Words have the power to clarify and confuse. The church commits syncretism by uncritically accepting phrases like "validating" emotions. Read more
Words have the power to clarify and confuse. The church commits syncretism by uncritically accepting phrases like "validating" emotions. Read more
Popular readings of Romans 7 assert "there is nothing good in me." But is this truly what Paul intended to convey in Romans 7? Read more
Few resources help someone learn Chinese in order to teach theology and other major Christian ideas. So this book is a game-changer. Read more
We all have a portfolio of identities. I know this should be obvious, but bear with me… it’s proving to be far less apparent to us all. Read more
Should multiplication be a missionary’s goal? For many people, the question seems nonsensical. It's an obvious “yes.” But... Read more
What are our motivations for participating in God’s missionary calling upon the church to spread the gospel? Today, Christians are almost unanimous on the answer. One hears people emphasize the need to save people from eternal death. Such a concern stems from a love of God and a love of people. For countless evangelicals, they’d simply quote you the “Great Commission” in Matthew 28:18-20. What motivated the early church? These answers seem obvious to us. But they are not the... Read more
Jesus says one sin is unforgivable— blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. In general, commentators are left guessing what Jesus means. No one wants to say that Jesus won’t forgive certain sins, especially when people are not sure what counts as blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Scott Callaham’s recent article not only sheds light on the answer but also has significant implications for understanding baptism and covenants. While a lot of biblical scholarship does not say much that is “new” or is not far-reaching in its theological implications, that cannot be said of Scott’s article. Read more
People today are more aware of shame's presence and power. Unfortunately, we still struggle to respond to it. Here are two wrong ways of avoiding shame. Read more
I ask students whether they’d like the secret to being a great pastor. No one wants to be wrong on that. “It’s very simple,” I hint. Read more
Syncretism is easy to see in others. It’s nearly impossible to see in ourselves. So, we think everyone else is consumeristic, but not us. Read more
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