...Brandon C. Strickland Theology 104-D03 Reflection Paper Introduction Through my research, study and prayer while progressing in the course Theology 104, I have gained knowledge and learned new principles that have helped change my understanding of what it means to be a Christian. One of the main topics that I read about in this course that really had an impact on my beliefs as a Christian, and reinforced my relationship with God was the fulfillment of prophecy that is seen throughout the Bible. A second topic that was addressed in this course was dealing with the assurance of salvation that God gives Christians in the Scripture that assists them with their daily struggles in life. These two topics together have stood out to me and have led me to further my study and research. Fulfillment of Prophecy The topic of fulfillment of prophecy is very important in a Christian’s life due to it proving that God is real and the Bible is truly his Word. These prophecies given to the authors of the Bible by God came sometimes hundreds of years prior to their fulfillment. It was necessary that these occurrences be fulfilled due to it providing further proof that the Bible is the Word of God and also to show God’s plan being fulfilled. There are numerous prophecies throughout the Bible that have been fulfilled as well as prophecies that have yet to be fulfilled. The birth of Jesus Christ was prophesized by Isaiah hundreds of years prior to the birth. In Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah is...
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...SEMINARY HOW PRACTICAL THEOLOGY GUIDES MY LIFE A RESEARCH PAPER ON HOW PRACTICAL THEOLOGY GUIDES MY LIFE BASED ON THE ESSENTIAL WORKS OF ANDREW MURRAY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGICAL STUDIES BY August 26, 2014 OUTLINE 1. INTRODUCTION 1 2. HOW PRACTICAL THEOLOGY GUIDES MY LIFE 2 A. What prompts men to seek theology 3 1. How Andrew Murray views practical theology 4 2. How practical theology causes a deeper Christian life 5 3. The purpose of Practical Theology for a new life in Christ 6 A. How one comes to need practical theology 7 1. Absolute surrender 2. Practical Theology as a tool to abide in Christ 8 4. Conclusion 9 5. Bibliography 10-11 INTRODUCTION How practical theology guides a Christian life has been inspired by The Essential Works of...
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...Life Coaching Spiritual Formation: What Does It Mean? Liberty University Abstract This research paper will give a brief examination of the history and development of life coaching in general, and then it will look towards the niche coaching specialty of spiritual formation. This writer will endeavor to answer the question, “Spiritual formation: what does it mean?” There will be discussion around this topic as it is examined from several perspectives and worldviews. It will include an brief overview of secular, non-religious, and non-Christian religious worldviews. Judeo-Christian worldviews will be discussed highlighting biblical aspects with regard to spiritual formation and how it may fit with a life coach who is familiar and skilled with this specialty niche. From this vein of information the reader should be well able to extrapolate a clear view of not only what spiritual formation is or can be and how its development is a personal journey. Additionally, the reader should have gained a good understanding of how the journey can be assisted with the help of a like-minded life coach. Introduction Historical Overview of Life Coaching This overview looks at events that began in the 1980’s. Thomas Leonard was a professional financial planner, whose many clients asked for his help with other life issues they were experiencing. After dealing with these client matters for a time, Leonard chose to close his financial planning business and become a full-time life...
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...Reflection Paper 2 I. Introduction: As I said in my first Reflection Paper, my knowledge and exposure to Christianity has been somewhat limited. Throughout my life I have been a person who wanted to know “Why” and have factual proof to support my thoughts and ideas. I have chosen Historical Theology and Fulfilled Prophecy as my two topics. By reading about Historical Theology I am developing a better understanding of some of the essential points of Christian Doctrine. Fulfilled Prophesies provide definitive proof to give my beliefs in Christianity and the Bible a solid foundation. I plan on using both to develop as a knowledgeable and responsible Christian. Since my knowledge of these two topics is in its infancy and I must always keep in mind to crawl before walking and walk before running. II. Part One: Historical Theology a. Historical Theology is described as the study of the development and history of Christian doctrine. While closely related to Historical Theology, Church History should remain separate from Historical Theology. Historical Theology records changes in doctrine that led to divisions and movements within church and Church History is the record of the divisions and movements. b. Luke gives us the Biblical Foundation for Theological History. He began by recording his account of “all that Jesus began to do and to teach” (Acts 1:1). The book of Acts is the account of what Jesus continued to do and teach through his church. Acts 28:30-31 conclude with,...
