...Jenna Erickson THEO 104-D14 5/4/15 Reflection Paper 2 I. Introduction For my second reflection paper, similar to my first, I am choosing two topics in which can somewhat go hand in hand with each other. The two topics I am choosing are: Creation and the Fall of Man. In today’s primarily secular culture, the teachings of creation and the fall of man are topics that are too commonly misrepresented and misunderstood amongst many. Both creation and the fall of man are fundamental foundations to establishing a Christian biblical worldview. In two separate sections, I will present creation and the fall of man, while going in-depth into the theological definitions, biblical foundations, and practical applications for both. I will tackle these topics in the order in which they happened, and discuss how this relates to myself and how this class has helped me to get to this point of a better understanding of the scriptures teachings. II. Part One – Creation a. Theological Definition The ideology of creation preaches that the one true God created ex nihilo, or out of nothing, the universe and everything within it. God created the “heavens, the earth, the fish, the various kinds of species of animals, and man as the crown of His creation” (Townes, Origin). This doctrine claims that there was nothing before His creation; no time, substance, space, energy, beings, area or etc. God’s existence alone stood before creation and is solely responsible for everything there is and continues...
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...Theology 104-D14 Jenna Erickson Reflection Paper 1 04/13/2015 I. Introduction Upon sitting down at my desk to write this Reflection paper, I had to put a lot of time and thought into which topics I wanted to discuss and go further in-depth with. Knowing where I stood throughout much of my life, and then in the beginning of this class I have decided upon the topics of Doubt and Reconciliation. I believe these two topics can go hand-in-hand with each other. Doubt being first, but then overcoming that obstacle and then seeking reconciliation for the previous doubt. I will tackle these topics in the order in which I believe they happen, and then discuss how this relates to myself and how this class has helped me get to this point, having gained a better understanding of the scriptures. II. Part One – Doubt a. Theological Definition People can doubt many things throughout their life; people, claims, objects, time, situations and sometimes even facts. While there are many people who do not stray or question their faith in God or Jesus Christ, there are still also many that do continue to retain doubts. Doubt is not fully a bad thing with faith because it is a person trying to make logical sense of the stories and teachings by weighing evidence, and in turn doing further research to which gives us a deeper understanding of our faith and belief. Doubt helps keep us from making fast judgements or conclusions, poor choices, trusting inconsistent people or sources and much more...
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...Kaleb Parrent Mr. Seth Johnson Theology 104 3 April 2015 Reflection Paper 2 Assignment I. Introduction In today’s predominately secular culture, the doctrine of creation and the doctrine of the immaterial “heart” of man are topics too commonly misrepresented and are profoundly misunderstood amongst many Christians today. The doctrine of creation and the doctrine of the immaterial nature of man are fundamental cornerstones within the Christian worldview that promulgate a rational coherent, consistent doctrine that when properly taught can equip Christians today with important theological knowledge that facilitates their pursuit of effective ministry. Divided into two separate topics, I will subsequently expound upon the Christian doctrine of creation and the doctrine on the immaterial nature of man, outlining the theological definition, biblical foundation, and practical application for each. II. Doctrine of Creation a. Theological Definition The doctrine of creation propagates that an eternal, infinite and immaterial Triune God created ex nihilo, or out of nothing, the universe and everything within it. God created the “heavens, the earth, the fish, the various kinds of species of animals, and man as the crown of His creation” (Townes, Origin). This doctrine asserts that there was no preexistent material existed before creation, emphasizing God’s existence alone before creation, and affirming His infinitude, eternality, self-existence, self-sufficiency, omnipotence...
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...RefJ. Tuzzolo THEO 104-C07 LUO Spring Semester 2010 April 4, 2010 Jesus Christ Reflection Paper I. Introduction Jesus. This one name will bring out many different emotions. This one name will bring millions of people together to worship the God who holds this name. This one name will be cursed by man. This one name will be the topic of many discussions and heated debates. This one name is the name under which man will be saved. This name is not just a name; this name is Jesus Christ, Savior of the world, Jesus Christ the Son of God. This name is the name by which millions of people live their lives on a daily basis. This name is the name in which thousands of churches love their community. Through the name of Jesus power is given to powerless, strength to the weak, love to the loveless and hope to the hopeless. II. Section One – Jesus is God Jesus Christ claimed to be God. So what? A man who walked on this earth claimed to be God. Does this claim make this statement true? The man who claims to be Jesus Christ would have to “demonstrate God-like moral attributes of holiness, love and goodness. He would also have to back up His claim with demonstrations of power, vast knowledge and omnipresence.” (The Deity of Christ). There are eight aspects to Jesus’ claim to this deity. The eight aspects are as follows: 1. Jehovistic I AM 2. Old Testament Adonai 3. Identifies Himself with God in the baptismal formula 4. Be one with the Father ...
