At Christianity Today, I had the pleasure of sharing some new (read "old--very old") theological reflection on a famous passage: Proverbs 31. There's a woman out there who needs to hear this chapter the most: In recent years, many faithful Christian women have internalized the words of Proverbs 31, but I can’t help wondering with … Continue reading The Proverbs 31 Woman at CT!
https://twitter.com/Chocolate_Knox/status/1005563057722912768 "What does the Bible say about that...this is a really bad question we have to quit asking...Let me tell you a better question: What does the New Covenant teach? Or let's be more specific, What does the New Testament teach? Or even better, What does Jesus teach?" -Andy Stanley I'll bite. Even though I … Continue reading Throwing Andy Stanley a Bone: ‘What Does Jesus Teach?’
The same story can be a tragedy or triumph depending on who you are rooting for. I grew up in North Carolina in the heated NCAA basketball rivalry Duke v. UNC. Twice every winter, the two schools would meet on the court. Every game ended in cheers or tears. I won't name names, but I … Continue reading The Two Ways to Read the Old Testament
Have you ever blamed God for your problems? Some of my greatest frustration comes when I know I am walking in obedience, but God is putting roadblocks in my path. A friend was telling about how excited he was that a co-worker was becoming receptive to the gospel after a long time of blaming God for a … Continue reading Then Moses Said, “Shut Up!”
Scholars and joe-church members have wrestled with the organization of the Bible's stories for millennia. Already in 160 A.D., Tatian had written the Diatessaron (meaning "Through Four, One")--an attempt to harmonize the events of the four different Gospels into one long, chronological story. Prominent churchmen like Augustine and John Calvin have also tried their hand at gospel harmonization, … Continue reading Why Isn’t the Bible in Chronological Order?
I've never seen Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ. Someone is probably on their way as I write to come revoke my ordination certificate, but nevertheless it's true. The movie came out when I was in high school. I remember seeing the trailer for it and thinking of all the blood and gore that was … Continue reading Jesus Doesn’t Need Your Pity
They say the show's not over until the fat lady sings. Well, for most of us, the prayer's not over until we say, "In Jesus' name, Amen." Why do we pray this way? I would dare say it's a habit for most of us. Or maybe you just do it because you've heard other people … Continue reading Bonhoeffer: Why Do We Pray ‘In Jesus’ Name’?
