The document discusses the concepts of worship, myth, community, and rituals from various biblical passages and authors. It examines how worship can be an outpouring of one's entire being, but also how humanity has replaced worship of God with worship of created things. It explores how religion can exist without God by having a defining myth, community to share the story, and collective rituals. The concept of worship is also discussed in relation to serving only God and focusing on Jesus.
Saul had a negative view of Jesus before his conversion, seeing him as a blasphemer and heretic. However, his entire view was radically changed when he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. What converted Saul's imagination was "Christ crucified", which he came to see as God's power and wisdom despite it being a stumbling block and foolishness. The cross of Christ challenges how we think and act, as the gospel is about more than just improvements in behavior or moralism - it is about being made right with God through faith in Christ.
Following Jesus goes deeper than behaviors it permeates the attitudes. Paul uses this hymn/poem not primarily for its theology, rich though it is, but for its application. We are to adopt the same mind as was reflected in Christ.
The document discusses the importance of maintaining a biblical worldview. It notes that according to a survey, only 9% of Americans have a biblical worldview. It then lists questions used in the survey to determine a biblical worldview, such as whether absolute moral truths exist and if salvation is a gift from God. The document encourages asking yourself these questions and seeking the Bible as the primary source of information. It provides biblical verses about living according to a biblical worldview and not conforming to the patterns of the world. It contrasts a biblical worldview with a naturalism worldview.
This is a study of how puzzling Jesus can be with His parable and paradoxes. We often need the help of scholars to grasp just what Jesus is trying to communicate.
The document provides guidance on how Christians should respond when asked to explain their faith. It advises that believers should always be prepared to give reasons for their hope in Jesus Christ, but to do so with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience. It quotes 1 Peter 3:15-16 to support this.
Here are 3 potential responses to conflicts that could have positive results:
1. Seek first to understand the other person's perspective before trying to be understood. Active listening and asking clarifying questions can help resolve misunderstandings.
2. Look for opportunities to reconcile and find common ground rather than dwell on disagreements. Compromise and forgiveness can strengthen relationships in the long run.
3. Address issues with humility and avoid escalating tensions further. Coming from a place of care, respect and good faith makes it more likely people will work together to find solutions.
Man lacks self-knowledge which has led to threats of self-annihilation, but can find purpose and relationship to God, others, and the universe through new dynamic knowledge of who and what man is from within. Jesus previously tried to provide this knowledge but was misunderstood; now man has an opportunity to understand Jesus' deeper teachings and properly relate the key elements of God, man, woman, and nature to build enduring civilization.
The document discusses the concepts of worship, myth, community, and rituals from various biblical passages and authors. It examines how worship can be an outpouring of one's entire being, but also how humanity has replaced worship of God with worship of created things. It explores how religion can exist without God by having a defining myth, community to share the story, and collective rituals. The concept of worship is also discussed in relation to serving only God and focusing on Jesus.
Saul had a negative view of Jesus before his conversion, seeing him as a blasphemer and heretic. However, his entire view was radically changed when he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. What converted Saul's imagination was "Christ crucified", which he came to see as God's power and wisdom despite it being a stumbling block and foolishness. The cross of Christ challenges how we think and act, as the gospel is about more than just improvements in behavior or moralism - it is about being made right with God through faith in Christ.
Following Jesus goes deeper than behaviors it permeates the attitudes. Paul uses this hymn/poem not primarily for its theology, rich though it is, but for its application. We are to adopt the same mind as was reflected in Christ.
The document discusses the importance of maintaining a biblical worldview. It notes that according to a survey, only 9% of Americans have a biblical worldview. It then lists questions used in the survey to determine a biblical worldview, such as whether absolute moral truths exist and if salvation is a gift from God. The document encourages asking yourself these questions and seeking the Bible as the primary source of information. It provides biblical verses about living according to a biblical worldview and not conforming to the patterns of the world. It contrasts a biblical worldview with a naturalism worldview.
This is a study of how puzzling Jesus can be with His parable and paradoxes. We often need the help of scholars to grasp just what Jesus is trying to communicate.
The document provides guidance on how Christians should respond when asked to explain their faith. It advises that believers should always be prepared to give reasons for their hope in Jesus Christ, but to do so with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience. It quotes 1 Peter 3:15-16 to support this.
Here are 3 potential responses to conflicts that could have positive results:
1. Seek first to understand the other person's perspective before trying to be understood. Active listening and asking clarifying questions can help resolve misunderstandings.
2. Look for opportunities to reconcile and find common ground rather than dwell on disagreements. Compromise and forgiveness can strengthen relationships in the long run.
3. Address issues with humility and avoid escalating tensions further. Coming from a place of care, respect and good faith makes it more likely people will work together to find solutions.
Man lacks self-knowledge which has led to threats of self-annihilation, but can find purpose and relationship to God, others, and the universe through new dynamic knowledge of who and what man is from within. Jesus previously tried to provide this knowledge but was misunderstood; now man has an opportunity to understand Jesus' deeper teachings and properly relate the key elements of God, man, woman, and nature to build enduring civilization.
Dwyer argues that there are only two ways to resolve the ambiguities of determining right and wrong based on feelings: 1) we must agree that some actions are inherently worthy or unworthy regardless of our opinions, or 2) we have no coherent arguments against atrocities like the Holocaust. The document also discusses how morality cannot be relative, as that would mean we could not consistently call any actions wrong or make ethical judgments as a group.
This document discusses arguments for and against the existence of God from a rational perspective. It notes that historically people believed in God out of blind faith rather than rational thought. However, rationally understanding an unlimited creator through a limited human mind is difficult, and attributing human qualities like death to God is nonsensical. Religions rely on blind faith rather than reason, allowing contradictions that undermine their arguments. The document questions whether we can truly understand God's attributes and essence.
