Practical application of Pentecostal theology in politics, economy and social issues
Within the field of hermeneutics there is an established principle "Scripture interprets Scripture", which is used by some as a key rule for interpretation.
What does this rule mean, and where does it fit into a larger picture of…
300 Book Reviews / Pneuma 31 (2009) 291-329 Matthew Engelke, A Problem of Presence: Beyond Scripture in an African Church (Berkeley: University of California…
[This is the second of a two-part repost in recognition of Holy Week. See part I.] In the conclusion here I shall more closely explore the three verses leading up to Pontius Pilate’s pithy phrase in John 19:22. Due to the rather technical nature of the…
A radical move In 2002 I was contemplating an interstate move on the basis of a dream. ‘Move to Sydney,’ the Spirit had said, ‘and you will become the Academic Dean of Hillsong College.’ At the time, I had been working two part-time jobs – one at a local Bible college, and the other, pastoring […]
“I saw a mighty angel descending from heaven, clad in a cloud, having a rainbow upon his head. His face was like the sun, his feet like pillars of fire. He placed his right foot on the sea, his left foot on the land; and, supporting himself on the sea …
John writes some strange things in Revelation, aka The Apocalypse of Jesus Christ. An angel fills a golden censer with fire from the heavenly altar, and throws it to the earth. And there’s an angel standing in the sun, crying with a loud voice to birds…
I get a kick out of idioms! Idiomatic expressions spice up speech and literature. They can add levity to mundane subjects or technical works. Here are a few idioms to make you hunger for more: Food for thought A piece of cake Pie in the sky Egg on my f…
This post is an extension of Staying Within Proper Theological Boundaries. Here we look at the color-coded words plus “Almighty” in the 381 Nicene Creed. We believe in one God, the Father Almighty [pantokratōr], Maker [poitēs] of heaven and earth, of…
Abstract: In this parable (Luke 18:9–14) “stand” (ἵστημι, histēmi), in reference first to the Pharisee then the tax-collector, is usually interpreted literally. This bears out in commentaries, yet is also implied in common English translations. Argued…
The etymology of church cannot be traced to the Greek word, ekklesia. Christians persist on using a unscriptural word to justify their religious tradition of associating people to a physical structure. We all know this… why do we allow it?…
In the formative years of the Christian Ekklēsia (“Church”)1 synods (councils) were convened in response to doctrinal controversies and other matters needing refinement. Those synods gaining acceptance in the Ekklēsia at large became known as ecumeni…
As the times grow ever more, uh, ‘challenging’, take time to reflect. Like medicine for the soul, reading and reflecting upon the Psalms can have a calming effect. It can be cathartic. I’m sure it was for David as he was writing at least some of his. T…