Read more about the article Do the Creeds Reflect the Church’s Earliest Theology?
Council of Nicaea, 16th century fresco
Church History

Do the Creeds Reflect the Church’s Earliest Theology?

Many Christians have been told that the doctrine of the Trinity was passed down through the ages, unchanged from the 1st century to the present.  If this is the case, we should be able to trace a consistent creedal testimony through the chronicles of Church history.  In this article, we will examine post-Biblical creedal statements as they pertain to a belief in God to determine if their theology developed over time or if it is consistent with Scripture, and therefore, the theology of the first…

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September 11, 2020
Read more about the article Jesus Christ, the Foundation and Cornerstone
Who is Jesus

Jesus Christ, the Foundation and Cornerstone

Scripture uses a variety of metaphors to illustrate spiritual truths.  For example, the Church is described as a building.  Paul used this analogy in his first letter to the church in Corinth: 1 Corinthians 3:5 and 9-11 (NASB)  What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one... 9  For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. 10  According to the grace of God which was given to me,…

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August 25, 2020
Read more about the article Does Being King of Kings Mean Jesus is God?
Who is Jesus

Does Being King of Kings Mean Jesus is God?

The book of Revelation twice calls Jesus the king of kings and the lord of lords.  In these passages, he is depicted as the Lamb who is warred against by the beast and the kings of the earth, but who, in the end, triumphs over his enemies.[1] Revelation 17:14 (NASB) "These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and…

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August 16, 2020
Read more about the article Peter’s Christology Before Cornelius and the Gentiles
The Angel Appears to Cornelius the Centurion, by Gioacchino Pagliei, c.1875
Who is Jesus / Book of Acts / Peter's Christology

Peter’s Christology Before Cornelius and the Gentiles

Most Christians would agree that our Christology should be derived from Scripture.  However, many would be shocked to learn that modern Christianity's view of Jesus is a hybridization of Biblical and post-Biblical teachings.  This blending of New Testament Christology with fourth century philosophy is noticeable when we compare current orthodoxy with Peter's Christology. What did Peter believe and teach about the Messiah?  If the foremost of the twelve apostles, and a prominent leader in the early Church, believed Jesus to be God-incarnate, we would rightfully expect…

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July 31, 2020
Read more about the article Peter’s Christology Before the Sanhedrin
Dispute Before Sanhedrin, by Fra Angelico, c. 1445
Who is Jesus / Peter's Christology

Peter’s Christology Before the Sanhedrin

If, as orthodoxy says, a belief in the deity of Christ and the doctrine of the Trinity is necessary for salvation, we would expect it to be in the book that chronicles the spread of the gospel in the early Church. For example, what did Luke record in the book of Acts regarding Peter's Christology?   Did the foremost among the twelve apostles preach that Jesus is God?  His sermon before the Sanhedrin provides us with the answer.In Acts chapter 3, Peter and John encountered a…

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July 20, 2020
Read more about the article Peter’s Christology at the Beautiful Gate
Healing at Beautiful Gate by Nicolas Poussin, 1655
Who is Jesus / Book of Acts / Peter's Christology

Peter’s Christology at the Beautiful Gate

Although the importance of Peter’s ministry in the eyes of the modern day Christian is often eclipsed by that of the apostle Paul, this fisherman turned apostle, offers believers keen insight and instruction about God and His Messiah.  Not only did God give Peter an unambiguous revelation as to Jesus’ identity, but he was also anointed with the Holy Spirit to preach the gospel at the Church’s inauguration.  Thereafter, he continued to play a key role in the direction and edification of the early Church.[1] …

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July 12, 2020
Read more about the article Peter’s Pentecost Christology
St. Peter Preaching by Masolino Tommaso, c. 1427
Who is Jesus / Book of Acts / Peter's Christology

Peter’s Pentecost Christology

Most Christians are at least somewhat familiar with Peter's response to Jesus' question, Who do you say that I am?Matthew 16:15-17 (NASB) He *said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16  Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17  And Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. (emphasis added)God revealed to Peter that Jesus was indeed…

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July 4, 2020
Read more about the article 5 Cognitive Biases That Can Affect Our Theology
How to Read the Bible

5 Cognitive Biases That Can Affect Our Theology

It can be frustrating to share your faith with your "orthodox" friends and family, only to have them reject your beliefs.  Many tenaciously cling to their interpretations in the face of Biblical evidence to the contrary. Why are some people so reluctant to change their theology?  It may very well be that cognitive biases are keeping them from objectively processing the information. Biases help our brains work by streamlining the decision making process.[1]  However, cognitive biases can cause us to make faulty instead of informed…

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June 11, 2020
Read more about the article The Spirit of Christ and The Spirit of God
Who is the Holy Spirit

The Spirit of Christ and The Spirit of God

Scripture emphasizes there is just one Spirit.  Paul, for example, wrote, "There is one body and one Spirit."[1]  Yet Scripture also speaks of the Spirit of God (the Father), the Spirit of Christ, and the Holy Spirit.[2]  Moreover, each Spirit is said to be in believers.[3]   1 Corinthians 3:16 (NASB) Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (emphasis added) 1 Corinthians 6:19 (NASB) Or do you not know that your body is…

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May 25, 2020
Read more about the article Is the Holy Spirit a Person? A Look at the Pronouns in John’s Gospel
Who is the Holy Spirit

Is the Holy Spirit a Person? A Look at the Pronouns in John’s Gospel

Is the Holy Spirit a person or the power of God?  A "He" or an "it?"  According to Trinitarians, the Holy Spirit is a separate person, distinct from the Father and the Son.  The main evidence presented as "proof" that the Spirit is more than just a divine power or force is the use of masculine pronouns found primarily in John's gospel.  What most people don't realize, however, is that these pronouns cannot be used to determine the natural gender[1] of the Spirit, as we…

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May 17, 2020
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