During the summer months our high school ministry drops regular weekly programming and moves to an event-driven schedule. We have a calendar jam packed with exciting events we don’t want anyone to miss out on. Yet, recently, I have beenpulling out my hair and trying every possible mode of communication to get the word out … More Hearing God: A Modern Parable (for Frustrated Youth Pastors)
I am unpacking some thoughts on both the validity of the man-centered vs. God-centered debate and offering some healthy push back on the fuzzy, over-extension of this line of reasoning. I see a distortion of both the character of God and what it means for human beings to glorify God. Michael Spencer began his post … More Man-Centered vs. God-Centered 3: Is God an Idolater?
I am unpacking some thoughts on both the validity of the man-centered vs. God-centered debate and offering some healthy push back on the fuzzy, over-extension of this line of reasoning. Michael Spencer began his post on this topic with a wise disclaimer I would like to echo: These posts are, without a doubt, an experiment … More Man-Centered vs. God-Centered 2: Reasons Behind the Debate
Why do so many Christians, notably conservative Evangelicals and Reformed brothers and sisters, often put the glorification of God at odds with human attempts at excellence? Does striving for greatness always lead to human pride and undercut the magnification of God? Does a strong focus on the needs and concerns of human beings always result … More Man-Centered vs. God-Centered 1: Introducing the Debate
We’re comparing the differences between John Piper and N. T. Wright on Paul and the New Perspective using helpful summaries compiled by Trevin Wax featured in the June 2008 edition of Christianity Today. Today we finish up with the final comparison from Wax’s chart dealing with the question of the present and future realities of justification. What … More Piper v. Wright (7): Future Justification
Every scholar-teacher has their favorite topic — those aspects of their field of study they are most passionate about. When a student raises a question related to one of your favorite topics, you get instantly energized, your voice gains added force and you launch into lecture mode. In my Bible Studies and discussions with people … More My Top 3: Theological “Hobbyhorses”
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God … More PHILIPPIANS 17: Christ Hymn 1 (Phil 2:5-11)
On my 30th birthday some years back I shared some personal journal entries that provide a window into the trials and triumphs I faced during the decade of my tumultuous 20s. When Keri walked into my life Cupid’s arrow struck me with an abundance of emotion and fresh inspiration. I began journaling like crazy and … More 30th Birthday Reflections: New Love 2
On this week of my 30th birthday I am sharing some personal journal entries that provide a window into the trials and triumphs I faced during the decade of my tumultuous 20s. You are about to read one of my most cherished journal entries of all time. I am so glad I took the … More 30th Birthday Reflections: New Love
On this week of my 30th birthday I am sharing some personal journal entries that provide a window into the trials and triumphs I faced during the decade of my tumultuous 20s. I made a critical decision between my sophomore and junior year of college to switch my major from Education to Biblical & … More 30th Birthday Reflections: New Calling
Bethel Campus On this week of my 30th birthday I am sharing some personal journal entries that provide a window into the trials and triumphs I faced during the decade of my tumultuous 20s. I had my share of days where anxiety over the future and insecurities over the person I was becoming brought … More 30th Birthday Reflections: New Anxieties & New Peace
On this week of my 30th birthday I am sharing some personal journal entries that provide a window into the trials and triumphs I faced during the decade of my tumultuous 20s. In our teens we are the center of the universe, and everything revolves around us. In our 20s many of us begin … More 30th Birthday Reflections: New Song
On this week of my 30th birthday I am sharing some personal journal entries that provide a window into the trials and triumphs I faced during the decade of my tumultuous 20s. I experienced a radical faith transformation during my first 2 years of college. Almost overnight I went from being a sports jock … More 30th Birthday Reflections: New Faith & Focus
Bake me a cake, light some candles and break out the noisemakers and party hats. I am turning the big 30 on July 3. I am leaving behind the tumultuous twenties with much hesitancy but even more gratitude. I am not going to let this birthday pass by without reflecting back on the past decade … More 30th Birthday Reflections
We’re comparing the differences between John Piper and N. T. Wright on Paul and the New Perspective using helpful summaries compiled by Trevin Wax featured in the June 2008 edition of Christianity Today. Today we follow up the significance of the saving work of the gospel of Jesus Christ by asking the question: “How does this happen?” … More Piper vs. Wright (6): How Exactly Does Jesus Save?
We’re comparing the differences between John Piper and N. T. Wright on Paul and the New Perspective using helpful summaries compiled by Trevin Wax featured in the June 2008 edition of Christianity Today. Today we focus on the central message of the gospel. What is the gospel? PIPER: The heart of the gospel … More Piper vs. Wright (5): The Gospel
From the DI archives. A while back I was researching the ways our brain processes messages in preparation for a series of messages I gave at a weekend youth retreat based on “The Matrix” movies. Here’s some of my reflections on our image-based culture. -JB “What we’ve introduced at MTV is nonnarrative form…We rely on … More A Picture Is Worth a 1,000 Words (& Millions of Dollars)
You’re beautiful from head to toe, my dear love, beautiful beyond compare, absolutely flawless. You’ve captured my heart, dear friend. You looked at me, and I fell in love. One look my way and I was hopelessly in love! Song of Solomon 4 (The Message)
Please join us for a series of studies in some of the most well-known encounters with Christ in the Gospels. Each study will provide (1) initial Observations & Questions from the text, (2) followed by some Exegesis & Interpretation, (3) concluding with some personal Application questions and considerations. SCRIPTURE: Mark 10:35-45
We’re comparing the differences between John Piper and N. T. Wright on Paul and the New Perspective using helpful summaries compiled by Trevin Wax in the June 2009 edition of Christianity Today. Today we focus on the question: How do Piper and Wright differ on their understanding of first-century Judaism as the background of Paul’s … More Piper vs. Wright (4): First-Century Judaism
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus…” or “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…” (Phil. 2:5) Have you ever tried putting together a puzzle without having the box cover to show you what the finished product is supposed to look like? Without the cover picture we … More PHILIPPIANS 16: Puzzle Pieces & Box Covers (Phil 2:5)
Let me preface the following post by stating how important I feel it is for Christians to be open-minded and unafraid to generously engage and learn from people of differing viewpoints. I am a better person and a stronger, more committed follower and teacher of Biblical Christianity precisely because I allow my convictions to be … More A Plea for a Fuller Gospel Vision
We’re comparing the differences between John Piper and N. T. Wright on Paul and the New Perspective using helpful summaries compiled by Trevin Wax featured in the June edition of Christianity Today. Today we look at “the righteousness of God.” What does Paul mean by the righteousness of God? PIPER: The essence of God’s righteousness is … More Piper vs. Wright (3): God’s Righteousness
Many of you know I spent several years during seminary teaching Driver Education and substitute teaching in the public schools. I had many neat encounters with teens, but one of my all time favorite stories involves Greg. And it all began in the front seat of the student driver car. Greg was a skinny, geeky … More “Behind-the-Wheel” Evangelism
Please join us for a summer series of studies in some of the most well-known encounters with Christ in the Gospels. Each study will provide (1) initial Observations & Questions from the text, (2) followed by some Exegesis & Interpretation, (3) concluding with some personal Application questions and considerations. SCRIPTURE: Matt 19:16-24; Mark 10:17-22; Luke 18:18-30
Kingdom Harbor 