A truly enlightened heart generates boldness in believing. On this ground believers become a witness to the testimony of Christ. Bible studies that are academic lack the believer’s testimony; for testimony is speaking of the things God has done for us (our shared testimony) and for me (my personal testimony). The knowledge [...]
Posts Tagged as ‘New Testament Christianity’
March 10, 2008
Hermeneutics: In Search of Pattern or Reality (Part V) — If It Doesn’t Fit
Stephen became the first Christian martyr because of a Jewish congregational dispute over interpretation of scripture (See Acts 6 and 7). They accused Stephen of speaking against the temple and the customs of the law of Moses. Before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, Stephen defended his teaching on the basis of the [...]
March 3, 2008
Hermeneutics: In Search of Pattern or Reality (Part IV) — Spiritual Truths in Spiritual Words
Theology is the study of God. Biblical theology seems to be the study and teaching of patterns. Introductions to Biblical theology provide a historical review of different approaches; each approach organizing its presentation of theology around a dominant theme and several supporting themes. Patterns emerge as the main story about God and [...]
February 12, 2008
Hermeneutics: In Search of Pattern or Reality (Part III) — Beware of the Leaven
Jesus warned his disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. The leaven is both their teaching (Matthew 16:1-12) and their hypocrisy (Luke 12:1-3). Leaven is a metaphor for influence. Hypocrisy is the evil influence of self-righteousness and pretense. Hypocrites do not practice what they preach; or they [...]
January 23, 2008
Hermeneutics: In Search of Pattern or Reality (Part II) — The Watershed
Since the Reformation, various, disputing Christian churches, sects and cults have staked their claim to the perfect pattern for the Christian church. One of my daughters entered a talent competition at the New York State Fair one year. After the competition we treated her to a few rides and games on the midway. [...]
