and display as a Christian are prayer and worship. Part One (Prayer) The Bible does not specifically give a definition of prayer. We can only look at what it says about prayer and the references it makes to prayer in order to understand what it is. By doing so, we can conclude that prayer is simply talking to God, either audibly or inaudibly, and expressing our feelings and thoughts to Him. It is how we communicate with God. Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” We can pray on behalf of ourselves or for someone else. “Therefore confess...
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...Reflect Reflecting on Better Christian Means REFLECTION PAPER I. Introduction There are many that would argue that there is no God. They would argue that the Bible is just another book, and Jesus is just another man. They would most likely tell you that they outgrew Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and God, a very long time ago. So what is it that makes a believer different? What makes us think that we are right, and that the others are wrong? I believe it to be a question of authority. I believe that the Bible is a book of absolute authority. If that is in fact the case that would mean that Jesus has walked on this earth, and He will come again. So if I believe that the Bible has authority, and Jesus has been here and is coming again, is there a way that I should act because of this knowledge? I believe that there is. I will try to explain my beliefs and what I have learned, through this paper. II. Does the Bible have authority? There is a very simple and quite easy to understand answer to this question. Yes! I will tell you that although it is a simple answer; coming to that conclusion can be more difficult. There seems to be almost as many questions created by the Bible, as there are answers in it. If studied though, even by a non-believer, the Bible becomes an answer unto itself. The Old Testament predicts many things that happen in the New Testament and beyond. It predicts the birth of...
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...Bibliology: Inspiration and Inerrancy of the Bible Dana Peebles THEO 201: THEOLOGY SURVEY 1 Writing Style: APA Professor Gaston July 5, 2014 Well, hello there. I am so glad you asked me why in the world I would be studying the Bible, and how can I possibly consider it to be authoritative. I must say, that when I first started reading it I found that I had more questions than answers and really wasn’t sure of its authenticity myself. However, what I found was that within the pages of the Bible, came forth the very answers I was looking for. For so long, I found scripture confusing and contradictive. But then, I read that “God is not the author of confusion, but a God of peace.” (1 Corinthians 14:33) With that being said, I would love to discuss further with you what it is that I understand the Bible to be. The Bible is an extraordinary book, and it makes some pretty impressive statements. It records details of creation, life, moral laws of God, the history of man’s rebellion against God, and the proclamation of God’s redemption for those who trust and believe in Him. Also, the Bible is God’s revelation to us. If we are feeling lost, it gives us hope for how we should live, why we exist, what happens when we die, and what our meaning and purpose is in life. When you think of the word “authoritative,” it can have several different meanings. The most common one I believe is the fact that we are not in control, and that means we are usually submissive to people or situations...
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...glory for saving and keeping. So it is the doctrine that the devil hates more than any other. Therefore if one dislikes this doctrine, you know whose side he is on. The words "eternal security" are not found in the Bible. But neither is the word substitute, or the word Trinity. Yet Christians have always believed that Christ was our substitute; that God is a Trinity. Though the exact word that we may use is not found in the Bible, the teaching is there! The terminology used by some when discussing the doctrine of the safety of the Believer may not be found exactly per say but the teaching is there, without doubt. The Bible says, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous runeth into it and is safe." (Proverbs 18:10) "The fear of man bringeth a snare, but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe." (Proverbs 29:25) The word "safe" used in both these verses, is an absolute term. You cannot be half safe. If you are only half safe then you are not safe. If you are safe then you are not in any danger. You are not safe until you are completely out of danger. The Bible says those who have trusted Christ are safe. The Bible is either right or wrong. We are safe or we are not. I believe the Bible. While the term "eternal security" is not used in the Bible, all phases of our salvation are said to be eternal. In fact, our salvation is called "eternal salvation" in Hebrews 5:9. The life we receive at salvation is eternal life. (I John 5:13) We have eternal redemption. (Hebrews...
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...as he sees Euthyphro as a rare person prosecuting his father in the name of religion. He then questions what piety is and what is impiety? This question takes a prominent position in the conversation between Socrates and Euthyphro because Socrates always had questions about religion. Secondly, Socrates was being prosecuted for creating his own from of religion which he now questions the validity of piety and impiety. Lastly, Socrates questions Euthyphro’s thought process of him prosecuting his own father in the name of religion which led up to the prominent position between Socrates and Euthyphro. Euthyphro uses three main definitions on what are piety and impiety, and each time Socrates challenges Euthyphro’s thought process on each definition. The first definition that Euthyphro uses is based on the fact that he is prosecuting his father. Euthyphro’s argument was that everyone that does wrong should be punished no matter who does it. Euthyphro justifies his definition by using an example of how Zeus punished his own father, Cronos, in a similar fashion. Socrates says that prosecuting his father was only a mere example of a pious deed and there are other deeds that are noble and pious, therefore his question still remains unanswered. Furthermore, Socrates required a general definition on what is piety and what is impiety....
