...Final Essay HIST103 Assignments 2000 Word Essay (Summative) “What were the sources from which the early Church drew its impulse towards mission, and how did they structure their identity and communities to impact the world with the Gospel? In this essay I am going to discuss the motivating factors and forces that activated the passion and desire of the early church Christians. The sources I will dwell on are Scripture and religious experiences even though they are also other factors which were involved. The historical evidence of the input of the early church cannot be under rated or taken lightly as they touched the world with the Gospel. I will also dwell on some of the sources which they drew their motivation towards mission and how they structured it. The commonly held sources are scripture, tradition, revelation, reason and experience. These are impossible to fully isolate one from the other scripture has originated from reasoned understandings of things revealed to humans by God, nature or experience and has been documented in light of pre-existent traditions that have developed by interpreting earlier events. Our sources of theology deserve the same scrutiny, for many of the same reasons, as our worldviews. The commonly held sources of scripture, tradition, revelation, reason and experience are impossible to fully separate one from another. Scripture has resulted from reasoned understandings of things revealed to humans by God, nature or experience and has been recorded...
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...Anticipated: The Church and Eschatology” Vol. 13, No 1 (Jan 2011): 25-37 Submitted to Dr. Lee Mitchell in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of THEO 510 Survey of Theology by Willie E. Kilpatrick August 1, 2015 Contents Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………1 Brief Summary…………………………………………………………………………………1 Critical Interaction……………………………………………………………………………..1 Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………………3 Bibliography…………………………………………………………………………………….4 Introduction The purpose of this article was to show how the church is an eschatological community that is closely connected to the kingdom of God; however, that understanding of the church’s role hasn’t been prominent in recent ecclesiology. The contents of the article contain the central features that characterize the eschatological concept of ‘anticipation’; the church is seen as an anticipatory symbol of the forth coming kingdom of God. Those characteristics are found in the celebration of the Eucharist, its pastoral services, mission and political associations. Christiaan Mostert argues that “the early Christian community understood its own existence in eschatological terms, as the vestibule of God’s reign.” Brief summary Mosert asserts that the initial development of the Christian church was understood as one aspect of the kingdom’s beginning. The early Christian church saw themselves as...
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...Evangelism in the Early Church [Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, November 14, 1985] by Joel L. Pless The primary mission of the Christian Church is to preach the gospel to all nations, it is to win souls for Christ. The fact that there are approximately one billion at least nominal Christians in the world indicates that Christ’s Great Commission has been at least partially carried out. This monograph will research how and by whom was the Great Commission enacted in the “early days” of the Christian church, during its first four centuries (100-500 A.D.) This research paper will not contribute creatively to the study of theology or methods of evangelism, but it will rather compile from a representative bibliography facts concerning evangelism in the early Church. Granted, research on this topic has been undertaken before by individuals with far greater academic credentials than the writer of these lines. But this monograph will attempt to condense the vast amount of material written on this topic into a monograph on evangelism in the early Church which is long enough to adequately cover the subject but still short enough to be interesting. This essay will approach the topic by asking the basic questions, why?, what?, who?, to whom?, and how?( William C. Weinrich, “Evangelism in the Early Church,” in Concordia Theological Quarterly, vol. XLV, (January-April 1981), pp. 61-74.) When possible, primary sources from the early Church fathers will be quoted in translation. The ultimate...
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...Heaven). There is more than one way to understand this question based on what the words Christian Church mean. If it is taken to mean a local church, it is not uncommon to find churches that take certain texts (e.g., Matt. 28:19) and put them forward as their mission statement (Barram, 44). In such a case, they understand this, from reading Jesus’ words in Matthew, to be the purpose of their church. On the other hand, Christian Church could be taken to be the Universal Church, in which case, there is no easy answer. In the matter of this paper, the latter will be assumed, and therefore that will be the focus. Though, that focus will not aid in a collective answer, because of the diverse opinions within the Universal Church. For example, Christians share memes on social media supporting public displays of the Ten...
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...Many slaves shared their stories of distrust and falsehood within the church. Many sought to break off from main stream denominations and form their own convention. As time went on, even the leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention began deliberating the biblical basis for slavery in the church and society. Clearly today, the Southern Baptist denomination does not endorse slavery. Their change in belief resulted from writings such as Frederick Douglass and the continued dedication to seeking out the truth of Scripture. Something as horrific and destructive as slavery cannot be ignored when looking at the history of the United States. Even more, the Church must acknowledge its wrongs regarding the presence and acceptance of slavery. If anything, the Southern Baptist Convention should look to this issue as a warning and lesson from the past. The South was able to justify slavery, from a supposed biblical basis, and this ought to evoke fear in the hearts of all Christians. Douglass’ call to abandon a false, distorted version of Christianity applied not only in 1845, but also today. The Church as a whole must be intentional to interpret Scripture in a correct manner and to look to God over culture, being in accordance with what truly is...
