...Reflection Paper #2 Introduction On this reflection paper, the topics I choose were the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit” and the “Rapture”. I choose these topics because they both bring topics of debate with them. There are many different views on these two topics and I will try to shed some light on them. Through Biblical research and theological definitions, we will try to discover the purpose and meanings of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the Rapture. The first topic of discussion is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. This topic stirs up much debate in the denominational realms of the church. There are many different views and standpoints on this topic. John 1:33 states that when John the Baptist, after witnessing the descent of the Holy Spirit as a dove at the baptism of Jesus, recorded these words: “He that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizes with the Holy Ghost”. Later Jesus promised His disciples, “Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence” (Acts 1:5). On the day of Pentecost, the disciples had a number of experiences involving the Holy Spirit, including the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The disciples spoke in tongues to address the gospel of Christ to many different nations in attendance of Pentecost. This event was the start of the church and its spread of the gospel of Christ to all nations. Many Christians today have confused...
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...Importance of Baptism and The Lord’s Supper A Paper Submitted to Dr. David Alexander In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Course CHHI 520 By Jonathan Ford- ID# 21712916 Submitted on 18 February 2013 Thesis Statement: Even though early believers in Christ kept their traditions of their Jewish forefathers they added the Christian components Baptism and the Lord’s Supper to their practice of worship. The most common action of the church is worship. Worship serves as a key component of Christian faith. To worship is to present the promise of covenant devotion to the Almighty, and to state our faithfulness as his servants. In understanding our worship today, it is important to understand what worship looked like in the earliest days of the church. Even though early believers in Christ kept their traditions of their Jewish forefathers they added the Christian components Baptism and the Lord’s Supper to their practice of worship. This research paper will examine the many definitions of worship. It will also provide glimpse of what worship was like in the early church. To help get an understanding of worship in the early church we must first examine the origin of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Pertaining to the origin of baptism, it is implied that while Christian baptism may have been commonly used by John the Baptist, baptism itself did not start off with Christians or John. This research paper will show that Jews practiced baptism as a customary...
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...Liberty University “Infant Baptism” A research paper submitted to Professor Seth Johnson In Partial Fulfillment of the requirements For THEO 350-D07 Liberty University Online By Jeffrey Robinson L21932989 Lynchburg, Virginia April 24, 2012 I did not come to the saving knowledge of the Lord until I was twenty-four years old. By this time I had two small children that were four years old and two months old. My wife was born and raised in the church. She wanted to get the children baptized. I did not know what that meant. So being the inquisitive new covert that I was, I went to the pastor and asked what the meaning of the infant baptism was. He explained that it was just an outward sign that I was going to raise my children in the church and the ways of Christ. I thought that was a great idea. Until this class, I did not know that there was any other reason than the one explained to me by my pastor nineteen years ago. The topic just never came up. Since I believe that this is the true reason I had my children baptized, this paper will try to argue that infant baptism is not for salvation purposes. I believe in true faith. I also believe that baptism can be an empty ritual. Through research and prayer, God has been teaching me about the church and the communal nature of faith. I have learned that a person’s view of the meaning of the sacraments, the Church, covenant theology, individualism, and God’s grace have a great deal to do with...
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...THE DOCTRINE OF BAPTISMAL REGENERATION: AN ANALYSIS OF ITS ASSOCIATION WITH THE RESTORATION MOVEMENT A Research Paper Submitted to Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary Online In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Course Systematic Theology II (TH 530-D09) By Justin Hartpence (23828793) May 12, 2013 THESIS STATEMENT This paper shall argue that this is an inaccurate depiction and seek to put forth the common view of baptism in the Restoration Movement as distinct from the common understanding of baptismal regeneration, while pointing to key factors that play a role in popular inaccuracies. TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 1 DEFINING REGENERATION 2 DEFINING BAPTISM 3 The Mode 3 The Subject 4 The Meaning 6 According to Classic Baptismal Regenerationists 7 According to Restoration Movement Theology 8 BAPTSIM AS THE OCCASION OF SALVATION 9 John 3:5 9 Titus 3:5 11 BAPTISM'S RELATION TO FAITH 12 CONCLUSION 14 SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY 15 INTRODUCTION Change: it is an inevitable fact of life. Whether it is plant, animal, human or thought nothing exists for very long without addition or subtraction of some kind. Unfortunately theology is not immune. One need only survey the history of Christianity to see this disconcerting fact. Like a pendulum, however, as theology sways outward from its starting point there are inevitably forces that pull it back. This happened most notably in the Reformation under the guidance of reformers...
