...Name: Warren Brooks Writing Style Used: MLA Course and Section Number: THEO 201 D27 Short Essay on Inspiration and Inerrancy It was a routine morning; I woke up to the buzz of my alarm, had breakfast, and was on my way to the park where I have my daily Bible study. However, on this day, my time at the park did not go according to routine as normal. A jogger that regularly runs through the park suddenly approached me. He told me his name, but the next words that came out of his mouth were: “How do you sit there morning after morning and read that Bible. What drives you to do it, and what do Christians find so authoritative about it?” I didn’t respond right away, but after taking a few seconds, I concluded: The term ‘authority,’ when applied to the Bible, also has an application to words spoken or written whose accuracy has been established and whose information can consequently be trusted (McDonald). To say the Bible has authority means that these words have the power and right to command. This authority comes from God and we are meant to give our lives over to this supreme authority. Hence, we worship the God of these words, and not the words themselves. John 5:23 states, “He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.” This evidences that Jesus and God are equal. Since Jesus and God are one, this means that Jesus has this authority as well. Biblical inspiration is a super-natural influence of the Holy Spirit upon divinely chosen agents in consequence...
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...Rodney Varner; THEO 201-B11_201240 September 15, 2012 Short Essay # 2 Short Essay on Christology As I was going home from work, two well-dressed gentlemen accost me, handing me some literature explaining what they believe. As I glanced over it, one sentence stood out stating that Jesus was a man and could not be God. I then told them that Christology in its most basic definition means the study of Christ. Christology focuses on Jesus’ nature and the person he was, as well as the details of his life and teachings. It also focuses on the relationship between Christ and God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. Enwall explains Christology, “In the New Testament the writers indicate who Jesus is by describing the significance of the work He came to do and the office He came to fulfill” (Enwall 2001, 239). In this essay we will focus on some of the significant issues of Christology, such as Jesus’ humanity and deity, the Hypostatic Union, and the Biblical basis for such issues. Many people get confused and have a hard time with the concept of Jesus being both man and God at the same time. It is a hard concept to take in and understand, but we have to trust in the authority of the Bible. A few Biblical examples of the Humanity of Christ would be from the Books of Matthew and Mark. In Matthew 4:1-2, we read about Jesus being tested in the wilderness. He fasted for 40 days and 40 nights and after He was hungry, a very human trait. Again in Mark 4:38-41, we read the story...
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...Zack Messmore MLA Format Theo 201-B23 Christology In the branch of natural science called thermodynamics which deals with energy and how energy worsd, there is a term called “triple point” Triple point in simplified terms refers to the point at which a substance reaches a specific temperature and pressure which enables it to be gas, liquid, and solid. A popular example of this is water, which has a specific triple point of 273.16 K. At this point the water, is a gas (water vapor), a liquid (water), and a solid (ice). (Çengel 135) This all happens at a microscopic level and at fractions of milliseconds, and yet it is the best real life example of how anything can be three things at once. God may have included this little element in earth science while creating the world to reflect on his true nature. This scientific fact could be a great way to defend the idea of how Jesus could be both God and Man. However as with most of the bible faith plays and biblical evidence plays a large roll. Good information on thermodynamics, however also make sure that your introduction fully introduces all of the topics that your work intends on addressing. The Bible makes unambiguous claims as to who and what Jesus was. Jesus claims several times throughout his walk on earth that he was in fact God and that he existed before the time of the decibels. He alludes to Exodus by saying "before Abraham...