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...Project in Ecumenism Paul Adrianne B. Jacinto BA-3 Name of Church: Iglesia ni Cristo Short intro of the church (history) Iglesia Ni Cristo is an influential political group in the Philippines. INC stood behind Ferdinand Marcos against Cory Aquino. INC members also died during the violent protest of EDSA III. Iglesia Ni Cristo is also involved in government appointments. INC was also an avid supporter of Gloria Arroyo • Pinoy refers to the Filipino people in the Philippines and overseas Filipinos around the world. This blogsite is for the Filipinos and by Filipino who loves Philippines. I am proud to be Pinoy. Felix Manalo was born Felix Manalo Ysagun on May 10, 1886 in Sitio Calzada, Barrio Tipas, Taguig, Rizal province. His father fished and farmed a small plot of land with Felix as his constant aide. Even at a young age, he seemed to have shown leadership qualities that were most useful to him later. He was, one author says, considered a “champion of and for, Barrio Calzada Youth”. Another author remarked on his “strong aversion for defeat” and his “abhorrence of taking directions from others”. He wanted “to lead, to be on top”. His formal schooling appears limited. He obtained his “three Rs”1 training from a Maestro Cario (Macario Ocampo) in Tipas. Indicators point to his reaching the equivalent of a second or third grade education by the time of the Revolution2. He did not resume formal schooling until he went to Bible school as a young adult. Like...
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...Religion Report Carolyn Maynard HUM 130 December 7,2010 Byrl E. Shaver II Abstract Christianity is the largest, and one of the oldest world religions. Although it began as one, it currently has various denominations. All of these Christian groups and churches, however, adhere to the central tenets of Christianity. Christians have a distinct understanding of the nature of God, the identity of Jesus Christ, and the role of salvation. While most of the Christian holy sites are in Rome and Jerusalem, two of the earliest centers of the religion, Christian sites can be found in all countries where the religion is present. The early Christian missions, located primarily in Florida and California, are an example of important sites for the religion in the United States. This paper provides an overview of the religion, information regarding St. Augustine Mission in Florida, an interview with a Christian, and a comparison between Christianity and Islam in order to provide a deeper understanding of the Christian faith. Christianity is currently one of the world’s largest religions. Approximately 33% of the world’s population or around 2.1 billion people profess the Christian faith (Major Religions…, 2007). Who are these people? What do they believe in? Where do they come from? Where are they going? These are some of the basic questions many people, unfamiliar with Christianity, could have about the religion. Many Christian symbols, such as the cross, are well known, but the meaning...
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...Evangelism that took place in the early church was implemented through the word of God and the love Jesus had (still has) for all mankind. Consummated; by indwelling those believers with the Holy Spirit. Thus giving the believers such hope that they could not contain. In the same manner Jesus could not contain the love God had/has for everyone so he came to this earth that he created in the flesh to release from bondage those who were willing to submit themselves to Him. Not picking this one or that one due to their influence or looks, but to all. He gave Himself to the world. Not leaving the early church void, but filling it with the consuming power of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus spoke he gave a consistent message and the finalization of that message (God) the glory for it all. Complete obedience and faithfulness was a part of Jesus’ character. Always seeking the lost (Lk. 19:10); never wavering from the mission or the message. Looking Simon (Peter) and Andrew straight in the eye; Jesus said: “Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men” (Mt. 4:19). While this statement demonstrated a convicting boldness it did not lack compassion, nor did it take away the contagious courage He knew the disciples would need in the coming days when they would begin to preach the Gospel. All three of these attributes are found in the Gospel message. In the same manner, in the same character, in the same image the disciples and the early church demonstrated God’s love through Jesus...
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...A mission is a religious settlement used for turning people into neophytes for a new religion. In the case of the Spanish mission chain, it was used to turn Native Americans into Christians. A mission had padres who would perform religious tasks and teach the Native Americans Christian ways. Usually, the padres did this by having them worship their god and do the tasks that the Spanish needed to do to keep the mission chain thriving.The missions began in California when Russian pelt hunters started getting closer to the coasts of California. The Spanish perceived them as a threat and built the missions for security and territorial conquest. The Mission San Francisco de Asis, also known as Mission Dolores, was founded on June 29, 1776, by Father...
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...worship and fellowship to manifest the presence and love of Jesus (3) To mature believers and prepare the, to preform works of ministry (4) To Represent the interests to the kingdom of God in the world , and to influence our society with the ideals of the Lord. Mission of the Church Mission of the Church As the apostles of Jesus Christ spread the gospels , they provided the beginning structure for the early Christian Church. It is impossible to separate the initial stages of the Roman Catholic Church from that of the early Christian church. After Jesus died , Simon Peter , one of Jesus disciples , became a strong leader in the jewish Christian movement. Later James , most likely Jesus brother , took over leadership. As the apostles of Jesus Christ spread the gospels , they provided the beginning structure for the early Christian Church. It is impossible to separate the initial stages of the Roman Catholic Church from that of the early Christian church. After Jesus died , Simon Peter , one of Jesus disciples , became a strong leader in the jewish Christian movement. Later James , most likely Jesus brother , took over leadership. Get Connected Get Connected History of the Church History of the Church Join Us every Sunday to have the blessings of God . Never forget the Lord’s day so that God will always protect us in danger. Never...
