Denominational Affiliation
Denominational Affiliation By H. Bruce Stokes, Ph.D. The purpose of denominational affiliation is two-fold. First, it acknowledges that a congregation, though autonomous, is part and only part of the people of God. Denominational affiliation assists a local congregation in expressing where, within the larger religious community, they fit doctrinally and liturgically. Secondly, it provides a […]
Biblical Financial Stewardship
Biblical Financial Stewardship By H. Bruce Stokes, Ph.D. Biblical values are particularly directed to believers as stewards of their time, relationships, talents, and resources (finances). In this article we will consider the stewardship of resources and Biblical giving. The Biblical values related to money are numerous enough to fill its own book. Biblical commands and […]
Torah & Gospel – What is the Relationship?
Torah & Gospel – What is the Relationship? By H. Bruce Stokes, Ph.D. The Torah and the Gospel, or more commonly in Christian terminology, the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, have to be placed into proper relationship before several other issues can be resolved. For example, the relationships of Israel and the Church, of […]
The Great Commission
The Great Commission: A Behavioral Science Perspective By H. Bruce Stokes, Ph.D. Presented at the Faculty Workshop at California Baptist University on August 27th, 2003 The Great Commission, as understood by Christianity, is the statement made by Jesus of Nazareth to His disciples prior to His ascension into heaven. It is recorded in the Synoptic […]
Sabbath for Christians
Sabbath for Christians By H. Bruce Stokes, Ph.D. The Sabbath is an integral part of the religion and history of the Bible. The notion of the Sabbath as the focus of the Creation in the first chapters of Genesis, and the commandment to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy is part of the Ten […]
The Passion of Christ
The Passion of the Christ: Context & Perspective By H. Bruce Stokes, Ph.D. I must admit a surreal sense as I sat in the theater, next to people eating popcorn and drinking cokes, while anticipating the experience of watching Jesus being tortured and crucified. But as I sat there, I reflected that some, that day […]
Spiritual Disciplines – Bible Knowledge and Application
Spiritual Disciplines – Bible knowledge & Applicaiton By H. Bruce Stokes, Ph.D. *Taken in part from the book “Development and Discipleship”, by Nathan Lewis and H. Bruce Stokes The spiritual disciplines are an important aspect of discipleship. These are the skills and methodologies that bring about faith and behavioral maturity, and which, in combination with […]
Pastoral Counseling or Clinical Counseling: What’s the Difference?
Pastoral Counseling or Clinical Counseling:What’s The Difference? By H. Bruce Stokes, Ph.D. Many people are confused about the differences between a Pastoral Counselor and a Clinical Professional Counselor. In some aspects they are very similar. In some, they are very different. This brochure is intended to explain the basic differences so that the Christian can […]
Religious Calendars
Ancient Christian Calendar of the month of January Religious Calendars By H. Bruce Stokes, Ph.D. Time, often called the fourth dimension, is an important part of our life. In fact, we measure life in terms of time. Seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years are the time periods that define our lives. We compartmentalize […]
Lent
Preparing for the Great LentThe Season of The Cross By H. Bruce Stokes, Ph.D. The Biblical Holy Days are established and documented in Lev. 23. These Holy Days, plus new moons and Jubilee years, are part of a religious calendar system within the Liturgy of the Tabernacle, The Temple, and the synagogues. These became the basis […]
Shavuot / Weeks: Counting the Omer
Shavuot/Weeks: Counting the Omer/ Counting the Sabbaths By H. Bruce Stokes, Ph.D. Judaism and Christianity make use of liturgical religious calendars which establish certain Holy Days. While the Jewish and Christian systems are related, they are also distinct. The Jewish holy days are based on Torah commands as listed in Leviticus 23 and relate directly to the […]
Problems of Non-Denominationalism
The Problems of Non-Denominationalism By H. Bruce Stokes, Ph.D. Non-denominational Christianity is a rather recent phenomenon in Christian History. It is a result of three influences on the foundation of American individualism – Evangelicalism, the Para-Church movement, and the Charismatic movement. This essay will address the problems of non-denominationalism and the need for Christians to move away from this […]
Statement on Marriage
DiscipleCenter Statement on Marriage By H. Bruce Stokes, Ph.D. In recent years, the increasing secularism of American culture has had an effect on ideas about gender, sexuality and marriage. The controversy regarding gay marriage (same sex civil unions and gender neutral marriage) continues in several states, the courts and within some Jewish and Christian denominations and congregations. The […]
Establishing A Relational Community
Establishing A Relational Community: a Theology of Community for Messianic Jews & Judeo-Christians Author’s Note This paper was presented to the 2011 Hashivenu Forum in Agoura Hills, CA On January 30, 2011 Authored by Dr. H. Bruce Stokes Abstract This paper examines the idea of Community within the Behavioral Sciences and as a concept within the […]