...APA THEO 201-B30 Essay on Pneumatology: Spiritual Gifts Spiritual gifts are basically just what the name implies, they are supernatural gifts given to us by God, and the Holy Spirit to your own spirit. They come in many different forms, giving us many different abilities. Spiritual gifts are given when the Holy Spirit enters into someone’s body, and are used to further glorify God and his greatness. There are many different spiritual gifts, and as is pointed out in 1st Peter 4:10 we all have atleast one, some people may have more or some people may just use theirs more than others. There is also something called the Fruit of the Spirit, although a lot like the Spiritual Gifts there are a few differences as well. Spiritual gifts are abilities to be used to glorify God, where Fruit of the Spirit is more about a person’s character and the Holy Spirit taking over their spirit. As a person matures in their spiritual journey the Fruits of the Spirit take over more gradually, showing how the Holy Spirit is taking over that person’s character. So while everyone is given a Spiritual Gift it may not always show, but anyone can develop the Fruits of the Spirit. Although there are many Spiritual Gifts that people are given, the one that seems to draw the most attention is the gift of speaking in tongues. The first record of this is in the first chapter of Acts on the day of Pentecost. The act of speaking in tongues happens...
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...Joshua Lytle THEO201_B24_201120 Short Essay #3 Short Essay on Pneumatology: Spiritual Gifts Spiritual gifts are capacities given to believers in Christ or “useful functions for God” in spiritual service. The Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) is produced in believers by the Spirit to sanctify them through the production of His character. Spiritual gifts are abilities used in service to God while spiritual fruit involves the character of Christians. The Fruit of the Spirit, produced only by the indwelling of the Spirit, exhibits the spiritual maturity of believers. My personal definition of spiritual gifts is the following: Spiritual gifts are abilities given by God to every Christian for different types of service, each person receiving one or more gifts, with purposes including: to give God glory through service, to accomplish His will, and to edify believers. The baptism of the Holy Spirit and His indwelling is directly related to salvation. When a person accepts Jesus as his or her Savior, the Spirit indwells the new believer immediately, not in a subsequent experience. This indwelling places the believer in the Body of Christ. Salvation is not a two-step process, but is instead a change in a person’s relationship with God. Biblical definitions of speaking in tongues are: a gift of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 that may have two functions: In the book of Acts, it is an “initiation” gift given to affirm entrance to the Church Body. It may also be a spiritual...
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...Short Essay on Pneumatology: Spiritual Gifts Perhaps the simplest explanation of a spiritual gift would be that they are Gifts of God empowering Christians to accomplish their service. More so it is the God-given capacity of every Christian to carry out his function in the body of Christ. Not all spiritual gifts affect the life of the one who practices it; nonetheless its purpose is and always was to edify believers. The godly characteristics that develop in us as a consequence of receiving God’s Spirit are known as the ‘fruit of the Spirit’. They do not appear immediately in mature form. There is a process that changes the human mind (Romans 12:2) through practical application of God’s laws. Those laws are an expression of the very divine nature that is received through the Holy Spirit. Applying the law motivates the Spirit to produce its fruit. Over time the maturing of the fruit changes human nature to divine nature. This process is completed by Christ, as told in John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” From my understanding the biblical definition and purpose of the gift of tongues was that the tongue in which the person spoke was unintelligible, and therefore unedifying to the Christian assembly, the tongue was not a foreign language, the tongue speaker addressed himself to God to whom he probably offered prayer and praise, the tongue edified the speaker,...
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...Todd M. Lynch THEO201 C03 Short Essay #3 Short Essay on Pneumatology: Spiritual Gifts Spiritual Gifts and their place in today’s world is a topic that has been debated for some timed. One gift that has received specific attention is the gift of speaking in tongues. This essay will define what spiritual gifts are, as well as differentiate them from Spiritual fruits and show which one is a sign of spiritual maturity. This essay will also discuss speaking in tongues, defining it, discussing if it is a sign of baptism in the Holy Spirit and arguing whether or not it is still a valid spiritual gift today. Spiritual Gifts are “gifts of God enabling the Christian to perform his or her (sometimes specialized) service” in the church.[1] They are supernatural gifts bestowed by the Holy Spirit that enhance the work and ministry of the Christian. [2] Depending on which gift is given you use them to spread the Word of God and help the church to grown. They can be anything from the gift of prophesy, to the gift of speaking in tongues to the gift of administration. The gifts all have a place in ministry within the church. Spiritual gifts are not to be confused with Fruits of the Spirit. Fruits of the spirit such as love, joy, peace, kindness, etc. are all things that are produced in us by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). These things are not given to us, but brought out from inside of us through the work of the Holy Spirit. The Fruits of the Spirit relate to our character,...
