Cosmic Preeminence

Cosmic Preeminence PDF Author: R L Coursey
Publisher: WestBow Press
ISBN: 1973631377
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 169

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Book Description
Many, who correctly exalt the preeminence of Christ in their theology, may yet oppose His preeminence with their priorities. Our priorities reveal our portion, and location does not change that portion. For the psalmist declared the preeminence of Christ in both heaven and earth: Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire besides Thee. (Ps. 73:25) Whenever there are two things that are good, the believer who has his priorities aligned with the kingdom never rejects the lesser but always prefers the better. And when one of these is finite and the other infinite, there must be no competition in his choice. Since Christ is preeminent in creation, cosmic preeminence must be infinitely higher in our affections than cosmic redemption. The new view on heaven is popular because it legitimizes the priorities of a consumer culture by always emphasizing the latter while merely including the former. While both are equally true, they are not truly equal. The priority of the beatific vision is evidenced by the superiority of its object. Therefore, we should always emphasize the former without failing to mention the latter. Once creation and redemption are paired together in our priorities, the preeminence of Christ slowly becomes less important, and how to gain and/or enjoy creation is always the primary emphasis, both in this life and the next. Like Christ, we must differentiate between His kingdom and all those things that are merely added unto us in this life and on the future new earth. With the Kingdom clearly in view, we must prioritize that mandate (Great Commission) through which Christ has chosen to extend His kingdom and work of redemption in the world. The Creation Mandate given before the Fall, like all the commands, is not redemptive in nature, and the church is the only society of the redeemed. Our new identity in Christ, without eliminating, infinitely supersedes our creation identity, simply because Christ infinitely supersedes all creation in worth. The problem with exchanging the Great Commission with the Cultural Mandate is that the present mission of Christ to build His church becomes secondary to His work of providence in culture; the power of the gospel becomes secondary to the power of our example and moral influence on society and culture, and the preeminence of Christ is no longer based on His person and work but on the success of our work among people. We always proclaim what we are, wrote Martyn Lloyd-Jones, by our priorities.

Cosmic Preeminence

Cosmic Preeminence PDF Author: R L Coursey
Publisher: WestBow Press
ISBN: 1973631377
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 169

Get Book Here

Book Description
Many, who correctly exalt the preeminence of Christ in their theology, may yet oppose His preeminence with their priorities. Our priorities reveal our portion, and location does not change that portion. For the psalmist declared the preeminence of Christ in both heaven and earth: Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire besides Thee. (Ps. 73:25) Whenever there are two things that are good, the believer who has his priorities aligned with the kingdom never rejects the lesser but always prefers the better. And when one of these is finite and the other infinite, there must be no competition in his choice. Since Christ is preeminent in creation, cosmic preeminence must be infinitely higher in our affections than cosmic redemption. The new view on heaven is popular because it legitimizes the priorities of a consumer culture by always emphasizing the latter while merely including the former. While both are equally true, they are not truly equal. The priority of the beatific vision is evidenced by the superiority of its object. Therefore, we should always emphasize the former without failing to mention the latter. Once creation and redemption are paired together in our priorities, the preeminence of Christ slowly becomes less important, and how to gain and/or enjoy creation is always the primary emphasis, both in this life and the next. Like Christ, we must differentiate between His kingdom and all those things that are merely added unto us in this life and on the future new earth. With the Kingdom clearly in view, we must prioritize that mandate (Great Commission) through which Christ has chosen to extend His kingdom and work of redemption in the world. The Creation Mandate given before the Fall, like all the commands, is not redemptive in nature, and the church is the only society of the redeemed. Our new identity in Christ, without eliminating, infinitely supersedes our creation identity, simply because Christ infinitely supersedes all creation in worth. The problem with exchanging the Great Commission with the Cultural Mandate is that the present mission of Christ to build His church becomes secondary to His work of providence in culture; the power of the gospel becomes secondary to the power of our example and moral influence on society and culture, and the preeminence of Christ is no longer based on His person and work but on the success of our work among people. We always proclaim what we are, wrote Martyn Lloyd-Jones, by our priorities.

