One of the most significant questions a Christian apologist would have to face at least in a life... more One of the most significant questions a Christian apologist would have to face at least in a lifetime career is in regards of the trueness of religion. A number of atheists would argue that religion is most likely a creation of society. In fact, the whole point is that there is no such thing as a god, a creator or superior being. They don’t believe in religion. Some believe that religious sect is just a matter of maintaining society at a certain level of stability or instability depending on the objective of higher social category. Dawkins, a scientist and atheist, reports in one of his books a famous quote of one of the greatest rulers, the French monarch Napoleon Bonaparte, who said once: “Religion is excellent stuff for keeping common people quiet.” Lucius Annaeus Seneca, a Spaniard statesman, philosopher, advocate and a man of letters of the 5th century, also declared that “religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful.” Others would choose to be simply skeptical about the situation. The case of establishing Christianity as the true religion –or even the only true one– requires arguments of proof of the existence of God Himself. It is evident that not recognizing there is a Supreme Being over humans implies that Jesus was basically a common being. Further, since Christianity was beforehand founded on the Gospels, one would not accept the deity of Jesus if these gospels are not accepted as authentic. With these being said, this paper is intended to answer questions such as: Does God exist? What religion is the true one? Why should one believe in Jesus? and so on. The aim of this paper is to use evidences and reasoning based on a logical process in order to get a potential atheist (or maybe a non-believer in the deity of Jesus) into the path of understanding –furthermore accepting– the reasons upon which Christianity is the true religion.
The aim of this paper is to consider and explain the different stage of cognitive development i... more The aim of this paper is to consider and explain the different stage of cognitive development in childhood, and provide some applications for ministries. Intellectual development may tremendously impact a child’s whole life. For instance, it is a fact that the less an adult see children thoughts as ridiculous, the more they create frustration for not being able to communicate with them and meet their needs. As a result, children suffer emotionally and tend not to get to their full potential as a human being.
The aim of this paper is to analyze the theological and thematic organization and the unity of th... more The aim of this paper is to analyze the theological and thematic organization and the unity of the Old Testament by exploring some specific theological themes from the original sin to salvation by overviewing the covenant between God and Israel within the Old Testament. The fall
The aim of this paper is to explore the concept of kingship in the Ancient Near Eastern civilizat... more The aim of this paper is to explore the concept of kingship in the Ancient Near Eastern civilizations, understand the implications of the office and the function of kings before to see its application to the time of the Old Testament world.
Christians agree that their holy book called ―Word of God‖ consists of the whole conception,
expr... more Christians agree that their holy book called ―Word of God‖ consists of the whole conception, expression and identity of God himself. In fact, we (I am a Christian too) all would support that the Word is God himself. Therefore, knowing the Word is indubitably knows God himself. The Word speaks about God. God speaks through the Word. The Word is God1 . It has been more than two thousand years that all the major civilizations have been influenced by the ―Word of God‖. One may be right to say that the product of today’s societies is somewhat an impact of God’s imprint. Among the influences of God on nowadays’ global communities, one of them may be angled from the gender factor. The world is masculine. National leaders have mostly been men. They are deciders and guide of families. They may occupy any position; whereas it is not the case for women. Even at birth – in some societies – having a male is seen mostly as a blessing than the opposite sex. In sum, it is irrefutable that in every civilization, the dominant factor has always been men. Many atheist thinkers and secular feminists accuse God directly for such condition. Do you think God is sexist?
This reflection will firstly be built around the theme “sanctification”, its implications in a Ch... more This reflection will firstly be built around the theme “sanctification”, its implications in a Christian’s life as “disciple” of Jesus before moving forward with some practical conducts.
Once saved, always saved - The plea for eternal security of believers.
1. We cannot know for su... more Once saved, always saved - The plea for eternal security of believers.
1. We cannot know for sure who is saved or not.
2. Good work does not mean faith, even though faith implies good work.
3. Whoever drives away from faith did not fully – or even at all – come to Jesus.
Paul F. M. Zahl writes about “Formal-Liturgical Worship”, which he also calls Bible-based vertica... more Paul F. M. Zahl writes about “Formal-Liturgical Worship”, which he also calls Bible-based verticality. He defines the concept formal as “dignified service that is not governed by the spontaneity of the moment or the spontaneity of the officiant. It means service in a form, within a mold. It is not off the cuff or as mood would govern. Rather, it accepts the constraint of a consistent and predictable pattern.” And, liturgical means it is a “prescribed worship, service that is required for a given occasion.” He insists on the prominence of the Bible as the source for all kind of worship. It must be based on the Word. Theology has to precede the act of worship, he says.
