A fixation on what immediately follows death is common, I think, to people across cultures and faiths. As a child I was very concerned about the continuing existence of some family friends who passed away. I recall having vivid dreams about them, where they gathered together in the afterlife. It gave my childhood self some… Continue reading What is Purgatory
Women’s Roles in the Church_Companion_5
Octavia the younger, First Century CE As I talk about this material, it is important to give Cynthia Westfall credit for her amazing book Paul and Gender. What I have learned on this subject comes from her work and resources cited in her material that I have picked up along the way. The creation account… Continue reading Women’s Roles in the Church_Companion_5
Reconcile with Me
“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24) Imagine traveling all the way from Galilee to Jerusalem, 80 miles.… Continue reading Reconcile with Me
Salt
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.” (Matthew 5:13) If the beatitudes are a picture of the kingdom, the disciples are proof that God’s kingdom… Continue reading Salt
Women’s Roles in the Church_Companion_4
Last week we went over the topic of deacons and learned that both men and women acted in this capacity. We looked at Phoebe who was a deaconess and a patron. We read about how Paul referred to himself as a deacon/servant and other men who filled the role. Today we are going to look… Continue reading Women’s Roles in the Church_Companion_4
Women’s Roles in the Church_Companion_3
This is the companion for week 3 of my bible study on Women’s Roles in the Church. In week 2 we covered apostles and prophets. This week we looked at other types of roles women played in the New Testament. We looked at Evangelists, Deaconesses, and Helpers. This week we looked at a lot more… Continue reading Women’s Roles in the Church_Companion_3
Women’s Roles in the Church_Companion_2
This is the companion and review for week 2 on women’s roles in the church. In week 1 we covered discipleship, and discussed female patronage, hospitality, and education as disciples of Jesus. This week we will look at another important episode of female discipleship. Keep in mind that our study is not exhaustive and there… Continue reading Women’s Roles in the Church_Companion_2
