If the posture of learning is to listen, the source of our learning, the source to whom we listen as we listen to the Bible being read, is God. There is a danger in some circles to equate Bible with God, and that leads (almost inevitably) to bibliolatry. Most, however, who equate God with Bible are simply using careless language. But it is worth our time once again to ponder this question and to see how Psalm 119:33-40 reveals what... Read more
Sarah Sumner’s chp 11 in Men and Women in Ministry discusses what 1 Peter 3:7 means when it says that women are the “weaker vessel.” Sarah begins with a lesson in how to do word studies, but first our questions. My questions today: How might we “empower” women in order that they may not be seen as the “weaker” vessel in a redemptive sense? How can we do this “in church,” in society, at home, etc.? (If the primary senses... Read more
Here is a very sad letter sent to me and printed with permission. Whenever I speak about Jesus Creed, I make a big point that loving God and loving others begins at home — with husbands and wives, parents and children, and that every biblical command must begin with love of God and others to gain its proper orientation. Here is a letter from a woman who has been abused by her husband who abused not only her but biblical... Read more
The “he” section of Psalm 119 (vv. 33-40) notably puts the psalmist in the posture of learning. The verbs are so clear in this psalm: |inline Read more
I will do a series of Advent Reflections, beginning December 3 (1st Advent Sunday) and continuing through Dec 24. They will be based on the Magnificat. Hope you can join us for this Christmas season. Read more
For Robert Webber, for healing rain and for effusive grace. Lord, hear our prayers. For a 5-year old, Tanay, who has had brain surgery. Lord, hear our prayers. |inline Read more
Last Sunday before Advent prayer: Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in thy well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Read more
I’m not speaking this week, but I’ll be at Emmaus Community on December 10th, and then at an Emergent cohort (Up/rooted) on December 11th, in Park Ridge. Details can be found here. |inline Read more
Wendell Berry’s Citizenship Papers piles up repetition of ideas, and it’s starting to wear on me. His ideals are noble: agrarianism. But, I must admit that the essays are repetitive, and before I long I will be asking someone else to join us at the table on Fridays. Our next book will be M. Volf, The End of Memory. But, Berry’s chapter “The Prejudice against Country People” struck me. |inline Read more
What does it cost for books when you go to SBL? Here’s something to factor in: |inline Read more
Jesus Creed
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