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A Bilingual Jesus: Assessing Evidence in the Gospels
Get PDFThis article examines issues of the historical Jesus’ linguistic proficiency, particularly in Greek, while providing an analysis of the use of other languages as well. Looking at recent studies on language use in Greco-Roman Palestine and new conceptualizations of multilingualism, the analysis seeks to clarify the languages used by Jesus. This study examines several case studies from the Gospels including the Aramaic sayings of Jesus, found primarily in Mark, a section of the Beatitudes in the Q material found in Lk 6:20–21, and the Lord’s Prayer in Q, with these theoretical frameworks in mind. It concludes that Jesus likely used Aramaic when addressing those who did not understand Greek. In addition, a sample of Jesus’ teaching in the Q double tradition material was analyzed to ascertain the possibility of its origin in Greek. This analysis concludes that there is no reason to assume that the material in Q was not composed in Greek originally, as there is no evidence of Semitic interference, whereas other parts of Jesus’ teaching, such as the Lord’s Prayer, were most likely uttered in Aramaic originally and translated into Greek
Developing the Importance of Integrity To Consistently Display Biblical Principles and Characteristics in Ministry Leadership Roles
Get PDFIntegrity in ministry is not a choice; it must be the lifestyle of those in leadership. Christian leaders must understand the influence they have on others (Bredfeldt, 2006). The dissertation focuses on the importance of integrity and how, as Christian leaders, it is essential to consistently display integrity, biblical principles, and biblical characteristics when in leadership roles in ministry.. The problem arises when ministry leaders do not live a consistent lifestyle that aligns with God’s word. Training and developing Christian leaders who know Jesus as their example and can lead by being a role model for others with consistent character and development is vital for those in ministry leadership roles. Training ministry leaders to be loyal, respectful, honorable, and selfless to build trust with those trusting their leadership and equipping Christian leaders that are in leadership roles to be Christ-centered and have a mindset of a servant leader that is courageous, and self-confident, and fully persuaded that the Word of God is Truth. A target area in the dissertation is improving collaboration and communication among ministry leadership to ensure that leaders have the same mindset and clearly understand the church’s vision and mission. The focus is also on those in leadership knowing their roles and responsibilities. The research of this dissertation is to develop the importance of integrity and, according to Galatians 5:22-23 display “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (NKJV, 2020). This dissertation aims to develop influential Christian leaders who create, motivate, encourage, and build others by consistently displaying integrity, biblical principles, and biblical characteristics. As our era constantly changes, Christian leaders must be consistent in character and integrity
Showcasing Your Scholarship with LU Faculty SHARE
No full textLearn how to access and manage your faculty profile in our new research information management system, “LU Faculty SHARE (Scholarship and Research Exchange)”. We will walk through how to claim your account and the process of adding articles, conference presentations, posters, awards, grants, and other research projects to showcase your scholarship.
Learning Outcomes: Access their LU Faculty SHARE account Know how to add various research outputs to their profile (articles, presentations, posters, awards, etc.
