The church is no stranger to theologies of ascent. Julie Canlis, lecturer at Regent College, suggests that Calvin’s voice ought to join the chorus of such theologies. In Calvin’s Ladder: A Spiritual Theology of Ascent and Ascension, Canlis argues that Calvin’s voice isn’t drowned out in this chorus but that it sticks out for variousContinue reading “Calvin’s Ladder: A Spiritual Theology of Ascent and Ascension”
Author Archives: cwoznicki
John Calvin and the Poor
If God gives a man wealth, it is to put his charity to the test. We are to give an account of what God has placed in our hands. But if our neighbors endure hardship because of our lack of mercy, it is certain that it will not go unpunished. . . . We seeContinue reading “John Calvin and the Poor”
A Little Handbook for Preachers: Ten Practical Ways to a Better Sermon by Sunday
Preaching books are a dime a dozen. Its really hard to find a preaching book that either says something unique or says something important in a unique way. So I don’t have much confidence in preaching books – especially books that give you X number of ways to be a better preacher or books thatContinue reading “A Little Handbook for Preachers: Ten Practical Ways to a Better Sermon by Sunday”
The Christ Hymn as a Pattern for Life
I’ve been thinking a lot about the idea that the Christ hymn in Philippians 2 is the pattern for Christian life. Obviously Michael Gorman has much to say about this, but I came cross Morna Hooker’s analysis of this poem, and I was struck by how programatic it is for Paul. The pattern of Christ’sContinue reading “The Christ Hymn as a Pattern for Life”
Love, Henri: Letters on the Spiritual Life
Over the years I’ve read a lot of Henri Nouwen books. The reading of nearly everyone of these books is associated, in my mind, with some really important even or series of events in my life. To say that Henri Nouwen was there for some of these life changing/ministry changing moments of my life isContinue reading “Love, Henri: Letters on the Spiritual Life”
Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary use words.
Supposedly Francis of Assisi said those famous words. Likely he didn’t, regardless, those word’s don’t mesh with Scripture’s understanding of BEING witnesses to the gospel. As Michael Gorman says: Witness-bearing calls for interpretation. “Walking little old ladies across the street” may be appropriate Christian behavior, but it does not lead to persecution. It only leadsContinue reading “Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary use words.”
John Calvin’s Goals as an Expositor of Scripture
For God there is nothing higher than preaching the gospel, because it is the means to lead people to salvation.[1] In his ministry John Calvin was in full agreement with Martin Luther’s saying that “the ears alone are the organ of a Christian”. (COP, 37) Calvin believed that the verbal proclamation of God’s wordContinue reading “John Calvin’s Goals as an Expositor of Scripture”
America and the Imperial Cult
The emperors use of this but bears some resemblance to modern politicians’ identification with American symbols…as a way to gain the trust and respect of its citizens. For much of its existence, the United States has had an informal mixture of Protestant Christianity and patriotism, a so-called civil religion, that has some of the feelContinue reading “America and the Imperial Cult”
Crossing Cultures in Scripture
Years ago I took a class on The Biblical Theology of Mission with Charles van Engen at Fuller. We basically ran (it sure felt like running) through the whole bible looking at “mission” everywhere it appeared for 10 quick weeks. Our final assignment was to write a paper taking one missiological issue and trace theContinue reading “Crossing Cultures in Scripture”
America at the Crossroads
To say that America is at the crossroads is one heck of an understatement. But yeah I guess you can think of it that way. This election cycle has shown us that perhaps more than ever this country is divided, and that division shows up in the competing visions of where America ought to beContinue reading “America at the Crossroads”
CWoznicki Think Out Loud 