My task in establishing a worldview seemed daunting until reviewing, “I believe God is the source of all truth”(Hindson and Towns). This inspired me to not worry and focus on God’s message to me. In studying and researching I discovered Romans is the New Testament’s most important book. The importance of Romans is summarized best by Martin Luther, “This Epistle is really the chief part of the New Testament and the very purest Gospel, and is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, buy occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul”(Luther). “Paul wrote his letter to the church in Corinth during the winter A.D. 56-57” (“An Introduction To The Book Of Romans | Bible.org”) to the faithful Jews who had established this church. Paul wanted to meet them face-to-face and provided this letter as his introduction until he could travel there. Paul’s message begins by addressing human identity in which everyone is ungodly and unrighteous. He tells us that we all have sinned, rebelled and not followed God’s will. The sinful way of humanity keeps us a part for God, although He has clearly shown His marvelous wonder since creating the world and through his Son Jesus Christ. The natural world is seen in God’s creation of the world. “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made” (1:20-21). Paul paints a picture of God’s wonderful creation infected with sin and unrighteousness. “They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, h... ... middle of paper ... ...world do not understand that “Only God is good (Mark 10:18), and His Law is perfect (Psalm 19:7), holy, just and good (Romans 7:12). They lack knowledge of God’s Law and therefore don’t see their need to repent and trust the Savior—no Law, no sin, no wrath, no repentance, no salvation”(Comfort). I know God loves me and wants to have a relationship with me, God is good, His law is just and I deserve punishment. But Jesus died on the cross and defeated death by his resurrection and saved me through my faith. Works Cited “An Introduction To The Book Of Romans | Bible.org.” N. p., n.d. Web. 21 Feb. 2014. Comfort, Ray. The Way of the Master. Orlando, FL: Bridge-Logos, 2006. Print. Hindson, Edward E, and Elmer L Towns. Illustrated Survey of the Bible: An Introduction. Nashville, Tenn.: B & H Academic, 2013. Print. Luther, Martin. Commentary on Romans. N. p. Print.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that romans is the new testament's most important book, and martin luther summarized it best.
- Explains that paul wrote his letter to the church in corinth during the winter a.d. 56-57. he wanted to meet them face-to-face until he could travel there.
- Analyzes how paul paints a picture of god's wonderful creation infected with sin and unrighteousness. he describes men and women in unnatural relations causing god to give them up to their dishonorable passions.
- Analyzes how the law provides direction for human relationships with god and towards each other. we need to know what is wrong to stay on right paths.
- Opines that god's wrath is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. if we walk in the spirit we are pardoned and justified.
- Opines that there are no culture differences that will save anyone either, both jews and gentiles will be judged by god.
- Analyzes how paul's message shows god loves us so much he sent his son jesus to suffer and die for us. salvation is available to all who want it and are willing to except it.
- Concludes that ray comfort sums it up quite well with the quote, "people of the world do not understand that only god is good, and his law is perfect. they lack knowledge of god's law and therefore don't see their need to repent and trust the savior."
Related
- analytical
- explanatory
- The Gospel According to Johnanalytical essayGundry, Robert H., Ph.D. A Survey of the New Testament. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1970.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that god sent john the baptist to identify jesus christ as the true light and savior. the holy spirit descended from heaven in the form of a dove and rested on jesus.
- Explains that jesus performs many miracles and still there are people who don't believe in him.
- Analyzes how the pharisees convicted jesus of blasphemy before he was even tried, because they said that jesus couldn't be the messiah.
- Analyzes how jesus tells judas that he will betray him and peter that peter will deny even knowing him three times before the cock crowed the next morning.
- Explains that pilate judges jesus to be not guilty, but the jews don't accept this, yelling, "crucify him!" joseph of arimathea had been a secret disciple of jesus for fear of the jewish leaders.
- Narrates how jesus appeared to his disciples after thomas, nathanael, james, and john had been fishing all night with no luck.
- Analyzes how john's ministry was moral rather than political and could not be called revolutionary. he emphatically disclaimed messianic status, claiming only to be a forerunner of the kingdom prophesied in isaiah.
