Introduction to the latest issue of AJPS, 22:2, from Dave Johnson.

In this issue of the Asian Journal of Pentecostal Studies we are pursuing a more general theme called Theological Issues in Asia. While a multitude of issues could be chosen, our intent here is to allow the various authors to define the issues for the contexts in which they serve. The Journal is downloadable for free at www.aptspress.org.

Jacqueline Grey, an Old Testament scholar who served as an Australian missionary in a Muslim majority nation for three years, opens this edition by discussing the concept of the Missio Dei (Mission of God), limiting her treatment to Isaiah 6:1-9:6.

Prudencio Coz, a Filipino pastor, opens his article by posing the question, “What is the difference between Monday morning and Sunday?’ He then deals with the issue of vocation and its reciprocal economic and spiritual implications.

Korean scholar Sang Yun Lee, drawing from his book, A Theology of Hope: Contextual Perspectives in Korean Pentecostalism (Baguio City, Philippines: APTS Press, 2018), takes a serious look at Yonggi Cho’s well-known Three Fold Blessing theology. Originally formulated and taught in the context of the devastation of post-war Korea, Lee contends that Cho’s message needs to be recontextualized to address the ecclesiastical and sociological challenges of the 21st century.

Myanmar pastor Stephen Shwe concludes this edition with a two-part article dealing with the tension between zeal and knowledge, especially when it comes to theological education or ministerial training.

The entire Journal team joins me in wishing you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

In Christ,

Dave Johnson, DMiss
Managing Editor

Table of Contents from the first issue:

“Editorial”, 1.

Miguel Álvarez, “Contextualización en la hermenéutica latina”, 3-16.

Bernardo Campos, “Aspectos fundamentales en la teología pentecostal”, 17-29.

Geir Lie, “T.B. Barratt y el origen de su concepto de ‘lenguas misioneras’”, 31-45.

Daniel Orlando Álvarez, “Integridad de las Escrituras: Transformando las futuras generaciones”, 47-64.

Darío López Rodríguez, “Pentecostalismo y espacio público: Vida en el Espíritu. Política, Ciudanía e Incidencia Pública”, 65-80.

Carmelo E. Álvarez, “Ecumenismo del Espíritu: Voces pentecostales latinoamericanas y caribeñas”, 81-97.

The premiere issue is available at: http://www.akademiaforlag.no/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2019/01/Hechos-1-1-2019.pdf

For those that need a physical copy, the premiere issue is now available for sale from Amazon.

Introducing an important journal to challenge you to think deeply and see the world with kingdom eyes.

The Africanus Journal is an academic, multilingual journal published by the Africanus Guild at the Boston Campus of Gordon-Conwell, the Center for Urban Ministerial Education (CUME). The Journal features faculty, students, alumni and friends of the Guild and of CUME, and strives to promote academic work that is multiethnic, urban-oriented, committed to an inerrant understanding of the Bible and to interpreting it in conversation with the realities of the world in which we live.

Links to the full issues are most easily accessed here: http://www.gordonconwell.edu/resources/Africanus-Journal.cfm

Some favorite highlights:

“The Extant Writings of Julius Africanus” Vol 1, No 1 (Apr 2009), page 4-17.

Learn about the early Christian theologian, Julius Africanus (probably born in Jerusalem around A.D. 200, a contemporary of Origen), who lends his name to this journal. “He is an ancient example of meticulous, detailed scholarship which is historical, biblical, truthful, and devout.”

Joel Jocelyn, “Church Discipline as an Expression of the Love of God” Vol 1, No 2 (Nov 2009), pages 22-28.

Jocelyn urges readers to get love right. “Since God loves us too much to allow us to be continually tainted by sin, the church should have the same concern for the holiness and purity of its members. God’s love is intricately linked to His holiness. For the church to be holy, its members must be holy. For holiness to become a reality in the church, sin must be dealt with lovingly but at times severely through the means of church discipline.”

Jeffrey Niehaus, “Setting the Captives Free” Vol 1, No 2 (Nov 2009), pages 29-36.

