Tag Archives: Surprised by Hope

Surprised by Hope: Evangelism

Posted on August 1, 2008 by Jay F Guin

[The Surprised by Hope series will continue during my hiatus, because I have to get ready for class Sunday, no matter how I feel.] In his chapter on mission, Wright makes several insightful comments on evangelism — The power of … Continue reading →

Posted in Heaven, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Surprised by Hope: God’s Justice and Illegal Immigration, Part 1

Posted on July 26, 2008 by Jay F Guin

I’ve been trying to think of a good example of the difference between the Christian perspective and the political perspective for class. I think illegal immigration likely shows the difference as well as anything. Imagine that you’re a U.S. Senator. … Continue reading →

Posted in Heaven, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Surprised by Hope: The Resurrection, Mission & Kingdom

Posted on July 19, 2008 by Jay F Guin

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 →

Posted in Heaven, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Surprised by Hope: Hell, Part 1

Posted on July 12, 2008 by Jay F Guin

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 , , , , , , | Comments Off on Surprised by Hope: Hell, Part 1

Surprised by Hope: “Salvation”

Posted on June 28, 2008 by Jay F Guin

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 →

Posted in Heaven, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Surprised by Hope: The Downpayment and Inheritance

Posted on June 28, 2008 by Jay F Guin

And so we were talking about Surprised by Hope in class on Sunday and someone brought up the idea that the Holy Spirit is a “deposit.” For example — (2 Cor 1:21-22) Now it is God who makes both us … Continue reading →

Posted in Heaven, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Surprised by Hope: The Downpayment and Inheritance

Surprised by Hope: What the Whole World Is Waiting For

Posted on June 7, 2008 by Jay F Guin

The First Century Church had no notion of inevitable human progress, nor did the early church consider the creation evil or something to be escaped. Rather, the early church taught a very different view. Wright traces three major themes — … Continue reading →

Posted in Heaven, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Surprised by Hope: What the Whole World Is Waiting For

Are We Sacramentalists? Marriage as a Sacrament, and the Church

Posted on April 25, 2008 by Jay F Guin

Recall Hicks’ definition of “sacrament”– The material elements do not merely represent, but they participate in the reality to which they point. They are not mere signs, but symbols that mediate a spiritual reality. The signs become symbols because God … Continue reading →

Posted in Sacramentalism, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Are We Sacramentalists? Marriage as a Sacrament, and the Church