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...to look up, and some have a happy medium of both the original text mixed with a modern translation to aid in understanding. Even though every bible is worded different the message stays the same with Ezekiel 37: 1-14. In this passage the prophet Ezekiel is having a vision. God has taken him to a valley full of dried out bones that have been scattered about. This is when God asks Ezekiel if he thinks the bones could live. Ezekiel is smart and answers God by saying that only that he, the lord, could know the answer. God then demonstrates his power by telling Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones. While Ezekiel is prophesying the bones reconnect, form tendons, muscles, skin, and become living people. God then tells Ezekiel that he will restore his people from their grave, and that the land of Israel will once again become his land[1]. The meaning of Ezekiel 37 can sometimes be hard to understand. The scribes who first interpreted the Old Testament took the text literally. They believed that the Old Testament was saying that the bones were those of the dead Israelites, and thought the message was about actual resurrection of the dead[2]. The scribes are most likely wrong, but at the time they had no way of knowing a hundred percent of what the bible was trying to tell you. Today there is still no way of knowing a 100 percent sure of what the bible is telling because of all the different possible interpretations. For example, the very first verse of Ezekiel 37 has many ambiguous words that...
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...World Religions Report Beverly Ross HUM/130 Kenneth Dietz December 17, 2010 Credentials are important when you are choosing a religion. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe in the Bible as the guiding source based on worthy credentials. Their truths are based on the sacred writings of the Bible. For example Genesis 1:1 says: There is one almighty God and Creator who made all things. They believe in one creator who has a name, and that name is Jehovah. Jehovah’s Witnesses are members of a World Wide Christian Religion who share with others information about God and his son, Jesus Christ. They base their belief mainly on the principles found in the Holy Bible, and view first century Christianity as their source. Their founder is Charles Taze Russell whose background and study of the Bible led him to conclude that hellfire does not exist, God is not a Trinity, and that 1914 marked the second coming of Christ. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that all scriptures are inspired of God and beneficial, but some people have even claimed that they are not even Christians. They believe that “There is not another name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must get saved, which is Jesus Christ”. That is quoted in Acts 4:12 of the Bible. They believe that God is greater than Jesus, and that Jesus himself acknowledged that: “The Father is greater that I am,” (John 14:28) they also believe that they should be like Jesus by making God’s name manifest...
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...MacMaster IDST 1128-02 Spring Project March 24, 2011 The Truth behind Free Will: Luther vs. Erasmus The notion of free will is one of the most complex notions to define and to understand; it is defined differently according to one’s interpretation of the scriptures, especially the Bible. Both Martin Luther and Desiderius Erasmus, influenced by their faith and beliefs, write respectively against and for free will. Both try to adequately answer the questions: Does man have free will? If yes, why and how? If not, how? Possible answers to these questions given by both authors and some scholars who write against or for each one of these opponents’ arguments highlight, especially, the differences in the conception of man’s free will. Luther and his supporters view free will as an imaginary or impossible and dangerous thing to have; Erasmus and his supporters defend that the existence of man’s free will is irrefutable for it is in human nature itself as the Bible says it. In spite of some of Luther’s good ideas that prove man’s absence of free will and Erasmus’ excellent interpretation of the Bible, neither of them fully responds to the human yearning of knowing the concept of free will. After a thorough and wise analysis of the defense and abnegation of man’s free will of these authors, I find it impossible to fully deny or prove the existence of man’s free will. It is important to take into account Luther’s argument...
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...REFLECTION PAPER INTRODUCTION My topics I will be addressing are Bible Study & Resurrection of Jesus Christ. I chose these topics due to nature of the subjects, what I was reading and learned over the past few weeks in Theology 104. I will give a full analysis of what I have read & implemented in my everyday life as I move forward in this class. TOPIC 1: BIBLE STUDY The Theological Definition of Bible Study: Bible theology is an attempt to articulate the theological aspects that the Bible contains as its writers addressed their particular settings. It is also the study of the Bible that seeks to discover what the biblical writers, under divine guidance, believed, described, and taught in the context of their own times. The Biblical Foundation of Bible Study: are the doctrines & teachings found in the Word of God that Christians cherish the most. These doctrines or teachings are taught very precisely from the word of God. There’s some examples; the virgin birth of Christ, the second coming of Christ, the preservation of the Word of God, & the atonement of our sins. The Practical Application of Bible Study: From the theological definition & the biblical foundation of Bible Study I’m taking in to consideration I am more about the studying habits set forth in learning about the Word of God. I see it along with my fellow classmates in this course how we can all grow closer to God knowing what Christ the Son did for us when he gave his life as a price for...
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...Martha Belton Reflection Paper Theology 104 Introduction What can your local Church do to better communicate God’s love to your community? Does the Bible have authority? Did Jesus claim to be God? These are three topics I choose because it was very interesting to me when we talk about Jesus Christ, as our savior. A person living as a Christian should have a good attitude about their self, they should have a caring, loving and forgiving people who does God love. What can your local Church do to better communicate God’s love to your community? I think Church’s has responsibilities to spread the gospel to everyone As Christians we need to know that it was God’s grace and mercy that saved us. Church should not focus on the bad and wrong, but focus good potential in the people and community. The church membership and leadership in our community should embrace diversity without regards of labeling people. The church should not stop people from participation in any church functions, but it should not be limited to race, mental and physical health, gender and age etc. The problem churches have in today world they have to change from contemporary to modern to meet the need of people without them losing what the mission of church is for. Christianity is the most misunderstood religion in the world. The reason for the misunderstanding is the lies and the lack of stability in the church and the community. Christians are bound by the blood that was shed for us by the son of God...