Differentiation in Artistic Expressions of Worship: A Study of the Front Royal Church of the Nazarene
Get PDFWhile music is globally recognized as a common tool for expressing worship in both academia and the evangelical church, it is not the only art form mentioned in the Bible regarding acts of worship. The Council of Arts Accrediting Associations recognizes four main disciplines of fine and performing arts, including Music, Art and Design, Theatre, and Dance; however, in the twenty-first century evangelical church, music takes precedence as the main expression of worship. This qualitative study will gain insight into the pursuit and understanding of utilizing various art forms as expressions of biblical worship in modern-day worship settings within the Front Royal Church of the Nazarene (FRCN). Research will be conducted through extensive review of published literature on biblical and historical worship practices as well as the expressions of worship through each of the disciplines of fine and performing arts. Qualitative research will be conducted through an open-ended, short answer questionnaire to determine the congregation’s understanding of worship and its differentiated artistic expressions. A six-session Bible study will be conducted at FRCN, exploring the definition of biblical worship as well as the artistic expressions of worship used throughout the Bible and Church history. At the end of the study, the congregation will provide suggestions for how to incorporate artistic expressions of worship into the services at FRCN. This information will then be compiled and used to create a template for a worship service that includes various elements of artistic worship. This project will gain insight into the current perspectives of worship within the congregation of the Front Royal Church of the Nazarene that can be used to help identify worship perspectives among other Virginia Nazarene churches as well as churches in different regions and denominations
Associations Between Factors of Unhealthy Lifestyle, Mental Health Issues, Chronic Illnesses, Environmental Health Risks, and Infertility in Females: A Cross-Sectional Study
Get PDFInfertility has risen rapidly in recent decades and has become the third-largest public health concern in the world. It has significantly threatened individuals’ psychological, physical, and social well-being, and it could be an early sign of severe health problems in the future. Furthermore, it also threatens the continuation of life and human civilization. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between individuals’ daily lifestyle behaviors, mental health status, chronic conditions, environmental health factors, and infertility by using cross-sectional quantitative methods. It benefits the public as the study raised awareness of potential risks and provided guidance to avoid infertility in an early stage of prevention. This study used the public survey data from the official NHANES website, which was collected through interviews, questionnaires, laboratory tests, and physical examinations. It conducted Chi-Square and logistic regression analyses using the SPSS 30.0 premium software to determine the association and the log-odds among these variables. The statistical results demonstrated that most of the variables in unhealthy lifestyles, mental health disorders, chronic illnesses, and environmental risk factors have associations with female infertility. A few variables were not statistically significant due to the low prevalence of some diseases among the US reproductive-aged female population. These findings provided valuable information for the community health program, assisted the medical intervention, contributed to future research, and raised awareness among individuals of lifestyle behavioral changes to reduce the risk of female infertility
Navigating Legal Constraints: A Phenomenological Study on Black Educators’ Experiences with Integrating Race-Related Topics in K-12 Education in North Central Texas
Get PDFThe purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of Black educators in North Central Texas as they navigated the legislative restrictions placed on teaching race-related topics in public schools. The theory guiding this study was the critical race theory framework, which provided insights into how societal structures contribute to inequalities and shape the professional experiences of Black educators working within the constraints of laws that limit the teaching of race-related topics. The central research question was: What are the lived experiences of Black educators in North Central Texas on navigating the legislative restrictions of teaching race-related topics? The methodology included individual interviews, focus groups, and written letters from purposively selected Black educators currently teaching in North Central Texas public schools. The data was analyzed using Moustakas\u27 phenomenological reduction, and four key themes emerged: Navigating Instructional Realities, Policy Constraints and Professional Risk, Emotional and Collective Resilience, and Equity, Identity, and Social Realities. Participants described how they adjusted instruction, practiced caution in classroom conversations, and carried the emotional weight of teaching within an environment shaped by political pressure and unclear policies. The results highlighted the need for clearer guidance, more supportive professional development, and policies that enable educators to serve students with integrity and honesty
Understanding Workplace Stigma and Coping Strategies Among Those Living With Chronic Migraine in the Construction Industry
