From Christ to Creed: Did Theology Grow?
The Spirit continued to mature the church through its engagement with the world and the continuing need to define its worship.
You cannot read 1 Cor 8:6-7 in which Christ the Lord is inserted into the Shema and think, “Gee, this is just some human that Paul and his churches worship.” Being baptized into the singular name of the three (Matt 28) meant that early Christians already worshipped God via their baptism and confession. The... Continue Reading
Knowledge of God in Practice (part 1)
Theology is to be grounded in the Word and correctly understood from Scripture, which is why it’s vital for the health and growth of the Church.
Theology is concerned with knowing God as He is revealed in the Word of God. Studying theology helps the people of God to know God as He has revealed Himself as the Creator, sustainer, Judge of all things, Alpha and Omega, and the beginning and end of all things. Theology is the study of... Continue Reading
What We Need to Know
Horror. Chaos. Sorrow. That’s what seemed to lay ahead for Betsie ten Boom.
Betsie is aware, well aware, that this life is not devoid of hardship or “bad times.” She is embracing the fact that there may be worse times ahead than she–or the world–has ever experienced. For the unbeliever that alone is enough to send one into frantic fear and panic, but not for God’s beloved. ... Continue Reading
A Review of David Bentley Hart’s “That All Shall Be Saved”
At the heart of his argument lies, from his point of view, the moral hideousness of hell.
I am friends with at least two people who have been influenced by Hart’s book (and I know of many others). What strikes me is that Hart’s book has launched at the perfect time in terms of the cultural zeitgeist. Everyone wants a more inclusive culture, and many desire non-punitive correction (except for those who breach... Continue Reading
Justification and Union with Christ
When the Christian becomes saved, they become a partaker in Christ and all the benefits of Christ.
Our union with Christ began before the foundation of the world as the individual is elected in Christ (Eph. 1:4). He has predestined us to adoption in Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:5). Although elect from before the world began, we enter into creation as condemned sinners (Eph. 2:1-3) and need to experience the grace of God... Continue Reading
Turning the Other Cheek
While there is no sin in pursuing justice, not taking advantage of our right to justice can have a redemptive impact.
Joseph’s story illustrates powerfully how God works through His people when they refuse to let bitterness and revenge rule their hearts (Gen. 37–50). Joseph was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, falsely accused of rape, and abandoned by people whom he helped in prison. He was later elevated to commander of Egypt under Pharaoh... Continue Reading
Headship Crowned with Thorns
This vision of Jesus Christ, and his Bride, is vital for his honor in our homes, and in our world.
How many of our debates about headship and submission might disappear before a new army of godly men rising from apathy to model the self-giving Christ? Men who do not sacrifice their children for their careers. Men who refuse to apologize for God’s assignment as head in the home and who do not shrink back... Continue Reading
The Christian Virtue of Empathy
What can the Scriptures teach us about empathy? Consider Jesus in his life, ministry, and death.
We’re called to share in the suffering of our brothers and sisters. In Romans 12:15, Paul tells us, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” We’re also called to compassion. As 1 Peter 3:8 says, “All of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be... Continue Reading
Stuck in the Mire of Our Love for This World
We should expect and hope for nothing other than trouble in this life, and that we should set our eyes on heaven.
In sum, our entire soul, entangled in the enticements of the flesh, seeks its happiness on earth. In order to resist this wickedness, the Lord teaches his people about the emptiness of this present life through constant lessons in suffering. Thus, so that His people don’t promise themselves lofty and untroubled peace in this life, He... Continue Reading
What Is an Apostle?
The Apostles were commissioned as the eyewitnesses of the ministry of Christ.
The ministry of the Apostles as Christ’s “sent ones” flows out of the deeper reality that Christ Himself is the One “sent” by the Father from heaven to be our incarnate Redeemer (Mark 9:37). In that sense, the author of Hebrews writes, Jesus is “the apostle and high priest of our confession” (Heb. 3:1). Being... Continue Reading