In order to be biblical in our theology we must take seriously what Scripture claims to be. What, then, does Scripture claim for itself?...We affirm that Scripture is God's Word written, the product of God's mighty action through the Word and by the Holy Spirit whereby human authors freely wrote exactly what God intended to…
When Theology is Not Theology
Some claim we need those who are intentionally 'on a par' with academic theologians in our universities to engage with contemporary theological issues. To a large extent, however, contemporary theology is pursued by people who make no pretense of being 'Christian,' working in non-confessional institutions. If true theology is the fruit of engagement with the…
The Cross and the “Cursing” Psalms
If we “tone down” the cry against injustice as something “primitive,” we cannot appreciate the cross—because there we see that the punishment for such cruelty is exactly what the Psalmist has called for. We see God’s “little one” being dashed to pieces. Yes, the punishment that human injustice and evil deserves is just as bad…
Jesus Cries Because He’s Perfect
There is a tendency for us to say, 'I am afraid of the grief, I am afraid of the sorrows'...But look at Jesus. He was perfect, right? And yet he goes around crying all the time. He is always weeping, a man of sorrows. Do you know why? Because he is perfect. Because when you…
The Anxiety of Prosperity Theology
I often hear people say, “If God is going to bless us, we must believe fervently without any doubts that God will bless us. We must claim our blessing with full assurance that we will get it.” But we don’t see that here, nor do we see that attitude in other places in the Bible.…
There Is No Other
It must be the case that God stands behind good and evil in somewhat different ways; that is, he stands behind good and evil asymetrically...In other words, if I sin, I cannot possibly do so outside the bounds of God's sovereignty (or the many text already cited have no meaning), but I alone am responsible for…
Were Old Covenant Believers Indwelt by the Holy Spirit?
Were old covenant believers indwelt by the Holy Spirit? No. They did not need to be. God dwelt in the temple. He was thereby with them. How did old covenant believers become and remain faithful? They became faithful by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, which in the OT is described more as ‘circumcision…
Like a Runaway Train
Surely we're saved, but sin is like a bully, right? We try to fight it, but it dominates us? Nope...We're not slaves to sin. It doesn't have power over us. We have been "set free" from it...It's not sin that is unstoppable--it's grace --Owen Strachan, Risky Gospel, pp. 55-56
A to Z of the Christian Life
The gospel is not just the ABCs but the A to Z of the Christian life. It is inaccurate to think the gospel is what saves non-Christians, and then Christians mature by trying hard to live according to biblical principles. It is more accurate to say that we are saved by believing the gospel, and…
Tips and Resources for Bible Intake
Where can you come to know Jesus Christ more? Through God's Word, the Bible. The life of God's new creation community, the church, is marked by a devotion to the Scriptures: "Let the word of Christ richly dwell among you" (Colossians 3:16). Below are seven practical ways to take in more of God's Word. Read the Bible…
Raising Lazarus 