The book presents the quintessence of Christianity. Throughout the lines of this book, the theme ... more The book presents the quintessence of Christianity. Throughout the lines of this book, the theme Christian morality is widely discussed. The author also defends the existence of God in a very apologetic way – as well as the Christian faith. Mere Christianity is a set of four books: “Right and Wrong as a Clue to the Meaning of the Universe”, “What Christians Believe”, “Christian Behaviour”, and “Beyond Personality: or First Steps in the Doctrine of the Trinity”.
The book is intended to engage a debate between four thinkers, two theists and two atheists. On a... more The book is intended to engage a debate between four thinkers, two theists and two atheists. On a same panel of reflection, the discussions contrast the thinkers’ approaches about God and moral philosophy.
Letter to a young believer who is struggling with how to relate to a friend who practices homosex... more Letter to a young believer who is struggling with how to relate to a friend who practices homosexuality or has strong same sex attractions.
A fellow church staff member was having difficulty with his computer, and asked you to look it ov... more A fellow church staff member was having difficulty with his computer, and asked you to look it over, since you have more computer expertise. While fixing the problem, you came across a number of files in which pornographic Internet sites had been accessed from that computer. Some of the sites showed female nudity; others dealt with themes of homosexuality and bondage. One site even dealt with sex with younger boys. What should you do?
Bob married Martha eight years ago, and they quickly had three children. After six especially tum... more Bob married Martha eight years ago, and they quickly had three children. After six especially tumultuous months, Bob came home from work one day and found a note taped to the refrigerator: “Dear Bob, I can’t keep giving anymore. I need some time for myself. Good-bye for now.” The financial stress on Bob has been great since his factory wages only partly meet the needs of the family. Bob has lost his home, and the children have moved in with his parents. Two years have gone by and after repeated attempts to find her, Bob believes Martha is gone forever. He has no idea what sort of life Martha is living and has had very little contact with her. Though he is generally opposed to divorce, he comes to his pastor wondering if God will punish him if he gets divorced. “Martha isn’t coming back, and my children need a mother,” he says “Would God punish me if I got a divorce and began to date again?” How should the pastor respond?
Greg Heilser describes the plan and purpose of the book in his introduction. He makes is clear th... more Greg Heilser describes the plan and purpose of the book in his introduction. He makes is clear that Spirit-Led Preaching is more about a mind-set than a method (4). It is an encouragement to intentionally prepare and deliver our sermons under the leadership and power of the Holy Spirit. While considering preaching as an act of surrender, he expresses that book is designed to be a help for preachers in understanding how preaching is influenced by the Holy Spirit.
One of the most significant questions a Christian apologist would have to face at least in a life... more One of the most significant questions a Christian apologist would have to face at least in a lifetime career is in regards of the trueness of religion. A number of atheists would argue that religion is most likely a creation of society. In fact, the whole point is that there is no such thing as a god, a creator or superior being. They don’t believe in religion. Some believe that religious sect is just a matter of maintaining society at a certain level of stability or instability depending on the objective of higher social category. Dawkins, a scientist and atheist, reports in one of his books a famous quote of one of the greatest rulers, the French monarch Napoleon Bonaparte, who said once: “Religion is excellent stuff for keeping common people quiet.” Lucius Annaeus Seneca, a Spaniard statesman, philosopher, advocate and a man of letters of the 5th century, also declared that “religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful.” Others would choose to be simply skeptical about the situation. The case of establishing Christianity as the true religion –or even the only true one– requires arguments of proof of the existence of God Himself. It is evident that not recognizing there is a Supreme Being over humans implies that Jesus was basically a common being. Further, since Christianity was beforehand founded on the Gospels, one would not accept the deity of Jesus if these gospels are not accepted as authentic. With these being said, this paper is intended to answer questions such as: Does God exist? What religion is the true one? Why should one believe in Jesus? and so on. The aim of this paper is to use evidences and reasoning based on a logical process in order to get a potential atheist (or maybe a non-believer in the deity of Jesus) into the path of understanding –furthermore accepting– the reasons upon which Christianity is the true religion.
The aim of this paper is to consider and explain the different stage of cognitive development i... more The aim of this paper is to consider and explain the different stage of cognitive development in childhood, and provide some applications for ministries. Intellectual development may tremendously impact a child’s whole life. For instance, it is a fact that the less an adult see children thoughts as ridiculous, the more they create frustration for not being able to communicate with them and meet their needs. As a result, children suffer emotionally and tend not to get to their full potential as a human being.
