Martin Luther is a name that all Christians have heard, but most take the name for granted. They know him as the leader of the Protestant Reformation, and rightfully so as his theological endeavors led to a split from the Catholic Church. Though this was a sad time in history, Luther was a brilliant theologian and he blessed Christendom with many theological insights. One such insight into the cross of Christ, and to Luther authentic Christian theology was included the... Read more
Ezekiel was a younger contemporary of Jeremiah, lived through the last days of Judah and the early days of the Exile in Babylon. He was widely opposed to the political and religious environment of His day, and wished that the Israelites would return to YHWH centered spirituality. Warning Of Ezekiel There are many oracles throughout the Ezekiel. In chapters 1-11 we see the initial commissioning and first visions of Ezekiel. He sees a cloud like fire coming from the north. ... Read more
The Apostle Thomas is someone who brings up mixed emotions among Christians. There are even non-believers who have heard of him. Thomas was not among the other disciples when Christ appeared to them , and as a result Thomas said that unless he puts his fingers into his side he will not believe (Radmacher, page 762). This one statement would define Thomas for all of history, and give him the moniker of “Doubting Thomas.” Apostle Thomas In Scripture Is there... Read more
Every Sunday in the creed we declare that Jesus is our Lord, but what does that mean? What implications does that have on our lives? In the Gospels Jesus tells us to love our neighbor (Mark 12:31), love God (Matthew 22:37), and show mercy (John 8:11). How do his words correlate to his deeds, and what does that mean for us as his followers? This post will take a deeper look at the scriptures referenced to illustrate how the words... Read more
When the Gospels are read we read about Jesus healing the sick, showing mercy, forgiving sins, and caring for the poor. These are all great things, and they should be emulated. However, within the confines of our western way of thinking we may miss things in the Gospel accounts that will help us get a better understanding. In 2005, Warren Carter wrote an article in the World & World Journal that shows the teachings of Jesus on relation to the Roman Empire... Read more
Jeremiah is key book in the Old Testament. Jeremiah was a major prophet because we know a great deal about his background (See Jer. 1). The book that bears his name is the longest in the Hebrew Bible and deals with many key themes that influence the course of the Israelites. His prophetic ministry spans the course of four kings, the invasion of Babylon, and subsequent exile to Egypt. Jeremiah is also known as the weeping prophet because his warnings... Read more
The letters of Paul, or the Pauline Corpus as it is known, are crucial to the scriptures and to Christianity as a whole. There are twenty-seven books in the New Testament, and thirteen are attributed to the Apostle Paul. Some would say that fourteen are written by Paul as it is believed by some that he wrote Hebrews. With the rise of the historical-critical method, there were some who set out to examine the Pauline Corpus from a strictly historical... Read more
Apologist Erick Ybarra joins recently joined me to discuss an interesting topic. He actually joined me a few months ago, but I forgot to post it here. my apologies. On this program Erick discusses the differences between Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. He discusses key issues of disagreement between the papacy and the filioque. We even discuss the chances of unity within our lifetime. Erick also gives us a peak into an incredible project he is working on in regards to the... Read more
Becoming The Gospel: Paul, Participation, and Mission is written by Dr. Michael J. Gorman. Dr. Gorman is an accomplished author and theologian who specializes in the theology and spirituality of Paul the Apostle[1]. At the seminary in which he teaches he has held the Raymond E. Brown chair of Biblical studies and theology since 2012[2]. Dr. Gorman earned his Master of Divinity and Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary and has lectured in Catholic and Protestant churches and seminaries throughout the... Read more
The Orthodox and Catholic churches are the oldest in Christendom. They have many things in common, and there are some things that are disagreed on. The churches both have valid Apostolic Succession and valid sacraments. In fact, both observe the seven sacraments instituted by Christ, and carried on by the Apostles. A couple items that are disagreed on are the supremacy of the Roman Pontiff, and a phrase in the Nicean creed that is known as the filioque clause. What... Read more
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