Религия: прочее
Различные книги в жанре Религия: прочееSimul Sanctification
Why do we see so much fruitful good in unbelievers and so much evil in believers? What could it mean for a believer that the old is «gone,» especially when it doesn't feel that way? What does it mean for humans who are simul iustus et peccator (simultaneously righteous and sinner) to be transformed in Christ and by his Spirit? We typically think of sanctification as pertaining to humans being conformed to Jesus, but what could it mean when Jesus speaks of himself as being sanctified for our sakes (John 17:19)? Jeff McSwain mines the theology of Karl Barth to engage such questions. In looking «through the simul,» he concludes with Barth that universal human transformation is a reality before it is a possibility, and that, despite our contradictory state, we may live Spirit-filled lives as we participate in Christ's true humanity that determines ours–a humanity which never gets old.
Atonement and the New Perspective
Atonement has been described as the central doctrine of Christianity and yet, surprisingly, the church has never insisted on a particular understanding of how redemption in Christ was achieved. Instead, a miscellany of metaphors has been employed, each picturing «something» of Christ's work. Recent debate within Reformed Evangelicalism has been characterized by claims for hegemony to be granted to penal substitution versus counter-arguments for a kaleidoscopic, multi-model understanding. Notably absent in these discussions, however, are two considerations. One is any common nexus to draw atonement thought together. The other is any positive theological contribution deriving from God's preexisting relationship with Israel (the presumed role of which has rather been to provide a negative contrast of law-versus-grace and works-versus-faith, as the dark background against which the light of Christ may shine more brightly). Recent scholarship, however–particularly the «new perspective on Paul»–has comprehensively dismantled the old stereotypes concerning first-century Judaism. This book asks how differently we might think about the atonement once it is brought into conversation with the new scholarship. It concludes by proposing a «new perspective» on atonement in which Christ is central, Israel and Torah are affirmed, and the traditional metaphors continue to find their place.
I Choose to Forgive
We live in a fallen world where offenses and serious grievances occur in every person's life. These painful situations, no matter how slight or serious, demand that we face the question, «Does God expect me to forgive?» The answer is clear. The choice is ours to obey. The power comes from God alone. I Choose to Forgive tells the heartbreaking journey from devastation to freedom from the unique perspective of a mother, father, and sibling on the ultimate offense of murder. In addition, the powerful testimony of the murderer's journey of finding forgiveness is shared in his own words. These personal stories are rooted in a strong biblical foundation, which undergirds the practical steps of choosing forgiveness.
The Scariest Word in the Bible
In Jesus' view, «many» are wrong about being right with God. They anticipate a home in heaven but will receive an eternal eviction. How can we be sure that we are not among the many? This book will help you find that answer. Presented from a pastor's heart, this work combines exegetical analysis, theological acumen, and practical ministerial insight to help you obtain and maintain a saving relationship with God.
The Parable of the Sower serves as the roadmap on our journey, as it provides remarkable insight on why «many» seeds fail to find good ground or bring forth good fruit. Jesus also reveals how we can tap the unimaginable potential for personal and kingdom growth contained within.
The first section breaks up the hard ground to reveal the deep truths of sin and salvation. The second section identifies ways to overcome the stones that prevent spiritual growth–offense, unforgiveness, fear, solitude, and complacency. The third section analyzes the postmodern worldviews, deficient theologies, materialism, and the idolatry of self that suffocates many growing Christians.
Only the believer who rightly responds to God can begin to live for God and ultimately live from God. This is God's salvation. Is it yours?
Refined by Fire
From time immemorial, in every age, a set of questions has persisted, perplexing human beings. Does God exist? Where did the universe come from? Is there any purpose to our lives? Why is there so much suffering? Do we live on after death? How can we find release from suffering and sadness? For what can we hope? These have been called life's «big questions»; they are the ones that never go away. It is the main business of religion to answer ultimate questions. To accomplish this task, every generation of believers benefits by reexamining its theology, thereby providing society with vision. A stagnant theology reflects a religion that is limited in usefulness and effectiveness. Refined by Fire is written for those who affirm the value of lifelong spiritual growth, realize the limits of logic, and embrace the paradoxes in life. This guide provides a mechanism for individuals and small groups to interact with timely theological topics such as the nature of God, Christ, Scripture, truth, faith, evil, sin, salvation, heaven, hell, creation and evolution, the role of the church, and the future of the human race. Each session (chapter) follows a threefold pattern: (a) «Getting Started» provides an initial assignment; (b) «Gaining Momentum,» the central part of the text, provides perspective; and (c) «Going Deeper» provides questions for discussion or further reflection.
