Her hands were never idle, but her soul was still.
Liturgy Series: Part 5 – The Law
Many modern Christians have (rightfully) been so taught the notion that we are not saved by our works that they (wrongly) believe that the only use of the law in the Bible is salvific. Yet the law has many uses that have nothing to do with earning favor with God. The law serves as a gracious guide to our rebellious hearts. The law, particularly in it’s liturgical application, helps direct the people of God toward the way of life that God has for them in Jesus.
Book Review: Election of the Lesser Son by David Wallace
Election of the Lesser Son: Paul’s Lament-Midrash in Romans 9-11 is incredibly valuable as a theological work as well as a commentary on these important chapters of Paul’s writing. Pastors, students, and theologically minded laymen will benefit greatly from Wallace’s work.
Main Street > Pennsylvania Avenue
We are woefully blind to the fact that even if one party (democrat or republican) won every seat in the senate and the house AND won the presidency NOTHING WOULD CHANGE.
The Danger of Catechizing
With tight little eyes Kenzie looked at me with consternation and said "because we all die. right daddy?" I responded in the affirmative and then I asked her, "but Kenzie, how does Christ's resurrection benefit us?"
The Humbling Story of Tony & Donny
I came across the video below yesterday and found it really moving. It's a short video about Tony Anderson ("Sonic Architect" famous for producing music for cinema) and an unlikely friendship he found.
Life is Messy. Covenant is Key.
As Christians we must embrace the small and ordinary way while paradoxically embracing the reality that God is transforming the world through these powerful (allbeit small) actions.
October Book Review
The month of October was pretty crazy. I constantly felt behind on my reading schedule (Sorry IVP, I've got a ton coming your way in November!). I probably felt behind because I was constantly involved with good books. That said, this huge book list had reviews published during the month of October despite a couple of them being read with reviews written prior to the month of October. So buckle up, this one is long (as always, book titles are links to full length reviews).
Book Review: Kingdom Come: The Amillennial Alternative by Sam Storms
Sam Storms’ Kingdom Come does not top Kim Riddelbarger’s A Case for Amillennialism in defense of the amillennial “alternative” but it is certainly a more comprehensive work on eschatology and better suited for individuals questioning their premillennial background.
Book Review: Generous Spaciousness by Wendy VanderWal-Gritter
The thesis of Generous Spaciousness does not promote a specific position/viewpoint on homosexuality and Christianity. Instead it is a thesis that demands grace throughout discussions, questions, hermeneutics, and particular texts when they occur within the church.
It's Wrong for Christians to NOT Participate in Halloween!
Christians should participate in Halloween. But not only Halloween. Christians should be teaching the world in everything. Christians should drink because the world doesn't know how. Christians should celebrate Christmas with trees and lights and gifts because the world doesn't know how. Christians should celebrate sex within marriage because the world doesn't know how. It is part of our priestly duty (as a kingdom of priests) to show the world how to live and so win them over to Christ.
Addressing the Amillennial Alternative: Chapters 16-17
I remain convinced that Storms needs to tone down the rhetoric against premillennialism (all of which I agree with) for the sake of the book's readability. That said, Kingdom Come is an outstanding piece of work that will get addressed often.
Book Review: The Books of the Bible (NIV)
The Books of the Bible is truly a delight to read. Lacking reference materials make this unsuitable for study and congregational use. However, it is well suited for personal study and extensive reading. While leaving room for improvement, The Books of the Bible remains the gold standard on “reader Bibles.”
I Am the Resurrection
As the body of Christ, the church should look to emulate Jesus' model. If Jesus is the resurrection and we are his body then we should look to see the ways in which we can expand the world of the resurrection in the worlds that we inhabit.
Book Review: Moses Leads the People by David Miles
Much like God’s Great Creation, I am surprised and increasingly satisfied with the accuracy and focus of Moses Leads the People.
The Intentionality of Catechizing
Churches and households need to take the time to evaluate what discipleship they're doing and how they're doing it. The church isn't called to perform discipleship in "their style" and let the chips fall where they may. No. Churches and households must seek to be servants in their accommodations.
Weekend in Toxaway
Pictures from our weekend at Lake Toxaway, NC!
Addressing the Amillennial Alternative: Chapters 13-15
The coming chapters are no easier as they span the gulf that is the book of Revelation from the amillennial perspective. No book has caused more trouble to Christians throughout the history of the church. What Storms puts forth is not new but certainly a valuable element of his systematic presentation of amillennialism.
Liturgy Series: Part 4 – Music
Like all parts of the liturgy, music is both unavoidable and massively impactful. Whether we like it or not the words and rhythms we sing as a congregation are shaping us into a teleological people (a people facing a certain kingdom). Considering the weight of this proposition we should be increasingly concerned with which kingdom our songs are pointing us.
The Nature of Catechizing
So, Michael Hansen's series opener on liturgy got me to thinking. I'm not committed to a series on catechizing but I am going to let myself explore the topic a little bit in the upcoming weeks. I'd like to start with the general nature of catechizing.