...Is it theologically legitimate to harmonize the Gospels? When I started this study, I would have easily said, “Absolutely, yes.” Now, I am not sure and have many questions. These questions have a context. I was working with my son and grabbed a handful of nails. My son asked, “Dad, how many nails did you bring up?” I said, “A dozen.” (There were 13). Was I lying? Was I being untruthful? I do not think I was lying or being untruthful. I was generally truthful. If anything, I was not scientifically accurate. If the Gospels were scientifically and technically accurate, then the quotes from the Old Testaments would be “word-for-word” accurate and even include a solid verifiable Chicago-style footnote. The Gospels are admittedly “Gospels.”...
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...Works and Words: Why You Can't Preach the Gospel with Deeds And why it's important to say so. Duane Litfin [ posted 5/30/2012 10:43AM When it comes to the enduring question of word versus deed in the Christian's calling, the issue is always one of balance. How are Christians to think about the relative roles of words (proclaiming the gospel) and deeds (loving action) in what Christ has called his people to be and do? We need to set our scales to a balance that matches Scripture. "Balance" may sound simple, but finding and maintaining our equilibrium on such a complex subject is never easy. It's like walking a tightrope. Only one direction will keep us upright and moving forward, and any number of missteps could lead us to fall off one side or the other. Misguided claims abound. Here's a prominent example. How often do we hear these days, with passion and approval, the famous dictum attributed to Francis of Assisi: "Preach the gospel at all times. Use words if necessary"? In this saying, the word-versus-deed question rears its head, stressing in this instance how important it is for Christians to "preach the gospel" with their actions. Let the gospel be seen rather than spoken, it's implied. Words may serve a useful backup role, but our actions must take center stage if we are to make a difference in the world. At first blush, this sounds right. Except that it isn't. According to those who know the relevant history well—the Franciscans—Francis never uttered these words...
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...equal" and that they are "endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights" including "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." The American Dream is viewed by many Americans as not only an American pursuit, but also many Americans, most especially those citizens that identify themselves as Christians see this pursuit as a Christian right of passage. In the catechesis of Christian language the American dream has become synonymous with the being a Christian. In the minds of many Americans the American Dream is a Christian reward to faithfulness. The proliferation of the American dream through the vehicle of the “Prosperity Gospel” is a cause for the continuance of poverty in America. In this writing I plan to discuss the origins of the American, the canonizing of the American dream in scripture, and the growth of the Prosperity Gospel as an answer to the rising poverty rate in this country. ORIGINS OF THE AMERICAN DREAM In researching this project one of the reoccurring themes that I came across was the subject of “Recovering the American Dream.” Authors from all over the publication spectrum have sought to bring clarity to the subject of recovering the American Dream. In fact, a brief internet search turned up more than over 700 book titles on the this one topic. The term “American” and “Dream” are...
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...Methods of Evangelism Joshua Fleming Liberty University Online The Roman Roads Summary of Method – The Roman Road is a methodic evangelism approach of presenting the Gospel through various bible verses throughout the book of Romans. From this approach of evangelism, each of the verses are placed in a systematic method to show us who is in need of salvation, why they are in need of salvation, the way in which God will provide salvation, ways in which we can respond to God’s salvation, and finally the results of us responding to God’s gift of salvation. In Romans 3:10-12, and 23 its states “No one is righteous—not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.” “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard”. These verses show us that every single person is in need of salvation. It states boldly that we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s standards. In Romans 6:23 it states “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” This verse shows us that as sinners and unrighteous people our consequences of our sin is death. Although it does show us that we deserve death it always gives us hope through the gift in which God has given us. In Romans 5:8 it shows us that “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” God gave us the greatest gift anyone could ever...
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...New Testament Class The Gospel of Jesus Christ is one of the greatest blessings that we as members of the church have in our lives. I have often wondered what it means to be converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Is it a process that occurs over night with one turning event? Is it a list of events or people that help contribute to this conversion process? My conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ is unique to me. Others have had similar experiences that have one thing in common, the principle of faith leading to action and desire. I was fortunate to be born into the covenant. I learned and tried to be a faithful follower of the church, however when I was 14 years old my life began to change forever. My family and I had recently moved to a town not too fare from Palmyra New York. My time in Sunday School was the worst experience of my life. Through the teasing and taunting of the youth of my class. The youth in my ward would exclude me from activities and call me names. I often wondered during that time of my life if the church was true. If the church was true why was this happening to me? Why were the youth the church tormenting me? My parents tried to council me without much success. I began to develop strong desirers not to attend church anymore. Fortunately my parents would not allow it. To this day I will forever be grateful for my loving parents who always tried to care for me and help me during my this time of great...
