The city of Philadelphia sat just east of Sardis on a route that would take one on to Laodicea and then further east into Asia; hence the nickname “the gateway to the east.” Of the seven cities, Philadelphia was the most recently founded and had, from the outset, something of a missionary purpose. Ramsay writes, … Continue reading A Missional Reading of the Letter to Philadelphia
theological
A Missional Reading of the Letter to Sardis
Sardis was a city with a long history, dating back at least to the eighth century BC, and serving as the capital of the Lydian empire till it fell to Cyrus in 546BC. Later, after passing into Roman hands, it became the capital of the Lydian region. Situated in the Hermus River Valley, Sardis at … Continue reading A Missional Reading of the Letter to Sardis
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 