The second temple period of Israelite history may be misunderstood as being a small period of time. Though it is a period of time it is more accurate to state that the period is divided into four distinct sections. Those sections are the Persian period, the Greek period, the Maccabean period, and the Roman period. These periods started in 538B.C. and ended is 70 A.D. with the destruction of the second temple. Persia And The Second Temple Period The Persian... Read more
The letter to the Hebrews is a letter that has perplexed scholars through the centuries. Depending on one’s theological tradition there may be different ways to exegete the treasures within. Four Views of the Warning Passages in Hebrews provides a platform for four prominent New Testament scholars who layout their viewpoint in a systematic fashion. The four viewpoints contained within the work are the Arminian, Classical reformed, Wesleyan Arminian, and the modified reformed perspectives[1]. The four scholars who contribute to the work... Read more
This article is a little different from others that have been written on this column. Longtime readers know that I tend to focus on articles focusing on Evangelism, Apologetics, and Christian living. However a new study that focusing on Global faith and media was recently released. It revealed some fascinating finding regarding the relationship between faith an media. Global Faith and Media Background The study consisted of the input of 9,489 people from 118 different countries as well as 30... Read more
It is my goal with this article to explain why discipleship is a vital factor for the church and ministry. To do this discipleship must first be explained, and then put into the context of ministry and the church. What Is Discipleship? Instead of a definition a few examples may better explain. A disciple is a person who is becoming spiritually mature, a person who cares for the lost, does life with others and builds relationships, knows what righteousness is, worships... Read more
There are many books written about what the church fathers said and did. The Church Fathers, particularly the Patristics, had a connection to the very beginnings of Christianity. This connection gives them a different focus in their writing then that of someone writing in the 10th century. Christopher Hall does a great job in breaking down the theology of the church fathers in terms that a novice can follow. Christopher Hall is provost of Eastern University and dean of its Templeton... Read more
The Feast of Tabernacles plays an important role in John’s gospel. It was an important Jewish festival that brought to mind the provision of God while the children of Israel were wondering in the wilderness for forty years en route to the promised land. It occurred after the Day of Atonement and marked the end of the festival calendar [1]. It was full of rich symbolism that Jesus comes to fulfill. Jesus And The Day Of Atonement During the festival... Read more
When one studies the history of the evangelical movement it is fairly easy to see the foundation. However, it is also beneficial to determine what an evangelical is. Many today use the term, but they mean it in a different sense than what has been historically understood. An evangelical is more than a protestant church goer, though it may be part of it. What is an evangelical? Regarding the definition theologian Alister McGrath writes the following six convictions that evangelicals... Read more
The most significant thing about William Fay, author of Share Jesus Without Fear, is the fact that God saved him while he was the president and CEO of an unnamed, international multimillion-dollar corporation. He writes “I owned one of the largest houses of prostitution” and “was involved in racketeering, bookmaking and gambling…and I mocked anyone who dare share his faith in God with me” (p. 1). Fay left all that to follow Jesus into full-time ministry. Fay graduated from Denver... Read more
Justin Martyr is a saint that played a pivotal role in my conversion. It was through his work that I saw a glimpse of the ancient catholic liturgy. He lived in a time where being a Christian was illegal. These believers risked everything, including their lives, to become part of the church. Through his writing we can get a glimpse into some of the charges that the Roman Empire had against Christians. St. Justin addresses these charges in his First Apology. 1. Justin... Read more
The Epistle to the Hebrews is one that has perplexed Christians for generations. The letter is unlike anything seen in the rest of the New Testament, and uses typology and symbolism to communicate the precious truth of Christ. In regards to this theologian N.T. Wright states, “The letter to the Hebrews is one of the most bracing and challenging writings in the New Testament. People often find it a bit difficult, because it uses ideas that are strange to us[1].”... Read more
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