The Interconnectedness of Philosophy, Theology, and Worldview
A worldview is the perspective through which one views the world. By definition, a Biblical worldview is derived exegetically from the pages of the Bible. Philosophy and theology have long been perceived as rivals in worldview, but if we define those terms lexically...
The Disappearing Middle Class in Christian Higher Education
According to ABHE’s 2015 statistical report,[1] out of roughly 140 universities and colleges who have any official reported status with ABHE, there are only 5 non-denominational Bible colleges with attendance over 320[2] students (including undergraduate and graduate...
Overview of Ecclesiastes (Slides)
Having been a historic experimenter, Solomon writes the conclusion to his philosophical journey in Ecclesiastes. He describes the advantages and disadvantages of a number of different worldviews "under the sun," and he concludes that the beyond-the-sun perspective...
“The most effective leadership, management, and efficiency models share traits common with each other, and traits that are ultimately traceable to the pages of the Bible. While these models are often not intentionally rooted in Biblical concepts by those that promote the models, the models illustrate how applying Biblical principles can set a trajectory of success in enterprise and in life. Led By a Lion is designed to introduce some of these leadership, management, and efficiency models, but goes a step further in identifying the Biblical genesis of many of the core traits that fuel the success of these models.”
Intro to Communicating Basic Biblical Truth (Slides)
In a Calvary University assembly on 2/20/2017, Dr. Christopher Cone discusses some straightforward principles about communicating Biblical truth, including: who should communicate Biblical truth, why it is so important, what is the content of good Biblical...
Introduction to the Canon of Scripture and Textual Criticism (Slides)
Dr. Christopher Cone introduces the Biblical canon, considering (1) internal textual evidence for the inclusion of the books of the Old and New Testaments, (2) historical factors which provide external affirmation that the texts of the Hebrew Bible and the Greek New...
Epistemological Foundations of a Biblical Theology
Dr. Christopher Cone addresses the source of authority and how one interprets that authority in their worldview. Alternate title: "Bob's Crazy Day With the Dandelions." Presented to the Chafer Theological Seminary Conference in Houston Texas, Spring, 2014....
“This approach has the advantage of seeking to view all knowledge through the lens of Scripture, and to subject all knowledge to the authority of Scripture. It encourages science and research within the field of psychology. It offers a Biblical balance of description and prescription. Of course, if the Bible is unreliable, then the refractive power of Scripture is distortive rather than corrective, but the epistemological premise of this approach is that God’s word is authoritative and sufficient for our understanding, for our equipping, and for our practice. There are many extra-biblical resources that we can employ, but in seeking out how and when to do that, we mustn’t lose sight of the one reliable constant that God has provided for us – the Bible.” –Chapter 9
Can We Know With Certainty What God Has Said?
What is Real Success?
Google the phrase “What is success” and you will get 1.13 billion results. I’d like to examine each of those with you today (not really). Much has been said about success. Everybody seems to want it, but it is surprising how few actually can define it. One dictionary...
Worldview and Three Views on Biblical Ethics (Slides)
Ideas have consequences. This presentation considers (1) basics of worldview and (2) three competing views on Biblical ethics: continuity (believers under the Law for their sanctification), semi-continuity (believers under part of the Law for their sanctification),...
“The Green Tree is an exceptional work…provides a vital tool for every Bible interpreter…Just as the root system is the foundation of a tree and directly impacts the health of a tree, hermeneutic method is at the root of one’s worldview. This illustration demonstrates that the hermeneutic method that an interpreter of the Bible employs will significantly affect the outcome. The tree will either be healthy, or it will not be healthy…The authors provide a unique examination of Revelation, Genesis, and Job that demonstrates that the LGH hermeneutic is derived from within Scripture, something that other hermeneutical methods fail to demonstrate. This is perhaps the most crucial principle demonstrated in The Green Tree, and it effectively demonstrates that the LGH hermeneutic is also the Biblical hermeneutic.” – Andrew Friend (Amazon Review)
Biblical Patterns for Pastoral Discipleship (Slides)
Presented in two sessions to the Central Illinois Regional Conference, Sutter, IL. In the first, we examine the basics of discipleship and the role of pastors in that process, and in the second we look at a 36-week programmatic outline for discipling. Part 1 [gview...
Haggai’s Call to Finish What Was Started (Slides)
The returned exiles from the Babylonian Captivity had begun an important task, but opposition got them off course, and they soon forgot what God commissioned them to do. Haggai's challenge to them reminds us that we need fear no opposition in fulfilling the tasks God...
The Greek Particle (Slides)
No If's, And's or But's (Unless You Actually Want to Understand the Bible) – presented to the Beth Haven Conference, Saturday, November 12, 2016.
The Recipe for Racial Unity and Healing
These are troubled times. Protests across the United States illustrate the racial divide that continues to boil over. Racial equality and healing seem like distant dreams. It does not look hopeful that we will see equality practiced and healing take place any time...
An Appeal to American Voters: On the 2016 Presidential Election
My fellow Americans of every race, religion, and creed, I ask you to consider the weight of the moment, and if I let it pass by in silence, I will consider it an irresponsibility, so I voice a simple appeal here. Lost in the noise of personality-politics that has been...
Undergirding Versus Integrating: Where Biblical Truth Fits in Education (Slides)
The PDF file below is the powerpoint slide file for Dr. Cone's presentation to the ACSI Professional Development Forum, October 14, 2016.
Tomorrowland Not a George Clooney Environmental Critique
From my guest article at patheos.com: Brad Bird’s Tomorrowland was initially panned as “George Clooney’s global warming shaming,” but it has much greater aspirations than simply an environmental agenda piece. Roger Ebert recognized a broader ambition when he termed...
1 John 2:2 – Does Grace Extend to Everyone?
Presented to the 2015 Free Grace Alliance National Conference, October 13, 2015. INTRODUCTION A literal translation of 1 John 2:2 reads as follows: “And He a...
New Book Announcement – Gifted: Understanding the Holy Spirit and Unwrapping Spiritual Gifts
Available now from Exegetica Publishing is a new book by Dr. Christopher Cone – Gifted: Understanding the Holy Spirit and Unwrapping Spiritual Gifts. ISBN#: 978-0976593089 Pages: 201 Price: $13 (available at Amazon, and other booksellers) Description: The Christian...
What to make of non-Christian cultures dreaming about Jesus
Nabeel Qureshi, author of Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, describes the significance of dreams in Islamic culture, saying, In Muslim cultures, generally speaking, people don't see themselves as being able to commune with God. Communion is a very Christian concept...