The Danger of the Day to Day Paul had direct orders to bring the gospel to the Gentile world. Aside from a short period of preparation in Arabia, Paul didn’t waste time in getting at it. I, on the other hand, had absolutely no direction for my future. Sure, I was investing years of study … More Divine Summons 8
A devotional passed on to me by a friend from Pastor Dan: This is what the prophet Joel announced would happen: “In the Last Days,” God says, “I will pour out my Spirit on every kind of people: Your sons will prophesy, also your daughters; Your young men will see visions, your old men dream … More Fan the Flames and not Douse them with Dogma
2 The Trials & Triumphs of Tentmaking But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those … More Divine Summons 7
As many of you are aware, the Internet Monk, Michael Spencer was a beloved influence and favorite writer of mine. He passed away recently after a short bout with cancer. By the grace of God he was able to finish his first book for publishing shortly before becoming ill. His book, “Mere Churchianity: Finding Our … More “Mere Churchianity” Sneak Peek
We human beings tend by some law of nature toward extremes — especially in religion and politics. It’s hard to remain open to both sides and hold to a centrist position in the political shouting match played out in American media outlets. I have made balance and rigorous engagement with both — or, better, “all” … More Going to Extremes: Tea Party Falsehoods
Hilarious! Thanks for sending me this, Peter.
A very “meaty” article today at Jesus Creed navigating the tough theological topics of God’s “election,” “salvation,” and “judgment” interacting with the views of Calvinism, Arminianism, Barth’s third way and a newer concept called “missional election.” Go check it out HERE. Here’s a snippet: We, the Church, have been elected for mission. But this emphatically does not mean … More Judgment, Salvation & “Missional Election”
I came across this video by Jamie Schreiber on the Sabbath rest. I discovered a growing collection of good videos by these guys. If you like Rob Bell’s NOOMAs, you’ll want to check these out as well. Enjoy!
This is my version of the story after years of reflecting back upon that night in the dining center with my new Bible. I have not tried to embellish it or exaggerate the claims. Though, truth be told, you might get a very different story if you asked someone who was close to me during … More Divine Summons 6
Here’s another DI classic post from back in the spring of ’06. I heard a bird chirping today. I actually stopped for a brief moment andlistened. It was a good sound, and a good sign. Sign of what? A sign, I believe, of freedom. A freedom from self-absorption. Our cell-phone society confines our internet identities … More One Chirp at a Time
Hearts Burning & Worldview Turning I was no different than the two disciples on the road to Emmaus as I walked across the Bethel campus through the cool spring rain to the dining center toting my new Bible. My future was filled with uncertainty. The story I had been living in — one of my … More Divine Summons 5
We might accurately call God the original Recycler. Long before it was trendy to “Go Green” God made earth and everything in it and declared it “good.” When God’s beautiful creation turned so quickly on it’s Creator, dragging all humankind into the long night of sin and death, paradise was polluted. Original glory became spoiled … More God Recycles
Any Narrative theology fans out there? Nothing has shaped my understanding of the Bible, worldview, epistemology, theology and spiritual transformation more than ‘narrative theology.’ During a research paper my first semester of seminary I came across a book filled with essays on narrative theology that really exposed me to this particular field of study. The … More The Promise of Narrative Theology
A Cliffhanger And It’s Sequel Take a survey sometime of Bible reading Christians and ask them if they’ve spent more time reading the Gospels or the Book of Acts. The answer is will always be the Gospels. And it’s not even a close contest. But why is this? I think the answer is quite obviously … More Divine Summons 4
We’re living in exciting times. A shift in our understanding of church models is reframing everything and opening our eyes to ways of better embodying the gospel and reaching those outside our sanctuary walls with the love and salvation in Christ. I’m excited to read Reggie McNeal’s “Missional Renaissance.” I have had it recommended twice … More “Missional Renaissance” by Reggie McNeal
1 In My Former Book In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave … More Divine Summons 3
Here’s two clips of a sermon by Greg Boyd called ‘Taking Out the Trash‘(5/11/2008) where he addresses the central question: What does it mean to “get saved?” Many people (especially people in the United States) see salvation as a one time event and the result of “believing” certain things about God. While belief is important, salvation encompasses much more … More VIDEO: What does it mean to be saved? (Boyd)
Just having some fun!
“It may make your blood boil. Your mind may not often be changed. But the practice of listening to opposing views is essential for effective citizenship.” – President Barrack Obama
The night has come and gone. Our last night of Fusion youth group. For nearly 3 years this has been home. This has been the field God has given us to cultivate. These have been the hearts and minds God has given us to nurture and grow, challenge and lead. What a wonderful season of … More Fusion Finale Snapshots
I heard a story on the radio recently discussing the fading reality of the “American Dream.” The story said only about 57% of Americans still believe the American Dream is achievable or worth pursuing. I say, “Die, American myth, die!!” I happen to believe that many (not all!) of the promises of the American Dream … More The Future of the American Dream
Tim Morey pulled these excerpts from a Dallas Willard interview at Out Of Ur. I, too, have been listening to a series of lectures by Dallas myself this past week. He’s been an enormous influence in my life and a magnificent gift to the 21st century church. As a 30-year old visionary leader who often … More Dallas Willard: A Gentle Prophet
A Story of Stories My story begins somewhere in the middle of this human struggle to trust my life to God while maintaining control of my own destiny. I was steadily plodding along in my second year of college at Bethel University (then Bethel College). I was doing my best to write my own story, … More Divine Summons 2
Trevin Wax offers his reflections on Jennifer Knapp’s appearance on Larry King Live in an article for the Baptist Press called Jennifer Knapp and Homosexuality: Changing the Questions. Here’s an excerpt: I only know Jennifer Knapp — a former Dove Award winning artist who recently announced she is a lesbian — through her music. (Kansas is … More Trevin Wax on Jennifer Knapp & Larry King
This Wednesday is a sad day. We celebrate our last official night of Fusion youth group together before Keri and I prepare to move on. For nearly 3 years these teenagers have been our gift from God and the focus of our Kingdom ministry. In honor of Fusion, here’s a couple snapshots of the kind … More Last Night of Fusion
Kingdom Harbor 