Category: Bible

Book of Proverbs

Posted on | by Brian Leakey

According to the Book of Proverbs, why is it impossible or unlikely for an unwise child to grow up to be a wise adult? What is the primary difference between an unwise child and an unwise adult? How do unwise children become wise children? Is there anything in the book explaining how an unwise adult can become a wise adult?

“Could RFID Technology Be Used To Become The Mark Of The Beast?

Posted on | by Brian Leakey

“Could RFID technology be used to become the mark of the beast? Why or why not?” Understand that this post is an intersection of Theology and Technology question. You cannot answer this post without considering both.
Technology can be used for good. Think of all medical devices that have saved countless lives over the decades.
Technology can also be used for evil. Think of how technology can be used to manufacture biological weapons and mind-altering drugs or to facilitate kidnapping, human trafficking, and even murder.
In the hands of good people, any technological device can be used for good. In the hands of evil people, the same device can be used for evil. Thus, it is true for RFIDs.
Some people have suggested different uses for RFIDs, including the tracking of humans through the use of chip implants beneath the skin. For all of the benefits that this potentially brings, could there be hidden dangers as well? Some people have likened embedded RFIDs in humans to the mark of the beast as described in Revelation 13:17 (NIV): “And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”
You will find countless resources by An Internet search on topics like:

End time Prophecy and RFID
Is RFID the Mark of the Beast
Technology as the Mark of the Beast

Non-Christian Symbols

Posted on | by admin3

 

 

 

Matthew 28:18-20 says: “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.'”

In response to this call, Christian churches send missionaries to other cultures to spread the gospel, plant churches, and disciple people in those cultures. In this process, missionaries communicate important rituals and symbols of the Christian faith as well as learn about non-Judeo-Christian religious symbols from the cultures they are evangelizing. As a result, it’s important to understand the meaning of these religious symbols when conveying the gospel message and forming discipleship relationships.

For this assignment, you will research the symbols or rituals of a non-Judeo-Christian religious organization or culture. The terms “symbol” and “ritual” may be interpreted variously; the focus should be on verbal and nonverbal choices used to convey religious meaning. As long as you cover this in principle, there is flexibility about what particular symbolic or ritualized communication pattern you choose.

Then, in 750-1000 words, compare the symbols or rituals they use with those of mainstream Christianity. How are the two sets of symbols or rituals similar? What makes them different? How could someone apply this knowledge to accurately convey the gospel, aid missionaries in teaching other cultures to obey all that Christ has commanded, and avoid theological misunderstandings that may be expressed in that cultures symbols or rituals?

Four Themes of Scripture

Posted on | by Brian Leakey

Some theologians define four overarching themes for Scripture:

creation
transgression
redemption
consummation
Take one passage from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament for each theme and show how Scripture develops these themes. Emphasize how you might use this information to present Christianity to a lost world.

The book of Judges and a second on 1 Samuel.

Posted on | by Brian Leakey

The content essay assignment provides you with the opportunity to take a “deep dive” into the content of a particular interpretive issue within an Old Testament book. The ability to engage with the historical, literary, and theological elements of interpretation is an essential skill to develop in biblical studies. Developing these skills through research and writing is a time-tested means toward becoming a more competent reader and interpreter of Scripture. The content essay assignment probes challenging issues by answering the interpretive questions that rise from the text of Scripture.

INSTRUCTIONS
You will write two (2) content essays during the course, one on the book of Judges and a second on 1 Samuel. The following parameters should be followed:

• Length of assignment: At least 1000 words but no more than 1500 words, excluding title page and bibliography.

• Format of assignment: current Turabian format. The paper must be double spaced. Use headings and page numbers as appropriate. Include title page and bibliography. The student must document Scripture passages with parenthetical citations within body of paper, but all other sources used must be documented with properly formatted footnotes in current Turabian format.

• Acceptable sources: The Bible (excluding study notes), textbook, and at least 3 additional academic sources published within the past 50 years that directly address the assigned Scripture passage. The student is encouraged to use academic biblical commentaries, academic journal articles, and academic monographs. Avoid devotional and general audience sources. Internet sources require instructor’s prior approval.

