Christian Doctrines

Introduction There are many different names in both the Old and New Testament rendered to God. Recognizing these distinctions helps us read Scripture with greater sensitivity to its rhetorical and theological layers. For example, when Hosea says “they have forgotten their Maker” (Hos 8:14), the emphasis is on Elohim as Creator, contrasting with their rejection of YHWH as covenant Lord. Each name is not just a label but a theological statement: Elohim → power and majesty. YHWH → covenant faithfulness. Adonai → authority. Father/Abba → intimacy and relationship. Immanuel → presence with His people. Common Names and Titles in Hebrew Scripture Elohim – “God” (Gen 1:1). Emphasizes His power as Creator and supreme deity. YHWH – "LORD". God's personal c ovenant name revealed to Moses (Exod 3:14). “I AM WHO I AM”.  Stresses His eternal, self-existent nature.  Used to stress God’s personal relationship with Israel. YHWH Elohim  -  " LORD God" - Combines ...

  Introduction There are two views of the types or numbers of Covenants between God and man. Reformed (Covenant Theology) sees Scripture structured around three overarching covenants (Redemption, Works, Grace), emphasizing God’s unified plan of salvation. Dispensational Theology sees multiple biblical covenants tied to distinct dispensations (periods of God’s administration), such as Edenic, Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, and New Covenants, often distinguishing between Israel and the Church.  The difference between the Reformed (Covenant Theology) and Dispensational Theology 1. Core Idea: One unified redemptive plan vs Multiple distinct administration 2. Key Questions: How does God save? vs How does God govern history?  3. Israel & Church: One people of God (continuity) vs Distinct Peoples (discontinuity)  4. Eternal Focus: Very Explicit vs. Implicit but less systematized.  Reformed (Covenant Theology) Definition: Reformed theology interprets ...

The ark of the covenant in the Old Testament symbolizes God's presence and his dwelling with His people. In Exodus 25:22, God says, “I will meet with you there above the mercy seat.”  It contained the Tablets of the Law (Ten Commandments), a pot of manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded.   The Ark was placed in the Holy of Holies within the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Only the high priest could approach it, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement. The golden cover of the Ark, called the mercy seat , was where the blood of sacrifices was sprinkled, symbolizing atonement and God’s forgiveness. The Ark often went before Israel in battle or travel, signifying God’s leadership and protection. The Ark was lost after the destruction of Solomon's temple by the Babylonians in 587/586 BCE. Some say that the Ark was looted and carried to Babylon with other temple treasures. Others say that Jeremiah hid the Ark in a cave before the destruction. (2 Maccabees 2:4–8) ....

  Was there enough time for Jesus to be captured, brought to Sanhedrin for trial, then brought to Pilate for trial, then brought to Herod, bring Him back to Pilate, then carrying his cross to Calvary, and to be nailed at 9am? Yes, remarkably, the sequence of events from Jesus’ arrest to His crucifixion at 9 a.m. (the third hour, Mark 15:25 ) fits within the early morning hours—though it was a compressed and intense timeline. Here’s how it likely unfolded: 1. Early Morning (around 4:30–5:00 a.m.) Jesus is brought before the Sanhedrin at dawn ( Luke 22:66 ). They quickly condemn Him and send Him to Pilate ( Luke 23:1 ). 2. First Appearance Before Pilate (around 5:00–5:30 a.m.) Pilate questions Jesus but finds no fault. On learning Jesus is a Galilean, he sends Him to Herod ( Luke 23:6–7 ). 3. Before Herod Antipas (around 5:30–6:00 a.m.) Herod mocks Jesus but doesn’t pass judgment. Jesus is sent back to Pilate ( Luke 23:11 ). 4. Second Appearance Before Pilate (around 6:00–6:30 a.m.) ...