By: Brian G. Chilton | December 29, 2021
2021 has been an incredible year for Bellator Christi Ministries. The ministry welcomed Justin Angelos, Amanda Burke, and Tony Williams as new contributors. We saw the rise of a new editor in Michelle Johnson. Curtis Evelo and I started the first ever Summer Interview Series on the Bellator Christi Podcast. Additionally, we were blessed to add Dr. T. J. Gentry as our new Executive Vice President. The future looks bright for Bellator Christi.
While the yearly views for 2021 was down a bit from 2020, this year featured many fantastic articles from our new contributors. Before we look at the Top 20 list of the most viewed articles of 2021, I would like to congratulate Justin Angelos for having the most views for a new contributor with his article “Does Colossians 1:15 Argue that Jesus was Finite and Created”. Without further ado, it is now time to feature the Top 20 articles of 2021. All unnamed articles were written by yours truly.
20. “5 Signs of a False Shepherd.”
A 2016 expose on false shepherds marks the first entry on our list. This simple and concise examination of false shepherds served as a link to a podcast, previous to the Bellator Christi Podcast, which discussed this very issue. The five signs were taken from Zechariah 10 and 11. Curtis Evelo and I recorded and published an updated edition of the podcast which can be found on the 5/31/21 episode of the Bellator Christi Podcast.
19. “The Mark of the Beast: A Biblical and Theological Approach.”
Often, the mark of the beast is associated with modern items. At one time, some people thought that bar codes were the mark of the beast. More recently, the COVID-19 vaccines have been linked with the mark of the beast, according to some fringe groups. But the million-dollar question that must be asked is what does the book of Revelation say about the mark of the beast? This article examines the mark according to a biblical, exegetical, and theological approach.
18. “8 Reasons Why the Shroud of Turin Might Be the Burial Cloth of Jesus.”
This 2017 article examines the Shroud of Turin and provides reasons to why the enigmatic linen cloth held in Turin, Italy could actually be the genuine grave cloth of Jesus of Nazareth. Are the reasons given convincing? Ultimately, that will be up to the reader.
17. “Who Wrote the Gospel of Mark?”
Another 2017 article makes the 2021 Top 20 list. This piece examines the internal and external evidence for the Second Gospel, and argues that the traditional case for Markan authorship is the best among the various options given.
16. “Reference Guide to the Biblical Symbolism of Colors.”
We get colorful in this 2018 article which evaluates the biblical symbolism of colors. Which color represents truth? Which one represents strength? Did you know that some traditions ascribe a particular color to the Virgin Mary? To find out more, you’ll have to check out this article, which ranks the 16th most viewed article of 2021.
15. “When and What Time Was Jesus Born?”
Yet another 2017 article makes this year’s list. This piece seeks to provide possible answers to the age old question, “When was Jesus born?” A young man at a previous church I served inspired this piece.
14. “The Crimson Worm” (Curtis Evelo)
For the third year in a row, Curtis Evelo’s inaugural article made the Top 20 list. Curtis links a crimson worm to the teachings of Psalm 22:6 and the utterances of Jesus from the cross.
13. “The Deeper Truths the Falling of Ravi Zacharias Reveals about All of Us.”
2021 was a devastating year for moral failures in the Christian community, none of which were more devastating than the news of Ravi Zacharias’s secretive sinful behavior. This article looks into the celebrity culture that the modern Christian culture has developed and asks if our focus is on the right things. The article concludes with an appeal to moral righteousness.
12. “The Holiness of God (Lev. 11:44-45)
Number 12 features an article that I wrote just after my Master of Divinity graduation at Liberty University. Reflecting on Leviticus 11 and the challenges that were giving by the speakers at the 2016 commencement, I note the importance of God’s holiness and that his holiness is exhibited in the Christian’s moral nature.
11. “The Christmas Story in the Gospel of John”
Climbing from 13 to 11, this 2015 article looks to see if the Gospel of John presents anything about the Christmas story. In the end, the article argues that John introduced the divine nature, interactive mission, and transformative gift found in the babe lying in a manger.