Content Essay: Judges Assignment
After reading Judges 1-8 and the corresponding textbook material, in an essay, answer the following questions pertaining to Judges:

  1. What is the recurring cycle that appears in the book of Judges? How does this relate to the theology of the book of Judges?
  2. Is there any prophetic significance to the recurring cycles in Judges and the concluding statement of Judges 21:25, “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in their own eyes.”? If so, explain how, and if not, then explain why not.
  3. What is the central message in the book of Judges and what is its relationship to the rest of the Old Testament?

Sacred Scriptures and Sacred Writings

Posted on | by Brian Leakey

Background Information:
When studying the different religions of the world we tend of focus on the distinctions between these religions and understanding what makes them unique, however it is important to note that although these religions are distinct and unique in their own way, there are common themes and structures that can be applied to them. Some of the common elements present in the different religions that we will be studying this semester are:

Divinely inspired writings that contain origins of the religion, essential beliefs, and major teachings. Some religions also revere writings of prominent figures throughout their history who have contributed to expounding the theology of the religion (ex: writings of the Islamic saints)
Beliefs and Practices
Tenets of the religion that unify its community of believers on a variety of topics ranging from their relationship with the divine, soteriology, creation, eschatology, anthropology, etc.
Prayer and Worship
Liturgical practices that believers of the faith participate in throughout their daily lives. Some liturgical practices and rituals of prayer are performed in conjunction with the celebration of religious festivals at particular times of the week (ex: Sabbath) or times of the year (ex: Christmas)
Morality – Code of Ethics
Guiding principles that adherents of the faith abide by throughout their lives informed by the theology of the religion
History
Understanding how the religion was established and the advances of the religion throughout human history that shape the global image of the religion today while also recognizing changes in theology that have occurred throughout history due to major historical events
Instructions:

In your reading of Chapter 12 – Encountering Islam: The Straight Path of the One God you have gained a better understanding of what the religion of Islam is all about from the context of its history, sacred scriptures, beliefs and practices, code of ethics, etc. You will now use the information gleaned in the chapter to expand upon particular elements of Islam enumerated below:

Islamic Symbols and Names (.5 pages)
Identify a common Islamic symbol and explain its significance
Consider the following:
History/Origins of the symbol
Important religious figure(s) associated with the symbol and their involvement with it
How is the symbol utilized by Muslims today?
Is it used during prayer/worship?
Is it worm as an outward sign of faith?
Distinguish between the terms ‘Islam’ and ‘Muslim’ as it relates to the Islamic faith
Life of the Prophet Muhammed (.5-1 pages)
Discuss who the Prophet Muhammed was and the impact that he had on Islam.
Describe 2 key events from the Prophet Muhammed’s life.
Address how these events are commemorated by Muslims today
Sacred Scriptures (.5 pages)
Analyze what the Qur’an is and assess upon how Muslims use it today
Consider the following:
Importance of particular Surahs in the Qur’an
How the sacred text came into existence
Important religious figures mentioned in the Qur’an
Beliefs and Practices (2 – 3 pages)
In the religion of Islam there is set of beliefs that all Muslim’s must follow. These are known as the Articles of Faith and their foundations are found in the Qur’an. The 6 articles of faith tell Muslims what to believe in and then the 5 Pillars of Islam explain how to implement these beliefs in their daily lives.
Interpret the meaning of each of the Six Articles of Faith (1-1.5 pages)
Belief in the Oneness of Allah (God)
Belief in the Angels
Belief in the Books of Allah
Belief in the Prophets of Allah
Belief in the Day of Judgement
Belief in the Divine Decree – Will of Allah
Articulate the significance of each of the Five Pillars of Islam listed below and demonstrate how these pillars are lived out by Muslims today (1-1.5 pages)
Shahadah – Profession of Faith
Salah – Prayer
Zakah – Almsgiving
Sawm – Fasting
Hajj – Pilgrimage