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...only to priest’s sister and religious. What new understanding have you developed about these concepts -mission and missionaries? For me, my understanding about missions is an intentional effort to lead others to a saving faith in Jesus Christ. It is the primary task given to believers by Jesus, and all believers are charged to participate. The word "mission" comes from the word "to send," and most Christians who are involved in full-time missions are sent to another location. All missions include the idea of leaving the comfort of the fellowship of other believers to engage with those who do not know Christ. This may be across town or on the other side of the globe. The way in which Christian missions spreads the gospel is different for every culture, even though the message is the same. To some degree, the method must be specific to the hearers. Different degrees of education, sophistication, and familiarity with Christian concepts will influence how the gospel can be shared. Every Christian is called to missions in their own lives. Jesus charges all of us to reach others with His message. It is not easy, but as we learn to love people like God does, we find sharing the truth about God essential to the Christian life. A missionary proclaims Jesus as Savior and Lord. Whom do they tell? Jesus made it clear that Christians are to reach out to “all the nations”, especially those ethnic groups without a Gospel witness. Unreached people groups are still waiting for the way, truth...
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...for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. In short, Saul had all the credentials that you could ever ask for in a religious person. And he made sure that these principles by which he lived were enforced. His preaching was a preaching that was unambiguous as to its expectations. Moreover, these expectations had “teeth” in them. They were enforced and held accountable by laws and rules strictly enforced. That’s what Saul was doing one day as he made his way to a town called Damascus. Armed with letters from the high priest giving him authority to arrest any who opposed him, Saul made his way to Damascus with the intent of taking prisoner as many Christians as he could. These people were going to know the rules. And they would obey...or else. You’ve got to admit, there is a certain appeal to that line of thought. It really simplifies things. All you have to do is say, “these are the laws...these are the rules, and if you don’t follow them, then we will impose this or that sanction on you.” It’s so simple; and all the while one can readily assume and heartily believe that he is engaged in doing what God wants him to do. That’s what Saul thought too. But then, Saul suddenly found himself surrounded by a bright light that literally knocked him to the ground. And a voice cried out to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? The voice was none other than that of Jesus. So far from doing God’s will, Saul haply found himself in...
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...care of the sick, and meet the essential needs of people, when doing this; it would be the same as if the disciples were meeting the needs of Jesus. Savant Evangelism is more about showing love thru the gospel rather than speaking the gospel. Advantages of Using This Method People tend to remember negative things about people or groups rather than to remember the positive things about the same people or groups. The advantage to Service Evangelism is that it can change the perception that people may have about Christians. Even though negative perception has been brought on to the Christian by themselves throughout time, but people unfairly put all Christians in a negative category. People do not easily remember that hospital, orphanages, and homeless shelters that were started by Christian organizations. Christians should be more active in the roll of showing that someone cares in the lost and dieing world. There is an old saying, “People do not care how much you know, until they know how much you care. The thought of using this method is to soften people’s heart so that they can be brought to knowing the Gospel. Disadvantages of Using This Method When servicing people needs, there is always a risk that the one receiving to never respond to the Gospel. Let’s not confuse this by saying that we should service the people only...
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...Theology of the Four Gospels The first three gospels are sometimes called the 'synoptic' or same view gospels. This is because they each cover teaching and miracles by Jesus that are also covered in another account. The fourth gospel, John, writing later, recounts Jesus' other words and miracles that have a particular spiritual meaning. All four gospels present Jesus as both the Son of God and son of man. In this paper information will be provided that describes the major theological differences between the synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Information will also be provided that describes a theological perspective of the gospel of John. Finally, information in this paper will include how ones understanding of the various theological perspectives presented in the four Gospels can be used as an additional tool to facilitate the proclaiming of the Four Gospels. Theological Differences between the Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of John The Gospel According to Matthew The first three books of the New Testament have been identified as the synoptic gospels. These books are Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The first book of the New Testament is identified as the book of Matthew. Matthew was one of the first twelve disciples of Jesus, as recorded in Matthew 9:1; 10:1-4 and therefore an eye-witness. Matthew records more of Jesus' teaching concerning God's heavenly kingdom than the other writers, Mark, Luke, or John. In the first four books of Matthew, the miracle story of Jesus’...
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...predicates. | Identify the text subject in one word. This answers the question, What is the text writer talking about? | Gospel | Identify the modifier to your subject in one word. This answers the question, How does the text writer limit the scope of his treatment of the subject? | Advancement | Using some form of the subject/modifier words, write a working title for your emerging sermon. | Gospel Advancement | Identify elements of the historical setting of the original writing of the text: | * Writer, speaker or key character:Paul | * Secondary character, hearers or readers:Timothy, overseers and deacons at Phillippi | * Tone or purpose of text:To inform | * Occasion, situation, or circumstances:Imprisionment | * Literary features, genres, figurative language:Epistle/narritive | Write the text idea statement using the subject and modifier, plus elements of the original writing of the text.Paul teaches readers that the worst of life situations, even imprisonment can serve to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ. | Write the sermon idea by adopting the wording of the textual idea. Omit the historical trappings and make it a present-tense statement of a universal theological principle. Make sure it contains the subject/modifier.God is showing the modern day church to make use of all life situations to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ.I would like...
