Category Archives: Theology

Which Gospel? The Gospel of Community, Part 3 (Kingdom Parables)

Have you ever noticed how often Jesus begins a parable with the “Kingdom of Heaven is like …”? Well, replace “Kingdom of Heaven” with “church”* and re-read those parables. For example, (Mat 13:31-32) He told them another parable: “The kingdom … Continue reading

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Which Gospel? The Gospel of Community, Part 2 (Romans 12)

Notice how in Romans 12 Paul speaks of individual transformation, but  this is expressed over and over again in terms of relationships within the Kingdom — (Rom 12) Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer … Continue reading

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Which Gospel? The Gospel of Community, Part 1 (Introduction)

Here’s the part of the chart that describes what community is all about — the journey from slavery to freedom in the Promised Land was a community journey devote selves to fellowship meet daily all things in common sharing breaking … Continue reading

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Which Gospel? The Gospel of Unity

It’s a little surprising that so many baptism, communion, and “gospel” passages point directly toward unity of the saints. I mean, it’s something everyone gives lip service to, but we really don’t take unity seriously, do we? And yet … … Continue reading

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Surprised by Hope: Beauty

Wright likens the world to a chalice or a violin — beautiful in itself but much more beautiful in anticipation of the wine it will hold or the music it will play. Thus, the world in which we live is … Continue reading

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Surprised by Hope: The Resurrection, Mission & Kingdom

Wright cites as a central verse 1 Cor 15:58 — (1 Cor 15:58 ) Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor … Continue reading

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Surprised by Hope: Justice

Beginning at page 213, Wright argues that one part of the church’s mission is justice. By “justice” he means the realization of God’s plan to set the world right. Wright warns us against the view of many that the world … Continue reading

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Which Gospel? The Gospel of the Spirit: On Becoming Truly Human for the First Time, Part 2

Eden Look at it this way. Back in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve walked with God. They were God’s household. It was no mere metaphor. They enjoyed communion with the Almighty in a very tangible, immediate way. For … Continue reading

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Which Gospel? The Gospel of the Spirit: On Becoming Truly Human for the First Time, Part 1

In the last post on this topic, I mentioned a “gospel of true humanity.” It’s not something we talk about much, but it’s important — nearly central. It is, after all, what the Spirit is all about. And the baptism … Continue reading

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Which Gospel? The Gospel of Grace

It’s hardly surprising that our study of “gospel” begins with grace. Where else? I’m not going to attempt to lay out the rudiments of God’s grace, as I’ve already done that in the Amazing Grace series. Rather, I think it … Continue reading

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