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...FRIEDRICH SCHLEIEMACHER DEFENSE OF CHRISTIANITY PAPER 2 SUBMITTED TO RODNEY NICKENS, PROFESSOR HISTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH CHHI BY MELVIN L MONTGOMERY JR. PINEHURST, NC JULY 28, 2011 INTRODUCTION Friedrich Daniel Ernst Schleiermacher is credited as being the father of Christian liberalism. Like most influential Church fathers, unresolved doubts concerning the orthodoxy and doctrine of his time led him to seminary. He developed a strong sense of skepticism towards Christian theology while studying at the University in Halle. In response to the Enlightenment, Friedrich Schleiermacher shifted his thoughts towards his experience and feelings this would usher in a new era of liberal theology. No such theological doctrine had been developed within the historical context of the Christian church; it is helpful to highlight the profound challenges presented by Enlightenment philosophy in the place of religion. Liberals insisted that the ultimate authority in theology must be man, either in his reason, his will or his feelings. If only what can be proven by experiments and deductive reasoning is knowable, how could we know about unverifiable religious doctrines with any certainty? Even among those caught up in Romanticism, a reactionary movement against its cold rationalism, religious dogma and moralistic authority were still perceived as a hindrance to authentic, individual freedom. One could be cultured, optimistic, moral and full of ideals. However,...
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...A peek into the history of this branch of philosophy would unveil that it was from the extensive treatise of Aristotle that the term “Metaphysics” was first coined – not even by Aristotle himself – but by the first century editor of his work, who, in assembling some of the philosopher’s writings on various branches of philosophical studies, took the title from those Aristotle most likely considered should be studied (literally) ‘after the Physics’; or after the treatises dealing with nature (ta phusika). Even during the Medieval era, the subject-matter of metaphysics was “being as such”; “the first causes of things”; ‘that which does not change.” Aristotle had divided metaphysics into three main categories, which now stand as the branches of the traditional Western science of metaphysics: ontology (the theory of being in itself), cosmology (the theory describing the origin and structure of the universe), and psychology (devoted to the study of the soul). Then, sometime in the seventeenth century, many topics and issues that Aristotle and the Medievalist philosophers would have classified as belonging to physics (for instance, the concept of the soul, the relation between the mind and the body, or the freedom of the will, or personal identity across time) began to be “reassigned” (rather abruptly) to metaphysics. The term “metaphysics” began to be a catch-all classification under which any and all philosophical problems that could not be otherwise categorized could be lumped...
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...REVIEW FOR THEOLOGY IN THE CONTEXT OF WORLD CHRISTIANITY: HOW THE GLOBAL CHURCH IS INFLUENCING THE WAY WE THINK ABOUT AND DISCUSS THEOLOGY Name: Course: Professor’s Name: Date: Timothy C. Tennent, an American theologian, is Professor of World Missions and Indian Studies and the current president of Asbury Theological Seminary. Dr. Tennent and wife, Julie Myers, reside in Ipswich, Massachusetts, with their two children, Jonathan, and Bethany. Tennent (born on September 24, 1959) did his college education B.A. from Oral Roberts University, quickly followed by a Masters’ degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. He later did a Doctorate of Philosophy degree from the University of Edinburgh's in Scotland, where his dissertation was on Brahmabandhab Upadhyay, an Indian theologian. His teaching career started at Toccoa Falls College. At Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Massachusetts, he served as professor of world missions and Indian studies. He was elected to his current office as president of Asbury Seminary in 2009. He still a visiting professor at the Luther New Jr. Theological College of Dehradun, India. He authored "Building Christianity on Indian Foundations" together with "Christianity at the Religious Roundtable". He has also published items in the series “Encountering Mission” and “Invitation to Theological Studies.” In November 2009, Tennent had signed an ecumenical statement differing categorically with rules and laws permitting abortion, same-sex marriage...
