Scattered Thoughts on Theology and Ministry…
For many evangelicals Eastern Orthodoxy is compelling, if not for its seemingly evangelical convictions (contrasted with “Rome”), but for the fact that for many it remains a rather mysterious entity. Thus, introductions to Orthodoxy written for Protestant or evangelical audiences abound. [Sidenote: Why aren’t more of these kinds of introductions being written about Roman Catholicism?]Continue reading “Review: The Victory of the Cross – Salvation in Eastern Orthodoxy by James R. Payton Jr.”
The cross is the focal point of the gospel. Paul says as much when he tells the church in Corinth that he “decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Cor 2:2). But just because the cross is the focus of the saving work of Christ, that doesn’t mean that theContinue reading “The “Other” True Meaning of Christmas”
A short while ago I began to address the question whether Paul was called or converted. It’s a question that has preoccupied a lot of scholars – especially in our post-holocaust world. It seems to many (including E.P. Sanders) that if you say that Paul converted away from Judaism and towards Christianity you are beingContinue reading “Called or Converted? (Pt. 2)”
A lot has been written over the past few decades about the nature of Paul’s Damascus road event. Was Paul called or converted? I guess how you answer that really depends on how you see the relationship between Judaism and Christianity. If you see a lot of continuity – you might say that he wasContinue reading “Called or Converted?”
Redemption is a comprehensive term regarding our salvation through justification, expatiation, and reconciliation in Christ. It is eschatological and teleological. It is the consummation of Gods’ redeeming purposes in the new creation. It tells us that glorification is an essential part of our salvation. In Atonement Torrance runs through the uses of the words forContinue reading “Redemption & Limited Atonement”
What is the meaning of Christmas? Its quite simple – Matthew expresses it in just a couple of sentences in his gospel: She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins…they will call him “Immanuel” which means, “God withContinue reading “They Shall Call His Name “Immanuel””
A few days ago I posted some thoughts on what I think Paul meant by “the righteousness of God” in Romans 3:21-26 21 But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all whoContinue reading “The Righteousness of God in Historical Context”
In a recent blog I posted I summarized Oliver Crisp’s recent argument that there is significant room within some key reformed confessions for one to hold on to a doctrine of atonement that excludes limited atonement and is open to universal atonement. I.e. that Christ died no just for the sins of the elect, butContinue reading “Universal Atonement & The Sin of Unbelief”
Most people tend to think that if one is reformed one is required to hold to the doctrine of limited atonement, the doctrine which says that the cope of Christ’s atoning work is accomplished on behalf of and applied only to the elect. In a recent article on “hypothetical universalism” (hear unlimited or universal atonement,Continue reading “Limited Atonement vs. “Unlimited” Atonement”
No its not the beginning of a joke. Its the beginning of a typical interaction. You and your buddies are hanging out having a beer, and your non-Christian friend asks you about this whole “God thing” that you are into. Why do you believe all this stuff? Who is Jesus, and why did this JesusContinue reading “A Non-Christian Walks Into A Bar…”
CWoznicki Think Out Loud 