This post has been updated since it was originally posted on May 12 ,2010
In John Wesley’s day as in ours, there was discussion as to what beliefs were considered essential for the Christian faith. As an Arminian theologian, Wesley disagreed with the opinions of many Catholics and Calvinists. However, he did not deny that many within these different camps could indeed be true Christians if they held the essential truths. Continue reading
For the sovereign Lord is awe-inspiring;
he is the great king who rules the whole earth!
He subdued nations beneath us
and countries under our feet.
(Ps. 47:2-3; NET)
This is the best chapter (#5) of the book (so far), and an excellent explanation of how the OT had setup expectations and varying ideas in the minds of those living in the first century about how God was going to fulfill His promises to return and restore Israel. In a flowing narrative full of references to Scripture, Wright describes the difficulty that the people of Israel had in understanding how both God and David would be King. Continue reading
The Ten Commandments
Sinclair Ferguson, the prolific author, pastor and seminary professor, reflects on 40 years of preaching and offers up some advice to those who preach in the form of “Ten Commandments” in Themelios (an evangelical theological journal). The list was based on the following criteria:
what rule of preaching-life, do I wish someone had written for me to provide direction, shape, ground rules, that might have helped me keep going in the right direction and gaining momentum in ministry along the way?
The list was directed toward preachers, but I found it helpful for anyone who teaches the Scriptures. Continue reading
Dead Heroes Don't Save 