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Tag: Luke

Of Water, Wind and Fire —

Is water baptism just an outward sign of an inner reality? A brief reassessment of the Baptist conviction.

Of Water, Wind and Fire —

Is water baptism just an outward sign of an inner reality? A brief reassessment of the Baptist conviction.

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Why was Apollos baptized twice? His first baptism was administered by John the Baptist in obedience and repentance to God, to believe in the Messiah who was to come. In the same way many Protestants, particularly Baptists, affirm this view but relay it now in the past tense: Water baptism
Shrouded in Mystery No More —

On the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin and its implications for sacred images and iconoclastic theology.

Shrouded in Mystery No More —

On the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin and its implications for sacred images and iconoclastic theology.

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The Shroud of Turin is real. I’m convinced of it. To think such is not a testimony of my faith either, nor is it intellectually grounded in any merit of my own. The scientific evidence is so staggering, and corresponds to history and Scripture so well, that it is much
Mourning Rituals —

The ancient practice of bemoaning the human condition before God.

Mourning Rituals —

The ancient practice of bemoaning the human condition before God.

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The Bible is very consistent in its portrayal of ancient Israelite mourning. People grieving the loss of loved ones, tragedy in the community, offenses against God, devastating warfare, and the like are described as putting on sackcloth, tearing or rending their clothes, taking off shoes, sitting on dust and ashes,
Importance of Salt —

On the usefulness and harvesting of a precious ancient commodity.

Importance of Salt —

On the usefulness and harvesting of a precious ancient commodity.

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It is a commonly known truth in ancient Near Eastern studies that salt was an important staple of everyday life. Salt enhances the flavour of food increasing the enjoyment of the meal, and it had many other practical uses. Salt enabled the preservation of fish and other meats as well
‘Twas the Night Before Council —

And other legendarium of Saint Nicholas and the Christmas season.

‘Twas the Night Before Council —

And other legendarium of Saint Nicholas and the Christmas season.

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It was a cold winter’s night in Nicaea when a sudden blizzard enclosed the known world. Unprecedented as it was, bishops trudged across Christendom by hoof and foot to assemble in what was to be the first real effort to obtain a sacred consensus—the First Ecumenical Council. More than three
Reflections on the Necessity of Baptism —

Thoughts on its necessity, symbolism, and the consequences for rejecting it.

Reflections on the Necessity of Baptism —

Thoughts on its necessity, symbolism, and the consequences for rejecting it.

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Is water baptism necessary for salvation? Honestly, I’ve come to loathe this question. It’s too philosophical for everyone’s own good, and it causes nothing but confusion. What do we mean by necessary? For starters, everyone agrees that God is not bound by the water used in baptism to save someone.