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...During its development, Christianity experienced numerous changes, changes in the structure, rituals, views on certain things. As for the ritual, then I think it is worth to consider related to the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and a milestone in the history of Christianity - the emergence of Calvinism and explain its features, its content and the filling, the difference. Meaning of Baptism for us is that if we dare to participate in it, then we are free to live the kind of life that does not apply to death. Instead of living in fear, we are able to love - to love God (it's not as easy as it sounds ), and to love our neighbor ( it's even harder ). Calvinism is the name given to a system of philosophical thought, we have inherited from Jean Calvin. He is recognized as the spokesman of the system, but not the generator of ideas in its foundation. Calvinism is not just a set of ideas shared by Calvin and his followers, but the organic unity with a common root. Calvinism is not limited to theology, is a comprehensive system that includes well-defined views on politics, society, science and the arts. Baptism of Holy Spirit Baptism of Holy Spirit can be defined as the work by which the Spirit of God at the moment of redemption brings the believer with Christ. Spiritual baptism was given not only to the apostles, but...
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...Dear Charles, Here's a possible rewrite of your thesis: "This paper will examine Augustine's teachings about 'conferred faith' upon infant during baptism. My claim is that Paul misrepresented Paul's teachings on the family's effect upon the holiness of the child." You'll find the "claim" in chapters 1-14 of Turabian's Manual, which is something that our rubric doesn't bring up, but I think it's a good technique. I notice that you have Greek written in Times New Roman font. I have seen other students do this. I have never been able to figure out how this is done. I notice that when I try to add a letter than it comes out in Latin script. These are quotations that you've pasted. This is amazing. I don't know how they do this! Let me know if you can help me! The only defect in this paper that I want to point out is that much of your paper is not really about Augustine's teaching on infant baptism. All subsequent developments of his teachings really have nothing to do with what happened in Augustine's head. Let's take Pannenberg as an example. He may have followers up there in Lutheran country where you minister. His ideas are influenced by Augustine, but Augustine was not a Lutheran. Some seem to think he was a Lutheran or a Calvinist, but they deceive themselves. You must, of course, take Paul into account because Augustine worked with Paul's writings. Paul was a source that Augustine used—or better, abused or misused, as you and argue. Students find it impossible to focus on one...
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...THEOLOGY RESEARCH PAPER The Purpose and Merits of Baptism V. King THEO350 24 November 2014 Is there a purpose behind baptism? This is a question that has been heatedly debated for decades by all religions. It is an extremely important question and carries significant meaning to those who believe and practice baptism. The Slavic word for baptism is “krst”, which in ancient German, its origin is derived from the word “kristen”.1 Kristen translates into making followers of Christ.2 The Greek word for baptize is baptizein, which translates to immerse.3 Whereas, the most commonly recognized Greek word for baptism is baptizó. There are many scriptures in the New Testament that provide the purpose of baptism. For a Christian, being baptized is an important step in a Christian’s life. It is a process of ridding one of sin so they can live their life according to God’s Will. John 3:15 tells that “Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” For Christians, they need to be baptized by a form of water in order to go to God’s Kingdom. ------------------------------------------------- Those who want to be baptized must accept and proclaim Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. After He is accepted as the one and only Savior, the person is baptized by going under water in the same manner as John the Baptist. There are three main components that baptism stands for: death, burial and resurrection...
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.........1 II. The History and Theologies of Pentecostals and Charismatics…….……….………2 a. Brief History of the Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements……..……….2-3 b. The Beliefs of the Pentecostals and Charismatics…………………..............3-5 III. The Bible and the Baptism in the Holy Spirit……………………..……….…….....5 IV. The Bible and Gifts of the Holy Spirit…………………………………….………..6 V. Scholarly Perspectives on Speaking in Tongues ………………………….………..7 a. Speaking in Tongues: A Reversal of the Babel Event at Pentecost….……..7-8 b. Psychiatric Views of Speaking in Tongues……………………….…......….8-9 c. Speaking in Tongues as Spiritual Warfare…………………………….…....9 VI. Conclusion…………………………………………………………………….…....10 Bibliography…………………………………………………………………......…11 I. Introduction Author Paul Enns presents his perspectives on the supernatural gift of speaking in tongues and the Holy Spirit in his book The Moody Handbook of Theology, Revised and Expanded. However, Enns believes that gift ceased at the end of the Apostolic Age. This view is flawed because it does not take into account the manifestation of the Holy Spirit and the gift of speaking in tongues in today’s modern world. Whether the baptism in the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Holy Spirit are still at work and bestowed upon believers today is an issue causing considerable confusion, disagreement, and tension within the Christian community. There are as many arguments for as against the degree of...