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...Kendall Lucy THEO 201 – D17 Short Essay 3 Spiritual Gifts Logging in to facebook yesterday, I noticed that I had a message from an old friend that I had not seen since high school. She wanted to know if I would talk to her about spiritual gifts and answer some questions that were being debated in her church. She wanted answers to questions about spiritual gifts, the Fruit of the Spirit, speaking in tongues, and baptism in the Holy Spirit. I told her that I would share the biblical view of spiritual gifts. I sent her an email with the answers to her questions. Here is a part of the email that I sent to her. In 1 Corinthians 12, we learn that spiritual gifts are given to God’s people by the Holy Spirit for “the common good.” Verse 11 says the gifts are given according to God’s sovereign will. Ephesians 4:12 tells us these gifts are given to prepare God’s people for service and for building up the body of Christ. While there are different kinds of gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4), spiritual gifts are God-given graces meant for works of service. There are two major evidences of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. The outward evidence is speaking with tongues. Further evidence of the Spirit’s abiding presence in our lives is the Fruit of the Spirit, which Paul mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23. A spiritual gift is an ability to be used in service, whereas spiritual fruit relates to a Christian’s character. Many...
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...Liberty University THEO 510 – Survey of Theology Andrew Reitenauer Journal Article Critique “The Relationship between John and the Synoptic Gospels” Introduction The Journal article entitled “The Relationship between John and the Synoptic Gospels,” focuses on the relationship that John may have had access to the synoptic gospels when he wrote the book of John. The debate focuses on three theories about how the book of John was written, and how John is similar, yet uniquely different from the Synoptic Gospels, of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The journal compares the writing style and the scripture context in comparisons and differences between the synoptic gospels and the book of John. Brief Summary The three distinct positions of the article focuses on, first “that John was literally dependent upon one or more of the synoptic gospels” (1). The second is “that John was literally independent of the synoptic gospels, but that similarities between them are due to use of a common synoptic tradition” (1). The third and final position is “that John was literally independent of the synoptic gospels, but was aware of them and their traditions.” (1). All of these literary theories help the reader to understand why the book of John is different, yet similar in many ways to the synoptic gospels, although it is not included as one of the synoptic gospels. “The term synoptic is derived from a combination of the Greek words συν (syn = together) and οψις (opsis = seeing) to indicate...
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...Anthony Henderson Turabian Theo-201 D16 Essay on Bibliology: Inspiration and Inerrancy of the Bible I n today’s society many people question the authority and inerrancy of the Bible. They want concrete proof of the inerrancy of the Bible and they question the inspiration and ability of the writers. When we say the Bible has authority, we must also show where the authority comes from. “Authority is the right and power to command, enforce laws, exact obedience, determine or judge”. Many people do not understand how much authority a book written thousands of years ago actually commands. The authority comes from God because the Bible is the Word of God. “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” We know God is truth and the Bible is His word. This knowledge leads us to conclude that the Bible is authoritative and true. The Bible is the inspired Word of God given to the writers of the scripture. “The content of the Bible teaches that it was given by the process of inspiration of God so that the words were God’s Word and that they are accurate and reliable, hence they are authoritative”. We read in the Bible how the prophets did not use their words, but were moved by the Spirit to speak God’s Words. We also see that the Spirit led them to write what God wanted to be written. The Bible is inspired, or “God-breathed”. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”. The question...
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...Jae Lee MLA Theo 201-D21 Short Essay on Inerrancy and Inspiration. While sitting on a bench in a nearby park I was reading the Bible, when a jogger had stopped in the middle of his jog and asked me why am I reading the Bible and do I really think that the words of God has authority. So I answered his first question by telling him that I am a student in a Christian College and that I found my love for God. The second question that he had, I answered him with a question saying whoever might you believe in or what you believe in does it have authority? With that reply I went on briefly and told him that Jesus in my father and he is my savior. He is the one I believe in and the one that sets plans for all of us. Inspiration can be also defined as Approach, influence, a way to help one rise and other things. the purpose of the Bible Inspiration is that it helps one understand or even let one rise from their problems because the father Jesus Christ is there to protect and provide for them. Every writer from the past and every reader till this day have an inspirational story to tell. We all are inspired by God’s word. Through-out the whole Bible there are inspiring passages and verses. But the Bible as a Whole in the biggest inspiration that one needs. “All scripture is God-breath and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” The bible is given by the Inspiration of God. The Scripture is words we need to hear so that we can overcome things in life...
