Here are the top 14 blog posts you need to read from the Patheos column, “In Christ.” These are essential reading, especially if you are new to this blog. I selected them not only because of their importance, but also because they are fan favorites based on the amount of views they receive. Some of them, as you will notice, have historical value since I (B. J. Oropeza) wrote them during the Covid years (2020–2021). To view them just click on the titles. Here they are:
We often hear, sometimes even with Scripture references, that the risen Christ is interceding for us in heaven. But if so, does this mean that God the Father is reluctant to answer our prayers? Why would Jesus be praying to God if he is in the very presence of God and one with him? This article sets the record straight by claiming that Jesus is not praying for us, but something better is going on.
In this article I pick 5 different passages in 1 Corinthians that are typically misunderstood or misinterpreted. For example, people widely recognize the beautiful, poetic way Paul writes about agape love in 1 Corinthians 13, a text that is often read at weddings. However, the real purpose for Paul writing this chapter on love is not very flattering. Find out why.
When ministers stress that God loves people unconditionally, they may be inadvertently giving these same individuals a license to sin. What many need to hear these days is not simply that God loves them but that God is a holy God who hates sin. Repentance is what a number of these ministers are failing to preach. Find out more about the problem of “unconditional” love through this article. I wrote it at the beginning of the summer riots of 2020.
This article is a candid reflection on being single in Western society and what Scripture says about sex. It is the first of a mini-series on sex and the single Christian. The first of the series has received the most views. Others in the series are: (2) “Fornication in 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8,”; (3)“Glorify God with your Bodies”; (4) “Sex, Love, and Walking in the Spirit,” and (5) “Christian Marriage: Mutual and Celebrative Self-Donation.” After reading the first in the series, scroll to the bottom of that page to get to the next post.
This article addresses thorny questions about God’s sovereignty and election of humans (“Jacob I loved, Esau I hated”), and whether humans are genuinely free to make their own decision, even in light of Romans 9. The topic started my exploration into what the patristic authors have to say on the subject. Other posts in the series include: (2) “Chosen Prior to Faith or Chosen by Foreknown Faith? A Look at the Early Church Fathers on Romans 9”; (3) “St. Augustine vs. St. Augustine: Grace and Foreknowledge in Romans 9; (4) “Thomas Aquinas on Mercy: Should I Forgive One Person but not the Other?” ; and (5) “Four Views on Fate and Freewill: Christian Perspectives.” Once you have read the first in the series, you can scroll down to the bottom of that page to get to the next post. I will probably return to this subject again in the future.
The article goes into the meaning of biblical covenants as it references scholars such as N. T. Wright and Richard Hays. For a more thorough investigation into the topic, see my new article: “Covenant” in Dictionary of Paul and His Letters (second edition, 2023).
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Perspectives on Paul: Catholic, Protestant, New and Post-New Perspectives (Paul within Judaism and the Gift Perspective)
Scot McKnight and I conducted a productive dialog between an all-start cast of 5 top scholars on the Apostle Paul across denominational lines. They each present their own perspective on Paul, and they respond to the other four scholars. The main subjects center on justification and works of the Law, salvation, Jew and gentile relationships, Israel, grace, and much more.
People are always intrigued by prophecy. This article addresses Gog and Magog from Ezekiel 38–39. At one time, certain evangelicals claimed this was the Soviet Union, and then certain Muslim nations. Now Russia again? Is there a better way to interpret this prophecy? Find out…
Angels are another topic of intense intrigue, especially when I am talking about the possibility that you might have a guardian angel. I discuss ancient Jewish literature, church fathers, and, of course, biblical Scripture on the subject.
Frankly, I had no idea when I wrote this article that it would become so popular. It just goes to show that many people love Paul’s letter to the Romans! My one regret is that my own commentary on Romans is still in the oven and could not be included on this list.
4. What Does Toilet Paper have in Common with the Bible? Seven Reasons for the Missing Roles and What This Means
This is perhaps my most unique post; it covers the Bible, toilet paper, and poop! It was not too long ago that we would all be scrambling for toilet paper in the supermarkets due to its scarcity. What motivated us to hoard this item? There are some biblical and wise principles that address this question in the article. Be sure to read the footnote on relevant biblical passages.
3. Put on the Full Armor of God: Applying Ephesians 6:10-18
The subject is a perpetual favorite from Ephesians 6. We all need to be spiritually prepared for opposition, and this article will help you in that regard. It is my second most often viewed post.
2. Was Satan Once a Beautiful Angel named Lucifer?
This has been my most frequently viewed Patheos post. I refuse to place it at number one for obvious reasons. In this article I debunk the extremely popular notion that Satan was once a beautiful angel named Lucifer in heaven, who once directed God’s choir. If you presently hold to this viewpoint and dare to read this article, you probably will not continue to hold to it for long.
1. Is the Corona Virus a Sign of the End Times?
This article has historical value, not only because it was my very first Patheos article, but because I wrote it when we were all locked down at the beginning of the pandemic (March-April, 2020). It is also one of my most frequently viewed articles, though in recent months it has waned now that the pandemic is generally over. However, you can be sure that this same question will arise again regarding the next pandemic, whenever it should come. Hopefully, it will not be soon!
If you are interested in my top posts last year, see “The Secret Academy Award Winners: The Best of Patheos ‘In Christ’ (2022).”
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