Category Archives: Theology

Which Gospel? The Gospel of Baptism (Paul), Part 3

The end of regulations (Col 2:11-17) In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, 12 having been … Continue reading

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Surprised by Hope: What Are “Treasures in Heaven”?

Jesus was fond of promising his listeners “treasures in heaven.” I’ve often wondered what that really means? Will there be degrees of reward? And what would that mean? I mean, is it a bigger room? Higher quality gold on the … Continue reading

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Surprised by Hope: Where Are the Dead? Part 3

Summary Therefore, the nature of the end of things seems to me to be something like this: * God has made/will make a New Earth and New Heaven. However, these will not be made of the same stuff as this … Continue reading

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Surprised by Hope: Where Are the Dead? Part 2

Modern Physics and the Second Coming So here’s my theory. Let’s call it “Modern Physics and the Second Coming.” (I bet you weren’t expecting that!) According to the Hawking-Penrose Theorem, derived from Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, time began when … Continue reading

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Surprised by Hope: Where Are the Dead? Part 1

We’ve covered in some depth what happens when the Eschaton arrives, but we already know that some have been awaiting that event for nearly 2,000 years — and no one knows when it will happen. What happens in the meantime? … Continue reading

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Which Gospel? The Gospel of Baptism (Paul), Part 2

Clothed with Christ (Gal 3:26-29) You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor … Continue reading

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Which Gospel? The Gospel of Baptism (Paul), Part 1

In the last post, we considered the meaning of baptism in the Gospels and Acts, figuring that our search for the center of the gospel might be found in baptism and the Lord’s Supper. In this post, we’ll look at … Continue reading

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Which Gospel? The Gospel of Baptism (The Gospels and Acts), Part 2

Nicodemus (John 3:3-18) In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” 4 “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely he … Continue reading

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Which Gospel? The Gospel of Baptism (The Gospels and Acts), Part 1

First, a word of explanation. I’m trying to carefully work through the scriptures to decide for myself where the emphasis should be. I mean, I’ve read too many books and too many blogs and am having trouble sorting all this … Continue reading

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Surprised by Hope: “Salvation”

Most commentaries, heavily influenced by Luther and Calvin, speak of “salvation” as getting to go to heaven when we die. Modern churches often speak of making “Jesus your personal Savior,” as though Jesus could be owned personally. But, of course, … Continue reading

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