Faith
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6: Faith — Emunah (OT), Pistis (NT), and Intertestamental Usage
1. Hebrew Term: Emunah — אֱמוּנָה Pronunciation: eh-moo-NAHMeaning: Faithfulness, trust, steadfastness; firm belief and loyalty toward God. Old Testament Usage: Intertestamental Usage: New Testament Usage: Comparative Summary:
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Anselm of Canterbury – Faith Seeking Understanding and the Atonement
Doctrinal Themes and Denominational Traditions 1. Introduction Anselm of Canterbury (c. 1033–1109) was a Benedictine monk, Archbishop of Canterbury, and a towering figure in medieval scholastic theology. Often hailed as the “Father of Scholasticism,” Anselm is best known for his motto fides quaerens intellectum (“faith seeking understanding”), and for developing…
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Blaise Pascal – Faith, Reason, and the God of the Heart
Doctrinal Themes and Denominational Traditions 1. Introduction Blaise Pascal (1623–1662) was a French mathematician, physicist, and theologian whose religious writings have earned him a lasting place in the canon of Christian thought. Though never formally trained as a theologian or clergyman, Pascal’s reflections on faith, reason, human nature, and divine…
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The Second Debate: Culture, Heresy, and the Future of Faith
The Council That Never Was – Volume II Chapter 6: The Rise of Culture and the Death of Metaphysics The council reconvened. A new chamber unfolded—this time layered with shifting images of modernity: factories, megacities, megachurches, riots, digital screens, cathedrals in ruin, and a stained-glass Christ pixelated by culture. Friedrich…
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The Spirit of the Age: Faith in a Time of Science, AI, and Global Crisis
The Council That Never Was – Volume III Prologue: The Silence of the Saints The forum had changed. No longer cloisters, cathedrals, or ancient halls—now it shimmered with cold light. Screens blinked with data. Globes spun. Satellites hovered. And in one corner, a neural network hummed, uncomprehending yet relentless. Theologians…
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Faith Without Sight: An Exegetical, Theological, and Epistemological Study of John 20:24–29
1. Introduction The encounter between Jesus and Thomas in John 20:24–29 remains one of the most profound narratives in the Gospel of John. Commonly known as the “Doubting Thomas” story, it reveals Jesus’s gracious approach to human scepticism, the transformation of apostolic faith, and the theological nature of belief without…
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Romans 10:17 states, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word (Rhema) of Christ.” Does this mean that faith is built specifically by Rhema words, as distinct from general Scripture (Logos)?
1. Introduction Romans 10:17 is frequently quoted in Charismatic and Pentecostal circles to teach that: This interpretation requires careful examination of: 2. Textual and Contextual Analysis 2.1 The Verse in Context Romans 10:17 (ESV): “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word (Rhema) of Christ.” 2.1.1 Contextual Flow…
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Chapter 2: James and Paul – Faith and Works
Jerusalem bustled beneath the midday sun. Pilgrims wove through narrow streets, bringing lambs for sacrifice and silver coins for temple tax. Within the assembly hall, elders gathered in small circles, parchment scrolls unrolled before them. James stood among them, robe gathered neatly at his feet. His calm face radiated quiet…
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Chapter 5: The Silent Quill – Letters of Faith
Night settled over Jerusalem, cloaking its streets in quiet darkness. Lamps flickered in narrow windows, casting golden pools of light onto stone courtyards. Somewhere within the Temple precincts, priests tended the burning lamps before the Holy Place, ensuring they never went out. In a modest upper room, James sat cross-legged…
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Article 12: Lessons from Biblical Arguments for Contemporary Faith Communities
1. Introduction The biblical narratives of conflict and controversy offer enduring lessons for contemporary faith communities. This article synthesises key insights from scriptural disputes, emphasising principles for maintaining unity, truth, and love in the church today. 2. Embracing Constructive Conflict 3. Prioritising Gospel-Centred Unity 4. Exercising Humility and Forgiveness 5.…
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Article 10: James and Paul – Divergent Emphases on Faith and Works
1. IntroductionThe epistles of James and Paul present apparent tensions regarding the role of faith and works in salvation. Both men were apostles and committed servants of Christ, yet their writings reflect different emphases that have sparked theological debate. 2. Historical and Biblical ContextPaul’s letters, notably Romans and Galatians, emphasise…
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Article 8: Covenantal Blessing – What Happens When Faith Activates Divine Power
1. Introduction While common grace and natural law offer blessings accessible to all, covenantal blessings represent a deeper, more powerful form of divine favour—one reserved for those in right relationship with God through faith. These blessings are not merely natural outcomes of moral living; they involve the direct intervention and…
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Chapter 4: Saving Faith – Believing in Jesus Christ
PART II: CONVERSION – ENTERING NEW LIFE IN CHRIST Theological Overview: Justification by Faith Alone At the heart of the Christian gospel lies the doctrine of justification by faith alone (sola fide). This foundational truth, recovered and emphasised during the Protestant Reformation, proclaims that sinners are declared righteous before God…
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Chapter 6: Confession and Commitment
Overview: Declaring Jesus as Lord Confession and commitment are at the heart of the Christian conversion experience, marking the transition from internal belief to external allegiance. While faith and repentance begin within the heart, confession brings that transformation into the public and relational sphere. It is the open declaration that…
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The Parable of the Mustard Seed