- Explains that the apostle john wrote the fourth gospel in ephesus, a city of asia minor. the rylands fragment of john proved it to be earlier, to about a.d.
- Compares the gospel of john and the synoptic gospels of matthew, mark, and luke.
- Analyzes how john supplemented the synoptics by using different stories and sayings instead of copying them. the synopsis is assumed in the fourth gospel, so much information is not reiterated in john.
- Explains that john didn't rely on the traditions found in the synoptic gospels, since they only mention the last passover when jesus died.
- Explains that the fourth gospel contains more extended discourses by jesus than do the synoptics. the differences are partly created by john's own way of translating into greek dominated teaching, and partly because john had a habit of paraphrasing.
- Analyzes how the dead sea scrolls have shown that john's religious vocabulary is characteristic of first century judaism. the gospel is written in the koine greek of the time, and is characterized rather frequently by hebrew parallelis
- Analyzes how john's gospel account presents a very exalted view of jesus, recognizing him as the divine son of god.
- Analyzes how john's account was written to deepen the faith of those in his community already familiar with the synoptic accounts, and to guide them in becoming better disciples of jesus.
- Analyzes how john presents jesus as delivering his last discourse before his arrest, explaining to his followers what it means to be his disciple.
- Opines that john's gospel will undoubtedly provoke them to read other books of the bible in the near future.
- Opines that john must have had a great sense of humor, since he enjoyed the irony used throughout the book.
- Explains gundry, robert h., ph.d. a survey of the new testament. grand rapids, michigan: zondervan publishing house, 1970.
- Describes john the baptist's life application bible for students, and merril c. tenney, new testament times.
1987 wordsRead More - The Possibility of Faithfulness in Diasporaanalytical essayMeeks, Wayne A., and Jouette M. Bassler. The HarperCollins Study Bible: New Revised Standard Version, with the Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical Books. New York, NY: HarperCollins, 1993. Print.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how yhwh's chosen people struggle to maintain their identity in a foreign land. joseph, esther, and daniel share fundamental similarities in plot reversals and instruction on faithfulness.
- Analyzes how joseph, esther, and daniel are inordinately influential royal positions that later on save yhwh’s chosen people. they are models for how to faithfully follow god in a foreign land.
- Analyzes how each character identifies himself/herself and yhwh’s role in each jewish novella is indispensable in the argument of dissimilarities.
- Analyzes how the cycle of diaspora and faithfulness in a foreign land work together to show god's all-powerfulness and love for his people.
- Explains coogan's a brief introduction to the old testament: the hebrew bible in its context. meeks, wayne a., and jouette m. bassler.
810 wordsRead More - Seculareligious Holidays: How Unbelievers Approach Holy Daysanalytical essayNew International Version. [Colorado Springs]: Biblica, 2011. BibleGateway.com. Web. 3 Mar 2011. Accessed 22 April 2014.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how alain de botton, in his ted talk "atheism 2.0", identified various attributes from religions that he thinks atheists would do well to emulate.
- Analyzes how how the grinch stole christmas portrays the theme of community in a more serious light.
- Analyzes how the films demonstrate that the non-religious community wants to embrace the abolishment of the class system during christmas, a time of equality and bonding.
- Analyzes how the film the nightmare before christmas depicts the dangers of power and hubris gained from obtaining a high social standing.
- Opines that “alain de botton on atheism 2.0.” www.ted.com.
- Explains smith, j., becoming an atheist in america: constructing identity and meaning from the rejection of theism. sociology of religion.
- Explains that the secular world has come to associate certain virtues and values with the "spirit" of christmas. the nightmare before christmas and how the grinch stole christmas illustrate the value of community bonding.
- Analyzes how the onset of modern american traditions revolving around christmas pushes the spirit of christmas further and further away from the initial dimensions.
- Analyzes how the nightmare before christmas and how the grinch stole christmas illustrate the theme of society's class order rather darkly.
- Explains that materialism and the making of the modern american christmas.
