The Pulse, by Joseph Mattera

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The Pulse

Nativity scene

10 Examples of How the Story of Jesus Has Universal Appeal

The Pulse

Jesus, as the Creator, has his DNA embedded in the fabric of reality. As the logos or divine template, He is the cosmic archetype imprinted on all living and nonliving entities. An archetype is a universal pattern manifesting across cultures in symbols, themes and characters. The following are 10 examples of how the story of […]

Nativity scene

10 Examples of How the Story of Jesus Has Universal Appeal

The Pulse

Jesus, as the Creator, has his DNA embedded in the fabric of reality. As the logos or divine template, He is the cosmic archetype imprinted on all living and nonliving entities. An archetype is a universal pattern manifesting across cultures in symbols, themes and characters. The following are 10 examples of how the story of

Nativity Christmas ornament and tree

10 Reasons Why Jesus Is the Big Story for Everyone’s Story

The Pulse

According to Hebrews 2:10, all things come from, to and through Jesus. This has vast implications for how we should view the purpose of humanity and creation. Consequently, Jesus is the metanarrative of the entire cosmos, not just the Gospels. Every person’s story ultimately points to the Jesus narrative. When Jesus said that He was

Nativity Christmas ornament and tree

10 Reasons Why Jesus Is the Big Story for Everyone’s Story

The Pulse

According to Hebrews 2:10, all things come from, to and through Jesus. This has vast implications for how we should view the purpose of humanity and creation. Consequently, Jesus is the metanarrative of the entire cosmos, not just the Gospels. Every person’s story ultimately points to the Jesus narrative. When Jesus said that He was

The Cross

6 Reasons Why the Church Should Embrace the Cross of Christ

The Pulse

Preaching on the cross of Christ has fallen out of favor in recent decades. Dispensational “hyper grace” teaching even dismisses passages employing Christ followers to take up their cross as not applicable in the church age (Mark 8:34). However, the cross of Christ holds eternal significance for Christians, representing sacrifice, redemption and the ultimate expression

Queen Esther

7 More Reasons to Believe in a Pre-Gospel Covenant Between God and the World

The Pulse

In the previous article, we explored several reasons that support the existence of a pre-gospel covenant between God and the world. Continuing our examination, we will delve into compelling points demonstrating God’s interaction with pagan nations and individuals, further substantiating the idea of a pre-gospel covenant. These examples emphasize God’s desire for everyone to enter

Rainbow

7 Reasons to Believe in a Pre-Gospel Covenant Between God and the World

The Pulse

The concept of a pre-gospel covenant between God and the world highlights the belief that God had a covenantal relationship with humanity even before the advent of the gospel. In this article, we will explore compelling reasons that support the notion of a pre-gospel covenant, shedding light on God’s interaction with the world before the

confusion and disorientation

6 Reasons Why the Church Needs to Embrace Liminality

The Pulse

Liminality is a concept and term that originated in anthropology. It refers to the ambivalence, confusion or disorientation experienced by people in a transitional phase when they find themselves in the “middle ground” between a previous state and a new state they are transitioning into. Certain norms, roles and expectations may be suspended or redefined

The Gospels

4 Dualistic Teachings That Undermine the Effect of the Gospel

The Pulse

Dualism is a theological focus that inadvertently separates the physical and spiritual realms. It also dissociates heaven from earth. Within this inappropriate viewpoint, the gospel’s ability to engage and influence the earth becomes limited. In the Hebraic mindset of biblical times, the whole world is viewed as sacred and belonging to God (Ps. 24). Both

Biblical leadership takes faith

What Biblical Standards Must Exist for Political Leadership?

The Pulse

Leaders, like everyone else, have character flaws, yet great leadership must include integrity, self-awareness, courage, respect, empathy and gratitude. Over the last century, presidents in our country have displayed a panorama of leadership styles and character flaws despite party affiliation. In the United States, we know that moral virtue and good character are vital attributes

Generational Christianity

7 Challenges of Generational Christianity

The Pulse

In historical narratives in the Bible or church records, we seldom read about the offspring of significant figures such as the original 12 apostles. For example, Peter was married, yet we find no record of his children carrying forward his traditions. Despite the belief that our progeny should surpass us, the zeal necessary for this

10 Things the Church Must Do to Survive AI

The Pulse

In this era of fast-paced technological progression, Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerges as a force of change that ceaselessly drives transformation across various spheres of society. Because of the vast transformation of our future, I’ve been studying the implications of AI, so I could help position the church. 1. Reformation of pastoral roles – Pastors relying

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