Fuller Seminary Statement of Faith
An old water pumping station at a train station in Romania. STATEMENT OF FAITH Under God, and subject to biblical authority, the faculty,...
Dallas Theological Seminary Doctrinal Statement
A boy walks past an old wall and gate. Romania used to be filled with scenes of brick walls without plaster and old wood without paint. I...
notes on John
notes on the Gospel according to John somewhere in the Dolomites, Italy. John 1 1.37 Two disciples heard him say this, and they followed...
Gnosticism and docetism and Platonic dualism, Oh No!
≡ I don't like John's writings. Yes, John 15 is one of the most beautiful passages in Scripture. But he was the disciple that Jesus loved.
the starting point
≡ There are basic rules for understanding Scripture. Rule 1: The Scriptures cannot be changed. You'd think that would be obvious. It's not.
the starting point, part one. The essentials
≡ The Good Samaritan remains our litmus test. Can we pass by and still have a clear conscience?
the starting point, part two. 15 more essentials
≡ Do you think you need to be born again? Do you think the Jews were wrong to obey the Law? The answer to both is: probably not.
misdirection is having people look so closely they don’t see what’s going on
≡ John 9.1-7
He spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, saying to him, “Go, wash”.
the starting point, part three. Inevitable consequences of parts 1 and 2
15 more essentials for understanding Scripture the Olympic Rain Forest. Washington State. This is a continuation of the essentials from...
the starting point, part four. Getting past things you want to believe.
≡ Your children and your job are not your ministry. No, you are not poor in spirit. No, you are not strong when you're weak.
the starting point, part five. A checklist for understanding the experts.
≡ When you read a commentary or theology, you must not just read between the lines, you must understand their reason for becoming a writer.
simple answers. 2 Cor 12.10
≡ 2 Cor 12.10
"Whenever I am weak, then I am strong." Paul said this after years of suffering. We dishonor his work when we say we know.
simple answers. Rom 12.1
≡ Rom 12.1
Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual [reasonable] worship.
simple answers. Rom 8.38-39
≡ Rom 8.38-39
Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
simple answers. Rom 8.28
≡ Rom 8.28
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
simple answers. Rom 8.1-4
≡ Rom 8.1-4
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
simple answers. Rom 8.5
≡ Rom 8.5
Those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
simple answers. Matt 6.25
≡ Matt 6.25
Do not worry what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear.
Intervention on the Mount
≡ Is it possible that Jesus could tell them to repent in chapter 4 and then say they are blessed in chapter 5?
footprints in the sand
≡ The truth is: You don’t want to follow Christ: you want him to follow you.