2269 wordsRead More - Outside Influences on Dante’s Infernoanalytical essayThe New Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha, Augmented Third Edition, New Revised Standard Version, Indexed. New York: Oxford UP, 2007. Print
In this essay, the author
- Explains that dante cited the bible more than any other source. he could have used psalm 23 verse 4 for his idea of the dark wood.
- Describes dante alighieri's inferno: a new verse translation, backgrounds and contexts, criticism.
- Analyzes how dante used virgil's aeneid and the bible to create his epic poem.
- Analyzes how dante divides hell into innocent, violent, and fraudulent sections. the bible's description of hell does not always match those of the bible.
- Explains hawkins, peter s., "dante and the bible". the cambridge companion to dante, 2nd ed.
839 wordsRead More - What Is Worldviewexplanatory essayAccording to Webster dictionary, the definition of worldview is a particular philosophy of life or conception of the world. In other words, it is how someone see the world. Someone’s worldview can be influenced by many things. How they grew up, what was considered right and wrong, their religious background or lack of. As a Theist my worldview was influenced by the Bible and what the Bible said how I should live my life. I would live as God intended me to live. (Colossians 3:17 NIV) (Bilingual Bible New Edition n.d.)
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the definition of worldview is a particular philosophy of life or conception of the world, influenced by many things, such as how they grew up, what was considered right and wrong, their religious background or lack of.
- Explains that everyone looks for meaning in life and some go looking for it because they don't know how to find it. they are searching for their meaning and why they exist.
- Explains that the first sin was committed by eve after eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
- Explains that life after death does exist and depending on how we lived our life determines our destination. to go to the kingdom of heaven, we have to accept jesus christ as our savior.
- Explains that god created the world, heaven and earth, sunlight darkness, and created man in his own image.
- Explains that the biblical worldview influenced how they think about, treat, and speak to others because god wants us to show his love through our actions.
1282 wordsRead More - Birth of a Worldview, a Reviewanalytical essayIn Birth of a Worldview: Early Christianity in its Jewish and Pagan Context, Robert Doran attempts to analyze the development of Christianity in the early period of its formation and how it related to the Jewish and the pagan (Roman) religions throughout its development in early times. The text begins with a historical outline of the development of the early Christian world and then delves into a more theological analysis in the latter portions. The development of the book mirrors the development of Christianity itself, which was focused early on with finding ways to worship and expand the faith in a world that was very anti-Christian. Once it had become more accepted throughout the world, Christian writing and thought about theological matters flourished as a result.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes the development of christianity in the early period of its formation and how it related to the jewish and pagan (roman) religions throughout its development in early times.
- Explains that the first chapter, christians and the roman world, examines the historical development of christianity in its first few hundred years of existence.
- Explains that roman emperor decius forced christians to offer animal sacrifices to the roman gods for the well-being of the empire.
- Explains that the edict of milan promoted acceptance of all religions and pagan practices were tolerated throughout much of the fourth century.
- Explains that cosmos: the quest for order looks at the development of cosmology as it related to christianity during the religion's early years.
- Explains that the stoic contribution to christian theology was primarily with the concept of logos, or word, which is used in the gospel of john to refer to the word of god. plato contributed the idea of an incorporeal mind or soul
- Analyzes how plotinus spoke of something he called "the one" from which everything else in the universe originated. while greek philosophers like plato lived in mostly pagan times, their ideas seem interrelated with the concepts behind a monotheistic religion.
- Explains that galen believed in the existence of a creator, while christians and jews believe that god created the material and fashioned it.
- Explains that jews in the roman empire examines the growing separation between jews and christians as christian thought became more and more separated from its jewish roots as christianity developed.
- Analyzes how christianity began to move away from judaism, citing justin martyr's "devastatingly hostile attack against the jews" and melito of sardis' "god-killers."
- Analyzes how the first steps: articulating alienation addresses the development of an ambivalent christian worldview amidst the greco-roman and jewish traditions in which it developed.
- Quotes epiphanius, a fourth-century bishop, who argued that the hebrew mosaic law should be followed precisely. since christ followed the law as jew, so should christians.
- Analyzes how marcion, the son of a christian bishop, denounced mosaic law using the polemical statements of paul as his basis for his ideas. he also found what he felt were logical contradictions in the concept of god.