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...Chiamaka Udokoro Kennesaw State University Cultures and Marriage April 1, 2013 Abstract This paper discusses the difference cultures between two different cultures but the same religion. It shows how cultures can influence a marriage and how traditions can play a big role in a marriage. We also identify the coping strategies brides employ in managing the cross-cultural ambivalence that emerges as they reconcile two or more sets of cultural norms and traditions. In this life, we grow up with certain cultures that might be innate while others have been passed on to us from generations to generations. Every culture has their own traditions; one of the most popular traditions is that of marriage. It’s every families dream to celebrate matrimony. Weddings bring the whole extended family together as they celebrate a new union and also pass on different traditions. I was very privileged to interview two people of two completely different backgrounds. One of which is Nigerian from the Yoruba tradition and the other is Sri Lankan. I had several methods to bottom down what marriage really means to each people in these different cultures and how sacred it is. What do they cherish and how it influences their growth as a union and individuality. Ways to keep their marriage alive and how their various cultures co-exist in the same union especially if they are from different cultures entirely. “A new study indicates participation in 9-12 hours of marriage and relationship education...
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...SYNTHESIS PAPER 1 Synthesis Paper Jennifer Collins Liberty University What have you learned about research at an introductory level? I have always heard people conducting research. I never thought that conducting research was this difficult. In the past few weeks I have learned a lot about research. I learned that research is a way to explore what has been tried before. Learning how to interpret the research can help you decide the legitimacy of the research and how to apply it to your situation. You have to have integrity and be ethical when conducting research. Yon should strive to conduct research ethically and with integrity. You have to gather information regarding your research proposal and obtain approval before conducting research. You should be upfront with participants, provide feedback and answer questions that they may have. You should have experience, good judgement and be wise. You should also know what you are doing before you try to involve participants and also be able to answer questions regarding your research. You should not be dumfounded. You should gather as much information as possible so as not to be bias. Most research attempts to test a hypothesis formulated by a researcher. Cozy and Bates (2012) states that a hypothesis is a type of idea or question. It makes a statement about something that may be true. After testing the hypothesis you should make a prediction concerning the outcome of the experiment. How you come up...
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...93: Ethics, Decision Making, and Communications Fall 2015, Term 2 Online _______________________________________________________________________________________ Professor: Dr. Phil Lewis, Professor of Management Phone (Work): (405) 425-5561 or 425-5560; (Home): (405) 475-7070 Email: phil.lewis@oc.edu Virtual Office Hours: Email responses normally within 24 hours. Mission of Oklahoma Christian University Oklahoma Christian University is a higher learning community that transforms lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service. MISSION OF THE OC SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Within a framework of excellence in contemporary business education, the School of Business Administration will build a community of lifelong relationships upon a foundation of enduring Christian values. CONTRIBUTION OF COURSE TO CHRISTIAN SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP For I have walked in my integrity … I will walk in my integrity … Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Psalm 26:1, 26:11, 119:1 (NKJV). THE OC COVENANT The Covenant for Oklahoma Christian University is posted under Course Information. REQUIRED TEXT Phillip V. Lewis, Ethics in the World of Business, Kendall-Hunt Publishing Co., 2014 (ISBN: 978-1-4652-3979-2). COURSE DESCRIPTION This course examines the basic ethical issues involved in the conduct of business from a biblical perspective. Critical thinking of organizations as a spiritual, social, moral, and ethical activity is...
