Brian Franks, Author at The Artios Center for Vibrant Leadership

Luke: High Christology of the Gospels-Part 3

Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:56:49-06:00

By Israel Steinmetz BACKGROUND AND SCOPE This is part of a series exploring how Jesus is depicted in the Gospels. Many scholars have noted that John’s Gospel proclaims a majestically high Christology. Indeed some have seen in John a Christology that finds no parallel in the other Gospels. 1 To put it simply, “If Jesus was as He is depicted in Matthew and Mark and Luke, He cannot have been as He is depicted in John. The two are incompatible.” 2 But is this contrast between John and the Synoptics accurate? Does it give a fair reading to the Christological titles and roles assigned [...]

Luke: High Christology of the Gospels-Part 3Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:56:49-06:00

Matthew: High Christology of the Gospels-Part 2

Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:55:23-06:00

By Israel Steinmetz BACKGROUND AND SCOPE This is part of a series exploring how Jesus is depicted in the Gospels. Many scholars have noted that John’s Gospel proclaims a majestically high Christology. Indeed some have seen in John a Christology that finds no parallel in the other Gospels. 1 To put it simply, “If Jesus was as He is depicted in Matthew and Mark and Luke, He cannot have been as He is depicted in John. The two are incompatible.” 2 But is this contrast between John and the Synoptics accurate? Does it give a fair reading to the Christological titles and roles assigned [...]

Matthew: High Christology of the Gospels-Part 2Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:55:23-06:00

Mark: High Christology of the Gospels-Part 1

Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:53:30-06:00

By Israel Steinmetz From its declaration that “the Word was God” to Thomas’ worship of Jesus as “My Lord and my God!” John’s Gospel proclaims a majestically high Christology. Indeed, many people have seen in John a Christology that finds no parallel in the other Gospels. 1 For them, John’s logos and incarnational thought and his explicit portrayal of Jesus’ divinity is juxtaposed with the less exalted portraits of Jesus in the Synoptic Gospels. 2 To put it simply, “If Jesus was as He is depicted in Matthew and Mark and Luke, He cannot have been as He is depicted in John. The two are incompatible.” 3 But is this [...]

Mark: High Christology of the Gospels-Part 1Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:53:30-06:00

How Does Prayer Connect Us to God?

Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:50:12-06:00

By Josiah Robles How does prayer connect us to God? Prayer is more than just a few words spoken to God before a meal or before one goes to sleep. Though it can simply be said that prayer is how “we make contact with God, and likewise God communicates with us.” Prayer is a lifestyle of communion with God in which we develop a deep intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father. This deep intimate relationship with the father is what allows us to become friends with God. Prayer for me as a Christian leader is extremely significant. Prayer is what allows me to come before [...]

How Does Prayer Connect Us to God?Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:50:12-06:00

A Look at the Book of Psalms: Does It Still Apply Today?

Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:45:40-06:00

By Lisa Harp Hinds Do you enjoy reading the book of Psalms but wonder how it applies to your life? Does it continue to have significance? There are three main theological themes in the Psalms which make them significant for Christians today. These are: salvation, faith, and wisdom. Even as new covenant believers, we can use the themes in this Old Testament book to teach us how to live and lead for Christ. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God [...]

A Look at the Book of Psalms: Does It Still Apply Today?Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:45:40-06:00

Scripture Alone…But Not Alone with Scripture

Brian Franks2022-07-11T10:25:33-06:00

By Amber Riggs Alone with the unknown creature, the blind man caressed its skin, memorizing each wrinkle and marveling at the gentle strength of the tall, snakelike animal. “Come! Come see this animal! I’ve never met anything like it!” he called to his friend as he backed away to give the friend a turn. The friend, also blind, approached the creature from a different angle. Instead of silently marveling at a tall snakelike creature, his hands examined what felt like a living tree trunk. Still, he was amazed and passed on the exciting invitation to a third blind friend and backed [...]

Scripture Alone…But Not Alone with ScriptureBrian Franks2022-07-11T10:25:33-06:00

Our Distinctive Lens

Brian Franks2022-07-11T10:23:07-06:00

By Brian Franks It has happened many times in my life and ministry within the Church of God (Seventh Day). On a random Sabbath morning someone I don’t know walks in the church building. I greet them and introduce myself and they respond in kind. Then they get down to business: what does Seventh Day in the name of this church mean? I tell them about our belief in the Sabbath and why it still matters today (that it especially matters today in this culture). They ask about a few other things, and I share the stances the church has on [...]

Our Distinctive LensBrian Franks2022-07-11T10:23:07-06:00

Soaking Up the Meaning of Worship in the Scriptures Part 2

Brian Franks2022-07-11T10:18:31-06:00

By Brian Franks WORSHIP IN THE GOSPELS Matt 2:11 “And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” The wise men from the east arrive to find a toddler Jesus and worship him as King and Messiah. Matt 4:9-10 “And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.”Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” Satan tries to [...]

Soaking Up the Meaning of Worship in the Scriptures Part 2Brian Franks2022-07-11T10:18:31-06:00

Soaking Up the Meaning of Worship in the Scriptures Part 1

Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:28:33-06:00

By Brian Franks WORSHIP? Worship is a challenging word. We might use it in our normal lives, when we say someone worships a sports team or an entertainment star or even a loved one. “She worships the ground they walk on.” Or we might say something like “Let’s go to worship” or “It’s time for worship.” We are probably familiar with or are part of the Worship Team in church. Yet, worship is a far bigger and more important issue than we tend to make it. In fact, worship could be said to be THE issue of faith and the universe. That may sound dramatic, but let’s review some [...]

Soaking Up the Meaning of Worship in the Scriptures Part 1Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:28:33-06:00

The Power of Prayer

Brian Franks2022-07-11T10:11:31-06:00

By Brian Franks There’s a powerful ministry available to the church! It’s one that can easily be practiced by a small child, someone nearing 100 years old, and anyone between. It’s a ministry that any Christians can do together at any time. It can be intricately planned or done on the fly. Yet, often this ministry is seen as an afterthought. Many times, it is not seen as a solution to issues. Sometimes it’s not thought of at all. This ministry is prayer and in prayer there is much power. It is not powerful because we tell God what to do and command the Lord to [...]

The Power of PrayerBrian Franks2022-07-11T10:11:31-06:00

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