Christianity 101: What is The Didache?

Christianity 101: What is The Didache?

Image taken from: joduma from Pixabay

The word Didache originates from the Greek term for doctrine, didactic, and teaching. This intriguing and somewhat controversial instruction book has sparked much debate regarding its date of writing. Currently, it is believed that the Didache, a non-canonical text, was penned between A.D. 70 and A.D. 100, and is claimed to be the work of the twelve Apostles. The Greek Apostolic Constitutions frequently reference the Didache, with additional Scriptures included. The Didache appears to have served as a church manual for early Christians, particularly in rural areas reliant on itinerant ministers. Over time, it was revised into various forms across different locations.

Several writings and lists from the early fourth century mention a text known as the "Teaching" or "Teachings" of the Apostles. However, it is not definitively proven that this refers to the Didache. The current version of the ancient Didache remains a valuable guide for understanding the conduct code of the early Christian community.

 

The Didache addresses the paths to life and death. According to the Didache, the path of life involves loving only one God, loving your neighbor as yourself, and adhering to a principle akin to the Golden Rule. It emphasizes seeing God as all-powerful, seeking Him day and night, not doubting His Word, keeping God's commandments, confessing sins, and approaching prayer with a clear conscience. This is regarded as the path of life.

The Didache tells us that the road to death is a treacherous path, marked by evil and taken by those who persecute the good, unaware of the reward of righteousness. The Didache aligns this path with the warnings found in Revelation 22:15. It reminds us of the dangers posed by false teachers and emphasizes the importance of adhering to the true gospel. The Didache sternly warns that tempting and disputing any prophet speaking in the Spirit is unforgivable. Moreover, any prophet who is an approved minister but fails to teach others will face God's judgment.

 

The Didache foretells that the creation of man will culminate in a fiery trial of proof, leading to the perishing of many. It prophesies the sign of Jesus Christ's appearance, followed by the sound of the Trumpet and the resurrection of the dead. "Then shall the world behold the Lord coming on the clouds of Heaven."

Please note:  sources for this article include Biblical Archaeology Society and BibleRef.Com.

~~~
Bruce holds degrees in Computer Science, Biblical History, and American History from Temple University and Liberty University; he has also completed a Doctorate in Educational Organizational Leadership at Abilene Christian University.  He is a member of the Epsilon Pi Tau Honor Society, Golden Key Honor Society, Historical Studies Honor Society, and the Saber and Scroll Society.  He has worked in educational technology for 30 years and specializes in building infrastructures for schools that work to support the mission of technology in education in the classroom.  He has also served as a classroom teacher in computer science, history, and English classes at both the high school and College levels.  His baseball career spanned almost 15 years, from high school through Division I college ball and experience in MLB.  He has coached players at various levels from ages 8 through 18.

Bruce is also the author of several books including Sands of Time, Towering Pines Volume One:Room 509, The Star of Christmas, Philadelphia Story: A Lance Carter Detective Novel and The Insider's Story: A Lance Carter Detective Novel 

Christianity 101: Who was Barnabas in the Bible?

Christianity 101: Who was Barnabas in the Bible? 

Image taken from: Biblical Archaeology Society

In the book of Acts, we encounter a Levite from Cyprus named Joses, who the apostles affectionately nicknamed Barnabas, meaning "Son of Encouragement" or "Son of Exhortation" (Acts 4:36-37). This moniker was likely bestowed upon him due to his natural inclination to serve others and his readiness to assist church leaders in any capacity (Acts 4:36-37, 9:27). Barnabas is described as a "good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith," and through his ministry, "a great number of people were brought to the Lord" (Acts 11:24). Paul highlights Barnabas as a model of generosity and proper perspective on money and property, noting how he sold his land and laid the proceeds at the apostles' feet (Acts 4:36-37).

 

As the early church flourished despite Herod's persecution, Barnabas was called by the Holy Spirit to join Paul on a missionary journey. Accompanying them was Barnabas' cousin, John Mark, who served as their assistant (Acts 13:5). During this first mission, John Mark departed for unspecified reasons and did not complete the journey (Acts 13:13). Nevertheless, Barnabas continued with Paul and was present when Paul's ministry pivoted to reaching the Gentiles with the gospel (Acts 13:42-52). The only negative mention of Barnabas in Scripture pertains to an incident where Peter's hypocrisy led other Jews, including Barnabas, to shun some Gentiles at dinner (Galatians 2:13).

Following their initial journey, Paul and Barnabas began planning their next adventure. However, a disagreement arose when Barnabas wanted to bring his cousin, John Mark, along, but Paul refused. This rift eventually led them to part ways (Acts 15:36-41). True to his nickname, Barnabas took John Mark under his wing, mentoring him with such dedication that, years later, Paul specifically requested John Mark's assistance, recognizing his growth and value to the ministry (2 Timothy 4:11).

 

As Christians, we are called to be encouragers, much like Barnabas. Acts 11:23 portrays Barnabas as someone who rejoiced in witnessing others embrace the grace of God, urging and encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith. Similarly, we should seek opportunities to commend those who honor God through their faithful lives. Barnabas also exemplifies a generous spirit, giving sacrificially to support the Lord's work.

Please note: I did attempt to research the actual history behind the image I swiped from Biblical Archaeology Society.  Normally, sites like this reference this information, but this one did not.  Additionally, sources for this article include Biblical Archaeology Society and BibleRef.Com.