- Explains that at this time in christianity, there was no official "canon" that was recognized by all christians. bishop irenaeus argued that there were only four authoritative gospels.
- Explains that the next theologian examined by doran is valentinus, who emphasized that jesus dying on the cross was the important saving act for humanity.
- Explains that doran discusses christian rituals and social practices. the concept of marriage and the propagation of the species was an important one.
- Explains that the fifth chapter is called the source of power. the "power" refers to the power of jesus christ and its origins and nature from a theological perspective.
- Explains that theodotus believed that jesus was born a normal human and did not receive the divine power of christ until his baptism.
- Argues that noetus argued that god was both the father and the son and that they were one. pope callistus agreed with this view and denounced others such as hippolyt
- Analyzes doran's analysis of the concept of good and evil, and the attempts by early christians to answer the question of why evil exists.
- Opines that christians should consider their lives on earth as a "training ground" for the afterlife in god's kingdom. origen saw the body as being unclean with sin from the moment of birth.
- Analyzes how the final chapter, "neither male nor female," examines the role of women in the early christian church.
- Explains that the involvement of women in the early christian church was limited. pope gelasius complained that women were exercising liturgical functions that properly pertained to the male sex.
- Opines that doran's birth of a worldview is an excellent introduction to early christianity.
1392 wordsRead More - Worldview Essayexplanatory essayWorldview Essay Today’s society consists of many worldviews. Most people tend to pull beliefs from different religions, but often stick to one main worldview. A worldview to me is the gathering of beliefs that shape what we do on a daily basis and forms our overall view on life. When I look at my beliefs critically, I am able to see my worldview and see how it compares to different worldviews, but also how it compares mainly to the Christian Worldview.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that today's society consists of many worldviews. most people tend to pull beliefs from different religions, but stick to one main one.
- Describes their view of god as an omnipotent trinity of father, son, and holy spirit that oversees the entire universe. they believe that god created everything in his image, including man.
- Explains that god created mankind in his own image to rule over the land and spread the word of god to the far corners of the world. religions are based around theories about what happens after someone dies.
- Opines that the universe is an illusion that leaves us to a life and afterlife filled with god.
- Opines that god has given humans the ability to reason and think logically, hoping that people would seek god when seeing that he is the only real truth.
- Explains that morality is one of the largest things that run peoples' everyday lives and what makes up much of a person's worldview.
- Explains that the purpose of life has been the building block for theology for centuries. atheists believe that there is no after life and that humans are essentially a mistake.
- Explains that their core commitments in life have a huge impact on their everyday choices and actions. they try and live every day to fulfill their purpose, attempting to live like christ.
- Explains that their worldview relates well to the christian worldview. they believe that god created the universe and that there is sin in the world.
- Explains that they expected their worldview to pass the test of logical consistency and existential repugnance. they believe the teachings of christ are in the best interest of the human race.
- Explains that their worldview has and will always have a larger impact on their thoughts and actions than anything else.
- Opines that the class has not changed their worldview as much as solidified it in different terms.
1303 wordsRead More - The Acts of the Apostlesanalytical essayMarshall, I. Howard. "Introduction." Introduction. The Book of Acts: An Introduction and Commentary. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2007. 17-53. Print.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the book of acts was written between 62 and 70 a.d. luke was a traveling companion of paul and dedicated both works to theophilus.
- Analyzes how luke wrote the book of acts to continue the story of jesus. the roman empire had already conquered the mediterranean world and was reaching to present-day britain, north africa, and asia.
- Analyzes how acts is a history book about the early church. luke 24:50-51 describes the ascension of jesus and the church's ministry.
- Analyzes how luke gathers the story of jesus and the early church story and forms them together for a foundation of the church.
- Explains that the common life was marked by praises of god, joy in the faith, and sincerity of heart, but the narrative of acts shows that it wasn't always like this.
- Explains that the church is a community of believers who share the same belief system towards god, his son jesus and the holy spirit.
- Explains that the church in acts is characterized in nine different ways, including learning, fellowship, praying, sharing, worship, happy, and liked by others.