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...Baptist Church Friendship Baptist Church is a religious non-profit established in Merced, California. Friendship is experiencing a decline in organizational membership and effective ministry opportunities Organizational History: Friendship Baptist Church Friendship Baptist Church, founded in 1976, by a small contingency of disgruntled members of a local church. The group separated from the offending church and elected their first leader. A demographic profile of the group is African American (five women and four men), median to poverty level income and vocational classification and little or no formal education. The demographic numbers as to population of target location show a large segment of Hispanic and Asian...
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...Planning and growing healthy Chinese church cd 763 4/4/2013 A growing healthy church has solid foundation when it is starts with: a) clear calling mission and vision statement Mission is thru God what he wants you to do Vision is what you will do after 10-20 years b) A senior pastor with SHEPHERD’S HEART: Acts 20:20-35, Matt 11:25-30. Health and growing church is very depends on Pastor. (if you lose half on your leadership , the pastor should leaves) and also you need a prayer partner cry together and laugh together. c) A clear long term strategy owner by leadership team and by the whole church. d) A united leadership team same vision same mission same core values with the pastor. e) An undivided leadership team and a long team leadership development plan: 1. Friendships/partnership building 2. Discipleship f) A constant clear core values: core values drive a church in her decision making goals and priorities setting, problems solutions. They drive the ministry in a particular direction and draw new members with the same values. (core value is not change often. If you have no core value you will go different direction and church will swing. ) g) A growing healthy has a staff team who share the same values. Where values align, they will pull together. Where values differ, they will pull apart.( Interview people with the same mindset.) (background check is always important.) When you determinate a pastor...
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...back to rediscover how our church came into being, what its early ministry was like, and how it has grown and changed over the years. Because of God’s faithfulness, provision and undeniable grace, our church has been in existence for over 25 years. Though much has changed, we gratefully acknowledge that the Lord has never stopped guiding and directing. We remain a church dedicated to preaching the true gospel of Jesus Christ, firmly planted on the Bible, with the mission to make disciples – and to do all things to the glory of God. May He alone be praised! The following timeline highlights God’s faithfulness as He has built our church through a growing membership and increasing awareness of our mission since our inception as a church in 1990! It started in 1990, just right after the killer earthquake. I actually talked to lolo Tony Abuan to recall those days and he said “niyanig kami, natakot kami, wala nagawa ang mga santo namin, natuto kaming manalangin” Since that time, Bible Studies and Sunday fellowships have started and moved to many small houses until God sent pastors to lead the group. They met pastor Salvador de la Cruz, Pastor Ruben Pecsoy, Pastor Alladin Foster and finally Pastor Romy Javines by 1993. In 1993, the congregation formally merged with God is Love Fellowship. It was this time where dozens and many others were baptized and shared testimonies of how their lives had been changed by Jesus. In 2003, ten years later, the church was officially incorporated...
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...second coming of Christ, the rapture of the church, how the second coming of Christ affects missions, and I give an exegesis of Revelation 20:1-6. I will also discuss why I believe the pre-millennial view is the correct view concerning the return of Christ. There are three schools of thought in the area of the thousand year reign of Christ. They are the amillennial view, postmillennial view, and the premillennial view. Those who believe in a amillennial view do not believe in a literal or an actual future kingdom of peace and prosperity here on earth that will last one thousand years. Those who hold this view tend to view Scripture in a more figurative way than a literal way. They believe the thousand year reign of Christ is symbolic of the church age between the resurrection of Christ and His return. Most amillennialists believe that a spiritual form of the Kingdom of God is present now. Amillennialism reject the idea of a rapture. They believe good and evil will increase in the world as God’s Kingdom parallels the kingdom of Satan. They believe Satan is bound but yet evil increases. They believe when Christ returns the end of the world will occur with a general resurrection and a judgment of all people. They believe Christ will never reign on earth in a literal way but the Kingdom of God exists on earth in the heart of believers. It was under Augustine of Hippo that the Catholic Church started accepting an amillenial view of...
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...Birth of a Titan: The Early History of the Holy Alliance The Vatican is the head of one of the largest religious institutions in the world, the Catholic faith, which has over one billion followers today. The Vatican, located in Rome, the heart of an ancient world empire and capital of modern Italy, is run by the supreme pontiff, the Pope. The Catholic people have been led by the Pope’s divine influence since the early centuries of the Common Era. Christianity itself has been a major influence in the European continent, shaping the development of the vast European empires for over a millennium. While the papacy, located at the Vatican since 1377, serves as a major religious influence, beneath the surface the Vatican is also one of the most powerful...
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