The aim of this paper is to analyze the theological and thematic organization and the unity of th... more The aim of this paper is to analyze the theological and thematic organization and the unity of the Old Testament by exploring some specific theological themes from the original sin to salvation by overviewing the covenant between God and Israel within the Old Testament. The fall
The aim of this paper is to explore the concept of kingship in the Ancient Near Eastern civilizat... more The aim of this paper is to explore the concept of kingship in the Ancient Near Eastern civilizations, understand the implications of the office and the function of kings before to see its application to the time of the Old Testament world.
Christians agree that their holy book called ―Word of God‖ consists of the whole conception,
expr... more Christians agree that their holy book called ―Word of God‖ consists of the whole conception, expression and identity of God himself. In fact, we (I am a Christian too) all would support that the Word is God himself. Therefore, knowing the Word is indubitably knows God himself. The Word speaks about God. God speaks through the Word. The Word is God1 . It has been more than two thousand years that all the major civilizations have been influenced by the ―Word of God‖. One may be right to say that the product of today’s societies is somewhat an impact of God’s imprint. Among the influences of God on nowadays’ global communities, one of them may be angled from the gender factor. The world is masculine. National leaders have mostly been men. They are deciders and guide of families. They may occupy any position; whereas it is not the case for women. Even at birth – in some societies – having a male is seen mostly as a blessing than the opposite sex. In sum, it is irrefutable that in every civilization, the dominant factor has always been men. Many atheist thinkers and secular feminists accuse God directly for such condition. Do you think God is sexist?
This reflection will firstly be built around the theme “sanctification”, its implications in a Ch... more This reflection will firstly be built around the theme “sanctification”, its implications in a Christian’s life as “disciple” of Jesus before moving forward with some practical conducts.
Once saved, always saved - The plea for eternal security of believers.
1. We cannot know for su... more Once saved, always saved - The plea for eternal security of believers.
1. We cannot know for sure who is saved or not.
2. Good work does not mean faith, even though faith implies good work.
3. Whoever drives away from faith did not fully – or even at all – come to Jesus.
Paul F. M. Zahl writes about “Formal-Liturgical Worship”, which he also calls Bible-based vertica... more Paul F. M. Zahl writes about “Formal-Liturgical Worship”, which he also calls Bible-based verticality. He defines the concept formal as “dignified service that is not governed by the spontaneity of the moment or the spontaneity of the officiant. It means service in a form, within a mold. It is not off the cuff or as mood would govern. Rather, it accepts the constraint of a consistent and predictable pattern.” And, liturgical means it is a “prescribed worship, service that is required for a given occasion.” He insists on the prominence of the Bible as the source for all kind of worship. It must be based on the Word. Theology has to precede the act of worship, he says.
The book presents the quintessence of Christianity. Throughout the lines of this book, the theme ... more The book presents the quintessence of Christianity. Throughout the lines of this book, the theme Christian morality is widely discussed. The author also defends the existence of God in a very apologetic way – as well as the Christian faith. Mere Christianity is a set of four books: “Right and Wrong as a Clue to the Meaning of the Universe”, “What Christians Believe”, “Christian Behaviour”, and “Beyond Personality: or First Steps in the Doctrine of the Trinity”.
The book is intended to engage a debate between four thinkers, two theists and two atheists. On a... more The book is intended to engage a debate between four thinkers, two theists and two atheists. On a same panel of reflection, the discussions contrast the thinkers’ approaches about God and moral philosophy.
Letter to a young believer who is struggling with how to relate to a friend who practices homosex... more Letter to a young believer who is struggling with how to relate to a friend who practices homosexuality or has strong same sex attractions.
A fellow church staff member was having difficulty with his computer, and asked you to look it ov... more A fellow church staff member was having difficulty with his computer, and asked you to look it over, since you have more computer expertise. While fixing the problem, you came across a number of files in which pornographic Internet sites had been accessed from that computer. Some of the sites showed female nudity; others dealt with themes of homosexuality and bondage. One site even dealt with sex with younger boys. What should you do?