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...Name: Writing Style Used: MLA Course and Section Number: THEO 201 – D21 Essay on Topic Christology Jesus was a man but was he also God? It is a question that many have today. Through studies it can be determined that Jesus is in fact both God and man. This can be accomplished by reviewing biblical accounts, looking at what it means for Jesus to be both God and man, and examining the dangers of overemphasis or denying the deity or humanity of Christ. Through the synoptic gospels it is apparent that Jesus was both God and man. Matthew 1:18-25 explains the birth of Jesus. It explains that while engaged to Joseph Mary became pregnant through the Holy Spirit. This not only shows Jesus’ humanity but also his deity as he was conceived through the Holy Spirit and not through man. We can also see the humanity of Jesus in the fact that he died on the cross. Mark 15:37 States “Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last.” Throughout the New Testament Jesus would make I am statements, these statements would show the deity of Jesus. For example John 8:12 states “Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” Jesus is announcing his deity to the people in this passage. John 1:1-5 also shows Jesus’ deity by explaining that in the beginning he was with God and he was God. Through these two passages it is clear that Jesus’ deity...
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...Samuel Nelms THEO 201-B22LUO Short Essay #2 Christology September 15, 2012 As I was walking two men approached me, handing me some literature on why Jesus was a man and not also God. The gentlemen asked me, what do you think of our claim? I responded, If Jesus is just a man, were all doomed, because his humanity and deity are inseparable”. I explained to them, that the biblical basis for Jesus humanity was that he came as sacrifice for our sins and to identify with his creation. I told them,” it’s important to remember that his humanity is different from ours”. Jesus had no sin that permeates the rest of us. Jesus is what God intended for us to be. It’s through Jesus that our humanity can be purely and truly expressed. He always did the right thing and never sinned. None of us can say the same thing (Romans 5:12-19). The Biblical basis for Jesus humanity is just as important as his biblical basis for his deity. In 1Corithians15:3-8 Jesus deity is stated. That, for what I received I passed on to you as of first importance. That Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to scripture, and he appeared to Peter, than to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same place, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, than to all apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. For Jesus...
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...Short Essay 4 Angelology and Satanology Kati Bowlin Theo 201-D27 Religious dualism is the belief that teaches that the world consists of two basic forces; good and evil. God is viewed as the representation of good, Satan is the representation of evil. This belief is widespread and the majority of people would probably say that this is just the way things are. The eternal battle between God and Satan is constantly portrayed in movies and television as two equal forces battling over the souls of man. Satan is viewed as a fallen angel carrying a big hatchet against God. On the flipside, God is seen as the control freak who just sends His angels to do whatever He needs done. While this view can make a good movie, it’s contrary to what the Bible teaches. Unlike what pop culture would have us believe, God and Satan are not equal in their power and the battle between good and evil was won a long time ago. The Bible teaches that Satan is a created being. He was originally created as one of God’s angels, possessing all of the attributes of an angel, the power of personality and the freedom of choice. He let his pride get in the way of reason and he convinced himself that he was worthy of God’s throne and glory. He also failed to believe that if he committed a sin that God would punish him. He rebelled and God punished him by casting him out of heaven along with the angels who rebelled with him. In Isaiah 14:12-17, we are given some insight into the fall of Satan and his subsequent...
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...THEO 201-B21 Short Essay #4 Angelology and Satanology When you look throughout culture there is no longer a longing to know about eternal life or what God wants for our lives. People are happy to live their life how they want to without much thought to how there choices impact the world around them. When you think of religious dualism not many things come to mind. Most people would not understand it or have a good guess to how to define it. Religious dualism designates “two parts” and is the position that the universe consists of two opposing principles. These two opposing principles are God and Satan. They both exist in our world today and have an impact on the way we live our lives. They are the two forces battle for the souls of men. These forces are not equal in strength though. God, according to Scripture, is infinitely greater than Satan and will eventually cast Satan into hell. This could not be done if they were equal and opposing forces. Revelation 20:10 “and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” It clearly states here the God will have victory and has the ultimate power over Satan. Many disagree on the origin of Satan. They say that God wouldn’t have created such an evil presence in this world if it was up to him. Others say that it is all part of Gods plan for His kingdom and for saving the lost. There are two views...
