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God, Math and the Multiverse (Satyan Devadoss)

Did Jesus Really Rise From The Dead? (NT Wright)

In Search of the Historical Jesus (Craig Blomberg)

Dogma by Stephen Kuntzman

by Stephen Kuntzman from Pillar and Ground of Truth

Our dogma revolves around the great biblical truth that there is One God, also called “monotheism.” In his book, The Oneness of God, David K. Bernard, J.D. defines monotheism in this manner: 

“The belief in only one God is called monotheism, which comes from two Greek words:monos, meaning alone, single, one; and theos, meaning God.” 

Ralph V. Reynolds simply stated that “there is only one Supreme Being who is God; He cannot be multiplied nor pluralized.” He further declared, “There are over fifty passages of Scripture that teach that God is one and that there is no other.” 

In fact, the Word of God naturally assumes this universal truth. Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning God created..." God here is the transliterated form of Elohim, which means “plenitude of might,” or more simply, “one God whose characteristics are many.” This thought is carried further in Deuteronomy 6:4, "Hear, O Israel: the LORD our God is one LORD." In Colossians 2:9 we are told that in Jesus dwells all the fullness of the Godhead (all the characteristics of God) bodily, and we (the Church) are complete in Him (Jesus). 

When addressing Timothy, Paul wrote of a mystery, but then he further explained what that mystery was, "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory” (1 Timothy 3:16). Only Jesus Christ fulfills those six points. Therefore, Jesus Christ of the New Testament is Elohim of the Old Testament, which further explains why we are told that Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God and that all things exist and consist by him, Colossians 1:12-17.

So, we are dogmatic in our belief that there is only one God and Jesus is His name. He is our Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, and Savior. Isaiah 9:6, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Only Jesus fulfills this messianic prophecy. He is the Father in Creation, the Son in Redemption, and the Holy Spirit in us today. Keep this great truth in mind and heart as you celebrate this Christmas season. Merry Christmas!

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Stephen is a minister with the United Pentecostal Church International. He has Bachelor of Theology degree from Parkersburg Bible College and a Regent Bachelor of Arts degree from West Virginia University.

Notes: 

Bernard, David K. J.D. The Oneness of God. St. Louis: Word Aflame Press, 1983.

Reynolds, Ralph V. Truth Shall Triumph. Hazelwood, MO: Pentecostal Publishing House, 1965.

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Holy Books

David F. Nygren of the “Watchman Examiner” once said, “If all the neglected Bibles were dusted simultaneously, we would have a record dust storm and the sun would go into eclipse for a whole week!” This is a sad indictment of the Christian community. In fact, as far as I can tell it is also true. The Bible is a virtual gold mine that sits ignored in the homes of millions.

On every Jewish doorway is a mezuza. This is a small container holding a tiny piece of parchment which written on the inside is Shaddai a name for God. Shaddai is also an acronym from the Jewish phrase “shomer daletot Yisrael” meaning guardian of the doors of Israel. On the other side of the parchment is the Shema hand inscribed from Deuteronomy 6:4-9. A mezuza can be found affixed to the upper right hand side of every door in the house. 

4 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 ESV

Just inside the doorway of every Jewish home one can at first glance see the most important things in their home. The sacred holy books. Many Jewish homes will display their Holy Books (Torah, Targum, Talmud etc.) in a way that draws and tempts every visitor and occupant to read them or ask about them. These Holy Books are treated with great respect. They contain God’s inspired teachings and His Word. Holy Books are not permitted to be placed upside down or left open when not in use. Tattered or worn books that contain the name of God are given a very respectful burial in a Jewish Cemetery just like people! 

Christians are obliged to to respect and love God’s Word even more. If you are going to be a Jew you have to learn, memorize and recite daily Scriptures and live according to that lifestyle. There are many who would love to neuter the Scriptures. To render them as only a collection of novel sayings. We must be on guard and maintain our priorities to center our lives around God and the things of God. Created things tend to focus upon the created but we have to shift our focus upon the Creator and not the creation. God has given us His Word. He has spoken. Shall we listen?

      1 I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? 2 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. Psalms 121:1-2 ESV