Author Archives: Corey Sharpe

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About Corey Sharpe

Where do we get our beliefs? Three theological perspectives have significantly shaped my Christian identity: Evangelicalism, the early Methodist tradition and liberation theology. From my coming to faith in a Baptist church and throughout my education in a Baptist school and college, I was nurtured by convictions that emphasized a spiritual rebirth, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the centrality of the Bible. Even when I disagree with certain aspects of evangelicalism, it has deeply influenced my sense of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. My seminary studies spawned my interest in early Methodism, particularly its approach to spiritual formation. Its leaders were convinced that only a foundation of doctrine and discipline would lead to a meaningful transformation of the heart and mind. In other words, having the mind of Christ enables me to be more like Christ. Life in a suburban culture obscures the increasing gap between the poor and rich, as well as the Bible’s close identification with the poor. My doctoral work in socio-cultural context exposed me to liberation theology, which helps me see redemptive history as a history of oppressed groups, written from the perspective of the powerless, about a God who is actively involved with the poor in their struggles. I am now the pastor at Mount Zion United Methodist Church in St Mary’s County, Maryland. Together my wife and I have 4 children.

Has Kirk Cameron Rejected His “Left Behind” Views?

Monumental, Kirk Cameron’s documentary “seeks to discover America’s true ‘national treasure’: the people, places, and principles that made America the freest, most prosperous and generous nation the world has ever known.” Based on pre-release clips, reviews, and interviews, Kirk Cameron … Continue reading

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Does Daniel Predict the Future? – Go Back in Time, Not Forward

“In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream, and visions passed through his mind as he was lying in bed. He wrote down the substance of his dream.” Daniel 7:1 I am back from hiatus, and ready to wrap up … Continue reading

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Does Daniel Predict the Future? Understanding Numbers

The caution against interpreting images also applies to numbers, which are often used in a symbolic manner. Whether it be the “time, times, and half a time” of Daniel 7 or the “seventy weeks” of Daniel 9 or the one … Continue reading

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Does Daniel Predict the Future? Understanding Images

“While I, Daniel, was watching the vision and trying to understand it, there before me stood one who looked like a man. And I heard a man’s voice from the Ulai calling, “Gabriel, tell this man the meaning of the … Continue reading

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Does Daniel Predict the Future? Avoid Sensationalism

 “I, Daniel, was troubled in spirit, and the visions that passed through my mind disturbed me.  I approached one of those standing there and asked him the meaning of all this.”  — Daniel 7:15-16 Daniel’s visions were predictions of future events, events … Continue reading

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Are Christians Influencing the Powerful? Or Vice Versa?

“There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him.” (Daniel 5:11) The queen mother of Babylon was present when King Belshazzar saw the writing on the wall (in a literal sense).  When the … Continue reading

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is it ever appropriate to be disrespectful?

“…Belshazzar…you have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven. And the vessels of his house have been brought in before you, and you and your lords, your wives, and your concubines have drunk wine from them..the God in whose … Continue reading

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Should Religion and Politics Mix?

   “O Belteshazzar (Daniel), chief of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that no mystery is too difficult for you, tell me the visions of my dream that I saw … Continue reading

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Where Did Daniel Go to Church?

If you believe religion is a private matter, then your answer might be something like, “He prayed, read the Torah at home, and maybe started a small group with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.”  All good possibilities, but isn’t it also … Continue reading

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Does Daniel Remind You of Another Bible Character?

“I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” (Genesis 41:15) A holy man is held against his will in a … Continue reading

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