Baptism is the entry way into the church of Jesus Christ. It is the identifying marker that God has made good on His promises and has brought new life to someone. It is also a public statement to the world that new Christians are now "all-in" with Jesus. They left everything, picked up their crosses, and … Continue reading Church as the Body of Christ
Jesus
A Theology of Sex and Gender (Part 5): The New Covenant in Christ
God created men and women in His image (Gen 1:26-27). Both of them are fully equal in dignity and worth. Unfortunately, sin has broken God’s design. Jesus Himself recognized the profound effects of sin on sexuality and gender. In a discussion with the Pharisees, Jesus upholds God's original creational design for men and women. But … Continue reading A Theology of Sex and Gender (Part 5): The New Covenant in Christ
Jesus Is the Temple (and so much more)
Old Testament “Shadow” Fulfillment in Christ The Priesthood Christ is the True, Eternal Priest “The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently” (Hebrews 7:23-24) The Sacrifices Christ brought in … Continue reading Jesus Is the Temple (and so much more)
Come Home: A Theology of Exile and Return
God created Adam and Eve as His imager-bearers in the world (Genesis 1:26-27). They had a relationship with God (they were “sons” of God) and also they had a commission over creation to be servant kings.[1] Although not specifically part of the imago dei, God marked off humanity with sexual complementarity for the basis of … Continue reading Come Home: A Theology of Exile and Return
Learning to Shepherd From the Good Shepherd
Christ is the Good Shepherd. As the Good Shepherd, He is first and foremost our sacrificial Savior (John 10:11). But Christ is also an example to follow in learning how to care for God’s people. It is not surprising that pastors are commanded to “shepherd” God’s people, who are also liken to a “flock” of … Continue reading Learning to Shepherd From the Good Shepherd
Aligning Ourselves With God’s Mission (Mark 3:7-19)
Although Mark 3:7-19 may be easy to glide over because it contains healing stories which are prevalent in Mark’s gospel as well as a list of names, it is loaded with richness and applicability for the church today. Mark 3:7-19 [7] Jesus withdrew to the sea with His disciples; and a great multitude from Galilee followed; and also from … Continue reading Aligning Ourselves With God’s Mission (Mark 3:7-19)
Even Female Christians Get Circumcised (But not in the way you think)
"And in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands in the removal of the body of flesh by the circumcision of Christ" --Colossians 2:11 Paul gives his readers another action of salvation that God has done on their behalf: “In Him, you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands.” … Continue reading Even Female Christians Get Circumcised (But not in the way you think)
If the Resurrection…Then What? Why All Christians Depart from the Scientific Consensus
Last night Bill Nye (“The Science Guy”) and Ken Ham, a leading proponent of young earth creationism, debated. In simplistic terms, it was creation vs. evolution: which one is the most viable explanation for human origins and the age of the universe. The debate has generated many responses, some serious and some full of snark … Continue reading If the Resurrection…Then What? Why All Christians Depart from the Scientific Consensus
Eaten Alive
In the day-to-day trenches of adult life, there is actually no such thing as atheism. There is no such thing as not worshipping. Everybody worships. The only choice we get is what to worship. And the compelling reason for maybe choosing some sort of god or spiritual-type thing to worship — be it JC or … Continue reading Eaten Alive
They Begged Him to Leave
Matthew 8:28-39 is one of the scariest Bible passages, but not in the way you might think. Matthew 8:28-39 [28] When Jesus arrived on the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gadarenes, two men who were possessed by demons met him. They lived in a cemetery and were so violent that no … Continue reading They Begged Him to Leave