Alliance Theological Seminary

Preachers who have not received theological training can learn to prepare expository biblical sermons using an inductive dual authorial intent hermeneutic. A method to do so was devised based on inductive Bible study techniques and a dual authorial intent hermeneutic. This method took into account the intents and purposes of the Bibles original authors and the ultimate divine author. The method used was published as Thoughtful Proclaimer: a Bottom-up Guide to Preparing Bible Messages that Transform You From the Inside Out. This method was taught in week-long seminars in the United States and finally tested by training preachers in Nigeria.

Lawrie Balfour, Benjamin Hertzberg, Jack Knight and Cara Wong offer comments on my book, The Imperative of Integration, that raise critically important questions about the ways a pragmatist methodology should treat ideals in non-ideal theory. In this article, I reply to their comments as well as provide some reflections on the proper level of abstraction in non-ideal theory and on what kinds of results we can expect from it.

In their book A Theology for Christian Education, the authors state that their book is not only written for those who teach theology but for every Christian with a deep desire to understand the theology of Christian Education. The book is based on the theological key features that these authors consider good explanations of Christian education and how it should be taught. The foundations are a) a clear theological basis for doctrine, b) clarity in the explanation of doctrines, c) life application, d) focus on the evangelical world, e) hope for progress in the doctrinal unity, and f) a sense of the urgent need for the greater doctrinal understanding within Christian education in the whole church.

Many people harbor the desire to be leaders. In churches across the globe many individuals seek to be recognized as leaders. This can be attributed to the fact that leadership positions not only command respect but give room for influence as well as endorse a person’s abilities. However, individuals have different motives that fuel their desire to be leaders. Some aspire to be leaders because they want to be served, while others want to become leaders to serve their subjects or followers. Despite the different motivations, Christian leadership entails influencing others to attain salvation.  However, Christian leadership, by distinction, involves influencing others from a biblical perspective to a more biblically enlightened goal. Therefore, Christian leaders are expected to practice ethical leadership in order to have a positive impact on their flock, and by extension mankind in its entirety. The next section provides the biblical foundations of leadership, including my own proposed definition of biblical leadership that is supported by the evidence from theological literature on leadership.

In his book Introducing Christian Education: Foundations for the Twenty-First Century, Michael J. Anthony presents us with the question “What is Christian education and how do we introduce it to the twenty-first century that will capture the beauty of our audience?” Christian education is based on the information provided in the Bible concerning teaching. Therefore, understanding Christian education is impossible without biblical and theological material regarding a topic and then summarizing the findings coherently. In such a manner, Christian education is the Bible's teaching about a specific topic. For example, some major doctrines are key to the Christian's understanding of salvation. In contrast, minor doctrines have a lesser influence on how Christians comprehend salvation; however, they are still important because they determine what an effective Christian education is.

In his book The Spirit of Early Christian Thought: Seeking the Face of God, Robert Wilken paints a deep picture of how Christian thinking was formed in the early years of Christianity. The author shows how Christian intellectual tradition was formed and how Christians thought about their beliefs. He debunks the accusation that the discussed religion was founded on unreasonable beliefs. Wilken shows how Christian thinkers defended their faith using reason. Most of these individuals were well-taught in philosophy and other disciplines of their day. Additionally, they were well-equipped to respond to and critique their secular contemporaries. Christian thinkers had the daunting task of convincing their contemporaries that Christianity was not like other religions of the day.

In his book The Pursuit of God, Aiden Wilson Tozer calls on believers to pursue a deeper relationship with God. The author addresses the current situation in most churches, where many Christians are content with having a spiritual life devoid of experience. Not many Christians have experienced the joy of having a fulfilling relationship with God.

In his book, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine, Dr. Wayne Grudem states that his book is not only written for those who teach theology but for every Christian with a deep desire to understand Christian doctrines. The book is based on the six key features that Grudem considers good explanations of systematic theology and how it should be taught. The foundations are a) a clear biblical basis for doctrine, b) clarity in the explanation of doctrines, c) life application, d) focus on the evangelical world, e) hope for progress in the doctrinal unity, and f) a sense of the urgent need for the greater doctrinal understanding in the whole church.

Christianity teaches us that humanity is inherently evil, while every act of evil originates as a result of our sinful behaviors. This all stems from an inherited state due to Adam’s actions. God created us in His image and likeness, in which he interferes in case of need and Jewish prophets became the messengers of God, bringing the wisdom that later was shaped according to the Mosaic law. Inevitable, toward our nature to sin, the law was canceled by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This sacrifice communicated and initiated by God became possible and realized for every nation, so we may have access to  God's Kingdom through the redemptive act of His son Jesus Christ. Particularly, those like the Apostle Paul who received direct revelation from God to His preaching and teaching to the Gentiles. Furthermore, we may receive the promises of  God’s Kingdom provided one places their faith in Christ. Therefore, God’s mission to the world is manifested in the Prophetical reflections seen in the creation, fall, Israel, and the Church culminating in the redemptive act of Jesus’ death for the remission of our sins. In addition to the redemptive plans of God, reconciliation and restoration for humanity is established. Knowing this, throughout human history according to God, the salvation of God’s grace through faith in Christ is offered as a means toward our salvation.

In 1947, a Bedouin shepherd looking for his lost sheep stumbled upon some ancient artifacts located in the caves of the Khirbet Qu ram desert region near the Dead Sea. These findings examined by archeologists would later be known as the Dead Sea Scrolls. One of these scrolls discovered in Cave four contained fragments what Jewish scholars categorized as the “Eschatological Midrashim.” The questions I would like to present are, “What did these fragments concerning the “Last Days” mean for the Qumran community?” and “What was their understanding of how they would interpret it?”

The Book of Ruth has a relatively small volume and  includes only four chapters. However, it occupies a special position in the Old Testament. Its fascinating story, a magnificent literary style, and a rich spiritual content always attract the attention of many commentators and preachers. The study of this book can bring substantial benefit to any community. It is an evident fact that the basis of all preaching is a thorough study of God's Word. Without the diligent study of the Scripture text, it is necessary to examine the general context of the entire book. If one does not consider its overall content and historical background, he can misinterpret all the other verses in the book.

Throughout history, the doctrine of the Trinity has been one of the most hotly debated facets of the Christian faith. Christianity sprouted from Judaism which is a monotheistic religion. In all probability, the Trinity was an invention of the Apostles and the early church fathers who defended it fiercely. The doctrine of the Trinity, however, is no invention of man since the Bible is full of proof that God exists eternally in three persons.