How to Read John Theologically
One must read Christianly, canonically, confessionally, and creatively.
Not to treat John as Scripture is itself a form of eisegesis, and it is a disobedient hearing of the text’s own claim and of the God by whom it was authored. In short, the divine identity of Scripture must be both the ground and the guide of a properly theological reading of John. ... Continue Reading
In Spirit and (?) Truth
True worshipers and true worship.
What might it mean to worship in spirit and truth? Is Jesus talking about sincere worship, worship from the heart and not just from the lips? Is He referring to worship that is not restricted to a particular place? Is He saying that we can’t worship in our own power or in our own way... Continue Reading
To Write, or Not to Write, That is the Question
Everyone who picks up a pen (or sits behind a keyboard) would do well to weigh carefully the seriousness of writing the holy things of God.
Admittedly, in writing I’ve had made missteps. I’ve written things in foolish haste, spouted off undigested thoughts, uncharitably characterized others, and written things that are wrong—and I haven’t always had the humility to acknowledge it. As such I often return to that question: to write or not to write? The Scottish Presbyterian James Durham... Continue Reading
Nikolaus Von Amsdorf
More than a Beer-Drinking Friend
He became a pastor in 1524, when the city of Magdeburg asked him to introduce the Reformation to their citizens. Initially hesitant to take on such a high calling, he finally agreed…and remained in that position for over seventeen years, in spite of constant threats from the local Roman Catholic clerics and other frequent challenges.... Continue Reading
Should We Interpret the Old Testament like the Apostles?
Can we imitate the way in which the New Testament apostles exegeted the Old Testament? No, “wet must listen to the biblical writers through illumination?
The difference cannot be glibly dismissed. A fundamental difference exists in status, activity, and product. The New Testament writers, possessing the gift of apostleship or prophecy, experienced the Spirit’s unique ministry of inspiration, whereas readers of their writings experience the Spirit’s common ministry of illumination. The former were granted knowledge directly from God, apart from... Continue Reading
Sin Exposed in the Most Dreadful Colors
In the cross of Christ, God’s hatred to sin is manifested in the most striking light! The evil of sin is exposed in the most dreadful colors!
And what has He done? He did no wickedness; He knew no sin but was holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners. And why then, all these dreadful sufferings from heaven, earth, and hell? Why, He only stood in the law-place of sinners; He only received their sin by imputation. And you see what it... Continue Reading
The Wonder of All We Have in Christ
Five Contrasts at the Heart of Hebrews
The superiority of Christ over all that came before him (not just pagan but also God-given, first-covenant practice) is the theme that runs throughout the letter from the opening declaration (Hebrews 1:4) to the concluding lines (Hebrews 12:24). When we lose our wonder, we are prone to wander. Not only are we prone to... Continue Reading
How to Rejoice Always
Joy in its ultimate sense means drawing near to God through the enjoyment of his good gifts and of himself.
The command to rejoice always does mean that we always have to feel okay, healthy, and exuberant at all times. It means that we have a stable object over which rejoice. It means we choose joy over non-joy. And when possible, our body’s sensory organs follow suit (our eyes tear up, our mouths smile, our... Continue Reading
Radically Ordinary Hospitality
Look for people in your church who are good at hospitality, and ask them to teach others how to be hospitable too.
Hospitality is strategic in our ministry to unbelievers, as well as our ministry to fellow believers. It’s a statement of belief in the value and dignity of every person that we welcome into our homes. It’s there, right in the middle of the character qualifications of eldership: Therefore an overseer must be above reproach,... Continue Reading
Sanctification: Our Speech
We serve a holy God and we live with people made in his image. Our words ought to reflect that dignity and honor.
Everything that exits our mouths by way of speech ought to have as its goal the good of those around us even when we must speak boldly or in rebuke. We can’t escape the fact that the super majority of uses of expletives is far less than wholesome or useful for building up anyone. ... Continue Reading