This is the second part of a series on mystery and wonder. I would like to introduce it with an actual point from within the audio/video. I quote Kallistos Ware extensively. He’s a Metropolitan (like a Bishop) in the Greek Orthodox Church of Britain. What I say about Kallistos Ware has to do with his voice, his booming English accent. If you compare him to C.S. Lewis, you might find that their voices sound similar, at least in my opinion. ... Read more
This writing is a brief deviation from the weekly routine we’ve started. Usually, I would post an audio/video episode first. However, it’s July 4th, so I’m offering a writing on a topic that may or may not be forgotten in America, a big picture snapshot of character and community development. Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. (Proverbs 14.34, NASB) i. Righteousness exalts a nation Righteousness means to... Read more
In Doctrine in the Greater Christian Community, I hope to challenge our approach to doctrine. Do we white-knuckle secondary doctrines at the expense of our unity with the Body of Christ? Are there primary doctrines that bind us to other Christians regardless of our brand? Once we understand our doctrine, nearly everything else is integration. We integrate our faith and life, our faith and beliefs, our faith and vocations, etc. Integration is a way of drawing from various disciplines in the search... Read more
We’re going to pick up with a theme from the last couple of videos, God’s revealed beauty. We’re going to look at a similar topic. These are Theological terms: i. Mystery and Wonder I’ve taught this in multiple settings. What I’m going to share will be notes from one sermon, over the next four weeks. Some of the audio will overlap from week to week, just for continuity. I would like you to be able to read or listen to any one... Read more
In the writing On the Spirit’s Gifts, Strengths-Based, and Integrative Approaches I blend our story with a little integration of doctrines and social science. Naturally, from that post, the question may arise, What is my basis for doctrine? i. Doctrinal Considerations I begin to answer this question in the post, The Trinity: Recognizing Beauty in Doctrine. First, we may want to consider our approach to doctrine. Is Scripture and Theology a link to the One who is Other? God is not easily... Read more
There is a revealed beauty in the language that God gives us to describe Him, as we enter into the processes of understanding Him more. Joel Green, a Theologian, says: “The texts of the NT were formed in the cauldron of community formation and witness; as a consequence, interpretation of those texts that does not lead to vital discipleship and mission hardly has a claim to being New Testament interpretation.”[1] This is a modern-day Theologian from the Ivy League telling... Read more
This is the third in a series of introductory writings, where I’m simply sharing a personal narrative. These provide a launching pad for a variety of ministerial and Theological forays. However, the guiding focus has been common discussions we have in relation to our stories and Christian ministry. In this post, we’ll hone in on Gifts and strengths, as an example of practical ministerial leadership and guidance. i. General Ministry vs. Finding a Niche? At the end of my last... Read more
The authentic faith of Thomas is difficult to comprehend. We often attribute the characteristics of doubt to Thomas, someone who fluctuates back and forth . . . and possibly . . . he does. We do know the Disciples met eight days before Jesus appeared to Thomas. Thomas was not with them. He probably has no excuse. i. There are other aspects to the story that we don’t often hear I want to touch on one of those. Craig Bartholomew and... Read more
i. Strengthening Connections In the first Patheos Prologue, I took time to explore my personal narrative, hoping that it will be a way for us to get acquainted at the outset. Also, I’ve carefully selected the topics, noting that these are commonly asked questions. Now, I’ll shift focus to ministry questions. As our relationships deepen, the questions usually do as well. In Christian circles, our common bond in Christ often allows us to get to know each other a little... Read more
John 11.40: Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” Have I really seen God’s glory in my life? Do I want really want to? Do I believe that He can show up in His glory? i. Glory is an important word It’s used at the beginning of the story. It’s also used as the highlight of the story, so it has a double-impact on this story. In verse 4,... Read more
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