GoldSash

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Abstract:

A six-member panel consisting of missiologists lays out its plan for effective church life and advancement in current culture. Led by Darrell Guder the team contends that values are compromised at the expense of convenience and grapples with how to match interested onlookers with authentic believers who live incarnational lives. The point is raised that the Church would be better served by returning to an implementation of the Nicene Creed, ironically, even more than the Reformation. This is quite a shift, but they believe the Reformation brought about good change but not quite enough because it straddled the Renaissance and the Enlightenment. The solution they propose is that churches have a bounded set, people in covenant, and a centered set, people on a journey of discovery.

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Abstract:

Here is a comparison of two opposing views of the implications of theology upon ecology.  Broad brush-stroke groups referred to in this piece as Care Givers and Rapture Believers are investigated.  Our world is trending green, the views of those who hold to the biblical teaching of a literal, physical rapture are defended as being relevant and compassionate. Liberal, process theologian John F. Hought, and his work The Promise of Nature: Ecology and Cosmic Purposes, is posited against the book Are We Living in the End Times? by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. The two views are explained and compared. Constrasts are glaring. Observations are made in the conclusion.

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Abstract: 

Michael Green has written an excellent history of the early church history.  This review summarizes some of his important evaluations.  The timing of Jesus' earthly life has all the earmarks of perfect timing regarding language, road building, and issues of war and peace.  Additionally, there are assessments that inform current church life, e.g., the spread of the gospel to Jew and Gentile alike as a priority, the role of apostles, and tacitly matters of church polity.

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Abstract:

A contemporary look at ancient family matters.  A colorful commnetary not weighed down with numerous citations of other works.  Countering present popular views of generational curses upon family lines, this paper proposes that all humanity is sinful and much in need of the pursuing love of God.  Rather than displace family habits as satanic, though evil is certainly strategic, we are wise to recognize patterns that become systemic in family lines by means of parent demonstration, not demonic oppression/possession.  Our shortcomings notwithstanding, God is relentless in the fury of his love, and will not let go.  The first four generations of the premier family of Israel serve as an inset on the map of humanity.  What God demonstrates through ancient Israel, he perpetuates through all the human race, a grace undeserved and unmerited.

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Abstract:

Here is an in-depth look at the implications, both literal and figurative, of Jesus' words regarding little ones. Important components are embedded in Jesus' statement "Unless you become like a child you cannot enter the kingdom of God."  In this paper I argue for the intrinsic quality and character of children who, in my view, are guarded as innoncent in the eyes of God until the LORD decides they are in standing to be accountable.  I also intend to show the child is the model Jesus chooses to showcase for adults to emulate.