This fall I've been teaching on the topic of holiness in my ACG. I decided on this topic for two reasons. First, there was the desire to tackle something more practical than topics we've covered recently. Second, the connection between holiness and the church's (and believer's) witness is a strong one in both the Old … Continue reading A Beauty Regimen for God’s People
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Missional Application of the Seven Letters: the Story
In earlier posts (spanning a couple of months now) I have outlined the missional concerns of each of the seven letters and argued that all of the commands and promises, rebukes and commendation, need to be understood in light of the church’s mission. But, to truly grasp the church’s mission one must see how it … Continue reading Missional Application of the Seven Letters: the Story
Baptism as Effectual Means of Salvation
I know those words will create a visceral reaction in some. I'm sorry (not really). Those words aren't my own...and I'm not pulling them from a Catholic Catechism. In fact, they show up in a Baptist Catechism (from 1677)! Q. 98. How do Baptism and the Lord’s Supper become effectual means of salvation? A. Baptism … Continue reading Baptism as Effectual Means of Salvation
Covenant/Infant Baptism
I promised a post defending infant baptism, so here it is (notice I say defending it; not trying to push it upon anyone else who doesn't hold the same convictions I do). Interestingly, though I embrace infant baptism fully, none of my children were baptized as infants. There's several reasons for that, chief among them … Continue reading Covenant/Infant Baptism
Baptism as Initiatory Rite of New Covenant
So, what is baptism? Most evangelicals would say that it's a testimony to our faith or something along those lines. And it is that. But it's more. John Calvin taught that baptism "is the initiatory sign by which we are admitted to the fellowship of the church, that being ingrafted into Christ we may be … Continue reading Baptism as Initiatory Rite of New Covenant
God Entranced 