Martin Luther talked of a “theology of the cross” (theologia cruces), The God who suffers with and for human beings reveals himself in humility—most clearly in the person of Jesus of Nazareth.  Luther disapproved of “theologians of glory” who confidently presented abstract “proofs.”  Why?  Such theologians may be in danger of obscuring both the cross, which casts “God’s shadow,” and of diminishing the fact that God veils himself for particular reasons.  It is true that salvation comes through our self-abandonment and humbling ourselves in response to God’s grace.  Even if we may disagree with Luther to some extent, we shouldn’t forget that human reasoning—even constructing arguments for God’s nature and existence— without the aid of the cross and the Spirit of God will miss the mark. Luther is right to point us in a cruciform or crucicentric direction; indeed, the world-defying wisdom of God is found in the cross (1 Cor. 1:18). Continue Reading »

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I don’t think that there is a more valuable phrase that I have learned than this. “The palatability of a doctrine does not determine its veracity.” I believe this is true. There are two key words here: “palatability” and “determine.”

Palatability refers to appeal, tastefulness, and emotional response to something. “Determine” according to the dictionary means, “to settle or decide (a dispute, question, etc.) by an authoritative or conclusive decision.” This does not mean that palatability has no say whatsoever, but it is not determinative by any means. I will explain more later. Continue Reading »

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I know that I said that I would not take the title, but something happened today that has forced me to reconsider both the titles postmodern and emerging. I do believe that I am now an emerger. Here is the story… Continue Reading »

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What is it that makes theology so important? Why can’t we just love Jesus and move past all of these definitive articulations of belief that seem to divide those who follow Christ? Can’t we all just get along and leave theology a mystery and get back to the buisness of being Christ bearers? Continue Reading »

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Since Sam Storms is our special guest on Converse with Scholars this week, I thought that I would introduce you to him by pointing you to his website: http://www.enjoyinggodministries.com. This website has a wealth of theological, biblical, and historical material that is of the highest quality. I encourage you all to visit the site in preparation for this weeks program. Oh, let me give you the details: Dr. Storms will be here, live, online, this Thursday evening at 10pm EST to discuss Calvinism as a follow up to our conversation with Roger Olson last week about Arminianism. Olson’s interview can be accessed here. Download it here: www.conversewithscholars.org. Find out how to join here.

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I don’t really mind labels like some. I just mind people having the wrong idea about what the labels mean and therefore making faulty assumptions based upon misinformation. I am a Calvinist and I don’t shy away from the label. Not only this, but I am a committed Calvinist who is very passionately persuaded by the reformed doctrines of grace. Continue Reading »

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Reclaiming the Mind Ministries is hosting a special Converse with Scholars during the next two weeks. I am very excited about this program as we are having two great scholars on to represent their respecting positions (although, don’t we always?). Tonight, March 22 at 10pm EST, Roger Olson will be joining us to discuss the Arminian position. The following Thursday, March 29 at 10pm EST, Samuel Storms will be discussing the Calvinist position. Rhome Dyck and myself will be hosting the program as Ed Komoszewski is out of town. Continue Reading »

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Considering our Converse with Scholars broadcasts on Calvinism and Arminianism for the next two weeks, I thought that I would post this. It looks really good. It can be purchased here for a reasonable price. Has anyone seen it?

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OK, I am back . . . and I am tired, excited, thoughtful, scared, and thankful.

I am tired, but not for the reasons why you would think. Zach’s delivery went perfect with no complications. Why am I tired? Because I have been having to see life from Kristie’s eyes for the last few days. Wow! Let’s just say that the girls matted hair, Will’s lack of change of clothes and three day old messy face, and the destruction that they cause around the house is something that is much easier to take care of when Kristie is around. Continue Reading »

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1. He has relinquished control to me because he finally realized how much wiser I am than he.

2. I have him bound and gagged in my basement and am forcing him to turn from his emergent ways.

3. He is in the process of reading Matthew Henry’s Commentary in toto and just can’t seem to put it down.

4. His beautiful wife Kristie has gone into labor and soon the world will be introduced to the greatest theologian of the 21st Century- Zachary Michael Patton (he has to be better than his dad at least.) Continue Reading »

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Once again, we continue with our evaluation of the four primary views that people have taken in engaging our postmodern culture. And, once again, here are the options of the original post:

Option 1: Deny the horse is really postmodern. No one can be a consistent postmodern. We simply need to convince them of the untenability of their professing worldview and show them how they don’t hold to it in reality. Continue Reading »

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As you know, we have been trying to move for the last few months. Since I don’t have an office out of Stonebriar Community Church any longer, I had to move all my books home. I don’t have room in the playroom . . . ahem . . . my office, so I have to keep them in the garage. So for those of you who want to see my library, here it is. Continue Reading »

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This is a question that I was asked and thought I would share with the blog world.

Outside of the Roman Catholic Church official bull (Humanae Vitae) prohibiting birth control, there is no official position that the church has taken with regards to this issue. While Roman Catholics believe that taking birth control can be a mortal sin (one which removes the justifying grace of God), Evangelicals have seen the use of birth control as permissible. Continue Reading »

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As I reflect upon this year, one thing is more evident than ever: God does not hot sync to PDAs.

It is odd but true. God has not ever gotten up in the morning, gone to His computer, logged on to the internet, accessed my Outlook calendar, plugged in His PDA and hot synced to me. I don’t know why. It would be much easier for the both of us. Things would go much more smoothly, and I would accomplish much more. Continue Reading »

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