The document discusses raising spiritual passion in congregations by focusing on four areas: prayer with expectation, scripture with relevance, witness with joy, and worship with passion. It notes that without spiritual passion, a church will not thrive. The document provides strategies for congregations to evaluate and increase their spiritual passion in each of the four areas.
Through the Lens with C.S. Lewis discusses Jesus Christ's claim to be God and the implications of that claim. Lewis argues that if Jesus' teachings are followed, he must either be who he said he was (God), or he must be a liar or lunatic. There are no other options. Lewis also discusses how Christianity provides redemption through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, which is central to the Christian faith. Overall, the document examines the logical conclusions one must draw from Jesus' own words and actions, and argues that he was either God or a false prophet.
Slides for a talk given at Blazing Fire on July 20, 2019. Welcoming Holy Spirit to fully access our heart. Here is the link to the podcast: https://www.podbean.com/eu/pb-t2b8u-b89896 God's "hesed" love for us, the work of Holy Spirit in our hearts, the problem of being "stiff-necked"/narcissistic, and the challenge of loving our enemies.
Chapter 4 of Renovation of the Heart ClassCarlin Trammel
This document summarizes key points from a chapter in the book "Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ" that was discussed in a Wednesday night class. The chapter discusses radical goodness being restored to the soul through self-denial, losing one's life to find it, taking up the cross, and giving rather than receiving. It emphasizes becoming dead to self and one's own desires, and standing up for what is right without ego or anger. The class discussion questions focus on these themes of losing one's life in Christ, counting the costs of discipleship, finding perfect joy through suffering, and avoiding pride when standing up for righteousness.
This document provides an overview of Mormonism as a competing religious worldview. It discusses key aspects of Mormon theology such as Joseph Smith's founding of the religion, the Book of Mormon, and distinctive Mormon teachings like humans becoming gods, polygamy, and Jesus visiting North America. The document also examines criticisms of Mormonism regarding historical and archaeological issues with its founding claims and compares it to a Christian worldview based on Jesus' statements about the exclusive truth and narrow path to salvation.
This document provides instructions for a Lectio Divina exercise using a passage from 1 Corinthians 1:20-31. Lectio Divina is a contemplative reading of scripture with four movements - reading, reflecting, responding, and resting. Participants will read the passage several times to identify a word or phrase that stands out, reflect on its meaning and relevance, pray in response, and finally rest in their encounter with God through his word.
Early Christians fought about heresies such as Docetism, Gnosticism, and Marcionism. The Apostles' Creed was an orthodox response developed around 150AD to establish correct Christian beliefs and distinguish them from heresies. It affirmed Jesus' humanity and the material world, and served as a symbol of faith for believers. Orthodox Christians also established the biblical canon and emphasized apostolic succession to defend against heretical teachings.
The document discusses how Jesus showed love even to those who crucified him by asking God to forgive them. It encourages readers to show love and kindness to all people, including those who are unkind in return, by praying for others and acting with care, niceness, and in a way that Jesus would. It provides an activity where readers can cut out letters to spell "love" and draw kind deeds on each to remind themselves to act with love.
John Dwyer argues that there are only two ways to resolve the ambiguities of claiming to do what feels right: either we agree that some actions are inherently worthy or unworthy regardless of our opinions, or we have no coherent arguments against atrocities like Auschwitz. The document also argues that moral relativism would mean we cannot consistently call any actions wrong, could not discuss ethics publicly, and would contradict tolerance by criticizing others' morality. It connects theology and ethics by saying theology reveals life's purpose and ethics guides how to attain it.
This document discusses postmodern imagination and its implications for Christian mission. It covers several types of missiological imagination including liberating, evangelical, reconstructive, cross-cultural, theological, and spiritual imagination. Examples of biblical imagination from the Old Testament are provided, such as Nathan's prophetic imagination in 2 Samuel and Nehemiah's imagination of reconstructing his country. The document also discusses prophetic imagination according to Walter Brueggemann and liberative imagination. It addresses theological imagination through the work of Gordon Kaufman and identifies several relational factors involved in mission.
The document discusses the Catholic understanding of sacraments and sacramentals. It defines sacraments as outward signs instituted by Christ to give grace, and says they are of Christ, the Church, faith, salvation, and eternal life. Sacramentals are also signs that bear similarity to sacraments and dispose people to receive sacramental graces. The document explores the sacraments and sacramentals through the teachings of Vatican II, Paul, Augustine, Aquinas and others, stating that signs are necessary for communicating spiritual realities and bonding religious communities.
This document discusses the meaning of worship and how Christians can worship God with their whole being. It explores worshipping God with the physical body through sacred actions, worshipping with the mind through clear understanding of scripture, worshipping with emotions through powerful spiritual experiences, and worshipping with decisions of the will. The document suggests that different Christian traditions may emphasize different aspects of whole-person worship and gives examples from Jesus' life related to physical, intellectual, emotional and volitional worship. It concludes by reflecting on how to engage in heartfelt worship through all dimensions of one's being.
The document discusses criticisms of Christianity and the need for apologetics. It addresses criticisms such as Christianity's incompatibility with science due to miracles, the problem of evil, and biblical contradictions. It defines apologetics as the verbal defense of faith and explains why it is needed to answer questions about Christianity and defend against attacks on it. The document also covers characteristics of Jesus and how the early Roman era provided a favorable environment for the spread of Christianity.