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...Morgan Perry THEO 104-D30 April 9, 2015 Reflection Paper INTRODUCTION: My first reflection paper will address temptation and Demons. I do not have a lot of knowledge in these subjects but I want to challenge myself in places I am not familiar with. However, temptation and demons have relation with one another so that’s why I chose these topics. These classes at Liberty University have definitely opened my mind to what it is to be a Christian and appreciate the morals and values I hold. Temptation and Demons are spoken of in the Bible and all over the world. I am excited to further my learning in these topics. THEOLOGICAL DEFINITION: What is temptation? Temptation is what moves us to sin. It is important to know that God does not tempt us to sin (Jas 1:13) and temptation is not to be equated with sin. Christ was tempted (Matt. 4) yet he never sinned (Heb. 4:15). James 1:12-16 is the definition of temptation. Great blessings are given to those who are tempted and remain faithful and your own desires lead you into temptation (James 1:12-16). We must be able to get to a point to resist temptation. It is also important to realize temptation is not sin. Sin is not to blame when we sin (Napier, 1993, para. 12). BIBLICAL DEFINITION: According to the Bible there are two definitions of temptation. Temptation was demonstrated in the Bible when God “tempted” Abraham (Gen. 22:1). In this case temptation meant a trial or being put to the test. Temptation can also mean solicitation...
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...Ashley Wade THEO 104 03D Reflection Paper April 14, 2014 For my Theology assignment, I will be reflecting on two topics that have given me a better understanding of what it means to be a Christian. Since I was young I have always been taught a basic knowledge of what it means to be a Christ follower but understanding the significance of being a Christian has deepened my knowledge even more. The two topics I will be reflecting on are the Fall of Man and Temptation. Both of these topics provide clear understanding on how and why society in today’s world is the way it is. They also provide hope in reestablishing the relationship between God and man. The Fall of Man: The fall of man marks the day where the relationship between God and man changed drastically. According to the Hutchinson Unabridged Encyclopedia, “the Fall of Man occurred in the Garden of Eden when the Serpent tempted Eve to eat the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge.” By doing this, Adam and Eve were forever punished and were no longer allowed to have the intimate relationship they had with God. In Genesis chapter 3 verses 15 - 19, God explained to both Adam and Eve that their curse on this Earth was to live off of the land, the woman would experience extreme pain during child birth, and they were to be forever banned from the Garden of Eden. Genesis is very clear on describing the effect Adam and Eve’s sin had on mankind. And because of their action, mankind is forever separated from God until He returns. What...
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...Black Raven May 12, 2013 Theo 104 D72 Reflection Paper #2 I. Introduction The two topics I have chosen to write about are the Fall of Man and Teaching/Instruction. During this second part of the course, I have learned some more interesting topics during the final weeks. This paper will cover the ideas I have learned so far in this course. II. Part One a. Theological Definition The beginning of the Fall of Man begins in the passage that took place when Adam and Eve, went from being obedient to God to being defiant of God. Adam and Eve were created with purity and were to obey God their creator. Then Satan came a long and convinced Eve and Adam to disobey God by eating the fruit from the tree of knowledge. This was the beginning of sin, and what I believe, was the period, that became known as, the Fall of Man. b. Biblical Foundation As described in Genesis 1:1-31, God is the creator of all living things, plants, animals and humans. God created Adam from dust and Eve was created from Adam’s rib, both were created in God’s image. God made the Garden of Eden a place where all of Adams and Eves desire for sustaining life could be met. God’s only restriction for Adam and Eve was not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. (Genesis 2-17). Eve was approached by a serpent who had persuaded her to eat the fruit from the tree that God told them not to. Then Eve talked Adam into eating the fruit from that same tree. After...