~~~
Bruce holds degrees in Computer Science, Biblical History, and American History from Temple University and Liberty University; he has also completed a Doctorate in Educational Organizational Leadership at Abilene Christian University.  He is a member of the Epsilon Pi Tau Honor Society, Golden Key Honor Society, Historical Studies Honor Society, and the Saber and Scroll Society.  He has worked in educational technology for 30 years and specializes in building infrastructures for schools that work to support the mission of technology in education in the classroom.  He has also served as a classroom teacher in computer science, history, and English classes at both the high school and College levels.  His baseball career spanned almost 15 years, from high school through Division I college ball and experience in MLB.  He has coached players at various levels from ages 8 through 18.

Bruce is also the author of several books including Sands of Time, Towering Pines Volume One:Room 509, The Star of Christmas, Philadelphia Story: A Lance Carter Detective Novel and The Insider's Story: A Lance Carter Detective Novel 

Baseball: Revenues up even as attendance dips

As Major League Baseball heads into the second half of its season, there are marked and loudly voices concerns over attendance across the board in the media.  However, in spite of a noticeable drop-off in ticket sales, ticket revenue is projected to increase league-wide by approximately $19 million as compared to the revenue in 2019 according to Two Circles.  This increase is juxtaposed by the projected total attendance of 68.8 million fans, which represents a 1.3% projected decrease in attendance over the same period.

According to Two Circles, this increase can be attributed to the increase in the prices of the average ticket by 2.1% this season.  In real numbers, the average ticket price to a Major League Baseball game has increased from $32.29 in 2018 to $32.99 in 2019.  Two Circles goes on the project that 15 of the 30 teams will see growth in attendance in 2019.  The Philadelphia Phillies (34%), Minnesota Twins (17%) and Pittsburgh Pirates (14% are poised to top the list with the biggest jump in attendance.  The Phillies have shown they are willing to spend some money, what about the Twins and the Pirates?

Unfortunately, there are many teams that are significantly struggling to put fans in the seats -- and by extension -- their revenue is dipping, as well.  The Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, San Francisco Giants and Detroit Tigers are projected to have the biggest season-to-season decrease.  All of these clubs project a more than 15% decrease in attendance which also represents a combined loss of just under 2 million fans between 2018 and 2019.