Theology of the New Testament

Theology of the New Testament PDF Author: Frank S. Thielman
Publisher: Zondervan Academic
ISBN: 031086433X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 802

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Book Description
Studying the theology of the New Testament can be a daunting task, even to the knowledgeable Bible student or pastor. Each of the twenty-seven books, written by various authors, has its own theological emphasis and nuances. How do we elicit a coherent message from such theological diversity, especially given that some of the theological statements in the New Testament seem to be at odds with one another? Is such an endeavor achievable or even valid? Theology of the New Testament takes a balanced approach in response to these challenges. Frank Thielman presents a theology of the New Testament that is careful to take into account the cultural and historical circumstances surrounding each book and the New Testament as a whole. He not only examines each book’s theological content individually, but also in relation to the rest of the New Testament, particularly within each of the three theological units that comprise the New Testament: the gospels and Acts, the Pauline epistles, and the general epistles and Revelation. This canonical and synthetic approach honors both the theological diversity of the various books and the theological connections between the books. In the end, Thielman finds a unified theological vision of the New Testament, anchored in the centrality of Jesus Christ. Frank Thielman’s Theology of the New Testament is an outstanding achievement. The book is marked by scholarly depth, exegetical rigor, and theological profundity. Both students and professors will profit immensely from this lucid treatment of the theology contained in the New Testament documents. Thomas R. Schreiner Professor of New Testament, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary An accessible presentation of the key theological points of the New Testament books by an accomplished New Testament scholar and teacher. Its clear style, lucid organization, and sound theological insight make it a prime resource for serious students in both the academy and the church. Karen H. Jobes, PhD Associate Professor of New Testament, Westmont College

The Preacher's Bible Handbook

The Preacher's Bible Handbook PDF Author: Jr., O. Wesley Allen
Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press
ISBN: 161164951X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 382

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Book Description
When it comes to understanding a passage in the Bible, context is everything. What historical events surround a book’s composition? What larger literary unit is a given passage part of? What central themes explored by the book touch on the verses in question? If we don’t know the answer to questions like these, we are ill-prepared to speak to–and especially preach about–a passage’s meaning. The Preacher’s Bible Handbook aims to meet this need for extra help in preparing the sermon. Essays on each of the biblical books introduce the most relevant historical, literary, and theological facts about the book. Each is designed to aid the preacher in setting the stage for a sermon on any passage in the Bible.

Tantric Visions of the Divine Feminine

Tantric Visions of the Divine Feminine PDF Author: David R. Kinsley
Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass Publ.
ISBN: 9788120815223
Category : Hindu goddesses
Languages : en
Pages : 340

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Book Description
What is one to make of a group of goddesses that includes a goddess who cuts her own head off, a goddess who sits on a corpse while pulling the tongue of a demon, or a goddess who prefers sex with corpses? Tantra visions of the Divine Faminine deals with

The Unity of Faith

The Unity of Faith PDF Author: Weinandy Ofm Cap Thomas G
Publisher: CUA Press
ISBN: 0813238382
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 430

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Book Description
In this volume, The Unity of Faith, Thomas G. Weinandy, OFM, Cap., has compiled a theologically significant medley of essays. The first section deals with the Trinity, ranging from the question of the filioque to the trinitarian thought of Johnathan Edwards. The second section addresses a topic for which Weinandy has become notable - the impassability of God and human suffering. The third takes of the topic of Christology, particularly from within the contemporary theological milieu. For example, what is the relationship between the Incarnation and Soteriology? What is the nature of Christ's human consciousness and knowledge? How does Paul perceive the primacy of Christ within his Christological hymns? The next collection of essays focuses on the relationship between faith and reason. In doing Catholic theology, how do theologians apply reason when contemplating the mysteries of faith? What is the philosophical and theological significance of Pope John Paul II's encyclical, Fides et Ratio? Ecclesiology is the final topic addressed. Weinandy examines the contributions that Henri de Lubac has contributed to our understanding of the Church. He also takes up the very delicate issue of the Jews in relationship to the Church. How important is it that Jews become Christians? The nature of the sacramentality of the Catholic priesthood is investigated. What does it mean that the priest acts in persona Christi? Lastly, Weinandy broaches a topic that has received very little theological attention - the Christian family as a Domestic Church. In what manner are spouses and parents, in imitation of Christ, priests, prophets and kings? Weinandy invariably writes in a clear and engaging manner, so much so that these essays would benefit not only academics, and students of theology, but also the educated laity.

