Christians proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ because it is good news. And what makes it so good? The reason why the Gospel is good news is because of who God is, what he has promised, and what he has done. Let’s take this apart one-by-one. [Read more…] about Three Reasons Why the Gospel Is Good News
Translation and Comments on Oration 29.2 by Gregory of Nazianzus
Gregory of Nazianzus received the title “the theologian,” only one of three people in church history to receive the accolade (John the Apostle and Symeon being the other two). The title “theologian” meant that he knew God by experience. But his experience of God was matched by his brilliant study of God. His Trinitarian and Christological explanations not only changed the landscape of theology in his day but have stood the test of time. Quite literally, nearly every Christian living today follows Gregory Nazianzen whether they know it or not.
For the last two years, Gregory has been my friend and teacher. Although he is away in body, through his words on the page he has become a close companion. He has lifted my soul to worship the living God and helped me to understand in whom it is that I have placed my trust. For the next few years, I will periodically provide short translations of Gregory’s work with an interpretation for my edification and, I hope, for yours. [Read more…] about Translation and Comments on Oration 29.2 by Gregory of Nazianzus
All Bible study comes down to at least two things
Bible study comes down to at least two things. Firstly, we read the bible to know what the text says, and secondly, we reflect on what text means by what it says. While this might seem overly simple, reading the Bible well nevertheless takes both effort and spiritual discernment. [Read more…] about All Bible study comes down to at least two things
How to Be a Theologian
To be a theologian means knowing God. In this sense, every Christian has to be a theologian. It is not an option. And yet not every Christian should publicly speak about God. Knowing God is a must but teaching about God takes preparation. James explains, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness” (James 3:1). But suppose you want to become a theologian who teaches about God, what does that require of you?
To do theology requires holiness, experience, and ability. [Read more…] about How to Be a Theologian
How Does God’s Justice Work Out in the Old and New Testaments?
In the Old Testament, God brought curses upon Israel for their sin. But in the New Covenant, Christ became the curse of the law for us. With that said, how exactly does God’s justice work out across the two Testaments? To answer this question, consider the following Q&A or catechetical style of instruction. [Read more…] about How Does God’s Justice Work Out in the Old and New Testaments?
Adoring the Enfleshed Logos
Theology belongs to the church, and theology leads to worship. And this means that worship includes prayer because it adores and shows reliance on God. Prayer is, therefore, theology put to work. As an example of theology put to work, here is a prayer to God that serves as a form of public worship. Here is an adoration of the Eternal Word made flesh for us and for our salvation. [Read more…] about Adoring the Enfleshed Logos