Chaplainmike

Outsider Lessons

Not long ago, I wrote a Wilderness Update post called, “Square Peg Syndrome,” which resonated with many people. Consider this a follow-up to that piece. Yesterday, I read a similar article called, “A Few Things I’ve Learned as a Christian Outsider,” by Benjamin L. Corey over at his blog, Formerly Fundie. He wrote it forContinue reading “Outsider Lessons”

Another Look: The Apocalyptic Luther

Note from CM: This was first posted as an IM Book Review in December, 2012. I offer it again today (with a few edits), because it brings together emphases from this past week of posts: eschatology and the Reformation. It was eye-opening to me to realize the extent to which Luther was influenced by LastContinue reading “Another Look: The Apocalyptic Luther”

When it becomes “The Thing,” RUN!

But of this I am convinced: Reformed Christianity is best equipped to help us in our exile. (Carl Trueman) It seems to me that the proper response would be for us to look earnestly for every possible way to draw together, to make common cause, to pray together, to build one another up, and especially,Continue reading “When it becomes “The Thing,” RUN!”

Saturday Ramblings — August 2, 2014

I awoke early to take dawn pictures at Lake Winnepesaukee in New Hampshire when we were on our trip. It was a cloudy, drizzly morning, so I didn’t get many great shots, but I did happen upon these feathered friends performing their morning routine on Weirs Beach. Like them, we’re gonna wade in, splash someContinue reading “Saturday Ramblings — August 2, 2014”

Things I “Learned” from Rapture Theology

I could see the conclusion of this week’s posts coming from a mile away. I spent the first 24 years of my life in Plymouth Brethren churches that were at the forefront of promoting Rapture Theology. Here are some of the things that I “learned”. The return of Christ is in God’s timing, so SatanContinue reading “Things I “Learned” from Rapture Theology”

Another Look: Time to Leave Behind the Rapture

Note from CM: We’ve talked about a few aspects of eschatology this week. I thought it might be good to re-post this piece that was originally run in May 2011, right before the Harold Camping debacle. As the header art indicates, the subject is bound to be widely discussed again soon, thanks to what IContinue reading “Another Look: Time to Leave Behind the Rapture”

Completing the King’s Afflictions

I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. • Colossians 1:24, NRSV • • • 1. This week, we are focusing on what I guess might be called, “the quandaryContinue reading “Completing the King’s Afflictions”

The Triduan Shape of History

Today, we follow up yesterday’s post on The Most Vexing Question. To me, the fundamental quandaries raised in the piece were: Who would have thought that the life of Jesus’ church in “the last days” would span a history as long as Israel’s before Christ? And that our history would be as checkered under theContinue reading “The Triduan Shape of History”

The Most Vexing Question

We do not see our signs; There is no longer any prophet, Nor is there any among us who knows how long. How long, O God . . . • Psalm 74:9-10 • • • What is (or should be) the most troublesome matter in theology for Christian people? It is the fact that we areContinue reading “The Most Vexing Question”

A Jesus-Shaped Response to Israel and Gaza

I’m sure many of us as individuals and churches will be praying for the situation in Israel and Gaza this weekend. It is one thing to express my opinions, “Christian” or otherwise, as I sit in my living room safely, thousands of miles away from a crisis situation in another part of the world. I don’tContinue reading “A Jesus-Shaped Response to Israel and Gaza”