10. “5 Steps to Proper Biblical Interpretation.”
This 2017 article made a steep climb from 17th most read article in 2020 to the Top 10 in 2021. The article provides tips and helps for those seeking to properly interpret the Bible–something that is desperately needed in today’s time.
9. “7 Questions the Bible Answers about Miracles.”
Miracles abound in this 2016 piece. This article climbed from the 11th spot to number 9. As the title suggests, the report answers seven of the most pressing questions pertaining to miracles.
8. “The 7 Core Fundamental Doctrines Required for a Salvific Faith.”
Number 8 features one of the oldest articles on the list. Originally written in 2014, the document lists 7 fundamental doctrines that are essential to the Christian faith.
7. “Qualities of God’s Mercy (Num. 14:18-19).”
Another 2016 work makes the Top 10. This piece rose dramatically in views from 2020 to 2021, climbing from the 20th spot to number 7. The work examines the divine mercy described in Numbers 14.
6. “In Memory of Chad Fultz: Bellator Christi’s Biggest Fan.”
Previously, I mentioned how devastating 2021 was for Christian leaders. For the PhD community at Liberty University, nothing could have prepared us for the loss of Chad Fultz who passed into his eternal home at the tender age of 43. Chad was a regular reader of BellatorChristi.com. It is only fitting that Chad Fultz’s remembrance made the Top 10 list of most read articles in 2021.
5. “Various Forms of God’s Grace.”
The article “Various Forms of God’s Grace” made the Top 10 list yet again. Though it fell 2 spots, the article has quickly become an evergreen staple of BellatorChristi.com. The piece examines the various theological aspects of God’s grace.
4. “3 Manifestations of God’s Love.”
This 2016 piece climbed 4 spots before nestling comfortably in the number 4 spot. The article focuses on the love of God and three ways that God shows his love for us.
3. “Ten Divine Attributes of the Messiah.”
Falling one spot, “Ten Divine Attributes of the Messiah” is another 2017 piece that has become a mainstay at BellatorChristi.com. The Bellator Christi Podcast will discuss Christology in the months of January through early March. This piece will be handy as we navigate through the deity of Jesus.
2. “Voltaire’s Prediction, Home, and the Bible Society: Truth or Myth?” (Dr. Daniel Merritt, Guest Contributor)
Guest contributor Dr. Daniel Merritt wrote a blockbuster with his piece on the story of Voltaire and the Bible Society. Is the story true that speaks of Voltaire’s proclamation that no one would read the Bible in 100 years, coupled with the Bible Society using Voltaire’s home to distribute Bibles 100 years later? Dr. Merritt argues that the story is indeed based on fact. Merritt’s work climbed two spots to assume a strong hold on the number 2 spot.
And now, for the number one article of the year at BellatorChristi.com …
1. “Family is Your First Ministry.”
For the second year in a row, “Family is Your First Ministry” tops the charts as the most read article of 2021. This 2019 piece appeals Christian families to unapologetically place the ministry to their families first. As the article notes, pastors and Christian leaders must not sacrifice their families on the altar of success. If a place of ministry does not understand this truth, then it is time to look for another place to serve.
2021 has been an exciting year for Bellator Christi. We are excited to see what 2022 brings. May you and your loved ones have a happy and blessed 2022!!!
About the Author
Brian G. Chilton is the founder of BellatorChristi.com, the host of The Bellator Christi Podcast, and the author of the Layman’s Manual on Christian Apologetics. Brian is a Ph.D. Candidate of the Theology and Apologetics program at Liberty University. He received his Master of Divinity in Theology from Liberty University (with high distinction); his Bachelor of Science in Religious Studies and Philosophy from Gardner-Webb University (with honors); and received certification in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. Brian is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society and the Evangelical Philosophical Society. Brian has served in pastoral ministry for nearly 20 years and currently serves as a clinical chaplain.
https://www.amazon.com/Laymans-Manual-Christian-Apologetics-Essentials/dp/1532697104
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