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This paper considers the images of John’s second vision cycle (Revelation 11:19—22:5) alongside the visual rhetoric of the Sebasteion temple-complex at Aphrodisias. The performance of John’s visions unfold like a ritual festival procession with relief-like scenes of battle, triumph, and the investiture of divine imperium in the arrival of the iconic champion of the Lamb. … Read more
Carl F.H. Henry maintained a consistent opposition to socialism through the entirety of his life. One of his consistent criticisms was that socialism and the totalitarian governmental system that necessarily accompanies it endangers religious liberty. Correlative to this, democratic systems provide the natural preconditions for religious liberty to flourish. Thus, for Henry, the expansion of … Read more
This paper presents a pioneering approach to introducing children to the intricate world of biblical scholarship through the innovative medium of children’s picture books. Granted, children’s picture books are not new, but certain strategies for bridging the gap between biblical scholarship and children’s education via picture books is novel. Focusing on the often overlooked portion … Read more
Little scholarship has focused on the Ante-Nicene era regarding the view of the pastor as a shepherd who releases authority to the congregation in a manner more conducive to the priesthood of all believers and how that positioning affects the missio-economics of the church. This topic is important for the modern church because of the … Read more
The Petrine epistles contain a strong strand of theological continuity that has not been adequately considered, namely, the shared eschatological framework behind Peter’s exhortations to endurance and obedience. These epistles, and 2 Peter in particular, have long struggled for theological legitimacy. Perhaps as a result, few significant arguments for continuity between the two letters have … Read more
Biblical illiteracy is on the rise, and along with it, declining morality, the exvangelical movement, deconstruction, and “dechurching.” This paper will explore the decline of biblical literacy and how it has contributed to each of these issues. It will also discuss the importance of hermeneutics in teaching the framework for understanding Scripture, not just stories … Read more
This paper will explore the use of the asyndeton phrase of Genesis 2:24 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.” The paper will pay close attention to the use of the Hebrew verb דבק. This verb, which means … Read more
Adoption (huiothesia, υιοθεσία) is an important Pauline metaphor describing the believer’s connection with God the Father (as well as the Son and the Holy Spirit) (Ephesians 1:5; Romans 8:23; Galatians 4:5). The concept of patronage and reciprocity affects one’s understanding of this metaphor. Garner states that spiritual adoption shows the patronage of the Heavenly Father … Read more
Thesis: The calling to scholarship and academic work is crucial for the health and advancement of the global Church. Outline 1. Excuses given for anti-intellectualism 2. Legitimate reasons for suspicion of education 3. Acknowledging the limitations of education 4. Ways scholars serve the Church and magnify the work of Christ A. God created the mind … Read more
Thesis: Throughout history, God has used scholars to play a key role in advancing His work around the world. By highlighting the story of several key intellectuals and movements, this paper will demonstrate how since the founding of the Church, God has used scholars to spread the Gospel and advance the Kingdom globally. Outline: 1. … Read more