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Mustard Seed 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Kingdom of God / Heaven; Small Beginnings and Great Expansion; Divine Sovereignty 4. Parable Summary Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a mustard seed — a seed known for its minute size…
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The Parable of the Cost of Discipleship
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Cost of Discipleship(also known as The Tower Builder and the Warring King) 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Discipleship and Faith; Commitment; Sacrifice; Prioritisation of the Kingdom 4. Parable Summary Jesus presents two short illustrations to explain the seriousness of following…
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The Parable of the Friend at Midnight
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Friend at Midnight 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Discipleship and Faith; Prayer; Persistence; Boldness in Approach to God 4. Parable Summary Jesus tells of a man who goes to a friend at midnight to ask for three loaves of bread…
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The Parable of the Unjust Judge (Persistent Widow)
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Unjust Judge(also known as The Persistent Widow) 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Discipleship and Faith; Prayer; Perseverance; Divine Justice 4. Parable Summary Jesus tells of a widow who persistently pleads for justice from a judge who neither fears God nor…
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The Parable of the Rich Fool
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Rich Fool 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Discipleship and Faith; Wealth and Materialism; Mortality; Spiritual Priorities 4. Parable Summary Jesus tells of a rich man whose land produces abundantly. He decides to tear down his barns and build larger ones…
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The Parable of the Dishonest Manager
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Dishonest Manager(also known as The Shrewd Steward) 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Discipleship and Faith; Stewardship; Wisdom; Faithfulness with Resources 4. Parable Summary Jesus tells of a manager who is about to be fired for mismanaging his master’s property. Knowing…
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The Parable of the Lamp under a Basket
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Lamp under a Basket(also known as The Lamp on a Stand) 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Discipleship and Faith; Witness; Visibility; Responsibility 4. Parable Summary Jesus compares disciples to a lamp that, once lit, is not meant to be hidden…
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The Parable of the New Cloth and New Wineskins
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the New Cloth and New Wineskins 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Discipleship and Faith; Renewal; Covenant Transformation; Receptivity to Change 4. Parable Summary Jesus compares His message and ministry to new fabric and new wine. He states that: Luke’s account adds:…
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The Great Tribulation and Persecution (End Time)
Biblical Basis: A. Increased Global Persecution of Christians Fulfilment Evidence: Academic References: B. Martyrdom and Faith under Pressure Fulfilment Evidence: Academic References: C. Tribulation Conditions: War, Famine, and Death Fulfilment Evidence: Academic References: D. Escalating Intensity and Global Scope Fulfilment Evidence: Academic References: Conclusion The biblical concept of a “Great…
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2.4 Faith Over Fear
🔹 Story 1: David Faced Goliath with Confidence in God Main Characters: David, Goliath, Saul, Israelites, PhilistinesStory Summary: While Israel’s army trembled before Goliath, David—just a young shepherd—boldly stepped forward in faith, trusting God to give victory. With a sling and a stone, he defeated the giant.Key Verses: 1 Samuel…
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2.5 Faith in the Impossible
🔹 Story 1: Abraham and Sarah Believed for a Child in Old Age Main Characters: Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, GodStory Summary: Though well beyond childbearing years, Abraham and Sarah believed God’s promise for a son. Despite their doubts, Isaac was miraculously born.Key Verses: Genesis 18:9–15; 21:1–7; Romans 4:18–21Theme Connection: Their faith…
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2.11 Stories of Doubt Turned to Faith
🔹 Story 1: Thomas Doubted the Resurrection Main Characters: Thomas, Jesus, disciplesStory Summary: Thomas refused to believe Jesus had risen until he saw the wounds himself. When Jesus appeared and invited him to touch, Thomas declared, “My Lord and my God!”Key Verses: John 20:24–29Theme Connection: Doubt gave way to deep,…
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6.7 Stories of Faith Passed to the Next Generation
🔹 Story 1: Abraham to Isaac – Covenant Faith Continued Main Characters: Abraham, Isaac, GodStory Summary: God made a covenant with Abraham and reaffirmed it to Isaac, who learned to walk in the same trust and obedience. Isaac built altars and called on the Lord as his father had.Key Verses:…
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Chapter (2) The Path to Success
1. The combination of dreams and hard work gets success. Stay positive and never give up. 2. A winner is a dreamer who never gives up. 3. Hard work is a choice. Attitude is a choice. Discipline is a choice. Doing extra is a choice. Excellence is a choice. There…
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Faith: Chapter (1) The Power of Faith and Trust
1. Do not waste your energy to fear. User your energy to believe, learn, create and grow. 2. Fear of failure wastes time. 3. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 4. God is saying to you: My child, you are worrying too…
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Chapter (2) Embracing Belief
1. We are twice armed if we fight with faith. 2. Believe you are born to do great things. 3. Be crazy enough to believe you can achieve anything in life. 4. Sometimes, you need to thank God for what did not happen. 5. Gratitude, give thanks, praise God, and…
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Chapter (3) Actions in Faith
1. Trust in God is not like taking a pleasure cruise to Heaven; it is more like fighting a battleship in the spiritual realm. 2. Pray hard, work hard, worry less. 3. If you know the power of prayer, you will pray without ceasing. 4. One day, you will be…