God’s Presence
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God’s Omnipresence vs. Human Spatial Limitation
Section 6: Presence and Space — God’s Omnipresence vs. Human Spatial Limitation 1. Introduction The concept of presence is fundamental to how beings relate to the world. Unlike human beings who are bound to a single location in space and time, God is described in Scripture as omnipresent—present everywhere at…
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Heaven, God’s Kingdom, and God’s Presence (Contents)
Heaven, God’s Kingdom, and God’s Presence in Biblical Theology Heaven and Ethical Living – Shaping Character through Eternal Perspective Kingdom Ethics – Living Justly under God’s Rule Practising God’s Presence – Daily Discipleship and Moral Formation Early Christian Theologians on Heaven, God’s Kingdom, and God’s Presence Medieval Theologians on Heaven,…
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Heaven, God’s Kingdom, and God’s Presence in Biblical Theology
1. Introduction In biblical theology, the themes of heaven, the Kingdom of God, and God’s presence are conceptually distinct yet deeply interwoven. These motifs lie at the heart of Christian doctrine, shaping understandings of divine sovereignty, eschatological hope, and the relational dynamics between God and humanity. While heaven is portrayed…
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Practising God’s Presence – Daily Discipleship and Moral Formation
1. Introduction The biblical affirmation of God’s presence is foundational to both Old and New Testament faith. From the Garden of Eden to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, God is presented not as distant, but as imminently near and relational. This theological truth has profound ethical implications: living in…
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Early Christian Theologians on Heaven, God’s Kingdom, and God’s Presence
1. Introduction The early Church Fathers laid the foundations for Christian theological reflection on heaven, the Kingdom of God, and God’s presence. Drawing on Scripture, Greek philosophical traditions, and ecclesial experience, figures such as Augustine of Hippo, Origen of Alexandria, and Gregory of Nyssa offered interpretations that shaped Christian thought…
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Medieval Theologians on Heaven, God’s Kingdom, and God’s Presence
1. Introduction The medieval period (c. 500–1500 AD) represents a pivotal era in the development of systematic theology, marked by the synthesis of biblical doctrine, patristic legacy, and classical philosophy, particularly Aristotelian and Neoplatonic frameworks. During this era, theologians such as Thomas Aquinas, Anselm of Canterbury, and Hildegard of Bingen…
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Reformation Theologians on Heaven, God’s Kingdom, and God’s Presence
1. Introduction The Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century marked a watershed in Christian theology, reorienting the Church’s understanding of heaven, the Kingdom of God, and God’s presence. Reformers such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Ulrich Zwingli dismantled aspects of medieval scholasticism, advancing doctrines grounded in Sola Scriptura (Scripture…
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Modern Theologians on Heaven, God’s Kingdom, and God’s Presence
1. Introduction Modern theology, emerging in dialogue with historical criticism, philosophical modernity, and socio-political concerns, presents a nuanced engagement with the doctrines of heaven, the Kingdom of God, and divine presence. Influenced by biblical scholarship, ecological awareness, and the traumas of history, theologians such as N.T. Wright, Jürgen Moltmann, and…
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Biblical Ethics in Daily Life: Applying Heaven, God’s Kingdom, and God’s Presence
1. Introduction Biblical ethics serve as a moral compass for Christian living, rooted not in abstract rules but in the dynamic relationship between theological truth and daily practice. The doctrines of heaven, God’s kingdom, and His presence are not merely eschatological or metaphysical; they profoundly influence how believers live, relate…
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1.8 Stories of God’s Presence
🔹 Story 1: God Appeared to Moses in the Burning Bush Main Characters: Moses, GodStory Summary: While tending sheep in the wilderness, Moses encountered God in a bush that burned but was not consumed. There, God called him to lead Israel out of Egypt.Key Verses: Exodus 3:1–12Theme Connection: God’s personal…
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1.9 Stories of God’s Glory Revealed
🔹 Story 1: Moses on Mount Sinai Main Characters: Moses, GodStory Summary: Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai receiving the Law. When he came down, his face shone with God’s glory, and the people were afraid to come near him.Key Verses: Exodus 33:18–23; 34:29–35Theme Connection: Moses asked to see…
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1.10 Stories of Divine Silence Followed by Action
🔹 Story 1: 400 Years of Silence Before Jesus Was Born Main Characters: Israelites, JesusStory Summary: After the prophetic writings of Malachi, there was a 400-year period without recorded prophecy. Then, suddenly, angelic announcements began, and Christ the Messiah was born.Key Verses: Malachi 4:5–6; Luke 1–2Theme Connection: God’s long silence…
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1.12 Stories of Divine Order and Instruction
🔹 Story 1: Creation and God’s Ordered Design Main Characters: God, Adam, EveStory Summary: In six days, God created the universe with structure and sequence—light, land, vegetation, animals, and humans—each according to His divine plan.Key Verses: Genesis 1–2Theme Connection: God’s nature is orderly; creation reflects His wisdom, precision, and purpose.…
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1.18 Stories of God’s Protection
🔹 Story 1: Noah and the Ark Main Characters: Noah, his family, GodStory Summary: In a time of widespread wickedness, God instructed Noah to build an ark. While the flood destroyed the earth, God preserved Noah and his family inside the ark.Key Verses: Genesis 6–9Theme Connection: God protected the righteous…
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5.2 Worship Brings Victory
🔹 Story 1: Jehoshaphat’s Army Led by Worship Main Characters: Jehoshaphat, people of Judah, enemy nationsStory Summary: Surrounded by powerful enemies, King Jehoshaphat sought God and appointed singers to lead the army in worship. As they praised, God caused the enemy forces to destroy one another.Key Verses: 2 Chronicles 20:1–30Theme…
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5.9 Stories of Holy Places and Sacred Spaces
🔹 Story 1: The Garden of Eden – God’s First Dwelling with Humanity Main Characters: God, Adam, EveStory Summary: Eden was a place of perfect fellowship between God and humanity. It was the first sacred space, marked by beauty, life, and God’s direct presence—until sin led to exile.Key Verses: Genesis…
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Divine Encounters in the Bible
Divine Encounters in the Bible: Theological Significance and Cultural Reverberations Abstract This article explores the biblical motif of human encounters with God and angelic beings, with particular attention to the theological implications of perceiving the divine and the fear of death associated with such experiences. Drawing on biblical narratives, Jewish…