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Category Archives: Index
On Bad Elders: Removing Lousy Elders, a Story
A long time ago, in a land far, far away (not that far, actually), the men of a church gathered in a classroom. Two men had organized the meeting, and one acted as chair. “Most of you know why we’re … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Elders, Uncategorized
Tagged All, elders, overseers, pastors, rebuking an elder, shepherds
1 Comment
Pagan Christianity and Congregational Autonomy, Part 2
The post on Pagan Christianity attracted several questions about what autonomy really means in the modern church world. Here are a few thoughts to add to the mix. * I dont’ really know how the monarchic episcopy evolved so quickly … Continue reading
Which Gospel? Summarizing the Results
I started by saying I’ve been struggling with figuring out which of the many good ideas about the nature of Christianity is where the church should be focused. As kind of an experiment, I thought I’d look for a path … Continue reading
Posted in Gospel, What Is the?, Uncategorized
Tagged All, Baptism, communion, gospel, Lord's Supper
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Surprised by Hope: An Interpretation of Matthew 24, Part 3 (The Eschaton)
Now, at this point it seems probable that Jesus begins to answer the second question — what will be the signs of the end? Some argue that he is still speaking of the fall of Jerusalem, but Jesus seems pretty … Continue reading
Posted in Heaven, Uncategorized
Tagged All
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Surprised by Hope: An Interpretation of Matthew 24, Part 2 (The Fall of Jerusalem)
Now that we’ve considered some of the history and significance of the Fall of Jerusalem, let’s turn to the text of the chapter — (Mat 24:1-2) Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to … Continue reading
Surprised by Hope: An Interpretation of Matthew 24, Part 1 (Background)
In last week’s class, a question came up as to how Matthew 24 should be interpreted. In fact, some in the class were astonished at my suggestion that the New Testament speaks of two “comings” of Jesus — one at … Continue reading
Posted in Heaven, Uncategorized
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Surprised by Hope: Hell, Part 1
Wright notes that the idea of a new heaven and new earth argues against the traditional understanding of hell. After all, no longer do we imagine going to heaven when we die. Rather, heaven comes down to earth and we … Continue reading
Posted in Heaven, Uncategorized
Tagged All, annihilationism, conditionalism, gehenna, hell, N. T. Wright, Surprised by Hope
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Which Gospel? A Musical Interlude
This isn’t really my style of music. But even if you hate the style, you’ve got to hear this. ‘Send Me’ – Live at MHC | Ballard from Mars Hill Church on Vimeo. These guys have a better theology than … Continue reading
Posted in Gospel, What Is the?, Uncategorized
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Which Gospel? Deepening Our Understanding of “Gospel”
The last post triggered several very thoughtful comments and questions on just what “gospel” is. I typed a few comments to set out my own views — profoundly influenced by N. T. Wright — but decided it makes better sense … Continue reading
On Bad Elders: Removing Lousy Elders, Toward a Solution, Part 2
Public rebuke of sin In 1 Tim 5:19 we are taught how to “rebuke” an elder — (1 Tim 5:19-20) Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20 Those who … Continue reading
