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Recent Submissions
The meaning of the expression “three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” in Matthew 12:39, 40: an exegetical analysis
(Adventist University of Africa, 2024-01) Lelenguiya, Lazarus Lesaron
The text of Matthew 12:39, 40 contains the expression “three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” that has proved to be one of the most difficult idioms to interpret. It has also drawn various hermeneutical divergences among scholars leading to the rise of five major disputed positions. The efforts that have been made by scholars to get the right interpretation ended up creating new views. These divergences have prompted a careful search of these texts. The exegetical study of the expression “three days and three nights at the heart of the earth” in Matthew 12:39, 40 aims at scrutinizing its use in the ancient secular, cultural, and religious contexts from which it emanated. It is also pertinent to have a consideration of the Old and New Testaments usage of this expression taking into account that it has been used only twice in the Old Testament and once in the New Testament, hence the current interest in its study is geared towards getting its right interpretation as understood in those times. This study reveals that the phrase pointed to Christ’s prophecy about Himself being crucified and being raised up after “three days and three nights from the heart of the earth” which is from His tomb located in Jerusalem. The idiom points to the inclusive reckoning as used in the Old Testament in 1 Samuel 30:12 and Esther 4:16; 5:1, in the New Testament in Mark 15:42 and 16:1, 2, and as supported by St. Ignatius (35-110 CE). Thus, the conclusion of this study favored the inclusive reckoning contrasted to other positions presented in this study.
A comparative study of Luther’s and Zwingli’s understanding of the Lord’s Supper
(Adventist University of Africa, 2016-08) Kwadwo, Osei Solomon
Luther’s and Zwingli’s understanding of the Lord’s Supper is the main focus that forms the framework of this research. Prior to the Reformation, several divergent views had been expressed among scholars to resolve the controversy over the substance of the Lord’s Supper. However, it was in the Marburg debate between Luther and Zwingli that the doctrine met the needed consideration in scholarship.
This study reviewed the theology of Luther and Zwingli in relation to the Lord’s Supper. The purpose of the study is to compare and contrast the views of the reformers, namely, Luther and Zwingli on the Lord’s Supper, and to examine their influence in the theological enterprise and Christian denominations as a whole.
Theologically, the study has revealed that the words of Jesus “this is my Body” should not be viewed in the context of its literal sense, but rather in a symbolic or figurative sense. The body of Christ has been crucified once for humanity and it makes no sense for Christ to be crucified again at the Lord’s Supper. This can be clearly discerned from the words of Jesus Christ “do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). This fixes the biblical doctrine of the Lord’s Supper. Thus, the bread is a figure (sign), which points to the death of Christ. Therefore, Christians celebrate this ordinance to commemorate the death of Christ.
Exploration of tithing challenges: A case of Wamaza District of Maniema Mission, Democratic Republic of the Congo
(Adventist University of Africa, 2017-06) Itengo, Tarquin Kilunda
The goal of this study was to discover the reasons that affect tithing. This study was done in two ways; first the interview to the members to know the reasons that affect tithing, and, then, the implementation of strategies to stop the causes and to increase tithes. Before this study, the situation was lamentable which formed the problem this study addressed. After the study, the situation has changed according to the results, which are found in chapter four.
If the members practice all the strategies learned during the seminars, and follow all the advice that has been given, we have reason to believe that the situation prevailing in this district will not remain as is, necessarily there will be a change.
So, if the Congolese government is thinking of locating the province of Maniema with other provinces, it will allow the population to wander well in their activities because after carrying out an evaluation of the program implemented, the number of donors has increased markedly as well as the rate of fidelity. If the program application extends to other Adventist Churches in other districts, we believe there will be encouraging results.
Strategies for improving land management in Buwalasi Seventh-day Adventist Church, Eastern Uganda Field
(Adventist University of Africa, 2023-03) Kauke, Jared
Land in rural Bugisu sub-region is acquired and disposed of through customary tenure. The customs seem to favor the individuals more than the institutions. The Buwalasi Seventh-day Adventist Church District has been severely affected by unceasing land wrangles which has contributed to the slowing of the mission work. The unavailability of guidelines and recommendations relating to the acquisition of land for church activities persist as a problem.
The purpose of this study was to develop strategies for improving land management for the Buwalasi Seventh-day Adventist Church. The study adopted quantitative and qualitative approaches.
Questionnaire and focus group discussion were used as the main instruments for data collection. The level of land management by the church was found to be low meaning that the church leadership did not manage well the church land as expressed in statistical value where Mean(𝑋̅) = 1.93; SD 0.75. As a result of the study, church members in Buwalasi SDA church learnt numerous issues pertaining to land. Some of them who were customary land holders gained insight and started the process of acquiring customary certificates of occupancy. The interventions and the recommendation pointed to the need for the church to:
1. Establish clear landmarks through planting of trees in the boundaries;
2. The Church Board to embark on the process of registering the lands through the government office of land;
3. Sensitize Buwalasi Seventh-day Adventist Church members and the district churches on processes required to secure the mission lands.
The significance of the phrase memphomenos gar autous legei in Hebrews 8:8: An exegetical study
(Adventist University of Africa, 2024-05) Katende, Biddawo Edward
The Epistle to the Hebrews mentions two covenants—the old and the new. There are divergent interpretations resulting from a variant translation of the phrase μεμφόμενος γὰρ αὐτοὺς λέγει in Hebrews 8:8, due to the variant usage of the pronoun αὐτοὺς. Scholars have taken divergent positions concerning the referent of the pronoun αὐτος and the fault in the covenant. Some suggest the fault to be with the covenant while others argue it is with the people, and to others it is with both the people and the covenant. This leaves the relationship between the two covenants not well-defined.
This research discusses the context and usage of the pronoun αὐτοὺς through an exegetical analysis to determine the most plausible interpretation of the text to help clarify the relationship between the two covenants. The research provides a background study of the theological problem and surveys the literature of previous scholars and modern commentators on the subject. This follows an exegetical study involving a historical, textual and lexical analysis considering significant words and phrases to determine the context. The discussion ends with a theological analysis which discusses the relationship between the two covenants.
According to this research, the word new in the text refers to a renewed old covenant. The pronoun αὐτοὺς is referring to people, and the expression “finding fault with them” implies that the fault of the old covenant was with the people. The two covenants—new and old—are one continuous covenant, with the Christian church being a continuation of biblical Israel. The significant difference between the two is the blood of sacrifice; with the old established on the blood of animal sacrifice and the new on the blood of Christ. What is essentially new and better in the New Covenant is the more effective blood of Christ which provides for the permanent forgiveness of sins.