Introduction Pain. Grief. Depression. Hunger. Disease. Betrayal. Loneliness. Fear. People suffer in many different ways. We spend a lot of time and energy on finding ways to avoid and reduce suffering, both individually and for mankind in general. But when we turn to the Christian gospel to find a way out of suffering, we get … Continue reading The way of suffering (LD 15, q&a 37-39)
Author: arjenvreugd
Educator and Christian minister. Interest and experience in theology, mathematics, science, and linguistics.
Who was Pontius Pilate?
“He suffered under Pontius Pilate.” The Apostles’ Creed give the full name of the Roman governor who had Jesus tortured and crucified. Who was this man, and why is he so important? In New Testament times, the Holy Land was part of the Roman Empire. Judea was a notoriously province: many Jews never accepted the … Continue reading Who was Pontius Pilate?
Heaven and earth meet (LD 14, q&a 35-36)
Introduction In the last several lessons we discussed the identity of our Redeemer. He is Jesus, Saviour; he is Christ, the Anointed One; he is the only-begotten Son of the Father, and he is our Lord. As we continue along in the Apostles’ Creed, we now discuss his work and life. Traditionally, we divide the … Continue reading Heaven and earth meet (LD 14, q&a 35-36)
Jesus Christ emptied himself
Though he was in the form of God, [he] did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself. (Phil. 2:6f) Theologians speak of kenôsis, Greek for “emptying”, to describe how the Son of God lay aside his divine glory and majesty when he became a man. Philippians 2 points out … Continue reading Jesus Christ emptied himself
God’s Son, our Lord (LD 13, q&a 33-34)
Introduction “I believe in Jesus Christ, his only-begotten Son, our Lord.” We discussed the meaning of the name Jesus, Saviour. We learned that he is the Anointed One, God’s ultimate agent in this world, our chief Prophet, only High Priest, and eternal King. Now we consider his last two titles in the Apostle’s Creed: only-begotten … Continue reading God’s Son, our Lord (LD 13, q&a 33-34)
“One and Only” or “Only-Begotten”?
From early on, the church has emphasized that Jesus is the only-begotten Son of God. We find this phrase in the Apostles’ Creed and Nicene Creed. Until recently, it was also found in English Bibles, for instance in the well-known verse, John 3:16: God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son. … Continue reading “One and Only” or “Only-Begotten”?
The anointed ones
Introduction I once taught at a college where the football team was called: the Lakers. The merchandise store had t-shirts that said: “I am a Laker.” When my oldest son was born, the department gave us a gift basket, including a onesie that said: “Future Laker.” Even though only a few people were on the … Continue reading The anointed ones
Anointing in the Old Testament
In Old Testament times, it was common practice to anoint officials: prophets, priests, and kings. But even the patriarchs (Abram, Isaac, Jacob) are called God’s “anointed ones” in Ps. 105:15. The ritual of anointing with oil is, first of all, a sign of dedication to God. In Gen. 28:18 we read that Jacob poured oil … Continue reading Anointing in the Old Testament
The Anointed One (LD 12, q&a 31)
Introduction The name of our Saviour is “Jesus”. But we often call him “Jesus Christ”, or sometimes simply “Christ”. Technically, “Christ” is not a name but a title; so it is really “Jesus the Christ”. This title is commonly used in the New Testament: we find the name “Jesus” about 900 times, and the title … Continue reading The Anointed One (LD 12, q&a 31)
No other name (LD 11, q&a 29-30)
Introduction “I believe in Jesus…” Just like other names, we use the name “Jesus” to single out a specific person. The man called Jesus, born 2000 years ago, who lived in Nazareth and later in Capernaum, who was a famous preacher for some years—that is the person we believe to be the Son of God. … Continue reading No other name (LD 11, q&a 29-30)