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...Scriptures, whereas Catholicism was based on the doctrines taught by Popes and Bishops. With foundations so different it can only be assumed that the beliefs would be different as well. There are several main differences between Catholicism and Christianity: how they perceive the Bible, Salvation, Baptism, the Holy Trinity and evolution. “The Bible is the sole authority for Christian beliefs and practices. The Catholic Church stresses a balance between Biblical support and the tradition of the Church itself.” (Robinson, June). This difference is based on the foundations of the religion itself. Christians believe that all rules of faith have to come from the Holy Bible, which is the written Word of God. They also believe that the Bible is authoritative and clear, and it can be read and understood by anyone who chooses to read it. In the Catholic faith, knowledge is passed down from Popes and Bishops through the church which is then taught to the people of the religion. There are scriptures with these subjects in them, but they are not accessible to all people of the faith. “The Scriptures are inaccessible because only the magisterium (Popes or Bishops) is able to establish the authentic meaning. Similarly the contents of Sacred Tradition can only be known through the magisterium.” (Mizzi, n.d.) Salvation is a common term between Christianity and Catholicism, but depending on which religion you are...
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...Research Paper Of “A Select Issue in Contemporary Theology: Charismatic Theology." THEO 510-C03 LUO (Fall 2012) Survey of Christian Doctrine Dr. Eunice Abogunrin, Professor Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary Carol H. Montgomery (ID# 24993689) November 11, 2012 CONTENTS COVER PAGE 1 CONTENTS 2 THESIS 3 INTRODUCTION 3 CHARSMATIC GIFTS DEBATE 3-12 CONCLUSION 12 BIBLIOGRAPHY 13 INTRODUCTION This research paper will show that biblical referred to as glossolalia; the ability to “speak in tongues” is fiercely debated. While the Bible gives clear examples of genuine glossolalia, which will be examined later, the modern debate centers around the need or not, nature, importance, and usage of “tongues” today. Lastly, this paper will examine the biblical accounts of glossolalia along with more occurrences that are contemporary to determine whether modern episodes of “tongues” are needed or not needed. Out of all the gifts, the one that Paul speaks of the most controversial is the gift of tongues. "Glossolalia" is the most commonly accepted term for "speaking in tongues." It comes from the Greek words meaning "tongues" or "languages," and "to speak." Although not exclusively, "speaking in tongues" is primarily practiced by Pentecostal Christians. Glossolalia is the "prayer language" of Pentecostal churches. Some Christians who speak in tongues believe they are speaking in an existing language. Most believe they are uttering a heavenly...
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...Liberty University Research Paper The Origin of Anabaptist Submitted to Dr. Jerry Sutton “Church History” – CHHI 694 By Jonathan Whitfield August 11, 2013 Table of Content Thesis Statement 3 Introduction 4 Origins 5 History 7 Beliefs 10 Rituals and Worship 12 Ethics and Community 13 Conclusion 15 Bibliography 16 Thesis Statement The Anabaptists were distinct because of their assertion of the necessity of adult baptism, rejecting the infant baptism practiced by the Roman Catholic Church, and by defining their characteristics in the belief in the separation of church and state, and the concept that the church represents the community of the saved. Introduction Four hundred seventy years ago the Anabaptist movement was launched with the inauguration of believers' baptism and the formation of the first congregation of the Swiss Brethren in Zurich, Switzerland. The movement was formed to give men and women the opportunity to follow the whole Word of God by the virtues thought by Jesus Christ. This movement also gave a significant stance of issues that were pertinent to their beliefs and the local community. In our view of such participation we would call them dominant and forceful especially when it came to the questions on slavery. This was more than just an active voice, they responded to slavery by assisting the escape efforts of...
