“Justification” brief impressions…

Just finished reading N.T. Wright’s Justification: God’s Plan and Paul’s Vision. I don’t really feel up to writing a full/exhaustive review or thoughts from it.  So here’s a few brief thoughts: -As most know, Wright can write.  His pen is sharp and quick, which is bad for his real opponents but less helpful during friendly [...]

A simple test for pastors, leaders, etc.

Here’s a simple test question to ponder for Christians who lead others in any capacity: If everyone at my church, job, etc., lived as I am living today, would they look more or less like Jesus? 1 Corinthians 11:1- “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”

Jesus and Paul on Marriage…

I find it interesting that between Jesus’ teaching on marriage in Matthew 19 and Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 7, each of them take a slightly different angle on it… In Matthew 18, Jesus proclaims the utter difficulty of marriage (the requirement for hearts joined to one’s spouse that endure even the toughest situations) so [...]

“Justification and Variegated Nomism”

Over the past three decades, something called “The New Perspective on Paul” (NPP from here) has taken much of the world of New Testament studies by storm.  Or at least so it seems.  The work of men like E.P. Sanders, James G. Dunn, and N.T. Wright has caused many to re-examine commonly held perceptions of [...]

Lewis, Justification, Collision: Coming Soon…

Hey.  I’m getting ready for a DiscipleNow retreat weekend at my church, so basically, no updates or thoughts this week. But next week, hopefully, a few thoughts on… -new documentary “Collision” featuring the debates between Christopher Hitchens and Doug Wilson -”Justification and Variegated Nomism”- set. -CS Lewis reflections -Maybe some more from my slow journey [...]

Christus Victor and Penal Substitution

I’ve been working on the 4th lesson of our Wednesday night study of the atonement in youth group.  The series is called “The day God died…”  So far, we’ve looked at propitiation, reconciliation, peace (corporate), and this week we are looking at victory. I find it so hard to believe that many who push the [...]

Leadership through the Lens of Romans 12:8- Dr. Bill Victor@121Forum

Leadership through the Lens of Romans 12:8-Dr. Bill Victor Gifts in Romans 12:8- 7 Gifts listed: 5 of these are expected from Senior pastors (the bold ones): Prophecy, Service, Teaching, Exhortation, Giving, Leading, Showing Mercy. This will frustrate, burn out pastors, cause isolation, fostering “professional ministry” list. What if though we focused on “leading” for [...]

1st Century Missional Practices- Dr. Rodney Reeves@121Forum

1st Century Missional Practices-Paul- Dr. Rodney Reeves (NT Professor, Southwest Baptist University) I thought this was one of the best sessions of the weekend.  I do have to admit that I am biased in this regard as the speaker was my college advisor and professor for several courses!  (Thoughts in Italics are mine; this was [...]