CT2010: Dialogue session 1 - Popular Culture as a Global Missiological ChallengeTony Watkins
The document discusses the global missiological challenge posed by popular culture. It explores how popular culture both shapes and reflects the societies in which it exists. It advocates developing approaches to engage thoughtfully with popular culture through rigorous study of both culture and the Bible, communicating the Bible's message humbly while also inviting evaluation of cultural worldviews. The goal is to understand how the gospel relates to different cultures by listening to both God's word and the world.
CT2010: Media Messages Matter (multiplex)Tony Watkins
The document discusses how media messages, through news and entertainment media, present both challenges and opportunities for mission work. It notes that as technology spreads, so do local and global media messages. It provides examples of how media usage has grown dramatically in places like Africa in recent decades. The document argues that mission work should include media awareness, critiquing media messages to uncover underlying worldview themes around issues like reality, humanity, knowledge, morality, and humanity's deepest needs. Engaging with media messages can help explore both points of contact and tension between perspectives. It concludes by asking how learning to engage missiologically with media could help in specific contexts.
Dwyer argues that there are only two ways to resolve the ambiguities of determining right and wrong based on feelings: 1) we must agree that some actions are inherently worthy or unworthy regardless of our opinions, or 2) we have no coherent arguments against atrocities like the Holocaust. The document also discusses how morality cannot be relative, as that would mean we could not consistently call any actions wrong or make ethical judgments as a group.
This document discusses arguments for and against the existence of God from a rational perspective. It notes that historically people believed in God out of blind faith rather than rational thought. However, rationally understanding an unlimited creator through a limited human mind is difficult, and attributing human qualities like death to God is nonsensical. Religions rely on blind faith rather than reason, allowing contradictions that undermine their arguments. The document questions whether we can truly understand God's attributes and essence.
The document discusses raising spiritual passion in congregations by focusing on four areas: prayer with expectation, scripture with relevance, witness with joy, and worship with passion. It notes that without spiritual passion, a church will not thrive. The document provides strategies for congregations to evaluate and increase their spiritual passion in each of the four areas.
Through the Lens with C.S. Lewis discusses Jesus Christ's claim to be God and the implications of that claim. Lewis argues that if Jesus' teachings are followed, he must either be who he said he was (God), or he must be a liar or lunatic. There are no other options. Lewis also discusses how Christianity provides redemption through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, which is central to the Christian faith. Overall, the document examines the logical conclusions one must draw from Jesus' own words and actions, and argues that he was either God or a false prophet.
Slides for a talk given at Blazing Fire on July 20, 2019. Welcoming Holy Spirit to fully access our heart. Here is the link to the podcast: https://www.podbean.com/eu/pb-t2b8u-b89896 God's "hesed" love for us, the work of Holy Spirit in our hearts, the problem of being "stiff-necked"/narcissistic, and the challenge of loving our enemies.
Chapter 4 of Renovation of the Heart ClassCarlin Trammel
This document summarizes key points from a chapter in the book "Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ" that was discussed in a Wednesday night class. The chapter discusses radical goodness being restored to the soul through self-denial, losing one's life to find it, taking up the cross, and giving rather than receiving. It emphasizes becoming dead to self and one's own desires, and standing up for what is right without ego or anger. The class discussion questions focus on these themes of losing one's life in Christ, counting the costs of discipleship, finding perfect joy through suffering, and avoiding pride when standing up for righteousness.
This document provides an overview of Mormonism as a competing religious worldview. It discusses key aspects of Mormon theology such as Joseph Smith's founding of the religion, the Book of Mormon, and distinctive Mormon teachings like humans becoming gods, polygamy, and Jesus visiting North America. The document also examines criticisms of Mormonism regarding historical and archaeological issues with its founding claims and compares it to a Christian worldview based on Jesus' statements about the exclusive truth and narrow path to salvation.
This document provides instructions for a Lectio Divina exercise using a passage from 1 Corinthians 1:20-31. Lectio Divina is a contemplative reading of scripture with four movements - reading, reflecting, responding, and resting. Participants will read the passage several times to identify a word or phrase that stands out, reflect on its meaning and relevance, pray in response, and finally rest in their encounter with God through his word.
Early Christians fought about heresies such as Docetism, Gnosticism, and Marcionism. The Apostles' Creed was an orthodox response developed around 150AD to establish correct Christian beliefs and distinguish them from heresies. It affirmed Jesus' humanity and the material world, and served as a symbol of faith for believers. Orthodox Christians also established the biblical canon and emphasized apostolic succession to defend against heretical teachings.
The document discusses how Jesus showed love even to those who crucified him by asking God to forgive them. It encourages readers to show love and kindness to all people, including those who are unkind in return, by praying for others and acting with care, niceness, and in a way that Jesus would. It provides an activity where readers can cut out letters to spell "love" and draw kind deeds on each to remind themselves to act with love.
John Dwyer argues that there are only two ways to resolve the ambiguities of claiming to do what feels right: either we agree that some actions are inherently worthy or unworthy regardless of our opinions, or we have no coherent arguments against atrocities like Auschwitz. The document also argues that moral relativism would mean we cannot consistently call any actions wrong, could not discuss ethics publicly, and would contradict tolerance by criticizing others' morality. It connects theology and ethics by saying theology reveals life's purpose and ethics guides how to attain it.
This document discusses postmodern imagination and its implications for Christian mission. It covers several types of missiological imagination including liberating, evangelical, reconstructive, cross-cultural, theological, and spiritual imagination. Examples of biblical imagination from the Old Testament are provided, such as Nathan's prophetic imagination in 2 Samuel and Nehemiah's imagination of reconstructing his country. The document also discusses prophetic imagination according to Walter Brueggemann and liberative imagination. It addresses theological imagination through the work of Gordon Kaufman and identifies several relational factors involved in mission.
