Did Jesus Have to Die on a Cross? Athanasius’ Response (Pt. 2)

Last time we looked at Athansius’ Four Reasons why Jesus died on a cross as opposed to some other way. Those responses were directed primarily at non-Christians and skeptics. Today we take a look at his response to “anyone from among us (who) asks, not as a lover of contention but as a lover ofContinue reading “Did Jesus Have to Die on a Cross? Athanasius’ Response (Pt. 2)”

Did Jesus Have to Die on a Cross? Athanasius’ Response (Pt. 1)

A while ago I took an atonement seminar with Oliver Crisp, among the discussions that we had, one student, Gavin Ortlund (the son of Gospel Coalition Pastor Ray Ortlund) brought up a really interesting question: “Did Jesus have to die on a cross? Could it have been a guillotine (if they had those), or couldContinue reading “Did Jesus Have to Die on a Cross? Athanasius’ Response (Pt. 1)”

A Dose of Theology – Hamartology

Hamartology The theological study of sin. Hamartology concerns itself with the understanding, origin, nature, and consequences of sin. Also it studies the way in which sin is transmitted across the human race. Used in a sentence: If you are studying the fall of man in Genesis 3, you are doing hamartology.

Equipping the Church International (ECI) – Updates

As you, the reader, probably know, I am on the board for a non-profit orgnization called Equipping the Church International (or ECI for short). We are an organization that provides theological education for under resourced pastors in Latin America. We are barely getting started up, but exciting opportunities are already coming our way! For exampleContinue reading “Equipping the Church International (ECI) – Updates”

Missional Rhythms

“We don’t want to add things to our schedule, but bring intentionality to what we are already doing.” – Caesar Kalinowski (HT: VERGE Network) There is a big difference between living life and tacking on mission as a side thing vs. living life on mission and being intentional about creating missional rhythms in everyday life.Continue reading “Missional Rhythms”

Cool Christian Beards (pt. 3): B.B. Warfield

Its been a while since I last posted in our “Cool Christian Beards” series, but its time for the cool Christian beard to make a comeback! Today we have one of the most famous beard protestant theologians. Although he isn’t as famous as the bearded Calvin or the non-bearded Luther and Edwards, this bearded theologianContinue reading “Cool Christian Beards (pt. 3): B.B. Warfield”

Why Did God Rescue Humanity?

Why does God save us through Jesus Christ? My theological hero, Jonathan Edwards, has argued that God saves for the sake of his own glory, which is simultaneously what is best for us. John Piper has famously adopted this same line of thought. Yet the idea that God saves us, through Jesus Christ, for theContinue reading “Why Did God Rescue Humanity?”

Why Did the Son Become Incarnate?

Why did the Son become incarnate? That is a good question. Several people on the A-Team (Athanasius, Augustine, Aquinas and Anselm) have all taken a shot at answering this question. Usually the answer gets tied in to the doctrine of atonement. Here is what Athanasius has to say about that question: For speaking of theContinue reading “Why Did the Son Become Incarnate?”

Christ-Centered Hermeneutics – 2 Corinthians 1:20

Recently on The Exchange, Ed Stetzer started a blog series devoted to the issue of Christ-Centered Old Testament Preaching (see Part 1 and Part 2). He has invited several respected scholars including Daniel Block, David Murray, Walter Kaiser, and Brian Chapell to weigh in on the discussion. But this is an issue that is soContinue reading “Christ-Centered Hermeneutics – 2 Corinthians 1:20”

Living an Unhurried Life – Prayer

I recently picked up a book by Alan Fadling, called An Unhurried Life: Following Jesus’ Rythms of Work and Rest. I picked it up upon the recommendation of Paul Jensen, the executive director of the Leadership Institute, whom Alan is the director of a ministry within that ministry.  Its kind of cool actually, many yearsContinue reading “Living an Unhurried Life – Prayer”