The Way of Science

The Way of Science PDF Author: Dennis R. Trumble
Publisher: Prometheus Books
ISBN: 1616147563
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 348

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Book Description
How science can convey a profound sense of wonder, connectedness, and optimism about the human condition. This book makes a compelling case that now more than ever the public at large needs to appreciate the critical-thinking tools that science has to offer and be educated in basic science literacy. The author emphasizes that the methods and facts of science are accessible to everyone, and that, contrary to popular belief, understanding science does not require extraordinary intelligence. He also notes that scientific rationality and critical thinking are not only good for our physical well-being but also are fully in sync with our highest moral codes. He illustrates the many ways in which the scientific worldview offers a profound sense of wonder, connectedness, and optimism about the human condition, an inspiring perspective that satisfies age-old spiritual aspirations. At a time of daunting environmental challenges and rampant misinformation, this book provides a welcome corrective and reason to hope for the future.

The New Yoder

The New Yoder PDF Author: Peter Dula
Publisher: Lutterworth Press
ISBN: 0718843002
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 358

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Book Description
The work of John Howard Yoder has become increasingly influential in recent years. Moreover, it is gaining influence in some surprising places. No longer restricted to the world of theological ethicists and Mennonites, Yoder has been discovered as arefreshing voice by scholars working in many other fields. For thirty-five years, Yoder was known primarily as an articulate defender of Christian pacifism against a theological ethics guild dominated by the Troeltschian assumptions reflected in thework of Walter Rauschenbusch and Reinhold and Richard Niebuhr. But in the last decade, there has been a clearly identifiable shift in direction. A new generation of scholars has begun reading Yoder alongside figures most often associated with post-structuralism, neo-Nietzscheanism, and post-colonialism, resulting in original and productive new readings of his work. At the same time, scholars from outside of theology and ethics departments, indeed outside of Christianity itself, like Romand Coles and Daniel Boyarin, have discovered in Yoder a significant conversation partner for their own work. This volume collects some of the best of those essays in hope of encouraging more such work from readers of Yoder and in hopes of attracting others to his important work.

The Shadows of Poetry

The Shadows of Poetry PDF Author: Sabine MacCormack
Publisher: Univ of California Press
ISBN: 0520920279
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 450

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Book Description
Imperial ceremony was a vital form of self-expression for late antique society. Sabine MacCormack examines the ceremonies of imperial arrivals, funerals, and coronations from the late third to the late sixth centuries A.D., as manifest in the official literature and art of the time. Her study offers us new insights into the exercise of power and into the social, political, and cultural significance of religious change during the Christianization of the Roman world.

Tapta-Mārga

Tapta-Mārga PDF Author: Walter O. Kaelber
Publisher: State University of New York Press
ISBN: 1438408145
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 224

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Book Description
This is the most comprehensive study yet made of tapas and of asceticism during the Vedic period. It also explains three other essential components of Vedic thought: sacrifice, homology, and knowledge. These concepts, along with tapas and initiation symbolism, reveal the heart of Vedic religion. therefore, this study presents a "history of Vedic religion," organized around the central building blocks of that tradition.

God the Son Incarnate

God the Son Incarnate PDF Author: Stephen J. Wellum
Publisher: Crossway
ISBN: 1433517868
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 475

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Book Description
Nothing is more important than what a person believes about Jesus Christ. To understand Christ correctly is to understand the very heart of God, Scripture, and the gospel. To get to the core of this belief, this latest volume in the Foundations of Evangelical Theology series lays out a systematic summary of Christology from philosophical, biblical, and historical perspectives—concluding that Jesus Christ is God the Son incarnate, both fully divine and fully human. Readers will learn to better know, love, trust, and obey Christ—unashamed to proclaim him as the only Lord and Savior. Part of the Foundations of Evangelical Theology series.