Kingdom of God is Jesus’ favorite expression for his mission and his aim. But what does it mean? Scholars have gotten trapped into two boxes. First, many are preoccupied with the issue of time: did Jesus think the Kingdom was imminent, inaugurated, or entirely in the future? Far too often what that question of time is settled, kingdom is dropped. Second, others are trapped into thinking the kingdom of God is some kind of “experience” of the divine — as... Read more
I have this week accepted two speaking engagements. One for the Civitas lectures at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, at a Conference called After Evangelicalism, where I will join a set of speakers. My topic, on late Friday afternoon, will be on the Emerging Movement. Also, in February, I will be speaking at the National Pastor’s Convention in San Diego on Feb 22-25. There I will host two workshops, one on the Jesus Creed and one on Embracing Grace. And,... Read more
Stephen Shields pours gentle words all over the recent discussion with Australia. There’s a lot to learn here. Thanks Stephen. Read more
In this post on conversion, I want to look at the sixth dimension of conversion: consequences. The first five dimensions, which are not “steps” but dimensions that often are intertwined and dialectical — like any good relationship, are (1) context, (2) crisis, (3) quest, (4) encounter-interaction, (5) commitment, and (6) consequences. One of the issues that has vexed pastors and Christians leaders for centuries is the problem when Church members, believers by all appearances, have little visible consequence of Christian... Read more
In this post on conversion, I want to look at the sixth dimension of conversion: consequences. The first five dimensions, which are not “steps” but dimensions that often are intertwined and dialectical — like any good relationship, are (1) context, (2) crisis, (3) quest, (4) encounter-interaction, (5) commitment, and (6) consequences. One of the issues that has vexed pastors and Christians leaders for centuries is the problem when Church members, believers by all appearances, have little visible consequence of Christian... Read more
In their 2004 book, If Grace is True, Philip Gulley and James Mulholland make a case for universalism and this is their essential creedal contention: I believe — on the basis of their experiences;God — who is the gracious, loving Father Jesus revealed;will — this is what this God wants;save — ultimately, finally, perfect;every person — who has ever lived, is living, and ever will live. Some of you may have read this book and know of some discussions out... Read more
In their 2004 book, If Grace is True, Philip Gulley and James Mulholland make a case for universalism and this is their essential creedal contention: I believe — on the basis of their experiences;God — who is the gracious, loving Father Jesus revealed;will — this is what this God wants;save — ultimately, finally, perfect;every person — who has ever lived, is living, and ever will live. Some of you may have read this book and know of some discussions out... Read more
In the fifth dimension of conversion (commitment), a person makes it clear that she or he is now committed to a relationship with Jesus. Conversion theorists say they are three “manifestations” of commitment: decision, surrender, and witness. We need to keep commitment all wrapped up in a relational mode instead of wandering into a judicial mode, however important the latter is, if we want to see its full-orbed nature. The decision is a decision to “be with Christ,” and the... Read more
I was impressed with much of what I read on Sivin Kit‘s website about Chris Erdman‘s “preaching on the run.” Makes me a bit nervous, but I’m also quite sure that Jesus didn’t sit down and take notes, or that Paul did much of that sort of thing either. Maybe, but maybe not. A word to consider. But, we shouldn’t forget the awesome task of preaching or that the fastest way to be shifted from the pastoral office to another... Read more
A final thought on Peter. Let us accept that there are sudden or at least cataclysmic conversions like Paul’s. We know little about Paul’s experience prior to his conversion, but it is entirely possible that he had heard the gospel before his life-changing trip to Damascus. Even if that is the case, his conversion made his eyes twitter and his body shake and his soul wrench. And let us also accept that some people, as my former colleague, Perry Downs,... Read more
Jesus Creed
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