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When it comes to theological triage, Paul calls the Gospel (the story of Jesus and its climactic moments) of first importance:
“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.”
I strongly suspect that Paul here defines what he means by “raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” as he has done something similar with the cross in the beginning of the letter.
[Read more…] about Theological Triage: What’s of First Importance?
In this episode, Malcolm Yarnell and I discuss confessionalism, anabaptists, and being baptist. I hope you enjoy this episode!
Make sure to subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and/or Apple Podcasts. Also, see the host page at Anchor and the Youtube page. And bookmark this page to see every episode. [Read more…] about Episode 35: Malcolm Yarnell on Confessionalism, Anabaptists, and Being Baptist
In this episode, I talk about two-kingdoms teaching as presented in the early to mid 16th century. I try to show how such a teaching can help us a sort of political theology to make sense of how we relate to governing authorities. Afterwards, two lawyers (Chad Graham and Kristopher Kinsinger) discuss the topic with me.
Make sure to subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and/or Apple Podcasts. Also, see the host page at Anchor and the Youtube page. And bookmark this page to see every episode. [Read more…] about Episode 34: Wyatt Graham on Two-Kingdoms Teaching
Tolerance is not enough anymore. Now, we must affirm someone else’s position and identity or be guilty of transgressing a social law code. “You cannot be silent and be affirming,” writes AnyYelsi Veleasco-Sanchez—she even associates silence with “cowardice.” In the past, such statements generally came from the politically left.
Surprisingly, however, Christians have begun to make similar arguments. They criticize others for their lack of perceived support of their opinion. One pastor even wrote on the sin of silence. Even in Christian circles now, silence is no longer tolerable—only public and vocal acts of support are.
In both cases, the form of argument is similar. Silence is betrayal.[1] Only a vocal and public affirmation of someone’s opinion and cause can prove that we are allies. The result is schism. The “pure” group cuts itself off from the rest.
I find this form of argument profoundly unhelpful for three reasons. [Read more…] about Christian Freedom and the Sin of Silence
Hebrews 7:12–28 argues that Jesus brings a new Priesthood, New Law, and New Covenant, fulfilling and abrogating the Old Priesthood, Law, and Covenant.
But the form of the argument and some of the Old Testament allusions do make the argument (if not the main points) hard to follow. To help with that, I’ve made a translation that sometimes paraphrases and explains the text (like a commentary) to help track the argument.
Do read the text for yourself, however, and use this as a commentary. [Read more…] about Jesus Introduces a New Priesthood, New Law, and New Covenant