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...Section Number: THEO 201 D27 Short Essay on Inspiration and Inerrancy It was a routine morning; I woke up to the buzz of my alarm, had breakfast, and was on my way to the park where I have my daily Bible study. However, on this day, my time at the park did not go according to routine as normal. A jogger that regularly runs through the park suddenly approached me. He told me his name, but the next words that came out of his mouth were: “How do you sit there morning after morning and read that Bible. What drives you to do it, and what do Christians find so authoritative about it?” I didn’t respond right away, but after taking a few seconds, I concluded: The term ‘authority,’ when applied to the Bible, also has an application to words spoken or written whose accuracy has been established and whose information can consequently be trusted (McDonald). To say the Bible has authority means that these words have the power and right to command. This authority comes from God and we are meant to give our lives over to this supreme authority. Hence, we worship the God of these words, and not the words themselves. John 5:23 states, “He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.” This evidences that Jesus and God are equal. Since Jesus and God are one, this means that Jesus has this authority as well. Biblical inspiration is a super-natural influence of the Holy Spirit upon divinely chosen agents in consequence of which their writings became trustworthy and authoritative...
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... 2 I. Introduction To define yourself as a Christian is to believe in God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the text of the Holy Bible. Many believers think that this is all it takes to be welcomed into Heaven and enjoy the afterlife in peaceful bliss with their maker. Much of what has been learned in this class these past two months has given me the opportunity to explore Christianity beyond face value, as it should be explored. The true model Christian delves into the inner workings of the scripture and promotes the promises made by God when one lives their life as a messenger of that scripture. Education is the only way to make a person aware of what it truly means to be a Christian. In reflecting on the concepts learned in this class, a series of questions were presented, three chosen, then answered on the basis of what I have learned. The first question I chose was, Does the Bible have authority? Through the Doctrine of the Bible and arguments that the Bible is the Word of God, this question will be answered along with the information in Towns book. Secondly, I chose, Why are personal testimonies important in sharing the gospel? This topic was of great interest to me because I am capable of explaining it from a personal viewpoint. Lastly I chose, If a person is a Christian, does it matter how they live their life? According to Towns (2007) “There are a growing number of people who have mistaken ideas about Christianity because of media bias...
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...expand as you type. A. Core Christianity (textbook): Chapter 2 1. What does dual authorship mean? It means both God & Man were writing the Bible at the same time. 2. What was the Old Testament written on? Vellum or Parchments that were sewn together and rolled into a scroll. 3. What are the three divisions of the Old Testament? Law of Moses, Prophets, and Psalms 4. What did the Psalms scroll contain? The Major Prophets 5. What is a codex? The first title for the books ( New Testament) 6. Where does the name “Bible” come from? Ta Biblia – Latin for “the book”, later translated to Bible in English 7. Where does the term “Scripture” come from? Scriptus which is the act of producing writing. 8. What are three ways the Bible can influence its reader? It’s convicting, convincing, converting power to all who honestly accept its message and believe in Jesus Christ. B. Theology for Today (online excerpts) Arguments that the Bible is the Word of God 1. What three arguments form the basis for arguments from revelation? (1) that the Bible is consistent with itself, (2) that the Bible corresponds with reality, and (3) that the Bible’s claims can be scientifically demonstrated. We shall examine the Bible’s claim that it is the Word of God. 2. What empirical evidence sets Christianity apart from other belief systems? 1. Unique revelation of the Jesus Christ 2. The Bible is from God 3. Fulfillment of Prophecy 4. Convicting, Convincing, Converting...
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...jdunn62@liberty.edu Due Date: Monday @ 11:59 PM (EST) -- midnight James Dunn Name: LU Email Address: BIBL 350 – Inductive Bible Study Assignments for Week #6 Assignment 10-1: Explain the Difference Between Reader Response and Authorial Intent (p.202). (20 Points) Note, this assignment is worth 20 points and should reflect considerable thought and effort in your response. Make sure you include in your explanation definitions of the terms involved. What role do presuppositions play in interpreting the Bible? Who controls the meaning of a biblical text? What is the source of reader-response view? What are the two main interpretive questions involved in these two views of who determines meaning? Reader Response: Reader response is the result of when the reader overlooks or neglects to discover what the author is intending to communicate in a biblical verse or passage. This method is dangerous as the reader attempts to bend the Word to their particular situation or circumstance. The question for this method by the reader is, “What does this verse and or passage mean to me?” rather than asking, “What is it that God is trying to communicate to me?” Or, “What does God want to teach me from this?” Reader response must be avoided at all cost as it has the potential to lead someone astray and down the wrong path. Scripture in the practice of this method is quoted out of context and is not taught or quoted as the author intended. Authorial Intent: Authorial intent would...
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