1. Salvation is earthy. This one is paradigm shifting. God's salvific plan doesn't do away with physicality, with materialness, with "earthiness" so that we can be in a better spiritual existence usually called "Heaven." This is actually the teaching of Gnosticism (an ancient heresy) not Christianity. God's plan has always been to redeem, to recreate, … Continue reading 3 Things Seminary Taught Me: Salvation
Bible Reading
Psalms: Nature and Worship
We live in a world that in some respects is becoming more and more detached from nature—from God's created world. Certainly, humanity is called by God to make new stuff from what God has already created (Gen. 1:28) and we've made some amazing things. However, while we have harnessed the earth for our benefit, we … Continue reading Psalms: Nature and Worship
Psalms: It’s OK not to be OK
This past year I studied the Psalms A LOT. I got to study the Psalms in a seminary class (Hebrew 4), I went through the whole Psalter devotionally with two friends of mine at church (went through Tim & Kathy Keller's outstanding book The Songs of Jesus), and we're currently teaching through the Psalms in … Continue reading Psalms: It’s OK not to be OK
Exodus: Moses a.k.a the New Noah
The more I’ve read the Bible, the more I’ve come to realize and appreciate its artistry. I mean the writers are beautifully creative and carried along by the Spirit of God so it’s hardly surprising. Yet, I’m often gleefully surprised by the depth of God’s Word. The Book of Exodus has no shortage of artistic depth … Continue reading Exodus: Moses a.k.a the New Noah
6 Books that Will Change the Way You Read the Bible (for the better)
I used to read the Bible like God was tweeting @ me. A random verse here, a verse there. I had a couple favorite passages (usually pulled out of context) I would go to over and over when I was feeling down as if I was reading a therapeutic book written by some psychologist. Don't … Continue reading 6 Books that Will Change the Way You Read the Bible (for the better)
Your Netflix Binge-Watching Skills Can Help Your Bible-Reading Skills
Let's face it. We all binge-watch shows on Netflix. There's much to say about the topic of binge-watching, but this isn't the blog for that. I just want to make one observation about binge-watching shows: the binge-watcher is able to follow the storyline of the show very closely. That makes sense right? If you're binge-watching … Continue reading Your Netflix Binge-Watching Skills Can Help Your Bible-Reading Skills