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...Jesus need to be born of a virgin, 0 Why are personal testimonies important in sharing the gospel, and If a person is a Christian, or does it matter how they live their lives? Yes, in order for Jesus to die for our sins He had to go through the birth canal so that He could be of temptation and human flesh and overcome it without sin. I think that personal testimonies are important in sharing the gospel because who better to show or tell you what God can do, than someone who has experienced it themselves. Yes they are. When a person is a Christian, they have to have a normal attitude about themselves, that they are loving and caring people who are God loving. I. Section One Did Jesus need to be born of a virgin? Yes, in order for Jesus to die for our sins, He had to go through the birth canal so that He could be of temptation and human flesh and overcome it without sin. From the day He was born until the day He died, Jesus was without sin to be a perfect sacrifice. Since, we are born into the world as sinners, a miraculous entrance into the world was required, and that’s why the virgin birth occurred. “For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do: by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and to deal with sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, so that the just requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:3-4) It was said that if Jesus had be the son of Joseph...
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...Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) and Black (African) Decent Abstract This paper will identify how Mormons differ from other religious groups. Enlightening of the subject matters that pertain to their beliefs, practices, and how this religion group contributes to the American culture is the bases of the first part of the paper. This paper will also describe the discrimination and prejudice that the Mormons have to deal with because of their religion choice. This paper will also describe the African decent experience with discrimination and prejudice as well. Discrimination and prejudice takes place in all cultures and religions. People who are unwilling to understand and accept the difference that people share are going to allow this behavior to continue and pass it down from generation to generation. America is the melting pot for all ethnic backgrounds, including religions. Being more open minded and having understanding will allow us to break the stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination that we all have towards one another. Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) and Black (African) Decent The United States, throughout history, has been a country of immigrants and a country of religion diversity. Discrimination, prejudice, and stereotyping in the Mormon and Black decent groups have been displayed throughout the changing times. The Mormons, who emerged after the discovery of The Book of Mormon in 1830, were run out of several states before settling in Utah. Blacks who were brought...
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...What is the Racial Project in Egypt? Introduction: Our research paper will be based on the racial project in Egypt, and how people are acting upon this racial project without even realizing it. A lot of people don’t usually realize when and how they are being racist against an Egyptian person who is considered one of their own. Egyptians tend to think they are the nicest and least racists of all people around the world, but after conducting our research we will begin to discover whether or not this is the case. After conducting research and observations, we came across the fact that the Egyptian people differentiate each other under the categories of religion. There are only two types of religions identified by the Egyptian government and are written in ID cards, those two religions are Islam and Christianity. Even though, there are some Egyptians who believe in other types of religions, the government does not recognize these religions, so they cannot be identified with what they believe in. So, what happens is that they are forced to be identified as either a Muslim or a Christian in their ID’s whether they believe in either form of religion because the Egyptian government and its people base religion as one of the main pillars of society and life and refuse to accept other forms found in Egypt such as Judaism, Baha’i, Atheism and Agnosticism. The question here lies within the context of the people and the government. Why would the government and its people...
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...Romans 12:14-21 An Exegetical Paper on Forgiving Your Enemies Romans 12:14-21 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; never be conceited. Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble n the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. I. Introduction In our life, there will be people we run across that will not like us no matter what we do. At that moment we will need to make a choice, payback or forgiveness. One of the most prevalent problems plaguing modern Christianity is an insincere attitude when it comes to loving our enemies. George Washington Carver said, “I will never let another man ruin my life by making me hate him.” It all comes down to our attitude. Romans 12:14 (NLT) talks about attitude and how we need to act towards people who treat us wrong. “Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them”. Why is this easier said than done? Human nature we want payback or at least what we think is payback...
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...on Christ to overcome our challenges. However, we can trust that “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phil 1:6) When someone seeks out counseling it’s usually for help in dealing with pain, hurt, depression, or seeking counsel about situations in their life that need to be addressed. The intent of this paper is to compare and contrast the parallel between Dr. Larry Crabb’s biblical model of teaching in Christian counseling theories with scientific proven methods to counsel and treat individuals with these secular counseling models Cognitive- Behavior Therapy (CBT), Rogers’ Client-Centered Therapy (RCCT), and Ellis’s Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Goal of Christian Counseling When looking at the accepted counseling standards, theories, and techniques in Christian and secular counseling there are many commonalities and differences. The Christian counseling goal according to Dr. Crabb’s textbook, Effective Christian Counseling, “is to promote Christian maturity, to help people enter into a richer experience of worship and a more effective life service” (Crabb, 1977, p. 29). The process of this is developed in two parts (1)...