The document discusses the Catholic understanding of sacraments and sacramentals. It defines sacraments as outward signs instituted by Christ to give grace, and says they are of Christ, the Church, faith, salvation, and eternal life. Sacramentals are also signs that bear similarity to sacraments and dispose people to receive sacramental graces. The document explores the sacraments and sacramentals through the teachings of Vatican II, Paul, Augustine, Aquinas and others, stating that signs are necessary for communicating spiritual realities and bonding religious communities.
This document discusses the meaning of worship and how Christians can worship God with their whole being. It explores worshipping God with the physical body through sacred actions, worshipping with the mind through clear understanding of scripture, worshipping with emotions through powerful spiritual experiences, and worshipping with decisions of the will. The document suggests that different Christian traditions may emphasize different aspects of whole-person worship and gives examples from Jesus' life related to physical, intellectual, emotional and volitional worship. It concludes by reflecting on how to engage in heartfelt worship through all dimensions of one's being.
The document discusses criticisms of Christianity and the need for apologetics. It addresses criticisms such as Christianity's incompatibility with science due to miracles, the problem of evil, and biblical contradictions. It defines apologetics as the verbal defense of faith and explains why it is needed to answer questions about Christianity and defend against attacks on it. The document also covers characteristics of Jesus and how the early Roman era provided a favorable environment for the spread of Christianity.
CT2010: Dialogue session 1 - Popular Culture as a Global Missiological ChallengeTony Watkins
The document discusses the global missiological challenge posed by popular culture. It explores how popular culture both shapes and reflects the societies in which it exists. It advocates developing approaches to engage thoughtfully with popular culture through rigorous study of both culture and the Bible, communicating the Bible's message humbly while also inviting evaluation of cultural worldviews. The goal is to understand how the gospel relates to different cultures by listening to both God's word and the world.
CT2010: Media Messages Matter (multiplex)Tony Watkins
The document discusses how media messages, through news and entertainment media, present both challenges and opportunities for mission work. It notes that as technology spreads, so do local and global media messages. It provides examples of how media usage has grown dramatically in places like Africa in recent decades. The document argues that mission work should include media awareness, critiquing media messages to uncover underlying worldview themes around issues like reality, humanity, knowledge, morality, and humanity's deepest needs. Engaging with media messages can help explore both points of contact and tension between perspectives. It concludes by asking how learning to engage missiologically with media could help in specific contexts.
The third in the series on apologetics at Above Bar Church, Southampton. This one considers the challenge that religion is, in the words of Richard Dawkins, 'one of the world's great evils.
This document provides an overview of the book of Hosea in the Bible. It is divided into sections that mirror the structure of Hosea. The main themes are Israel's unfaithfulness to God through spiritual prostitution and empty sacrifices. Various places mentioned in Hosea are defined, most located in northern Israel and linked to Israel's history of idolatry and rebellion against God.
Bible and Culture 2014: Hosea - Day 1: introductionTony Watkins
The slides from day 1 of my teaching at Bible and Culture (bibleandculture.org) 2014. This is an introduction to Hosea, establishing something of the historical and biblical context.
The first of five sessions on the prophets in the Old Testament at Bible & Culture 2010. This session highlights the prophets' central purpose and begins to introduce their historical context. In particular, it centres on the covenants of the Old Testament, which form an essential background for understanding the prophets' messages.
The document discusses the problem of suffering and how it relates to beliefs about God. It notes that an all-powerful and all-good God would presumably want to prevent human suffering but that suffering exists, posing a challenge. It considers several Christian perspectives on why God might allow suffering, such as that it results from human free will and moral choices or that God works through suffering for a higher purpose. It suggests suffering will ultimately be addressed when God ends all suffering in the future.
This presentation was for a workshop on Understanding Teen Culture at Good Book Company's Growing Young Disciples day conference in November 2009. The recording of this workshop may be available from www.thegoodbook.co.uk
A very brief introduction to the prophetsTony Watkins
Slides for my talk introducing the Old Testament prophetic literature at Highfield Church, Southampton, February 2011. http://www.reasonablefaith.org.uk/
1) The document discusses how finely tuned the parameters of the Big Bang were and how unlikely it is that this occurred by chance.
2) It presents arguments that the fine-tuning is evidence of design, as it is not due to physical necessity or chance.
3) The document explores questions around the origins and existence of the universe, and whether science can fully explain these without needing to postulate a creator or God.
Brochure Mactac 2013 - Solutions adhésives applicationsMactac Europe
Que ce soit un film de découpe, un support d'impression, une plastification ou encore un accessoire de pose : trouvez la référence MACtac que vous cherchez en un clin d'oeil !
Slides from day 2 of my teaching on Daniel at Bible & Culture 2015 (www.bibleandculture.org). This session looks at the structure of Daniel and chapter 1.
This document discusses envisioning a new kind of Christian faith by rethinking foundational questions in less combative ways. It presents 10 questions transforming Christianity, including the biblical narrative, God's nature, Jesus' identity, and the church's purpose. The goal is not winning arguments but finding inclusive answers through humility, love, and peace to build a hopeful future where one age succeeds another with new possibilities.
The document poses 10 questions that are transforming Christian faith, moving away from statements and debates toward conversations that launch new quests. The questions include: What is the shape of the biblical narrative? How does the Bible have authority? Is God violent? Who is Jesus and why does he matter? What is the gospel message - exclusion or inclusion? How can the church be transformed? How can issues of sexuality be addressed without division? Can a more hopeful vision of the future be found? How should Christians relate to other faiths? How can this quest be pursued with love, humility and peace?
