The best thing I have ever read on the topic of the Bible and homosexuality is Richard Hays's essay, "Awaiting the Redemption of Our Bodies," published in Sojourners almost thirty years ago.  (This article became part of Hays's The Moral Vision of the New Testament.  Hays is one of the most important New Testament scholars working … Continue reading The Bible and the Gay Christian

Ok, so: here is the textbase of texts (now in the RSV) from Paul's letters.  I think this is every passage where he speaks of discipleship in terms of our minds/hearts/thoughts. The first group is passages that set the pattern I think I see: Romans 6.8-11 But if we have died with Christ, we believe … Continue reading Studying Paul and the Mind, Step 4

Ok, so I have surveyed all of the references (I think) to thinking, mind, heart, thoughts, etc., in Paul's letters. I am looking specifically for passages that deal with the mind and how thinking affects living, or how good/bad thinking goes with good/bad living.  I have found three general categories: Christians being “of the same … Continue reading Studying Paul and the Mind, Step 3

(I hadn't really intended for this to be a demonstration of exegetical method, such as it is.  But that appears to be what I've wandered into doing.) Looking at the textbase from yesterday, I think I have THREE categories rather than two. Or maybe two categories with one significant subcategory. Bad thinking goes with bad … Continue reading Studying Paul and the Mind, Step 2

Since the early 2000's, I have been fascinated with what Paul says about the mind/heart (our thoughts and feelings) and its role (their role) in discipleship. In the Bible, mind and heart are synonyms. Mind (NOUS) seems to refer more often to thinking, intellect; Heart (KARDIA) seems to refer more often to feelings and desires, … Continue reading Studying Paul and the Mind

Below is the table of contents for the latest edition of our journal, Kairos.  All articles can be downloaded for free. Please note that Dr. Jambrek and Mr. Časni are full-time faculty at Biblijski institut, and Mr. Medved is one of our busy adjunct professors and primary translator. Theosis (Deification) as a Biblical and Historical … Continue reading Kairos 13.1 (Spring 2019)

Forgive me for posting this out of order.  This is actually the first half of the sermon I preached today.  I posted the second half yesterday, because I am so convinced it can be helpful to believers everywhere as they walk with Jesus. When it comes to the Christian life, few aspects are more debated … Continue reading Setting Your Mind, pt 1: What the Spirit Does

(This is the second half, posted out of order.  The first half will be published 10 June.) I have for years been fascinated by how Paul sees our minds and the role they play in the Christian life.  Read Romans sometime and just notice every reference to mind, heart, thinking; it's everywhere. Those who worship … Continue reading Setting Your Mind, pt 2: How to Submit to the Spirit