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...Final project World religion report Jan ’Ell Ivery December 7, 2011 Islamic religions The religion I have chosen for this paper is Islamic. I chose to research Islamic because I do not understand the faith of Islamic, I do not know what they are all bout. By me doing a research paper about Islamic it give me the understanding and knowledge about another religion. Islamic are known to be as the fastest growing religion in the world today, they remain misunderstood and the disagreement of many. Maybe it has something to do with the influential media that portrays typical Islamic followers like militant terrorists ready to die for their faith, or Muslims, as Arabs. There are many Arabs that are Muslims, but not all Muslims are Arabs. The issues are the prevailing message Islam and war going hand in hand and the big conflict with Christianity and Islamic. This paper will give you an overview of the religion Islamic and the beliefs, traditions, the similar and contrasts with Christianity, the practiced and I will give you information from an interview with a Muslim. The Muslims believe that Qur’an is the word of God. Qur’an is the places were teaching form the prophet Muhammad. Muslims honor God by obeying and following the five pillars of Islam which are Belief and witness: Shahadah is the first pillar of Islam they believe that there is only one god and Muhammad is the messenger of god. The following is an excerpt from the Qur’an – the Islam central text: “Let there...
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...World Religions Report Jehovah’s Witnesses Stephen Devon Hill Jr. Axia College of the University of Phoenix January 10, 2009 In modern society there are numerous forms of Christianity. Many may be familiar with Catholics, Baptist, or Protestants. One form of Christianity that has created mixed views since its start is that of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Some thoughts that may come to mind when people think of Jehovah’s Witnesses are cult activity, unusual Christian practices, and domineering individuals. This paper will take a look at the life as a Jehovah’s Witness. The paper will cover some of the common practices and beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The paper will also try to clear up some of the misconceptions that others believe about Jehovah’s Witnesses. The author of this paper has taken the time to research the Jehovah Witness religion by visiting a local Kingdom Hall, conducting an in-person interview with an actual Jehovah Witness, and also conducting research on the internet, as well as the library. Background Information The religion of the Jehovah’s Witness began in at the end of the 19th century. The religion was started a small group of Bible students close to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1879 the students began publishing what is known as the Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. The group that was formerly known as International Bible Students became Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1931. Membership of religion is marked by baptism. According to the Jehovah’s...
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...SCHOOL OF DIVINITY A RESEARCH ON REVELATION 3:1-6 A RESEARCH PAPER SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE REQUIREMENT IN CANDIDACY FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTERS IN DIVNITY BY STEPHEN GEDDAM LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA October 22, 2015 TABLE OF CONTENTS: INTRODUCTION 1 CONTEXT 1 HISTORICAL CONTEXT 2 LITERARY CONTEXT 3 ANALYSIS OF TEXT 4 APPLICATION 13 CONCLUSION 17 BIBLIOGRAPHY 20 INTRODUCTION Often we see in many churches that, they appear to be very much alive and spiritually in active in the way they act in those churches. But in reality they are spiritually dead by the circumstance when we get to know more about those churches. This is the same situation that we see with the church in Sardis. Sardis was a wealthy city full of gold taken from the nearby Pactolus River. The city was located on a high hill at the intersection of the five roads. Like the other cities addressed in revelation 2-3, the church of Sardis was probably founded through Paul’s ministry in Ephesus.Revelation 3:1-6 deals with the writings to the angel of the church in Sardis. Well we can see how amazing the writings to the letters of John are for the churches today and for the past 20 centuries and it seems like the problem still exists even now. To welcome at an understanding of this passage briefly, this paper will offer an exegetical...
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