Last week, in a sermon on Colossians 2:6-7, I made a point that we have received Jesus, not just benefits from Jesus, but Jesus himself. Jesus doesn't just dispense grace, hand out forgiveness, or distribute keys to rooms in his Father's heavenly home. He gives us himself, and by faith we receive Christ - Christ … Continue reading Cutting Room Floor: Jesus is Mine!
theological
Reading Augustine
I've quoted a good bit of Augustine recently, so I thought I'd recommend a few books I've read on and by Augustine for those who may want a deeper dive. First and foremost, read Confessions. It is a powerful spiritual autobiography. Don't read anything on Augustine till you've read this (unless you need a short … Continue reading Reading Augustine
How to Use a Christian Worldview
Over the last year I've been in countless conversations about politics, covid, race, theology, the environment, etc. In many of these conversations, my dialogue partner makes mention of a Christian worldview. A Christian worldview is a distinct way of viewing the world, of viewing life. I am convinced that in most of my conversations with … Continue reading How to Use a Christian Worldview
The Goodness of Shame
Shame has gotten a bad rap. Undeservedly. Shame is a good thing. A gift from God. Obviously, like every good thing that comes from our Heavenly Father, we have found ways of misusing it. We make a child feel shame because of a substandard report card that is not the result of laziness. We shame … Continue reading The Goodness of Shame
City of God, Book 22: Eternal Felicity
Having devoted the entirety of Book 21 to eternal judgment, Augustine balances the end of his tome with a Book devoted entirely to the "eternal bliss of the City of God." It is called eternal because the kingdom will have no end, nor will any of its citizenry, obtaining to the immortality the angels have … Continue reading City of God, Book 22: Eternal Felicity