Systematics Critical and Constructive 1
This labor of love distills Dr. Ron Ray's lifetime reflections on the truth and meaning of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Gathered in one volume is an abundant harvest from the best of twentieth-century systematic theology. Beginning students will find here an informative and clear introductory text. Working pastors will receive a refresher course to steady and strengthen a ministry of integrity and joy. Preachers will benefit from the author's recommendation of the «topical-biblical sermon,» an approach that leads to contemporary topics for textually-based scriptural preaching, while reinvigorating topical preaching with scriptural sturdiness. With both conviction and transparency, Ray welcomes his readers into a thoughtful conversation about why and how the Christian message still matters today. In the process, we also see firsthand how and why systematic theology can still matter today for those entrusted with proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. –James F. Kay, Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Professor, Princeton Theological Seminary
This critical and constructive perspective interacts with such fields as biblical studies, Old and New Testament theology, hermeneutics and other philosophy. Ray's synthesis arises out of a unique theological and pastoral pilgrimage as a minister in the United States and as a missionary theologian and Christian ethicist in Nigeria and Kenya. As one might expect from a scholar who did the first PhD dissertation on Jacques Ellul, Ray writes with a forthright, probing, honest style. He criticizes authors at highly specific points, but often demonstrates indebtedness to the same scholars. He is deeply informed by the New Testament, and secondarily by the Old Testament, yet insists that interpretive dishonesty is no Christian virtue. –Leicester R. Longden, Assoc. Professor of Evangelism and Discipleship Emeritus, University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
The New Creation
Christianity is essentially a historical religion. It cannot be understood merely through a set of dogmas, a moral code, or a view of the universe. Through the stories of Israel, Jesus, and the developing church, Christianity acknowledges the revelation of God in action. Augustine, the great medieval theologian, envisioned human society as composed of two «cities,» distinguished by two loves: the love of God and the love of Self. He viewed these cities as universal in scope and operative throughout human history. This perspective raises questions about the church's nature, its role in society, and whether the church has lived up to its nature and destiny as God's new creation. The New Creation defines the church as «the people of God,» related but not equivalent to Israel or the institutional church. This text provides a clear and concise survey of the church as God's instrument for the providential care of the earth and its human family. The story of the church begins with Abraham in the second millennium BCE, long before Jesus or the birth of Christianity, and it proceeds through three epochs: 1.Formation (c. 1850-4 BCE), 2.Transformation (4 BCE-1500 CE), and 3.Reformation (1500 CE-present). Ideal for individual or group study, The New Creation divides church history into nine units, each discussed as a phase in the church's organic growth and development. In addition to the narrative, each chapter includes three features for that epoch of church history: 1) a significant event, 2) a turning point or decisive moment, and 3) study questions.
Reading Romans after Supersessionism
The Letter to the Romans explains the way Paul thought Jewish covenantal identity continued now that the messianic era had begun. More particularly, Paul addresses the relevance of Abraham for Jews and gentiles, the role of Torah, and the way it is contextualized in Christ. All too often, however, these topics are read in supersessionist ways. This book argues that such readings are unpersuasive. It offers instead a post-supersessionist perspective in which Jewish covenantal identity continues in Paul's gospel. Paul is no destroyer of worlds. The aim of this book is to offer a different view of the key interpretive points that lead to supersessionist understandings of Paul's most important letter. It draws on the findings of those aligned with the Paul within Judaism paradigm and accents those findings with a light touch from social identity theory. When combined, these resources help the reader to hear Romans afresh, in a way that allows both Jewish and non-Jewish existing identities continued relevance.
Toward Decentering the New Testament
Toward Decentering the New Testament is the first introductory text to the New Testament written by an African American woman biblical scholar and an Asian-American male biblical scholar. This text privileges the voices, scholarship, and concerns of minoritized nonwhite peoples and communities. It is written from the perspectives of minoritized voices. The first few chapters cover issues such as biblical interpretation, immigration, Roman slavery, intersectionality, and other topics. Questions raised throughout the text focus readers on relevant contemporary issues and encourage critical reflection and dialogue between student-teachers and teacher-students.
Those Who Weep Shall Laugh
The purpose of this study is to identify and develop appreciation for the theme of the reversal of weeping in Luke's gospel. Lukan scholarship has not fully recognized the reversal of weeping as a distinctive theme.
By understanding Luke's third beatitude (6:21b) and third woe (6:25b) as two pegs on which the theme of the reversal of weeping is hung, it proposes that the reversal of weeping is a distinctive theme in Luke.
In doing so, Luke repetitively uses κλαίω to highlight the theme. This technique of Leitwort leads readers to focus on the reversal of weeping more effectively.
Luke's presentation of the reversal of weeping is not limited to identifying it as a distinctive theme. There are narrative intentions and theological implications that Luke also targets. First, Luke wants to demonstrate concern for marginalized groups in society. He also shows how their fortunes are reversed by Jesus. Second, Luke portrays Jesus as the promised prophet, describing him as like Elijah and Jeremiah, but superior to them. Finally, Luke provides the reversal of weeping as a significant phenomenon of the kingdom of God, particularly to show that the presence of God's kingdom is inaugurated and realized in Jesus Christ.