Introduction The word “vocation” comes from a Latin term (vocatio) that means “a call” or “summons.” A key passage related to vocation is 1 Corinthians 7:17, where Paul writes, “Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him.” (ESV) While people today typically… Continue reading Vocation
Author: Michael Bryant
Dr. Michael L. Bryant serves as Executive Vice President and Professor of Christian Studies at CSU. Dr. Bryant received a BS in history (1995) from Charleston Southern University and an MDiv with Languages (1998) and PhD in Biblical Studies (2008) from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He served as a pastor near Edenton, North Carolina (2000-2008) and has taught short-term in Christian institutions in Uganda, Cameroon, Ethiopia and Moldova. Dr. Bryant and his wife, Amy, have four children.
Baptist Affirmations
Since the rise of the Baptist denomination during the early 1600s in England, Baptists have consistently affirmed a number of core beliefs. Below we list eight affirmations commonly held by Baptists throughout history.[1] (1) Biblical Authority Scripture alone is the final source of authority for a believer’s faith and practice. This affirmation views the Bible… Continue reading Baptist Affirmations
Principles for Interpreting Proverbs
Interpret Proverbs as General Principles Rather Than Promises A proverb should be understood as general principle rather than a promise. In other words, Proverbs present biblical truths that in general are usually true. A proverb should not be viewed as a firm promise that automatically comes true in every instance. Rather, it is a general… Continue reading Principles for Interpreting Proverbs
Introduction to Proverbs
Editor’s Note: This post is an introduction to the book of Proverbs by CSU’s Executive Vice-President Dr. Michael Bryant. In Dr. Bryant’s next post, he will give principles for interpreting the book of Proverbs. ********************* Introduction The Book of Proverbs has long been valued as a writing that provides great wisdom. Below I provide a… Continue reading Introduction to Proverbs
In the Spirit of Rod Dreher
Introduction Rod Dreher’s The Benedict Option: A Strategy for Christians in a Post-Christian Nation has caused no small stir among believers concerned with the eclipse of Christianity’s influence in the United States. Dreher provides a description of where believers are and how they might move forward in a post-Christian society. While his book has much… Continue reading In the Spirit of Rod Dreher
Knowing and Doing God’s Will
Introduction All of us will have to make decisions in 2017. At some point, we will ask, “What is God’s will in this situation?” Or, “What does God want me to do in this circumstance?” In addition, we will have to provide counsel to others (e.g., spouse, children, co-workers). In light of this, we need… Continue reading Knowing and Doing God’s Will
Biblical Principles for Leadership
(1) [1]Leadership should be framed within the overarching context of divine sovereignty. This truth implies that God chooses leaders (e.g., Deut 17:14-15) and that leaders are accountable to Him (e.g., Luke 12:48). (2) Leadership is a gift which derives from God and is not something about which a leader can boast (1 Cor 1:26-31; 3:21; 4:6-7).[2]… Continue reading Biblical Principles for Leadership
Reading New Testament Letters: Part 4
Editor’s Note: This is the fourth and final post in a series of posts on Reading New Testament Letters from CSU’s Executive Vice-President Michael Bryant. [1] You can read part 1 HERE, part 2 HERE, and part 3 HERE. What are some noteworthy features of NT letters? NT letters contain many diverse features. Below we… Continue reading Reading New Testament Letters: Part 4
Reading New Testament Letters: Part 3
Editor’s Note: This is the third in a series of posts on Reading New Testament Letters from CSU’s Executive Vice-President Michael Bryant. [1] You can read part 1 HERE and part 2 HERE. What form do NT letters take? Modern letters often follow a standard form. For example, a writer of a typical business letter… Continue reading Reading New Testament Letters: Part 3
Reading New Testament Letters: Part 2
Editor’s Note: This is the second in a series of posts on Reading New Testament Letters from CSU’s Executive Vice-President Michael Bryant. You can read the first article in the series HERE. What are some important principles to keep in mind regarding NT letters? [1] The NT letters are occasional writings. By this we mean that… Continue reading Reading New Testament Letters: Part 2