This document discusses postmodern imagination and its implications for Christian mission. It covers several types of missiological imagination, including liberating, evangelical, reconstructive, cross-cultural, theological, and empowered spiritual imagination. Biblical examples of imagination are provided, such as God imagining humans as God's image, and prophetic, poetic, and narrative imagination in the Bible. The prophetic imagination of Walter Brueggemann is summarized. Missiological responses to postmodern issues are said to include humbling, emptying oneself, dialogue, relating to people, celebrating life, challenging, deconstructing, and reconstructing.
The document discusses reframing religious beliefs for the new millennium by asking new questions rather than making statements. It presents 10 questions that are transforming Christianity, including questions about the biblical narrative, the nature of God, Jesus, the gospel, and how to have hopeful yet inclusive discussions about theology without dividing. The questions are intended to create conversations that lead to new understandings rather than static positions.
This document discusses common misconceptions about bondage and the spiritual world. It asserts that true identity and meaning can only be found in Christ, as the effects of sin have marred humanity's quest for self-identity and purpose. Our deepest needs can only be met by God through Jesus, who restores our original spiritual life and transforms our inner being. As Christians, our new identity is defined by being in Christ rather than our actions.
The document discusses the relationship between worship, culture, and the gospel. It addresses how worship leaders influence culture through songs, and the need for theological balance. While culture constantly changes, the gospel remains the same, and cannot be communicated without engaging culture. True worship transforms us, responds to God's initiative, and joins with Jesus in praising the Father through the Holy Spirit.
This document discusses transforming Christianity and questions that are reshaping the faith. It addresses the biblical narrative, God, Jesus, the gospel, the church, sexuality, the future, pluralism, and how to pursue these questions with humility, love and peace. It argues for a multi-narrative understanding of the Bible that creates space for good stories to emerge, rather than a totalizing metanarrative that legitimates domination. It also discusses moving beyond atonement theories focused on sacrifice or substitution to one centered on reconciliation and self-giving love.
Hope and Hell - talk 1 - Is 'hell' the answer to the wrong question?Gospel Conversations
Hell is the question we all avoid but it is the corollary of hope. How do we fit the two together? Is the traditional model of hell right? Or scriptural? Could everyone get saved in the end? Tony begins to address these vexed questions by first examining the landscape of the debate - the language and assumptions, the possibilities, the history and the problems of all the usual positions. He ends by suggesting a better question to frame our thinking.
This document discusses foundational questions about religion and spirituality, including questions about the existence of God, what it means to be human, and how humans interact with the sacred and believing communities. It also examines concepts like love, faith, fear, anxiety, and the human quest for identity and meaning. Several philosophers and theologians are referenced in exploring these topics, including Plato, Thomas Aquinas, Karl Rahner, and Catherine Albanese.
This document outlines a proposed revolutionary children's ministry curriculum that shifts away from traditional approaches. The proposed curriculum focuses on (1) helping children become lifelong followers of God in the way of Jesus, (2) joining Jesus in seeking justice, peace and joy for all, (3) embracing the idea that God is greater than any single understanding, and (4) presenting the good news of Jesus as a better way for humans to live individually and together. It aims to train children as agents of positive change in the world and have them see themselves as part of God's ongoing work of love and healing in creation.
This document discusses the biblical story of Jacob wrestling with God at the Jabbok river on the night before he was to meet his brother Esau. During their wrestling match, Jacob prevails and refuses to let go until he receives a blessing. He is then given a new name, Israel, and survives the encounter with a limp. The next day, Jacob arranges his family in order to appease Esau and is surprised when Esau embraces him warmly.
It is true that the universe is huge. Staggeringly, vertigo-creatingly vast. But does it therefore follow that any hypothetical God would therefore not care about humans? Consider the question: which is more important to me - the external monitor I am looking at while type this, or the laptop which is plugged into it?
We then use ideas from Charles Taylor's book "A Secular Age" to try to move from "what's happening" to "what's really going on."
This document provides an introduction to apologetics, which is the defense of the Christian faith. It discusses why apologetics is needed in response to challenges from outside critics and false teachings. The document also examines whether apologetics is supported by the Bible, noting passages that encourage believers to always be prepared to give reasons for their faith and to destroy arguments against Christianity. It highlights that strengthening one's own faith and sharing faith with others are also important motivations for engaging in apologetics work.
This document discusses the formation of disciples through spiritual practices. It suggests that disciples of Jesus are formed through intentional practices like fasting, meditation, study, service, and identifying with Jesus, rather than through creating "Christians" or focusing on the church. The early disciples saw themselves as learners in Jesus' way who were being transformed into his image through such practices.
03-Evidences is it reasonable morals religionAntonio Bernard
The document discusses whether it is reasonable to believe in God in this scientific age and examines potential explanations for morality, conscience, and spirituality. It argues that science cannot fully explain the origin of the universe, life, morality, or spirituality. While naturalistic explanations like evolution have been proposed, they fail to adequately account for these phenomena. The document asserts that belief in God provides the most reasonable foundation for objective moral values and duties. It contends the Bible demonstrates reliability, accuracy, fulfilled prophecy, wisdom, and durability, demanding a divine origin.
This is a study of how Jesus used the words that David spoke through the Holy Spirit to frustrate the Jewish leaders and bring much pleasure to the people.
The document discusses saving the world by rethinking systems from scratch and operating from a higher level of awareness. It notes we often talk of saving the church but not saving the world. It then summarizes the story of Paul and Silas in Acts, highlighting how they confronted injustice, sang and prayed while imprisoned, and an earthquake led to the jailer's salvation and household being baptized. The gospel engages with the empire to help the marginalized and confront oppression through nonviolence and love.
