We are built to turn off every now and then. And we get a clear picture of this from the Sabbath. The Sabbath is the first blessing that comes from God after creation, and it is marked by rest. It is a day of rest that calls us back to Eden, back to the moment…
This morning I read the wrong passage of Scripture. I was supposed to read Psalm 146:5-10, but instead, I read Psalm 145:5-10. Here’s what I saw, “I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the…
What makes the church so special in nurturing faith? Fred P. Edie and Mark A. Lamport think it has something to do with the great potential for many generations being in one interacting community with intentionality. And, this needs to be cultivated. Not many places are left in our Western approach to society where many…
If there’s a constant question on the minds of ministry leaders the world over it probably comes in a similar form to this, How do we help people grow in faith in Jesus? The answer to this question is mission critical. Perhaps we can take some cues from the moon, rocks, and a few pilots……
What makes education Christian? This is a question that James Riley Estep Jr. seeks to address in chapter two of A Theology for Christian Education. To start the conversation, Estep notes that, in general, something may be considered Christian if it “reflects the convictions of the Christian community.” 1 Apply that to education, and it…
Do we want to grow in faith in Christ? Do we want to grow in Christlikeness? Do we want to see others grow? These are important questions to ask for anyone. They are questions to ask individually and communally. I need to ask them. You do, too. And we need to ask them together. Presuming…
Reflecting on my journey in Soteriology and Christian Formation Eight weeks ago, I embarked on a journey alongside several other Master of Divinity students through Wesley Seminary (Indiana Wesleyan University) that explores, essentially, being saved and being formed in Christlikeness. We have now reached the finish line of the course. At the outset, I was…
At some point, we have to ask ourselves: What is the end-game here? What is the purpose behind God’s grace. Where is it all going? A few weeks ago, I began this little series on talking about salvation which began with taking about justification, continued in by exploring sanctification and the means of grace, and…
In part 1 of this ‘series’ I wrote about how we can leave ourselves with the wrong impression when asking the question, “Am I saved?” This question can give the unfortunate impression that salvation is primarily a status change and little else. Instead of asking simply, “Am I saved?” We would be wise to ask…
“Am I saved?” Have you heard this question before? Have you asked this question yourself or asked it of another? “Do you think (insert name here) is saved?” To be honest, this question stinks. It is simply not good enough of a question to begin to talk about such an immeasurably important topic as salvation….