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”
Category Archives: Religion
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”
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”
John Calvin & the Four Nicene Marks of the Church
One theme that emerges throughout Calvin’s works as well as some Calvin biographies is the importance he places upon ecclesiology. We see this in various ways, for instance in his fight for the unity of the protestant movement, in his emphasis on the proper understanding of the Eucharist, and his constant attempts at establishing churchContinue reading “John Calvin & the Four Nicene Marks of the Church”
What’s it Like Doing Theology With a Room Full of Philosophers
The following is a guest post by a friend of mine Derek Saenz. Here he reflects upon his past experience as a theology student at Talbot Seminary (which happens to be FULL of philosophy students). If you think that many seminary students look at philosophy students and think, “These guys are just a bunch ofContinue reading “What’s it Like Doing Theology With a Room Full of Philosophers”
Book Giveaway – What is Reformed Theology?
Its that time again, time to win a free book! This time around I am giving away a free copy of R.C. Sproul’s, What is Reformed Theology? You can read my review of the book here. To win a copy of the book all you need to do is one of the following: Tweet outContinue reading “Book Giveaway – What is Reformed Theology?”
CWoznicki Think Out Loud 