This document discusses saving the world by addressing four global emergencies: the environment, poverty, peace, and religion. It suggests we need a new framing story and highlights Jesus' message of the kingdom of God, which presents an ultimate non-dual reality beyond divisions. It then summarizes passages from Acts that depict Paul and Silas spreading this message and encountering people like Lydia and a slave girl who could predict the future, culminating in their imprisonment and an earthquake leading to the jailer's salvation.
The document discusses the concept of glory through various biblical passages and quotes. It begins with definitions of Yiddish and Seinfeld-related terms. The bulk of the document then focuses on quotes and summaries related to the glory of God/Jesus as seen at Jesus' birth, in his self-awareness, works, and sacrifice on the cross. It explores how God uses humble things to display his glory.
Bible and Culture 2016 – Introduction to the OT Prophets and Daniel Tony Watkins
My slides from the first day of Bible & Culture 2016:
- introduction to the Old Testament prophets
- introduction to the book of Daniel
- starting to look at Daniel 1
See more about Bible and Culture at bibleandculture.org)
1) Daniel prays to God and confesses Israel's sins. Gabriel appears and informs Daniel that Jerusalem will be restored and that there will be 70 weeks of years until an anointed one is cut off.
2) Daniel has a vision of future events involving conflicts between kings of the north and south. An especially evil king will persecute God's people but will ultimately come to his end.
3) God reassures Daniel that he is sovereign over history and will deliver his people from extreme persecution, even raising the righteous to everlasting life in his kingdom. The themes are God's faithfulness and the ultimate victory of good over evil.
Bible+Culture 2015: Media 3. Moonrise KingdomTony Watkins
My slides on media from days 3 and 4 of Bible & Culture 2015 (www.bibleandculture.org). These sessions used Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom as an extended examples of film engagement.
This document provides an overview and analysis of chapters 6-9 of the Book of Daniel. It summarizes the key events and visions in these chapters. The document also discusses the genre of apocalyptic literature, noting that it uses symbolic visions and supernatural beings to convey messages of hope about God's ultimate victory during times of crisis. Specifically, Daniel 7 is analyzed in depth, with identification of the four kingdoms represented by beasts in the vision, as well as the "one like a son of man" who contrasts with these kingdoms. Guidance is provided on properly interpreting apocalyptic literature.
Bible+Culture 2015: Media 1. the stories we tellTony Watkins
Slides from day 1 of my teaching on media at Bible & Culture 2015. This session considers the importance of stories for human beings and outlines seven major themes in the stories we tell, which resonate powerfully with the grand story of the Bible.
Slides from day 1 of my teaching on media at Bible & Culture 2015 (www.bibleandculture.org). This session considers the importance of stories for human beings and outlines seven major themes in the stories we tell, which resonate powerfully with the grand story of the Bible.
Portuguese version of my timelines of Old Testament history, translated by Luciana Oliveira. There are also versions in other languages either available now or coming very soon – please look through my Slideshare uploads for these.
The two different chronologies for the patriarchs are because there are two significantly different ways of dating the Exodus. You'll need to look at the evidence and draw your own conclusions! Note that these are still a work in progress, but they're available now for those who want them in this unfinished form.
German version of my Old Testament timelines (http://www.slideshare.net/tonywatkins/old-testament-timelines).
If you see errors, please let me know.
The two different chronologies for the patriarchs are because there are two significantly different ways of dating the Exodus. You'll need to look at the evidence and draw your own conclusions! Note that these are still a work in progress, but they're available now for those who want them in this unfinished form.
The document discusses different perspectives on religious pluralism and whether Christianity is the only way to ultimate truth or reality. It presents arguments that all religions are equally valid and see parts of a bigger truth. However, it also notes that not all religions have the same view of reality or lead to the same end. The document raises questions about whether cultural conditioning determines religious beliefs and whether any view can claim to be true. It references Jesus' statement that he is the way and the truth, suggesting Christianity provides the most inclusive yet exclusively true beliefs.
The document provides an analysis of the structure and themes of the Book of Hosea. It is divided into seven sections (A-A') that alternate between themes of Israel as a wayward wife/son and their unfaithfulness to God through idolatry. Each section also contains elements of God's past care for Israel, their giving Israel up due to sin, and future hope for restoration. The analysis notes it is difficult to clearly identify the larger units of Hosea and this should be considered a preliminary reading. It then examines several passages in more detail to demonstrate patterns around Israel's relationship to God.
This document provides a list of places mentioned in the book of Hosea in the Bible. It includes locations such as Gilgal, Beth-Aven, Bethel, Mizpah, Tabor, Shittim, Gibeah, Ramah, Shechem, Memphis, Baal-Peor, Beth-arbel, Admah, Zeboiim, and Gilead. Many of these places are associated with idolatry, rebellion, or slaughter that occurred there according to the text. The document also notes that "hesed" refers to steadfast love, loving-kindness, or mercy in Hosea.
Slides from day 3 of my teaching on Hosea at Bible & Culture 2014. The slides today include quite a bit of material on Hebrew poetry and more figures of speech, both of which Hosea and other prophets use extensively.
Bible and Culture 2014 - Hosea - Day 2Tony Watkins
The slides from day 2 of my teaching at Bible and Culture (bibleandculture.org) 2014. We looked at Hosea 1–3 and considered some of Hosea's use of simile and metaphor, as well as talking about his root metaphor of YHWH's household (drawing on J. Andrew Dearman's NICOT commentary on Hosea). The structure of chapter 2 is from David Dorsey's Literary Structure of the Old Testament.
Spanish version of my Old Testament timelines (http://www.slideshare.net/tonywatkins/old-testament-timelines).
If you see errors, please let me know.
