Reflections of an Undeconstructed Pentecostal
I was recently asked for a service for the installation of pastor for Pentecostal churches. After some research, I discovered that there are ordination services, but I could not find a service for pastoral installation. So, I have prepared one. Please feel free to use at your discretion.
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The third article of the Nicene Creed simply states, “We believe in the Holy Spirit.” Such a brief statement would lead one to believe that fourth century pneumatology was under-developed. However, Athanasius presents a well-developed theology of the Holy Spirit. His reputation as the champion of Nicene Trinitarianism is secured with his On the Incarnation of the Word and Letters to Bishop Serapion. Athanasius’ Trinitarian theology does not appear in a vacuum, but was developed to answer challenges to the apostolic tradition as stated in the Rule of Faith. The wide acceptance of Athanasius’ work by his contemporaries suggests that he articulated and clarified a received Trinitarian theology.
Continue reading “Letters to Serapion: Athanasius on the Holy Spirit”
Conspiracy theories abound, especially in times of crisis. In the church, conspiracy theories are given additional credence when combined with wild eschatological themes. For example, the claim that the Covid vaccine is the mark of the beast. False-prophets have enriched themselves by peddling fear and lies among the people of God.
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Athanasius of Alexandria (abt AD 296-372) is one of the most significant theologians of the golden age of patristic thought. He served as deacon and secretary to Bishop Alexander of Alexandria, and in that capacity Athanasius attended the Council of Nicaea (AD 325). With the death of Alexander (AD 328), Athanasius was elected to succeed him. He was a giant of the Faith who engaged in theological controversy and political intrigue with emperors and bishops in defense of Nicene orthodoxy. He was known as a man of fiery and uncompromising disposition, expressed in the maxim “Athanasius against the world!”
Continue reading “Athanasius – On the Incarnation”