Get PDFAlthough a neurological condition, the cause of migraines is poorly understood. The problem is that the factors contributing to the stress and stigma associated with chronic migraine in the construction workplace are not well known. To address this problem, this qualitative case study explored what factors contribute to the stress and stigma associated with chronic migraine in the workplace in the specific context of the construction industry. The study asked the following: (a) How do workers living with chronic migraines experience and navigate associated migraine stigma in their workplace (e.g., cultural norms and disclosure)?, (b) What do workers living with chronic migraine identify as factors that contribute to migraine symptom severity (e.g., environments, occupational, and interpersonal factors)?, and (c) How do workers living with chronic migraines cope with stigma and factors contributing to migraine severity (e.g., well-being, job performance, and quality of life)? The sample consisted of 14 workers from any occupation or role within the U.S. construction industry who have experienced chronic migraines. Data was collected through one-on-one, semi-structured interviews via Zoom. This study explored how construction workers with chronic migraines navigate workplace cultures of stigma, silence, and inconsistent support in the construction industry. Key findings included migraine’s disruption in daily life functioning, cultural norms of non-disclosure that discouraged help-seeking behaviors. Participants in this study offered visions for structural change, highlighting an urgent need for more inclusive policies, empathetic leadership, and deeper recognition for disabilities that often go unnoticed in labor environments
Exploring the Emotional Impact of Silent Grief Among Black Christian Women
Get PDFGrief is an inevitable part of life. When grief-related emotions or behaviors do not align with societal attitudes, grief may become disenfranchised, causing the griever to become silent. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to describe Black Christian women’s experiences with silent grief in a Midwestern U.S. state. In this research, silent grief was synonymous with disenfranchised grief. Kimberle Crenshaw’s intersectionality theory guided this study, providing insight into the intersection of religion, culture, and mental health challenges in the grieving process of Black Christian women. Data collected via in-depth participant interviews underwent analysis using Gadamer’s hermeneutics. Despite literature addressing grief and disenfranchised grief with established interventions and coping strategies, few scholars have addressed the unique spiritual and cultural journeys and coping mechanisms of Black Christian women experiencing silent grief. This study addressed the emotional impact of silent grief among Black Christian women by exploring their lived grief experiences. Three themes emerged from the data analysis: (a) we don’t talk about that, (b) split loyalty, and (c) intentional grieiving space. The findings provide a theoretical and empirical basis for informing future research and discussions on silent grief
The Effects of the Menstrual Cycle on Movement Velocity in Female Athletes
Get PDFThis study examined the psychological and physiological impacts of menstrual cycle phase and hormonal contraceptive (HC) use on barbell back squat and bench press velocity, handgrip strength, and countermovement jump height. The aim was to determine whether HC use and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms affected performance during menstruation, the late follicular phase (LFP), or the mid-luteal phase (MLP). Fourteen college-aged female athletes (N = 14) were divided into HC users (n = 7), and naturally menstruating, eumenorrheic individuals (n = 7). Movement velocity data was assessed using RepOne linear position transducers, jump height with the Just Jump mat, and grip strength with the Jamar Dynamometer. Non-HC users displayed significantly faster squat mean velocity (MV) during MLP at 40% 1RM (p = 0.02). PMS-positive participants (n=5) displayed significantly faster MV and mean peak velocity (MPV) in multiple squat and bench press conditions (p = 0.001- 0.03). Perceived exertion was higher in non-HC users during LFP bench (p = 0.03) and varied by PMS status during menstruation. These findings suggest movement velocity and strength remain relatively stable across the menstrual cycle, regardless of HC use. Limitations include small sample size; future studies should include larger cohorts and account for PMS-related symptoms
Centralizing Discipleship through Small Groups
Get PDFCentralizing Discipleship through Small Groups explores how intentional leadership development and relational disciple-making practices can reframe a megachurch’s approach to spiritual formation. Conducted at Hope City, a dynamic, urban, multisite nondenominational congregation, this mixed-methods action research integrates qualitative interviews, quantitative Likert scale surveys, and a focus group to evaluate the effectiveness of a holistic discipleship framework. Key interventions included a Group Leader Intensive Training (LIT), the implementation of Rooted small groups, and the launch of Intentional Relational Discipleship (IRD) groups, all designed to shift the church’s culture from attractional programming to a missional, relational ethos. Data revealed that small groups, guided by intentional leadership and a theologically grounded framework, catalyze authentic spiritual growth, deepen relational connections, and activate participants in mission. Leaders consistently reported a transformation in perspective, moving from merely hosting groups to intentionally shepherding spiritual growth, while surveys showed incremental growth in spiritual disciplines and relational depth. These findings affirm the dual funnel of discipleship as a replicable model for fostering spiritual vitality and multiplying disciple-makers. However, the study also identifies challenges related to transient church context, short-term measurement limitations, and the need for sustained coaching and data systems to track group multiplication over time. Ultimately, this research contributes to the ongoing conversation around recalibrating church culture from event-based programming to relational disciple-making, offering a practical framework for cultivating healthy, multiplying small group environments within the modern church