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...Name: Nichole Acosta Writing Style Used: MLA Course and Section Number: THEO 201 B01 Essay on Pneumatology: Spiritual Gifts With a passion for theology and the word of God, it brings me great joy when asked to explain my beliefs. While some aspects of our faith are a little simpler to explain than others, one that is continuously debated is that of spiritual gifts. Because of a presented opportunity from a curious friend, I found it fitting to dive into the topic that is currently being debated at his home church. In Acts 2:1-4, Paul recounts Pentecost as the ultimate outpouring of the Holy Spirit to all believers, indwelling and granting them with spiritual gifts. Ephesians 4:11-12 explains that these Spirit-given abilities are not primarily bestowed for personal enjoyment or personal growth, but for Christian service and the edification of the body of Christ. Because every believer has the Holy Spirit in them from salvation (Romans 8:9), it is implied that spiritual gifts are also deposited at conversion, but may be developed at a later time. Though believers may have multiple spiritual gifts, it is guaranteed that every Christian has at least one (1 Corinthians 12:4, 31). One should not confuse spiritual gifts with the fruit of the Spirit. While both are sourced from the Holy Spirit and are results of spiritual baptism, their purposes differ. Elmer Towns describes the relationship perfectly, “A spiritual gift is an ability to be used in service, whereas...
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...The Lord was in the still small voice - 1 Kings 19:12. In what other ways might we hear The Lord speaking? This overview considers the question set, possible ways to interpret it and the need to frame it within an Anglican course context that itself reflects rich, diverse practices of praising, listening to and hearing God. The title of this essay refers to Elijah’s two mountain top experiences on Carmel and Horeb that depict how God speaks in contrasting ways; through spectacular events and displays of power and through a whisper which both calms and rouses the heart. Moving quickly through the story in 1 Kings 19, we see Elijah who has stopped rain, challenge the false prophets of Baal and Asherath to reveal the true God in a fiery showdown on Mount Carmel. After he has ordered the death of the false prophets, Queen Jezebel threatens his life. Elijah, discouraged, flees into the wilderness heading for Mount Horeb (Sinai) a significant place of God’s voice and revelation to Moses, at a key moment in the history of Israel. Perhaps in journeying to Sinai, Elijah hoped for a fresh encounter and revelation of God. Unlike Moses’ experience, God does not partially unveil his countenance. Instead, Elijah hears a still small voice in his cave of refuge, with God asking him what he is doing there. We might imagine that after calling out to God and seeing him work through spectacular events that Elijah would be reassured of God’s infinite power and love. However he is human...
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...“Bibliology.” The Bible is the starting point, or the source, of our religion. Without it, we may as well be at home it the bed this morning, or perhaps on the golf coarse, fishing, maybe lying out at the beach. The Bible is the foundation for Christianity. Without the Bible, how would we know about God? The Bible is the standard, the criterion for everything we as believers do. It is simply put, how God speaks to mankind. 2. Theology Proper: The study of God. Without it, we would have no way to view God. To understand His nature. We would not know who God is. We would not understand the personality of God. The wisdom of God, the love of God, and so on. 3. Christology: The doctrine of Jesus Christ. Need I say more about this? 4. Pneumatology: The study of the Holy Spirit. 5. Angelology: The study of angels. 6. Satanology: Yelp, the study of Satan. There are more, but you get the idea of how much theology is in Scripture. The last study of systematic theology is Eschatology, which means the study of last things. The study of eschatology is the study of last things, however, like the underlying theme of all theology is Jesus Christ. The first verse of the book of Revelation sets the tone. “1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants…” Eschatology is not a study of just prophecy, although it includes that. Biblical eschatology deals with end things in two specific areas. First, it involves the future of the physical world and...
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...I. The Scriptures (Bibliology) A. Inspiration - The Scriptures in the autographs are literally God-breathed (yeopneustov.) Holy men of God spoke and wrote as they were borne along (feromenoi) by the Spirit of God. 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21 B. Infallibility (Inerrancy) - The Scriptures, being inspired, are incapable of error. 2 Peter 1:21; Hebrews 6:18 C. Complete (Plenary) - The canon of the Scriptures (66 Books - the 39 of the Old Testament and 27 of the New Testament) was completed with the writing of the Book of the Revelation and there will be no further Scripture (written) revelation from God. Revelation 22:18 D. Preservation - God has promised to preserve His Word, and the Scriptures that we have today are the Words of God. Psalm 119:89; Matthew 24:35; 1 Peter 1:23 E. Authority - The Bible is the sole authority for faith and practice for the Believer. 2 Timothy 3:16; James 1:21-22; 1 Samuel 15:22 F. Translations - While not inspired, as are the autographs, a translation based upon, and accurate to the preserved copies of the autographs (those of the Hebrew Masoretic Text of the Old Testament and the Textus Receptus of the New Testament) is the Word of God and is, with consideration being given to typographical error, Infallible, Plenary, and Authoritative. II. The Godhead (Theology Proper) A. The Trinity - The Bible declares one God eternally existing in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal in power and...