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...Shirley Lee-Perez Posted to: 201320 Spring 2013 THEO 201-D 10 LUO Professor Christopher Burroughs Short Essay #2 [Christology] As I was on my way home from work, two well-dressed gentlemen accosted me, handing me some literature which explained what they believed. As I glanced over it and was drawn to one sentence: “Jesus was a man and as such could not also be God.” Seeing the puzzled look on my face, one of the men asked me what I thought about the claim. The Biblical basis for Jesus humanity can be illustrated in scripture. John 1:14 states: “So the Word became human and lived here on earth among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory of the only Son of the Father.” When Jesus was born, God became a man. He was not part man and part God, he was completely human and completely divine. Jesus Christ is the perfect expression of God in human form. Another important doctrine of Christianity is that of Jesus deity. In John 10:30 it reads: “The Father and I are one.” This is the clearest statement of Jesus divinity he ever made. Jesus and his father is not the same person but are triune in the nature of the Godhead. On page 158, Towns explains that, “The Biblical basis for Jesus deity is His pre-existence and eternity. Jesus has always existed as stated, John 8:58: “Jesus answered, “The truth is, I existed before Abraham was even born!” This is one of the most powerful statements uttered by Jesus. When he said that he existed before...
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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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...THEO 201-C05 Priscilla Ohene Liberty University October 23th, 2014 Short Essay The most controversial and discussed subject in the Holy Bible would be the subject of spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts are “gifts of God enabling the Christians to perform his or her…services in church” (Elwell, 2001, pg.1135). Spiritual gifts are given by God to help complete His work here on earth and also glorify His name. When we are chosen to by God to receive these spiritual gifts, He expects us to use those gifts in fulfilling His commission, building up the churches, and giving back to Him. That “gifts are given for the common good, that the church may receive edification” (1 Corinthians 14:5, New King James Version) Town defines a spiritual gift as the evident and manifest work of the Holy Spirit through the Christian (2001, pg. 313). He explains that, “spiritual gifts are not given merely for personal enjoyment or even primarily for an individual’s own spiritual growth” (2001, pg. 311). In the book of 1 Corinthians 12: 8 – 11 (New King James Version), it easily explains that there are nine spiritual gifts; the message of wisdom, faith by the Holy Spirit, healing by the Holy Spirit, miraculous powers, distinguishing spirits, prophecy, message of knowledge by means of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues and the explanation of tongues. These all are works of the Holy Spirit and God gave them to each just as He determines as Paul stated. These are special gifts given by God without...
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...Victor R. Betancourt L25462890 THEO 201 D12 Short essay #2 CHRISTOLOGY PT. 1 As I continue this study, there is a question that keeps coming to my mind. A question that millions of people may ask right now, probably my neighbor, maybe a nurse, a lawyer or maybe that person that God has prepared his/her heart for us to answer or guide them to the right direction. A question that was in my mind many years ago, and thanks be to God, He has respond to that question! Who is this Jesus? Even that the fullness of Christ is indescribable, I begin to grasp the amazing concept that He, being fully Man and fully God, loves each of us with a never-ending love the extent of which is hard for us to imagine. There is some biblical basis Jesus had to be born as a human being for several reasons. Gal 4:4-5 says, “To redeem those under law”. Only a perfect human (Jesus Christ) could perfectly keep the law and perfectly fulfill the law, and redeeming us from that guilt, which He accomplished on the cross. In His humanity, Jesus was subjected to all the same kinds of trials like us; therefore, He is able to sympathize with us and to help us. He was tempted; He was persecuted; He was poor; He was despised; He suffered physical pain. Only a human being could experience these things, and only a human being could fully understand them through experience. (Hebrews 4:15). We must affirm not only that Jesus was fully human, but also that he was fully divine. There are several passages where...
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