You may be thinking that the camera is out of focus in this recent photo of Keri kissing me at a wedding in Chicago. Well, you are mistaken. Love is electric. Keri’s kisses have been known to short-circuit microwaves, blow fuses, shatter glass, pop balloons, startle old ladies, and, of course, send shock waves through … More Electric Kisses
This is a brief follow up post to my recent “Is Evangelism Child Abuse” where I voiced my concern over the trend towards more over-the-top, anti-religious rhetoric in the marketplace of ideas. The broader more significant issue I see at stake in this discussion has to do with monitoring the spirit of the dialogue between … More “Full of Grace, Seasoned with Salt”: On Rhetoric & Respect
I have updated my original post (see italics) and added a direct quote from iMonk. Michael Spencer, the Internet Monk, has a post this week entitled “Is Evangelism Child Abuse?” He is responding to the newest attack on religious people and leaders — the view that attempts to evangelize and convert people (especially young teenagers) is … More Is Evangelism Child Abuse?
Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or cheap boasting, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well.”(Phil 2:3-4) As a basketball coach I know full … More PHILIPPIANS 15: Getting Along in a Get-Ahead World (Phil 2:3-4)
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 their respective views of the Law and Covenant. What is the purpose of the Law and Covenant? WRIGHT: God … More Piper vs. Wright (2): The Law & Covenant
This summer I am leading a Bible Study series with our high school students called Christ Encounters. Please join us for this 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 exegetical Interpretation, (3) concluding with … More Christ Encounter #1: Nicodemus
I have been following the lively, helpful discussion at Jesus Creed on Wright vs. Piper on Justification and the New Perspective, and recommend you check that out for yourself for more nuanced, detailed treatment. Today, I was very pleased to find this debate featured in this June edition of Christianity Today with an enormously … More Piper vs. Wright (1) – The Sin Problem
Another graphic courtesy of Jesus Creed. This graphically illustrated some of my previous posts on the dangers of social media technology. What do you think of this graphic? Which concerns you most?
“Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort provided by love, any fellowship in the Spirit, any affection or mercy, complete my joy and be of the same mind, by having the same love, being united in spirit, and having one purpose” (Phil 2:1-2). My teenage years were spent concert-hopping, and participating in that … More PHILIPPIANS 14: Dancing in a Mosh-Pit World (Phil 2:1-2)
Remember 1980s social media? Remember when TV and Radio had a monopoly on social media? Remember when video was killing the radio star? How many of these new social media modes are you familiar with? How many of these do you actively use? Why are people more lonely than ever despite all … More Brave New Worlds: Social Media 2009
Reposted from 2009 when I was a youth pastor. -JB If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock. But if you just use my … More Sand Castles: A Summer Challenge to Teens
“For it has been granted to you not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for him, since you are encountering the same conflict that you saw me face and now hear that I am facing.” (Phil 1:29-30) In today’s passage Paul says something that I have stressed a lot lately — namely, … More PHILIPPIANS 13: Suffering for Christ (Phil 1:29-30)
1. My number one favorite blog that is a part of my daily diet of reading is Jesus Creed with Scot McKnight. It’s hard to top the variety of topics and the depth of discussion found there. I have been honored to have some of my writings featured there. I admire Scot as a reputable … More My Top 3: Blogs
Friends, that’s exactly who we are: children of God. And that’s only the beginning. Who knows how we’ll end up! What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed, we’ll see him—and in seeing him, become like him. All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of … More Soft Clay is Always Becoming
“Whatever happens, as citizens of heaven live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ so that — whether I come and see you or whether I remain absent — I should hear that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, by contending side by side for the faith of the … More PHILIPPIANS 12: Resident Aliens (1:27-28)
The previous post sought to show how the biblical narrative paints an ideal picture of human flourishing which echoes the same longings the Neo-Tribalist philosophy emphasize. The point: So far, Christians can find much common ground with the aims of neo-tribalism. Today, however, I want to highlight where the biblical story diverges from the neo-tribalist … More Neo-Tribalism & the Tower of Babel – Part 3
Jesus Creed Blog has generously published another piece of my writing today. Go check it out HERE. McKnight’s award-winning Jesus Creed has been rated by Technorati.com as the #1 site for Emerging Church and is found at Beliefnet.com, read by millions. =) Thanks for welcoming your readers, Scot.
What is the gospel? I mean: What is the full, Kingdom of God-announcing, cross-centered, New Creation focused, sin-bearing, substitutionary atoning, wrath-absorbing, life-transforming, social justice-bringing gospel really about? Scot McKnight is doing perhaps the best job I’ve ever seen in concisely and biblically recapturing the fullness of the Kingdom Gospel of Jesus that has been … More Scot McKnight: Loosening the Helmet of Salvation
In part 1, I introduced the socio-economic philosophy of Neo-Tribalism. Wikapedia further adds that Data has pointed to a general breakdown in the social structure of modern civilization due to more frequent moves for economic reasons, longer commutes and a lack of emphasis in the media narrative on the desirability of strong friendships and community … More Neo-Tribalism & the Tower of Babel – Part 2
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as … More PHILIPPIANS 11: To Die is Gain (1:19-26)
This is an oldie but goodie out of the Daily Illumination treasure chest from a couple years ago. Why an old post? Because Jesus says that “Every teacher who has been well trained in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as … More Neo-Tribalism & the Tower of Babel – Part 1
Here’s a glimpse into Fusion–the senior high youth group I have the privilege of leading and serving. I love you guys!
Lindsay Swiggum, an 18-year old senior at Apple Valley High, is part of the youth group I pastor. She recently took 1st place honors in the state speech competition in the category of “Original Oratory.” The following is her original work that won her state. I am very impressed with Lindsay’s writing talent — and … More “To Quit or Not To Quit?” (Lindsay Swiggum)
Scot McKnight at Jesus Creed is in the middle of a provocative discussion on the fuller message of the “Kingdom Gospel” found by reading the Bible as Story over and against the more popular, privatized gospel boiled down to a few abstract propositional truths pertaining to individual salvation. McKnight pushes us to a larger, more … More ESSAY: The Church as God’s New Language
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am … More PHILIPPIANS 10: The Message & the Medium (Phil 1:15-18)
Kingdom Harbor 