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Papers by Dionnis Peña

Exegetical Paper on Mark 6:1-13, 2021

Jesus wanted to reveal his identity as the Messiah to the people of his hometown but was received... more Jesus wanted to reveal his identity as the Messiah to the people of his hometown but was received with contempt and unbelief. This brought sad amazement to the Lord and prevented him from doing many miracles there. Nevertheless, Jesus continued proclaiming the message of repentance in many other places, also through his disciples to whom he instructed to go in total dependence on God and empowered them to preach, cast out demons, and heal the sick.

Many have considered Church Government a topic about which the Bible does not say much. Indeed, t... more Many have considered Church Government a topic about which the Bible does not say much. Indeed, the church polity is not a first-level doctrine. However, this does not mean that it is not essential; on the contrary, the church government is highly influential in the healthy growth of the saints. This paper argues that a plurality of elders that function with equal formal authority is the most biblical, beneficial, and sound model of church government.

The Epistle of James is a small book with an enormous impact. Its practicality and emphasis on et... more The Epistle of James is a small book with an enormous impact. Its practicality and emphasis on ethical Christian living make it a favorite resource for counselors, pastors, and youth leaders. However, these same characteristics raise challenges when one writes a biblical theology on James. Several scholars contend that James does not seem to have a specific theological emphasis. In recent years, other scholars have argued that James does have a clear theological purpose and a well-organized structure that corresponds to the author’s use of rhetoric. This paper, however, argues that James’s theological emphasis is about “living in the wholeness of faith through godly wisdom.”

Exegetical Paper on Philippians 4.4-9, 2022

Although some authors believe that the letter to the Philippians does not have a main theme, a cl... more Although some authors believe that the letter to the Philippians does not have a main theme, a close examination shows otherwise. Paul’s main purpose for writing the letter is to thank the Philippians for their partnership in the gospel and to call them to stand firm in the faith, joyfully united in Christ.
The apostle introduces several themes to accomplish his purpose: Unity in the gospel, standing firm in the faith, rejoicing in any circumstance, following the example of Paul, and thanksgiving. This paper will exegete Phil 4:4-9, which belongs to the last hortatory section and functions as the closing thoughts regarding the main theme, before the farewell. The argument of the passage, as we see it, is that Paul exhorts the Philippians to stand firm in Christ, by rejoicing in the Lord always, by showing patient gentleness, and by remaining in the peace of God through praying, meditating in, and practicing what is worthy of the gospel.

Book Reviews by Dionnis Peña

Rescuing the Gospel - Book Review, 2022

Rescuing the Gospel is a theological history of the Protestant Reformation written in a very clea... more Rescuing the Gospel is a theological history of the Protestant Reformation written in a very clear and passionate way. His main purpose is to demonstrate that the reformation is not over yet. Instead, Christians are called to “rescue the gospel from distortions, cheap substitutes, and neglect.”

RetroChristianity - Book Review, 2022

RetroChristianity, by Michael Sgivel, is both a constructive critique of modern Evangelicalism an... more RetroChristianity, by Michael Sgivel, is both a constructive critique of modern Evangelicalism and a solid proposal for evangelicals to return to true biblical Christianity.

Exegetical Paper on Mark 6:1-13, 2021

Jesus wanted to reveal his identity as the Messiah to the people of his hometown but was received... more Jesus wanted to reveal his identity as the Messiah to the people of his hometown but was received with contempt and unbelief. This brought sad amazement to the Lord and prevented him from doing many miracles there. Nevertheless, Jesus continued proclaiming the message of repentance in many other places, also through his disciples to whom he instructed to go in total dependence on God and empowered them to preach, cast out demons, and heal the sick.

Many have considered Church Government a topic about which the Bible does not say much. Indeed, t... more Many have considered Church Government a topic about which the Bible does not say much. Indeed, the church polity is not a first-level doctrine. However, this does not mean that it is not essential; on the contrary, the church government is highly influential in the healthy growth of the saints. This paper argues that a plurality of elders that function with equal formal authority is the most biblical, beneficial, and sound model of church government.

The Epistle of James is a small book with an enormous impact. Its practicality and emphasis on et... more The Epistle of James is a small book with an enormous impact. Its practicality and emphasis on ethical Christian living make it a favorite resource for counselors, pastors, and youth leaders. However, these same characteristics raise challenges when one writes a biblical theology on James. Several scholars contend that James does not seem to have a specific theological emphasis. In recent years, other scholars have argued that James does have a clear theological purpose and a well-organized structure that corresponds to the author’s use of rhetoric. This paper, however, argues that James’s theological emphasis is about “living in the wholeness of faith through godly wisdom.”

Exegetical Paper on Philippians 4.4-9, 2022

Although some authors believe that the letter to the Philippians does not have a main theme, a cl... more Although some authors believe that the letter to the Philippians does not have a main theme, a close examination shows otherwise. Paul’s main purpose for writing the letter is to thank the Philippians for their partnership in the gospel and to call them to stand firm in the faith, joyfully united in Christ.
The apostle introduces several themes to accomplish his purpose: Unity in the gospel, standing firm in the faith, rejoicing in any circumstance, following the example of Paul, and thanksgiving. This paper will exegete Phil 4:4-9, which belongs to the last hortatory section and functions as the closing thoughts regarding the main theme, before the farewell. The argument of the passage, as we see it, is that Paul exhorts the Philippians to stand firm in Christ, by rejoicing in the Lord always, by showing patient gentleness, and by remaining in the peace of God through praying, meditating in, and practicing what is worthy of the gospel.

Rescuing the Gospel - Book Review, 2022

Rescuing the Gospel is a theological history of the Protestant Reformation written in a very clea... more Rescuing the Gospel is a theological history of the Protestant Reformation written in a very clear and passionate way. His main purpose is to demonstrate that the reformation is not over yet. Instead, Christians are called to “rescue the gospel from distortions, cheap substitutes, and neglect.”

RetroChristianity - Book Review, 2022

RetroChristianity, by Michael Sgivel, is both a constructive critique of modern Evangelicalism an... more RetroChristianity, by Michael Sgivel, is both a constructive critique of modern Evangelicalism and a solid proposal for evangelicals to return to true biblical Christianity.