I'm going to "geek out" on theology for the next few days. Consider this a cheap and amateurish introduction to systematic theology. I've been meaning for some time to publish the following material, which I originally presented at Stijena Spasenja ("Rock of Salvation"), an Evangelical Pentecostal congregation here in Zagreb. Why did Jesus die? What … Continue reading Atonement pt 1: Why Did Jesus Die?
Author: plstepp
From CT: “Biblical Responses to Sri Lanka’s Easter Bombings”
We were horrified at the news from Sri Lanka this past Sunday, where terrorists affiliated with ISIS bombed Christian churches during their Easter services. The pictures of a statue of Jesus, splattered with worshippers' blood, was especially appropriate & symbolic (Colossians 1:24 (NET): "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up … Continue reading From CT: “Biblical Responses to Sri Lanka’s Easter Bombings”
What We Do When We Read the Bible
What do we do when we read the Bible? Specifically, what do we do when we read a command in scripture? Consider two NT commands: Acts 2:38 (NET): "Repent, and each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of … Continue reading What We Do When We Read the Bible
Beth’s Testimony
Last night, my wife gave the following testimony at Crikvenica. (Posted with her permission.) This morning, the most awful thing happened to me. Oh, I smiled pleasantly, and acquiesced, but in my soul, I wanted to crawl under a rock and hide. What was this awful thing? Mladin asked me to share my testimony with … Continue reading Beth’s Testimony
Evangelical Engagement 8: Christendom vs. Christianity
My thinking re. the problems faced by evangelicals in Europe is shaped by the conflict I see between Christianity and Christendom. My thinking on this conflict is itself shaped by Soren Kierkegaard (hereafter SK) (Attack on Christendom) and Malcolm Muggeridge (The End of Christendom). In this post I will summarize SK's contribution. SK was a … Continue reading Evangelical Engagement 8: Christendom vs. Christianity
Accountability Questions for Spiritual Adults
I am taking these questions from the HC podcast "Housechurch+" from 26 September 2016. The hosts are leaders in Prairie Alliance Church, Portage, Manitoba. I am posting with their permission. Their identities don't really affect the impact of the material, but I think one of them is Chris Kehler (I'm not sure) and I haven't … Continue reading Accountability Questions for Spiritual Adults
Evangelical Engagement pt 7: If I Planted a Church in Zagreb …
In what I say below, I am NOT saying that house churches are superior to other approaches. I AM saying that I think house churches fit some contexts--including Zagreb, and the parts of Europe that I am familiar with--better than traditional approaches to making new churches. I also am NOT criticizing existing churches. The evangelical … Continue reading Evangelical Engagement pt 7: If I Planted a Church in Zagreb …
Good Friday / Dark Saturday Thoughts
Last night (Friday night), BIZG and our Center for Biblical Research joined with Biblija365 to present a public reading of scripture for Good Friday. It was a beautiful event, with classical guitar & vocals accompanying the reading. At the event, I was struck by how we weren't very good at Good Friday in American churches; … Continue reading Good Friday / Dark Saturday Thoughts
Arthur Brooks & Simon Sinek
Matthew 5.43-48: You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain … Continue reading Arthur Brooks & Simon Sinek
Circleslide 