An article on spiritual warfare and deliverance ministry from Jeffrey Niehaus. In his opening footnote, Dr. Niehaus says: “I will not address at any length here the question of whether the gifts of the Spirit are for today. I have long issued to my students, and continue to issue to anyone, a standing invitation to demonstrate from Scripture that the gifts have ceased. As far as I can see, there is no scriptural declaration, and no good argument from Scripture to that effect.”

Steven Tracy “Where is God in the Midst of Suffering and Abuse?” Vol 2, No 2 (Nov 2010), pages 45-52.

“The question, ‘Where is God in the midst of suffering caused by evil abuse?’ is one of the most painful and personal questions imaginable.”

Woodrow E. Walton, “No Other Name: No Other Needed Identity” Vol 4, No 2 (Nov 2012), pages 22-28.

A paper on the unity of Christian traditions from Woodrow Walton.

Karen Mason, “Developing a Christian Theology of Suicide” Vol 7, No 1 (Apr 2015), pages 4-14.

Researcher Karen Mason states: “Reflecting theologically on suicide is important because (1) Christians hold a spectrum of nuanced beliefs, (2) few denominations have a stated position on suicide, and (3) your theology affects what you do.” Mason is the author of Preventing Suicide: A Handbook for Pastors, Chaplains and Pastoral Counselors (IVP Academic, 2014).

John P. Lathrop, “Review of Strange Fire: The Danger of Offending the Holy Spirit with Counterfeit Worship” Vol 7, No 2 (Nov 2015), pages 56-57.

Although this review of John MacArthur’s inflammatory book was published long after the heat of the controversy, see John Lathrop’s author page for more he has written regarding related books.

Compiled by John Lathrop and Raul Mock

Welcome to the premiere issue of the Pneuma Review, the quarterly journal of the Pneuma Foundation. Allow me to introduce you to this journal and organization.

Pneuma. Spirit. The Pneuma Foundation exists to provide resources for Spirit-empowered ministry. Those of us who make up the Pneuma Foundation, the founders, writers, and members, believe there is a need in the body of Christ today for Biblically-sound teaching that comes from a Pentecostal/charismatic perspective.

The Foundation publishes a member newsletter and this journal, the Pneuma Review.  The writers and editors of the Foundation are currently working on presenting a large selection of teaching booklets to be distributed through church bookstores on subjects of interest to Pentecostals and charismatics. These booklets are called Today’s Biblical Issues.

Another way the Foundation brings resources to the Christian community is by way of the Pneuma Biblical Resources Catalog. The catalog offers a wide variety of reference works and specializes in hard-to-find books of specific interest to Pentecostals and charismatics.

This journal, then, is for the purpose of encouraging Christian leaders in the study of Biblical doctrine. One area of especial need is teaching about the gifts of the Spirit, their proper use, theological foundation, and defense.

Ready to use. The journal has an equipper’s focus, making the teaching practical and usable to the pastors and leaders that are equipping the saints today for the work of the ministry.

Some of the regular subject articles and columns that will be featured are:

The Person and Work of Jesus

Theology Today

The Ministry and Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Resource Ministries and resources for ministry

Mars Hill: Apologetics—Defense of the faith in a Godless society

The Forum: Letters from our members & readers, Theological dialogue, News and updates

Messianic Studies

Book and Periodical Reviews Response. The editors and writers of the Review want to hear from our readers. The Forum will give our readers a voice, giving an opportunity for affirmation and critique. In the future, there will be discussions about controversial subjects (such as women in ministry, divorced leadership, and end times) where not just differing viewpoints will be mentioned, but representatives from differing views will be able to present their view and answer opposing views. This dialogue will bring greater understanding and promote real unity when we realize what is truly important to the Spirit’s economy.

Speaking of response, consider taking a moment and writing the editors a note. Do you agree there is a need in the body of Christ for Biblically sound teaching from a Pentecostal/charismatic perspective? What subjects would be helpful to you for us to concentrate on?

Perhaps you would be interested in submitting a work you have written. Take a look at the basic guidelines on page 2. Articles that are in agreement with the principles and purpose of this journal are welcomed.

To put it all together, the vision and focus of this journal are summed up with what is said on the cover. The Pneuma Review is: The Journal of Ministry Resources and Theology for Pentecostal and Charismatic Ministries and Leaders.

Raul Mock, Executive Editor

Read the Special Thanks published in our premiere issue.