The two different chronologies for the patriarchs are because there are two significantly different ways of dating the Exodus. You'll need to look at the evidence and draw your own conclusions! Note that these are still a work in progress, but they're available now for those who want them in this unfinished form.
Unleash your spiritual growth journey as a truth-seeker!
Learn More:
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Tracking "The Blessing" - Christianity · Spiritual Growth · Success
Do you ever feel like your Bible highlighting isn't quite enough to ignite lasting spiritual growth? Have you struggled to retain key takeaways from your Bible study sessions?
Discover how living in 4D can transform your highlighting into a strategic tool for spiritual development.
Learn More:
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In this video, you'll gain insights on:
How highlighting key verses and themes can enhance memory and retention of Scripture (we see a few key ones, here!)
Studies have shown that highlighting can significantly improve information recall. Highlighting key points visually reinforces them in your mind, leading to better long-term memory.
How to personalize your Bible study through strategic highlighting. Don't just highlight everything!
This video will teach you how to strategically highlight based on what resonates with you, focusing on central themes, recurring ideas, or connections between different passages.
Watch More:
👉https://tkg.tf/4D
How connecting highlighted passages can reveal deeper biblical truths. By highlighting these connections, you can see the bigger picture and uncover the underlying messages within Scripture.
By the end of this video, you'll be equipped to unlock the hidden potential within your highlighted Bible and embark on a transformative spiritual growth journey! Don't forget to like and subscribe for more inspiring content on deepening your faith.
Note: For Christians seeking to enrich their Bible study and deepen their faith, as well as any other spiritual seeker of truth and growth.
Learn More:
👉https://tkg.tf/4D
Astronism, Cosmism and Cosmodeism: the space religions espousing the doctrine...Cometan
This lecture created by Brandon Taylorian (aka Cometan) specially for the CESNUR Conference held Bordeaux in June 2024 provides a brief introduction to the legacy of religious and philosophical thought that Astronism emerges from, namely the discourse on transcension started assuredly by the Cosmists in Russia in the mid-to-late nineteenth century and then carried on and developed by Mordecai Nessyahu in Cosmodeism in the twentieth century. Cometan also then provides some detail on his story in founding Astronism in the early twenty-first century from 2013 along with details on the central Astronist doctrine of transcension. Finally, the lecture concludes with some contributions made by space religions and space philosophy and their influences on various cultural facets in art, literature and film.
Heartfulness Magazine - June 2024 (Volume 9, Issue 6)heartfulness
Dear readers,
This month we continue with more inspiring talks from the Global Spirituality Mahotsav that was held from March 14 to 17, 2024, at Kanha Shanti Vanam.
We hear from Daaji on lifestyle and yoga in honor of International Day of Yoga, June 21, 2024. We also hear from Professor Bhavani Rao, Dean at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University, on spirituality in action, the Venerable BhikkuSanghasena on how to be an ambassador for compassion, Dr. Tony Nader on the Maharishi Effect, Swami Mukundananda on the crossroads of modernization, Tejinder Kaur Basra on the purpose of work, the Venerable GesheDorjiDamdul on the psychology of peace, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, KC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, on how we are all related, and world-renowned violinist KumareshRajagopalan on the uplifting mysteries of music.
Dr. Prasad Veluthanar shares an Ayurvedic perspective on treating autism, Dr. IchakAdizes helps us navigate disagreements at work, Sravan Banda celebrates World Environment Day by sharing some tips on land restoration, and Sara Bubber tells our children another inspiring story and challenges them with some fun facts and riddles.
Happy reading,
The editors
Tales of This and Another Life - Chapters.pdfMashaL38
This book is one of the best of the translated ones, for it has a warning character for all those who find themselves in the experience of material life. Irmão X provides a shrewd way of describing the subtleties and weaknesses that can jeopardize our intentions, making us more attentive and vigilant by providing us with his wise pages, reminding us between the lines of the Master's words: "Pray and watch."
Lição 12: João 15 a 17 – O Espírito Santo e a Oração Sacerdotal | 2° Trimestr...OmarBarrezueta1
Esta lição é uma oportunidade para discutirmos um assunto multo mal interpretado no contexto cristão, que é o fato de algumas pessoas pensarem que o conhecer Jesus é ter a nossa vida mudada em todas as áreas, como se Deus tivesse o dever de transportar-nos deste mundo para um outro mundo onde muitas coisas maravilhosas que desejamos seriam reais. No entanto, a nossa fé não nos tira do mundo após nos convertermos; ao invés disso, permanecemos vivendo sob as mesmas circunstâncias. O propósito de Deus não é nos tirar do mundo, mas nos livrar das ações do maligno (Jo 17.15), Sendo assim, a vida eterna não significa estar fora da realidade deste mundo, mas conhecer o único Deus verdadeiro (Jo 17.3).
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Lucid Dreaming: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
The ability to control one's dreams or for the dreamer to be aware that he or she is dreaming. This process, called lucid dreaming, has some potential risks as well as many fascinating benefits. However, many people are hesitant to try it initially for fear of the potential dangers. This article aims to clarify these concerns by exploring both the risks and benefits of lucid dreaming.
The Benefits of Lucid Dreaming
Lucid dreaming allows a person to take control of their dream world, helping them overcome their fears and eliminate nightmares. This technique is particularly useful for mental health. By taking control of their dreams, individuals can face challenging scenarios in a controlled environment, which can help reduce anxiety and increase self-confidence.
Addressing Common Concerns
Physical Harm in Dreams Lucid dreaming is fundamentally safe. In a lucid dream, everything is a creation of your mind. Therefore, nothing in the dream can physically harm you. Despite the vividness and realness of the dream experience, it remains entirely within your mental landscape, posing no physical danger.