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...my witness for Christ. I pastor a church and teach two classes and for me I thought that I was doing plenty. However this course has helped rekindle my passion for sharing Jesus Christ with people through personal evangelism. This paper will demonstrate what I have learned throughout this course. EVANGELISM AS IT RELATES TO CHRISTIAN WALK In Philippians 1:27, Paul writes; “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,” (NKJV) This scripture speaks of our daily lives being lived for God’s glory. Our conduct or the way we live must reflect the gospel by which we are saved. Our lives are a witness to the world about who Jesus is to us. Evangelism is more than just pulling people aside and giving them the heaven or hell speech. We are challenged by Paul to live our live in a manner that is worth of the gospel of Christ. People must be able to see that Christ is presently working in our lives. Jesus challenged the disciples by saying; “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Mat.5:16) (KJV) Our walk with Christ is extremely important because, people must be able to see Christ in us before they are willing to invite Christ into them. David Wheeler and Vernon Whaley in their book, Worship and Witness remind us that...
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...This Method – One advantage to this method is that it’s simple to understand. The biggest advantage is that we’re using the Word of God and by doing so we’re getting supernatural power by the Holy Spirit to start working on the person or persons we’re talking to. We’re not the ones that “close” people into salvation, it’s the Holy Spirit that does the work after we’ve planted and watered the seeds. Disadvantages of Using This Method – When using this message it could be really easy for the people hearing this to not fully understand the meat and potatoes behind salvation. Too many times than I care to count I see believers caring more about the numbers of people led to salvation than the actual quality of it. If not done correctly people tend to think that just simply saying the words is enough when it’s not. In order for true salvation to take place one must confess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord and “truly” believe it in their hearts or else they’re buying a “knock off” version of salvation and being misled which could be eternally damaging. I don’t know about you but that is one thing I would not care to answer for in the day of judgement. Friendship Evangelism Summary of Method – This is the method of building relationships for a chance to share the gospel with others. This method also gives us a chance to live out our Christian lives in front of them so that we can be a light to them and hopefully make them want to live a more godly life....
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...and inclusive to every area of life. Inculturation consists not only in the expression of the Gospel and the Christian faith through the cultural medium, but includes, as well, experiencing, understanding and appropriating the Gospel through the cultural resources of a people. There are at present 5 archdioceses, 12 dioceses, 3 prelatures, and one Apostolic Vicariate in Mindanao-Sulu. Most of these were created after Vatican II, so in a sense, these jurisdictions that compose the Church in Mindanao-Sulu are young churches. While the Catholics are about 68% of the population of Mindanao-Sulu, the percentage of Muslims and Catholics in any jurisdiction varies greatly. Christian Aid helps 28 indigenous ministries in the Philippines that are working on islands of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago in areas where they are able to reach Muslims. Mindanao, the second largest island in the Philippines, has been the traditional homeland of Muslim Filipinos since the 15th century. The Muslim population is composed of many ethnic groups spread among the islands of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. These scattered islands can only be reached by pump boats. While the incidence of poverty is high, the lush, natural beauty of the place provides a clear picture of the Creator’s handiwork. Introducing the Lord to these people is the prime goal of several indigenous ministries. Working within the framework of the culture, building friendships and helping in very practical ways...
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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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...which have been passed down orally ("The Gospel”). Voodoo is based on the idea that spirits in the spirit world interact with humans in a symbolic relationship, where spirits proved health, protection and good fortune to humans, and humans provide food and other materials to the spirits ("The Gospel”). The Voodoo people hold ceremonies to offer food and blood to spirits. During this time participants fall into a trance and the Loa take possession of their bodies, at this point the spirits may take over their bodies and proved advice or they may sing, dance and curse ("The Gospel”). The Voodoo religion ultimately believes in God, Man and Salvation. The Voodoo religion teaches that there is one Supreme Being named Bondje and under that they’re hundreds of minor gods and Loa ("The Gospel”). The Loa are believed to have control over nature, health, wealth and happiness of humans. Jesus is not a part of ancient Voodoo tradition, but as Christian’s ideas were added to the religion; Jesus became a part of their minor gods ("The Gospel”). The physical body of man is believed to contain a soul that has two parts, a “small soul” and the “large soul” ("The Gospel”). The small soul is the individual’s personal essence; this part is able to leave the body during sleep and can be possessed by the Loa during ceremonies ("The Gospel”). The large soul is a portion of the universal life energy, which enters a body at conception and leaves at death ("The Gospel”). The Voodoo religion also believes in...
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