Compositional Models in Christology: Christ’s Dual Nature by Pastor Rudolph P. Boshoff
Throughout the history of Christian theology, various compositional models have been proposed to understand and explain the divinity and humanity of Christ. These models attempt to grapple with the complex and central theological concept of the Incarnation. Here are some notable compositional models: Chalcedonian Model: The Chalcedonian Creed, formulated at the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD, is one of the most widely accepted models in Christianity. It asserts that Jesus Christ is "truly God [...]
Finding God amongst Unexpected People by Pastor Rudolph P. Boshoff.
[1] (10-minute read). When I was at Bible College a few years ago, I had the opportunity to drive Philip Yancey and his wife to their hotel room with a friend from the Church. I quickly mentioned that I was a huge fan and had read almost all of his books up to that point. Unfortunately, I did not have any books for him to sign, but I felt a deep sense of calm when [...]
Humility is the Way to Unity by Gavin Ortlund
Some Christians are eager to defend sound doctrine. Well, and good. But is the unity of the body of Christ one of those doctrines we jealously guard? .... the unity of the church is one the objects of Christ’s death (Eph. 2:14). This, as much as anything, is what the New Testament calls us to cherish and uphold. Therefore, our zeal for theology must never exceed our zeal for our actual brothers and sisters in [...]
Who is the true Israel: A look at the cult of British-Israel Identity by Prof. Gerrit Smit
A brief summary of their beliefs. - Followers of this belief hold that the Lord God's election is limited to Israel alone. They create a division based on biological descent. One group is considered children of God, His covenant people, and the other is considered children of the devil. - They believe that the devil had relations with certain women, resulting in the group of children of the devil. Thus, trying to convert them with [...]
A Short synopsis on the Nature of God by Norman L. Geisler and Ryan P. Snuffer
"God" is a general term that takes on many meanings in many different cultural contexts. Various pantheistic religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and New Age cults, define "god" as an impersonal force that is in some way equated to an eternal universe. The idea of a pantheistic God is in direct conflict with the idea of a theistic God. The monotheistic religions of the world (Christianity, Judaism, Islam) view God as personal and separate from [...]
What Jesus Affirmed About the Old Testament and Promised About the New by Rudolph Boshoff
When Jesus walked the earth, the New Testament had not yet been written. So whenever He referred to “the Scriptures,” He was speaking of the Old Testament. What He believed and taught about the Old Testament reveals a great deal about its authority — and even points forward to the New Testament. 1. Jesus Affirmed the Divine Authority of the Old Testament Jesus often used the phrase “It is written” — more than 90 times! [...]
Let Jesus transform you by Henri Nouwen
You are looking for ways to meet Jesus. You are trying to meet him not only in your mind but also in your body. You seek his affection, and you know that this affection involves his body as well as yours. He became flesh for you so that you could encounter him in the flesh and receive his love in the flesh. But something remains in you that prevents this meeting. There is still a [...]
God’s role in pain and suffering: A Theocentric Model for Theodicy by Pastor Rudolph P. Boshoff
Every worldview attempts to explain the significance of pain and suffering, as well as the existence of evil. The atheist argument frequently makes God the direct object of these talks in the majority of these discussions. There are times in the Bible when God's activities are viewed as causing harm or disaster. It should be noted that Christians do not find these comments problematic in any way, and there are several points of view that they [...]
African Prosperity Teaching by Dr Craig S. Keener
Over a decade ago I even planned an entire book challenging prosperity teaching. The prospective publisher turned it down, shortsightedly complaining that no one believes in prosperity teaching anymore. I knew from wide experience that this death knell was premature, but the book would not likely have accomplished much anyway; I would have been preaching to the choir. I would probably go further against prosperity teaching than most people. I am committed to living simply [...]
What is the difference between one-self and three-self models of the Trinity and why does it matter? by Pastor Rudolph P. Boshoff
The "one-self" and "three-self" models of Trinitarianism are terms that are often used to discuss different theological understandings of the Trinity. Let me explain the differences between them: One-self Trinitarianism (also known as Monarchianism or Modalism): This perspective emphasizes the unity of God and suggests that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are different modes or manifestations of the same divine being. According to this view, there is only one self or person within the [...]