And we haven't even started to discuss the perennial underperforms in Florida... 

~~~
Bruce holds degrees in Computer Science, Biblical History and American History from Temple University, Liberty University, American Public University and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Drexel University.  He is a member of the Epsilon Pi Tau Honor Society, Golden Key Honor Society, Historical Studies Honor Society, and the Saber and Scroll Society.  He has worked in educational technology for over 25 years, specializes in building infrastructures for schools that work to support the mission of technology in education in the classroom.  He also has served as a classroom teacher in Computer Science, History and English classes.  His baseball career spanned almost 15 years from high school, through Division I college ball and big league spring training.  He has coached players at various levels from ages 8 through 18.

Bruce is also the author of several books including Sands of Time, Towering Pines Volume One:Room 509, The Star of Christmas, Philadelphia Story: A Lance Carter Detective Novel and The Insider's Story: A Lance Carter Detective Novel

Baseball 101: Pitch Sequencing with your Curveball

Yesterday, I posted about how to increase the effectiveness of your curveball.  One of the reasons I try to teach the curveball over something like a slider is the change of speeds.  Changing speeds is one of the most effective weapons any pitcher can have.  And the more dramatic the change, the more off-balance the hitter will be.  Of course, there is more to it than that, but let's leave it at that for the time being and talk about setting hitters up with your curveball.

First, quick quiz...

What is the most important pitch you can throw?

Answer: Strike One.

That's right.  Getting ahead on the hitter 0-1 is the best thing you can do, short of getting a weak pop-up or ground ball on the first pitch.  Statistically speaking, when the pitcher starts off 0-1 at the MLB level, batters hit the ball at a .285 average.  When the count is 0-2, the batting average drops to .120 (2016 MLB Statistics).  So as a pitcher, you want to be ahead in the count.

What is the first pitch a pitcher throws to a batter?

Answer?  The fastball.  Even at the big league level, over 80% of the first pitches thrown are fastballs.

So, what is the hitter looking for when they step up to the plate?

Answer:  A fastball!  First ball hitters in MLB (2017) hit .320 when they hit the first pitch fastball.

You should be working on your curveball so you can throw THAT for that first pitch strike!  That's right... here is a pitch sequence that will set you up for success every time.

First pitch: Curveball over the plate.  The batter is not expecting it and will either watch it drop in for a called strike, swing through it or hit if for weak contact.  We like weak contact.  Need to mix it up?  Changeup.  Don't have a good changeup you can throw for a strike?  Learn one!

Second pitch: Curveball, again!  Bring it back!  Start it out over the plate, and have it sweep outside the zone.  Most of the time the hitter will be off-balance and surprised.  If you drop it over the plate and have it tail down, it will still be called a strike but not be hittable.  Try to drop the pitch into the catcher's shinguards.

The count is now 0-2.

Finish him: The hitter is going to assume you are going to try to throw the next pitch by him because he hasn't seen a fastball yet.  Don't let him have it.  Throw a curveball in the dirt.  Most hitters will be so ready to swing that the bat will be off their shoulders before they realize you just throw another curve!  If you miss or he doesn't swing -- that's OK -- come back with a fastball away, he'll probably swing at that.

I always preach to my pitchers: throw your fastball!  Make them prove they can hit your fastball.  And that's true -- to a point.  If you develop a curveball that you can throw for strikes, and you aren't afraid to throw it as detailed above, it will speed up your fastball, confuse the hitters and make the job of your defense a lot easier!


~~~
Bruce holds degrees in Computer Science, Biblical History and American History from Temple University, Liberty University and American Public University.  He is a member of the Epsilon Pi Tau Honor Society, Golden Key Honor Society, Historical Studies Honor Society, and the Saber and Scroll Society.  He has worked in educational technology for over 25 years, specializes in building infrastructures for schools that work to support the mission of technology in education in the classroom.  He also has served as a classroom teacher in Computer Science, History and English classes.  His baseball career spanned almost 15 years from high school, through Division I college ball and big league spring training.  He has coached players at various levels from ages 8 through 18.

Bruce is also the author of several books including Sands of Time, Towering Pines Volume One:Room 509, The Star of Christmas, Philadelphia Story: A Lance Carter Detective Novel and The Insider's Story: A Lance Carter Detective Novel