Daniel – Reflection Every biblical character seems to have qualities that are good and bad, we can derive those qualities to apply it in our lives now. We all know Daniel for interpreting the dream of Nebuchadnezzar, and for his faithfulness demonstrated when was thrown in the lion’s den. But we need to understand the underlying qualities of Daniel, which made him the prophet he was. One of the main qualities of Daniel that caught my attention was that: - Daniel knew where to go for answers…
Although neither the Greek word for "forgiveness" (charizomai) nor the Greek word for "reconciliation" (apokatallasso) appear in the letter of Paul to Philemon, they are major themes carried throughout the letter. In Philemon, Paul's sentiment is to usher in forgiveness and restore relationship between Philemon and Onesimus (Plm. 1:8-10, 16-17). After having explained what forgiveness and reconciliation is in terms of Christ (2 Cor. 5:18-12; Col. 1:19-23) Paul shows us what it might look like…
INTRODUCTION Unfortunately, it is not entirely clear from Scripture why Paul wrote to the Ephesian Church back in 62 A.D. from behind the bars of a Roman prison. However, Acts 20:31 (READ THE TEXT) reveals Paul spent three years in Ephesus so he knew the Ephesians well, so one theory as to why Paul wrote Ephesians can be found in (TEXT) Eph. 6:21 in which Paul says, “so that you may also know how I am and what I am doing.” From the text, it can be concluded that Paul was simply letting the…
Platt addresses the thought of how we can take back our faith from the American vision and how our lives will be radically changed when we view death as a reward. In the beginning of this book Platt brings up how our churches are making a nice middle class American Jesus. By this he means we made a materialistic Jesus who does not call us to give away anything or expect us. A Jesus who is okay with us being comfortable, balanced, avoiding danger and okay with us doing devotionals on our time,…
punishments, Jesus crucified himself to cleanse the world of all sins. Different forms of writing from the Christians helped to establish beliefs. The Old Testament (Old Bible) teaches how god shaped everything, whereas The New Testament contains the Gospels telling Jesus’s life and how they spread Christianity. Another type of writing is Creeds and catechisms, Apostles’ Creed which was written to refute what Christian leaders thought was false, where catechisms present…
The socioeconomic combination is great; no one is considered an outsider. There are all races, and religious groups eating, joking in an environment of heartfelt care and love. It is evident that the volunteer staff value connecting and building lasting relationships for Christ. Matthew 25:35-36 (KJV) “For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and…
The Pentateuch is traditionally seen as the first five books of the Bible. Most refer to it as the Book of Moses or the Law of Moses. Traditionally it is seen as a law book, but it can also be viewed as a narrative. Most people interpret the Pentateuch, and the Old Testament in its entirety, as outdated and only relevant to Christians as a history book. John Sailhamer abolishes this point of view in his book about the Pentateuch, “Finding the Meaning in the Pentateuch.” He states that the…
The biggest mistake we make about Jesus is making him too small. In essence, we underestimate the fullness of what his entrance into our world meant. He was light breaking into the dark world to set the captives free (Luke 1:78-79), but more than that he was the great restorer of the brokenness that began in the Garden when our first parents—Adam and Eve sinned (Romans 5:15-17). Jesus came to reconcile humanity with their creator God. Often our limiting of Jesus comes from our upbringing—much…
In John 3:1-21 A Pharisee and leader of the Jews named Nicodemus converses with Jesus about how one can enter the kingdom of God. Jesus speaks to him using parables just as he did in Mark. In Mark, we learned that parables are used to speak to God’s people but to keep those who are not at bay. The Pharisee should be able to understand Jesus but we soon find out that he does not. Jesus states that only a son of God can enter the kingdom of God when he declares “no one can enter the kingdom of God…
Philippians 2:1-11 The main point is to pursue unity, It’s an exaltation to unity, having the same mindset, humility promotes unity and consideration of others. In doctrine and the work of Jesus. Nevertheless, meaning, to love God, fellowship with each other and with and humble spirit, and esteem others higher than yourself; in other words, look out for each other. Philippians 2:1-4. What are your most significant observation of the passage? Intimating Christ humility, and his attitude.…