BOOK REVIEW: Christian Spirituality: Five Views of Sanctification

April 14, 2015

Enjoy a book review of Christian Spirituality: Five Views of Sanctification edited by Donald Alexander.  The 5 representative views include the Lutheran, Wesleyan, Reformed, Pentecostal and Contemplative traditions. SUMMARY OF VIEWS I. Lutheran View. Gerhard O. Forde emphasizes the centrality of Christ’s righteousness as imputed to the believer for their justification.  Sanctification is not something … More BOOK REVIEW: Christian Spirituality: Five Views of Sanctification

Church Under a Bowl

April 13, 2015

Reposted from April 2011. -JB In my experience, the church has tended to adopt a “come to us” posture toward a lost and hurting world.  We prefer the “light house” image of church where the church is a sanctuary that houses the light of the gospel.  Our mission then becomes inviting others to “come to … More Church Under a Bowl

The Narrow Way to a Healthy Marriage

March 30, 2015

One of the most enjoyable and humbling aspects of ministry is premarital counseling with young couples. In a relationally, maritally challenged and sexually confused culture, I get to spend many precious hours with couples looking at God’s design for love and sex, and probing his wisdom and insight for a healthy marriage. One thing I often do with couples is … More The Narrow Way to a Healthy Marriage

The Sexual Vision of the Bible (R. Hays)

March 22, 2015

No issue is as timely for serious and sensitive biblical and pastoral reflection than the question of a biblical view of homosexuality. I will be teaching on this issue with our youth group in our study of Romans 1 and have taken this opportunity to re-examine the complexities surrounding this hot-button issue facing Christians today.  … More The Sexual Vision of the Bible (R. Hays)

Divine Summons: A Spiritual Memoir 1

March 6, 2015

Summary: This long series of about 30 posts narrates Jeremy’s own spiritual journey from 2000-2007 exploring his radical transformation in college, vocational doubts in seminary, a long season of “tent-making” jobs in Mound, and the God-encounters that led Jeremy to plant a new, apostolic youth ministry — The Revolution — reaching teens for Christ in … More Divine Summons: A Spiritual Memoir 1

Alarm Clock: Reflections on Spiritual Awakening

March 5, 2015

In the “Alarm Clock” series Jeremy offers some spiritual lessons and biblical insights from the all-too-familiar process of waking up.  This excerpt is called “Christmas Gifts & Final Exams.” Enjoy! Six-o-clock.  The alarm has sounded.  The sun is peeking through the half-raised shade, piercing your squinting eyes as you roll over to hit the snooze bar for … More Alarm Clock: Reflections on Spiritual Awakening

QUOTABLES: The Boldest Words Ever Uttered (Stopford Brooke)

December 19, 2014

“I am the LORD’s servant,” Mary answered. “Be it unto me as you will” (Luke 1:38). “Nothing impresses us more than the calmness with which, after the first trouble was past, the virgin received the message of the angel. She was not dazzled nor excited by her glorious future. She was not touched by any … More QUOTABLES: The Boldest Words Ever Uttered (Stopford Brooke)