Bob married Martha eight years ago, and they quickly had three children. After six especially tum... more Bob married Martha eight years ago, and they quickly had three children. After six especially tumultuous months, Bob came home from work one day and found a note taped to the refrigerator: “Dear Bob, I can’t keep giving anymore. I need some time for myself. Good-bye for now.” The financial stress on Bob has been great since his factory wages only partly meet the needs of the family. Bob has lost his home, and the children have moved in with his parents. Two years have gone by and after repeated attempts to find her, Bob believes Martha is gone forever. He has no idea what sort of life Martha is living and has had very little contact with her. Though he is generally opposed to divorce, he comes to his pastor wondering if God will punish him if he gets divorced. “Martha isn’t coming back, and my children need a mother,” he says “Would God punish me if I got a divorce and began to date again?” How should the pastor respond?
Greg Heilser describes the plan and purpose of the book in his introduction. He makes is clear th... more Greg Heilser describes the plan and purpose of the book in his introduction. He makes is clear that Spirit-Led Preaching is more about a mind-set than a method (4). It is an encouragement to intentionally prepare and deliver our sermons under the leadership and power of the Holy Spirit. While considering preaching as an act of surrender, he expresses that book is designed to be a help for preachers in understanding how preaching is influenced by the Holy Spirit.
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The case of establishing Christianity as the true religion –or even the only true one– requires arguments of proof of the existence of God Himself. It is evident that not recognizing there is a Supreme Being over humans implies that Jesus was basically a common being. Further, since Christianity was beforehand founded on the Gospels, one would not accept the deity of Jesus if these gospels are not accepted as authentic.
With these being said, this paper is intended to answer questions such as: Does God exist? What religion is the true one? Why should one believe in Jesus? and so on.
The aim of this paper is to use evidences and reasoning based on a logical process in order to get a potential atheist (or maybe a non-believer in the deity of Jesus) into the path of understanding –furthermore accepting– the reasons upon which Christianity is the true religion.
The fall
Theos Logos
expression and identity of God himself. In fact, we (I am a Christian too) all would support that
the Word is God himself. Therefore, knowing the Word is indubitably knows God himself. The
Word speaks about God. God speaks through the Word. The Word is God1
. It has been more
than two thousand years that all the major civilizations have been influenced by the ―Word of
God‖. One may be right to say that the product of today’s societies is somewhat an impact of
God’s imprint.
Among the influences of God on nowadays’ global communities, one of them may be angled
from the gender factor. The world is masculine. National leaders have mostly been men. They
are deciders and guide of families. They may occupy any position; whereas it is not the case for
women. Even at birth – in some societies – having a male is seen mostly as a blessing than the
opposite sex. In sum, it is irrefutable that in every civilization, the dominant factor has always
been men.
Many atheist thinkers and secular feminists accuse God directly for such condition.
Do you think God is sexist?
1. We cannot know for sure who is saved or not.
2. Good work does not mean faith, even though faith implies good work.
3. Whoever drives away from faith did not fully – or even at all – come to Jesus.
Book Reviews
Case Studies
Confession of Faith
Book Summaries
The case of establishing Christianity as the true religion –or even the only true one– requires arguments of proof of the existence of God Himself. It is evident that not recognizing there is a Supreme Being over humans implies that Jesus was basically a common being. Further, since Christianity was beforehand founded on the Gospels, one would not accept the deity of Jesus if these gospels are not accepted as authentic.
With these being said, this paper is intended to answer questions such as: Does God exist? What religion is the true one? Why should one believe in Jesus? and so on.
The aim of this paper is to use evidences and reasoning based on a logical process in order to get a potential atheist (or maybe a non-believer in the deity of Jesus) into the path of understanding –furthermore accepting– the reasons upon which Christianity is the true religion.
The fall
expression and identity of God himself. In fact, we (I am a Christian too) all would support that
the Word is God himself. Therefore, knowing the Word is indubitably knows God himself. The
Word speaks about God. God speaks through the Word. The Word is God1
. It has been more
than two thousand years that all the major civilizations have been influenced by the ―Word of
God‖. One may be right to say that the product of today’s societies is somewhat an impact of
God’s imprint.
Among the influences of God on nowadays’ global communities, one of them may be angled
from the gender factor. The world is masculine. National leaders have mostly been men. They
are deciders and guide of families. They may occupy any position; whereas it is not the case for
women. Even at birth – in some societies – having a male is seen mostly as a blessing than the
opposite sex. In sum, it is irrefutable that in every civilization, the dominant factor has always
been men.
Many atheist thinkers and secular feminists accuse God directly for such condition.
Do you think God is sexist?
1. We cannot know for sure who is saved or not.
2. Good work does not mean faith, even though faith implies good work.
3. Whoever drives away from faith did not fully – or even at all – come to Jesus.