Previously, I discussed my reading of Romans 8.29-30, which I read as separating God's foreknowledge from his sovereign choice (predestination) to preserve those who will respond to him in faith. As I read it, this rules out double predestination, which is the idea that God chooses, predestines, renders certain BOTH the individuals who are the … Continue reading Why I Am Not a Calvinist, pt 2: Double Predestination and God’s Love
Discipleship
The Holy Spirit pt 3; Daniel’s Observations
There was some discussion on Facebook regarding the original post in this series. Daniel Bartholomew offered several perceptive comments about how the Spirit acts. Biblically speaking, God's power is often manifested in deeply, deeply flawed individuals. Think David. Lot, called "righteous". Noah. Even Saul displayed the work of the Spirit. There does seem, Biblically speaking, … Continue reading The Holy Spirit pt 3; Daniel’s Observations
Stillness & Being
The picture is an iPhone pano of the scene I've been staring at for the past hour; the Adriatic Sea off Rovinj, Croatia. The picture doesn't do justice to Rovinj, one of my favorite places on earth, and a truly beautiful city. But I think it captures something of the immenseness & the always-changing yet … Continue reading Stillness & Being
Atonement, pt 3; A Pastoral Pause
The first three theories I surveyed (ransom, Christus Victor, satisfaction) are the most ancient systematic attempts to explain the point of Jesus' death. As I said, the satisfaction theory arose in Europe in the 1100's, and the other two predate that. Of the three, the one that seems to me to hold the most pastoral … Continue reading Atonement, pt 3; A Pastoral Pause
Gungor: “Us for Them”
In the culture wars, Gungor (Michael and Lisa Gungor) have so identified themselves with prog Xianity that I've lost track of them. Their hostility toward traditional Christianity became indistinguishable from hostility toward traditional Christians, so I quit paying attention. I think that's tragic, 'cuz they're excellent songwriters and musicians; he's a phenomenal guitar player. They … Continue reading Gungor: “Us for Them”
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 