Mental Health Risks Concerns about developing PTSD or other mental illnesses from lucid dreaming are unfounded. As soon as you wake up, it's clear that the events experienced in the dream were not real. On the contrary, lucid dreaming is often seen as a therapeutic tool for conditions like PTSD, as it allows individuals to reframe and manage their thoughts.
Potential Risks of Lucid Dreaming
While generally safe, lucid dreaming does come with a few risks as well:
Mixing Dream Memories with Reality Long-term lucid dreamers might occasionally confuse dream memories with real ones, creating false memories. This issue is rare and preventable by maintaining a dream journal and avoiding lucid dreaming about real-life people or places too frequently.
Escapism Using lucid dreaming to escape reality can be problematic if it interferes with your daily life. While it is sometimes beneficial to escape and relieve the stress of reality, relying on lucid dreaming for happiness can hinder personal growth and productivity.
Feeling Tired After Lucid Dreaming Some people report feeling tired after lucid dreaming. This tiredness is not due to the dreams themselves but often results from not getting enough sleep or using techniques that disrupt sleep patterns. Taking breaks and ensuring adequate sleep can prevent this.
Mental Exhaustion Lucid dreaming can be mentally taxing if practiced excessively without breaks. It’s important to balance lucid dreaming with regular sleep to avoid mental fatigue.
Lucid dreaming is safe and beneficial if done with caution. It has many benefits, such as overcoming fear and improving mental health, and minimal risks. There are many resources and tutorials available for those interested in trying it.
Lesson 12 - The Blessed Hope: The Mark of the Christian.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 12 - The Blessed Hope: The Mark of the Christian
SBS – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
2nd issue of Volume 15. A magazine in urdu language mainly based on spiritual treatment and learning. Many topics on ISLAM, SUFISM, SOCIAL PROBLEMS, SELF HELP, PSYCHOLOGY, HEALTH, SPIRITUAL TREATMENT, Ruqya etc.A very useful magazine for everyone.
The Book of Samuel is a book in the Hebrew Bible, found as two books in the Old Testament. The book is part of the Deuteronomistic history, a series of books that constitute a theological history of the Israelites and that aim to explain God's law for Israel under the guidance of the prophets.
Trusting God's Providence | Verse: Romans 8: 28-31JL de Belen
Trusting God's Providence.
Providence - God’s active preservation and care over His creation. God is both the Creator and the Sustainer of all things Heb. 1:2-3; Col. 1:17
-God keep His promises.
-God’s general providence is toward all creation
- All things were made through Him
God’s special providence is toward His children.
We may suffer now, but joy can and will come
God can see what we cannot see
4. It is just the literature that we read for
‘amusement’, or ‘purely for pleasure’ that
may have the greatest and least suspected
influence upon us. It is the literature that
we read with the least effort that can have
the easiest and most insidious influence
upon us.
T.S. Eliot
Selected Essays (Faber and Faber, 1932)
19. Helping
Responding
others to
personally
respond
People
Christians who are not
Christians
19
20.
21. No single piece of our
mental world is to be
hermetically sealed off
from the rest, and there
is not a square inch in
the whole domain of
our human existence
over which Christ, who
is Sovereign over all,
does not cry: ‘Mine!’
Abraham Kuyper
21
22. Two faces of reality
Humans are God’s is
re !
lt u f u l
image-bearers Cu er
wo nd
Humans are rebels
against God
CULT
URE I
TERR S
IBL 22
29. Love the Lord your
God with all your
heart and with all your
soul and with all your
mind and with all your
strength. . . . Love your
neighbour as yourself.
Mark 12:30–31, NIV
44. How can we develop a Christian mind,
which is both shaped by the truths of
historic, biblical Christianity, and acquainted
with the realities of the contemporary
world? How can we relate the Word to
the world, understanding the world in the
light of the Word, and even understanding
the Word in the light of the world? . . .
44
45. We have to begin with a double refusal.
We refuse to become either so absorbed
in the Word, that we escape into it and fail
to let it confront the world, or so
absorbed in the world, that we conform
to it and fail to subject it to the judgement
of the Word. Escapism and conformity are
opposite mistakes, but neither is a
Christian option.
45
46. In place of this double refusal we are
called to double listening, listening both to
the Word and to the world. . . . We listen
to the Word with humble reverence,
anxious to understand it, and resolved to
believe and obey what we come to
understand.
46
47. We listen to the world with critical
alertness, anxious to understand it too,
and resolved not necessarily to believe
and obey it, but to sympathise with it and
to seek grace to discover how the gospel
relates to it. . . .
47
48. 'Double listening', however, contains no
element of self-contradiction. . . . These
voices will often contradict one another,
but our purpose in listening to them both
is to discover how they relate to each
other. Double listening is indispensable to
Christian discipleship and Christian
mission.
John Stott
The Contemporary Christiant, pp. 27–29
48
49. There are more idols in the world than
there are realities.
Friedrich Nietzsche, Twilight of the Gods
52. We think that idols are bad things, but that
is almost never the case. The greater the
good, the more likely we are to expect
that it can satisfy our deepest needs and
hopes. Anything can serve as a counterfeit
god, especially the very best things in life.
Tim Keller
53.
54.
55. We love idols. We trust idols. We obey
idols. We look to idols to love us and
provide value, beauty, sense of significance
and worth.
Tim Keller
65. These gods, who did not make the heavens
and the earth, will perish from the earth and
from under the heavens.
But God made the earth by his power; he
founded the world by his wisdom and
stretched out the heavens by his
understanding.
Jeremiah 10:10–12
66. All who make idols are nothing,
and the things they treasure are worthless.
Those who would speak up for them are
blind;
they are ignorant, to their own shame.
Isaiah 44:9