- Analyzes how the early church was filled with happiness and shared goods. the mosaic law directed that pentecost was a time of gladness and sharing that god bestowed on his people.
- Opines that the church needs to be reminded of this as the spread of the gospel was surrounded by some opposition.
- Analyzes how the church today has lost its passion as a community of believers of the same belief. the early church recorded in acts was so in love with the jesus christ that saved them.
- Opines that the 21st century church needs to come back together as a whole to see the importance of christ and his ministry and learn from it.
- Explains that christians today need to be made new daily, but that cannot happen without the want to discover new things about each other and use that to serve others around us.
- Opines that living in a community does not mean we have the answers to all the questions of life, but we can rely on and trust in the god who allowed us to have even some kind of an understanding of the bible.
- Explains that buttrick, george arthur, the interpreter's dictionary of the bible: an illustrated encyclopedia.
- Explains that criswell, w. a., "great godly expectations." acts, an exposition, grand rapids.
- Introduces marshall, i. howard, and the book of acts: an introduction and commentary.
2189 wordsRead More - Biblical Theology of The Exodusanalytical essayDrane, J. W. (2000). Introducing the Old Testament (Completely rev. and updated.) (46). Oxford: Lion Publishing plc.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how god reveals his character in two main themes, one through the constant redemption of his people (ex. 14-30) and his power and superiority.
- Analyzes how moses is instructed by god to bring his people out of egypt and be a key figure in god’s redemptive plan. god hardened the pharaohs heart and sent ten terrible plagues attacking egyptian
- Analyzes how god reveals his redemptive plan through the hardening of pharaoh's heart. redemption is evident in multiple parts of the exodus.
- Analyzes how god uses situations we don't understand to redeem and show his glory. god sent plagues to save his people from bondage, parted the sea for them to cross, and continued to provide food and water during their journey in the desert.
- Explains that god's redemption is a theme strung throughout the entire bible, old and new testament.
- Analyzes how god revealed his power in the exodus. he chose moses to carry out a great task, even when moses appeared doubtful in pharaohs response.
- Analyzes how god's power is exposed in numerous ways throughout the exodus and bible. his ultimate control and authority is shown through miracles, wisdom, and salvation.
- Explains that the miracles displayed in the exodus are incredible testimonies to god's infinite power and ultimate redemption plan.
- Cites easton's bible dictionary and walvoord, j. f., zuck, r. b. and dallas theological seminary.
- Explains the survey of god's redemptive plan in the bible. enns, peter. exodus.
- Describes the seven volumes of bible history : old testament. logos research systems, inc.
962 wordsRead More - A Narrative Criticism of 1 Samuel 9:1-21analytical essayRogerson, J. W., and Judith M. (ed) Lieu. The Oxford Handbook of Biblical Studies. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2006.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how engrossing oneself in the stories of the hebrew scriptures is to be absorbed into a world of literature, where the events of thousands of years past are re-experienced by the reader and listener.
- Outlines the underlying methodology of narrative criticism that will be used in their interpretation of 1 samuel 9:1-21.
- Analyzes the transition between the leadership of the prophet samuel and the eventual king saul in the book of 1 samuel.
- Analyzes how the narrative of 1 samuel 9:1-21 establishes saul as an acceptable king through a folklorist description.
- Analyzes how the folklorist introduction to the narrative tempers the editors support of saul, primarily found in the story of his endeavour to find his father’s donkeys, culminating in a scene at the well.
- Analyzes the use of suspense and anticipation in 1 samuel 9:1-21 as a means of drawing the ideal reader further into the story world.
- Analyzes how the motif of providence evokes a sense of destiny around the character of saul in the mind of the reader.
- Analyzes how the editor(s) of the narrative in 1 samuel 9:1-21 have used literary features to draw the reader deeper into the story world and suggest a general understanding of saul as king and the monarchy as divinely willed.
- States that rogerson, j. w., and judith m. (eds) lieu. the oxford handbook of biblical studies. new york, ny: oxford university press, 2006.
- Introduces abingdon press' the new interpreter's dictionary of the bible.
1926 wordsRead More