Posts from October 2011
By Jeffrey Volkmer
Oct. 31, 2011 2:40 p.m.
Biblical Exposition,
Culture,
Old Testament
The recently convened Searching for Sanctuary Film Festival at Biola University presented significant independent films that explored the meaning of, and human longing for, sanctuary. The films screened were illustrative of the deep yearning all humans have for true sanctuary and the repercussions of its absence, ultimately pointing to the archetype of sanctuary for the Christian, Jesus Christ.
One of the films screened was directed by Orlando van Einsiedel entitled, Stakeistan: To Live and Skate in Kabul. It provided a beautifully shot and deeply poignant portrayal of the importance of sanctuary in the lives of the children of Kabul, Afghanistan, whose lives are tremendously impacted not only by the notable absence of sanctuary, but also how they were able to find it upon a skateboard. Here is not only an opportunity to view this wonderful film, but a theological reflection of its significance.
SKATEISTAN: TO LIVE AND SKATE KABUL from Diesel New Voices on Vimeo.
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By Kevin Lawson
Oct. 29, 2011 12:13 p.m.
Christian Education
We often face pressures to move our Bible teaching sessions along in church, sacrificing depth of teaching impact to save time and keep on schedule with the lesson plans. What do we lose when we do this, and how might we respond to these pressures to ensure greater depth of impact in our teaching?
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By Uche Anizor
Oct. 22, 2011 8:17 a.m.
Theology
A
question I receive repeatedly, and a good one at that, is: “What is the theological interpretation of Scripture?” If you’ve heard this phrase bandied about and are still not sure what it means, you’re certainly not alone. There aren’t many concise and clear definitions of it, though there are a number of descriptive accounts.
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By Joanne Jung
Oct. 13, 2011 11:24 a.m.
Theology,
Culture,
Spiritual Formation
It happened this past Sunday. The moment my daughter said, "I do," I became a mother-in-love.
No one knew except the wedding planner, but I had written a letter addressed to my daughter and had it read in the presence of our guests at the reception. Though short, it was long in writing, as the memories, emotions, and tears often paralyzed yet drove the process. I share these words with you.
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By John Hutchison
Oct. 12, 2011 11:29 a.m.
Theology,
Biblical Exposition,
Culture
Just a month ago I was glued to the TV for an entire weekend as our nation replayed and remembered the tragic events of 9/11/2001. Even after all these years, the many stories of heroism and survival cannot remove the sting of that day. As I watched the video tapes of those well-documented events, I was brought to tears by the stories of so many families who were . . . and still are . . . living with sadness and great loss. The way this story was reported ten years later reveals to me two of the most difficult ideas for many people to accept . . .
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By Ashish Naidu
Oct. 6, 2011 7:28 p.m.
Theology,
Historical Theology,
Church Life,
Culture
I have often wondered if the lack of interest in the external beauty of sacred space and décor, which characterizes much of our church culture today, is due to the struggle with dualism? Or is it due to the residual sense of over-correction that we have inherited from the Reformation movement? I suspect it may be both.
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By Dave Keehn
Oct. 6, 2011 10:14 a.m.
Christian Education,
Church Life,
Ministry and Leadership
Jesus Christ faced a myriad of challenges when he walked this Earth; developing the leadership team to continue his mission of redemption, i.e. through the Church after his ascension back to heaven, is one that is easy to underestimate. A glimpse of the training methodology for his disciples is seen in the discourse recorded in the Gospel of Matthew 10:1-8.
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