Archive for July 2018
Apostolic Fathers Every Christian Should Know: Seven Excerpts from The Didache
In recent posts, I have been introducing you to key persons among the Apostolic Fathers. The Apostolic Fathers are the authors of the earliest Christian writings after the period of the Apostles. The writings span the end of the first century until the middle of the second. For some of the writings of the Apostolic…
Read MoreThe Befriending God
One of our first glimpses of restored friendship in the Bible appears in a quite unlikely place: a genealogy.[1] The list of names in Genesis 5 repeats the phrase “and he died.” Every death, in every generation, confirms that sin remained and friendships ended. Yet one man broke the pattern: Enoch, who didn’t die but…
Read MoreThemes and Typology in Exodus
Many biblical patterns receive attention in the book of Exodus, so many that it would be difficult to put together the rest of the Bible without it. Covenant, salvation, the ten commandments, knowing God through self-revelation, Israelite institutions like the Feast of Unleavened Bread and Passover, and other themes find their introduction in Exodus. For…
Read MoreBarrett’s Book Notes: Thomas Aquinas
Brian Davies. Thomas Aquinas: A Very Brief History. SPCK, 2017. It has been very encouraging to see a renaissance of interest in Thomas Aquinas. For far too long evangelicals have put Thomas aside, allowing Roman Catholics to claim him. That is a mistake. Thomas has much to say that is of great value for Protestants,…
Read MorePastoring Those Struggling with Infertility
It’s Mother’s Day. Women of the congregation are everywhere spruced up and a smidge giddier than usual. Hymn singing rises to match the levity in the room. At the first break in the service, a few deacons bring parcels of flowers to the front for distribution and the worship pastor smiles broadly as he launches…
Read MoreApostolic Fathers Every Christian Should Know: Clement of Rome
This is the third of six articles by Kenneth Berding focused on Apostolic Fathers every Christian should know. The Apostolic Fathers are the authors of the earliest Christian writings after the period of the Apostles. The writings span the end of the first century until the middle of the second. Kenneth Berding (Ph.D., Westminster Theological…
Read MoreNew Credo Video: What does the resurrection have to do with the gospel?
What does the resurrection have to do with the gospel? Why was it necessary for Christ not only to die on the cross but to rise from the dead? How does the resurrection ground our salvation from beginning to end? Should the resurrection change the way we share the gospel with those who do not…
Read MoreWhat does the resurrection have to do with the gospel?
What does the resurrection have to do with the gospel? Why was it necessary for Christ not only to die on the cross but to rise from the dead? How does the resurrection ground our salvation from beginning to end? Should the resurrection change the way we share the gospel with those who do not know Christ? What does the resurrection tell us about the Trinity?
Read MoreWhere to Turn When Tragedy Strikes
When tragedy strikes, one’s spiritual life often descends into disorientation and confusion. Questions dominate conversation with God in those sorrowful first months. Three questions, in particular, seem to undergird the spiritual agony, and a sufferer will struggle to move forward and to connect with God until these questions are resolved. After the death of my…
Read MoreIsrael’s Golden Calf Idolatry
Last month the new issue of Credo Magazine was released: Idolatry. The following is an excerpt from James Todd’s article. James M. Todd III serves as Associate Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at College of the Ozarks. He is the author of Remember, O Yahweh: The Poetry and Context of Psalms 135-137 and Sinai and…
Read More15 Sobering Reminders About Hell (And What It Means for Us)
“Resolution 55: Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments. July 8, 1723.” As I’ve recently re-read more of Jonathan Edwards, I am amazed at the man’s focus on eternity and his diligence to live in light…
Read MoreApostolic Fathers Every Christian Should Know: Polycarp of Smyrna
Last week we began a series on the Apostolic Fathers written by Kenneth Berding. The Apostolic Fathers are the authors of the earliest Christian writings after the period of the Apostles. The writings span the end of the first century until the middle of the second. Kenneth Berding (Ph.D., Westminster Theological Seminary) is professor of New…
Read More