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...Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary The Origin of Anabaptists A Paper Submitted to Dr. Sutton In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Course CHHI 665- B-05 By Andrew Tressler L21478349 February 2, 2014 Table of Contents Introduction---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3 Anabaptist Beginnings--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3 The Founders of the Anabaptist Movement----------------------------------------------------------10 Persecution of the Anabaptists--------------------------------------------------------------------------12 Conclusion---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------15 Bibliography------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------16 Introduction At a surface level looking at Anabaptists one will see a radically reformed sect of Christianity. Digging deeper will bring to light many groups coming together under the belief that the state church was no longer leading and teaching biblical theology. There were groups that popped up all across Europe in the wake of reformation lead by Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Ulrich Zwingli. Even before the time of the Anabaptist movement there was a high level of persecution for those who stood against the state church and the pope. There was a difference between what the...
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...Bogachan Demirci STM 322C-170 Sacraments & Symbols Research Paper September 9, 2012 The History, Theology, Ritual/Liturgy, Pastoral Issues of Confirmation as a Sacrament “Sacraments are actions, and they function as rituals: they repeat gestures and words that are meaningful to those who perceive them. Sacraments affect more than the thoughts and feelings of participants because they have to be understood psychologically and theologically. There are seven sacraments in Catholicism: Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage, The Eucharist, Penance, Anointing the Sick and Holy Orders. People learn and remember and they remember from practice of prayer and of the involvement and preparation of the sacraments. (Martos 2009). These sacraments help people work together in the Catholic Community and celebrate God every day. Mt 25 34-46. Confirmation is one of three Catholic sacraments of initiation, it connects the recipient and reveals communion with God and his grace. “Confirmation is regarded as the perfection of Baptism, because, as the introduction to the Rite of Confirmation states: by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. They are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.” In the Eastern Catholic churches, Confirmation is known as Christmation and confers a, “sacramental character that cannot be...
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...LIBERTY UNIVERSITY THE GIFT OF TONGUES DISPLAYED IN THE BOOK OF ACTS A RESEARCH PAPER SUBMITTED TO PROFESSOR DOUGLAS PETERSON IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR BIBL364 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY ONLINE BY SEAN HIGGINS LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA DECEMBER 5, 2012 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 2 PENTECOST 2 THE CONVERSION OF CORNELIUS 5 TONGUES AT EPHESIAN BAPTISM 7 CONCLUSION 9 BIBLIOGRAPHY 10 Introduction The gift of Tongues has been becoming more and more popular over the past 10 years. Christians appear to have differing views on the matter. Some think it is a sign of the HOLY SPIRIT, other think it is a manifestation of demonic forces. There are Bible verses to support both of these opinions, so the issues can become rather confusing. This paper is meant to show exactly everything that the Book of Acts mentions on the subject of tongues. This paper doesn’t refer to any other parts in the Bible regarding tongues. There are three different incidences in the Book of Acts that refers to speaking in tongues. First in Acts 2:4, 6-11 at the day of Pentecost, then in Acts 10:46 at the conversion of Cornelius, and finally in Acts 19:6 at the baptism of the 12 men in Ephesus. I am going to look solely at these events in order to study exactly what the Book of Acts says about tongues. Pentecost The experience of the Spirit on Pentecost is a fulfillment of the prophecy of John the Baptist concerning the one who would...
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...REL 133 7/25/2011 Abstract This paper gives an insight into different religions and seeks to differentiate the different regions. This paper points out key religious issues which scholars encountered and how it affected the study of religion and also helps identifies some example of religious traditions. Religion is vital and so are the religious traditions that are practices all over the world. This paper will describe fundamental mechanism of these religious traditions and their association to the sacred. It will include the critical issues of religion and examples of religious traditions held worldwide. How a religious tradition organizes including leadership, relationships among members, and so forth and what a religious does and say. A religious tradition an act of something that followers of one religion do because it was done for many years by gods or goddesses. These traditions are diverse for each different religion. Each religion has its own texts, stories, and myths etc. that permit people to read about that tradition to a specific religion. For example the Christian religion tells the story of the creation of earth and how it happened according to Christian beliefs from the bible. In some religions the scared reality is not seen as only personal attributes but is more like a natural energy or mysterious power that is manifested through the universe and nature. Some religion praising the reality of multiple gods where they each are separated...
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