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...John Wesley was a powerful personality whose passion and devotion to his cause and beliefs led him to explore and change people's view on Christianity and on the interpretation of the Scriptures. During his lifetime Wesley's determination and occasional dictatorial nature allowed him to influence people and help them change their opinion on religion. John Wesley's achievements spanned the majority of his lifetime. From his journeys to preach from England to Georgia, U.S.A. To other parts of Europe. Him writing a few hundred sermons. His longevity enabling him to see the beginning of Methodism's development. In which both of them were highly involved with do to their position in the church “were leaders of the evangelical revival in the Church of England in the eighteenth century.”1 The two of them with their position helped establish a new denomination, the Methodist Church, which was to grow and flourish in Britain and across the world. John Wesley was described as “that extraordinary man whose life and acts have taken their place in the religious history, not only of England, but of Christendom.”2 Through his work and powerful persona he became one of the most famous and recognizable people in England. “His universality of influence and range of achievement in matter of faith and conduct outstripped the leading politicians, philosophers and divines of his age.”3 John Wesley was “born in 1703”4 and was a well educated young...
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...Sexual Purity: A Call to Holiness INTRODUCTION The world in which Christians live today is very similar to the world that Paul taught, lived, and traveled in. Christians are surrounded by and struggle with the issue of sexual purity that believers struggled with in Paul’s day. Sexual immorality is a result of a much larger problem: the refusal of God’s call to be holy. The pagan Gentiles during the New Testament had a skewed picture of moral issues, including sexuality. F. F. Bruce provides a unique look into Greek culture and morality when he quotes Demosthenes who lived during this time period: “We keep mistresses for pleasure, concubines for our day-today bodily needs, but we have wives to produce legitimate children and serve as guardians of our homes.”1 Paul concentrates on these issues in regards to holiness in his first letter to the Thessalonians because believers needed to know how to instruct converts from paganism. The purpose of this paper is to cover these issues of sexual purity and holiness brought up by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8. Also, this paper will cover the significant grammatical, syntactical and theological aspects within 1 Thess 4:3-8. Finally, this paper will conclude with a modern day application of these verses written by Paul to the church in Thessalonica. 1 F. F. Bruce, 1 & 2 Thessalonians,ed. David A. Hubbard, et. al., (WBC 45; Waco: Word Books, 1982), 87. 1 BACKGROUND AND HISTORICAL INFORMATION Thessalonica was located in a strategic...
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...Marlowe's "Doctor Faustus" and "Sin against the Holy Ghost" Author(s): Gerard H. Cox, III Source: Huntington Library Quarterly, Vol. 36, No. 2 (Feb., 1973), pp. 119-137 Published by: University of California Press Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/3816592 Accessed: 07/11/2010 15:38 Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of JSTOR's Terms and Conditions of Use, available at http://www.jstor.org/page/info/about/policies/terms.jsp. JSTOR's Terms and Conditions of Use provides, in part, that unless you have obtained prior permission, you may not download an entire issue of a journal or multiple copies of articles, and you may use content in the JSTOR archive only for your personal, non-commercial use. Please contact the publisher regarding any further use of this work. Publisher contact information may be obtained at http://www.jstor.org/action/showPublisher?publisherCode=ucal. Each copy of any part of a JSTOR transmission must contain the same copyright notice that appears on the screen or printed page of such transmission. JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact support@jstor.org. University of California Press is collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access...
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...Preliminary No. 1 of Essays on the Intellectual Powers of Man Thomas Reid Copyright ©2010–2015 All rights reserved. Jonathan Bennett [Brackets] enclose editorial explanations. Small ·dots· enclose material that has been added, but can be read as though it were part of the original text. Occasional •bullets, and also indenting of passages that are not quotations, are meant as aids to grasping the structure of a sentence or a thought. Every four-point ellipsis. . . . indicates the omission of a brief passage that seems to present more difficulty than it is worth. Longer omissions are reported between brackets in normal-sized type. First launched: April 2006 Last amended: May 2008 Contents Preface Chapter 1: Explaining the meanings of some words Chapter 2: Principles that I take for granted Chapter 3: Hypotheses Chapter 4: Analogy Chapter 5: The right way to get knowledge of the operations of the mind Chapter 6: The difficulty of attending to the operations of our own minds 1 4 17 21 25 27 29 Preliminary Thomas Reid Chapter 7: Classifying the powers of the mind Chapter 8: Social operations of mind 32 35 Preliminary Thomas Reid Preface Preface Human knowledge falls into two parts, one relating to body (material things), the other relating to mind (intellectual things). The whole system of bodies in the universe, of which we know only a very small part, can be called ‘the material world’; the whole system of minds, from the infinite creator right...
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