From Distraction to Focus on Jesus

Last updated on: July 14, 2024 at 1:55 pm By Brad Vaughn

In our distraction-filled world, the ability to focus stands out as a rare and valuable skill. In the previous post, I compared attention to “currency.” For believers, this isn’t just a cognitive exercise; it’s a vital spiritual discipline. The distinction between attention and focus, though subtle, is significant. While attention can be dispersed across many stimuli, focus involves intentionally directing our mental and emotional energy toward one central purpose. For Christians, this means fixing our eyes on Jesus. Let’s delve... Read more

Attention is a type of currency in the Christian life

Last updated on: July 14, 2024 at 1:49 pm By Brad Vaughn

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In today’s world, distractions are endless and time feels fleeting. And so, attention has become our most valuable asset–– currency, if you will. It shapes not only our daily lives but also our worldview and worship. Catherine Price aptly captures this reality with her assertion, “Our lives are what we pay attention to.” As Christians, this insight challenges us to consider carefully where we aim our focus. Paying attention isn’t at all passive; it’s an active choice that reveals our... Read more

“I’ll be wherever you call me.”

Last updated on: June 15, 2024 at 3:07 pm By Brad Vaughn

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We might say “I’ll go wherever you send me,” but will we be wherever he calls us? Here are several practical helps. Read more

Biblical Foundations for Local Embodiment

Last updated on: June 15, 2024 at 2:52 pm By Brad Vaughn

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I previously highlighted a dynamic in which we say we will “go wherever” God calls us. However, we either replace “going” with internet tools (like social media), or we forego God’s call upon us to be present wherever we are. Before I dive into some implications and applications (in coming posts), I want to lay the groundwork for a theology of local embodiment. This is a subject that I’m very much learning about in my own life. The Bible’s Call... Read more

A Theology of Locality Embraces the Call to Be Present

Last updated on: June 15, 2024 at 2:40 pm By Brad Vaughn

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In the context of Christian missions, the phrase “I’ll go wherever you call me” encapsulates a laudable willingness to follow Christ’s leading to distant lands. However, in today’s digital age, this fervent ambition to “change the world” is often expressed through social media and various online platforms. We have little sense for a specific locality. Read more

The fundamental reason you’re conservative or liberal

Last updated on: May 21, 2024 at 12:06 pm By Brad Vaughn

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Recent research sheds light on the fundamental ideological divide between conservatives and liberals. Contrary to long-standing theories... Read more

Jesus Loved Colonialists. Do We?

Last updated on: May 14, 2024 at 11:03 am By Brad Vaughn

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In recent discussions about colonialism and its ongoing impacts, it’s helpful to recognize the nuanced way Jesus interacted with individuals who, by today’s standards, might be seen as representatives of colonial power. This post explores the interactions between Jesus and those associated with the Roman Empire, such as soldiers, alongside the case of Cornelius in Acts. It illustrates that Jesus’ approach was one of redemptive love and transformation, not endorsement of their actions or status. Christ’s engagement with “colonialists” provides... Read more

Applying the Trivium to Theological Training

Last updated on: May 6, 2024 at 4:02 pm By Brad Vaughn

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Classical education structures its approach to learning using the trivium of grammar, logic, and rhetoric. This post explains how the trivium offers a robust framework that can be adeptly applied to theological training. This pedagogical model not only fosters a comprehensive understanding of the material; it also cultivates critical thinking and effective communication skills, which are essential for theological students. Read more

Romans 2 is Not about General Human Conscience

Last updated on: May 6, 2024 at 3:36 pm By Brad Vaughn

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Protestants routinely but mistakenly interpret Romans 2:14 as if to say that humanity has God’s Law written on their hearts via their conscience (i.e., all Gentiles universally have an inherent moral compass that aligns with God’s Law). Paul writes, For when Gentiles, who do not have the Law, by nature do what the Law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the Law. In contrast to popular readings, Romans 2:14–29 indicates that Paul speaks... Read more

Gen Z reluctance is a major threat to Western missions

Last updated on: March 23, 2024 at 5:51 pm By Brad Vaughn

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Generation Z (Gen Z) evangelicals are reluctant to engage in cross-cultural missions due to fears of imperialism and colonialism. This is a significant threat to the church and the mobilization of missionaries from the West. Read more