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...Reflection. The conversion of the sinner THEO 104-B04 Troy Temple September 16, 2013 Introduction Who is Jesus Christ and how does believing in him affect so many people. Many people will tell you that you must believe in God to save your soul for eternity. How do people truly know that God is real, and how was the Bible written over hundreds of years, how can people be so trusting in something he or she has never seen. So how is Christianity so different from the Wiccan religion? These are questions that I started to ask myself once I start this class. Both religions started out the same, giving people something to believe in. Doctrine of Christianity The book of Genesis states that in the beginning God created the heavens and earth. Then God said let there be light: and light was good (Genesis 1:3). It was the old testament of the Bible prophecies that causes mankind to believe in God and the Bible. Versus Prophesied all nations would be blessed through one special descendant or seed of Abraham. Jews and Gentiles alike are blessed when they accept Jesus a descendant of Abraham as their Savior (Matthew 1:1). The holy Bible contains 66 books and was written over a period of 1,600 years (Towns, 2007). Whereas the Bible is spread out all over the world, and in many different languages, but still holds true to the message. However, the Bible was written by mortal men that contained sin inherited from Adam just like everyone else. Therefore when...
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...Martha Belton Reflection Paper Theology 104 Introduction What can your local Church do to better communicate God’s love to your community? Does the Bible have authority? Did Jesus claim to be God? These are three topics I choose because it was very interesting to me when we talk about Jesus Christ, as our savior. A person living as a Christian should have a good attitude about their self, they should have a caring, loving and forgiving people who does God love. What can your local Church do to better communicate God’s love to your community? I think Church’s has responsibilities to spread the gospel to everyone As Christians we need to know that it was God’s grace and mercy that saved us. Church should not focus on the bad and wrong, but focus good potential in the people and community. The church membership and leadership in our community should embrace diversity without regards of labeling people. The church should not stop people from participation in any church functions, but it should not be limited to race, mental and physical health, gender and age etc. The problem churches have in today world they have to change from contemporary to modern to meet the need of people without them losing what the mission of church is for. Christianity is the most misunderstood religion in the world. The reason for the misunderstanding is the lies and the lack of stability in the church and the community. Christians are bound by the blood that was shed for us by the son of God...
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...Joanna Fleming Theo-104 B43 Reflection 1 Prof. Fowler Sept. 17, 2012 Reflection: Faith and Wisdom I. Introduction Faith and wisdom are key elements that are needed as a Christian. The practice of faith is the idea of putting your trust in the Lord, instead of relying on oneself. It is another way that we as Christians humble ourselves before God by this commitment and giving Him the power and authority over our lives. We can grow in faith by seeking wisdom in His Word. When we ask Him for wisdom and knowledge to better understand His Word, we grow as Christians in His mercy and love and are able to share His message with the world. is II. Part One (Faith) a. Theological Definition Faith is the belief that something is true. The Hebrew word for faith is hupostasis. In the article “What is Faith”, Ditzel explains that “hupostasis came to mean, "a steadfastness of mind,""confidence," or "assurance” (Diztel, 2009). Faith may come in various forms; however, its concept can be easily misunderstood. Faith means something different for everyone, but for the Christian, faith is a way of life, a way that we can grow in our relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. b. Biblical Foundation The Bible tells us that by placing our faith in Christ, all things are possible. Jesus stated “If you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done” and...
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...Reflection Jeremy Simms Theology 104 Doctor Jones June 30, 2012 Reflection: I. Introduction: Throughout this course of study I have been challenged, and my awareness as a Christian has been heightened. There have been several questions raised that deserve not only an answer, but diligence in the research and understanding necessary to answer with confidence, vigor and enthusiasm. The first question that will be answered is simple in thought, but more complex in true understanding. Does the Bible have authority? Next, we will discuss the importance of personal testimonies in sharing the gospel. Finally, we will look at life as a Christian. If a person is a Christian, does it matter how they live their life? Throughout the following pages these questions will be explored and answered fully, truly and completely. II. Section One: Does the Bible have authority? Many people read the Bible with cynicism in their hearts and attempt to be overly critical as a result. This is true for both Christians and non-believers alike. In some ways it seems easier to look for a mistake or try to disprove scripture instead of having true faith. This poses the question. Does the Bible have authority? If so, where does its authority come from and how do we know? There are many arguments that show the Bible’s authority and confirm the scripture is the word of God. The most powerful to me personally is the convicting, convincing...
