Articles
The Pilgrim’s Tale – An Analysis
- The Pilgrim’s Tale or The Way of a Pilgrim is the English title of a 19th century anonymous Russian story, detailing a pilgrim’s journey to discover devotion. The story as a whole is an allegory to both the life of Jesus, and the struggle of Orthodox Christianity. It details the gradual spiritual development that occurs through the struggles of the narrator, and the effect the narrator has on the world around him.
Worship
Worship in Biblical History: The Passover
- The Passover was an act of worship by Abraham’s descendants which allowed God to begin his sanctification of this people group who had been slaves for over 400 years. This first act of worship, which took place without designated priests or officiates, was a purifying act that bound the people of Israel to one another and to God.
Evangelism
- The evangelist, a category which must include all those who have repented and found salvation through Christ, has the responsibility to follow the leadings of the Holy Spirit and seek out ways to share the gospel of Christ with others.
Discipleship
Exegesis of John 13:31-38 (Jan 20, 2009)
- There are many times throughout the gospel of John where Jesus tries to make it clear to his disciples that he is God incarnate, who has come to this earth as their savior; as their messiah. Jesus also tries to make it clear that he will die; unfortunately, the disciples never fully understand.
Exegesis of Isaiah 66:1-2 (Feb 10, 2009)
- Isaiah affirms that the ultimate job of those who are faithful to God is to point toward the Lord. The reason Jerusalem is being rebuilt is to reveal God to the world. The standards are lifted over the people to reveal God the world. The highways are being rebuilt to reveal God to the world. The work we are called to as children of God is to reveal God to the world.
The Role of Chaos in the Old Testament Creation Narrative
- “If creation is viewed as God forming order out of chaos, then evil becomes a nature of that still remaining chaos. Sin comes when a human either rejects the order which God created or attempts to become God and create order.”
Ministry
Sanctity of Human Life Day (Jan 16, 2009)
- National Sanctity of Human Life Day is set aside to recognize that each life has inherent dignity and matchless value. As a nation we are called to defend the weakest and most vulnerable members of our society. All Americans are called to commit to respecting and protecting the life and dignity of every human being.
- The church needs to reexamine how it pays its ministers. If the church continues to use the free market model to pay ministers they will have under-qualified, overworked, unhappy ministers who can not meet the expectations of the church. A new model for pastoral pay must be found. This new model will not be as economically efficient, but it will, hopefully, create a system that encourages investment in qualified, caring ministers who can shepherd over the church to which they have been called.
Literature and Film