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...Reflection Paper-THEO 104 I. Introduction By and large humans are inquisitive by nature. Fields of study such as oceanography, space exploration, scientific research, medical advances, and higher education would not be a reality if man was not curious to comprehend the planet we inhibit. We also recognize authority and the need for order in the midst of chaos. There is a probing nature in the heart of man which was imparted by God about Himself. In truth, Romans 1:19 states “because the thing which can be known about God is evident in them, because God made it known to them.” Having stated this, I’d like to explore the following three questions: Does the Bible have authority? How do arguments for the existence of God influence your view of the supernatural? How can we be confident Jesus is returning? The intention of this paper is to answer these questions clearly and concisely to empower the reader to" be “without excuse” Romans 1:20. II. Does the Bible have authority? Being a recently retired military member, while wearing the cloth of our nation, I as well as other service members were invisibly ruled by written regulations that are authoritative and directive. We would often hear the phrase ‘read and heed’ when a regulation would be outdated. The Bible however is God’s living word, not man’s instruction that can be superseded several times over. Hebrews 4:12 declares: "For the Word of God is quick (alive), and powerful (to be effective and active), and sharper than...
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...Michelle Ragland SID# 23615939 THEO 104- Reflection Paper I. Introduction: As I sat down to write this reflection paper, I had to give very much thought on what topics I wanted to discuss. I have decided after much pondering and meditation that I would like to discuss the topic of Canon and Illumination. This class has helped to give me a greater understanding of my convictions and make me a better Christian. II. Part One: Canon The word Canon is Greek for a rule, and its meaning can be translated as “measuring stick.” (Praxis, Gutierrez and Etzel, 2012, pg 53) The Canon of scripture areis the accepted books of the Bible, thatBible, which is to be a tool for Christians to allow the Holy Spirit to measure them by spiritually. This “Measuring stick” is the instrument that shows our Faithfulness or lack of, our Obedience or lack of, our Conduct , our Sight, and our hearing by the word of God. The canon is the infallible word of God, His instruction to us and communication withcommunication with us that we understand what and how he expects us to live. The Measuring stick of the Old Testament was hard for anyone to keep, because no one is without sin, we understand that God made provision for us and that now we are not measured by the law (Canon) but by our Faith, God’s Grace and our Purpose in Him. God is our measuring stick for our spiritual as well as natural lives, because it is...
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...THEO104: Module Seven Reflection Essay Title Page 1 THEO104: Module Seven Reflection Essay Michelle A. Woycitzky Liberty University THEO104: Module Seven Reflection Essay 2 I. Introduction To define yourself as a Christian is to believe in God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the text of the Holy Bible. Many believers think that this is all it takes to be welcomed into Heaven and enjoy the afterlife in peaceful bliss with their maker. Much of what has been learned in this class these past two months has given me the opportunity to explore Christianity beyond face value, as it should be explored. The true model Christian delves into the inner workings of the scripture and promotes the promises made by God when one lives their life as a messenger of that scripture. Education is the only way to make a person aware of what it truly means to be a Christian. In reflecting on the concepts learned in this class, a series of questions were presented, three chosen, then answered on the basis of what I have learned. The first question I chose was, Does the Bible have authority? Through the Doctrine of the Bible and arguments that the Bible is the Word of God, this question will be answered along with the information in Towns book. Secondly, I chose, Why are personal testimonies important in sharing the gospel? This topic was of great interest to me because I am capable of explaining it...
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...Reflections I. Introduction: This assignment has been a tough one for me to decide which three topics to reflect on. All nine topics that we were presented with that we are to choose from are very interesting and thought provoking. I have decided to go with the following three because they each sparked my interest either during the Class or during my walk with the Lord. The first one that I am going to address is “What can your local church do to better communicate God’s love to your community”? The second topic that I am going to address is “If a person is a Christian, does it matter how they live their life”? And last but not least I am going to address the topic that asks us “Does the Bible have authority”? II. I am first going to address the topic “What can your (my) local Church do to better communicate God’s love to your (my) community”? This is a simple question for me to answer. First I think that my Church should have a food pantry. This food pantry should be available to anyone and everybody….not just members of the congregation. If we just made the food items available to Church members, I don’t think that would be demonstrating Christ’s love to the community. Jesus Christ mingled with all types of people and he healed all types. They didn’t belong to any particular ethnic group or congregation and they didn’t have to fill out a survey to see if they qualified. Another way that I think a Church should do to demonstrate God’s love to the community is to show tolerance...
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